Multi-Institutional Implementation of Farmer Field Schools among Nicaraguan Bean Growers. Do Different NGOs Perform Differently?

This paper analyzes how different characteristics of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working as extension providers affect the delivery of agricultural technologies to farmers. Using farm level data from 436 Nicaraguan bean growers, we evaluate how the institutional characteristics of the NGOs that implement farmer field schools (FFS) affect their impacts on farmer choices of pest management inputs, their adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) and resulting net revenues and pesticide exposure from bean production. After controlling for endogeneity of participation in IPM training programs and for a clustered and stratified sample design, results reveal that institutional focus, expertise in IPM and the capacity of extension providers implementing FFS significantly influence FFS impacts on input choices and adoption of IPM. FFS participation by itself has no influence on farmer' pest management decisions or their net revenues.Crop Production/Industries,

Do Pesticide Hazards to Human Health and Beneficial Insects Cause or Result from IPM Adoption? Mixed Messages from Farmer Field Schools in Nicaragua

This paper analyzes the interaction between farmer training in pest management and effects on acute pesticide poisoning and populations of beneficial insects in Nicaragua. Using farm level data from Nicaraguan bean growers, including graduates of Farmer Field Schools (FFS), other integrated pest management (IPM) outreach methods, and farmers without exposure to IPM, we found that small farmers are influenced by pesticide-related acute illness experiences when adopting IPM practices and making decisions about pesticide use. However, exposure to IPM extension programs failed to reduce the use of highly toxic pesticides and increased the number of self-reported acute illness symptoms during the most recent bean crop season. IPM training did result in growth of beneficial insect populations.ecosystem service, integrated pest management, agricultural extension, Nicaragua, Farm Management, Q16,

Contemporary training practices in elite british powerlifters:survey results from an international competition

The primary objective of this study was to investigate current powerlifting training methods in light of anecdotal evidence purporting increased similarity with the explosive training practices of weightlifters. The study also assessed the prevalence of contemporary training practices frequently recommended for powerlifters in the popular literature. A 20-item survey was distributed to 32 elite British powerlifters at an International competition. The subject group included multiple national, international, and commonwealth champions and record holders. Based on 2007 competition results, the average Wilks score of the group was 450.26 ± 34.7. The response rate for the surveys was 88% (28 of 32). The survey was sectioned into 6 areas of inquiry: a) repetition speed, b) explosive training load, c) resistance materials used, d) adjunct power training methods, e) exercise selection, and f) training organization. The results demonstrate that the majority of powerlifters train with the intention to explosively lift maximal and submaximal loads (79 and 82%, respectively). Results revealed that 39% of the lifters regularly used elastic bands and that 57% incorporated chains in their training. Evidence for convergence of training practices between powerlifters and weightlifters was found when 69% of the subjects reported using the Olympic lifts or their derivatives as part of their powerlifting training. Collectively, the results demonstrate that previous notions of how powerlifters train are outdated. Contemporary powerlifters incorporate a variety of training practices that are focused on developing both explosive and maximal strength

FQPA IMPLEMENTATION TO REDUCE PESTICIDE RESIDUE RISKS: PART I: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER CONCERNS

The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) transforms the regulation of pesticide residues on food in the United States. Three changes are prominent. First, under the FQPA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorized to develop uniform pesticide residue tolerances for both fresh and processed foods. These tolerances must be based on a conservative standard appropriate for infants and children, rather than the adult-based tolerances that prevailed previously for fresh-market produce. Second, under the FQPA, pesticide registration will be based upon aggregate risk to the most susceptible consumers from all pesticides sharing a common biochemical mode of action in humans. Third, the FQPA expands the scope of health effects included in risk assessment decisions to include potential endocrine and reproductive effects of pesticidal chemicals. As the EPA has moved to develop implementation guidelines for the FQPA, agricultural producers and input suppliers have become concerned about its impact on them. Even if the FQPA's implementation results only in a restriction of the pesticides used on some crops, producers still have four major concerns: (1) the potential loss of farm profitability, especially for farms specializing in fruit and vegetable production; (2) unfair competition if foreign competitors can use pesticides forbidden to domestic producers; (3) the impact of the FQPA on consumer purchases, (i.e., if reduced pesticide use results in more blemishes or lower quality product, will consumers refuse to purchase the product?); and (4) excessive reliance on a few remaining pest control weapons, possibly resulting in accelerated pest resistance. Because these uncertainties potentially impact producers' livelihoods, many argue for a go-slow, long transition for any major changes in the way they farm or the pest control products they use. Competing with these agricultural concerns, however, are a parallel set of concerns, expressed by consumer and environmental groups, that the FQPA's promise to protect infants and children from pesticide risks will be sabotaged by lax or ineffective implementation. There are many uncertainties with respect to the impacts related to alternative FQPA implementation strategies. Research to resolve these concerns is fragmentary and frequently inconclusive. The common element that emerges from this review of producer concerns is: Impacts on producers will depend on how the FQPA is implemented.Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

The state of blacks in higher education

This is a study initiated by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) that provides an overview on the state of blacks in higher education from 1986 through 2005. It focuses on bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees earned by black Americans. It also examines the advancement, or lack thereof, of black faculty members. The study uses data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Series and the Survey of Doctorial Recipients.blacks; higher education;

FQPA IMPLEMENTATION TO REDUCE PESTICIDE RESIDUE RISKS: PART II: IMPLEMENTATION ALTERNATIVES AND STRATEGIES

Implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) is fraught with difficulty due to the divergent perspectives and demands of stakeholders in the process. In "Part I: Agricultural Producer Concerns," the authors reviewed the concerns of food producers about potential FQPA threats to farm profitability, international competitiveness, consumer perceptions, and the development of pest resistance to remaining pesticides. Fortunately, lessons from past environmental policy and economic theory offer useful principles for how to implement the FQPA. This paper, "Part II: Implementation Alternatives and Strategies" addresses ways to accommodate producer concerns while meeting the policy mandate of reducing risk from pesticide exposure, especially for infants and children. In so doing, the authors are neither advocating nor criticizing this FQPA policy mandate; rather, they are providing policy analysis of alternative implementation strategies.Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

ElECTROMYOGRAPHIC COMPARISON OF THE BACK SQUAT AND OVERHEAD SQUAT

The present study sought to compare the electrical activity of core and lower-body muscles during performance of the back squat and overhead squat. Fourteen male rugby union athletes performed repetitions of both squatting movements with 60, 75 and 90% of their respective 3RM loads. Additional comparisons were made with isolation exercises designed to target the core musculature and a further condition to equate the absolute load lifted. The overhead squat resulted in slight increases in activity of the rectus abdominus and external oblique, with larger decreases in activity of the erector spinae and lower-body muscles. The results show that the differences in muscle activity are largely a function of the absolute load lifted and that anterior core muscles are recruited to a greater extent during isolation exercises compared with squatting movements

Translating novel collective behaviour measures to concepts and principles of play as understood by football coaches.

A range of innovative performance analysis metrics have been applied in recent years to investigate aspects of football using tempo-spatial and network analyses. These approaches have gained traction within some professional teams to quantify and assess features of collective behaviour. However, metrics employed are rarely created from, or clearly link to, domain expertise and as a result coaches may be hesitant of their value. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify coach perceptions of spatial temporal and network metrics and identify the feasibility of an iterative and collaborative process to developing metrics. Two rounds of semi-structured interviews were conducted with three Scottish youth international UEFA Pro License coaches (age: 47.0 ± 2.7 years) with a focus on aligning metrics with concepts and principles of play. An iterative approach was used centring around spatial-temporal and network metrics and their adaptation. Reflexive thematic analyses were conducted with final metrics categorized as resonant (accurately describing concept or principles of play), relevant (appropriate but with limitations that need improvement), or hesitant (skeptical of usefulness). Across the ten recognized principles of play, nine metrics were identified and adapted to varying degrees. Resonant metrics included: network intensity (mobility), distance between defenders (discipline), triangles (support), team length and distance between deepest defender and goal line (depth). Coaches recognize principles of play within complex collective behaviour metrics and should be encouraged to collaborate with analysts to develop support systems that may prove to be more valuable and usable

Practical applications of biomechanical principles in resistance training: The use of bands and chains

In recent years, it has become popular for athletes and recreational trainers to perform resistance training with the addition of bands and chains. In this paper, we consider the advantages of manipulating an exercise to match the resistance provided with the force capabilities of the lifter, which generally change throughout the movement. We explain that bands and chains can be used to manipulate a variety of exercises that have the potential to enhance performance in sport and in many daily tasks. Whilst there are many similarities between the use of bands and chains for resistance training, we note that there are key differences and discuss the biomechanics of each material separately. In particular, we discuss that chains provide resistance primarily in the vertical plane and the resistance is linearly related to the displacement of the barbell. In contrast, bands can be set up to produce substantial horizontal forces in addition to the primary resistance force that often acts in the vertical direction. Also, research has demonstrated that bands provide a resistance force that is related in a curvilinear fashion to the displacement of the barbell. After introducing the main biomechanical features associated with each type of resistance material, we present findings from the strength and conditioning literature that has demonstrated the potential for bands and chains to improve the stimulus associated with strength and power training. At present, a more compelling evidence base has emerged for the use of bands in resistance training, particularly with regard to the development of power. It is not known whether this asymmetry reflects the greater number of studies conducted with bands or is influenced by methodological differences between studies. However, we also discuss the possibility that different inertial properties of bands compared with chains may make the former a more effective choice for the development of power. We hope that exercise professionals will benefit from this knowledge and obtain insight into how an understanding of biomechanical principles can assist with prescribing contemporary training regimes

The Ursinus Weekly, June 6, 1960

154 seniors receive diplomas here today: Scott addresses grads at 91st commencement • Post-graduation plans are made by senior class • Prizes awarded to outstanding Ursinus students • Ursinus receives $500 grant from Ford fund • Dr. Eugene Miller elected national Pi Gamma Mu V-P • Rev. Mr. Schellhase, Miss Kay Kerper engaged • Alpha Phi Omega elects new officers for next year • Admissions Office expects 274 freshmen in \u2764 class • Editorial: Tribute • Letters to the editor • Walden-by-the-sea • Explanation • Senior\u27s progress • Amico speaks • Lynne Crosley is All-American lacrosse player • Athletic teams elect captains for next year • Women\u27s tennis is undefeated for fourth year • Men\u27s tennis team ends 2-9 • Cindermen end season; Several records broken • Men receive letters for participation in sports • Vern Morgan makes fine showing at ICAA meet • Sallie Eikner is elected head of Alpha Sigma Nu • Coral Lee Koffke is elected new president of Whitians • Zeta Chi fraternity holds dinner dance on June 3 • Jim Faust and Dave Crisman to head Inter-Fraternity Council • Thirteen new members elected to Pi Gamma Mu • AYH Council announces new hosteling schedule • Kappa Delta Kappa sorority holds shower for members • Larry Habgood is elected new president of Delta Mu Sigmahttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1366/thumbnail.jp