bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction Markets: Prognosemärkte in Praxis und Theorie
Authors: Berneburg Marian
Published: April 2016

A common joke among economist is: Why has god created meteorologists? To make the forecasts of economist look less bad! At the heart of this joke stands the critique that economic forecasts are notoriously inaccurate. Prediction Markets are an attempt to improve these forecasts by aggregating the knowledge of many.

The present article takes a closer look at these Prediction Markets. By analyzing the existing literature in terms of the relevant theoretical as well as empirical basis, it is shown that an adapted version of the model by Kyle (1985) with noise and insider traders is able to explain the high degree of predictive accuracy, i. e. informational efficiency, of prediction markets. At the same time such a model is able to cope with the Grossman-Stiglitz Paradox (1976) or the No-Trade Theorem (Milgrom & Stokey, 1982), both are common theoretical arguments against informational efficiency. This allows the interpretation of market prices as event probabilities.

Even though some empirical artefacts (e. g. the favorite-longshot bias) exist and more research, especially in terms of prediction markets covering economic events, is needed, the overall verdict on these forecasting tools has to be that they are roughly semi-strong efficient. They hence provide an interesting, very accurate and additional tool in forecasting.
Markt – Staat – Wettbewerb in der Sozialwirtschaft
Authors: Meyer Dirk
Published: April 2016

The article shows the different forms of the legal relation in the welfare state in a three level system. The system change in the social economy from a corporate system to a competitive system occurs centrally by two instruments: First by personalized budgets respectively cash value vouchers instead of payments in kind and second by public tender of services in a competitive award procedure. In case examples the practical implementation and efficiency of competitive instruments is shown under completely different framework.
Sport und Arbeitseinkommen
Authors: Cornelißen Thomas , Pfeifer Christian
Published: April 2016

We analyze the impact of participation in sports activities during adolescence and as an adult on labour market earnings. Sport might increase productivity due to better physical and social skills. Using the rich information from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP), we estimate earnings functions with different sets of control variables. Large parts of the wage premium are explained by higher educational attainment of individuals who have participated in youth sports and who do sports as an adult. However, even after controlling for many productivity relevant characteristics (e. g., education, health, and soft skills) and sorting into firms and industries, sizable wage premiums remain. Interesting gender differences arise. Whereas youth sport effects are larger for females than for males, adult sport has only a positive wage effect for males.
Finanzhilfen bei internationalen Verschuldungskrisen?
Authors: Dreisbach Dina D. , Fehr Hans , Kindermann Fabian
Published: April 2016

The present paper focuses on the trade-off between official liquidity provision and debtor moral hazard in sovereign debt problems. The financial crisis is caused by the interaction of bad fundamentals, self-fulfilling runs of private investors and optimal policies of the national government and the official lender. Building on the global games approach of Morris and Shin (2006), we extend their analysis by calculating numerical solutions for different values of fundamental and strategic uncertainty. Our results indicate that limited financial support may even strengthen government efforts and improve welfare when fundamentals are weak but not too weak. On the other hand, we are also able to identify debtor moral hazard and welfare reducing catalytic effects with stronger fundamentals.
Wirksame Grenzen für die Staatsverschuldung – eine Illusion?
Authors: Caesar Rolf
Published: April 2016

In Germany and in the EU legal provisions exist in order to restrict public deficits and public debt. It seems that in the past these legal debt limits have been hardly respected by policymakers in their decisions on public households. In addition, during the worldwide financial and economic crisis since 2008 fiscal deficits have exploded in nearly all industrial and developing countries. This paper raises the question whether effective constraints on public debt are illusionary. It starts from the traditional welfare- theoretical discussion on the pros and cons of public debt. Then, public deficits are analyzed from a public-choice perspective, resulting in the conclusion that public debt should be effectively regulated. As the existing legal limits in Germany and in the EU apparently do not fulfill this requirement, some alternatives are outlined which could provide better safeguarding against irresponsible policymakers. Finally, a preliminary assessment of the new German „debt brake“ shows that, though this reform is an important progress, doubts remain concerning its actual future performance.
The Svensson versus McCallum and Nelson Controversy Revisited in the BMW Framework: A Clarification
Authors: Bofinger Peter , Mayer Eric
Published: April 2016

Svensson auf der einen und McCallum und Nelson auf der anderen Seite haben in einer Reihe von Beiträgen kontrovers diskutiert, an welcher geldpolitischer Regel sich eine Notenbank orientieren sollte (vgl. Svensson, L., 2003a, 2003b, 2005, Svensson L., u. Woodford, M. 2005). Hierbei plädiert Svensson für so genannte Targeting Regeln. Allgemein kann man diese definieren als Reaktionsfunktion der Notenbank, die eine Regel in den Zielvariablen der Geldpolitik (Inflationslücke und Outputlücke) definiert und unmittelbar aus dem Optimierungsproblem ableitbar ist; sie stellt sozusagen eine Bedingung erster Ordnung dar. McCallum und Nelson hingegen befürworten die Orientierung an einfachen Regeln, die sich an wenigen, beobachtbaren makroökonomischen Zielgrößen orientieren und nicht fein abgestimmt sind auf eine konkrete Zielfunktion oder aber ein Modell. McCallum und Nelson haben im Rahmen dieser Debatte hybride eine Regel vorgeschlagen, die als Spezialfall sowohl eine einfache Regel wie die Taylor Regel (Taylor, J. 1993) als auch die optimale Regel beinhaltet. Im Rahmen unseres Beitrages haben wir analytisch und grafisch nachgewiesen, dass im Grenzfall die Regel von McCallum und Nelson und die optimale Targeting Regel von Svensson identische Politikergebnisse liefern und somit je nach Kalibrierung kein Unterschied zwischen beiden Regeln besteht. Svensson argumentiert im Rahmen der Debatte, dass insbesondere die Existenz von verrauscht gemessenen Daten die Regel von McCallum und Nelson obsolet werden lässt, da sie die Ökonomie einer enormen Zinsvolatilität aussetzen würde. Wir haben jedoch analytisch und grafisch dargestellt, dass gerade unter Datenunsicherheit die Regel von McCallum und Nelson unabhängig von der konkreten Kalibrierung bessere Politikergebnisse liefert als die Targeting Regel von Svensson. Als Ursache dafür, dass es uns gelungen ist, das Argument von Svensson zu widerlegen, ist anzuführen, dass die einfache Regel weniger aggressiv auf Datenänderungen reagiert als die optimale Regel. Reagiert die Notenbank nun aber fälschlicherweise auf verrauscht gemessene Daten, so entpuppt sich dieser Nachteil in normalen Zeiten als Vorteil in einem solchen Szenario. Die Zinsvolatilität einer Targeting Regel ist also höher als die unter einer einfachen Regel.
Internationaler Steuerwettbewerb um Direktinvestitionen bei überfüllbaren Infrastrukturgütern
Authors: Pauser Johannes , Nguyen Tristan
Published: April 2016

In this contribution, we analyze the provision of productive infrastructure goods (e. g. traffic facilities or results of scientific research) in the context of international tax competition for foreign direct investments (FDI). Mostly, these public inputs have two characteristics: on the one hand, firms who are unwilling to pay a user fee can be excluded. On the other hand, congestion externalities arise if many firms occupy the infrastructure good at the same time.

We find out that local governments competing for international mobile capital should implement a user fee as an additional policy parameter in order to maintain efficiency. Otherwise, if local governments rely on a source-based tax on capital and a non-distortionary tax on local labour only, the decentralized equilibrium is socially inefficient. The derived condition for the optimal use of the available infrastructure is not fulfilled and firms will over-use the infrastructure. If, in addition, firms are charged a user fee, the decentralized equilibrium can be shown to be efficient. However, a selffinancing of infrastructure goods by user fees cannot be expected.
Hauptrefinanzierungszins, Interbankenmarkt und Geldangebot im Euroraum
Authors: Hauck Achim , Neyer Ulrike , Vieten Thomas
Published: April 2016

In macroeconomic models, the nominal money supply, the long-term nominal interest rate, or even the inflation rate usually serves as the monetary policy variable. In practice, however, none of these variables is directly controlled by the central bank. Consequently, these models do not accurately reflect the implementation of monetary policy. Based on a theoretical model which incorporates the main institutional features of the euro area, this paper analyzes the transmission of monetary policy impulses from their implementation (setting the interest rate at which banks can obtain liquidity from the central bank) via the interbank market to the aggregate money and credit supply in an economy. Building on this analysis, we discuss the ability of the central bank to steer its operating target, the interbank market interest rate, and the money supply.
Anthropometric within-country Inequality and the Estimation of Skill Premia with Anthropometric Indicators
Authors: Baten Jörg , Blum Matthias
Published: April 2016

We provide a literature review of anthropometric studies of within-country inequality. Then we discuss the relationship between skill premia and inequality indicators based on height variation. Skill premia describe the wage gap between an unskilled and a skilled building worker, while height CVs (coefficient of height variation) display the variance in net nutrition. We find that the two measures are correlated and that CV values are suitable to estimate skill premia. We supplement the existing literature by an additional tool, namely the estimation of skill premia based on the coefficient of height variation.
Automated profile preforming for structural components
Authors: Fauster Ewald , Schillfahrt Christian , Hueber Christian , Schledjewski Ralf
Published: April 2016

The work presented in this paper addresses various techniques for automated preforming of profiles for structural components made from fiber-reinforced polymer composites. After reviewing the existing preforming techniques, a quantitative comparison with respect to two different application scenarios is presented. The technology comparison is conducted individually for the two application scenarios by means of a weighted decision matrix approach incorporating a list of technical and economic criteria. The preforming costs are derived by means of a bottom-up cost estimation model and are incorporated in the technology comparison.
Quality of Root Canal Fillings in a Bosnian Adult Population Treated in Public and Private Dental Clinics / Kvalitet Punjenja Kanala Korena Kod Odraslog Stanovništva U Bosni I Hercegovini Lecenih U Državnim I Privatnim Stomatološkim Klinikama
Authors: Nogo-Zivanovic Dajana , Kulic Ljiljana , Tanaskovic Irena , Ristic Vladimir , Kanjevac Tatjana
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to examine the technical quality of root canal fillings in an adult population in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, who were treated in public dental institutions and private dental clinics.

Radiographs of faculty patients, aged 25-60 years old, who came for the first time were examined for the technical quality of root canal fillings. Patients with endodonticallytreated teeth were invited for an interview to reveal the providers of the endodontic treatment.

The percentages of teeth with adequate length (p<0.01) and taper (p<0.01) in institutions of public health cases were significantly greater than those in private clinic cases. In addition, the frequency of teeth with adequate root canal fillings in patients treated in public dental institutions was significantly greater than those treated in private dental clinics (p<0.01).

A significantly higher percentage of adequate canal fillings is present in teeth where endodontic treatment was performed in public dental institutions compared to private dental clinics. This result indicates the need to improve the quality of endodontic treatment through more intensive training for dentists in private practice.
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Fixed Combination of Perindopril/Amlodipine/Indapamide in Patients with Essential Hypertension: Pilot Study / Efikasnost I Tolerabilnost Fiksne Kombinacije Perindopril/Amlodipin/Indapimida Kod Pacijenata Sa Esencijalnom Hipertenzijom: Pilot Studija
Authors: Tasic Nebojsa , Balevic Milijana , Tasic Danijela , Dragisic Dalibor , Miljkovic Natasa
Published: April 2016

Hypertension is the major risk factor in Serbia and worldwide for the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A majority of patients need two or more antihypertensive drugs to adequately control blood pressure.

Our study group consisted of 12 patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension, without comorbidities, divided in two groups and followed for 12 weeks. The first group was treated with a single-pill of fixed-combination Perindopril 5 mg/Indapamide 1.25 mg and an additional tablet of Amlodipine 5 mg. The second group received a single-pill fixed-combination of Perindopril 5 mg/Indapamide 1.25 mg/Amlodipine 5 mg. Our research showed significant decreases in systolic (p=0,05) and diastolic (p<0,05) blood pressure in both groups after 12 weeks of treatment. The study also showed a higher percentage of patients who achieved the targeted blood pressure (< 140/90 mmHg) on the single-pill triple combination drug (69.7%) in comparison with the other group (50%). No adverse effects were recorded in both groups.

Our results revealed significant efficacy and tolerability of a single-pill triple-fixed combination Perindopril/Amlodipine/ Indapamide in patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension without comorbidities.
Competence and Capacity-Building Requirements in Transport and Logistics Market
Authors: Bazaras Darius , Čižiūnienė Kristina , Palšaitis Ramūnas , Kabashkin Igor
Published: April 2016

The article analyses theoretical aspects of the qualitative assessment of logistics and transport specialists’ potential, as well as provides research results on competence and capacity-building process in preparation of logistics and transport specialists. The results enabled to identify problematic areas of graduate integration in the labour market and foresee the possible requirements for professional development. In some cases, internal motivation is related to problematic points or negative view from the environment, as well as poor understanding of knowledge benefits in the person’s practical life. Training and education is objectively at the meeting point between research, technological and organisational systems. In such conditions the objective of the education on logistics is to offer the customers the best possible service in the field of the transfer of knowledge in harmony with the trend in logistics programme development. The main problems and perspectives of logistics education and training process are discussed in this article.
Methods of Evaluating Transportation and Logistics Operations in Supply Chains
Authors: Lukinskiy Valery , Dobromirov Viktor
Published: April 2016

The paper considers some issues related to different approaches to estimation of transport and logistic(s) operations in supply networks; analysis is made of the methods and models of analytical description of those operations; it is shown that the works under consideration have no single approach to their accounting, which makes it impossible to form a model of a simple logistic network including such basic operations as transportation and storage; based on the classical model of Harris-Wilson, six versions have been obtained for a simple supply network showing, in particular, value added to the product price stemming from the previously performed logistic operations as well as restrictions associated with the load capacity (cargo capacity) of the vehicle. The choice of an optimum version of the supply network is made based on the criterion of minimum total costs; there are supplied the examples of calculations for different versions of the developed models enabling estimation of the influence of transport and logistic operations on the efficiency of the supply network.
Interaction between Interfacial Collinear Griffith Cracks in Composite Media under Thermal Loading
Authors: Mishra P.K. , Das S.
Published: April 2016

This article deals with the interactions between a central crack and a pair of outer cracks situated at the interface of orthotropic elastic half planes under thermo-mechanical loading. The mixed boundary value problem has been reduced to a pair of singular integral equations which has been solved numerically using Jacobi polynomial method. The interaction effects have been obtained in terms of stress magnification factors depending on the crack spacing and crack length. The phenomena of crack shielding and crack amplification have been depicted through graphs for different particular cases.
The Integrability of an Extended Fifth-Order KdV Equation in 2+1 Dimensions: Painlevé Property, Lax Pair, Conservation Laws, and Soliton Interactions
Authors: Xu Gui-qiong , Deng Shu-fang
Published: April 2016

In this article, we apply the singularity structure analysis to test an extended 2+1-dimensional fifth-order KdV equation for integrability. It is proven that the generalized equation passes the Painlevé test for integrability only in three distinct cases. Two of those cases are in agreement with the known results, and a new integrable equation is first given. Then, for the new integrable equation, we employ the Bell polynomial method to construct its bilinear forms, bilinear Bäcklund transformation, Lax pair, and infinite conversation laws systematically. The N-soliton solutions of this new integrable equation are derived, and the propagations and collisions of multiple solitons are shown by graphs.
Influences of Fascicle Length During Isometric Training on Improvement of Muscle Strength
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Ikezoe Tome , Umehara Jun , Nakamura Masatoshi , Umegaki Hiroki , Kobayashi Takuya , Nishishita Satoru , Fujita Kosuke , Araki Kojiro , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: April 2016

Tanaka, H, Ikezoe, T, Umehara, J, Nakamura, M, Umegaki, H, Kobayashi, T, Nishishita, S, Fujita, K, Araki, K, and Ichihashi, N. Influences of fascicle length during isometric training on improvement of muscle strength. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3249–3255, 2016—This study investigated whether low-intensity isometric training would elicit a greater improvement in maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at the same fascicle length, rather than the joint angle, adopted during training. Sixteen healthy women (21.8 ± 1.5 years) were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. Before (Pre) and after (Post) training, isometric plantarflexion MVCs were measured every 10° through the range of ankle joint position from 20° dorsiflexion to 30° plantarflexion (i.e., 6 ankle angles). Medial gastrocnemius fascicle length was also measured at each position, using B-mode ultrasound under 3 conditions of muscle activation: at rest, 30%MVC at respective angles, and MVC. Plantarflexion resistance training at an angle of 20° plantarflexion was performed 3 days a week for 4 weeks at 30%MVC using 3 sets of twenty 3-second isometric contractions. Maximum voluntary contraction in the intervention group increased at 0 and 10° plantarflexion (0°; Pre: 81.2 ± 26.5 N·m, Post: 105.0 ± 21.6 N·m, 10°; Pre: 63.0 ± 23.6 N·m, Post: 81.3 ± 20.3 N·m), which was not the angle used in training (20°). However, the fascicle length adopted in training at 20° plantarflexion and 30%MVC was similar to the value at 0 or 10° plantarflexion at MVC. Low-intensity isometric training at a shortened muscle length may be effective for improving MVC at a lengthened muscle length because of specificity of the fascicle length than the joint angle.
The Neuromuscular, Biochemical, and Endocrine Responses to a Single-Session Vs. Double-Session Training Day in Elite Athletes
Authors: Johnston Michael J. , Cook Christian J. , Drake David , Costley Lisa , Johnston Julie P. , Kilduff Liam P.
Published: April 2016

Johnston, MJ, Cook, CJ, Drake, D, Costley, L, Johnston, JP, and Kilduff, LP. The neuromuscular, biochemical, and endocrine responses to a single-session vs. double-session training day in elite athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3098–3106, 2016—The aim of this study was to compare the acute neuromuscular, biochemical, and endocrine responses of a training day consisting of a speed session only with performing a speed-and-weights training session on the same day. Fifteen men who were academy-level rugby players completed 2 protocols in a randomized order. The speed-only protocol involved performing 6 maximal effort repetitions of 50-m running sprints with 5 minutes of recovery between each sprint, whereas the speed-and-weights protocol involved the same sprinting session but was followed 2 hours later by a lower-body weights session consisting of 4 sets of 5 backsquats and Romanian deadlift at 85% one repetition maximum. Testosterone, cortisol, creatine kinase, lactate, and perceived muscle soreness were determined immediately before, immediately after, 2 hours after, and 24 hours after both the protocols. Peak power, relative peak power, jump height, and average rate of force development were determined from a countermovement jump (CMJ) at the same time points. After 24-hours, muscle soreness was significantly higher after the speed-and-weights protocol compared with the speed-only protocol (effect size η2 = 0.253, F = 4.750, p ≤ 0.05). There was no significant difference between any of the CMJ variables at any of the posttraining time points. Likewise, creatine kinase, testosterone, and cortisol were unaffected by the addition of a weight-training session. These data indicate that the addition of a weight-training session 2 hours after a speed session, whereas increasing the perception of fatigue the next day does not result in a difference in endocrine response or in neuromuscular capability.
Player Selection Bias in National Football League Draftees
Authors: Beyer Kyle S. , Fukuda David H. , Redd Michael J. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Hoffman Jay R.
Published: April 2016

Beyer, KS, Fukuda, DH, Redd, MJ, Stout, JR, and Hoffman, JR. Player selection bias in National Football League draftees. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 2965–2971, 2016—Relative age effects (RAEs) have been studied as a potential factor associated with player selection bias in numerous sports. However, little research has examined the role of RAEs among National Football League (NFL) draftees. The purpose of the current study was to determine the existence of RAEs in NFL draftees from the last 10 NFL drafts. Draftee birth dates were collected and divided into calendar and scholastic quarters (SQ1–SQ4). To determine the presence of RAEs in specific subsets, NFL draftees were grouped according to round drafted, position, level of conference play, and age at the time of the draft. Significant χ2 tests (p ≤ 0.05) comparing observed birth-date distributions vs. the expected birth-date distribution from the general population were followed up by calculating the standardized residual for each quarter (z > ±2.0 indicating significance). Overall, no RAEs were seen when birth-date distribution was assessed using calendar quarters (p = 0.47), but more draftees were born in SQ2 (December–February) than expected (p < 0.01; z = +2.2). Significantly more draftees were born in SQ2 than expected for middle-round draftees (p = 0.01; z = +2.4), skill positions (p = 0.03; z = +2.3), Power Five college draftees (p < 0.01; z = +2.6), and early draftees (p < 0.01; z = +3.1). However, reverse RAEs were seen among late draftees, with fewer draftees being born in SQ2 (z = −3.6) and more being born in SQ4 (June–August; z = +2.6) than expected. In contrast to previous research, the current study observed significant RAEs in NFL draftees from the last 10 years. This player selection bias should be considered when evaluating long-term athlete development models in American football.
Gender Differences in Physical Performance Characteristics of Elite Surfers
Authors: Parsonage Joanna R. , Secomb Josh L. , Tran Tai T. , Farley Oliver R.L. , Nimphius Sophia , Lundgren Lina , Sheppard Jeremy M.
Published: April 2016

Parsonage, JR, Secomb, JL, Tran, TT, Farley, ORL, Nimphius, S, Lundgren, L, and Sheppard, JM. Gender differences in physical performance characteristics of elite surfers. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2417–2422, 2017—The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the gender differences in physical performance characteristics of elite surfers. Twenty competitive female surfers (CFS) and 20 competitive male surfers (CMS) performed a battery of physical performance tests: squat jump (SJ), isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), 15-m sprint paddle, and 400-m endurance paddle during a single testing session. All performance measures were significantly different between CFS and CMS (p < 0.01). Specifically, CMS produced greater peak force production (28.5%) and jumped higher (27.7%) in the SJ and produced greater normalized peak force during the IMTP (18.9%) compared with CFS. For paddling performance, CMS were faster over 5, 10, and 15 m (12.4%, 9.7%, and 10.9%), possessed a higher peak paddling velocity (11.3%), and recorded faster paddle times over 400 m (11.8%). The results of this study suggest that CMS exhibit superior physical performance characteristics than CFS, in relation to both the lower and upper body. Strength and conditioning practitioners should therefore implement a structured and periodized program to facilitate strength qualities that underpin surfing performance for all participants, but as highlighted in the current investigation, female surfers may have a greater window for adaptation and therefore vast benefit of targeting their underdeveloped physical qualities.
Consistency of Field-Based Measures of Neuromuscular Control Using Force-Plate Diagnostics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Read Paul J. , Oliver Jon L. , Croix Mark BA. De Ste , Myer Gregory D. , Lloyd Rhodri S.
Published: April 2016

Read, P, Oliver, JL, Croix, MD, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Consistency of field-based measures of neuromuscular control using force-plate diagnostics in elite male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3304–3311, 2016—Deficits in neuromuscular control during movement patterns such as landing are suggested pathomechanics that underlie sport-related injury. A common mode of assessment is measurement of landing forces during jumping tasks; however, these measures have been used less frequently in male youth soccer players, and reliability data are sparse. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of a field-based neuromuscular control screening battery using force-plate diagnostics in this cohort. Twenty-six pre–peak height velocity (PHV) and 25 post-PHV elite male youth soccer players completed a drop vertical jump (DVJ), single-leg 75% horizontal hop and stick (75%HOP), and single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ). Measures of peak landing vertical ground reaction force (pVGRF), time to stabilization, time to pVGRF, and pVGRF asymmetry were recorded. A test-retest design was used, and reliability statistics included change in mean, intraclass correlation coefficient, and coefficient of variation (CV). No significant differences in mean score were reported for any of the assessed variables between test sessions. In both groups, pVGRF and asymmetry during the 75%HOP and SLCMJ demonstrated largely acceptable reliability (CV ≤ 10%). Greater variability was evident in DVJ pVGRF and all other assessed variables, across the 3 protocols (CV range = 13.8–49.7%). Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from small to large and were generally higher in the post-PHV players. The results of this study suggest that pVGRF and asymmetry can be reliably assessed using a 75%HOP and SLCMJ in this cohort. These measures could be used to support a screening battery for elite male youth soccer players and for test-retest comparison.
Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Performance and Accelerates Recovery of High-Level Rugby Players in Field Test: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Pinto Henrique D. , Vanin Adriane A. , Miranda Eduardo F. , Tomazoni Shaiane S. , Johnson Douglas S. , Albuquerque-Pontes Gianna M. , Aleixo Ivo de O. , Grandinetti Vanessa dos S. , Casalechi Heliodora L. , de Carvalho Paulo de Tarso C. , Leal Junior Ernesto Cesar P.
Published: April 2016

Pinto, HD, Vanin, AA, Miranda, EF, Tomazoni, SS, Johnson, DS, Albuquerque-Pontes, GM, de Oliveira Aleixo Junior, I, Grandinetti, VdS, Casalechi, HL, de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho, P, and Pinto Leal Junior. Photobiomodulation therapy improves performance and accelerates recovery of high-level rugby players in field test: A randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3329–3338, 2016—Although growing evidence supports the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for performance and recovery enhancement, there have only been laboratory-controlled studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of PBMT in performance and recovery of high-level rugby players during an anaerobic field test. Twelve male high-level rugby athletes were recruited in this randomized, crossover, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. No interventions were performed before the Bangsbo sprint test (BST) at familiarization phase (week 1); at weeks 2 and 3, pre-exercise PBMT or placebo were randomly applied to each athlete. Photobiomodulation therapy irradiation was performed at 17 sites of each lower limb, employing a cluster with 12 diodes (4 laser diodes of 905 nm, 4 light emitting diodes [LEDs] of 875 nm, and 4 LEDs of 640 nm, 30 J per site, manufactured by Multi Radiance Medical). Average time of sprints, best time of sprints, and fatigue index were obtained from BST. Blood lactate levels were assessed at baseline, and at 3, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after BST. Athletes' perceived fatigue was also assessed through a questionnaire. Photobiomodulation therapy significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the average time of sprints and fatigue index in BST. Photobiomodulation therapy significantly decreased percentage of change in blood lactate levels (p ≤ 0.05) and perceived fatigue (p ≤ 0.05). Pre-exercise PBMT with the combination of super-pulsed laser (low-level laser), red LEDs, and infrared LEDs can enhance performance and accelerate recovery of high-level rugby players in field test. This opens a new avenue for wide use of PBMT in real clinical practice in sports settings.
Current Warm-Up Practices and Contemporary Issues Faced by Elite Swimming Coaches
Authors: McGowan Courtney J. , Pyne David B. , Raglin John S. , Thompson Kevin G. , Rattray Ben
Published: April 2016

McGowan, CJ, Pyne, DB, Raglin, JS, Thompson, KG, and Rattray, B. Current warm-up practices and contemporary issues faced by elite swimming coaches. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3471–3480, 2016—A better understanding of current swimming warm-up strategies is needed to improve their effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to describe current precompetition warm-up practices and identify contemporary issues faced by elite swimming coaches during competition. Forty-six state-international level swimming coaches provided information through a questionnaire on their prescription of volume, intensity, and recovery within their pool and dryland-based competition warm-ups, and challenges faced during the final stages of event preparation. Coaches identified four key objectives of the precompetition warm-up: physiological (elevate body temperature and increase muscle activation), kinesthetic (tactile preparation, increase “feel” of the water), tactical (race-pace rehearsal), and mental (improve focus, reduce anxiety). Pool warm-up volume ranged from ∼1300 to 2100 m, beginning with 400–1000 m of continuous, low-intensity (∼50–70% of perceived maximal exertion) swimming, followed by 200–600 m of stroke drills and 1–2 sets (100–400 m in length) of increasing intensity (∼60–90%) swimming, concluding with 3–4 race or near race-pace efforts (25–100 m; ∼90–100%) and 100–400 m easy swimming. Dryland-based warm-up exercises, involving stretch cords and skipping, were also commonly prescribed. Coaches preferred swimmers complete their warm-up 20–30 minutes before race start. Lengthy marshalling periods (15–20+ minutes) and the time required to don racing suits (>10 minutes) were identified as complicating issues. Coaches believed that the pool warm-up affords athletes the opportunity to gain a tactile feel for the water and surrounding pool environment. The combination of dryland-based activation exercises followed by pool-based warm-up routines seems to be the preferred approach taken by elite swimming coaches preparing their athletes for competition.
Effect of Immersion on Ground Reaction Force and Contact Time During Drop Jump Exercise
Authors: Dell'Antonio Elisa , Ruschel Caroline , de Brito Fontana Heiliane , Haupenthal Alessandro , Pereira Suzana Matheus , Roesler Helio
Published: April 2016

Dell'Antonio, E, Ruschel, C, de Brito Fontana, H, Haupenthal, A, Pereira, SM, and Roesler, H. Effect of immersion on ground reaction force and contact time during drop jump exercise. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3443–3449, 2016—This study analyzed the effect of water immersion on vertical ground reaction force (GRF) peaks and contact times during the braking, propulsion, and landing phases of drop jumps (DJs). Twenty-five healthy male athletes of volleyball and track and field (age 18.0 ± 2.4 years) participated in this study. Peak vertical GRF during braking, propulsion, and landing phases; time duration of braking and propulsion phases; and total contact time were measured during maximum DJs performed on land and in water at 4 levels of immersion (tibia, knee, thigh, and hip). A force plate was used to collect GRF data, and the braking and propulsion phases of contact were determined by using an electrical goniometer placed on subject's knee. The effect of immersion level on variables was analyzed through the use of a repeated measures analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The results showed that increasing immersion leads to a decrease in peak force during the braking phase, landing phase, and in the propulsion phase of the DJ, with the decrease in peak forces between immersions being greater as the immersion level gets deeper. Concerning the contact times, increasing immersion levels caused an increase in total contact time and in the duration of the braking phase. No differences were found for the duration of the propulsion phase between the conditions. Our results have shown that temporal features of the DJ were not preserved in water, and this must be taken into account when choosing the aquatic environment as an alternative for plyometric training. If the rationale of performing plyometric training in water is the reduction of GRFs, then hip immersion seems to offer an interesting combination of significantly lower GRF but without further modification of important temporal features when compared with the other water conditions analyzed.
A polymorphic repeat in the IGF1 promoter influences the risk of endometrial cancer
Authors: Bolton Katherine A , Avery-Kiejda Kelly A , Holliday Elizabeth G , Attia John , Bowden Nikola A , Scott Rodney J
Published: April 2016

Due to the lack of high-throughput genetic assays for tandem repeats, there is a paucity of knowledge about the role they may play in disease. A polymorphic CA repeat in the promoter region of the insulin-like growth factor 1 gene (IGF1 has been studied extensively over the past 10 years for association with the risk of developing breast cancer, among other cancers, with variable results. The aim of this study was to determine if this CA repeat is associated with the risk of developing breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Using a case–control design, we analysed the length of this CA repeat in a series of breast cancer and endometrial cancer cases and compared this with a control population. Our results showed an association when both alleles were considered in breast and endometrial cancers (P=0.029 and 0.011, respectively), but this did not pass our corrected threshold for significance due to multiple testing. When the allele lengths were analysed categorically against the most common allele length of 19 CA repeats, an association was observed with the risk of endometrial cancer due to a reduction in the number of long alleles (P=0.013). This was confirmed in an analysis of the long alleles separately for endometrial cancer risk (P=0.0012). Our study found no association between the length of this polymorphic CA repeat and breast cancer risk. The significant association observed between the CA repeat length and the risk of developing endometrial cancer has not been previously reported.
A função descritivo-discursiva da verbovisualidade em livros ilustrados
Authors: Feres Beatriz dos Santos
Published: April 2016

Como bem cultural, o livro ilustrado apresenta complexa conformação e exige a observação de estratégias de leitura que auxiliem o mediador em sua tarefa de captação do leitor e de desenvolvimento de sua competência interpretativa e fruitiva. Em contraste com a narratividade preponderante na parcela verbal do texto, a parcela imagética do livro ilustrado é considerada prioritariamente descritiva e, com isso, participa de uma construção de sentidos baseada em inferências e afetos, propícia para a avaliação dos seres e das coisas, mas também para a poeticidade. Este trabalho pretende problematizar o modo de significar do livro ilustrado, destacando mecanismos relacionados à função descritivo-discursiva da verbovisualidade, a fim não só de compreender com maior profundidade o processo significativo, como também contribuir para a formação de mediadores de leitura conscientes das potencialidades dos textos. A base teórica do trabalho será constituída por conceitos advindos, sobretudo, da Teoria Semiolinguística de Análise do Discurso (Charaudeau, 2008; 2013), além de aspectos mais específicos do livro ilustrado (Nicolajeva & Scott, 2011; Linden, 2011). A fim de se comprovar a efetividade dessa função descritivo-discursiva, elegem-se, para análise, obras ilustradas por Graça Lima, Odilon Moraes, Nelson Cruz, Marilda Castanha e Ellen Pestilli, entre outros.
Das vertragliche Verbot der Abwerbung von Mitarbeitern zwischen Unternehmen im Spannungsfeld von Kartellrecht, Handelsrecht und Lauterkeitsrecht
Authors: Alexander Christian
Published: April 2016

Nicht nur in den Zeiten eines oft beklagten Mangels an Fachkräften haben Unternehmen ein Interesse daran, eigene Mitarbeiter nicht an andere Unternehmen (insbesondere an Konkurrenten) zu verlieren. Daher treffen Unternehmen nicht selten Abreden, die ein Abwerben von Mitarbeitern einschränken oder untersagen. § 75f HGB enthält dazu eine spezielle Regelung, deren tatbestandliche Reichweite im Einzelnen umstritten ist. Zugleich berühren solche Vereinbarungen den Schutzbereich des Kartellrechts. Der folgende Beitrag untersucht, ob das Kartellverbot auf solche Vereinbarungen Anwendung findet und plädiert für die Herstellung einer Wertungskohärenz zwischen dem Kartellrecht, dem Handelsrecht und dem Lauterkeitsrecht.
Doppelpreissysteme: Ausgewählte Rechts- und Anwendungsfragen zur Entscheidungspraxis des Bundeskartellamtes
Authors: Pautke Stephanie , Billinger Josefa
Published: April 2016

Das Bundeskartellamt beurteilt Doppelpreissysteme zu Lasten des Internethandels als Kernbeschränkungen, für die es herstellerseitig keine praktisch handhabbaren Ausnahmen zu geben scheint. Der Artikel setzt sich kritisch mit der Frage auseinander, ob diese Beurteilung vor dem Hintergrund der Entscheidung des Europäischen Gerichtshofs in Sachen Cartes Bancaires wie der jüngsten Entscheidung des Bundeskartellamtes in Sachen ASICS noch haltbar ist.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME ESSENTIAL OILS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH AMIKACIN AGAINST ACINETOBACTER SP
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese , Mehdi Feizabadi Mohammad
Published: April 2016

Acinetobacter sp. as gram negative bacilli is one of the most problematic bacteria in hospital environments. The emergence of multi-drug resistant isolates of Acinetobacter sp. encourages the scientists to find the new antimicrobial agent with less side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon olivieri, Heracleum persicum, Juniperus comminus, Azillia eryngioides, Dacus carrota, Ferula gummosa, Acorus calamus, Mentha pulegium, Achillea biebersteinii, and Chaerophyllum macropodum essential oils against clinical trials of Acinetobacter sp. by disc diffusion and micro broth dilution assays. The synergistic effect of these essential oils and amikacin (AMI) were determined. The higher inhibition zone diameters were for 2 µl of C. macropodum (15.3±0.48 mm). The lower MIC and MBC values were for C. olivieri (1.4 and 1.9 µl/ml) and J. comminus (1.9 and 2.6 µl/ml), followed by C. macropodum (2.01 and 3.2 µl/ml), D. carrota (2.1 and 3.8 µl/ml), A. eryngioides (2.3 and 3.1 µl/ml) essential oils and F. gummosa (2.4 and 4 µl/ml). AMI showed synergistic effect with all of the essential oils. D. carrota and A. eryngioides showed the best synergistic effect with AMI, followed by C. macropodum, A. biebersteinii, J. comminus and F. gummosa essential oils.
CHARACTERIZATION OF DIARRHEAGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM RAW BEEF, MUTTON, AND INTESTINES SOLD IN OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO
Authors: Bawa Ibrahim Hadiza , Bsadjo Tchamba Gertrude , Serge Bagré Touwendsida , Caroline Bouda Soutongnooma , Mahamadou Fody Alio , Kagambèga AssÃ¨ta , Juste O.Bonkoungou Isidore , Tiendrebéogo FidÃ¨le , Zongo Cheikna , Savadogo Aly , S. Traoré Alfred , Barro Nicolas
Published: April 2016

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli are zoonotic bacteria commonly present in animal gut. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli isolated from raw meats and intestines in open markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 450 samples were collected from beef, mutton, beef intestine and sheep intestine, in respective number 175, 175, 50 and 50. Diarrheagenic E. coli were isolated by using standard microbiological methods and then Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for characterization. Among the pathotypes, enteropathogenic E. coli was identified by serotypage (slide agglutination). A 30% (135/450) were E. coli. 30% (40/135) of E. coli strains provided the virulence genes. 14% of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli, 13% of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli-enterotoxinogenic Escherichia coli, 1% of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, 2% of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli and 1% of enterotoxinogenic Escherichia coli. 41% (55/135) were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli belong to serotypes: (5%), O119 (3%), O127 (16%), O125 (9%), O126 (18%), O128 (5%), O114 (5%), O124 (5%), O142 (7%). This study show contamination of slaughter animal with diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes in Burkina Faso. Precaution can take of mutation breeding level.
TREATMENT OF ASEPTIC DISEASES OF LIMB DISTAL PART JOINTS IN UZBEK SPORT HORSES
Authors: Hakim* Niyozov , Numon Davlatov , Nasriddin Dilmurodov
Published: April 2016

In this study a treatment was prescribed for the horses with the diagnosis of chronic aseptic synovitis and periarticular fibrosis. For all experimental groups (n=3) there was used the traditional method of treatment with only one difference, that for animals of the 1st group additionally auto–blood therapy processed with laser was used. For the animals of the second group there was injection auto–blood intramuscularly 0.5 ml.kg-1 of body mass of an animal and the preparation “Hondralon” in the doze of 2 ml intra-joint which strengthens the regeneration of cartilage tissue. And animals of the 3rd experimental group were treated only with traditional method.
On the base of clinical observations, morphological, biochemical and immunological indexes of blood the most effective method of treatment of joint diseases of horse limb distal part was proved- application of parenteral injection of auto-blood and specific preparation “Hondralon” together with traditional methods of treatment and the period of treatment was reduced to 5 days in average.
CLONING AND EXPRESSION MOST EXPECTED ANTIGENIC FRAGMENT OF BETA-TOXIN GENE FROM CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS TYPE B
Authors: Gholami Maryam , Fathi Najafi Mohsen , Rabbani Khorasgani Mohammad , Majidi Behjat
Published: April 2016

Clostridium perfringens type B and C is an important pathogen and produces Beta-toxin which are responsible necrotic enteritis in humans or livestock. The death in individuals with this disease are over 50%. Vaccines against C. perfringens type B and C are currently manufactured using Beta-toxin produced by the virulent C. perfringens strain itself. To achieve the effective components for the creation of immunity ¬at the first step used different primers in various location of Beta-toxin gene (cbp) by bioinformatics tools according to the secondary protein structure. After amplication of PCR products, one regions of Beta-toxin gene with high antigenicity was cloned into pTZ57RT and sub-cloned into the expression vector pET21a¬¬(+). The cloned vector was transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) and successfully expressed. Protein expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and western blotting. This recombinant peptide from most antigenic region of Beta-toxin gene can be suggested for antibody production and new peptide vaccine.
INFLUENCE OF RECONSTITUTION TEMPERATURE ON SURVIVAL OF CRONOBACTER SAKAZAKII IN POWDERED INFANT FORMULA
Authors: C McEvoy Kelsey , M Kealey Carmel , B Brady Damien
Published: April 2016

Cronobacter spp. are emerging opportunistic pathogens commonly associated with the feeding of powdered infant formula (PIF). This study aimed to investigate the ability of C.sakazakii (ATCC 29544) to survive heat injury in laboratory growth medium and powdered infant formula (PIF) in comparison to Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and other selected Cronobacter strains. As part of this work the thin agar layer (TAL) method for the recovery of heat-injured foodborne pathogens was evaluated for use with C.sakazakii (ATCC 29544) and E.coli (ATCC 25922). We report that heat treatment at 55°C for 10 minutes had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on C.sakazakii (ATCC 29544) viability in peptone or PIF. Significant differences in survival of Cronobacter strains after this heat treatment were identified indicating that heat tolerance in this genus may be strain dependent. PIF did not enhance survival of this organism in comparison to other media. Results indicate that a decrease in temperature of 5°C from the recommended 70°C for the reconstitution of PIF was sufficient to produce a significant increase in survival of C.sakazakii (ATCC 29544). Reconstituted PIF stored at room temperature was shown to support the survival and proliferation of this pathogen indicating that temperature abuse during PIF preparation and storage may significantly increase the risk of disease caused by these opportunistic pathogens.