It Takes Two

Theories of conflict emphasize dyadic interaction, yet existing empirical studies of civil war focus largely on state attributes and pay little attention to nonstate antagonists. We recast civil war in a dyadic perspective, and consider how nonstate actor attributes and their relationship to the state influence conflict dynamics. We argue that strong rebels, who pose a military challenge to the government, are likely to lead to short wars and concessions. Conflicts where rebels seem weak can become prolonged if rebels can operate in the periphery so as to defy a government victory yet are not strong enough to extract concessions. Conflicts should be shorter when potential insurgents can rely on alternative political means to violence. We examine these hypotheses in a dyadic analysis of civil war duration and outcomes, using new data on nonstate actors and conflict attributes, finding support for many of our conjectures. </jats:p

Using formative research to develop CHANGE! : a curriculum-based physical activity promoting intervention

Background : Low childhood physical activity levels are currently one of the most pressing public health concerns. Numerous school-based physical activity interventions have been conducted with varied success. Identifying effective child-based physical activity interventions are warranted. The purpose of this formative study was to elicit subjective views of children, their parents, and teachers about physical activity to inform the design of the CHANGE! (Children\u27s Health, Activity, and Nutrition: Get Educated!) intervention programme. Methods : Semi-structured mixed-gender interviews (group and individual) were conducted in 11 primary schools, stratified by socioeconomic status, with 60 children aged 9-10 years (24 boys, 36 girls), 33 parents (4 male, 29 female) and 10 teachers (4 male, 6 female). Questions for interviews were structured around the PRECEDE stage of the PRECEDE-PROCEDE model and addressed knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity, as well as views on barriers to participation. All data were transcribed verbatim. Pen profiles were constructed from the transcripts in a deductive manner using the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model framework. The profiles represented analysis outcomes via a diagram of key emergent themes. Results : Analyses revealed an understanding of the relationship between physical activity and health, although some children had limited understanding of what constitutes physical activity. Views elicited by children and parents were generally consistent. Fun, enjoyment and social support were important predictors of physical activity participation, though several barriers such as lack of parental support were identified across all group interviews. The perception of family invested time was positively linked to physical activity engagement. Conclusions : Families have a powerful and important role in promoting health-enhancing behaviours. Involvement of parents and the whole family is a strategy that could be significant to increase children\u27s physical activity levels. Addressing various perceived barriers to such behaviours therefore, remains imperative. <br /

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to &lt;90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], &gt;300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of &lt;15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P&lt;0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

\u3ci\u3eSubnational Politics in the 1980s: Organization, Reorganization and Economic Development\u3c/i\u3e

Editors: Louis A. Picard and Raphael Zarinski Chapter 3, Does the Federal-Unitary Dichotomy Make a Difference?: One Answer Derived from Macrocomparative Research, authored by Dale Krane, UNO faculty member. This book brings together thirteen experts in subnational politics to examine the effects on local and regional governments of the pessimistic perception that governments are limited in their problem-solving abilities. Contributors discuss the issue of popular participation in the political decision-making process, which has led to the creation of community action groups and local and regional organizations that foster economic development. They take a hard look at the nature of relationships with other levels of government and address the problems caused by a shrinking budget.https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/facultybooks/1205/thumbnail.jp

\u3ci\u3eAdministering the New Federalism\u3c/i\u3e

Editors: Lewis G Bender and James A Stever Chapter 11, State Government Control of Small Cities CDBG Awards: The Case of Mississippi, authored by Dale Krane, UNO faculty member.https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/facultybooks/1206/thumbnail.jp

Dynamics in Rural Policy Development: The Uniqueness of County Government

The article focuses on the ability of county governments in handling the public problems related to rapid system change. According to the article, increases in the socioeconomic affluence of counties do not stimulate greater countenance among county officials for administrative reorganization. County officials dislike structural mechanisms which centralize authority. Wealthier counties depend less on non-county revenues, but at the same time acquire larger amounts of federal aid than poorer units. Socioeconomic development in municipalities often creates pressures for administrative professionalism. Roads and operating costs constitute the major items in budgets, indicating that poorer counties are distinctly present-oriented in their policy activity. Socioeconomic factors have an impact only on governmental activity. The article suggests that grants-in-aid must be used with some sensitivity. In order to avoid the situation where the rich become richer, and the poor become poorer, this aid might be more valuable if redirected to the very poorest counties

\u3ci\u3eHandbook of Health Administration and Policy\u3c/i\u3e

Editors: Anne Osborne Kilpatrick and James A Johnson Chapter 30, Health Care Technology Assessment, co-authored by Dale Krane, UNO faculty member. This comprehensive text offers a broad view of health care policy, health services delivery and organization, and health care management. Drawing on the insights of over 100 scholars and leading practitioners, it highlights organizational changes reflected in health care mergers, networks, and affiliations and describes the role of funding agencies in the direct provision of services. Providing over 2350 references, tables, and drawings, the book charts the influences of managed care on provisions, funding, and the configuration of providers and services, and portrays the increasingly influential and challenging role of health administrators.https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/facultybooks/1200/thumbnail.jp

\u3ci\u3eParty Politics in the South\u3c/i\u3e

Editors: Robert P. Steed, Laurence W. Moreland, and Tod A. Baker Chapter, Factional Durability in Mississippi\u27s Gubernatorial Elections, 1927-1975, co-authored by Dale Krane, UNO faculty member.https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/facultybooks/1209/thumbnail.jp