An exploratory study on the acute effects of proprioceptive exercise and/or neuromuscular taping on balance performance

Background: This study aimed at investigating the acute effects of combined EXERCISE and TAPING in comparison to isolated proprioceptive exercise (EXERCISE) and ankle neuromuscular taping (TAPING) on one-leg stability performance in rugby players. Methods: Stability tests, performed on a stabilometric platform, were assessed for stability before and after above interventions. Performed stability tests were one-leg static stance (dominant leg and non-dominant leg) each with eyes open and eyes closed. The assessed dependent variables were: centre of pressure (CoP) path length; CoP speed; medio-lateral, and anterior-posterior sway. Sixteen male rugby players (27.3 \ub1 3.3 years; 177.3 \ub1 7.3 cm; 88.8 \ub1 15.2 kg) from a non-professional rugby team were tested in all above conditions, according to a cross-over study design. Results: Most of investigated variables improved following EXERCISE + TAPING (CoP path length-18.2/-15.6%, CoP speed-22.8/-17.7%, and anterior-posterior sway-21.0/-16.3%), in comparison with the other two protocols. EXERCISE + TAPING improved the stability control by combining the effects of both proprioceptive exercise and neuromuscular taping. Conclusions: Such findings could suggest the benefits of planning long-term strategies using EXERCISE + TAPING protocols for improving the functional stability and for preventing re-occuring injuries

Paths to Innovation in Supply Chains: The Landscape of Future Research

This chapter presents a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for supply chain and it is the result of an intensive work jointly performed involving a wide network of stakeholders from discrete manufacturing, process industry and logistics sector to put forward a vision to strengthen European Supply Chains for the next decade. The work is based on matching visions from literature and from experts with several iterations between desk research and workshops, focus groups and interviews. The result is a detailed analysis of the supply chain strategies identified as most relevant for the next years and definition of the related research and innovation topics as future developments and steps for the full implementation of the strategies, thus proposing innovative and cutting-edge actions to be implemented based on technological development and organisational change

Magnitude and causes of first-line antiretroviral therapy regimen changes among HIV patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly decreased the morbidity and mortality due to HIV/AIDS. ART regimen change is a major challenge for the sustainability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment program. This is found to be a major concern among HIV/AIDS patients in a resource-limited setting, where treatment options are limited. Objectives: The aim of this review is to generate the best available evidence regarding the magnitude of first-line antiretroviral therapy regimen change and the causes for regimen change among HIV patients on ART in Ethiopia. Methods: The reviewed studies were accessed through electronic web-based search strategy from PubMed Medline, EMBASE, Hinari, Springer link and Google Scholar. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata software version 13 for analyses. The overall pooled estimation of outcomes was calculated using a random-effect model of DerSimonian-Laird method at 95% confidence level. Heterogeneity of studies was determined using I2 statistics. For the magnitude of regimen change, the presence of publication bias was evaluated using the Begg's and Egger's tests. The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the Prospero database with reference number ID: CRD42018099742. The published methodology is available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=99742. Results: A total of 22 studies published between the years 2012 and 2018 were included. Out of 22 articles, 14 articles reported the magnitude of regimen change and consisted of 13,668 HIV patients. The estimated national pooled magnitude of regimen change was 37% (95% CI: 34, 44%; Range: 15.1-63.8%) with degree of heterogeneity (I2), 98.7%; p-value < 0.001. Seventeen articles were used to identify the causes for first-line antiretroviral therapy regimen change. The major causes identified were toxicity, 58% (95% CI: 46, 69%; Range: 14.4-88.5%); TB co-morbidity, 12% (95% CI: 8, 16%; Range: 0.8-31.7%); treatment failure, 7% (95% CI: 5, 9%; Range: 0.4-24.4%); and pregnancy, 5% (95% CI: 4, 7%; Range: 0.6-11.9%). Conclusions: The original first-line regimen was changed in one-third of HIV patients on ART in Ethiopia. Toxicity of the drugs, TB co-morbidity, treatment failure, and pregnancy were the main causes for the change of the first-line regimen among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy

The work of Josef Váchal in art education at the elementary school

The thesis deals with the art of the modern Czech painter and graphic artist Josef Váchal and follows up its use in creative activities at primary school. The theoretical part is devoted to a detailed analysis of Váchal artistic development and brief psychological study of his personality. It also reflects the creation of other artists, whose artistic expression tends to be close to Váchal works. In fine the thesis follows the possibilities of use of artistic work in art education at the elementary school. The practical part introduce the art education project, inspired by works of Josef Váchal, and documents its complex realization at the elementrary school in Borové Lady with the final reflection