AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS

The paper reviews agricultural development in the fifteen former Soviet republics over the period 1965-1998. Production functions are estimated and productivity differences and changes calculated. Large differences were found in terms of productivity and growth between the republics. The differences grew after 1990 reflecting variation in reform policies.Productivity Analysis,

AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLIC

The paper reviews agricultural development in the fifteen former Soviet republics over the period 1965-1997. Production functions are estimated and productivity differences and changes calculated. Large differences were found in terms of productivity and growth between the republics. The differences grew after 1990 reflecting variation in reform policies.International Development, Productivity Analysis,

Repeated sprint test performance indices and aerobic fitness in normal and overweight pre-pubertal children

We determined relationships between aerobic fitness and performance indices (fastest sprint time – FS, total sprint time – TS, and performance decrement – PD) of repeated sprint tests (RST) in normal and overweight children (BMI%: 59.8±12.9 versus 96.4±1.9%, respectively). Aerobic fitness, FS, and TS were significantly higher in normal weight children. Significant negative correlations were found between aerobic fitness and TS (r=–0.802), FS (r=–0.762) and PD (r=–0.670) in normal weight children. Significant negative correlations between aerobic fitness and TS (r=–0.767) and FS (r=–0.738), but not with PD were found in overweight children. While aerobic and anaerobic capabilities were significantly higher in normal weight children, strong relationships were found between aerobic fitness and RST indices in both normal and overweight children

The effect of methylphenidate treatment on exercise performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

The prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the school-age population is 8–10%, with boys having higher prevalence than girls. Children with ADHD have reduced physical fitness characteristics and exercise capacity compared to healthy children. There are conflicting results regarding the effect of treatment on exercise performance in children with ADHD. We determined fitness characteristic in children with ADHD receiving methylphenidate treatment (17.5±0.6 years; n=16) compared to age-adjusted ADHD children not receiving treatment (17.2±0.7 years; n=16). There were no significant differences in anthropometric measures between the treated and non-treated participants. There were no significant differences in the 60 seconds sit ups number, number of pull-ups, 4X10m shuttle run times and 2000m running times between the treated and non-treated participants. Standing long-jump results were significantly better among the non-treated ADHD participants (p<0.02). The results suggest that methylphenidate treatment might be disadvantageous for maximal speed and explosive-type activities in ADHD patient. Further studies are needed to clarify if other sports activities which require attention, accuracy, concentration and organization may benefit from such treatment

Health-related knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic kindergarteners

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>The aim of the present study was to determine physical activity (PA) and nutrition knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic status kindergarten children.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Following height and weight measurement, 795 low socio-economic status kindergarten children (age 3.8-6.8 y.o) completed a photo-pair knowledge and preferences food and exercise questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No difference was found between nutrition and PA knowledge scores (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was no difference between the nutrition knowledge and preference score (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 50.9 ± 0.9%, respectively). PA preference was significantly higher than knowledge (56.9 ± 1.5 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Significant correlations were found between nutrition knowledge and preferences (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), physical activity knowledge and preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001), and nutrition and PA preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Nutrition preference scores were significantly lower in overweight compared to normal weight kindergartners 48.1 ± 1.7 versus 52.0 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). PA knowledge and preference scores were significantly higher among male compared to the female kindergartners (p < 0.001 for both).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data demonstrate diversities in physical activity and nutrition knowledge and preferences among low socio-economic status kindergarten children. These findings may be important for the development of health promotion programs in low socioeconomic kindergarten children.</p