Catalogue Search | MBRL
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
{{itemTitle}}
286
result(s) for
"Braun, Claudia"
Sort by:
Simon effects in action sequences
Most actions we perform in daily life consist of multiple movement elements. In two Simon task experiments, we investigated the impact of stimulus–response compatibility on planning and execution of action sequences. A total of 38 participants were instructed to perform action sequences consisting of multiple key presses (two to four key presses) as response to a left- or right-presented colored stimulus. Within one block, the requested action sequences were of the same length but differed in their spatial features. The results show Simon effects in reaction time for up to four-element long action sequences. The effects became especially apparent when participants were forced to finish action planning before action execution by the implementation of a no-go condition (Experiment 2). Simon effects in movement time emerged for two movement element actions, only. That is, dimensional overlap between spatial features embedded in an action sequence as well as in an imperative stimulus can affect action initiation.
Journal Article
Service branding from the perspective of higher education administrators
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical insights about service branding from higher education administrators (HEAs) perspectives and to identify the main factors involved in their strategic thinking in this sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a qualitative approach, 22 in-depth interviews were performed in Brazilian HEAs to analyze service branding as a strategic institutional process in this context.
Findings
Findings reveal that service branding depends on several factors, e.g., in this case, deep integration between branding and services, leadership involvement, strong value propositions, sharing of strategic guidelines, branding experiences and, finally, credibility and reputation. Excellence of service is considered essential in higher education (HE) and, therefore, service branding faces the challenge of promoting the provision of quality services.
Originality/value
Although there have been many studies relating to HE and branding, few authors have studied service branding in educational sector and which issues must be observed in a competitive marketplace.
Journal Article
Instability Resistance Training improves Working Memory, Processing Speed and Response Inhibition in Healthy Older Adults: A Double-Blinded Randomised Controlled Trial
Aging is associated with declines in physical and cognitive performance. While there is no doubt about beneficial effects of physical exercise on proxies of strength and balance, the overall evidence for positive effects of resistance and balance training on executive functions is rather inconsistent. Whether the simultaneous exercising of strength and balance, i.e., instability resistance training, promotes executive functions in older adults is unknown. In the present trial, we tested the effects of unstable vs. stable resistance training on executive functions. Sixty-eight healthy older adults aged 65–79 years were randomly assigned to either an instability free-weight resistance training or one of two stable machine-based resistance training programs. Each group exercised twice a week on non-consecutive days for 10 weeks. Four tests to evaluate specific domains of executive functions were administered prior and following training: working memory, processing speed, response inhibition and set-shifting. The instability resistance training group improved working memory, processing speed and response inhibition from pre to post-test. In contrast, we found no improvements in executive functions for both stable resistance training groups. Our results demonstrate that 10 weeks of instability resistance training suffice to improve executive functions in older adults.
Journal Article
Weight estimations with time-reversed point-light displays
Interpreting other’s actions is a very important ability not only in social life, but also in interactive sports. Previous experiments have demonstrated good estimation performances for the weight of lifted objects through point-light displays. The basis for these performances is commonly assigned to the concept of motor simulation regarding observed actions. In this study, we investigated the weak version of the motor simulation hypothesis which claims that the goal of an observed action strongly influences its understanding (Fogassi, Ferrari, Gesierich, Rozzi, Chersi, & Rizzolatti, 2005). Therefore, we conducted a weight judgement task with point-light displays and showed participants videos of a model lifting and lowering three different weights. The experimental manipulation consisted of a goal change of these actions by showing the videos normal and in a time-reversed order of sequence. The results show a systematic overestimation of weights for time-reversed lowering actions (thus looking like lifting actions) while weight estimations for time-reversed lifting actions did not differ from the original playback direction. The results are discussed in terms of motor simulation and different kinematic profiles of the presented actions.
Journal Article
Quality of life in colon cancer patients with skin side effects: preliminary results from a monocentric cross sectional study
Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are widely prescribed anticancer drugs. Patients treated commonly develop dermatologic adverse drugs reactions, but rarely they are involved in systematic evaluation of their quality of life. This monocentric cross sectional study is carried out to assess quality of life in colon cancer patients experienced skin side effects due to anti epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors therapy.
Methods
Consecutive patients with skin side effects to therapy treated at Fondazione Poliambulanza were enrolled in this study. Quality of life was evaluated with the Italian validated version of Skindex-29 questionnaire, exploring three dimensions: symptoms, emotional, and physical functioning. Skindex-29 was administered one time between the eighth and the twelfth week of the treatment.
Results
Forty-five consecutive patients, mainly with metastatic colon cancer (29 female, 16 male), with an average age of 59.31 years (ranging from 34-78) were included in the study and analyzed. Patients showed a great impact of skin side effects on symptoms (mean 43), followed by emotional (mean 30), and functioning (mean 26) scales. In general women, the 55-65 age class, and patients with partial remission reported the worst quality of life.
Conclusions
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors' skin side effects have an important impact on quality of life in advanced colon cancer patients; symptoms scale is the most effect respect to emotional and functioning scales.
Journal Article
Radial head deformity as an osseous cause of recurrent posterolateral elbow instability—a case report
Background
Radial head fractures are often associated with complex osteoligamentous injuries. Mild elbow stiffness, posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), and persistent impairment often lead to revision surgery.
Objectives
The aim of the study was to present a complicated course after radial head fracture with posttraumatic radial head deformity, which led to chronic PLRI due to the so-called cam effect.
Material and methods
A young, active man suffered a bilateral radial head fracture. While the Mason type I radial head injury healed without sequelae, the Mason type III injury on the opposite side was followed by several revisions due to arthrofibrosis, advanced chondromalacia, and increasing head deformity, which led to recurrent PLRI. In addition to the analysis of the individual pathogeneses and revisions as well as a detailed explanation of the last revision surgery, a clinical follow-up was carried out 12 months after the last revision with examination of the range of motion and collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM).
Results
Four revision operations were performed. After open metal removal and arthrolysis, a lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction was performed for proven PLRI, followed by another arthroscopic arthrolysis with evidence of recurrent instability. The cause of the elongation/insufficiency of the ligament reconstruction was the deformed radial head, which was corrected in the fourth revision together with a revision LUCL reconstruction comprising radial head plasty. At the final follow-up, the patient was satisfied and there was no pain and instability. Extension/flexion was 0‑0-135° with free pronation/supination at 80-0-80°. The PROMs showed good overall results.
Conclusion
Revision surgeries are frequently required to address complex posttraumatic conditions following radial head fractures. Early arthroscopic instability testing is recommended to promptly identify and address PLRI if there are ongoing complaints. In addition to ligament stability, it is essential to restore the bony anatomical alignment, since bony deformity of the radial head can contribute to decentration of the humeroradial column and progressive elongation of the LUCL/LCL complex, leading to a recurrence of PLRI due to the cam effect.
Journal Article
What Is the Best Step Technique for Swimming Relay Starts?
There is a great heterogeneity in the starting techniques used by international-level swimmers in relay events. The aim of the present study was to analyse and compare the two most commonly used relay start techniques by male and female competitive swimmers. Thirteen males and seven females national and international-level swimmers performed several 25-m trials with their preferred relay start (n = 91, short-step; n = 54, long-step technique). Linear mixed models examined the effects of gender and start technique, with 5-m start times as a covariate. Swimmers performing long-step showed faster 5-m (0.09 s, d = 1.10) and 10-m (0.09 s, d = 0.39) times than those performing short-step starts, regardless of gender (all p < 0.001). This was the result of i) longer block times, ii) faster horizontal velocities with lower peak forces during the leg step and iii) faster velocities with higher peak forces when driving-off the block in the long-step technique. In both relay techniques, females showed 0.11 s (d = 1.38) longer 5-m and 0.69 s (d = 2.99) longer 10-m (both p < 0.001) times compared to males with longer block times and slower velocities in all key events. Swimmers should take advantage of the new starting platforms to apply long-step start techniques that increase horizontal displacement but also forward velocity before leaving the block.
Journal Article
Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam computed tomography and radiography for scaphoid fractures
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy, the inter-rater agreement and raters’ certainty of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and radiography for the detection of scaphoid fractures. Our hypothesis is that the CBCT has a higher diagnostic accuracy for scaphoid fractures than radiography. We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent both radiography and CBCT examinations within 4 days to rule out a scaphoid fracture over a 2-year period in our institution. 4 blinded radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons independently rated the images regarding the presence of a scaphoid fracture. The reference standard was evaluated by two radiologists in a consensus reading. Inter-rater correlation was evaluated, pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated and compared. 102 patients met the inclusion criteria. 52% of them had a scaphoid fracture. The inter-rater correlation was higher in the CBCT compared to radiography (P < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were higher for CBCT than for radiography (P < 0.019). Observers’ fracture classifications showed a higher correlation with the reference standard in the CBCT. Observers’ certainty for fracture detection and classification were higher in the CBCT. CBCT shows a higher diagnostic accuracy for scaphoid fractures than radiography.
Journal Article
Impaired activation of lesional CD8+ T-cells is associated with enhanced expression of Programmed Death-1 in Indian Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
Post Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), caused by
Leishmania donovani
is the dermal sequel of Visceral Leishmaniasis and importantly, is the proposed disease reservoir. The survival of
Leishmania
parasites within monocytes/macrophages hinges on its ability to effectively nullify immune activation mechanisms. Thus, delineating the disease-promoting immune mechanisms can facilitate development of immunotherapeutic strategies. Accordingly, in the absence of an animal model, this study aimed to delineate the status of CD8
+
T-cells in patients with PKDL. At disease presentation, the absence of CD4
+
T-cells at lesional sites was concomitant with an overwhelming infiltration of CD8
+
T-cells that demonstrated an absence of Perforin, Granzyme and Zap-70, along with an enhanced expression of Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) and the skin-homing CCL17. Additionally, the lesional CCR4
+
CD8
+
population was associated with an enhanced expression of IL-10 and IL-5. In circulation, the enhanced CD8
+
CCR4
+
T-cell population and raised levels of CCL17/22 was associated with an increased frequency of PD-1, while CD127 was decreased. Taken together, in PKDL, the enhanced plasma and lesional CCL17 accounted for the dermal homing of CD8
+
CCR4
+
T-cells, that along with a concomitant upregulation of PD-1 and IL-10 mediated immune inactivation, emphasizing the need for designing immunotherapies capable of reinvigorating T-cell potency.
Journal Article