bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitual physical activity patterns of inner-city children
Authors: Harmon Jennifer , Brusseau Timothy A. , Collier Douglas , Lenz Elizabeth 
Published: February 2014

PurposeUnderstanding the physical activity patterns of youth is an essential step in addressing the obesity epidemic and, ultimately, developing programs that reverse this trend. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the habitual physical activity patterns of Hispanic and African-American children living in a northeastern USA urban environment.MethodsParticipants included 39 inner-city children (10.5 ± 0.61 years old; 78% African American, 14% Hispanic; 85% free/reduced lunch; 20.3 ± 4.3 BMI with 45% overweight/obese). Children wore a pedometer for seven consecutive days. Means and standard deviations were calculated and Student’s t test was utilized to examine difference across gender and day of the week.ResultsChildren averaged 9535 ± 2594 steps/day. The weekday step count mean was 10090 ± 2939 and the weekend step count was 7557 ± 4337, = 2533. Students were significantly more active during the week; <i>t</i>(16) = 2.38, <i>p</i> = 0.03. Children averaged 10610 ± 2842 steps on physical education weekdays and 8338 ± 2802 steps on non-physical education weekdays. Children were significantly more active on days with physical education classes; <i>t</i>(30) = 4.7, <i>p</i> = 0.00,Δ = 2272.ConclusionsVery few children in the current sample met daily step recommendations. Our results support previous research that suggests that the ‘suburban built’ environment is more conducive to promoting physical activity than the inner city. Our sample was less active than those in the majority of other studies exploring physical activity in primary school-aged children. Our findings (compared with previous research) found reduced physical activity among African-American children, especially girls.
Preschool attendance as a factor in the motor skill development of children
Authors: Rokicka-Hebel Magdalena 
Published: February 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the motor skills of children who had already attended one year of preschool or had just begun their education.MethodsA total of 286 five- and six-year-old children were recruited from different preschools (eight preschools and three primary school preschool programs) in Gdańsk, Poland. A test battery was designed based on the children’s preschool physical education curriculum and the motor skills that should be acquired at this age. The analyzed motor tasks included: 1) walking on a balance bench, 2) crawling on an inclined balance bench, 3) running then jumping over an obstacle with one leg, 4) catching and throwing a ball over an obstacle, 5) throwing a ball against the wall and catching it, 6) climbing on a gymnastic ladder, 7) jumproping. The children were tested twice in test-retest conditions, at the beginning and end of the school year.ResultsThe children showed the lowest level of skills in throwing, catching, and bouncing a ball against the wall and jumproping.ConclusionsNo significant differences were identified as to children’s physical abilities or between the 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds either beginning or continuing preschool.
Analysis of kinematic parameters of gait in Brazilian children using a low-cost procedure
Authors: Chagas Daniel das Virgens , Leporace Gustavo , Praxedes Jomilto , Carvalho Igor , Pinto Sérgio , Batista Luiz Alberto 
Published: February 2014

PurposeThe aim of the study was to describe the gait kinematic behaviour of healthy Brazilian children aged 6-11 years old and examine the influence of age and gender on the analysed kinematic characteristics.MethodsA descriptive study that investigated the gait of 119 children (60 boys and 59 girls) aged 6-11 years was conducted. Data were stratified according to age (6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years) and gender and its impact over spatiotemporal gait parameters was assessed. An inexpensive yet satisfactorily valid and objective motion capture system was employed to compute gait parameters.ResultsNon-normalised and normalised averages of stride length, step length, cadence and velocity from 119 participants were 1.23 ± 0.17 m and 1.8 ± 0.2, 0.63 ± 0.11 m and 0.9 ± 0.1 m, 117.9 ± 11.4 steps/min and 311.9 ± 23.9 steps/min, 72.5 ± 11.1 m/min and 27.9 ± 4.5 m/min, respectively. Stance and swing means (%GC) were 58.1% ± 3.3% and 41.9% ± 3.3%, respectively. Step and stride length increased with advancing age, while cadence decreased. A significant difference (<i>p</i> = 0.005) was found between Group 2 (8-9 years) and 3 (10-11 years) for normalised velocity. No significant differences between groups were found for other non-dimensional variables. Comparisons between boys and girls showed no differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) in any spatiotemporal gait parameters.ConclusionsThe gait kinematic behaviour of 119 Brazilian children was described using a low-cost instrumented gait analysis system. Gender was not a significant modifying factor for gait among the examined children. Our findings suggest a partially immature gait kinematic pattern in children aged between 6 to 11 years. Additional studies are needed to examine whether the differences between our results and those reported in the literature are due to issues of internal or external validity.
Acute neuromuscular responses to a resistance exercise session performed using the DeLorme and Oxford techniques
Authors: Pereira Rafael , Mendel Max Miller Alves , Schettino Ludmila , Machado Marco , Augusto-Silva Pierre 
Published: February 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine and compare acute neuromuscular behavior during a resistance exercise session (RES) conducted with the DeLorme and Oxford techniques.MethodsSeven healthy and trained participants volunteered to carry out two RES, one week apart, of unilateral elbow flexion. Each session was conducted with the DeLorme or Oxford techniques in a counterbalanced order. Electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded from the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TRIC) during a maximal isometric voluntary contraction. Normalized EMG amplitude from BB and TRIC and the co-contraction ratio (CCR) during the concentric and eccentric phases were calculated.ResultsThe EMG amplitude from BB and TRIC as well as the CCR of both the concentric and eccentric phases were similar in both techniques. Additionally, normalized EMG amplitude from BB was higher during the concentric phase when compared with the eccentric phase for both techniques, supporting the hypotheses of distinct neural control for concentric and eccentric phases of movement. The DeLorme and Oxford techniques induced similar acute neuromuscular responses during the RES.ConclusionsOur results may support previous findings on similar strength gains after resistance training performed with both analyzed techniques.
Relationships between anaerobic performance, field tests, and functional level of elite female wheelchair basketball athletes
Authors: Molik Bartosz , Laskin James J. , Kosmol Andrzej , Marszałek Jolanta , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia , Frick Tim 
Published: February 2014

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between anaerobic performance (AnP), applicable field tests, and the functional classification levels in female wheelchair basketball athletes.MethodsFemale wheelchair basketball athletes (<i>N</i> = 23; Category A, <i>n</i> = 9; Category B, <i>n</i> = 14) from the Canadian national team were evaluated using field tests and the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test. Measures of peak power output (PP), time to achieve peak power (tPP), mean power output (MP), and a fatigue index (FI) were used to assess AnP. A test battery evaluating seven wheelchair basketball skills was applied. Student’s t test was used to identify differences between the two main functional categories (A and B). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient were calculated to determine the significance of all relationships between the parameters of AnP, the results of the field tests, and the eight functional classification levels of the athletes (1.0-4.5 pts.).ResultsIn all analyzed parameters, except for the field test measuring shooting skills, the results of AnP were significantly higher for Category B players. Significant relationships were observed between athletes’ classification level and AnP and the field tests except for tPP, the 5 m sprint, and the shooting test. The strongest association was observed for MP and PP, MP and FI, PP and FI (<i>p</i> = 0.001).ConclusionsStrong associations were found between the functional classification level and AnP of the female wheelchair basketball athletes. The strongest correlation was confirmed between MP, PP, and the field test measuring the two-handed chest pass, suggesting that this test can be used to indirectly assess the anaerobic performance of female wheelchair basketball athletes.
Assessment of Roadside Particulate Emission Mitigation Possibil
Authors: Slisane Dzintra , Blumberga Dagnija 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The improvement of air quality is now an issue for all developed countries. In the European Union transportation is the main source of NOx pollution and the second most significant PM10 and PM2, 5 emission sources. The focus of the research is transportation PM10 emissions. The paper introduces a model of system dynamics for analysis of road transportation PM10 emissions. The developed model is then used to compare PM10 emissions in 4 cases, one of which is the baseline, while in the other 3 a variety of road transport emission reduction methods are implemented. The simulation results have shown that the highest daily PM10 emission reductions can be achieved by combining technological and administrative methods. Administrative methods (rush-hour driving tax and heavy vehicle traffic restrictions) turned out to be the most effective.
Improvement of Solar PV Efficiency. Potential Materials for Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Latvels Janis , Grzibovskis Raitis , Vembris Aivars , Blumberga Dagnija 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are considered as a viable alternative to those energy sources currently in use. In this work three derivatives of original N,N’- dimetilaminobenziliden-1,3-indandione (DMABI) material are presented as potential materials for OPV. The photoconductivity threshold energy was evaluated from the perspective of spectral dependence of photoconductivity quantum efficiency, and the optical energy gap was defined to determine the optical absorption spectra. The absorption spectra of derivatives are blue shifted compared to original DMABI. Use of these derivatives in multilayer solar cells with original DMABI makes it possible to broaden the spectral response range of OPV.
Thermal Performance of Tropical Atrium
Authors: Baharvand Mohammad , Bin Ahmad Mohd Hamdan , Safikhan Tabassom , Mirmomtaz Sayyed Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Atrium is a popular architectural feature utilized widely by building designers and owners to bring various benefits such as adequate daylight, circulation spaces and surfaces for landscape applications. But atrium problems in tropical climates such as excessive daylight, glare and high temperature, which lead to increase building energy demand, have been reported. To avoid and reduce these unpleasant features, a side-lit atrium has been suggested. Although researchers proposed side-lit atrium to prevent common problems of atria, the lack of precedent research on this issue compels these authors to study atrium performance in hot and humid climate. So the research aims to examine two different atrium roof form types in terms of temperature and ventilation impacts in hot and humid climate of Malaysia using DesignBuilder as a simulation program. The results indicate lower temperature of side-lit model with better airflow pattern in comparison with top-lit model while the top-lit model provides higher air velocity at the air inlet and outlet.
Effect of Modified Mechanical Treatment Facilities on SRF Yield in Korea
Authors: Jo Mi-Hyun , Lee Byung-Jin , Lee Jai-Young 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
An SRF plant which can produce 100 ton/month of
SRF, one of the largest manufacturing plants in Korea, was
investigated in this study. The actual operated SRF yield at
21.7 % that showed a lower yield than expected; originally
designed value was 25.0%. The cause of these results was the
difference between characteristics of MSW applied to this plant
originally and that which was actual incoming. The MSW led to
decrease the separation efficiency of the mechanical treatment
process. Thus, each element of the facility was modified. After
modification, the SRF yield increased to 30.9%, whereas the
physico-chemical properties of SRF were satisfied with domestic
standard of SRF regardless of modifying MT facilities.
Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide- and ethylene glycol-assisted preparation of mono-dispersed indium oxide nanoparticles using hydrothermal method
Authors: Dhanasingh Selvakumar , Nallasamy Dharmaraj , Padmanapan Saravanan , Padaki Vinod 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe influence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and ethylene glycol on the size and dispersion of indium oxide nanoparticles prepared under hydrothermal conditions was investigated. The precursor compound, indium hydroxide, obtained by the hydrothermal method in the absence as well as the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, was converted to indium oxide by sintering at 400°C. The formation of nanoscale indium oxide upon sintering was ascertained by the characteristic infrared adsorption bands and X-ray diffraction patterns of indium oxide. Transmission electron microscopy and band gap values confirmed that the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide facilitated the formation of indium oxide nanoparticles smaller in size and narrower in distribution than those prepared without the assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.
Cardiovascular changes in workers exposed to fine particulate dust
Authors: Bortkiewicz Alicja , Gadzicka Elżbieta , Stroszejn-Mrowca Grażyna , Szyjkowska Agata , Szymczak Wiesław , Koszada-Włodarczyk Wiesława , Szadkowska-Stańczyk Irena 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Measuring Child-Rearing Values. A Research Note
Authors: Voicu Bogdan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract Large scale comparative studies, such as the value surveys (EVS and WVS) or the Eurobarometer, include measurements for parental/child-rearing values. This reflects a persistent interest for the topic, which produced salient studies starting with the first half of the twentieth century (Lynd and Lund 1929; Duvall 1946). Various scholars report data on parental values which use versions of the Q-sort methodology (Kohn 1977), ranking variables (Alwin 1990; Lenski 1961), scale indicators (Tulviste et al. 2007). Q-sort methodology remains the most widely employed. One of its versions is included in the value surveys as well. However, it fails to produce comparable indicators in different countries (Rabušic 2011; Xiao 2001) or at different moments in time (Wright and Wright 1976). This paper uses original data, provided by a Romanian convenience sample, to check if using various versions of the EVS/WVS items may lead to better ways to produce synthetic indicators for parental-values at individual level. SEM models are used to show that the best analytic solution would be to use individual items instead of producing summative indexes.
Measuring Social Solidarity. Some Research Notes
Authors: Rusu Horațiu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract There is an increasing public, political and research interest in social solidarity. Even though the concept has a long history and is embedded in solid approaches, there is not much literature concerned with its measurement. The paper falls into the area of the methodological studies of social solidarity and it deals with construct validation. The objective of this paper is to test for convergent validity and nomological validity of two sets of items aiming to measure social solidarity attitudes and acts. The main method employed is confirmatory factor analysis.
The Domestic Sources of Global Adhocracy
Authors: Etzioni Amitai 
Published: February 2014

Abstract The article shows that (a) those who expect new global powers to rise, provoking a clash with the old one seeking to maintain its supremacy (the US), are mistaken. The US will scale back its international role, but no other power will step in to take over its functions in maintaining order. Hence an increase in global disorder. The gap will be filled to some extent by ad hoc coalitions in what is here called ‘the rise of adhocracy’. (b) The reason that various powers will play a more limited international role is that they all suffer from the same domestic crisis, namely, a governing deficit due to a decline in competence and legitimacy - albeit one that takes different forms in different nations.
SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS OF WASTE DUMP IN SANDSTONE OPEN PIT OSIELEC
Authors: Adamczyk Justyna , Cała Marek , Flisiak Jerzy , Kolano Malwina , Kowalski Michał 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the slope stability analysis for the current as well as projected (final) geometry of waste dump Sandstone Open Pit “Osielec”. For the stability analysis six sections were selected. Then, the final geometry of the waste dump was designed and the stability analysis was conducted. On the basis of the analysis results the opportunities to improve the stability of the object were identified. The next issue addressed in the paper was to determine the proportion of the mixture containing mining and processing wastes, for which the waste dump remains stable. Stability calculations were carried out using Janbu method, which belongs to the limit equilibrium methods.
NUMERICAL CALCULATION OF DEFORMATION OF THREE DIMENSIONAL SAMPLE IN TRIAXIAL APPARATUS UNDER EXTERNAL LOAD AND TEMPERATURE FIELD
Authors: Bartlewska-Urban Monika , Strzelecki Tomasz 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study presents the results of calculations of the of thermo consolidation process of porous medium with the rheological Kelvin-Voigt skeleton, obtained numerically with the use of Flex.PDE. It is a continuation of the discussion on the phenomenon of thermal consolidation. A 3D problem considered boils down to solving the problem of the porous column filled with a liquid and treated by applying uniaxial compression load through a porous plate, allowing free flow of liquid from the center. To the sample affected by external lateral pressure. Numerical solution assumes compressing the sample at properly defined boundary conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the influence of external load and temperature gradient in the deformation tests for the case when the lateral surface is a good conductor of heat, and where the lateral surface of the sample does not conduct heat. The results obtained, in the context of further research, can also be used to determine the influence of other parameters of the state and model parameters on the process of thermo poroelasticity of the Biot model with rheological skeleton.
LOESSES NEAR KRAKÓW IN LIGHT OF GEOLOGICAL-ENGINEERING RESEARCH
Authors: Borecka Aleksandra , Olek Bartłomiej 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This work is only a preliminary study on the evaluation of geological engineering properties of loess area of Kraków. It has been expanded to include field tests (CPTU, DMT), which is an alternative to expensive and time-consuming laboratory tests. The field tests allow enough detail to track the variability of physical and mechanical properties of soils, but in many cases, provide too much information, because their interpretation is often based only on a qualitative analysis. Laboratory and field tests are complementary and should be continued in order to determine best the correlation between the measured values of the resistance probes (CPTU, DMT) and the results obtained from laboratory tests. This will provide new calculation formulas for the evaluation of geotechnical parameters of loess in situ.
ANALYSIS OF MEASURED AND PREDICTED LAND SURFACE SUBSIDENCES CAUSED BY RETREAT MINING
Authors: Majcherczyk Tadeusz , Kryzia Katarzyna 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article presents the impact of the retreat mining (i.e., involving an intended collapse of the excavation roof, subsequent to extraction) on the subsidence of the ground surface. The analysis was carried out for two areas of coal underground mining located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Górnośląskie Zagłębie Węglowe). The assessment of the influence of exploitation on the ground surface was based on the results of geodetic measurements performed over a long period of time, whereas the land deformation prediction was made with the use of the EDNOPN program. The calculated and the predicted values were further compared, and the parameters of theory were determined. The results discussed in this paper have been shown by way of diagrams. The observed differences in the processes of vertical displacement were used in the analysis which took into account the degree to which the rock mass had been disturbed during the previous excavations, as well as the type of incumbent rock in the area under study.
ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE NEEDLE PROBE TEST RESULTS: THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT OF CLAYEY SOILS
Authors: Różański Adrian , Sobótka Maciej 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Recently, there is an increasing need for accurate and rapid thermal measurement of soils. Within a variety of available methods a needle probe test is most widely used. The needle probe method was standardized for the measurement of thermal conductivity of soils and soft rocks. In the paper, two different interpretation methods of the needle probe test were used for determination of thermal conductivity of selected soils. The first method (ASTM D5334-05 Standard approach) takes into account only the data which are recorded during heating while the second approach is based on fitting the known analytical solution to the data obtained within both heating and cooling phases. The soil samples used were classified as clayey ones. Laboratory tests were performed using the KD2Pro thermal conductivity meter (Decagon Devices) with a TR-1 sensor. The main goal of the paper is to show that the selection of interpretation method is very important and may lead to significant differences in resulting thermal conductivities.
QUICK SANDS EFFECT ON DESERT LANDS – EXAMPLE OF FILTRATION STABILITY LOSS
Authors: Strzelecki Michał 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze the loss of filtration stability of fine desert sands due to the air flow caused by temperature difference. The loss of stability induces the effect of so called “quick sands”. Therefore, the calculations of air filtration through the loose sand medium in dry desert climate are presented. FlexPDE v.6. software was used for numerical calculation based on FEM.
INFLUENCE OF INERTIA FORCES ON SOIL SETTLEMENT UNDER HARMONIC LOADING
Authors: Wrana Bogumił , Pietrzak Natalia 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The paper deals with the comparison of Biot’s model for saturated, porous soils with other simplified models used in dynamic analysis. The purpose of this paper is to determine some limits of validity of the various models. In order to do this a full set of governing, dynamic equations of Biot model and a series of simplifying models such as u-p simplification and quasi-static consolidation models are considered. These formulations are applied to a simple soil layer under periodic surface loading. A displacement of skeleton and a displacement of fluid are shown and compared with each model for various formulations.