bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional vs. Traditional Analysis in Biomechanical Gait Data: An Alternative Statistical Approach
Authors: Park Jihong , Seeley Matthew K. , Francom Devin , Reese C. Shane , Hopkins J. Ty 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
In human motion studies, discrete points such as peak or average kinematic values are commonly selected to test hypotheses. The purpose of this study was to describe a functional data analysis and describe the advantages of using functional data analyses when compared with a traditional analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach. Nineteen healthy participants (age: 22 ± 2 yrs, body height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m, body mass: 73 ± 16 kg) walked under two different conditions: control and pain+effusion. Pain+effusion was induced by injection of sterile saline into the joint capsule and hypertonic saline into the infrapatellar fat pad. Sagittal-plane ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics were recorded and compared following injections using 2×2 mixed model ANOVAs and FANOVAs. The results of ANOVAs detected a condition × time interaction for the peak ankle (F1,18 = 8.56, p = 0.01) and hip joint angle (F1,18 = 5.77, p = 0.03), but did not for the knee joint angle (F1,18 = 0.36, p = 0.56). The functional data analysis, however, found several differences at initial contact (ankle and knee joint), in the mid-stance (each joint) and at toe off (ankle). Although a traditional ANOVA is often appropriate for discrete or summary data, in biomechanical applications, the functional data analysis could be a beneficial alternative. When using the functional data analysis approach, a researcher can (1) evaluate the entire data as a function, and (2) detect the location and magnitude of differences within the evaluated function.
ICT Competencies for Academic E-Learning. Preparing Students for Distance Education - Authors’ Proposal
Authors: Kołodziejczak Barbara , Roszak Magdalena 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTDeployment of distance education (especially e-learning) at universities requires university teachers and students to have adequate ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) competencies. Schools usually provide training for their staff in operating e-learning portals and creating courses, which is the necessary minimum for conducting distance education. On the other hand, schools do not offer any courses for students to improve their competencies necessary for e-learning, as they assume that the students’ ICT competencies acquired during the three levels of schooling (elementary, lower secondary and upper secondary) are sufficient. The authors’ observations demonstrate that this assumption is not necessarily true, particularly for students at faculties related to humanities and other specializations not of technical nature, such as medicine. The article presents an overview of ICT competencies necessary for e-learning study, comparing them with competencies of a secondary school graduate. On the basis of a research project conducted at three medical universities in Poland, the authors present the level of knowledge and practical skills in the field of ICT among students who participated in e-learning or blended learning. As a result of the project, a proposal has been presented for modifying ICT education contents for students, as well as a draft course carried on the university’s LCMS (Learning Content Management System) portal to bridge the ICT competence gaps for effective distance education.
Higher Behavioral Profile of Mindfulness and Psychological Flexibility is Related to Reduced Impulsivity in Smokers, and Reduced Risk Aversion Regardless of Smoking Status
Authors: Marcowski Przemysław , Białaszek Wojciech , Dudek Joanna , Ostaszewski Paweł 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and addiction are interrelated in decision making. In our study, we investigated the relationship of the behavioral profile, composed of mindfulness and psychological flexibility, and smoking status on delay and probability discounting. We demonstrated the interaction of the behavioral profile of mindfulness and psychological flexibility (lower or higher) and smoking status on delay discounting. We found that individuals who smoked and displayed higher mindfulness and psychological flexibility devalued rewards at a slower rate, compared to smokers with a lower profile. Importantly, in those with a higher profile, smokers discounted rewards no differently than nonsmokers. Smokers with a lower profile did display, however, increased impulsivity, compared to nonsmokers. These results suggest that behavioral interventions aiming to modify the behavioral profile with regard to mindfulness and psychological flexibility can indeed support the regulation of elevated impulsivity in smokers to equate with that of nonsmokers. In probability discounting, we observed that individuals with a higher profile displayed lower discounting rates, i.e., were less risk-averse, with no other significant main effect or interaction.
What do students do in their free time and why?
Authors: Anić Petra , Roguljić Domagoj , Švegar Domagoj 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Numerous studies have explored what people do in their free time, but only a few of them have tried to explain why. In Study 1 we therefore aimed to obtain a detailed picture of the ways in which students spend their free time, but also we wanted to investigate their motivation for engaging in a specific activity that they consider to be their favourite. We found that the highest percentage of 585 students, who participated in Study 1, spend most of their free time on social interactions, reading and leisure with family. However, although they did not spend much time on physical activities, participants reported them as their favourite ones. An analysis of variance showed no differences in hedonic motives for free time activities, while eudaimonic motives did differ. In Study 2, we investigated intrinsic motivation for physical exercise on a new sample of 202 students, and found that recreational athletes have significantly higher intrinsic motivation compared to physically less active participants.
The Impact of Governance on the Research Performance of European Universities in Cross-Country Comparisons
Authors: Sedláček Jan 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The article concentrates on the impact of selected aspects of governance - the level of autonomy and the involvement of stakeholders in the internal governance of a university - on the research performance of universities measured by indicators of international university rankings in cross-country comparisons. The analyses are geographically situated in Europe. They follow two paths which are from the theoretical point of view based on the concepts of the principal-agent problem and stakeholder theory. Using linear regression, the author identifies statistically significant aspects of governance and compares them with results of previous studies. The findings serve as a basis for a discussion regarding how to create appropriate conditions for universities in order to improve their prospects for international success in research. The limitations of the results relating to the data, methodology and their application in the European context are discussed and general recommendations are formulated.
Virulence and Mating Type of Phytophthora infestans Isolates in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sedlák P. , Mazáková J. , Sedláková V. , Ryšánek P. , Vejl P. , Doležal P. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
To evaluate the frequency and stability of the occurrence of P. infestans races and mating types in the Czech Republic, 338 monosporic isolates were collected from 31 sites in different potato-growing areas from 2012 to 2014 and in 2016. In total, 142 isolates were evaluated for virulence and race structure using the detached leaflet assay on Black’s differential set, supplemented with cultivar Sarpo Mira and somatic hybrid REG 46F. With the exception of virulence for resistance genes R9 and Rpi-blb-1, all virulence genes were detected among isolates, with a predominance of genes R1, R3, R7, R10, and R11. Most isolates were virulent to five or more R-genes, with a mean virulence complexity of 7.1. Among the 38 races detected, the most commonly occurring races were 1.2.3.4.6.7.10.11 and 1.2.3.4.7.10.11. Of the 338 isolates tested by the pairing test and the cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS) marker, 40% were of the A1 mating type and 60% were of the A2 mating type, with an A1 : A2 isolate ratio demonstrating the predominance of the A2 mating type each year of the survey.
Effect of Different Organic Wastes on Soil Propertie s and Plant Growth and Yield: a Review
Authors: Hossain M. Z. , Fragstein P. von , Niemsdorff P. von , Heß J. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The use of organic wastes in agriculture plays a great role in recycling essential plant nutrients, sustaining soil security as well as protecting the environment from unwanted hazards. This review article deals with the effect of different kinds of organic wastes on soil properties and plant growth and yield. Municipal solid waste is mainly used as a source of nitrogen and organic matter, improving soil properties and microbial activity that are closely related to soil fertility. Biowaste and food waste increase pH, nitrogen content, cation exchange capacity, water holding capacity, and microbial biomass in soil. Sewage sludge contains various amounts of organic matter and huge amounts of plant nutrients. Manure is a common waste which improves soil properties by adding nutrients and increases microbial and enzyme activity in soil. It also reduces toxicity of some heavy metals. These organic wastes have a great positive impact on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as stimulate plant growth and thus increase the yield of crops.
The Size and Effects of Emigration and Remittances in the Western Balkans. A Forecasting Based on a Delphi Process
Authors: Petreski Marjan , Petreski Blagica , Tumanoska Despina , Narazani Edlira , Kazazi Fatush , Ognjanov Galjina , Jankovic Irena , Mustafa Arben , Kochovska Tereza 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This paper aims at forecasting the size and effects of remittances and emigration in Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, and Kosovo, using a qualitative forecasting method, a Delphi questionnaire. The authors examined consensus building within and between two groups of respondents: ten experts and twenty remittance receivers per country, in three subsequent rounds–two on the same group and a third cross-round. Consensual results suggest that remittances in the projected five-year period will increase in Macedonia and Serbia, and will reduce in Albania and Kosovo. With less consensus, the results forecast that emigration will decelerate, except in Serbia. Emigration effects for the society have been forecast as predominantly negative due to skilled labour emigration, while remittances were forecast to maintain their effect on poverty in Macedonia and Serbia, and weaken in Albania. Consensus has been reached, except in Macedonia, that remittances will support labour market activity.
Resistance Exercise Training Is More Effective than Interval Aerobic Training in Reducing Blood Pressure During Sleep in Hypertensive Elderly Patients
Authors: Bertani Rodrigo F. , Campos Giulliard O. , Perseguin Diego M. , Bonardi José M.T. , Ferriolli Eduardo , Moriguti Julio C. , Lima Nereida K.C. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Bertani, RF, Campos, GO, Perseguin, DM, Bonardi, JMT, Ferriolli, E, Moriguti, JC, and Lima, NKC. Resistance exercise training is more effective than interval aerobic training in reducing blood pressure during sleep in hypertensive elderly patients. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2085–2090, 2018—An appropriate fall in blood pressure (BP) during sleep is known to be related to a lower cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of different types of training on hypertensive elderly patients under treatment in terms of pressure variability assessed by the nocturnal decline in BP. Hypertensive elderly subjects under pharmacological treatment were randomly assigned to the following groups: 12 weeks of continuous aerobic training, interval aerobic training (IA), resistance training (R), or control (C). All subjects underwent ambulatory BP monitoring before and 24 hours after the last exercise session. The results were assessed using the mixed effects model. A greater nocturnal decline in diastolic BP compared with the wakefulness period was observed in R in comparison with C (11.0 ± 4.1 vs. 6.0 ± 5.7 mm Hg and p = 0.01) and with IA (11.0 ± 4. vs. 6.5 ± 5.1 mm Hg and p = 0.02). No fall in BP during a 24-hour period was observed in training groups compared with C, perhaps because the subjects were mostly nondippers, for whom the effect of training on BP is found to be lower. In conclusion, resistance training promoted a greater nocturnal fall in BP among hypertensive elderly subjects under treatment compared with IA subjects.
Variable Slip Ratio Rolling Contact Fatigue Tester
Authors: Zahui Marcellin , Deshmukh Satyam , Subedi Subodh 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Rolling contact fatigue in bearings, gears, and railway tracks is a common problem experienced in many industrial applications. Given the stochastic nature of fatigue failures, design predictions are generally complex and difficult. Thus, engineers rely on extensive testing to establish design baselines and empirical analysis-equations. The objective of the work presented here is to provide detailed information in the design and validation of a variable slip ratio rolling contact fatigue (VSR-RCF) tester. The tester has three major components: (1) a mechanical system, (2) a control system, and (3) a data acquisition system. All the components are designed and intergraded to provide a fairly reasonable testing time and dry to submerged lubrication testing conditions. The major characteristics of the VSR-RCF tester are the variable slip ratio and the ability to accommodate different sizes and types of specimens. A mandrel and live center are used to hold the specimen while two hydraulic rollers apply the load. Failure is detected with an eddy currents crack-detection system. Preliminary tests on a common gear material (AISI 8620 steel) were performed to assess the mechanical limits as well as the control system software performance. Detailed development and validation of the tester are discussed along with servo drives and electronic gear ratios (EGR).
Maternal Smoking and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Lan , Wang Yan , Zhang Li , Zheng Zhen , Zhu Tingting , Qu Yi , Mu Dezhi 
Published: December 2017

CONTEXT:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. Exploring the risk factors for ADHD is helpful in preventing ADHD.

OBJECTIVE:
To explore the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the occurrence of ADHD in offspring.

DATA SOURCES:
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to May 2017 for studies.

STUDY SELECTION:
Cohort or case-control studies in which the association between maternal smoking and ADHD in offspring were investigated were eligible if they included odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios, or risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

DATA EXTRACTION:
Two investigators independently extracted data on definition of exposure and outcome, number of cases and total sample population, and potential confounders adjusted. Any dose-relationship data for smoking and ADHD risk were also extracted.

RESULTS:
Fifteen cohort studies and 5 case-control studies with 50 044 cases and 2 998 059 participants were included. Smoking during pregnancy increased the risk of offspring ADHD (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.45–1.76). The risk of ADHD was greater for children whose mothers were heavy smokers (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.51–2.02) than for those mothers were light smokers (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.40–1.70).

LIMITATIONS:
The limitations of our study included different assessment tools of ADHD and a lack of objective biological measures for maternal smoking.

CONCLUSIONS:
With our meta-analysis, we provide evidence for an association between maternal smoking and offspring ADHD but do not solve the causality issues concerning potential confounding by other risk factors. More high-quality studies are needed to establish whether the association with smoking is causal.
A nem alkoholos zsírmáj mint a metabolikus szindróma komponense és kauzális kapcsolatai egyéb kórképekkel
Authors: Halmos Tamás , Suba Ilona 
Published: December 2017

Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common non-infectious chronic liver-disease in our age, and is a spectrum of all the diseases associated with increased fat accumulation in the hepatocytes. Its development is promoted by sedentary life-style, over-feeding, and certain genetic predisposition. Prevalence in the adult population, even in Hungary is ~30%. In a part of cases, this disease may pass into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, later into fibrosis, rarely into primary hepatocellular cancer. Fatty liver is closely and bidirectionally related to the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and nowadays there is a general consensus that fatty liver is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic sycndrome. The importance of the fatty liver has been highly emphasized recently. In addition to the progression into steatohepatitis, its causal relationship with numerous extrahepatic disorders has been discovered. In our overview, we deal with the epidemiology, pathomechanism of the disease, discuss the possibilities of diagnosis, its relationship with the intestinal microbiota, its recently recognized correlations with bile acids and their receptors, and its supposed correlations with the circadian CLOCK system. Hereinafter, we overview those extrahepatic disorders, which have been shown to be causal link with the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Among these, we emphasize the metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea/hypoventilation syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and psoriasis, as well. Based on the above, it can be stated, that high risk individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease need systemic care, and require the detection of other components of this systemic pathological condition. While currently specific therapy for the disease is not yet known, life-style changes, adequate use of available medicines can prevent disease progression. Promising research is under way, including drugs, manipulation of the intestinal flora or the possibility of therapeutic use of bile acid receptors, and also bariatric surgery. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(52): 2051–2061.
KANDUNGAN FUKOSANTIN DAN FENOLIK TOTAL PADA RUMPUT LAUT COKELAT Padina australis YANG DIKERINGKAN DENGAN SINAR MATAHARI
Authors: Nursid Muhammad , Novienderi Dedi 
Published: December 2017

Rumput laut cokelat Padina australis dikenal memiliki kandungan fukosantin dan fenolik total yang tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kandungan fukosantin dan fenolik total serta aktivitas antioksidan P. australis yang dikeringkan dengan sinar matahari. Rumput laut cokelat diambil dari Pantai Binuangeun, Lebak, Banten, Indonesia lalu dikeringkan selama 0, 1, 2, 3 dan 4 hari. Kandungan fukosantin dianalisis dengan kromatografi cair kinerja tinggi (KCKT) sedangkan kandungan fenolik total diukur dengan menggunakan metode Folin-Ciocalteau. Uji antioksidan dilakukan dengan metode 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa kandungan fukosantin pada rumput laut P. australis semakin menurun seiring dengan bertambahnya waktu pengeringan sedangkan kandungan fenolik total pada hari ke 1, 2 dan 3 tidak menunjukkan perbedaan tetapi pada hari ke 4 kandungannya menurun tajam. Kandungan fukosantin dan fenolik total tersebut jauh di bawah kandungan fukosantin dan fenolik yang berasal dari rumput laut segar. Hasil uji DPPH memperlihatkan bahwa aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak rumput laut semakin menurun dengan bertambahnya waktu pengeringan. Hasil penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa fukosantin dan fenolik merupakan faktor yang menentukan aktivitas antioksidan.
A comparative study of central corneal thickness, mean keratometry and astigmatism in persons with and without refractive errors in Taif
Authors: Alqurashi Afnan H. , Afifi Omayma K. , Jabr Hatim F. , Aljuaid Hanan A. 
Published: December 2017

Background: Corneal topography is an important parameter in the evaluation of corneal disease, but there is no average value of normal corneal geometry in Saudi individuals is known. So, this study aimed to establish a standard normal value for central corneal thickness (CCT), mean keratometry (km), and astigmatism in Saudi individuals to be used as a reference value, and to compare these results with the same parameters in patients who have refractive errors. Methods: This study was performed from January 2016 to July 2017 at King Faisal Hospital in Taif, KSA, and included a current group of 105 eyes without refractive errors, and 250 eyes with refractor errors. Results: The mean CCT value was 551.681 µm, km value was 43.426 D, and astigmatism was 0.784 D for all eyes with normal visual acuity. However, these values are the statistically significant difference between different ages, but no significant differences according to sex. Regarding the eyes with refractive error, it was found that the mean CCT was 509.66 µm, km was 46.79 D, and for astigmatism was 3.97 D. When the results of two groups were compared, there was a significant difference between them except for km in the group a; (12-20 years). Conclusions: The standard value of central corneal thickness, mean keratometry, and astigmatism in Saudi individuals is differing according to the age but it is the same in both genders. These values are differing statistically in patients with refractor error.