bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low carbon urban development in Serbia: Challenges and opportunities on the local level
Authors: Bajic-Brkovic Milica , Sretovic Visnja , Brkovic Matija
Published: October 2012

Development of low carbon urban environment stands among the highest
priorities countries, cities and regions are faced with. Despite all the
efforts, initiatives and concrete actions taken on the international,
regional and national level, many countries experience very low or almost
insignificant change on a local level. The situation in Serbia resembles
these widely recognized dynamics. While on one hand, the responsible
ministries and governmental bodies in Serbia have made a visible progress in
meeting the challenge of developing low carbon environment over the past
decade, it is a fact that actions on a local level aimed at redirecting the
current trends and introducing a more responsible development into their
cities and towns are very rare and rather sporadically taken. This paper
focuses on a local level, and is concerned with the specific challenges and
opportunities recognized there. The medium and small towns in Serbia are of
primary interest, since their potential for change is least developed and
recognized. The paper explores the challenges they deal with, namely, the
perceptive, institutional, and legal constraints and goes on to investigate
how these constraints could be overcome, or reduced. On the other hand, there
are some opportunities that local communities have on hand. The paper takes
to the light their strengths, and presents how they could be integrated into
the development processes, and employed in order to further empower local
communities in making their towns and places more carbon sensitive.
Flow patterns of shallow Palic Lake induced by the dominant winds
Authors: Budinski Ljubomir , Fabian Djula
Published: October 2012

Studies of lake currents have highlighted that in case of stagnant waters
winds are the dominant driving forces. This study is dealing with the
influence of dominant winds on the flow pattern of Palic Lake. Action of
steady winds of different directions has been tested on the lake by means of
a two dimensional numerical model, while in addition to winds all other
permanent factors like actual bathymetry, inflow and outflow as well the
Coriolis force have been accounted for. The experiments have revealed that
winds of different directions created corresponding characteristic flow
patterns (in base plot), which were similar in cases of winds having opposite
directions. However, in such cases the direction of flow was opposite.
Moreover, the Palic Lake model produced the well known double-gyre flow
pattern: in the coastal strip the direction of the current corresponded to
the wind direction, while it was opposite in the domain of open water.
Museum architecture and conversion: From paradigm to institutionalization of anti-museum
Authors: Milojkovic Aleksandar , Nikolic Marko
Published: October 2012

The majority of art museums all over the world have found their accommodation
in buildings whose primary function and service, at the time of construction,
was completely different. Conversion was more a rule than an exception during
(not so long) museum history, and it is unambiguous that typological
structure of renaissance and baroque palaces have had dominant influence on
museum organization and structure. The further important step forward,
considering museum accommodation in historical buildings, happened after the
Second World War, with reevaluation and representation of old artistic works
by means of new architectonic tools. During the late seventies, reaction of
artists to contemporary prevailing trends in museum architecture resulted in
creation of numerous unconventional museums, placed in abandoned industrial
facilities, warehouses, powerplants, on the margins of official culture, as a
contrast to the overdesigned museums as sites of luxury and entertainment.
Not long afterwards, the network of museum institutions has accepted the
vital elements of this "parallel cultural system" concept and reaffirmed
conversion as an equally worthy solution for collection accommodation and
temporary exhibition space. In this paper, we have presented the history of
conversion as a part of museum architectural typology evolution, advantages
and disadvantages of conversion, as well as the contribution of conversion to
the sustainable urban development.
Pannonian plain as a morphostructural unit of Serbia
Authors: Calic Jelena , Milosevic Marko , Gaudenji Tivadar , Strbac Dragoljub , Milivojevic Milovan
Published: October 2012

Differentiation between the terms ?Pannonian Basin? and ?Pannonian Plain? is
not clear enough in geographical literature. The paper discusses the usage of
the term ?plain? in geomorphology, as well as the usage of a quantitative
method for plain delineation, through calculation of relief roughness
coefficient (using a digital elevation model). Qualitative analysis, which
includes the definition of dominant geomorphological processes and the
distribution of Quaternary sediments, is an addition to the quantitative
analysis. In the Republic of Serbia, the area of the Pannonian plain defined
in this way is 24,448 km2, which is 27.5% of the total territory of the
country. The paper gives the overview of the geotectonic structure and
evolution of the Pannonian Basin System, with special stress on the territory
of Serbia, as well as the chronology of the Pannonian sedimentation area in
Serbia from the Lower Miocene till present. In order to explain the status of
the Pannonian plain as one of the morphostructural units of Serbia, the
theoretical basics of morphostructures are discussed, as well as the
principles of their spatial definition and the relation to the notion of a
geological structure.
Integrated river basin management of Juzna Morava River
Authors: Borisavljevic Ana , Kostadinov Stanimir
Published: October 2012

In the last decade in particular, Serbia encountered the problems of drinking
water supply, which influenced the perception of professional public about
the water crisis but also started more intensive work on water resource
perseverance as well as the implementation of European Water Directive. One
of the main demands of the Directive focuses on integrated river basin
management (IRBM), which is a complex and a large task. The need to collect
data on water quality and quantity, specific and key issues of water
management in Juzna Morava river basin, pressures on river ecosystem, flood
risks and erosion problems, cross-border issues, socioeconomic processes,
agricultural development as well as protected areas, and also to give the
measures for solving problems and pressures recognized in the basin, is
undisputable. This paper focuses on detailed analysis of specific pressures
on river ecosystem and composition of recommendations for integrated
management of Juzna Morava river basin as cross-border river basin, taking
into the account European experiences in IRBM.
Ecological and biogeographical consequences of the fragmentation process
Authors: Djurdjic Snezana
Published: October 2012

This paper will analyze the cause of, and ecological and biogeographical
consequences of fragmentation process of habitats and ecosystems.
Fragmentation process of the autochthonous habitats that without doubt leads
also towards the break in their continuity shows by placement in all areas
that are under the anthropogenic influence, and as well under the influence
of the natural hazards. Spatial and functional isolation as the consequences
of fragmentation can be overcome with the help of the formation of the
ecological networks and corridors whose dynamic of management will be in
accordance with the dynamic of change in habitats formed as the consequence
of the fragmentation.
Review and protection possibilities of some trans-border (East Serbia-West Bulgaria) stratigraphic/palaeontological geosites
Authors: Jovanovic Velimir , Carevic Ivana , Vuskovic Dragana , Abad Khalil
Published: October 2012

Stratigraphic/palaeontological geosites of Stara Planina Mountain in east
Serbia are well developed in the area of Serbian/Bulgarian state border,
where with this occassion, three sections of exeptional geological and
scientific interest are selected: Jelovica, Rosomac and Senokos. These
geosites represent the important localities for study of Triassic and
Jurassic terrigene-carbonate deposits, for which the scientific value from
the domains of palaeontology, stratigraphy and sedimentology is widely known.
The aim of this work is to represent the main scientific arguments for
inventory and protection of detached transborder geological sites that are
unique according to their composition and content.
Spectroscopic analysis of the structure and stability of two electrochemically synthesized poly(3-alkylthiophene)s
Authors: Rodrigues Maia , Bento Cristina , Laureto Edson , Zaia Morozin , Therézio Moreira , Moore Gregory , de Santana
Published: October 2012

In this work, poly (3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) and poly (3-octylthiophene)
(P3OT) films were synthesized electrochemically in non-aqueous media through
the oxidation of the monomers, (3-methylthiophene and 3-octylthiophene),
using a standard three-electrode cell in acetonitrile with 0.100 mol L-1
LiClO4. The polymeric thin films were deposited on platinum plates for
optimal quality control of the process. It was observed that the material
as-prepared for the anodic electropolymerization undergoes a natural process
of de-protonation as a function of time. Moreover, the partial dedoped form,
obtained in NH4OH solution, presents a good chemically stabilite form but,
when radiated with blue light again becomes unstable. Films obtained by these
methods have been characterized by cyclic voltammetry, Raman and
photoluminescence spectroscopy. Both Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectra
results led to the characterization of two structures (pristine and
non-pristine forms of thiophene rings) which formed the P3MT and P3OT polymer
chain. These results were associated with the stabilization of pristine
chains and mixed chains (non-pristine structures), radical cation and
dication forms, in the polymeric film. Their bands in the Raman and PL
spectra are wide and asymmetric and their adjustments by Gaussian functions
were necessary, indicating that there are three distinct contributions to the
vibration and two to the emission spectra in the formed polymeric material.
Ni-MoO2 composite cathodes for hydrogen evolution in alkaline solution: Effect of aging of the electrolyte for their electrodeposition
Authors: Jovic Vladimir , Lacnjevac Uros , Jovic Borka , Gajic-Krstajic Ljiljana , Krstajic Nedeljko
Published: October 2012

In this work the effect of aging of the electrolyte for electrodeposition of
Ni-MoO2 composite coatings on their morphology (scanning electron
microscopy), chemical composition (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy),
polarization characteristics and the ?service life? test performance for the
hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 32 mass % NaOH at 90?C was
investigated. Polarization characteristics and results of the ?service life?
test of Ni-MoO2 composite coatings obtained after different aging periods of
the electrolyte for deposition (suspension of MoO2 powder particles in the
solution containing 2 M NH4Cl + 0.2 M NiCl2) were compared with that recorded
for De Nora?s commercial Ni+RuO2 cathode coating (DN). It was shown that
aging of the electrolyte did not influence the morphology and chemical
composition of Ni-MoO2 composite coatings electrodeposited under simulated
conditions for their industrial production, while polarization
characteristics for the HER were influenced. The best coating, obtained after
180 days of the electrolyte aging, showed completely different (layered)
structure of the deposit and significantly better performance than the
commercial DN electrode during the ?service life? test.
Religiosity and Tax Avoidance
Authors: Boone Jeff P. , Khurana Inder K. , Raman K. K.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we examine religiosity as one determinant of tax avoidance by corporate and individual taxpayers. Prior research suggests a relation between religiosity and risk aversion. Because aggressive tax avoidance strategies involve significant uncertainty and possible penalties and damage to reputation, we predict that higher levels of religiosity are associated with less aggressive (i.e., less risky) tax positions. Consistent with this prediction, we find that firms headquartered in more religious U.S. counties are less likely to avoid taxes. We also find that religiosity is consistently associated with lower tax avoidance by individual taxpayers, as measured by underreported income. These results hold after controlling for several firm-level, as well as county-level, demographic characteristics identified in prior research as affecting tax avoidance by corporate and/or individual taxpayers. We conclude that religiosity is a significant determinant of tax avoidance by corporate and individual taxpayers.
Effects of Preheating and Precooling on the Hardness and Shrinkage of a Composite Resin Cured with QTH and LED
Authors: Osternack FH , Caldas DBM , Almeida JB , Souza EM , Mazur RF
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the hardness and shrinkage of a pre-cooled or preheated hybrid composite resin cured by a quartz-tungsten-halogen light (QTH) and light-emitting diode (LED) curing units. The temperature on the tip of the devices was also investigated. Specimens of Charisma resin composite were produced with a metal mold kept under 37°C. The syringes were submitted to 4°C, 23°C, and 60°C (n=20) before light-curing, which was carried out with the Optilux 501 VCL and Elipar FreeLight 2 units for 20 seconds. The specimens were kept under 37°C in a high humidity condition and darkness for 48 hours. The Knoop hardness test was carried out with a 50 gram-force (gf) load for 10 seconds, and the measurement of the shrinkage gap was carried out using an optical microscope. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Games-Howell test (α=0.05). The mean hardness of the groups were similar, irrespective of the temperatures (p>0.05). For 4°C and 60°C, the top surface light-cured by LED presented significantly reduced shrinkage when compared with the bottom and to both surfaces cured by QTH (p<0.05). It was concluded that the hardness was not affected by pre-cooling or preheating. However, polymerization shrinkage was slightly affected by different pre-polymerization temperatures. The QTH-curing generated greater shrinkage than LED-curing only when the composite was preheated. Different temperatures did not affect the composite hardness and shrinkage when cured by a LED curing unit.
Exercisers' Identities and Exercise Dependence: The Mediating Effect of Exercise Commitment
Authors: Lu Frank Jing-Horng , Eva Ya-Wenhsu , Wang Junn-Ming , Chang Jo-Ning , Huang Mei-Yao , Wang Chien-Hsin
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of exercise identity, exercise commitment, exercise dependence, and, particularly, the mediating effects of exercise commitment on the relationship between exercise identity and exercise dependence. 253 Taiwanese regular exercisers completed measures, including the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised, the Exercise Identity Scale, the Exercise Commitment Scale, and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Results showed that exercise identity, exercise dependence, and two types of exercise commitment were moderately to highly correlated. Furthermore, structural equation modelling indicated that a “have to” commitment partially mediated the relationship between exercise identity and exercise dependence. Based on the mediating role of a “have to” commitment, the findings are particularly informative to exercise instructors and for exercise program managers.
Physical Activity and Perceptions of Neighborhood Walkability among Turkish Women in Low and High Socio-Economic Environments: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yildirim G. , Ince M. L. , Muftuler M.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of physical activity, exercise stages of change, and perceptions of neighborhood walkability among Turkish women who were living in low and high socio-economic (SES) environments. The participants included 188 women in low SES and 206 in high SES environments, between the ages of 18 and 65 years. The Low SES group had a higher rate of inactivity, and relative to the High SES group, was less likely to rate the neighborhood environment as promoting and supportive of physical activity. Intervention programs for women living in low SES areas should be developed and administered while taking the level of physical activity, exercise stages of change, and perceptions of neighborhood walkability into consideration.
Associations of Physical Activity with Driving-Related Cognitive Abilities in Older Drivers: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Marmeleira José , Ferreira Inês , Melo Filipe , Godinho Mário
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between physical activity and driving-related cognitive abilities of older drivers. Thirty-eight female and male drivers ages 61 to 81 years ( M = 70.2, SD = 5.0) responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and were assessed on a battery of neuropsychological tests, which included measures of visual attention, executive functioning, mental status, visuospatial ability, and memory. A higher amount of reported physical activity was significantly correlated with better scores on tests of visual processing speed and divided visual attention. Higher amounts of physical activity was significantly associated with a better composite score for visual attention, but its correlation with the composite score for executive functioning was not significant. These findings support the hypothesis that pzhysical activity is associated with preservation of specific driving-related cognitive abilities of older adults.
Evaluation of Vestibular and Dynamic Visual Acuity in Adults with Congenital Deafness
Authors: Nakajima Yukinori , Kaga Kimitaka , Takekoshi Hideki , Sakuraba Keisyoku
Published: October 2012

This study compared vestibular and dynamic visual acuity in 19 adult athletes with deafness participating in Deaflympics to those of 25 young adults with normal hearing. Balance capability was evaluated using a one-leg standing test with eyes open and stabilometry. Caloric tests and vestibular evoked myogenic potential tests were conducted to test vestibular function. Visual function was evaluated using a dynamic visual acuity test. No significant difference was found between results of the one-leg standing test with eyes open and stabilometry with eyes open. Athletes with deafness performed better than normal hearing young adults with eyes closed. The caloric test indicated hypofunction of the lateral semicircular canal function in 5 of the 19 athletes with deafness. Balance-function tests showed normal results for both groups. The results for athletes with deafness on visual acuity were better than those of controls. Young Deaflympics athletes with deafness can adjust their balance function as well as or better than normal hearing young adults using dynamic visual acuity.
Effects of Knowledge of Results (KR) Frequency in the Learning of a Timing Skill: Absolute versus Relative KR Frequency
Authors: Vieira Márcio M. , Ugrinowitsch Herbert , Oliveira Fernanda S. , Gallo Lívia G. , Benda Rodolfo N.
Published: October 2012

The interaction between the amount of practice and frequency of Knowledge of Results (KR) was investigated in a timing skill. In the acquisition phase the task involved 90 trials of releasing a knob and transporting three tennis balls from three near recipients to three far ones in a specific sequence and target time. The retention test performed 24 hr. later had the same sequence of transport but a new target time was required. In both phases, absolute error and standard deviation plus constant error was measured. The five groups differed in relation to frequency of KR and amount of practice. The results showed that intermediate frequencies as well as higher frequencies of KR elicited better performance during the retention test.
Alpha Activity during Rem Sleep Contributes to Overnight Improvement in Performance on a Visual Discrimination Task
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Aritake Sayaka , Kuga Ryuichi , Uchiyama Makoto , Kuriyama Kenichi , Enomoto Minori , Mishima Kazuo
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this preliminary study was to clarify the association between cortical and subcortical activities during REM and non-REM sleep with overnight improvement of performance on a procedural memory task. Eleven healthy volunteers ( M age = 23.8 yr., SD = 3.1) participated in this study which was conducted over two consecutive nights: an adaptation night and the experimental night. They underwent a visual discrimination task before and after the experimental night. A positive correlation was observed between overnight performance improvement on the visual discrimination task and EEG alpha band power during REM sleep, while no significant correlation was observed between the performance and either the amount of Stage REM sleep, REM activity, or other sleep variables. The findings corroborate other studies and suggest that cortical activity during REM sleep contributed to procedural memory consolidation and highlights the importance of measuring quantitative REM sleep components to elucidate the role of physiological sleep on memory consolidation in humans.
The Response Patterns of Young Bicyclists to a Right-Turning Motorcycle: A Simulator Study
Authors: Liu Wei-Chung , Jeng Ming-Chang , Hwang Jiun-Ren , Doong Ji-Liang , Lin Chih-Yung , Lai Ching-Huei
Published: October 2012

This study was designed to assess how bicyclists (30 men, 30 women) responded to right-turning motorised vehicles, which is a risky situation for bicyclists, and employed a scenario in which a motorcycle made a right turn in front of a bicyclist. The factors of speed difference and cut-in time gap were generated to objectively investigate steering control, speed, and the associated collisions in a bicycle simulator. There was no effect for sex, but as expected, for shorter cut-in time gaps, the steering angles were smaller (deflected to the right to avoid the passing motorcycle), the speeds were lower, and the variations in the steering angle and speed were larger. Variations in the steering angle and speed were unexpectedly lower for larger speed differences than for smaller speed differences. Response patterns comprised 5 patterns: early response and quickly depress the brake, last-moment response and slowly depress the brake, late response and quickly depress the brake, very late response and quickly depress the brake, and no response. Larger speed differences and the no-response pattern resulted in two collisions. Individuals with less experience may not have associated speed differences with potential dangers.
Dependence of the Appearance-Based Perception of Criminality, Suggestibility, and Trustworthiness on the Level of Pixelation of Facial Images
Authors: Nurmoja Merle , Eamets Triin , Härma Hanne-Loore , Bachmann Talis
Published: October 2012

While the dependence of face identification on the level of pixelation-transform of the images of faces has been well studied, similar research on face-based trait perception is underdeveloped. Because depiction formats used for hiding individual identity in visual media and evidential material recorded by surveillance cameras often consist of pixelized images, knowing the effects of pixelation on person perception has practical relevance. Here, the results of two experiments are presented showing the effect of facial image pixelation on the perception of criminality, trustworthiness, and suggestibility. It appears that individuals ( N = 46, M age = 21.5 yr., SD = 3.1 for criminality ratings; N = 94, M age = 27.4 yr., SD = 10.1 for other ratings) have the ability to discriminate between facial cues indicative of these perceived traits from the coarse level of image pixelation (10–12 pixels per face horizontally) and that the discriminability increases with a decrease in the coarseness of pixelation. Perceived criminality and trustworthiness appear to be better carried by the pixelized images than perceived suggestibility.
Exploring the Psychological Structure of Transformational Knowledge in Visual and Haptic Intramodal Conditions Using Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Do Phuong T. , Homa Donald
Published: October 2012

The intramodal relation between perceptual similarity and categorization performance in a psychological space, as indicated by multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of similarity judgments, was explored. Participants learned to classify transformed object shapes into three categories either visually or haptically via different training procedures (either random or systematic), followed by a transfer test. Learning modulated the psychological spaces, but this effect was more prevalent with haptic than with visual tasks. A prototype model for similarity ratings was illustrated in MDS space. The prototypes were multidimensionally scaled at the center of a category, rather than mirroring the bidirectional paths of their origins. Although they converged at the apex of two transformational trajectories, the category prototypes anchored at the centroid of their respective categories and became more structured as a function of learning. The reduced tendency to make errors (i.e., higher accuracy) in recognizing and classifying the category prototypes suggested that prototypical representation of a category abstracted from exemplar averaging functioned more as novel, rather than familiar, information. Findings were discussed in terms of transformational knowledge, categorical representation in three-dimensional (3D) space, and intramodal visual and haptic similarity.
Perceived Physical Experiences and Mental Representations
Authors: Sun Hongyue , Sun Yan
Published: October 2012

In a recent paper, Stamps (2011a) reported findings on how two environmental properties, namely, boundary height and horizontal area within a boundary, influence impressions of enclosure. He found that the boundary height had a greater influence on impressions of enclosure than the horizontal area within a boundary. Enclosure correlated at 0.85 with boundary height and at −0.60 with horizontal area. This note suggests that environmental features are related not only to a concrete experiential variable but also to mental representations of abstract concepts.
Illusory Double Epenthesis in the [s_V] Context among Japanese Listeners: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yamada Jun
Published: October 2012

Previous studies showed that English listeners tend to hear an [s_V] segment with [_] a silent gap as [sCV], where [C] is an epenthetic stop consonant such as [t]. The present study found that Japanese listeners, whose native language disallows [CCV] but allows [CVCV], often perceive [s_V] as [sVCV]. It is suggested that such illusory double-epenthetic percepts are generated via a two-step process, i.e., the vowel of [s_V] triggers an epenthetic consonant before it, and the initial consonant [s] and the newly generated epenthetic consonant [C] sequentially aligned induce a vowel epenthesis [V] between them.
A Small Sample Test of the Factor Structure of Postural Movement and Bilateral Motor Integration Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Lin Chin-Kai , Lin Chung-Hui , Wu Pei-Fang , Wu Huey-Min , Wu Yuh-Yih , Kuo Bor-Chen , Yeung Kwok-Tak
Published: October 2012

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between the validity of postural movement and bilateral motor integration in terms of sensory integration theory. Participants in this study were 61 Chinese children ages 48 to 70 months. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess the relation between measures tapping postural movement and bilateral motor integration: for postural movement, the measures involve the Monkey Task, Side-Sit Co-contraction, Prone on Elbows, Wheelbarrow Walk, Airplane, and Scooter Board Co-contraction from the DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration, and Standing Balance with Eyes Closed / Opened in Southern California Sensory Integration Tests. For bilateral motor integration, the measures chosen were the Rolling Pin Activity, Jump and Turn, Diadokokinesis, Drumming, and Upper Extremity Control from the DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration, and Cross the Midline in Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT). Postural movement was highly correlated with the bilateral motor integration. The factor structure fit the theoretical conceptualization, classifying postural movement and bilateral motor integration together in the same category. Therapists could combine two separate objectives (postural movement and bilateral motor integration) of intervention in an activity to improve the adaptive skills based on the vestibular-proprioceptive integration.
Visual Landmarks and Response Delay in Estimates of Reach
Authors: Cordova Alberto , Gabbard Carl , Caçola Priscila
Published: October 2012

Visual background information may facilitate visually guided and memory guided estimates of reach, as estimates have been linked to the mental representation of action. Right-handed adults were asked to give verbal estimates of distance reachability using motor imagery in conditions with no visual background or with visual background. In each condition, four delays were used: 0, 1, 2, and 4 sec. There were no distinctions between conditions; however, comparisons at each delay were significantly different at 2 and 4 sec. With each delay, participants displayed significantly less error when the visual background was presented. These findings are consistent with the notion that motor simulation approximates motor planning and execution.
Tactical Knowledge in Tennis: A Comparison of Two Groups with Different Levels of Expertise
Authors: García-González Luis , Iglesias Damián , Moreno Alberto , Moreno M. Perla , Del Villar Fernando
Published: October 2012

Differences in the tactical knowledge of tennis players are described using the expert-novice approach to examine problem representation and strategy planning in 6 pre-professionals and 6 intermediate tennis players, by means of the McPherson and Thomas protocol for analysing verbal reports during game play. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences in conceptual content, structure, and sophistication. These pre-professional tennis players had greater, more elaborated, and sophisticated tactical knowledge; with expertise, more complex structures are developed in long-term memory. Specific training programmes to improve tennis players' tactical knowledge and cognitive skills may be desirable.
Coincidence-Anticipation Timing Requirements are Different in Racket Sports
Authors: Akpinar Selçuk , Devrilmez Erhan , Kirazci Sadettin
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to compare the coincidence-anticipation timing accuracy of athletes of different racket sports with various stimulus velocity requirements. Ninety players (15 girls, 15 boys for each sport) from tennis ( M age = 12.4 yr., SD = 1.4), badminton ( M age = 12.5 yr., SD = 1.4), and table tennis ( M age = 12.4 yr., SD = 1.2) participated in this study. Three different stimulus velocities, low, moderate, and high, were used to simulate the velocity requirements of these racket sports. Tennis players had higher accuracy when they performed under the low stimulus velocity compared to badminton and table tennis players. Badminton players performed better under the moderate speed comparing to tennis and table tennis players. Table tennis players had better performance than tennis and badminton players under the high stimulus velocity. Therefore, visual and motor systems of players from different racket sports may adapt to a stimulus velocity in coincidence-anticipation timing, which is specific to each type of racket sports.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Head
Authors: Lunden Jason B. , Legrand Alexander B.
Published: October 2012

The patient was a 16-year-old adolescent male who was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon by his pediatrician for a chief complaint of persistent right shoulder pain and crepitus that limited his ability to participate in sporting activities. The patient's progressively worsening right shoulder pain and crepitus, despite no history of injury, was a concern. Therefore, conventional radiographs were completed, which demonstrated an area of radiolucency involving the humeral head. Due to concern for intra-articular pathology, a magnetic resonance arthrogram was ordered, which demonstrated findings consistent with an osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the humeral head.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(10):886. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0417
Distal Fibula Fracture Diagnosed With Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Kardouni Joseph R.
Published: October 2012

The patient was a 31-year-old man serving in a military special forces unit at a remote location. He presented to a physical therapist with a chief complaint of worsening right lateral ankle pain that limited his ability to bear weight. Because the patient met the Ottawa ankle rules and there was concern for a fracture, radiographs were indicated. However, the nearest facility with radiographic capabilities was only available through air medical evacuation. Therefore, the physical therapist assessed the patient's ankle with an onsite portable ultrasound imaging unit, which demonstrated cortical irregularity along the distal fibula.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(10):887. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0418
Foot and Hip Contributions to High Frontal Plane Knee Projection Angle in Athletes: A Classification and Regression Tree Approach
Authors: Bittencourt Natalia F.N. , Ocarino Juliana M. , Mendonça Luciana D. , Hewett Timothy E. , Fonseca Sergio T.
Published: October 2012

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Objective

To investigate predictors of increased frontal plane knee projection angle (FPKPA) in athletes.

Background

The underlying mechanisms that lead to increased FPKPA are likely multifactorial and depend on how the musculoskeletal system adapts to the possible interactions between its distal and proximal segments. Bivariate and linear analyses traditionally employed to analyze the occurrence of increased FPKPA are not sufficiently robust to capture complex relationships among predictors. The investigation of nonlinear interactions among biomechanical factors is necessary to further our understanding of the interdependence of lower-limb segments and resultant dynamic knee alignment.

Methods

The FPKPA was assessed in 101 athletes during a single-leg squat and in 72 athletes at the moment of landing from a jump. The investigated predictors were sex, hip abductor isometric torque, passive range of motion (ROM) of hip internal rotation (IR), and shank-forefoot alignment. Classification and regression trees were used to investigate nonlinear interactions among predictors and their influence on the occurrence of increased FPKPA.

Results

During single-leg squatting, the occurrence of high FPKPA was predicted by the interaction between hip abductor isometric torque and passive hip IR ROM. At the moment of landing, the shank-forefoot alignment, abductor isometric torque, and passive hip IR ROM were predictors of high FPKPA. In addition, the classification and regression trees established cutoff points that could be used in clinical practice to identify athletes who are at potential risk for excessive FPKPA.

Conclusion

The models captured nonlinear interactions between hip abductor isometric torque, passive hip IR ROM, and shank-forefoot alignment. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(12):996–1004, Epub 18 September 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4041
Hip Posterolateral Musculature Strengthening in Sedentary Women With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial With 1-Year Follow-up
Authors: Fukuda Thiago Yukio , Melo William Pagotti , Zaffalon Bruno Marcos , Rossetto Flavio Marcondes , Magalhães Eduardo , Bryk Flavio Fernandes , Martin Robroy L.
Published: October 2012

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To determine if adding hip-strengthening exercises to a conventional knee exercise program produces better long-term outcomes than conventional knee exercises alone in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Background

Recent studies have shown that a hip-strengthening program reduces pain and improves function in individuals with PFPS. However, there are no clinical trials evaluating long-term outcomes of this type of program compared to conventional knee-strengthening and -stretching exercises.

Methods

Fifty-four sedentary women between 20 and 40 years of age, with a diagnosis of unilateral PFPS, were randomly assigned knee exercise (KE) or knee and hip exercise (KHE). The women in the KE group (n = 26; mean age, 23 years) performed a 4-week conventional knee-stretching and -strengthening program. The women in the KHE group (n = 28; mean age, 22 years) performed the same exercises as those in the KE group, as well as strengthening exercises for the hip abductors, lateral rotators, and extensors. An 11-point numeric pain rating scale, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, the Anterior Knee Pain Scale, and a single-hop test were used as outcome measures at baseline (pretreatment) and 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment.

Results

At baseline, demographic, pain, and functional assessment data were similar between groups. Those in the KHE group had a higher level of function and less pain at 3, 6, and 12 months compared to baseline (P<.05). In contrast, the KE group had reduced pain only at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (P<.05), without any changes in Lower Extremity Functional Scale, Anterior Knee Pain Scale, or hop testing (P>.05) through the course of the study. Compared to the KE group, the KHE group had less pain and better function at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment (P<.05). For the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, the between-group difference in change scores from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment favored the KHE group by 22.0, 22.0, and 20.8 points, respectively.

Conclusion

Knee-stretching and -strengthening exercises supplemented by hip posterolateral musculature- strengthening exercises were more effective than knee exercises alone in improving long-term function and reducing pain in sedentary women with PFPS.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1a. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(10):823–830, Epub 2 August 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4184
The Effects of Movement Pattern Modification on Lower Extremity Kinematics and Pain in Women With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Salsich Gretchen B. , Graci Valentina , Maxam Dwayne E.
Published: October 2012

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Objectives

To compare hip and knee kinematics and pain during a single-limb squat between 3 movement conditions (usual, exaggerated dynamic knee valgus, corrected dynamic knee valgus) in women with patellofemoral pain.

Background

Altered kinematics (increased hip adduction, hip medial rotation, knee abduction, and knee lateral rotation, collectively termed dynamic knee valgus) have been proposed to contribute to patellofemoral pain; however, cross-sectional study designs prevent interpreting a causal link between kinematics and pain.

Methods

The study sample included 20 women with patellofemoral pain, who demonstrated observable dynamic knee valgus. Participants performed single-limb squats under usual, exaggerated, and corrected movement conditions. Pain during each condition was assessed using a 0-to-100-mm visual analog scale. Hip and knee frontal and transverse plane angles at peak knee flexion and pain levels were compared using repeated-measures 1-way analyses of variance. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine within-condition associations between kinematic variables and pain.

Results

In the exaggerated compared to the usual condition, increases were detected in hip medial rotation (mean ± SD difference, 5.8° ± 3.2°; P<.001), knee lateral rotation (5.5° ± 4.9°, P<.001), and pain (8.5 ± 10.8 mm, P = .007). In the corrected compared to the usual condition, decreases were detected in hip adduction (mean ± SD difference, 3.5° ± 3.7°; P = .001) and knee lateral rotation (1.6° ± 2.8°, P = .06); however, average pain was not decreased (1.2 ± 14.8 mm, P = 1.0). Pain was correlated with knee lateral rotation in the usual (r = –0.47, P = .04) and exaggerated (r = –0.49, P = .03) conditions. In the corrected condition, pain was correlated with hip medial rotation (r = 0.44, P = .05) and knee adduction (r = 0.52, P = .02).

Conclusion

Avoiding dynamic knee valgus may be an important component of rehabilitation programs in women with patellofemoral pain, as this movement pattern is associated with increased pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(12):1017–1024, Epub 5 September 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4231
Contrast Induced Nephropathy-A Collateral Damage to be Minimized
Authors: Majumder AAS , Ullah M
Published: October 2012

Not available   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12204   Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 1-2
Relationship between Baseline White Blood Cell count and C-reactive protein with Angiographic severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ahmed M , Chowdhury NA , Chakrovortty SK , Gafur S , Aziz M , Uddin MN , Khan MR , Rahman M , Iqbal A , Nasir M , Chowdhury SA , Rahman Z
Published: October 2012

Background: Inflammation has been shown to play a role in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome. This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between baseline white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) with angiographic severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome and to identify those subsets of patients with acute coronary syndrome who may need to undergo invasive or conservative strategies.Method: A total of 100 patients with acute coronary syndrome including unstable angina, non-ST elevated myocardial infarction & ST elevated myocardial infarction were evaluated in National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Dhaka with a view to correlate angiographic findings, C-reactive protein and WBC count. Results: This study observed that either raised WBC count or raised CRP independently and combination of both WBC count and CRP elevation were significantly associated with more severe coronary artery disease. Either raised WBC count or raised CRP or combination of raised WBC    count and CRP were significant predictor of multivessel disease and high stenosis score. Conclusion: Elevation of WBC count and CRP in patients with acute coronary syndrome are associated with severe coronary disease. WBC count and CRP can be used as a new and even simpler tool for risk stratification in acute coronary syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12209 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 23-29
Impact of Low Hemoglobin on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Akhtaruzzaman M , Choudhury AK , Khalequzzaman M , Barua SK , Choudhury TA , Hasem S , Majumder NK , Islam AKM Monwarul , Chowdhury S , Chowdhury AHK
Published: October 2012

Background: Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic disorder, resulting from exposure to contrast media. The aim of this study was to assess whether anaemia is a predictor of contrast induced nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a prospective observational study. A total of one hundred patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria who underwent (PCI) Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty with stenting, were studied during the study period of two years from January 2008 to December 2009. Patients were divided into two groups : Group-I (n=50), patients with low hemoglobin (male <13-10gm/dl, female < 12-10 gm/dl) and Group-II (n=50), patients with normal hemoglobin (male ?13gm/dl, female ?12gm/dl). Non-ionic low-osmolar contrast agents was used in all patients.Volume of contrast medium (ml) was recorded. Adequate hydration given intravenously (ml). Prior to procedure serum creatinine, serum electrolytes and Creatinine clearance rate were measured within 24 hrs before PCI and on days 1,2,3 after PCI. If there is renal impairment (CIN) serum creatinine, serum electrolytes and Creatinine clearance rate were measured daily from the 4th day onward after PCI until recovery. Results: The mean serum creatinine level of low hemoglobin group and normal hemoglobin group were 0.9mg/dl and 1mg/dl respectively at base line. The low hemoglobin group experienced a considerable increase in serum creatinine up to 1.5mg/dl at day 3 compared to 1.3 mg/dl in normal hemoglobin group. When the most common definition of contrast induced nephropathy (as an increase in the serum creatinine concentration >0.5 mg/dl from baseline) was used the incidence of CIN was 26% in low hemoglobin group and 8% in the normal hemoglobin group. Conclusion: preprocedural low hemoglobin is an independent determinant of increased incidence of contrast induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12226 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 30-36
Early Risk Assessment In Right Ventricular Infarction By TIMI Risk Score
Authors: Haque MA , Khan MR , Momen A , Rahman Z , Chowdhury AW , Shahabuddin M , Faruque GM
Published: October 2012

Background: Inferior myocardial infarction complicated by right ventricular infarction is associated with a greater risk of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular related complications. Early risk stratification of patients with right ventricular infarction is crucial for appropriate management and reduction of adverse cardiac events. The development of TIMI risk score has provided a useful tool to quickly and easily stratify patients with right ventricular infarction. We conducted this study to evaluate the prognostic value of TIMI Risk Score analysis in patients with right ventricular infarction. Methods: This observational study was conducted in the department of Cardiology in NICVD, Dhaka, from July 2006 to June 2008. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 60 patients with right ventricular infarction were evaluated. All the patients were evaluated clinically and ECG was done after admission. Patients were categorized into two groups by TIMI risk scoring. Patients with low TIMI risk score(0-3) were in Group-I and patients with high TIMI risk score(4- 14) were in Group-II.Results: The study revealed no statistically significant difference among the patients of two groups (p>0.05) in relation to sex, weight, risk factors and presenting complaints. Analysis revealed statistically significant difference among the patients of two groups (p<0.05) in relation to age, duration of chest pain, clinical parameters, Killip class of heart failure and LVEF. Regarding inhospital outcome, 51.7% patients developed complications during the study period and all the complications were more in group II patients with high TIMI risk score (4-14). Death (18.3%) was the most common complication followed by cardiogenic shock (15.0%), complete heart block (6.6%),cardiac arrest (6.6%),VT(3.3%)and 2nd degree heart block (1.6%). Conclusion: This study indicates that on admission - TIMI risk score analysis can identify patients with right ventricular infarction at higher risk for in-hospital mortality and morbidity DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12273 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 51-56