Position specific differences in activity in club level sevens rugby players : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Sport & Exercise Science at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

The increase in popularity of seven-a-side rugby through the World Sevens Series has increased the need for training programmes to be developed specifically for the seven-a-side game. The aim of this thesis was to use time motion analysis to gather and compare data on match play variables in club sevens rugby, and interpret the results to construct effective guidelines for game-specific sevens rugby training. The first step in programme development was to identify the specific demands of sevens rugby, and then determine the best way for these demands to be replicated through training. Time motion analysis was used to identify the specific physiological demands of club-level game play. These demands included distances travelled, average speeds, the percentage of game time spent in different gaits and exercise intensities, and the number of activities and events performed per game half. The data were used to make comparisons between positional groups (forwards, backs, halfback), between game halves, and between pool and final games. There were no significant differences found between positional groups, game halves or game type, which implies that all players in sevens should train in the same way. The average distance covered per half was 0.77km, with 9% of the game spent in passive rest, 81% spent in active recovery and 10% spent in high-intensity running, equating to an average work to rest ratio of 1:9. Each player performed an average of 12 activities per half. Only half of the passes received resulted in a continuation of passing, the other half of balls received were either taken into a tackle or fumbled. The execution of activities at training should focus on maintaining possession of the ball at set plays and breakdowns, and using movement of the ball and players to create space to break through the defensive line and score a try. This can be achieved by working on game-specific skills, and may include executing these skills in a fatigued state to simulate the requirements of game play. Game-based fitness training should focus on the development of both aerobic power and anaerobic capacity, with special emphasis on the development of the lactate energy system through repeated-speed training. Work to rest ratios of 1:9 reflect club level game play, and are suggested as the standard for training at club level. To create overload and increase training response, smaller work to rest ratios (eg 1:3) may be used. Training which specifically focuses on the development of acceleration, top-end speed, agility, and strength should also be implemented as these attributes have been identified as critical components for successful sevens players. These results suggest that sevens rugby players require game-specific, rather than position-specific, training to promote maximal transfer to game performance

Parkview Medical Center: Underscoring the Importance of Communication in Pneumonia Care

Highlights successful strategies for excellence in pneumonia care, including evidence-based education, regular communication, and reinforcement via concurrent review; reassigning vaccination responsibilities; and improving antibiotic selection and timing

Holland Hospital: Improving Pneumonia Care by Hardwiring Process Enhancements

Outlines successful strategies for improving care for pneumonia, including implementing core measure teams, concurrent reviews, financial incentives, a focus on system factors, preprinted order sets, and reassigning tasks. Presents lessons learned

Exploring Identities in Online Music Fandoms: How identities Formed in Online Fan Communities Affect Real Life Identities

This thesis set out to explore the identities formed by members of online fandom communities, and to determine the ways in which those identities affect their real life, offline identities. This qualitative study encountered elements related to stereo types of young women who are fans of mainstream pop music, and provided insight on their experiences through interviews with five long time boy band online fandom members. This study asked if fans prefer to keep their fandom identities internal or let them reflect outward, how one\u27s online identity affects or translates to their real life identity, and what experiences in the online fandom were the most impactful to the individual\u27s real life identity or led to new knowledge. It was revealed that online community platform is the place where fans gather to enjoy a similar passion, but it is the relationships and discussions held on the site between fans that truly affect an individual and their identity, rather than the more superficial elements of being in a fandom. Through fandom discourse, members found social support and solidarity with one another

Texas Health Harris Methodist-Cleburne: A System Approach to Surgical Improvement

Outlines successful strategies for improving surgical care, including systemwide collaboration, concurrent review, changes to care processes, redefined responsibilities, and preprinted order sets. Lists challenges and lessons learned

St. Luke's Medical Center: Bottom-Up Approach to Quality Improvement in Pneumonia Care

Highlights strategies for improving pneumonia care, including frontline staff leadership, reassigning responsibilities, ongoing nursing staff education, and the use of evidence-based best practices, concurrent review, and streamlined standing order sets

Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth in New Zealand Surf Lifesavers : an analysis of age, gender, social support, & self-efficacy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand

Introduction. New Zealand surf lifeguards are exposed to a range of potentially traumatic events including search and rescue, trauma and medical care, and body retrievals. Although extensive training is required and peer support programmes are in place, little is known about the impact this work may have as there is a lack of published literature focusing on surf lifeguards. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was available to all current, paid and volunteer lifeguards, 17 years and older. Information was gathered on personal and surf lifesaving trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), perceived social support and perceived self-efficacy. Statistical analyses were performed to explore hypothesized relationships between these constructs and demographic variables. Results: A total of 181 lifeguards 17 years and older (M = 26.96, SD = 12.45), were included in the final analysis. Males reported significantly higher trauma exposure, yet females presented with higher posttraumatic stress symptoms. 7.8% of adolescents and 1.8% of adults scored above 40 on the PTSD measure suggesting probable PTSD. Adolescent participants reported both higher posttraumatic stress and PTG. Total trauma exposure, including surf lifesaving events, failed to show a significant relationship with trauma outcomes. However, personal traumatic events alone did show a small but significant relationship with both posttraumatic stress and PTG. The expected relationships between social support and self-efficacy with posttraumatic stress were not verified. Social support and self-efficacy did show a small but significant positive relationship with PTG. No moderation effect was found for either social support or self-efficacy. Exploratory analysis did show that age moderated the relationship between trauma exposure and both posttraumatic stress and PTG. Discussion. Results suggest that being younger may facilitate PTG but it may also make some vulnerable to posttraumatic stress symptoms under high trauma conditions. Traumatic events within Surf lifesaving were not related to trauma outcomes suggesting that personal trauma may have a stronger impact than lifeguard related trauma. The lack of evidence supporting the impact of social support and self-efficacy may be due to limitations in the measures used. Results and limitations are discussed with a focus on how this unique population could benefit from future research

Stranger Danger!

This article discusses the historical origins of the “stranger danger” myth, including the conditions that fueled the spread of panic. It explains how the myth was bolstered by increased media coverage, emotional appeals by parents, and public awareness campaigns. A number of important terms are defined and statistical information about child abductions in the United States is provided. Constructionist critiques of the “missing children” problem are explored as well as work that looks at the phenomenon through the lens of moral panic. A variety of social, legal, and ethical implications are discussed. The final sections assert the dangers of the myth, explain the difficulties involved in debunking the myth, and argue for the need to shift from fear-based responses to more rational responses that actually work to protect the most vulnerable populations of children (e.g., those who reside in abusive homes or experience harm at the hands of those known to them)

Western Baptist Hospital: Problem-Solving With Pneumonia Care Performance Improvement Teams

Describes successful strategies for strengthening pneumonia care, including multidisciplinary performance improvement teams, process improvements built into staff routines, peer collaboratives, standard order sets, and feedback through concurrent review