bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Profiles and Predictors of Students’ Social-Ecological Engagement
Authors: Lawson Michael A. , Masyn Katherine E.
Published: December 2015

Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study (2002), this study employed latent class analysis (LCA) to explore the relationship between students’ engagement-related dispositions and their behavioral engagement in home, school, and community activities. The primary aim was to identify and describe the engagement characteristics of distinct subpopulations of students. Our higher-order LCA models yielded five subpopulation profiles of students’ social-ecological engagement. In contrast to extant participation-identification models, these new profiles suggested that the relationship between students’ behavioral engagement and their school-related identities and dispositions is nonlinear and nonhomogeneous. This major finding recommends comprehensive school–community improvement models as well as nuanced interventions that are tailor-made to fit the engagement needs and identity-related characteristics of each student subpopulation.
Offloading treatment is linked to activation of proinflammatory cytokines and start of bone repair and remodeling in Charcot arthropathy patients
Authors: Folestad Agnetha , Ålund Martin , Asteberg Susanne , Fowelin Jesper , Aurell Ylva , Göthlin Jan , Cassuto Jean
Published: December 2015

Background

Proinflammatory cytokines are an integral part of the osteolytic activity of Charcot arthropathy but are also central to normal bone healing. As there are no previous longitudinal studies investigating their role during the recovery phase of Charcot, we set out to monitor systemic levels of proinflammatory cytokines from Charcot presentation until a clinically and radiographically documented chronic state has been reached.

Methods

Twenty‐eight consecutive Charcot patients were monitored during 2 years by repeated foot radiographs, MRI and plasma levels of interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor [TNF]‐α, and IL‐1 receptor antibody (IL‐1RA). Charcot patients were treated with total contact cast (TCC) on the first day of inclusion. Neuropathic diabetic controls (n = 20) and Healthy subjects (n = 20) served as reference.

Results

Plasma IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the acute and chronic phase of Charcot were below or at the level of diabetic controls and healthy, whereas IL‐1RA/IL‐1β ratio was continuously higher in Charcot patients. IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐1RA began to increase one week after offloading to reach a peak after 4 months before gradually receding.

Conclusions

A sustained increase of IL‐6 and TNF‐α starting shortly after offloading and paralleled by accelerated bone healing on radiographs, suggest that offloading, by activating the inflammatory stage, has a key role to play in the onset of coupled bone remodeling. High IL‐1RA/IL‐1β ratio in Charcot patients at presentation supports a counter‐balancing anti‐inflammatory role for IL‐1RA in the acute phase whereas a high ratio after two years, possibly due to renewed weight‐bearing on a deformed foot, signal need for continued anti‐inflammatory activity and contradicts a “cold” biological state in the chronic phase.
Role of ABCA7 loss-of-function variant in Alzheimer's disease: a replication study in European–Americans
Authors: Del-Aguila Jorge L. , Fernández Maria Victoria , Jimenez Jessica , Black Kathleen , Ma Shengmei , Deming Yuetiva , Carrell David , Saef Ben ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Howells Bill , Budde John , Cruchaga Carlos
Published: December 2015

Introduction

A recent study found a significant increase of ABCA7 loss-of-function variants in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases compared to controls. Some variants were located on noncoding regions, but it was demonstrated that they affect splicing. Here, we try to replicate the association between AD risk and ABCA7 loss-of-function variants at both the single-variant and gene level in a large and well-characterized European American dataset.

Methods

We genotyped the GWAS common variant and four rare variants previously reported for ABCA7 in 3476 European–Americans.

Results

We were not able to replicate the association at the single-variant level, likely due to a lower effect size on the European American population which led to limited statistical power. However, we did replicate the association at the gene level; we found a significant enrichment of ABCA7 loss-of-function variants in AD cases compared to controls (P = 0.0388; odds ratio =1.54). We also confirmed that the association of the loss-of-function variants is independent of the previously reported genome-wide association study signal.

Conclusions

Although the effect size for the association of ABCA7 loss-of-function variants with AD risk is lower in our study (odds ratio = 1.54) compared to the original report (odds ratio = 2.2), the replication of the findings of the original report provides a stronger foundation for future functional applications. The data indicate that different independent signals that modify risk for complex traits may exist on the same locus. Additionally, our results suggest that replication of rare-variant studies should be performed at the gene level rather than focusing on a single variant.
A Diet Rich in Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Improves Systolic Function and Alters the Lipidomic Profile in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Airhart Sophia , Cade W. Todd , Jiang Hui , Coggan Andrew R. , Racette Susan B. , Korenblat Kevin , Spearie Catherine Anderson , Waller Suzanne , O'Connor Robert , Bashir Adil , Ory Daniel S. , Schaffer Jean E. , Novak Eric , Farmer Marsha , Waggoner Alan D. , Dávila-Román Víctor G. , Javidan-Nejad Cylen , Peterson Linda R.
Published: December 2015

Context:

Excessive cardiac long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) metabolism/storage causes cardiomyopathy in animal models of type 2 diabetes. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are absorbed and oxidized efficiently. Data in animal models of diabetes suggest MCFAs may benefit the heart.

Objective:

Our objective was to test the effects of an MCFA-rich diet vs an LCFA-rich diet on plasma lipids, cardiac steatosis, and function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design:

This was a double-blind, randomized, 2-week matched-feeding study.

Setting:

The study included ambulatory patients in the general community.

Patients:

Sixteen patients, ages 37–65 years, with type 2 diabetes, an ejection fraction greater than 45%, and no other systemic disease were included.

Intervention:

Fourteen days of a diet rich in MCFAs or LCFAs, containing 38% as fat in total, was undertaken.

Main Outcome Measures:

Cardiac steatosis and function were the main outcome measures, with lipidomic changes considered a secondary outcome.

Results:

The relatively load-independent measure of cardiac contractility, S′, improved in the MCFA group (P < .05). Weight-adjusted stroke volume and cardiac output decreased in the LCFA group (both P < .05). The MCFA, but not the LCFA, diet decreased several plasma sphingolipids, ceramide, and acylcarnitines implicated in diabetic cardiomyopathy, and changes in several sphingolipids correlated with improved fasting insulins.

Conclusions:

Although a diet high in MCFAs does not change cardiac steatosis, our findings suggest that the MCFA-rich diet alters the plasma lipidome and may benefit or at least not harm cardiac function and fasting insulin levels in humans with type 2 diabetes. Larger, long-term studies are needed to further evaluate these effects in less-controlled settings.
Queering the Pinup
Authors: Musser Amber Jamilla
Published: December 2015

In 2006 a group of women decided to launch the “I Heart Brooklyn Girls” calendar, a celebration of queer femininity. Their initial concept—twelve months, twelve decades of pinup—gave way to a focus on 1950s pulp aesthetic in later calendars, but the link between Brooklyn and femme agency remains consistent. Yet the ways in which time, place, gender, and race meet are not straightforward. Through the various iterations of the calendar, we can see that these contemporary performances of femme-ness are part of a particular affective attachment to the 1950s. This essay interrogates this conglomeration of femme visibility, historical play, the politics of location, and the invisibility of racial difference that these historical fantasies produce.
Contingent Invisibility
Authors: Newton Natalie
Published: December 2015

This article examines the role of strategic appropriation of public urban space for Vietnamese lesbian (les) community formation in contemporary Saigon. Through twenty-one months of ethnographic research of les events that are “hidden in plain sight,” contingent invisibility is theorized as a threefold process of appropriation for les community formation and individual maneuvering around social stigma. By contingent, this article refers to invisibility that is “dependent” on a postsocialist state policing of urban space and “strategic” for les who gatekeep events. Contingent is also used as a double entendre—through familiarity and use of les spaces, a contingent becomes a “community.” Contingencies of invisibility for les are demonstrated through ethnographic analysis of open-air sidewalk cafés in which les congregate, rented space for a les event, and a les-only café in Vietnam's largest metropolis. Queer invisibility is theorized as contingent and intentional, rather than a symptom of social marginalization.
Bad Sex, Good Love
Authors: Rosqvist Hanna Bertilsdotter , Andersson Catrine
Published: December 2015

We discuss “love” as a rhetorical strategy in the Swedish gay press, 1969–86, in relation to shifting meanings of sex and love. During this period, meanings of homosexual subjectivity were rapidly changing at several societal levels. New ideals of openness and monogamous love became more dominant and tended to exclude expressions of sexual practices based primarily on pleasure. Using the analytical terms unconditioned versus conditioned, we discern a shifting relative strength between discursive constructions of unconditioned sex/sex conditioned on love, and love for love's sake/love conditioned on coupledom.
Coaches' Perceptions and Proposed Solutions for Challenging Behaviors: Implications for Athletes with Hidden Disabilities
Authors: Vargas Tiffanye M. , Flores Margaret M. , Beyer Robbi
Published: December 2015

Within sports, youth with hidden disabilities (HD) may have difficulty with understanding/following directions, physical coordination, remembering plays, and sustaining attention. These behaviors are often considered challenging for coaches. While previous research has addressed coaches' self-reports through surveys related to efficacy and coaching athletes with HD, they did not address questions regarding coaches' proposed strategies for addressing such challenging behaviors; such research may provide better understanding of their perceptions as well as information regarding coaches' knowledge about accommodating learning differences among their athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate coaches' perceptions of practice situations involving athletes exhibiting various challenging behaviors and coaches' proposed solutions to addressing these situations. Fifty-five youth sport coaches viewed four practice situations and completed questionnaires following the video clips. Results found that while coaches could often point to the need for demonstrations and checking for understanding, they often did not consider that the coach may have given faulty directions and would instead recommend repeating the instructions to make sure the athlete understood. Other times, the coach indicated that the athlete must not know terminology or perhaps had not been taught the skill used in the drill. Interestingly, these coaches all reported very high efficacy in: 1) appropriately redirecting the athlete(s), 2) effectively making accommodations to coach the athlete(s), and 3) preventing the athlete from interfering with coaching the athletes. This research continues to underscore the need for improved coaching education.
An Analysis of Penalty Kicks in Elite Football Post 1997
Authors: Dalton Kristine , Guillon Michel , Naroo Shehzad A.
Published: December 2015

The penalty kick in football is a seemingly simplistic play; however, it has increased in complexity since 1997 when the rules changed allowing goalkeepers to move laterally along their goal line before the ball was kicked. Prior to 1997 goalkeepers were required to remain still until the ball was struck. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of the penalty kick in the modern game of football. A retrospective study of the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup and the 2000, 2004 and 2008 European Championship tournaments was carried out, assessing the importance of the penalty kick in match play and shootouts and the effect of the time of the game on the shooter's success rate. This study demonstrated the conversion rate of penalties was 73% in shootouts and 68% in match play. Significantly more penalties were awarded late in the game: twice as many penalties in the second half than the first and close to four times as many in the fourth quarter vs. the first. Teams awarded penalty kicks during match play won 52%, drew 30% and lost 18% of the time; chances of winning increased to 61% if the penalty was scored, but decreased to 29% if missed. Teams participating in either the World Cup or European Championship final match had roughly a 50% chance of being involved in a penalty shootout during the tournament. Penalty shots and their outcome significantly impact match results in post 1997 football.
Thirst for Drink Knowledge: How Singaporean Youth Athletes Measure up in an Exercise Hydration Knowledge Questionnaire
Authors: Chia Michael , Mukherjee Swarup , Huang Dynelle
Published: December 2015

The study examined the exercise hydration knowledge of youth athletes in Singaporean schools. 586 youth athletes (mean age 13.9±2.5yrs, male=322, female=259, unidentified=5) from four primary schools (n=231, 11.4±1.1yrs), four secondary schools (n=219, 14.5±1.1yrs) and one junior college (n=136, 17.3±0.8yrs), participated in the study. All participants completed a validated exercise hydration knowledge questionnaire that was developed based upon the consensus statements and position stands of three international sport associations. 46.9% of youths were dependent on teachers and coaches for exercise hydration knowledge, but junior college students were more self-taught. An average knowledge competence score of 44.7±14.0% was obtained, which was significantly below the minimum required competence score of 80%. Post-exercise hydration knowledge was significantly lower than pre-and during exercise hydration knowledge (Mean scores pre=47.2±22.0%, during=48.7±16.9%, post=36.3±18.3%; all p<0.05). Overall, exercise hydration knowledge gaps among youth athletes were identified, in particular for post-exercise hydration. The majority of participants from the three schooling levels did not attain the required competence score of 80% and above. Coach education and physical education training programmes must specifically address and ameliorate these knowledge deficiencies among Singaporean youth so that they can be empowered to take personal responsibility for their safe participation and training in sport.
A Biomechanical Analysis of the Heavy Sprint-Style Sled Pull and Comparison with the Back Squat
Authors: Winwood Paul W. , Cronin John B. , Brown Scott R. , Keogh Justin W. L.
Published: December 2015

This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the heavy sprint-style sled pull and squat. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed sled pulls and squats at 70% of their 1RM squat. Significant kinematic and kinetic differences were observed between the sled pull start and squat at the start of the concentric phase and at maximum knee extension. The first stride of the heavy sled pull demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) lower stride lengths and average velocities and a higher mean ratio of force than the stride at 2 – 3 m. The force orientation and magnitude associated with the heavy sprint-style sled pull demonstrates that the heavy sled pull may be an effective conditioning stimulus to generate superior anterior-propulsive forces compared to vertically orientated exercises such as the squat with the same given load. Such adaptations may be beneficial in sports where higher levels of sprint momentum are needed to make and break tackles.
A Biomechanical Analysis of the Strongman Log Lift and Comparison with Weightlifting's Clean and Jerk
Authors: Winwood Paul W. , Cronin John B. , Brown Scott R. , Keogh Justin W. L.
Published: December 2015

This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the log lift and clean and jerk. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed log lifts and clean and jerks at 70% of their 1RM clean and jerk. Significant (p<0.05) between-exercise kinematic differences were observed throughout all the lifting phases, except at lift completion. The log lift demonstrated significantly greater trunk (↑24%) and hip (↑9%) range of motion than the clean and jerk. Significantly greater peak bar velocities were achieved in the clean and jerk in the second pull (16%) and the jerk (↑14%). While similarities existed in ground reaction force data between the lifts, mean and peak powers were significantly greater (↑40% to ↑64%) in propulsive phases of the clean and jerk. The log lift may be an effective conditioning stimulus to teach rapid triple extension while generating similar vertical and anterior-propulsive forces as the clean and jerk with the same given load.
Effect of Combined Uphill-Downhill Sprint Training on Kinematics and Maximum Running Speed in Experienced Sprinters
Authors: Paradisis Giorgos P. , Bissas Athanassios , Cooke Carlton B.
Published: December 2015

This study examined the effects of sprint running training on sloping surfaces (3°) in experienced sprinters using selected kinematic variables. Twelve experienced sprinters were randomly allocated to two training groups (combined uphill–downhill and horizontal). Pre- and post-training tests were performed to examine the effects of six weeks of training on maximum running speed, step rate, step length, step time, contact time, braking and propulsive phase of contact time, flight time and selected postural characteristics during a step cycle in the final steps of a 35m sprint test. In the combined uphill–downhill training group, maximum running speed was substantially greater (from 9.08 ± 0.90 m s-1 to 9.51 ± 0.62 m s-1; p <0.05) after training by 4.8%; step rate, contact time, step time and concentric phase was not modified. There were no significant changes in maximal speed or sprint kinematics in the horizontal training group. Overall, the posture characteristics did not change with training. The combined uphill–downhill training method was substantially more effective in improving the maximum running speed in experienced sprinters than a traditional horizontal training method.
Associations between the Performance of Scoring Manoeuvres and Lower-Body Strength and Power in Elite Surfers
Authors: Secomb Josh L. , Farley Oliver R.L. , Lundgren Lina , Tran Tai T. , King Andy , Nimphius Sophia , Sheppard Jeremy M.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine whether any significant associations were present between lower-body strength and power, and the performance of turning and aerial manoeuvres in elite surfing athletes. Eighteen competitive male surfers performed a battery of physical tests (countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP)) during a single session, in addition to having their performance of turning and aerial manoeuvres ranked from highest to lowest. Significant associations were identified between turning manoeuvre ranking and; peak force in the CMJ, SJ and IMTP (ϱ=−0.737, p<0.01; ϱ=−0.856, p<0.01; ϱ=−0.683, p<0.01, respectively), as well as, peak velocity and jump height in the CMJ (ϱ=−0.560, p=0.02; ϱ=−0.529, p=0.02, respectively). No significant associations were identified between aerial manoeuvre ranking and any strength and power variables. These results suggest that surfing athletes that exhibit greater lower-body isometric and dynamic strength, and power also perform higher scoring turning manoeuvres during wave riding.
Effective Behaviours of Strength and Conditioning Coaches as Perceived by Athletes
Authors: Szedlak Chistoph , Smith Matthew J , Day Melissa C , Greenlees Iain A
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify effective behaviours and characteristics of strength and conditioning coaches as perceived by elite athletes. Eight elite international level university athletes (Male = 6; Female = 2) with an average age of 20.4 years ( SD = 1.3) and an average of 7 years' experience in their sport ( SD = 2.4) were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three general dimensions were identified: behaviours that enhance the relationship between the athlete and their coach; coaches' actions; and coaches' values. The findings confirm previous research that areas such as instruction, technical knowledge and feedback are essential in delivering effective strength and conditioning coaching. However, the results further highlight the important role of higher order characteristics such as trust, respect, role modelling, authenticity, motivation and inspiration. The findings suggest that these higher order characteristics augment the default instructional coaching style as these behaviours enhance the strength and conditioning coaches' effectiveness in developing the athlete. The results further aim to recommend competencies of strength and conditioning coaches by encouraging self-reflection and therefore optimising coaches' development.
Strength and Conditioning Roundtable: Working with Novice Coaches
Authors: Gillham Andy , Doscher Michael , Schofield Gary , Dalrymple Dan , Bird Scott
Published: December 2015

Coaches learn how to coach in a variety of ways and mentorship has been suggested as a key component in learning to coach, but is also one that is not widely applied or effectively utilized in sport coaching. In sport, mentorship has been considered within the context of coach-to-coach, administrator-to-administrator and coach-to-athlete. Some attention has been paid to considering the specific context of strength and conditioning coaches, but expert level strength and conditioning coaches have yet to have their voices heard. The purpose of this article was to provide a forum for award-winning strength and conditioning coaches working at high school, collegiate and professional competitive levels to discuss their experiences both learning how to coach and their approach to working with novice coaches. The four respondents provided similar answers to each other and answers that are largely supportive of previous work with sport coaches. Despite the similarities, questions within the context of being a strength and conditioning coach remain and some questions for future research are presented.
Willingness to Compete: Family Matters
Authors: Almås Ingvild , Cappelen Alexander W. , Salvanes Kjell G. , Sørensen Erik Ø. , Tungodden Bertil
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the role of family background in explaining differences in the willingness to compete in a cognitive task. By combining data from a lab experiment conducted with a fairly representative sample of adolescents in Norway and high-quality register data on family background, we show that family background is fundamental in two important ways. First, boys from low socioeconomic status families are less willing to compete than boys from better-off families, even when controlling for confidence, performance, risk preferences, time preferences, social preferences, and psychological traits. Second, family background is crucial for understanding the large gender difference in the willingness to compete. Girls are much less willing to compete than boys among children from better-off families, whereas we do not find any gender difference in willingness to compete among children from low socioeconomic status families. Our data suggest that the main explanation of the role of family background is that the father’s socioeconomic status is strongly associated with boys’ willingness to compete. We do not find any association between the willingness to compete for boys or girls and the mother’s socioeconomic status or other family characteristic that may potentially shape competition preferences, including parental equality and sibling rivalry.

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
How Much Is a Win Worth? An Application to Intercollegiate Athletics
Authors: Chung Doug J.
Published: December 2015

Intercollegiate athletics in the United States have become a multibillion-dollar industry over the past several decades. In this study, we investigate the short- and long-term direct monetary effects of operating a winning athletics program for an academic institution of higher education. We construct a unique panel data set from multiple sources and utilize the latest dynamic panel data estimation methods to account for heterogeneity while also addressing endogeneity concerns. We find that success in men’s football and basketball has a significant impact on a school’s respective football and basketball revenues; however, the effect is different based on the type of school. We find that regular season wins in football account for most of the increase in revenue for established schools, whereas invitations to prestigious postseason bowl games play a big part for less-established schools. Furthermore, we find that student population and education quality dissipate the effect of athletic success on monetary payoffs. We find that success in basketball carries over more from the past than in football with additional contemporaneous marginal effects for established schools. We do find, however, that past athletic success carries over significantly to the present in both football and basketball, suggesting the significance of the long-term monetary effect of athletic success to many academic institutions in the United States.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
To Fully Net or Not to Net: Adverse Effects of Partial Multilateral Netting
Authors: Amini Hamed , Filipović Damir , Minca Andreea
Published: December 2015

We show that partial versus full multilateral netting of interbank liabilities increases bank shortfall and reduces clearing asset price and aggregate bank surplus. We also show that partial multilateral netting can be worse than no netting at all.
Modeling Demand Uncertainty in Two-Tier City Logistics Tactical Planning
Authors: Crainic Teodor Gabriel , Errico Fausto , Rei Walter , Ricciardi Nicoletta
Published: December 2015

We consider the complex and not-yet-studied issue of building the tactical plan of a two-tiered city logistics system while explicitly accounting for the uncertainty in the forecast demand. We describe and formally define the problem and then propose a general modeling framework, which takes the form of a two-stage stochastic programming formulation, the first stage selecting the first-tier service network design and the general workloads of the intertier transfer facilities, and the second stage determines the actual vehicle routing on the second tier as well as some limited adjustments of the first-stage service design decisions. Four different strategies of adapting the plan to the observed demand are introduced together with the associated recourse formulations. These strategies are then experimentally compared through an evaluation procedure that, based on Monte Carlo principles, mimics the decision process of a priori planning followed by repetitively applying the adjusted plan to the periods of the planning horizon. The performances of the city logistics system under the adjustment strategies are contrasted through performance measures relative to the costs of operating the system, including those of additional vehicle capacity and movements required when the plan does not provide sufficient transportation means, the utilization of the various types of vehicles, the intensity of the vehicle presence within the city, and the utilization of the intertier transfer facilities. The comparisons are discussed both based on the numerical figures obtained through simulation and from the point of view of managerial insights into the implication for managing city logistics physical and human resources. The analysis emphasizes the interest of flexibility in managing resources and operations for the overall performance of the system, discusses the associated trade-offs, and underlines the benefits of consolidation in terms of system efficiency and impact on the city. The comparisons also show that even when demand variability and management constraints are explicitly taken into account, our approach is still able to build good tactical plans.
Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of an externally applied electroceutical device in managing venous leg ulcers in clinical practice in the UK
Authors: Guest J.F. , Ayoub N. , Greaves T.
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of treating patients with a venous leg ulcer (VLU) with an externally applied electroceutical (EAE) device, plus dressings and compression bandaging or continuing with their previous care plan, from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Method:

This was a prospective, single-arm, non-blinded, clinical and economic evaluation of EAE therapy performed in 2013/14. Patients' VLUs were treated with six active units of EAE therapy (each unit for two days) plus dressings and compression bandaging over a period of 12 days. Afterwards, patients were managed with a combination of dressings and bandages. Each patient acted as their own control so that clinical outcomes, resource use and costs associated with the wound over 12 months before the start of EAE therapy were retrospectively compared with the first 12 months after the start of treatment. The relative cost-effectiveness of EAE therapy was estimated at 2013/14 prices.

Results:

Within 12 months of starting EAE therapy 77% of all wounds healed and the other 23% improved. This difference in effectiveness between the 12-months period before and after EAE therapy was estimated to yield a 12% improvement in health gain of 0.09 QALYs (p<0.01), a 34% reduction in the requirement for nurse visits (from a mean 50.7 to 33.3 visits per patient) and a 26% reduction in the number of dressings. This resulted in an 11% reduction in the NHS cost of VLU management over 12 months after the start of treatment when compared with the previous 12 months (from £1,981 to £1,754 per patient). Hence, use of EAE therapy was found to be a dominant treatment (i.e. improved outcome for less cost).

Conclusion:

Within the study's limitations, use of the EAE device potentially affords the NHS a cost-effective treatment for managing VLUs when compared with patients remaining on their previous care plan.
How has our view of pressure ulcers changed and what does the future hold?
Authors: Webb Rachel
Published: December 2015

At this year's European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) conference, the Journal of Wound Care met members of manufacturer ROHO Inc.'s scientific advisory board. We discussed the changes in thought on pressure ulcer aetiology and care and what the future might look like. Here we describe deep tissue deformation and how this concept is changing the way scientists and clinicians look at pressure ulcers. The future for pressure ulcer prevention could be the use of microsensors allowing, among other things, home monitoring of those at risk
Successful treatment of non-healing pressure ulcers with topical n-acetyl cysteine
Authors: Ozkaya H. , Bahat G. , Tufan A. , Doğan H. , Bilicen Z. , Karan M.A.
Published: December 2015

Objective:

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a thiol compound with antioxidant and vasodilatory properties. It has multiple potential uses—including as an aid to wound healing—supported by varying levels of evidence. Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a major problem affecting older and bed-bound patients, and are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs. We aimed to study whether topical NAC treatment may be useful in non-healing PUs in a prospective case study in two debilitated nursing home residents suffering from a total of three treatment-resistant PUs.

Method:

PUs were staged as described by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. The ulcers were measured at the beginning and weekly thereafter with a standard wound measuring paper ruler.

Results:

The first patient had a category 3 pressure ulcer and the second patient had one category 3 and one category 4 ulcer. Topical NAC vial administration significantly improved healing in all three PUs without any side effects.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate that NAC may be used in treatment-resistant PUs successfully.
Sacubitril/Valsartan
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Baker Danial E. , Leonard James
Published: December 2015

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The December 2015 monograph topics are rolapitant, insulin degludec, flibanserin, coagulation factor IX (recombinant), and grazoprevir/elbasvir. The Safety MUE is on rolapitant.
CONDIÇÕES DE PRODUÇÃO DE LEITE EM PROPRIEDADES FAMILIARES LOCALIZADAS NO MUNICÍPIO DE ALEGRE – ES, BRASIL
Authors: Neta Francisca Carvalho Nascimento , Junqueira Mateus Da Silva , Carneiro Joel Camilo Souza , Ramos Maria da Penha Piccolo , Abdallah Fabrízio Raggi , Fracalossi Camila Pereira
Published: December 2015

Objetivou-se avaliar as condições e práticas de produção de leite empregadas por proprietários rurais, bem como as condições de armazenamento e das instalações e estruturas dos locais de instalação de quatro tanques de refrigeração coletivos do município de Alegre, ES. Coletaram-se dados sobre procedimentos de higienização e estrutura física do estábulo, origem e tratamento da água, higiene e saúde dos manipuladores, procedimentos de higienização e assepsia dos tetos e controle sanitário do rebanho. Foi avaliada também a estrutura física dos locais dos tanques. Verificou-se que os currais eram arejados, secos e cobertos e que a minoria possuía piso cimentado e sala de ordenha. Um baixo percentual dos produtores realizava o pré (21%) e o pós-dipping (6%). Apenas 25% dos produtores realizavam o teste da caneca de fundo preto. Todos os equipamentos eram lavados após a ordenha, mas apenas 5% utilizavam sanitizantes e 94% das propriedades usavam água não tratada. Apenas 8% dos ordenhadores tinham o hábito de lavar as mãos antes da ordenha e 9% tinham conhecimento sobre a IN 62 do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Nenhuma instalação possuía proteção contra entrada de insetos, roedores e contaminantes ambientais e eram mal dimensionadas, não permitiam a aplicação de medidas sanitárias adequadas, portanto, apresentavam condições higiênicas deficitárias. O alto grau de não conformidades relativo às boas práticas de produção de leite reforçou a necessidade de implementação das Boas Práticas Agropecuárias nas propriedades rurais para fins de obtenção de leite de acordo com os padrões de qualidade, prevenção de perdas e sustentabilidade da atividade leiteira da região.
DESENVOLVIMENTO E AVALIAÇÃO SENSORIAL DE IOGURTE ADICIONADO DE “CAVIAR” DE CENOURA POR CRIANÇAS
Authors: Cruz Richtier Gonçalves , Arruda Henrique Silvano , Almeida Martha Elisa Ferreira , Santos Virgínia Souza
Published: December 2015

O objetivo do trabalho foi elaborar um iogurte com a adição de “caviar” de cenoura e analisar sua aceitação sensorial por crianças do ensino fundamental. O “caviar” foi elaborado utilizando-se a técnica da esferificação com alginato de sódio, sendo adicionado em iogurte do tipo batido sem a adição de polpa na proporção de uma porção de cenoura para uma porção de iogurte. Foram realizadas as análises microbiológicas e posteriormente a avaliação da aceitação sensorial com crianças. De acordo com as análises microbiológicas o produto estava apto para o consumo. O escore médio em pontos obtido na análise sensorial realizada com 52 crianças foi de 6,7 (sendo 6,6 no gênero masculino e 6,8 no feminino). As crianças do gênero feminino apresentaram as maiores notas (p < 0,05). O índice de aceitabilidade geral obtido para o iogurte com “caviar” de cenoura foi de 95,70%. Conclui-se que o iogurte acrescido de “caviar” de cenoura foi aceito sensorialmente, pois apresenta elevadas notas que reflete no seu índice de aceitabilidade, sugerindo que este produto seja empregado como uma alternativa para aumentar o consumo de cenoura por crianças.
Jurysdykcyjna ranga samorządowych kolegiów odwoławczych
Authors: Zimmermann Jan
Published: December 2015

Prezentowany artykuł został wprawdzie napisany z okazji 25-lecia samorządowych kolegiów odwoławczych, nie jest on jednak okolicznościową laurką. Zwraca on uwagę na te cechy samorządowych kolegiów odwoławczych, które mają charakter węzłowy, nieraz dyskusyjny, ale które świadczą o wysokiej wadze i klasie omawianej instytucji.Autor wychodzi od zagadnień konstytucyjnych, wskazując, że chociaż obowiązująca Konstytucja RP nie wspomina o kolegiach, to jednak szereg jej uregulowań ma wpływ na ich kształt. Rozwiewa on tu wątpliwości dotyczące tego, czy kolegia są rzeczywiście organami zdecentralizowanymi i czy są one organami samorządowymi, a także analizuje przepis Konstytucji o zaskarżalności wszelkich orzeczeń w toku instancji. Tu właśnie pojawia się po raz pierwszy tytułowa „ranga jurysdykcyjna” kolegiów.Druga część opracowania dotyczy ustroju i organizacji kolegiów i zawiera m.in. dyskusję z koncepcją zmniejszenia liczby kolegiów, a także omawia delikatne relacje między kolegiami a administracją rządową. Kolejny punkt dotyczy aksjologicznych aspektów funkcjonowania kolegiów, zwłaszcza aksjologii administracyjnego toku instancji i jurysdykcji administracyjnej. Przedstawiono tu katalog wartości, które stanowią tło istnienia i funkcjonowania kolegiów. Punkt ostatni zaś dotyka praktyki działania kolegiów i jej licznych problemów.Na zakończenie autor stwierdza, że kolegia są wielką wartością, którą należy chronić i szanować. Wyraża on stanowcze życzenie, żeby nie przeprowadzać drastycznych zmian w zakresie organizacji i funkcjonowania kolegiów. Nie można pozwolić nie tylko na rozwijanie skrajnych pomysłów likwidacji kolegiów, ale także na koncepcje pozbawienia ich należnej im roli przez likwidację lub „spłaszczenie” odwołania administracyjnego, wreszcie przez pozbawienie ich możliwości wydawania orzeczeń merytorycznych.
O ustroju samorządu miasta stołecznego Warszawy
Authors: Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna , Jakacka Beata
Published: December 2015

Ewolucja ustroju stolicy miała specyficzny charakter, ponieważ jej ustrój różnił się od typowej jednostki samorządu terytorialnego. Początkowo Warszawa była związkiem niezależnych dzielnic-gmin, jednak ze względu na paraliż decyzyjny i kompetencyjny przekształcono Warszawę w związek komunalny, tworząc jedną dużą gminę Warszawa-Centrum i 10 mniejszych gmin. Kolejna zmiana polegała na zlikwidowaniu gmin i utworzeniu dzielnic. W ustroju Warszawy przeprowadzono zmiany dotyczące organu wykonawczego od kolegialnego do monokratycznego. Najistotniejsza zmiana to wybór prezydenta w wyborach bezpośrednich. Obecnie ustrój jest podobny do ustroju miast takich jak Berlin i Paryż.
Stwierdzenie nieważności uchwały przez radę gminy
Authors: Dolnicki Bogdan
Published: December 2015

Uchwała lub zarządzenie organu gminy, powiatu lub województwa sprzeczne z prawem są nieważne. Stwierdzenie nieważności uchwały (zarządzenia) organu samorządu terytorialnego zostało uznane przez ustawodawcę za podstawowy środek nadzoru. W odniesieniu do tego środka zostały rozbudowane reguły postępowania. Ponadto w ustawach o samorządzie gminnym i powiatowym znajduje się odesłanie do odpowiedniego stosowania przepisów Kodeksu postępowania administracyjnego. Zabieg ten jednak odniósł skutek wręcz odwrotny od zamierzonego – zamiast uprościć postępowanie w sprawie stwierdzenia nieważności, znacznie go skomplikował. Pojawiło się bowiem wiele pytań i kolizji na zbiegu obu reżimów ustawowych.Jeżeli organ nadzoru w terminie 30 dni od doręczenia mu uchwały (zarządzenia) nie stwierdził we własnym zakresie jej nieważności, może tego dokonać jedynie sąd administracyjny na skutek skargi wniesionej przez ten organ. Okazuje się jednak, że ustawodawca nie przewidział wszelkich możliwych sytuacji.
Powierzanie zadań z zakresu gospodarki komunalnej a swoboda zawierania umów
Authors: Trela Anna
Published: December 2015

W opracowaniu dokonana została analiza art. 3 ust. 1 ustawy o gospodarce komunalnej w zakresie swobody kontraktowej przysługującej jednostkom samorządu terytorialnego. W pierwszej części opracowania poruszone zostały zagadnienia dotyczące istoty swobody umów, które następnie odniesione zostały do podstaw prawnych działania jednostek samorządu terytorialnego i przysługującej im podmiotowości prawnej. Prowadzone rozważania wykazują, że na gruncie gospodarki komunalnej brak regulacji, która wyłączałaby zasadę swobody umów, tę ostatnią zaś co do zasady mogą ograniczać przepisy prawa regulujące zakres zadań przekazanych jednostce samorządu terytorialnego do realizacji oraz leżący u podstaw każdej z umów obowiązek działania w celu zaspokajania zbiorowych potrzeb wspólnoty. W kontekście swobody umów prowadzone były także rozważania dotyczące tzw. swobody organizatorskiej. Druga część opracowania dotyczy ograniczeń ustawowych swobody kontraktowej jednostek samorządu terytorialnego przejawiających się m.in. w wyborze formy realizacji zadania publicznego, wyborze kontrahenta (oferenta, partnera), wpływie stron na treść umowy oraz jej formy. W tym zakresie sformułowany został wniosek, że przepisy prawa cywilnego mają jedynie charakter subsydiarny wobec przepisów prawa publicznego, wprowadzających szereg odmienności i ograniczeń w zakresie swobody umów.
Propozycje zmian przepisów dotyczących funkcjonowania związków międzygminnych
Authors: Kiełbus Maciej , Kudra Anna
Published: December 2015

Przedmiotem zainteresowania w niniejszym artykule jest ocena proponowanych rozwiązań prawnych dotyczących współpracy gmin w ramach związków międzygminnych. Gminy coraz częściej decydują się na współpracę w ramach związków, gdyż te pozwalają na zwiększenie jakości świadczonych usług, zmniejszenie ich kosztów oraz wymianę doświadczeń i wiedzy. Obecnie obowiązujące regulacje prawne utrudniają jednak tworzenie związków, ponieważ budzą szereg wątpliwości interpretacyjnych.Obecnie w parlamencie prowadzone są prace nad projektami dwóch ustaw przewidujących zmiany zasad tworzenia i funkcjonowania związków międzygminnych. Propozycje te dotyczą m.in. trybu utworzenia związku, kompetencji organów związku, wprowadzenia nowej formy związków powiatowo-gminnych. Wiele z proponowanych zmian podąża w dobrym kierunku. Równocześnie jednak szereg z propozycji ocenić należy krytycznie. W proponowanych zmianach można wskazać liczne błędy i nieścisłości, które mogą utrudnić stosowanie nowych przepisów. Projekty nie zawierają także wielu potrzebnych rozwiązań prawnych, np. dotyczących terminu przejęcia zadań przez związek do realizacji.Powyższe wskazuje, że przyszłe zmiany przepisów powinny być poprzedzone szeroką dyskusją z przedstawicielami różnych środowisk. Tylko tego typu działanie pozwoli na kompleksową diagnozę potrzeb zmian legislacyjnych, która pozwoli zminimalizować ryzyka prawne związane z tą formą współpracy i upowszechnić jej ideę.
Rozwój obszarów metropolitalnych w świetle transformacji samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce w latach 1990-2014
Authors: Edwarczyk Bartosz
Published: December 2015

W artykule zaprezentowano, w podstawowym ujęciu, zagadnienia dotyczące organizacji i funkcjonowania obszarów metropolitalnych w Polsce na przestrzeni ostatnich 25 lat. W przekroju całego artykułu podjęto próbę wyznaczenia czynników, w wyniku których zachodził proces metropolizacji wielkich aglomeracji miejskich wraz z powiązanymi z nimi przestrzennie i instytucjonalnie ośrodkami zlokalizowanymi w granicach peryferyjnie osadzonego pierścienia. W pierwszej kolejności autor scharakteryzował transformację ustroju oraz najważniejsze aspekty zarówno wpływające, jak i stanowiące rezultat przemian społeczno-gospodarczych w Polsce po 1989 r., istotnych z punktu widzenia kształtowania się obszarów metropolitalnych. W odniesieniu do obszarów metropolitalnych został wskazany podstawowy zarys procesu metropolizacji, otoczenie prawno-organizacyjne ich tworzenia i funkcjonowania, a także postępujący wzrost znaczenia tych instytucji we współczesnym nowym podejściu do zarządzania w środowisku sieci współzależnych i kooperujących ze sobą podmiotów sektorów: publicznego, prywatnego i non profit. Jednocześnie w artykule zostały zaprezentowane przesłanki wynikające ze sformułowanej polityki rozwoju kraju, w ramach podstawowych dokumentów strategicznych (długo- i średniookresowa strategia rozwoju kraju, koncepcja przestrzennego zagospodarowania kraju oraz strategia rozwoju regionalnego kraju), do kreowania rozwoju i ewaluacji obszarów metropolitalnych w powiązaniu z nową perspektywą finansową ze środków budżetu Unii Europejskiej na lata 2014-2020. W artykule przeprowadzono również ogólną analizę zidentyfikowanych obszarów metropolitalnych w Polsce na podstawie polskiej statystyki (GUS) z wykorzystaniem dostępnych danych za okres 2010-2012. W rozważaniach autor skoncentrował się na zdefiniowaniu najistotniejszych postanowień wynikających z dotychczas zrealizowanej i planowanej polityki rządu w upowszechnianiu idei rozwoju regionalnego z udziałem zintegrowanych działań jednostek samorządu terytorialnego ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem roli obszarów metropolitalnych w świadczeniu usług i dostarczaniu produktów o charakterze użyteczności publicznej.
Deficyt obywatelstwa
Authors: Podemski Krzysztof
Published: December 2015

Artykuł jest próbą krytycznego socjologicznego spojrzenia na reformę samorządową przeprowadzoną w Polsce w 1990 r. oraz na jej kolejne korekty w 1999 i 2002 r. Krytyka ta odwołuje się do dwóch podstawowych koncepcji samorządu. Po pierwsze, do demokratycznych, obywatelskich, decentralizacyjnych idei Jerzego Regulskiego, głównego autora tej reformy. Po drugie, do rozwijanej w brytyjskim Institute of Local Government Studies koncepcji Michaela Clarka i Johna Stewarta dwóch typów relacji między władzą lokalną a mieszkańcami i co zatem idzie ‒ do dwóch typów zarządzania gminą: zarządzania zorientowanego na mieszkańca-klienta i zarządzania zorientowanego na mieszkańca-obywatela. Opierając się na krytyce tej reformy dokonanej przez samego Regulskiego piętnaście lat po jej wprowadzeniu oraz aktualnych danych zastanych i badaniach własnych, autor próbuje pokazać, że po kolejnych dziesięciu latach krytyka tej reformy jako niedostatecznie upodmiotowiającej mieszkańców jest co najmniej tak samo aktualna. Kanały demokratycznej artykulacji interesów różnych grup mieszkańców gmin są mało funkcjonalne, zwłaszcza w dużych miastach.