Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies on Radula of the Spider Conch Lambis lambis and Lambis adamii. (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia: Strombidae) fromThondi Coast, Palk Bay- Tamil Nadu -South East Coast of India.

The present study describes the morphology of two species of radula using SEM technique. In both Lambis species the radula Lambis lambis and Lambis adamii is taenioglossate type consist of one median tooth flanked by one pair of lateral teeth withtwo pairs of marginals on each side (7 teeth per row). In taenioglossan the radular formula is 2+1+1+1+2. In most details the radula of Lambis adamii resembles that of Lambis lambis but few apparent differences occur. The base of the central teeth is broad in Lambis adamii whereas in Lambis lambis it was concave. Lambis adamii and Lambis lambis the subquadrate central tooth with middle six cusps and in Lambis adamii the base of the central teeth is concave while in the Lambis lambis it was straight. In Lambis adamii two to three cusps present in the lateral teeth and it was inclined radular central where as in Lambis lambis the inner cusp is longer and sli

Seasonal changes in physico-chemical parameters of Thondi Coast waters, Palk Bay, South East coast, India.

The present study was carried out to determine the water quality in terms of physicochemical parameters in the coastal waters of Thondi , Palk Bay for a period of one year from Jan2015  to Dec 2015. The analysis of different parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, nitrite, nitrate, silicate, inorganic phosphate and total phosphate were carried out using standard methods. Water temperature ranged from 26.0°C-30.0°C, Salinity ranged  (30.1-34.55‰, pH(8.0 -8.2), EC value (45.20103mho- 50.49 103mho), Turbidity 28-59 NTU, TSS value (58.28-95 mg/l), DO (4.01 ml/l -5.61 ml/l), BOD (0.16 mg/- 2.19 mg/l), Chemical Oxygen Demand (0.87 ml/l -19.9mg/l ), Chloride 17252 mg/l -17850 mg/l ), Sulphate (1098.79 mg/l - 2637.41 mg/l),Nitrite  (0.117 µm/l and 1.192 µm/l), nitrate (1.513 µm/l and 12.981 µm/l), Ammonia (0.017 µm/l  and 0.11 µm/l), total nitrogen  (16.531 µm/l and 35.616 µm/l), inorganic phosphate (0.523 µm/l and maximum 2.047 µm/l), Total phosphorus (0.81 µm/l  and 4.386 µm/l)and silicate was recorded 41.676 µm/l and 61.149 µm/l.In sediment samples pH(7.7 -8.1),  Total Phosphorus(1.40µg/g -2.58 µg/g), total nitrogen (4.14 µg/g -9.80 µg/g), total organic carbon (1.70 mg/g-5.84 mg/g).The studies revealed that the physico-chemical parameters of water and samples showed  seasonal variations in Thondi coastal waters. Key words: Physico-chemical Parameters, Nutrients, statistical analysis, Palk Bay

A Review of Controlling Motivational Strategies from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective: Implications for Sports Coaches

The aim of this paper is to present a preliminary taxonomy of six controlling strategies, primarily based on the parental and educational literatures, which we believe are employed by coaches in sport contexts. Research in the sport and physical education literature has primarily focused on coaches’ autonomysupportive behaviours. Surprisingly, there has been very little research on the use of controlling strategies. A brief overview of the research which delineates each proposed strategy is presented, as are examples of the potential manifestation of the behaviours associated with each strategy in the context of sports coaching. In line with self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2002), we propose that coach behaviours employed to pressure or control athletes have the potential to thwart athletes’ feelings of autonomy, competence,and relatedness, which, in turn, undermine athletes’ self-determined motivation and contribute to the development of controlled motives. When athletes feel pressured to behave in a certain way, a variety of negative consequences are expected to ensue which are to the detriment of the athletes’ well-being. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness and interest in the darker side of sport participation and to offer suggestions for future research in this area

Realising the Olympic dream: vision, support and challenge

The sporting arena is replete with examples and anecdotes of great inspirational coaches that have led teams to success, often in the face of adversity and against seemingly better opponents. The role of the coach in developing and motivating athletes has also been the focus of much research in sport psychology (e.g., Challaduria 1990; Smith & Smoll, 2007). Despite the ease with which one readily accepts that coaches can be inspirational, the sport coaching literature is somewhat devoid of research on inspirational coaches and the effects of such coaches on athletic success. The purpose of the current paper is to theoretically delineate the inspirational effects of coaches in sport. Given the relative paucity of inspiration-related research in sport we draw upon contemporary theories of leadership from organisational and military psychology (e.g., transformational and charismatic leadership theories). We propose a sport-specific model of leadership that centres around the vision, support, and challenge meta-cognitive model developed by Arthur and Hardy in military contexts. The model posits that �great� coaches inspire their athletes by: (a) creating an inspirational vision of the future; (b) providing the necessary support to achieve the vision; and (c) providing the challenge to achieve the vision. The underlying proposition is that the vision provides meaning and direction for followers� effort. That is, the vision serves as the beacon around which all the sweat, pain and sacrifice involved in achieving success at the highest level in sport is directed. At the heart of this model is the notion that athletes can achieve their dreams provided they are inspired to do so; this is because all other things being equal the person who is motivated to practice longer and train harder will ultimately be the best. The current paper will delineate the coach�s role in inspiring the athlete to train harder and longer

Afoxolaner as a Treatment for a Novel Sarcoptes scabiei Infestation in a Juvenile Potbelly Pig

A 2 months old female Vietnamese potbellied pig presented to a veterinary teaching hospital with a referring complaint of pruritus. A human caretaker of the pig had recently been diagnosed with a Sarcoptes spp. dermatitis. Microscopic examination of the skin scrape samples and BLAST analysis confirmed the species of the mite as most closely related to Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (AY493391). The pig was treated with afoxolaner as previous treatment with ivermectin was not efficacious. Recheck examinations and follow up revealed the pig to be non-pruritic and resolving. Afoxolaner may be a therapeutic option when treating Sarcoptes spp. infections in companion pigs

Convergence and divergence of elite sport policies: is there a one-size-fits-all model to develop international sporting success?

This study is based on a detailed international comparison of the elite sport policies of 15 nations as part of the SPLISS (Sports Policy Factors Leading to International Sporting Success) study. It aims to provide deeper insights into the phenomena of convergence and divergence of elite sport policies. The research uses a mixed methods approach based on document reviews, interviews with high performance directors and surveys of 3142 athletes, 1376 coaches and 246 performance directors. There appears to be no generic blueprint for achieving international sporting success. Nations that perform well in international competition show varying patterns of relative strengths and weaknesses across nine pillars, 96 critical success factors, and 750 sub-factors. While the basic raw ingredients of the recipe might be common in broad terms, the combinations in which they are mixed are diverse. Much of this diversity appears to be driven by social, cultural and political factors

Relação treinador-atleta e exercício da liderança no desporto: a percepção de treinadores de alta competição

Neste artigo apresentamos os resultados de quatro entrevistas levadas a cabo com treinadores de alta competição portugueses, onde se procurou recolher informações sobre as competências necessárias para exercer a actividade de treinador, os princípios e filosofia adoptada no trabalho, as principais áreas de exercício da liderança e os valores defendidos na modalidade e na prática profissional. Os resultados permitiram verificar um acordo quanto à importância de possuírem boas competências conceptuais e pessoais, princípios claros e aceites pelos atletas, boas condições de trabalho e atletas com qualidade para a alta competição. Paralelamente, foi evidente a complexidade de tarefas assumidas na orientação dos atletas (nove dimensões do exercício da liderança). Por último, é de salientar a importância dada à obtenção dos resultados competitivos (objectivo principal) em conjunto com a análise satisfatória do trabalho realizado e a valorização do desenvolvimento pessoal, tanto no treinador como nos atletas (objectivos “periféricos”).Coach-athlete relationship and leadership practice: the perceptions of four high level competition coaches. On this article we present the results on interviewing four high level competition Portuguese coaches. The aim was to look for information on the essential coaching competences, the working principles and philosophy, the main leadership exercise areas and the defended values on sports and professional practice. The results showed the relevancy of gathering good conceptual and personal competencies, clear and accepted principals, good working conditions and qualified athletes. Also evident were the complex tasks assumed on guiding the athletes (nine leadership exercise dimensions were found). Finally, it is essential to point out the importance given to obtaining sporting results (main goal) as well as the satisfactory working analyses and the value given to coaches’ and athletes’ self-development (side goals).(undefined

Cultural Orientations of sport managers

Various interpretations of sport management are cultural constructs underpinned by core assumptions and values held by members of professional communities. Sport managers world wide share common problems, but differ in how they resolve them. These universal differences emerge from the relationships they form with other people, and their attitude to time, activities and the natural environment. This paper examines the role of sport managers’ cultural orientations in the interpretation and practice of sport management. Using a multiple dimension model (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 2000) it sketches the cultural profiles of fifteen sport managers from seven countries. A combination of methods was employed including questionnaires, interviews and participant observation. It is contended that the culture of sport management concerns a social process by which managers get involved in reconciling seven fundamental cultural dilemmas in order to perform tasks and achieve certain ends. Thus, a knowledge of the cultural meaning of sport management in a particular country would equip sport managers with a valuable tool in managing both the cultural diversity of their own work forces and in developing appropriate cross-cultural skills needed for running international events, marketing campaigns, sponsorship deals and joint ventures

Culture change in elite sport performance teams: Examining and advancing effectiveness in the new era

Reflecting the importance of optimizing culture for elite teams, Fletcher and Arnold (2011) recently suggested the need for expertise in culture change. Acknowledging the dearth of literature on the specific process, however, the potential effectiveness of practitioners in this area is unknown. The present paper examines the activity's precise demands and the validity of understanding in sport psychology and organizational research to support its delivery. Recognizing that sport psychologists are being increasingly utilized by elite team management, initial evidence-based guidelines are presented. Finally, to stimulate the development of ecologically valid, practically meaningful knowledge, the paper identifies a number of future research directions