Screening for risk of low energy availability in athletic and recreationally active females in Ireland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Low energy availability (LEA) results in physiological adaptations, which can contribute to unfavourable health outcomes. Little information exists on risk of LEA in active individuals competing in different sports or levels of competition. The aims of this study were to (1) identify risk of LEA in females competing at different levels of competition and (2) investigate associations between risk of LEA, illness and dietary habits. Methods: The validated questionnaire, ‘Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire’ was distributed online (November 2016–February 2017) to assess risk of LEA. Twenty-nine additional questions collected information on demographics, illness history and dietary habits. Participants were considered at risk of LEA if they attained a score of?≥?8 and were grouped into: (i) international; (ii) provincial/inter-county; (iii) competitive; and (iv) recreationally active. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to explore differences between those at risk or not at risk of LEA. Results: Risk of LEA was identified in 40% (n?=?331) of 833 participants and was 1.7 and 1.8 times more likely in international and provincial/inter-county athletes compared to those who were recreationally active (International: odds ratios (OR) 1.68, 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) 1.12–2.54; Provincial/inter-county: OR 1.83, 95%CI 1.20–2.77). In participants at risk of LEA, missing >22 days of training during the previous year due to illness occurred 3 times more frequently (OR 3.01, 95%CI 1.81–5.02). Conclusion: Risk of LEA was widespread in this heterogeneous sample. Awareness of LEA and the development of appropriate energy management strategies to ensure athlete health across levels of competition are required.     

How can children with mild literacy difficulties be supported at the transition to secondary school? A small‐scale quasi‐experimental study

There is evidence that pupils with weak literacy skills struggle on transition to secondary school. Many experience a drop in attainment in the summer break between the two. A British government‐funded programme of rigorously designed research on boosting literacy at transition had (by 2015) found only four of 15 interventions evaluated had positive effects. This small‐scale quasi‐experimental study investigated the effectiveness of support for pupils with mild literacy difficulties on transition to secondary school. Thirty‐two pupils in three schools were involved; half received the programme. Pairs were matched on reading, spelling, age and gender. Intervention was designed around the individual needs of each pupil, focusing variously on language skills, writing, reading and spelling. The group receiving the programme made modest gains in spelling, reading efficiency and single word reading. The comparison group lost ground, relatively, in all three areas. The results suggest a promising line for more rigorous investigation.     

The effect of television viewing on ethnic prejudice against immigrants: A study in the Italian context

Television viewers construct many different meanings from the programs they watch. Here, we investigated whether ethnic prejudice is differentially influenced by the genre of television programs in their portrayal of ethnic minorities. We also wanted to determine whether a higher educational level reduces ethnic prejudice and television use. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 401 Italian adults. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between ethnic prejudice and television program contents and educational level. Viewing Reality and Variety Shows was positively related to ethnic prejudice, News and Public Affairs was negatively related, and Films and TV series had no apparent influence on prejudice. Educational level was negatively related to both ethnic prejudice and watching Reality and Variety Shows, and positively related to viewing News and Public Affairs and Films and TV series programs.     

中印两国勘探开发境外能源战略比较研究

由于中国和印度都面对着同样的国际环境,且基本国情相似,特别是在能源安全方面都面临着相同或相似的问题,即近年来经济呈现高速和持续增长,能源问题,尤其是石油问题已成为制约中印经济发展的最大瓶颈,中印都积极面向全球部署本国的能源战略,为迅猛增长的经济谋求充足的能源保障。我国的能源战略应向石油进口渠道多样化及多方面与石油输出国乃至消费国加强合作的途径发展。     

P-V图与热力学第一定律中的诸量

通过讨论热力学系统在准静态过程ΔE、A、Q诸量与P－V图中过程曲线之间的关系，可直接从P—V图上判断内能的增减、做功正负及热量交换的方向。     

我国商业企业信用问题分析

我国的社会主义市场经济正处于建立和完善之中,与市场经济相适应的信用体系还没有完全建立起来,各行各业的信用缺失现象较为严重。为此,在分析我国商业企业信用缺失的现状及危害的基础上,进一步剖析了造成我国商业企业信用缺失的原因,并针对具体问题提出了相应的对策措施。     

影响陕南地区普通话水平测试成绩的相关因素

本文运用数理统计法,分析数据中所包含的信息,挖掘出影响普通话水平测试成绩的因素.     

关于变频调速的应用与节能分析

文章通过分析变频器调速的节能原理,并结合一个热电厂的变频器改造后的实例,阐述了变频调速的节能效果,提高了设备运行可靠性和节能降耗性。     

细胞膜Na+-K+主动输运过程的热力学分析

研究分析了Na^ -K^ 在跨膜主动输运过程中，细胞能量(由ATP分解提供)在各阶段的耗散情况．并且把ATP酶视为一个子系统，探讨了其在一个循环中发生的生物物理过程的规律性，对于深入了解细胞生命活动的内在机制提供了一种有益的研究方法。     

高等学校培养高层次创新人才的探索

创新人才的本质特征是创造性，创新人才还具有其独特的人格特征及个性心理结构。高等学校为了培养和造就大批高层次创新人才，就必须以创新为核心目标，进行整体、系统和综合的改革：转变教育思想和观念；改革课程体系：突出大学生创新能力的培养；创设有利于大学生创造性发展的学习环境；塑造大学生的创造性人格；增强高校教师的创新精神，提高高校教师自身的创新能力。