Optical conductivity of the Kondo insulator YbB_12: Gap formation and low-energy excitations

Optical reflectivity experiments have been conducted on single crystals of the Kondo insulator YbB_12 in order to obtain its optical conductivity, \sigma(\omega). Upon cooling below 70 K, a strong supression of \sigma(\omega) is seen in the far-infrared region, indicating the opening of an energy gap of ~ 25 meV. This gap development is coincident with a rapid decrease in the magnetic susceptibility, which shows that the gap opening has significant influence on magnetic properties. A narrow, asymmetric peak is observed at ~40 meV in \sigma(\omega), which is attributed to optical transitions between the Yb 4f-derived states across the gap. In addition, a broad peak is observed at ~0.25 eV. This peak is attributed to transitions between Yb 4f-derived states and p-d band, and is reminiscent of similar peaks previously observed for rare-earth hexaborides.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

The effect of concurrent training organisation in youth elite soccer players

Purpose: This study compared the adaptive responses to two concurrent training programmes frequently used in professional soccer. Methods: Fifteen youth soccer players (17.3 ± 1.6 years, 1.82 ± 0.06 m, 77.0 ± 7.3 kg; VO peak, 62.0 ± 4.7 ml kg min) who compete in the English Premier League volunteered for this study. In addition to completing their habitual training practices, the participants were asked to alter the organisation concurrent training by performing strength (S) training either prior to (S + E, n = 8) or after (E + S, n = 7) soccer-specific endurance training (E) 2d wk for 5 wk. Results: With the exception of 30 m sprint, IMVC PF, quadriceps strength (60°/s, 180°/s, 120°/s) pooled data revealed training effects across all other performances measures (P < 0.05). Whilst ANCOVA indicated no significant interaction effects for training condition, the difference between the means divided by the pooled standard deviation demonstrated large effect sizes in the E + S condition for in HBS 1-RM [S + E vs E + S; −0.54 (9.6 %) vs −1.79 (19.6 %)], AoP-M [−0.72 (7.9 %) vs −1.76 (14.4 %)], SJ [−0.56, (4.4 %), vs −1.08, (8.1 %)], IMVC-LR; [−0.50, (20.3 %) vs −1.05 (27.3 %)], isokinetic hamstring strength 60°/s [−0.64, (12.2 %) vs −0.95 (19.2 %)], 120°/s [−0.78 (27.9 %) vs −1.55 (23.3 %)] and isokinetic quadriceps strength 180°/s  [−0.23 (2.5 %) vs −1.52 (13.2 %)]. Conclusion: Results suggest the organisation of concurrent training, recovery time allocated between training bouts and the availability nutrition may be able to modulate small but clinically significant changes in physical performance parameters associated with match-play. This may have practical implications for practitioners who prescribe same day concurrent training protocols

Hormonal responses during two different concurrent-training trials in youth elite soccer players: does changing the organisation of training impact the hormonal response to concurrent exercise?

BACKGROUND: There are no data describing the acute hormonal responses to concurrent-training programmes in youth elite soccer players. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the total testosterone (T), cortisol (C), and growth hormone (hGH) responses during two same-day concurrent-training (CT) trials in elite soccer players. METHODS: n=13 youth elite players (age: 17.0±0.2 yrs; height, 1.80±0.07 m; body mass, 73.1±5.7 kg; O2 max, 64.4±4.8ml-1.kg-1.min-1) from an English premier league soccer club completed two CT trials. ‘Trial 1’ (CT1); E (10.30h) followed by S (14.00h) and Trial 2 (CT2); strength-training (S) 09.00h followed by a soccer-specific endurance-training session (E) at 10.30h. Venous blood samples were collected at 5 time-points around training and food intake (T1; 08.00h, T2; 09.45h, T3; 12.30h, T4; 13.45h and T5; 15.15h) and analysed for T (nmol/L) and C (nmol/L) and hGH (ug/L). RESULTS: There was no main effects found between exercise conditions for any hormones (T; P=0.22, C; P=0.07, hGH; P=0.21). Effect size analysis revealed a moderate effect for T at T3 (ES=0.63, CT1; 18.4±3.8, CT2; 15.7±4.7 nmol/L-1). A moderate effect for T area under the curve (AUC) was observed between conditions (CT1; 300±76 versus CT2; 244 ± 81 [AU]; ES=0.71). A moderate effect was apparent for C concentrations T4 in (ES=-0.95, CT1; 230±69, CT2; 314±105 nmol/L-1). Moderate effect sizes were observed at T3 and T4 (ES=0.82, CT1; 1.28±1.17, CT2; 0.47±0.75, ES=0.72, CT1; 0.11±0.05, CT2; 0.07±0.06 ug/L-1 respectively). A moderate effect for hGH AUC was observed between trials (CT1; 14±11 versus CT2; 5±9; [AU], ES=-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: The organisation of the concurrent-training protocols used in this study has a negligible impact upon the acute T, C and hGH in youth elite soccer players

Biopsychosocial and Economic Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Jambi, South Sumatera: Path Analysis

Background: Low birthweight (LBW) is one of the main risk factors of neonatal mortality and morbidity. As such, it is an important public health issue particularly in developing countries. Worldwide, LBW shares around 15-20% of birth outcome. In Indonesia, LBW shares about 10.2% of birth outcome. In theory, the risk factors of LBW include not only biological aspect but also psychosocial and economic aspects. This study sought to estimate the biopsychosocial and economic determinants of LBW in Jambi, South Sumatera, using path analysis approach.Subjects and Method: This was an analytic observational study with case control design. The study was carried out at 20 community health centers in Jambi, South Sumatera, from December 2017 to January 2018. A total sample of 200 newborn infants consisting of 50 LBW and 150 normal birthweight newborn infants were selected for this study by fixed disease sampling. The dependent variable was birthweight. The independent variables were gestational age, infant sex, maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), maternal gestational stress, maternal education, family income at gestational period, and sanitation. Data on birthweight and MUAC were taken from obstetric record. The other data were collected by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by path analysis.Results: The risk of LBW decreased with gestational age ≥37 weeks (b= -5.06; 95% CI= -6.49 to -3.62; p<0.001), male sex (b= -0.99; 95% CI= -2.12 to -0.12; p= 0.081), low maternal stress (b= -2.35; 95% CI= 14.01 to -0.70; p= 0.005), and good sanitation (b= -1.04; 95% CI= -2.13 to -0.05; p= 0.062). Gestational age increased with family income (b= 1.74; 95% CI= 0.96 to 2.52; p<0.001). Low maternal stress was positively affected by high family income (b= 1.34; 95% CI= 0.197 to 2.50; p= 0.022). Good sanitation was positively affected by high family income (b= 0.71; 95% CI= 0.01 to 1.41; p= 0.046). High family income was positively affected by high education level (b= 1.37; 95% CI= 0.57 to 2.18; p= 0.001)Conclusion: The risk of LBW decreases with gestational age ≥37 weeks, male sex, low maternal stress, and good sanitation. LBW is indirectly affected by maternal education and family income.Keywords: biopsychosocial, economic, determinant, LBWCorrespondence: Iga Trisnawati. Masters Program in Public Health, Uiversitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: +6282377277992Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2018), 3(1): 385-394https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2017.03.01.0

Pengaruh Lingkungan Keluarga terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Pelajaran Ekonomi di Smak Abdi Wacana

: This research aims to determine the effect of family environment on learning outcomes of students of class XI IPS SMA Kristen Abdi Wacana Pontianak . The method used is descriptive method . These samples included 55 people with the study population . Based on the results obtained by t-test t calculate of 6.188 and t table amounted to -2.006 , this shows that t calculate > t table ( 6.188 > 2.006 ) so Ho refused and Ha is received. While the influence of independent variables on the dependent variable can be seen from the coefficient of determination , that is equal to 0.419, which means the influence of family environment on student learning outcomes by 41.9 % while the remaining 58.1 % is influenced by other variables not examined in this study. So it can be concluded that there is influence between family environment on student learning outcomes on economic subjects in class XI IPS SMA Kristen Abdi Wacana Pontiana

Low Birthweight and Its Biopsychosocial and Economic Determinants: A New Evidence Using a Path Analysis Model from Jambi, South Sumatera

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a major maternal and child health problem, especially in developing countries. Children who are born with weight less than 2.5 kg are vulnerable for infections, malnutrition, psychological disorder, and decreased the intelligence, and dying, in their early childhood. Little is known about the association between LBW and the biopsychosocial and economic factors in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the biopsycho­social and economic determinants of LBW in Jambi, South Sumatera. Subjects and Method: This was a case control study carried out at 20 community health centers in Jambi, South Sumatera, from December 2017 to January 2018. A total sample of 200 newborn infants consisting of 50 LBW and 150 normal birthweight newborn infants were selected for this study by fixed disease sampling. The dependent variable was birthweight. The independent variables were maternal age, maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), gestational age, infant sex, maternal gestational stress, maternal education, family income at gestational period, and sanitation. Data on birthweight and MUAC were taken from obstetric record. The other data were collected by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by path analysis. Results: The risk of LBW was increased by female sex (b= 0.99; 95% CI= -0.12 to 2.12; p= 0.081), and high maternal stress (b= 2.35; 95% CI= 0.70 to 4.01; p= 0.005). The risk of LBW decreased with gestational age ≥37 weeks (b= -5.06; 95% CI= -6.49 to -3.62; p= 0.000), and good sanitation (b= -1.04; 95% CI= -2.13 to 0.05; p= 0.062). Gestational age increased with nutritional status (b= 1.91; 95% CI= 0.94 to 2.89; p< 0.001), and family income (b= 1.50; 95% CI= 0.66 to 2.32; p= 0.000). Nutritional status increased with family income (b= 1.45; 95% CI= 0.55 to 2.33; p=0.001). Sanitation increased with family income (b= 0.71; 95% CI= 0.01 to 1.41; p= 0.046). Family income increased with education (b= 1.37; 95% CI= 0.57 to 2.18; p= 0.001). Education increased with maternal age (b= 1.03; 95% CI= 0.19 to 1.87; p= 0.015). Maternal stress decreased with family income (b= -1.34; 95% CI= -2.50 to -0.19; p= 0.022). Conclusion: The risk of LBW increased with gestational age <37 weeks, female sex, high maternal stress, and poor sanitation. LBW is indirectly affected by maternal age, nutritional status, maternal education and family income. Keywords: biopsychosocial, economic, determinant, LBW, Jambi

Effective Symmetries of the Minimal Supermultiplet of N = 8 Extended Worldline Supersymmetry

A minimal representation of the N = 8 extended worldline supersymmetry, known as the `ultra-multiplet', is closely related to a family of supermultiplets with the same, E(8) chromotopology. We catalogue their effective symmetries and find a Spin(4) x Z(2) subgroup common to them all, which explains the particular basis used in the original construction. We specify a constrained superfield representation of the supermultiplets in the ultra-multiplet family, and show that such a superfield representation in fact exists for all adinkraic supermultiplets. We also exhibit the correspondences between these supermultiplets, their Adinkras and the E(8) root lattice bases. Finally, we construct quadratic Lagrangians that provide the standard kinetic terms and afford a mixing of an even number of such supermultiplets controlled by a coupling to an external 2-form of fluxes.Comment: 13 Figure

Reproducibility of an isokinetic eccentric muscle endurance task

Despite the widespread use of isokinetic eccentric muscle endurance protocols, no research has examined the absolute and relative reliability of such tests. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of an isokinetic eccentric knee muscle endurance task. Fifteen healthy untrained males volunteered to take part in the study and written informed consent was obtained. The procedures received approval from the University Research Ethics Committee. Participants visited the laboratory on three separate occasions: 2 weeks before testing to familiarize them with the experimental procedures, and on two separate occasions, 2 weeks apart and at the same time of day. Isokinetic eccentric knee extension and flexion movements of the dominant limb were performed using a calibrated dynamometer (Biodex System 3). Range of motion during testing was set using voluntary maximal full extension (0 rad) to 1.57 rad of knee flexion and testing was conducted at 1.56 rad . s(-1). Participants performed four maximal efforts to determine maximal peak torque. After 2 min rest, participants completed the all-out endurance test of 50 continuous eccentric repetitions. Data were gravity corrected and windowed to only include constant velocity periods. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to examine differences in maximal peak extension and flexion torque and the maximal torque measurement recorded during the endurance test. Absolute and relative reliability of the torque fatigue index, work fatigue index, and total work were assessed through calculation of intra-class correlation coefficients, coefficients of variation, and absolute 95% limits of agreement using the methods described by Bland and Altman (1986). Differences between the strength test and the endurance trial for peak torque were found to be non-significant for both quadriceps (323 vs. 323 N . m) and hamstrings (183 vs. 178 N . m). The intra-class correlation coefficients revealed significant (P<0.05) positive moderate to strong correlations (r=0.44-0.94) across repeated trials for all parameters except hamstring torque fatigue (P=0.11) and hamstring work fatigue index (P=0.08). Coefficients of variation ranged from 6% to 48% and were large for the work fatigue index and torque fatigue index but acceptable for total work for both the extensors and flexors. The 95% limits of agreement indicated systematic bias in repeated trials for both the work fatigue index and torque fatigue index for extensors and flexors, ranging from -3% to -10%, with less fatigue evident in the second test. There was also systematic bias for total work, with more work being performed during the second than the first test for both extensors and flexors. The random error was large for all variables and there was greater random error in the hamstrings compared with the quadriceps. Together with moderate to strong intra-class correlation coefficients and large coefficients of variation, the data suggest that there is small systematic bias in repeated eccentric muscle actions for both the quadriceps and hamstrings, although the random error was large despite habituation procedures. Therefore, data from an isokinetic eccentric muscle endurance task should be viewed with some caution even when participants receive considerable habituation before assessment

'Nordic' Hamstrings Exercise - Engagement Characteristics and Training Responses

The present study examined the neuromuscular activation characteristics of the hamstrings during the 'Nordic' hamstrings exercise (NHE) and changes in the eccentric strength of the knee flexors with NHE training. Initially, the normalised root mean square electromyographic (EMG) activity of the hamstrings of both limbs during various phases (90-61 degrees, 60-31 degrees and 30-0 degrees of knee extension) of the NHE were determined in 18 soccer players. Subsequently participants were randomly allocated to either a training (n = 10) or control group. The isokinetic eccentric peak torques of the dominant and non-dominant limbs were recorded at 60, 120 and 240 degrees/s pre- and post-training. The EMG values of both limbs were comparable (P = 0.184) and greater EMG activity was recorded at more extended knee positions of the NHE (P = 0.001). 4 weeks of NHE training significantly improved peak torque by up to 21% in all assessment conditions. Data indicate the hamstrings of both limbs are engaged identically during the NHE and training results in gains in the eccentric peak torque of the hamstrings of both limbs; these gains may augment the force that the hamstrings can withstand when forcefully stretched, attenuating injury risk