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Being a parent of a child who exhibits atypical developmental patterns and encounters numerous difficulties necessitates parents to assume the roles of advocates and coordinators for their child’s services, thereby limiting the scope for personal fulfillment. This research endeavors to ascertain whether disparities exist in the quality of life between parents of typically developing children and parents of children with autism. Additionally, it aims to explore parental satisfaction with parenthood and the experience of parental stress. The study encompassed a cohort of 90 families, comprising 45 families with typically developing children and 45 families with children diagnosed with autism. To facilitate data collection, a comprehensive questionnaire was devised, capturing fundamental information. Furthermore, two scales, namely the Parental Satisfaction Scale and the Parental Stress Scale, were employed to assess parental perspectives. The results, obtained through nonparametric group comparison techniques, substantiate a significantly heightened level of parental stress among parents of children with autism. Moreover, noteworthy discrepancies were observed across essential domains of parental satisfaction. An unprecedented finding arising from this investigation, not documented in extant literature, pertains to the prevalent inclination of parents whose firstborn and solitary child has autism to conceive another child, motivated by apprehensions of autism recurrence and concerns surrounding their capacity to devote sufficient attention to a child with autism.

The aim of the research was to determine whether the innovative support service “ Programme of mental arithmetic” has positive effects on the cognitive abilities and the satisfaction of life of the elderly in institutional accommodation. New support services for the elderly are rarely developed, so it is expected that in addition to the direct positive effects on cognitive abilities, there are also indirect effects on the perception of life satisfaction. The study involved 60 elderly people, divided into control and experimental groups. Cognitive abilities were tested using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and life satisfaction by using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). An increase in scores was found on both instruments after the program was conducted in the experimental group. The scores of the control group did not change significantly.

U ovome radu se upoređuju i kritički propituju najvažnije karakteristike strukturalizma i poststrukturalizma kao dve izuzetno važne teorijske orijentacije za razumevanje aktuelne društvene i političke stvarnosti in genere. U tom smislu, analiziraju se teoretske premise/konceptualizacije: strukture, subjekta, identiteta, jezičkih formi, retorskih inkoherentnosti teksta i generativnih konsekvencija moći, to jest kontekstualizacije njenih istorijski datih/nasleđenih institucija i praksi. Pored toga što rad pokušava i da popuni evidentnu prazninu koja vlada na nivou razumevanja ova dva diskursa u okviru srpskog politikološkog prostora, on pledira i za njihovu intenzivno projektovanje/primenu u interpretaciji indigene srpske političke realnosti. Rad tretira poststrukturalizam i kao svojevrsnu intrinsičnu kritiku strukturalizma, i kao „strukturalizam strukturalizma”, neku vrstu, jako slobodno rečeno, „meta-strukturalizma”. Pritom, postmodernistički meta-narativ se doživljava kao kulturna manifestacija/valencija akademski formulisanog meta-narativa poststrukturalizma.

Background The aim was to determine the relationship between the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris and strength performance in the deep and parallel barbell squat. Methods The sample included 16 university students (seven female, 24.1 ± 1.7 years). Muscle strength was expressed as external load, including the one-repetition maximum and the body mass segments involved (calculated according to Dempster’s method). The cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris muscles was determined using ultrasound, while leg muscle mass was measured using the Bioelectrical Impedance method. Results The cross-sectional areas of the three vastii muscles and leg muscle mass showed moderate to strong correlation with external load in both squat types (r = 0.509–0.873). However, partial correlation (cross-sectional area of quadriceps femoris muscles were controlled) showed significant association only between leg muscle mass and deep squat (r = 0.64, p

Razumevanje perspektive nastavnika predstavlja važnu pretpostavku funkcionalnog sprovođenja inkluzije u školama. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se ispitaju percepcije nastavnika o sopstvenim ulogama u obrazovanju učenika sa smetnjama u razvoju, u odnosu na uloge školskih psihologa i pedagoga, njihove percepcije ličnih kompetencija za inkluzivno obrazovanje, kao i procene mogućih barijera u ostvarivanju vaspitno-obrazovne inkluzije. Uzorak su činila 102 nastavnika koji rade u redovnim osnovnim školama, od kojih je 60,8% izjavilo da ima profesionalno iskustvo u radu sa decom sa smetnjama u razvoju. Primenjen je upitnik koji je razvijen za potrebe ovog istraživanja i čije su karakteristike evaluirane eksplorativnom faktorskom analizom. Prema dobijenim rezultatima, nastavnici veruju da školski psiholozi i pedagozi imaju primarnu ulogu u ostvarivanju određenih aspekata inkluzivnog obrazovanja. Nastavnici takođe ukazuju na opšti nedostatak osećaja kompetentnosti za rad sa decom sa smetnjama u razvoju. Kao najveće prepreke inkluzivnom obrazovanju, nastavnici su identifikovali sopstveno inicijalno obrazovanje i negativnu školsku kulturu. Konačno, rezultati su pokazali da ne postoji značajna povezanost iskustva nastavnika s učenicima sa smetnjama u razvoju i dužine radnog iskustva sa percepcijom različitih aspekata inkluzivnog obrazovanja. U zaključnim razmatranjima se ističe da je potrebno da nastavnici prihvate svoje uloge i da se osećaju kompetentno u radu s učenicima sa smetnjama u razvoju. Implikacije istraživanja se odnose na pravce unapređivanja inicijalnog obrazovanja i stručnog usavršavanja nastavnika u domenu inkluzije.

The present research describes the development and validation of a self-reported instrument that measures the determinants of pedestrians’ intention to violate traffic rules, based on the theory of planned behaviour. Moreover, the research deals with the analysis of the predictive validity of an extended theoretical framework of the theory of planned behaviour in relation to pedestrians’ intention to violate. Based on the quota sample, adult pedestrian respondents (n = 383) completed a questionnaire assessing the relevant variables. Valid and reliable scales were developed, and they measure subjective, descriptive, normative, and personal norms, cognitive and affective attitudes, perceived behavioural control, habit formation, and behavioural intention concerning pedestrians’ misdemeanour. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that all components, except descriptive norms, were significant simultaneous predictors of pedestrians’ intention to violate. The most powerful predictor is the personal norm. Overall, the findings considerably support the concept of the extended theoretical framework of the theory of planned behaviour.

Background and Objectives: In many sports, maintaining muscle work at an optimal level despite fatigue is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to discover the most efficient way of recovery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute effects of four different recovery methods on muscle neuromechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design. Fourteen healthy and active male students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (age 25.1 ± 3.9 years) were included in this study. The tensiomyography was used to evaluate muscle responses after four different types of short-term recovery methods (passive rest, percussive mechanical, vibro-mechanical, and manual massage) on the rectus femoris muscle on four occasions: baseline, post fatigue, post recovery and prolonged recovery. Results: The ANOVA revealed that muscle fatigue decreased maximal vertical muscle displacement (Dm) and muscle contraction time (Tc) in post fatigue compared to the baseline. The most important finding shows that only the vibro-mechanical massage resulted in an increase in Tc in the prolonged recovery compared to the post fatigue (p = 0.028), whereas only manual massage showed no differences in Dm from the baseline in post-recovery (p = 0.148). Moreover, both manual and vibro-mechanical massages increased Dm and Tc in prolonged recovery, indicating no differences from the baseline (all p > 0.05), thus showing signs of muscle recovery. Percussion mechanical massage and passive rest did not show indices of muscle recovery. Conclusions: Manual massage could induce immediate positive changes in Dm by reducing muscle stiffness. In addition, vibro-mechanical and manual massage improved muscle tissue by rapidly returning Dm and Tc values to baseline at prolonged recovery measurement (5 min after the fatigue protocol). These findings can benefit sports practitioners, and physical therapists in developing the best recovery method after muscle fatigue.

Systemic nature of informational function of the state and informational function of law are presented in this article. The ratio of informational function of the state and informational function of the law assist having a more deep study and comprehension of the essence of the analyzable phenomenon.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to compare sex adaptations in hypertrophy, strength and contractile properties of upper and lower-body muscles induced by resistance training (RT). Eighteen RT untrained male (MG) and female (FG) students (aged 24.1 ± 1.7 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.08 m, weight: 70.4 ± 12.3 kg) undervent 7 weeks of biceps curl and squat training (2 days/week, 60–70% repetition maximum, 3–4 sets, 120 s rest intervals, reps until muscular failure). At baseline and final measurement, thickness and cross-section area, one-repetition maximum and tensiomyography parameters (contraction time − Tc and radial displacement − Dm) of elbow flexors (biceps brachii) and knee extensors (4 quadriceps muscles) were evaluated. Although MG tends to display greater absolute strength gains for upper- (p = 0.055) and lower-body (p = 0.098), for relative changes ANCOVA revealed no sex-specific differences for either of the tested variables. Significant hypertrophy was observed for all tested muscles, except for vastus intermedius in FG (p = 0.076). The Dm significantly decreased for biceps brachii (MG by 12%, p

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two different training protocols, which differ in the duration of the eccentric phase, on the one-repetition maximum (1RM), thickness and contractile properties of elbow flexors. Twenty untrained college students were randomly divided into two experimental groups, based on the training tempo: FEG (Faster Eccentric Group: 1/0/1/0) and SEG (Slower Eccentric Group: 4/0/1/0). Training intervention was a biceps bending exercise, conducted twice a week for 7 weeks. The intensity (60–70% RM), sets (3–4) and rest intervals (120 s) were held constant, while repetitions were performed until it was not possible to maintain a set duration. In the initial and final measurements, 1RM, muscle thickness and tensiomyography parameters – contraction time (Tc) and radial deformation (Dm) – were evaluated. An ANCOVA model (using baseline outcomes as covariates) was applied to determine between-group differences at post-test, while Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between absolute changes in muscle thickness and Dm. Muscle strength increase was greater for SEG than for FEG (6.0 ± 1.76 vs. 3.30 ± 2.26 kg, p < 0.01). In both groups muscle thickness increased equally (FEG: 3.24 ± 2.01 vs. SEG: 3.57 ± 1.17 mm, p < 0.01), while an overall reduction in Dm was observed (FEG: 1.99 ± 1.20 vs. SEG: 2.26 ± 1.03 mm, p < 0.01). Values of Tc remained unchanged. A significant negative relationship was observed between changes in muscle thickness and Dm (r = -0.763, Adj.R² = 0.560, p < 0.01). These results indicate that the duration of the eccentric phase has no effect on muscle hypertrophy in untrained subjects, but that slower eccentric movement significantly increases 1RM.

Background: A massage is a tool that is frequently used in sports and exercise in general for recovery and increased performance. In this review paper, we aimed to search and systemize current literature findings relating to massages’ effects on sports and exercise performance concerning its effects on motor abilities and neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. Methods: The review has been written following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. One hundred and fourteen articles were included in this review. Results: The data revealed that massages, in general, do not affect motor abilities, except flexibility. However, several studies demonstrated that positive muscle force and strength changed 48 h after the massage was given. Concerning neurophysiological parameters, the massage did not change blood lactate clearance, muscle blood flow, muscle temperature, or activation. However, many studies indicate pain reduction and delayed onset muscle soreness, which are probably correlated with the reduction of the level of creatine kinase enzyme and psychological mechanisms. In addition, the massage treatment led to a decrease in depression, stress, anxiety, and the perception of fatigue and an increase in mood, relaxation, and the perception of recovery. Conclusion: The direct usage of massages just for gaining results in sport and exercise performance seems questionable. However, it is indirectly connected to performance as an important tool when an athlete should stay focused and relaxed during competition or training and recover after them.

This article examines the means of stylistic expression that define the poetics of Vollidiot, a novel by a modern German writer Tommy Jaud’s. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the novel, which has already been translated into Russian, has not been subjected to purposive literary and stylistic analysis yet, but it has only been the object of bibliographic reviews. Purpose. The article describes the study, its purpose being to identify the most frequent stylistic means that express the specificity of the artistic world and the world perception of the hero of the novel. Methodology. The research methods applied are as follows: the method of quantitative analysis, based on the calculation of the most frequent, leading means of stylistic expression; the word-image method aimed at identification of the figurative potential of an identified component of stylistics. Results. It has been revealed that the sarcastic nature of the narrative, the protagonist’s attitude to the reality around him, is expressed more often in an ironic text, in which two and sometimes more than two meanings arise simultaneously, and they either coexist or replace each other. The quantitative analysis shows that the frequency of stylistic means such as grotesque, hyperbola, irony and sarcasm is particularly strong in the first third of the novel, in the future the mood of the hero changes, the attitude towards others is softened and this is reflected in the degree of applicability of the above-mentioned expression means. By the end of the book, as the hero ‘s birthday approaches and is again mastered by depression, there is again a quantitative increase in the means of ironic and sarcastic expression Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in the field of analysis of belles-lettres style and literary work.

Competitive athletes frequently use altitude training (AT) to improve sea-level performance. AT became interesting for sport scientists and athletes since Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Exercise at altitude may increase the training stimulus and enlarge the effects of endurance training. The first noted adaptation induced by staying at altitude is an increase in red blood cell mass that improves aerobic power and sea-level performance. Currently, there are several types of AT modalities: traditional 'live high-train high', contemporary 'live high-train low', intermittent hypoxic exposure during rest, live low-train high and intermittent hypoxic exposure during continuous session. Despite several substantial differences between these methods of hypoxic all of them have the same goal: to stimulate an improvement in athletic performance at sea level. A proper distinction must be made between altitude acclimatization during preparation for competitions at altitude and AT and acclimatization for improvement of the sea-level performances. Former scientific researches identified two longer phases of enhanced work capacity after AT. First phase of enhanced work capacity occurring between days 3-7 and 12-13, while the best results are achieved during 18 and 20 days after AT. Second phase of enhanced work capacity is reported between days 36 and 48 after AT. The further development of practical knowledge in area of AT should predominantly include recommendations about application of different AT methods in training periodization in different sports. Improvement of the work capacity and duration of enhanced work capacity at the sea level after AT stimuli are the main questions opened for future scientific researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large number of variables could be alternated during the process of planning and programming in sports training. Superior training results in majority of sports are achieved by optimally manipulating training parameters in appropriate sequences and combinations. Additionally, in some sports they might be the result of appropriate periodization pattern. Today's tendency in strength training practice is training movements instead of training muscles. Exercise classification according to the dominant movement types, allows creating new modalities in training alternation. Additional variations in volume, intensity, rest brakes, repetition velocity and inter-repetition rest can be the important part of functional strength training program. Alternation and combination of different training parameters makes appropriate training stimulus for strength increase in the most of nowadays sports. Optimal alternation of basic training parameters should be the first part in the process of planning and programming. As a result, majority of athletes might not need advanced periodization patterns for optimal improvement in muscle strength and power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the turn of the third millennium, scientists and experts of many countries are still trying to puzzle out ‘the mystery of Stradivari’, using for this purpose advanced technological solutions in the fi elds of physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, etc. It has been undoubtedly proved that one of the basic secrets of the great master’s violin sounding is in the recognition of the proper material. Unfortunately, Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri and other great representatives of the Old Italian school did not leave any hints, but it has been recorded that they selected wood for the string-plate, the main sounding part of a violin, by tapping, and they designed an instrument judging from the ‘sonority’ factors known to them only. Using modern scientific terms, it is possible to ascertain that it was the professional skill of the master to decode the percussion-acoustic response of the source material that predetermined the quality of the product. The results of the work done cannot claim to disclose any secrets in the field. For this purpose, significant complex research is necessary, both fundamental and applied, integrating the efforts of scientists and experts in different areas: physicists, acousticians, wood scientists, foresters and, the main thing, the recognized masters in the sphere of manufacturing corresponding musical instruments. This paper presents the fi rst results of implementing the technique based on the excitation of fl uctuations of a trunk by a special shock device with further recording, decoding and analyzing acoustic response, matching it with the conditions of growth and general morphology of a tree, i.e. its size, crown form and length, trunk habit, etc. As such a work does not have any analogues and, consequently, there is no ‘acoustic standard’ of a sounding tree for the moment, the data obtained were analyzed in accordance with general provisions of acoustic diagnostics. Thus, the basic acoustic parameters accepted are vibrating activity, power consumption of spectral characteristics, amount of resonance peaks, vibration absorbing and damping, frequency distribution of a spectrum.

Developed countries reaffrm the role of agriculture in the functioning of the entire economy, emphasizing the importance of agricultural production. Faced with the need for greater investment in agriculture while directing new investments into underdeveloped rural areas, transitional countries must realistically assess their potentials and limitations in this area. The aim of the study is to defne the characteristics of the SME sector during structural changes in agriculture, which is one of the drivers of economic development of Serbia. This study analyzes the current state of the sector of small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs in agriculture and examines indicators that point to their development. How to encourage the development of agricultural production in a country that has experienced a complete economic collapse? Why do incentives to entrepreneurship and agricultural production in the Republic of Serbia have no expected effects? Institutions of the Government of the Republic of Serbia have created a whole spectrum of economic and fscal incentives after the 5th October changes, but the effects of such programs are limited. Political managing of funds, institutions and ministries reduces the effciency and transparency of the program, which greatly reduces the scope and importance of these programs in a healthier business environment. Serbias determination to continue European integration obliges economic policy makers to comply with the most important economic development documents and strategies accepted by EU countries. General economic development must provide the conditions for further successive expansion of agricultural production in Serbia, while at the same time undertaking measures for the modernization of agricultural holdings as part of integral development.

A critique to Pal Kolstø, 2014 ‘Identifying with the old or the new state: nation-building vs. Yugonostalgia in the Yugoslav successor states’, Nations and Nationalism 20 (4), 760–781