bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of injuries and its association with the characteristics of training in American football players in Brazil
Authors: Costa Filipe Estácio , Pupo Juliano Dal , Barth Jonathan , Bezerra Ewertton de Souza , Salvador Amadeo Félix
Published: March 2019

Introduction

American football is a high-impact collision sport, which may lead to high injury rates in the players. Thus, knowing the aetiology and incidence of injuries may be useful not only for the treatment, but especially to help sports professionals to develop strategies or mechanisms of prevention while aiming to maintain the physical integrity of the athletes.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to verify the prevalence of injury among American football players from the Santa Catarina state of Brazil.

Methods

The total of 140 athletes were evaluated in the study with the use of an online questionnaire. Descriptive logistic regression and t-test analysis were applied (p < 0.05).

Results

A high injury prevalence (74%) in the evaluated athletes was observed. Most of these injuries occurred during training (56%) and by direct contact between players (64%). Shoulders, knees, and hand/fingers were the most commonly injured body parts (14%, 13%, 12%, respectively). The most frequent types of injuries were those related to joints (46%) and
muscles (39%), and very few concussions were reported. We found a significant positive association showing that the athletes that performed a conditioning program presented higher injury prevalence (p = 0.01).
Effects of inter-set stretching on acute hormonal and metabolic response: a pilot study
Authors: Marin Douglas Popp , Urtado Christiano Bertoldo , Marques Camila Guazeli , Serafim Allan Igor Silva , Polito Luis Felipe Tubagi , Almeida Fernando Noronha de , Prestes Jonato , Otton Rosemari
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The present study aimed to compare the acute hormonal and metabolic response following a resistance training (RT) session with and without inter-set stretching.

Methods

Overall, 13 men with minimum 1 year of experience with RT were randomly allocated to 2 groups: traditional RT group (TRT; n = 6; age: 22.5 ± 4.7 years; body weight: 83.1 kg ± 5.7 kg; height: 179.8 ± 6.9 cm; BMI: 25.73 ± 1.17 kg/m2) and stretching RT group (SRT; n = 7; age: 23.4 ± 4.3 years; body weight: 82.3 ± 11.7 kg; height: 177.7 ± 11.0 cm; BMI: 26.02 ± 2.5 kg/m2). The RT protocol consisted of 6 bench press sets to failure at 80% of 8 repetitions maximum, with a 1-minute rest interval between sets. During the rest interval, the TRT group remained resting, while the SRT group was submitted to shoulder anterior chain muscles stretching.

Results

The results revealed a higher increase in lactate (32%) and total leukocytes (17%) immediately following exercise in the SRT group as compared with the TRT group (p < 0.05). An increase in total testosterone and cortisol was observed in both groups, without differences between them (p > 0.05). There was a progressive decrease in the total number of repetitions completed along sets, without differences between groups.

Conclusions

The use of agonist stretching between sets increases the acute metabolic response during an RT session, which could be useful to intensify RT in trained participants.
Psychometric characteristics and measurement invariance across genders of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) among Nigerian adolescents
Authors: Aloba Olutayo , Opakunle Tolulope , Ogunrinu Olakunle
Published: March 2019

Background

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in terms of its factor structure, reliability, va-lidity and measurement invariance across genders has not been examined among Nigerian adolescents.

Participants and procedure

We evaluated the psychometric properties and gender invariance of the MSPSS among Nigerian senior high school adolescents (N = 1335, Mage = 15.15). Other study measures completed were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (PANSI), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The four models of the MSPSS described in the literature were com-pared with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The model with the best fit indices was examined for its internal consistency by calculating the MacDonald’s omega (ω) while criterion validity was examined through correla-tional analyses with other study measures. Measurement invariance in relation to gender was assessed with multi-group nested CFA.

Results

Our results confirmed the original 3-factor structure of the MSPSS (Family, Significant others, and Friends). CFA showed that our data equivalently fitted the first (original first order 3-factor) and the fourth (second order 3-factor) MSPSS models. The reliability and criterion validity were satisfactory. Configural, metric and scalar measurement invariances in relation to genders were confirmed.

Conclusions

The 3-factor MSPSS either in its original (first-order) or second-order model is useful as a perceived social support assessment instrument among Nigerian adolescents.
Cognitive and behavioural dysfunctions in a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
Authors: Olszewska Katarzyna , Starowicz-Filip Anna , Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra , Pastuszak-Draxler Anna , Bętkowska-Korpała Barbara
Published: March 2019

Background

The aim of the case study was to describe the profile of cognitive and emotional functioning of a patient with possible progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from a longitudinal perspective.

Participants and procedure

This study involved an 71-year-old male patient diagnosed with PSP, and 9 matched healthy subjects. Neuro-psychological examination of the patient was performed twice with a 6 month interval. A set of neuropsycho-logical tests was used to assess both cognition and behaviour.

Results

Neuropsychological assessment revealed executive dysfunction dominance (planning deficits, reduced cogni-tive flexibility and abstract thinking, impulsiveness), reduced verbal fluency, psychomotor slowness and prob-lems with memory retrieval from the long-term memory storage in contrast to significantly better recognition of the previously learned information. According to emotional functioning, frontal change of personality was ob-served, with apathy, disinhibition, lack of insights, impulsiveness and “utilization behaviours”.

Conclusions

The profile of emotional and cognitive impairments met the criteria for dementia. There was a progression of deficits at visit two in comparison to visit one. The longitudinal perspective allowed the dynamics of emotional, cognitive and behavioural changes to be described over time: from depression related to initially preserved criticism of the illness to apathy and emotional blunting and behavioural frontal syndrome connected with the systematic loss of insight.
Pain in relation to emotion regulatory resources and self-compassion: a non-randomized correlational study involving recollected early childhood experiences and insecure attachment
Authors: Hicks Richard Edward , Kearney Karen
Published: March 2019

Background

Pain is common in most diseases and is usually treated by medical and physical approaches (medications, exercise). Limited attention has been given to whether non-medical approaches (such as emotion regulation abilities including self-compassion) can help further reduce the pain experienced. Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), a painful and complex autoimmune connective tissue and vascular disease, was examined in this study in relation to psychological aspects of pain and the links of pain to (1) early life experiences, (2) current insecure attachment style, (3) physiological arousal (negative, hyper-arousal), and (4) personal emotion regulation (self-compassion). Knowledge about these relationships may help in the treatment of pain.

Participants and procedure

Participants (120) from Australia (39) and the United Kingdom (81) completed an online or a hard copy survey; 78 participants remained for analysis after screening.

Results

We found that poor or limited positive early life experiences and a current insecure (dismissive) attachment style contributed significantly to experiencing elevated levels of pain. We also found that negative early life experiences and limited emotion regulation (low self-compassion) predicted hyper-arousal, which in turn was associated with experienced pain. Insecure dismissive attachment style and hyper-arousal were significantly correlated.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that negative childhood experiences and an insecure dismissive attachment style may determine how emotional experiences are regulated or managed by individuals in disease-related pain. Implications include that interventions addressing attachment style and self-compassion may help reduce pain in the individuals concerned, thus helping supplement the effectiveness of current medication and physical approaches.
Editorial
Authors: Wall Gareth , Morris Gordon
Published: March 2019

Editorial for Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, Issue 20
Increased water vapour lifetime due to global warming
Authors: Hodnebrog Øivind , Myhre Gunnar , Samset Bjørn H. , Alterskjær Kari , Andrews Timothy , Boucher Olivier , Faluvegi Gregory , Fläschner Dagmar , Forster Piers M. , Kasoar Matthew , Kirkevåg Alf , Lamarque Jean-Francois , Olivié Dirk , Richardson Thomas B. , Shawki Dilshad , Shindell Drew , Shine Keith P. , Stier Philip , Takemura Toshihiko , Voulgarakis Apostolos , Watson-Parris Duncan
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The relationship between changes in integrated water vapour (IWV) and precipitation can be characterized by quantifying changes in atmospheric water vapour lifetime. Precipitation isotope ratios correlate with this lifetime, a relationship that helps understand dynamical processes and may lead to improved climate projections. We investigate how water vapour and its lifetime respond to different drivers of climate change, such as greenhouse gases and aerosols. Results from 11 global climate models have been used, based on simulations where CO2, methane, solar irradiance, black carbon (BC), and sulphate have been perturbed separately. A lifetime increase from 8 to 10 days is projected between 1986–2005 and 2081–2100, under a business-as-usual pathway. By disentangling contributions from individual climate drivers, we present a physical understanding of how global warming slows down the hydrological cycle, due to longer lifetime, but still amplifies the cycle due to stronger precipitation/evaporation fluxes. The feedback response of IWV to surface temperature change differs somewhat between drivers. Fast responses amplify these differences and lead to net changes in IWV per degree surface warming ranging from 6.4±0.9 %/K for sulphate to 9.8±2 %/K for BC. While BC is the driver with the strongest increase in IWV per degree surface warming, it is also the only driver with a reduction in precipitation per degree surface warming. Consequently, increases in BC aerosol concentrations yield the strongest slowdown of the hydrological cycle among the climate drivers studied, with a change in water vapour lifetime per degree surface warming of 1.1±0.4 days/K, compared to less than 0.5 days/K for the other climate drivers (CO2, methane, solar irradiance, sulphate).
Quantifying the impact of emission outbursts and non-stationary flow on eddy covariance CH4 flux measurements using wavelet techniques
Authors: Göckede Mathias , Kittler Fanny , Schaller Carsten
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Methane flux measurements by the eddy-covariance technique are subject to large uncertainties, particularly linked to the partly highly intermittent nature of methane emissions. Outbursts of high methane emissions, termed event fluxes, hold the potential to introduce systematic biases into derived methane budgets, since under such conditions the assumption of stationarity of the flow is violated. In this study, we investigate the net impact of this effect by comparing eddy-covariance fluxes against a wavelet-derived reference that is not negatively influenced by non-stationarity. Our results demonstrate that methane emission events influenced 3–4 % of the flux measurements, and did not lead to systematic biases in methane budgets for the analyzed summer season; however, the presence of events substantially increased uncertainties in short-term flux rates. The wavelet results provided an excellent reference to evaluate the performance of three different gapfilling approaches for eddy-covariance methane fluxes, and we show that none of them could reproduce the range of observed flux rates. The integrated performance of the gapfilling methods for the longer-term dataset varied between the two eddy-covariance towers involved in this study, and we show that gapfilling remains a large source of uncertainty linked to limited insights into the mechanisms governing the short-term variability in methane emissions. With the capability to broaden our observational methane flux database to a wider range of conditions, including the direct resolution of short term variability at the order of minutes, wavelet-derived fluxes hold the potential to generate new insight into methane exchange processes with the atmosphere, and therefore also improve our understanding of the underlying processes.
Mid-Late Holocene event registered in organo-siliciclastic-sediments of Lagoa Salgada carbonate system, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Soares Cruz Anna Paula , Fernandes Barbosa Cátia , Blanco Angélica Maria , de Oliveira Camila Areias , Guizan Silva Cleverson , Sícoli Seoane José Carlos
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The formation of Paraiba do Sul river delta plain in the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, gave rise to diverse lagoons formed under different sea level regimes and climate variations. Sedimentary core lithology, organic matter geochemistry, and isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) were analyzed to interpret the sedimentation of the paleoenvironment of the Lagoa Salgada carbonate system. Different lithofacies reflect variations of the depositional environment. The abundance of silt and clay between 5.8 to 3.7 ka B.P., enhances the interpretation of a transgressive system, which promoted the stagnation of coarse sediment deposition due to coast drowning. Geochemistry data from this period (5.8–3.7 ka B.P.) suggest the dominance of a wet climate, with an increase of C3 plant and a marked dry event between 4.2–3.8 ka B.P. This dryer event also matches with previous published records from around the world, indicating a global event at 4.2 ka B.P. Between 3.8–1.5 ka B.P., Lagoa Salgada was isolated, sand and silt arrived at the system by erosion with the retreat of the ocean and less fluvial drainage. Geochemistry from this moment marks the changes to favourable conditions for microorganisms active in the precipitation of carbonates, forming microbial mats and stromatolites in the drier phase.
Modelling ice sheet evolution and atmospheric CO2 during the Late Pliocene
Authors: Berends Constantijn J. , de Boer Bas , Dolan Aisling M. , Hill Daniel J. , van de Wal Roderik S. W.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. In order to investigate the relation between ice sheets and climate in a warmer-than-present world, recent research has focussed on the Late Pliocene, 3.6 to 2.58 million years ago. It is the most recent period in Earth history when such a climate state existed for a significant duration of time. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) M2 (~ 3.3 Myr ago) is a strong positive excursion in benthic oxygen records in the middle of the otherwise warm and relatively stable Late Pliocene. However, the relative contributions to the benthic δ18O signal from deep-ocean cooling and growing ice sheets are still uncertain. Here, we present results from simulations of the late Pliocene with a hybrid ice-sheet–climate model, showing a reconstruction of ice sheet geometry, sea-level and atmospheric CO2. Initial experiments simulating the last four glacial cycles indicate that this model yields results which are in good agreement with proxy records in terms of global mean sea level, benthic oxygen isotope abundance, ice core-derived surface temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. For the Late Pliocene, our results show an atmospheric CO2 concentration during MIS M2 of 233–249 ppmv, and a drop in global mean sea level of 10 to 25 m. Uncertainties are larger during the warmer periods leading up to and following MIS M2. CO2 concentrations during the warm intervals in the Pliocene, with sea-level high stands of 8–14 m above present-day, varied between 320 and 400 ppmv, lower than indicated by some proxy records but in line with earlier model reconstructions.
Snowfall distribution and its response to the Arctic Oscillation: An evaluation of HighResMIP models in the Arctic using CPR/CloudSat observations
Authors: Thomas Manu Anna , Devasthale Abhay , L'Ecuyer Tristan , Wang Shiyu , Koenigk Torben , Wyser Klaus
Published: March 2019

Abstract. A realistic representation of snowfall in the general circulation models (GCM) is important to accurately simulate snow cover, surface albedo, high latitude precipitation and thus the radiation budget. Hence, in this study, we evaluate snowfall in a range of climate models run at two different resolutions using the latest estimates of snowfall from CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar over the northern latitudes. We also evaluate if the finer resolution versions of the GCMs simulate the accumulated snowfall better than their coarse resolution counterparts. As the Arctic Oscillation (AO) is the prominent mode of natural variability in the polar latitudes, the snowfall variability associated with the different phases of the AO is examined in both models and in our observational reference. We report that the statistical distributions of snowfall vary considerably between the models and CloudSat observations. While CloudSat shows an exponential distribution of snowfall, the models show a Gaussian distribution that is heavily positively skewed. As a result, the 10 and 50 percentiles, representing the light and median snowfall, are overestimated by a factor of 3 and 1.5 respectively in the models investigated here. The overestimations are strongest during the winter months compared to autumn and spring. The extreme snowfall represented by the 90 percentiles, on the other hand, is positively skewed underestimating the snowfall estimates by a factor of 2 in the models in winter compared to the CloudSat estimates. Though some regional improvements can be seen with increased spatial resolution within a particular model, it is not easy to identify a specific pattern that hold across all models. The characteristic snowfall variability associated with the positive phase of AO over Greenland Sea and central Eurasian Arctic is well captured by the models.
Estrategias sindicales en dos grandes empresas fragmentadas y filiales de Coca-Cola en Chile
Authors: Ayala Córdova Jorge , Ratto Ribó Nicolás
Published: March 2019

El artículo analiza las estrategias sindicales mediante las cuales los peonetas subcontratados por dos grandes empresas del sector de distribución de la industria de bebestibles en Chile (filiales de The Coca Cola Company), intentan superar las limitaciones estructurales de sus procesos de trabajo y de sus condiciones de empleo. Para esto se sintetizaron dos investigaciones cualitativas basadas en la observación participante durante tres años (2014-2016) con la Federación que aglutina a los trabajadores peonetas de ambas empresas (FENASIPEC). Recurriendo a las teorías de los procesos de trabajo, de la empresa en red y al enfoque de los recursos de poder se concluye que una de las principales fortalezas del sindicalismo de los peonetas de Coca-Cola está en su poder asociativo, particularmente en el “núcleo militante” de la FENASIPEC, que ejercerá un rol clave en la creación y articulación de los diferentes sindicatos regionales de peonetas. Así también, movilizaron con éxito su poder estructural “en el lugar de la distribución” de mercancías de Coca-Cola con una paralización nacional de más de diez días en el contexto de la realización de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014.
En el laberinto de la violencia: los sindicatos en la guerra civil colombiana
Authors: Dombois Rainer , Quintero Campos Luz Jeannette
Published: March 2019

En ningún otro país del mundo los sindicatos han sido golpeados tan duramente por la violencia física en las últimas décadas como en Colombia. Entre 1977 y 2015, más de 3000 miembros fueron asesinados. Incluso mayor fue el número de personas secuestradas, amenazadas de muerte, detenidas ilegalmente, expulsadas o sometidas a otros actos de violencia (ENS/Sinderh 2015).La Confederación Sindical Internacional (CSI) ha etiquetado a Colombia como uno de los “Peores países del mundo para los trabajadores”. Este documento aborda la pregunta en qué medida la guerra civil colombiana y la tremenda violencia física contra los sindicalistas en Colombia están conectadas. En resumen, esto plantea dos preguntas. En primer lugar, ¿en qué medida la violencia puede explicarse por la dinámica del conflicto dentro de las relaciones laborales colectivas? En segundo lugar, ¿puede la violencia contra los sindicalistas remontarse a la violencia general, derivada de los conflictos sociales?
Del camino de servidumbre al camino de incertidumbre: Reflexiones en torno a las subjetivaciones del trabajo precario
Authors: Jara Villarroel Natalia
Published: March 2019

El presente artículo busca reflexionar en torno a las subjetivaciones de la precariedad laboral. El contexto neoliberal que ha propiciado la flexibilidad, junto con anular los derechos sociales, ha fomentado la incertidumbre en la ciudadanía mundial. Las formas de integración por medio del trabajo ya no tienen cabida en el presente, por el contrario la creciente individuación ha modificado las formas de entender los vínculos sociales, donde las relaciones a corto plazo han ganado terreno. Si bien un sector de la población se ha adaptado (por pragmatismo o resignación) a estas nuevas formas de vida, existe un malestar creciente en la ciudadanía que no observa mejoras en su calidad de vida y que, por el contrario, sólo ve en aumento la inseguridad social. Esta desafección puede repercutir en la percepción en torno a la democracia, permitiendo su cuestionamiento como modo satisfactorio de organizar la vida en sociedad
Corruption and Bank Failure in Ghana Corruption and Bank Failure in Ghana
Authors: Mawutor John Kwaku Mensah , Mphil Eric Boachie Yiadom
Published: March 2019

The main objective of this paper is to fill a research gap by examining the relationship between corruption and possibility of bank failure in Ghana. To achieve this objective, the study examined the effect of corruption and bank failure in Ghana. The study finds that bank size, capital, economic well-being, corruption, and profitability are the main determinants of bank failure in Ghana. Specifically, although corruption increases banks' profitability in Ghana, it also has the potential of increasing their vulnerability to fail. This emanates from the fact that corrupt moneys are made for various reasons. Therefore, when the time is due for such moneys to be used for their intended purposes, they have the tendency of reducing the liquidity of banks as well as shocking their stability.
Evaluation of the Effects of Different Inclusion Rates of Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Oil on the Growth Performance and Survival of Clarias anguillaris Fries
Authors: Sagne Mariama , Fall Jean , Loum Abdoulaye , Thiaw Ibrahima , Ndong Diegane , Diouf Malick , Sow Demba
Published: March 2019

One of the main problems facing aquaculture is the lack and high price of fishmeal and fish oil supply. The continued growth of aquaculture production cannot depend on these finite fisheries resources. It is imperative that inexpensive and readily available alternatives that do not compromise fish growth and product quality are found. It is in this specific context that this study consisting of a test of the Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil incorporated in the feed of Clarias anguillaris fries was conducted.The experiment lasted eight (8) weeks and included five treatments of two tanks each. This corresponds to a total of 10 tanks for 150 fries with a stocking density of 15 fish per tank. Five diets supplemented with 0% (R.0), 1% (R.1), 2% (R.2), 3% (R.3) and 4% (R.4) of the lipid source were administered twice daily for eight weeks. Growth was regularly monitored and mortalities recorded to assess the effects of each diet. The results revealed significant effects on growth performance and survival of Clarias anguillaris fries. For the average weight gain and the specific growth rate, the best result was obtained with the fish fed with diet containing 2% Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil (R.2). The best feed conversion ratio was recorded with the diet incorporating 2% of this oil. The best survival rates (66.67% and 70%) were observed in fries fed with diets incorporating respectively 2% and 3% of the oil. The experimental study has shown that a 2% incorporation rate is the most appropriate for the successful rearing of Clarias anguillaris fries.
Exposure to Pesticide and Its Association With Respiratory Health Among Paddy Farmers at TanjungKarang, Selangor
Authors: Jalaludin Juliana , Samsuddin Nuranis Syfainie Mohd , Tualeka Abdul Rohim
Published: March 2019

Pesticide has been used by paddy farmers in their agricultural activities to increase rice crop yield since past few decades. However, the usage of this chemical with limited knowledge of its deleterious effects on health, community and environment without proper consideration of safety may cause chronic health problems such as respiratory health problems and lung dysfunction. This paper was conducted to determine the association of exposure to pesticide with respiratory health among paddy farmers at TanjungKarang, Selangor as exposed group and office workers working in TanjungKarang town as the comparative group. The results showed that the duration of exposure to pesticide between both groups were mostly low (86%) and high duration for only 4% for paddy farmers and none of office workers. There were significant differences in cough and phlegm, as they were higher among paddy farmers compared to the comparative group at ρ<0.001. Paddy farmers who were exposed to high levels of pesticide were 2 times more likely to have cough and 3 times more likely to get phlegm. FVC% (t=-1.470, p=0.001) and FEV1% (t=-1.526, p=0.001) were lower among the exposed group compared to the comparative group. The prevalence of abnormal FVC were found at 80% in exposed group and 38% in comparative group andabnormal FEV1 were found at 89% and 31% of respondents in both study groups. There was a significant correlation between long abnormalities for FVC% and exposure duration (χ2= 2.903, p= 0.001). This study concluded that the paddy farmers were at risk of respiratory symptoms, as reflected by the increase in the reported respiratory symptoms and lung function reduction.
Analysis of Self and Peer Evaluation in Basic Volleyball Skills of Physical Education Teacher Candidates
Authors: Soytürk Mümine
Published: March 2019

It might be of vital importance that teachers, who are the backbones of education system, should obtain their skills related to educating students who are in harmony with modern life in their process as teacher candidates. Physical education teachers should obtain features of quality teaching and using alternative methods of measurement during their bachelor’s degree education. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze efficiency of teacher candidates in movement analysis, self-evaluation and peer evaluation for four basic volleyball skills (forearm pass, setting, underhand serve and overhand serve). In the process of obtaining data, four observation forms were used. In the evaluation of forearm passing and overhand serve, observation forms developed by Ghorbanzadeh Koshki (2013) were used as evaluation tools. For overhand pass and underhand serve, observation forms developed by the researcher and experts were used. Also, information related to genders and ages of the teacher candidates was recorded. In the analysis of the data, t test, Pearson correlation and partial correlation tests were used. In the reliability analyses, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach Alpha analyses were used. As a result, the teacher candidates’ scores for self-evaluation of their skills and their peers’ scores were found to be correlated. No significant difference was found between the two evaluations. The findings were discussed in the frame of the importance for physical education teacher candidates to learn to analyze moves and to use alternative measurement techniques.
Military gendarmerie in the context of pro defense avtivities
Authors: Rumak Piotr
Published: March 2019

The article presents tasks and responsibilities realized by the Military Gendarmerie. The article aims at identifying pro defense activities compatible with obligations executed in order to maintain cooperation and shaping pro defense attitudes of society. For that reason, selected survey results regarding pro defense activities practically executed by the Military Gendarmerie are discussed. Research methods of educational character including a questionnaire, analysis of literature and research results, which constitute substantive grounds for training students at the Military Gendarmerie Training Center, are also applied.
Instruments supporting local innovativeness
Authors: Chomiak-Orsa Iwona , Flieger Michał
Published: March 2019

The contemporary challenges that the economy raises for entities functioning on the mar-ket constitute the major stimulus for the transformation not only enterprises but also enti-ties comprising partners of the market competition. Hence, Local Government Entities aim-ing at the creation of appropriate conditions for the development of local entrepreneurship promote and implement instruments which are supposed to support local entrepreneurs in undertaking innovative and venturesome activities.
The current article, which presents the selected instruments of supporting innovativeness by local government entities, is devoted to this problem. Its last part provides the charac-teristics of pilot studies conducted by the authors, which demonstrate the perception of the relevance of applying individual instruments promoting innovation by two groups of respondents i.e. representatives of local authorities and entrepreneurs.
Customer relationships as dynamic capabilities of an enter-prise – theoretical aspects and practical implications
Authors: Pukas Anetta
Published: March 2019

The article has a character of a theoretical overview and presents marketing aspects of the Resource-Based View (RBV). The considerations in this article are related to the Dynamic Capability Concept as a new research area in management sciences. The theses of the ar-ticle focus particularly on locating customer relationships in the conceptual discourse of this concept. The purpose of this article is to identify relationships with customers as dy-namic capabilities of an enterprise. The article also presents directions of practical implica-tions and possibilities for using relational skills as a source of competitive advantage of an enterprise. The article uses the method of source analysis, which is based on domestic and foreign literature of the subject.
THE REVIEW OF SELECTED ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE TECHNIQUES
Authors: Chudy Aleksander
Published: March 2019

The article contains basic information about selected mechanical, electrical and electrochemical techniques of electrical energy storage. Due to the rising popularity of renewable resources, electrical energy storage systems will play more and more significant role in the power engineering, electronics, car manufacturing and other key areas. This situation leads to the need to raise awareness of electrical energy storage.
OPTIMIZATION OF CONTROLLED EXPLOSION PROCESSES PARAMETERS USING COMPLEX ANALYSIS METHODS
Authors: Bomba Andrii , Safonyk Andrii , Malash Kateryna
Published: March 2019

The optimal charge power and position necessary for forming the maximum possible size of the crater along with preservation of the integrity of the two nearby objects with the numerical quasiconformal mapping methods with the alternate parameterization of the of the medium and process character are established. Unambiguously the boundaries of crater, pressed and disturbed soil zones are identified and the corresponding field dynamic grid is built. A number of experiments was held on the basis of the developed algorithm and their results were analyzed.
ELEMENTS EVALUATION OF SOFT-HARDWARE OBJECTS WITH COMPLEX PHYSICAL, INFORMATION STRUCTURES LINKS
Authors: Khusainov Pavel
Published: March 2019

It is offered to consider the index of element importance for multi-element soft-hardware objects with complex structure physical, information links. Elements evaluation is carried out in the planning of implementation of diagnostic tests. The methodological basis is based on the use of formal objects "network of uniformity soft-hardware devices", "processes operating environment", the diagnostic model of inter-process communication tract.
INCREASING THE SPECIFIC RATE OF CONTINUOUS PHASE MODULATION SIGNALS
Authors: Banket Victor , Manakov Sergei
Published: March 2019

A method has been developed for increasing the specific rate of frequency modulation signals with a continuous phase based on the use of the properties of composite Walsh-Barker sequences. The proposed method is applicable for multi-position signals. Simultaneously, the tasks of synchronization and registration of processing results are solved. The increase in the efficiency of digital signal transmission systems is theoretically justified.
Afirmação de políticas educativas de âmbito municipal num território regionalizado: o caso da Região Autónoma da Madeira
Authors: Alves Eduardo
Published: March 2019

O Estado português pretende iniciar uma nova fase, mais abrangente no relacionamento com os Municípios, alargando o leque de competências a transferir no setor da educação. Portugal é, no entanto, um Estado unitário regionalizado. Qualquer iniciativa, neste âmbito, não pode perder de vista as atribuições das regiões autónomas portuguesas. No caso, da Madeira e da Educação, o processo de ampliação de competências municipais, não pode deixar de considerar as competências regionais já existentes. O alargamento competencial para os municípios da Madeira, tudo terá a ganhar se for conduzido mediante políticas bottom-up pela interação com os atores locais, em lugar de top-down, em que a desconfiança conduzirá à redução das dinâmicas de autonomia e à descaraterização da qualidade do serviço educativo.Palavras-chave: administração educacional; autonomia regional; descentralização; municipalização; regionalização e políticas educativas regionais.
La colección de música (partituras y grabaciones sonoras) de la Biblioteca Nacional de España: digitalización y reutilización
Authors: López Lorenzo María Jesús
Published: March 2019

La Biblioteca Nacional de España es la cabecera del Sistema Bibliotecario Español. El Departamento de Música y Audiovisuales preserva fuentes únicas de la música española y la cultura hispánica, tanto escritas como sonoras.  Desde mayo de 2010, el Departamento de Música y Audiovisuales de la BNE ha estado involucrado en la digitalización sistemática de sus archivos, tanto de partituras como de registros sonoros.  En otoño 2010 se comenzó con la colección de más de 80 volúmenes de canto llano  de los siglos XV al XIX y en junio de 2011 se puso a disposición de los usuarios una selección de 31.135 partituras de los archivos históricos más importantes del Departamento anteriores a 1930, además de 15.000 grabaciones de música y palabra registradas en soportes históricos  de sonido (discos de pizarra, discos perforados, rollos de pianola …). Por lo tanto, la colección digital del Departamento de Música y Audiovisuales de la BNE constituye un punto de partida dado su valor patrimonial para la reutilización de contenidos y el desarrollo de productos y servicios culturales. En mayo de este año  BNE y Red.es presentan un nuevo espacio virtual (BNElab). ”Juego filarmónico” es nuestra primera propuesta, un desarrollo tecnológico  realizado a partir de un manuscrito del siglo XVIII que se conserva en los fondos del Departamento de Música y Audiovisuales
Reseña CROSSCULT. Empowering Reuse of Digital Cultural Heritage in Context-Aware Crosscuts of European History
Authors: Bocanegra Barbecho Lidia
Published: March 2019

LYKOURENTZOU, Ioanna, NAUDET, Yannick, VANDENABEELE, Luc, LÓPEZ NORES, Martín, VASSILAKIS, Costas, BIKAKIS, Antonis, SOLANO, Jaime, GIANNAKOPOULOS, Giorgios, VASILAKAKI, Evgenia, PAZOS ARIAS, José Juan. CROSSCULT. Empowering Reuse of Digital Cultural Heritage in Context-Aware Crosscuts of European History. Coord. Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 2016-2019.https://www.crosscult.eu/https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/200492/factsheet/en
Reseña de Historia y memoria en Red. Un nuevo reto para la historiografía
Authors: Calomarde Emiliano Andrés
Published: March 2019

EIROA SAN FRANCISCO, Matilde (Coord.), Historia y memoria en Red. Un nuevo reto para la historiografía. Editorial Síntesis, Madrid, 2018.
Recent Developments in Computational Methods for the Analysis of Ducted Propellers in Open Water
Authors: Baltazar João , de Campos José A. C. Falcão , Bosschers Johan , Rijpkema Douwe
Published: March 2019

This article presents an overview of the recent developments at Instituto Superior Técnico and Maritime Research Institute Netherlands in applying computational methods for the hydrodynamic analysis of ducted propellers. The developments focus on the propeller performance prediction in open water conditions using boundary element methods and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solvers. The article starts with an estimation of the numerical errors involved in both methods. Then, the different viscous mechanisms involved in the ducted propeller flow are discussed and numerical procedures for the potential flow solution proposed. Finally, the numerical predictions are compared with experimental measurements.

1. Introduction

Ducted propellers have been widely used for marine applications. Nowadays, they may be found in tugs, trawlers, tankers, bulk ships, warships, and in dynamic positioning systems of offshore platforms or vessels. The duct may be classified as an accelerating or decelerating type. Accelerating ducts are often used to increase the efficiency and thrust of heavily loaded propellers. In the case of a decelerating duct, they are used to reduce the risk of cavitation and resulting noise.

The complex interaction which occurs between the propeller and duct makes the hydrodynamic design of such systems a complicated task. For the selection of the numerical simulation tool, the designer has to choose between a simplified method that predicts the main features of the flow field around the ducted propeller, and a more complex tool that provides detailed information in problematic areas such as the gap region between propeller and duct inner surface. On the other hand, model tests in a towing tank or cavitation tunnel may be seen as an alternative, but they are usually expensive. Presently, the development of an accurate and cost-effective numerical method for the design and analysis of ducted propellers is still not complete.
The use of mobile computing devices in microsurgery
Authors: Pafitanis Georgios , Hadjiandreou Michalis , Miller Robert , Mason Katrina , Theodorakopoulou Evgenia , Sadri Amir , Taylor Kirsten , Myers Simon
Published: March 2019

Mobile computing devices (MCDs), such as smartphones and tablets, are revolutionizing medical practice. These devices are almost universally available and offer a multitude of capabilities, including online features, streaming capabilities, high-quality cameras, and numerous applications. Within the surgical field, MCDs are increasingly being used for simulations. Microsurgery is an expanding field of surgery that presents unique challenges to both trainees and trainers. Simulation-based training and assessment in microsurgery currently play an integral role in the preparation of trainee surgeons in a safe and informative environment. MCDs address these challenges in a novel way by providing valuable adjuncts to microsurgical training, assessment, and clinical practice through low-cost, effective, and widely accessible solutions. Herein, we present a review of the capabilities, accessibility, and relevance of MCDs for technical skills acquisition, training, and clinical microsurgery practice, and consider the possibility of their wider use in the future of microsurgical training and education.
The oval technique for nipple-areolar complex reconstruction
Authors: Vozza Amalia , Larocca Fabio , Ferraro Giuseppe , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , D’Andrea Francesco
Published: March 2019

Background Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction is the final stage of breast reconstruction. Ideal reconstruction of the NAC requires symmetry in position, size, shape, texture, pigmentation, and permanent projection, and although many technical descriptions of NAC reconstruction exist in the medical literature, there is no gold standard technique. The technique devised by the authors is very versatile, with excellent results, and it enables 1-step reconstruction with optimal results in terms of shape and nipple projection.

Methods Our technique consists of a combination of modified local flaps and a full-thickness skin graft. Patients were observed for 18 months to estimate the amount of retraction. This procedure was performed in 40 patients, four of them bilaterally. The duration of the follow-up was 30 months. Complications occurred in 10% of patients, and included infections (5%), ischemia (2.5%), and hematoma (2.5%).

Results No cases of total nipple necrosis were reported. The NAC shape remained optimal in all cases, with a very small reduction of the vertical and horizontal diameters of the areola, which maintained its designed round shape well, and negligible retraction in the diameter and projection of the nipple.

Conclusions The oval technique represents a major step forward, involving a combination of existing techniques, such as the C-V flap and the cutaneous graft, to achieve excellent results regarding areola shape and nipple projection, significantly reducing the cases of nipple ischemia. These results were substantially obtained through subcutaneous equatorial sutures, skin grafting, and flattening of the apexes of the flap.
Feasibility of a polydioxanone plate as an adjuvant material in rhinoplasty in Asians
Authors: Oh Gwang Jin , Choi Jaeik , Kim Taek-Kyun , Jeong Jae-Yong , Kim Joo-Hak , Kim Sunje , Oh Sang-Ha
Published: March 2019

Background Nasal framework-supporting procedures such as septal extension grafts, derotation grafts, and columellar strut grafts are usually required in rhinoplasty in Asian patients because the skin envelope is tight, but the nasal framework is small and weak. Autologous materials are preferred, but they have some limitations related to the amount that can be harvested and the frequency of use. Therefore, synthetic materials have been used to overcome these limitations.

Methods A total of 114 patients who received a polydioxanone (PDS) plate as an adjuvant material in rhinoplasty from September 2016 to August 2017 were retrospectively investigated. The PDS plate was used as to support the weak framework and to correct the contour of the alar cartilages. The PDS plate was used for reinforcement of columellar struts and septal L-struts, alar cartilage push-down grafts, fixation of septal extension grafts, and correction of alar contour deformities

Results Primary and secondary rhinoplasty was performed in 103 and 11 patients, respectively. Clinically, no significant inflammation occurred, but decreased projection of the tip was observed in seven patients and relapse of a short nose was noted in five patients.

Conclusions PDS plates have been used in the United States and Europe for more than 10 years to provide a scaffold for the nasal framework. These plates can provide reinforcement to columellar struts, L-struts, and septal extension grafts. In addition, they can assist in deformity correction. Therefore, PDS plates can be considered a good adjuvant material for Asian patients with weak and small nasal cartilage.
Choice of recipient vessels in muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction: A comparative study
Authors: Moon Kyung-Chul , Lee Jae-Min , Baek Si-Ook , Jang Seo-Yoon , Yoon Eul-Sik , Lee Byung-Il , Park Seung-Ha
Published: March 2019

Background Thoracodorsal vessels (TDVs) and internal mammary vessels (IMVs) have both been widely employed as recipient vessels for use in free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps. However, whether TDVs or IMVs are preferable as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes when TDVs were used as recipient vessels to those obtained when IMVs were used as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap.

Methods A retrospective matched-cohort study was performed. We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent a free MS-TRAM flap for autologous breast reconstructions after mastectomy between March 2003 and June 2013. After a one-to-one matching using age, 100 autologous breast reconstructions were selected in this study. Of the 100 breast reconstructions, 50 flaps were anastomosed to TDVs and 50 to IMVs. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes including operation time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and aesthetic score were compared between the two groups.

Results No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in patient demographics and clinical outcomes, including the complication rates and aesthetic scores. There were no major complications such as total or partial flap loss in either group.

Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate that both TDVs and IMVs were safe and efficient as recipient vessels in terms of the complication rates and aesthetic outcomes.
An artist trapped by politics: Lithuania 1939–1944
Authors: Jankevičiūtė Giedrė
Published: March 2019

Based on the painting compositions created by the artist Stasys Ušinskas and his followers, the article demonstrates that the German Reich’s normative aesthetics started impacting Lithuanian art as early as in the second half of the 1930s. The aim is to determine the ways it spread and the reasons of its popularity. This issue has not been a subject of an in-depth study in the national historiography yet. The attempts by Lithuanian artists to conform to the needs of the Nazi civil government in 1941–1944 were related to the situation of the late 1930s when the state patronage helped to implant the aesthetics and iconography of neotraditionalism. It is revealed that the search for the examples of neotraditionalism did not focus solely on France, Soviet Union and, in part, Italy (these influences have been researched quite thoroughly) but also on Germany. The changes in the art of Lithuania were also connected to the shifting markers of criticism that were determined by the need for the consolidation of society which emerged as the political situation became complicated both inside the country and at an international level. The analysis of art criticism has revealed that the modernist criteria of originality and creativity were questioned. The discussions were particularly fierce regarding the use of deformation-causing examples of primitive art. It is concluded that modernism’s critique, which both in Lithuania and in Germany was primarily directed against expressionism, incited the changes in Lithuanian art. The spread of neotraditionalism resulted in the increased similarity between individual styles, which even caused difficulties of attribution of the art works created during late 1930s and early 1940s.