Showing papers by "Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz published in 2016"

The role of input flood and input enhancement in EFL learners' acquisition of collocations

Abstract: The study investigated L2 learners’ acquisition of verb-noun and adjective-noun collocations following two kinds of instruction: input flood only and input flood plus input enhancement (in the form of underlining) L1 Polish learners of English as a foreign language were exposed to infrequent collocations embedded in stories that were read during three consecutive weeks Their collocational competence was subsequently assessed in a battery of delayed tests tapping into productive and receptive levels of collocational mastery Input flood plus input enhancement resulted in the acquisition of collocations but only at the level of form recall and form recognition The findings are discussed with reference to the complexity of acquiring and measuring L2 collocational knowledge The article concludes with implications for instructed second language acquisition

Light, earthworms, and soil resources as predictors of diversity of 10 soil invertebrate groups across monocultures of 14 tree species

Abstract: Management of biodiversity and ecosystem services requires a better understanding of the factors that influence soil biodiversity. We characterized the species (or genera) richness of 10 taxonomic groups of invertebrate soil animals in replicated monocultures of 14 temperate tree species. The focal invertebrate groups ranged from microfauna to macrofauna: Lumbricidae, Nematoda, Oribatida, Gamasida, Opilionida, Araneida, Collembola, Formicidae, Carabidae, and Staphylinidae. Measurement of invertebrate richness and ancillary variables occurred ~34 years after the monocultures were planted. The richness within each taxonomic group was largely independent of richness of other groups; therefore a broad understanding of soil invertebrate diversity requires analyses that are integrated across many taxa. Using a regression-based approach and ~125 factors related to the abundance and diversity of resources, we identified a subset of predictors that were correlated with the richness of each invertebrate group and richness integrated across 9 of the groups (excluding earthworms). At least 50% of the variability in integrated richness and richness of each invertebrate group was explained by six or fewer predictors. The key predictors of soil invertebrate richness were light availability in the understory, the abundance of an epigeic earthworm species, the amount of phosphorus, nitrogen, and calcium in soil, soil acidity, and the diversity or mass of fungi, plant litter, and roots. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that resource abundance and diversity strongly regulate soil biodiversity, with increases in resources (up to a point) likely to increase the total diversity of soil invertebrates. However, the relationships between various resources and soil invertebrate diversity were taxon-specific. Similarly, diversity of all 10

Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on EEG Alpha Asymmetry and Anxiety Symptoms in Male Athletes: A Pilot Study

Abstract: Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFB) has been shown as useful tool to manage stress in various populations. The present study was designed to investigate whether the biofeedback-based stress management tool consisting of rhythmic breathing, actively self-generated positive emotions and a portable biofeedback device induce changes in athletes’ HRV, EEG patterns, and self-reported anxiety and self-esteem. The study involved 41 healthy male athletes, aged 16–21 (mean 18.34 ± 1.36) years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: biofeedback and control. Athletes in the biofeedback group received HRV biofeedback training, athletes in the control group didn’t receive any intervention. During the randomized controlled trial (days 0–21), the mean anxiety score declined significantly for the intervention group (change-4 p < 0.001) but not for the control group (p = 0.817). In addition, as compared to the control, athletes in biofeedback group showed substantial and statistically significant improvement in heart rate variability indices and changes in power spectra of both theta and alpha brain waves, and alpha asymmetry. These changes suggest better self-control in the central nervous system and better flexibility of the autonomic nervous system in the group that received biofeedback training. A HRV biofeedback-based stress management tool may be beneficial for stress reduction for young male athletes.

Aluminum and Gallium Substitution in Yttrium and Lutetium Aluminum–Gallium Garnets: Investigation by Single-Crystal NMR and TSL Methods

Abstract: The work reports the results on 71Ga and 27Al NMR investigation of the gallium and aluminum ions distribution over tetrahedral and octahedral positions in the Y3Al5–x GaxO12:Ce single crystals and Lu3Al5–xGaxO12:Ce single-crystalline epitaxial films. The gallium content x varies between 0 and 5 in crystals and between 0.3 and 2 in films.. We find that in both the Y- and Lu-based solid solutions the larger gallium ions are preferably located at the tetrahedral position while the smaller aluminum ions prefer the octahedral position of the garnet host. Based on NMR data, the dependence of fractional occupation parameters of the tetrahedral site of Ga and Al ions on the Ga content is determined. In particular, in the Y3Al2Ga3O12:Ce crystal only 28% of Ga ions occupy octahedral sites, whereas 72% occupy tetrahedral ones. NMR investigations suggest that observed nonmonotonic dependences of electron trap depths monitored by thermally stimulated luminescence of Y3Al5–xGaxO12:Ce complex garnets on the Ga content a...

Measuring the force of punches and kicks among combat sport athletes using a modified punching bag with an embedded accelerometer

Abstract: The main aim of the study was to design a new system to measure punching and kicking forces as well as reaction times in combat sport athletes. In addition, the study examined whether there were any intergender differences in the force of punches thrown by boxers and kicking forces delivered by taekwondo athletes. Boxers (male, n = 13; female, n = 7) were examined for the force of single straight punches and taekwondo athletes (male, n = 14; female, n = 14) for force of single Apdolio and Dwit Chagi kicks. The punching bag was equipped with acceleration transducers and gyroscopes embedded in a cylinder covered with a layer to absorb shock as well as a set of colour signal diodes. Value of the punching bag's acceleration was used for calculating: strike force; the punching location on the bag; and time of a strike. The relative error of force calculation was 3%; the relative error in acceleration measurement was less than 1%. The force of a straight rear-hand punch was greater than the force of a lead-hand punch among male and female boxers. The force of Apdolio kick delivered with a rear leg was greater compared to a lead leg among female and male taekwondo athletes. Significant gender differences were noticed in the force in both types of kicks. In boxers, intergender differences were reported only for the force of a punch thrown with the rear hand. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the modified punching bag is a good diagnostic tool for combat sports.

Comparative characteristic of correlation between pulse subjective indicators of girl students’ and school girls’ reaction to physical load

Abstract: Purpose: to determine characteristics of correlation of girl students' and school girls' subjective and physiological parameters of reaction to physical load. Material: in the research sportswomen of two age groups participated: adult qualified girl students-basketball players (n=40, age 20-22years) and junior basketball players (n=35, age12-13years). Registration of heart beats rate was fulfilled with «Polar RS300X». Simultaneously, we registered subjective feeling of loaf value (heaviness) by Borg's method. Results: it was found that in conditions of natural training and competition functioning, with equal heart beats rate values school girls feel tension of fulfilled work subjectively easier. It can be explained by higher maximal values of school girls' heat beats rate, comparing with girls students. Equal values of heart beats rate reflect different changes in girl students' and school girls' organisms. That is why they can not serve reliably informative indicator of load. Conclusions: we determined characteristics of perceived tension under load of game character. It can be connected with emotional tension, which is characteristic for basketball.

Epitaxial growth of gadolinium and lutetium-based aluminum perovskite thin films for X-ray micro-imaging applications

Abstract: Our work is related to the liquid phase epitaxy-based development of new scintillating screens for high-resolution X-ray imaging. We successfully grew undoped and Tb, Eu and Ce-doped GdAlO3 as well as GdxLu1−xAlO3 single crystalline films on YAlO3 substrates. We studied crystallization conditions as a function of melt composition, growth temperature and lattice mismatch between the film and the substrate. The film composition was measured by using an electron microprobe and the morphology of the film surface was studied by scanning electron microscopy. X-Ray diffraction was used to characterize the crystal structure and the mismatch between the film and the substrate. In addition, the light yield of the Eu3+-doped films, as well as the obtained spatial resolution show that GdxLu1−xAlO3 may advantageously compete with existing thin film scintillators in particular energy ranges.

Modern methodic of power cardio training in students’ physical education

Abstract: Purpose: significant increase of students’ physical condition and health level at the account of application of modern power cardio training methodic. Material: 120 students (60 boys and 60 girls) participated in the research. The age of the tested was 19 years. The research took one year. We used methodic of power and functional impact on trainees’ organism (HOT IRON). Such methodic is some systems of physical exercises with weights (mini-barbells), to be fulfilled under accompaniment of specially selected music. Results: we showed advantages of power-cardio and fitness trainings in students’ health improvement and in elimination obesity. Control tests showed experimental group students achieved confidently higher physical indicators. Boys demonstrated increase of physical strength and general endurance indicators. Girls had confidently better indicators of physical strength, flexibility and general endurance. Increase of control group students’ body mass can be explained by students’ insufficient physical activity at trainings, conducted as per traditional program. Conclusions: students’ trainings by power-cardio methodic with application HOT IRON exercises facilitate development the following physical qualities: strength and endurance in boys and strength, flexibility and endurance in girls. Besides, it was found that such systems of exercises facilitate normalization of boys’ body mass and correction of girls’ constitution.

The world at 7:00 : Comparing the experience of situations across 20 countries

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to quantitatively compare everyday situational experience around the world. Local collaborators recruited 5,447 members of college communities in 20 countries, who provided data via a Web site in 14 languages. Using the 89 items of the Riverside Situational Q-sort (RSQ), participants described the situation they experienced the previous evening at 7:00 p.m. Correlations among the average situational profiles of each country ranged from r = .73 to r = .95; the typical situation was described as largely pleasant. Most similar were the United States/Canada; least similar were South Korea/Denmark. Japan had the most homogenous situational experience; South Korea, the least. The 15 RSQ items varying the most across countries described relatively negative aspects of situational experience; the 15 least varying items were more positive. Further analyses correlated RSQ items with national scores on six value dimensions, the Big Five traits, economic output, and population. Individualism, Neuroticism, Openness, and Gross Domestic Product yielded more significant correlations than expected by chance. Psychological research traditionally has paid more attention to the assessment of persons than of situations, a discrepancy that extends to cross-cultural psychology. The present study demonstrates how cultures vary in situational experience in psychologically meaningful ways.

CAD/CAE Applications in Mill’s Design and Investigation

Abstract: CAD/CAE are crucial in supporting structural design shredders, as well as the management of the acquisition test data. These tools, but also the AI has been used to search for the best solution of shredder. Implementations of this method and verification of shredding on many edges improve operational performance. Selected results and analysis have been verified with the results of the laboratory tests.

Intra-Group Factorial Model as the Basis of Pedagogical Control over Motor and Functional Fitness Dynamic of 14-16 Years Old Girls

Abstract: IntroductionIn modern conditions of schoolchildren's progressing immobility and their organism's low resistance to morbidity there appears a problem of increasing of children's and adolescents' physical education's effectiveness. Results of scientific researches in the field of medical-biological and pedagogic sciences show, that physical exercises are the most powerful means, capable to ensure general and purposeful development of functions and systems of adolescents' organisms (Ruiz, Silva, & Oliveira, 2009; Santos, Mota, & Santos, 2014). This fact is proved by the data about correspondence of tests to national criteria of children's health (Santos, Mota, & Santos, 2014) and by adequacy of the offered tests to children's age (Castro-Pinero, Mora, & GonzalezMontesinos, 2009; Gavin, Christine, & Daniel, 2012).Pedagogic control in sports training (Tuisheva & Ivanenko, 2015) and at physical culture lessons (Golovin, Konchic, & Turygin, 2013) is one of conditions of schoolchildren's motor functioning intensification. The procedure of pedagogic control implies classification of current state of motor and functional fitness, on which taking decisions about children's and adolescents' physical education depends. So, classification of motor fitness current state is of practical importance for working out effective programs of schoolchildren's physical training. Proper organization of pedagogic control over children's and adolescents' motor and functional fitness requires consideration of age peculiarities of their growth. Such approach permits to increase physical exercises' effectiveness. Numerous testing of 14-16 years' age girls permitted to determine specific features of fencing training (Kabanova, 2007), race walking (Tuisheva & Ivanenko, 2015), tennis (Jagiello & Jagiello, 2015), boxing (Aslaev & Kotova, 2015), swimming (Isaev, Erlikh, Nenasheva, Shepilov, & Romanova, 2014; Eider, 2015). Authors note that at all stages of training proper control with the help of tests is an integral part of junior sportsmen many years training. It permits to more effectively perfect components of junior sportsmen physical, technical and psychological training.In sports-pedagogic practice objective mark of sportsmen's potentials is regarded, even on initial stages of many years training, as one of important problems. In conditions of age development and formation of sportsmen's skillfulness numerous control indicators' reliability and information potential change, owing to different circumstances. That is why proper quantitative information permits to individualize sportsmen's training, in compliance with requirements to controlled processes (Zaporozhanov & Boraczynski, 2015; Iermakov, Podrigalo, & Jagiello, 2016). Such approach witnesses about purposefulness of control improvement for substantiation of increasing quality of sportsmen's status assessment in specific conditions of physical education (Zaporozhanov, Kochanowicz, & Kochanowicz, 2014; Skidan, Sevdalev, & Vrublewskiy, 2015).Physical exercises' practicing by 14-16 years' age girls requires consideration their physiological characteristics (Piatunina & Gajnanova, 2006; Leer & Zvereva, 2013), hemo-dynamic types (Sokolov & Grechkina, 2008; Levushkin & Son'kin, 2009), environment (Mamaev & Ivanova, 2014). It permits the following:- Increase effectiveness and immediacy of educational process control (Limarenko, 2010; Parniakov, 2015);- Perfect and substantiate criteria of assessment of schoolchildren organism's functional characteristics and motor potentials (Majfat, 2014; Selitrenikova & Korolev, 2014);- Realize support at optimal level and targeted correction of schoolchildren's physical and mental workability (Golovin et al., 2013; Nosko, Razumeyko, Iermakov, & Yermakova, 2016);- Consider rate of physical condition and motor fitness increment during all period of studying (Germanov, Mashoshina, & Vasenin, 2014);- Use physiological data for prediction of junior sportsmen's future career progress (Gonaus & Muller, 2012);- Self-regulation of physical loads among physically developed adolescents (Gerber, Lindwall, Brand, Lang, Elliot, & Puhse, 2915). …

Tropomyosin isoforms differentially modulate the regulation of actin filament polymerization and depolymerization by cofilins

Abstract: The specific functions of actin filaments located in the contractile and cytoskeletal compartments of muscle cells depend on the stability and dynamic polymerization/depolymerization of filaments. Tropomyosins and cofilins control the length and dynamic rearrangement of the filaments, although the mechanisms regulating actin dynamics are not well understood. In the present study, we used in vitro assays to examine the regulation of two cofilin isoforms, constitutive cofilin-1 and muscle cofilin-2, by the muscle homodimer Tpm1.1, muscle heterodimer Tpm1.1/Tpm2.2, and the cytoskeletal Tpm3.1. Depolymerization from the pointed end induced by the muscle-specific cofilin-2 was inhibited by all tropomyosins, whereas the muscle isoforms were most effective. By contrast, depolymerization by cofilin-1 was inhibited by Tpm3.1 and Tpm1.1, but not by Tpm1.1/Tpm2.2. Polymerization of G-actin was inhibited by cofilin-2, whereas cofilin-1 had no effect. All three tropomyosins switched on the inhibiting activity of cofilin-1; however, Tpm3.1 and Tpm1.1 were much more efficient. Cofilin-2-induced inhibition of polymerization was affected neither by Tpm1.1, nor by Tpm3.1, but partly relieved by Tpm1.1/Tpm2.2. Cofilins removed tropomyosin isoforms from the filament with different efficiencies, which correlated with the cooperativities of cofilin binding to the F-actin/tropomyosin complex. Because neither zero-length, nor long-arm cross-linking between tropomyosin and cofilin isoforms was observed, the effects of tropomyosin isoforms on the activities of cofilins were executed allosterically. The results reveal that isoform-specific interactions with actin filament permit tropomyosins to discriminate between cofilin isoforms and to differentially regulate their activities.

Mathability and mathematical cognition

Abstract: In this paper, we consider some educational aspects related to mathability. Our main goal is to approach an answer to the question what are computer assisted ways to assimilate mathematical knowledge and possess mathematical abilities.

Synthesis, antimicrobial and anticonvulsant screening of small library of tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran-4-yl based thiazoles and selenazoles

Abstract: Synthesis and investigation of antimicrobial activity of 22 novel thiazoles and selenazoles derived from dihydro-2H-thiopyran-4(3H)-one are presented. Additionally, anticonvulsant activity of six derivatives is examinated. Among the derivatives, compounds 4a-f, 4i, 4k, 4 l, 4n, 4o-s and 4v have very strong activity against Candida spp. with MIC = 1.95-15.62 μg/ml. In the case of compounds 4a-f, 4i, 4k, 4 l, 4n, 4o, 4r and 4s, the activity is very strong against some strains of Candida spp. isolated from clinical materials, with MIC = 0.98 to 15.62 μg/ml. Additionally, compounds 4n-v are found to be active against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC = 7.81-62.5 μg/ml. The results of anticonvulsant screening reveal that compounds 4a, 4b, 4m and 4n demonstrate a statistically significant anticonvulsant activity in the pentylenetetrazole model, whereas compounds 4a and 4n showed protection in 6-Hz psychomotor seizure model. Noteworthy, none of these compounds impaired animals' motor skills in the rotarod test. We also performed quantum chemical calculation of interaction and binding energies in complex of 4a with cyclodextrin.

Connectivity restoration of floodplain lakes: an assessment based on macroinvertebrate communities

Abstract: Successful rehabilitation programmes of river–floodplain systems require understanding of environmental impacts of restoring hydrological connectivity. The present study is based on a field experiment carried out between 2008 and 2013 in a floodplain of a lowland river in northern Poland, in which two oxbow lakes isolated in the 1920s were reconnected to the main river channel. Water and macroinvertebrate samples were collected three to four times a year from six sites (n = 114). After reconnection, water quality in the oxbow lakes improved and diversity and abundance of macrozoobenthos increased, especially the density of Oligochaeta, Malacostraca, Trichoptera, Bivalvia and Gastropoda, while the density of Diptera decreased. Water flow and physico-chemical variables were the most important factors explaining their variance. A direct inflow of water into the reconnected oxbow lakes occurred only during the first 2 years of the study, followed by silting and overgrowing of the inlet to the upper arm. We propose that creating semi-lotic side channels connected to the river with one arm and only occasionally flushed with fresh river water is one of the most effective restoration strategies. However, at the whole river scale, the maintenance of diversified hydrological connections is the optimal solution.

Psychosocial aspects of infertility and its treatment.

Abstract: Nowadays, more and more couples face impediments associated with conception. Infertility is related with experiencing psychological problems by both partners. One of the infertility treatment procedures is in vitro fertilization. Using this method has significant influence on patients and their family's psychology. This essay reviews literature about IVF treatment and discusses the significance of infertility to a couple, children development and psychosocial functioning, their relation with parents and public opinion about in vitro fertilization.

The Directed Inference for the Kosinski’s Fuzzy Number Model

Abstract: The Kosinski’s Fuzzy Number (KFN) model (former name the Ordered Fuzzy Number) is a tool for processing an imprecise information interpreted in a similar way as the classical convex fuzzy numbers. The specificity of KFNs is an additional property for the fuzzy number—the direction. Thanks to that, the calculations can be done as flexibly as with real numbers. Especially, we are not doomed to get the more fuzzy results after many arithmetical operations. Apart good calculations, the direction also has additional potential in the interpretation of fuzzy data. It can be treated as a direction of process, not only the value. For example “an income is high and process is growing” is a different situation than “an income is high, but process is lowering”. The direction of KFN can be used to represent difference between these sentences. Since we deal with an additional information, there is need for the new methods which let benefit a full potential of KFNs in the modeling of linguistic data. This paper introduces algorithm of the inference operation for fuzzy rule constructed with the KFNs. Presented proposal consider the direction of values in processing. It bases on the ideas presented in previous studies on this subject—the Direction Determinant. It was proposed as the general basic tool for defining methods, where we need sensitivity for the direction.

BDNF gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in relation to cognitive performance in Polish healthy subjects.

Abstract: The brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays an important role in the cell survival, axonal and dendritic growth, and synaptic plasticity. BDNF gene polymorphisms, 'functional Val66Met mainly, were shown to influence human brain structure and cognition. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between twelve BDNF gene variants and their haplotypes and cognitive performance measured using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Stroop Test which are to a large extent connected with prefrontal cortex activity. Our sample consisted of 460 healthy participants from Polish population. We detected possible association between five BDNF polymorphisms (rs11030101, rs10835210, rs2049046, rs2030324, rs2883187) and TMT_A. Additionally, one haplotype block made from eleven BDNF variants (rs2883187, rs1401635, rs2049046, rs2030324, rs11030101, rs10835210, rs1013402, rs1401635, rs1013402), as significant linkage disequilibrium appeared. We discovered possible relationships of CACCGCGTACG and CACCGCGTACG haplotypes with TMT_A and TMT_B performance respectively. Our results confirmed the involvement of BDNF in the regulation of psychomotor speed, working memory and executive function in healthy subjects measured by a task engaging visuoperceptual abilities.