Towards the estimation of the economic value of the outputs of Scottish higher education institutions : Next Steps Summary Report

This paper represents a summary of the 'Next Steps Project' which piloted the practical application of a new methodological approach applying welfare economic principles to estimate the value of non-market outputs of higher education institutions. 3 areas of non-market activity of Scottish higher education institutions were studied, namely community engagement, cultural outreach and public policy advisory activity. The aim of the study was to use real world higher education data to test the new methodological framework's potential to identify areas of high value and where metrics could be devised to support public resource allocation decisions

Injuries and Physical Limitations in Division I Female Collegiate Athletes

The NCAA conducted research regarding incidence of injury among collegiate sports teams from 1988 to 2004. Although this study was comprehensive, more research is needed about female athletes, especially on major and chronic injuries and the limitations they pose on athletes in both the present and the future. PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of injury and current physical limitations between women’s soccer, volleyball, and softball. METHODS: A survey was given to 44 Division I female soccer, volleyball, and softball athletes to inquire about injury status and physical limitations. Minor and major injuries, as well as those requiring surgery were specified and categorized as chronic or acute. Questions regarding physical activity limitations and limitations in daily living activity were also asked. Data was compared between the three sports and was analyzed using SPSS software with a Chi-Squared analysis and Pearson’s correlation. RESULTS: A significant difference (p \u3c 0.05) was found between soccer and softball athletes in both major and chronic injuries, with softball reporting significantly more injuries in both categories. There was a significant difference between softball and volleyball athletes in major injuries, chronic injuries, and physical activity limitations, with softball reporting more injuries and limitations. There was a significant difference between soccer and volleyball athletes for physical activity limitations, with soccer reporting more limitations due to sport injury. All players reported that they had, at some point in their career, played while injured or ill. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that significant differences exist between the incidence of injuries in female Division I soccer, volleyball, and softball athletes. While this information is important in understanding the difference between soccer, volleyball, and softball incidence of injury, it is also important to understand why certain athletes show more specific types of injuries than others

Meningeal Worm in Central Iowa Goat Herds

Aberrant migration of the deer meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, is a commonly recognized cause of neurologic disease in South American camelids but is less frequently considered in other small ruminant species. After an unusually cool and wet summer season, central Iowa goat herds serviced by Iowa State University’s Veterinary Field Services have been increasingly affected by P. tenuis, with clinical cases presenting as early as August. Most caprine cases present with progressive neurologic deficits, starting with hind-end weakness and ataxia which may lead to complete paresis and death. Both sporadic cases and herd outbreaks involving as much as 15% of the herd have been observed. These cases involve a range of ages from older pre-weaned kids (4-6 months) to mature animals. Herds browsing wooded areas with a high deer density appear to be especially at risk. Field diagnosis is based on exposure history, clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and response to treatment. Treatment protocols include extra-label high-dose, extended course fenbendazole, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care along with single dose ivermectin for control of immature larvae. Ambulatory animals generally respond to treatment but may retain residual neurologic deficits; prognosis for downer animals is poor. Control effort may include restricting access to high-risk browse or grazing sites, exclusion of deer and mollusks, and chemoprophylaxis

Core Assessment: general education and faculty engagement

Poster presented at the Assessment for Curricular Improvement Poster Exhibit 2023.Our institution is developing processes to assess our general core education. After redeveloping our seven learning objectives, direct faculty engagement was sought for the design and implementation of assessment rubrics. During the initial assessment cycle, faculty voiced challenges in implementation. This poster will frame these challenges and provide our response to overcome them

Comparing Dominant and Non-Dominant Torque and Work Using Biodex 3 Isokinetic Protocol for Knee Flexors and Extensors

INTRODUCTION. There is often a misconception when looking at comparing dominant and non-dominant limbs of any sort. Although there will be a lack of control in non-dominant limbs compared to dominant, the amount of torque and power associated with each limb may be equal; even so, there may be an instance of bilateral deficit, where even though the dominant limb may be used to do work on a specific limb, the non-dominant limb may still receive strength benefits. PURPOSE. The main purpose of this study is to directly relate ability (torque and total work) in both dominant and non-dominate limbs with a focus on knee flexion and extension. METHODS. Participants: Four (N = 4; 4 males, 0 females) volunteers were utilized for this study. The average age of the participants were 24.5 + 1.73 years old, average height was 71.75 + 3.20” (inches or 182.245 centimeters), and average weight was 183.26 + 45.78 pounds (83.3 kilograms). Methodology: Upon arriving to the lab, each participant was measured for height (recorded in inches) and weight (recorded in kilograms), as well as age was recorded (years). Each participant was added into the system when they attempted to perform the protocol. The protocol utilized isokinetic concentric/concentric contractions on the knee for three separate speeds or sets (30/s, 60/s, and 90/s); each set included 5 repetitions. Upon completion of each set (5 repetitions) the participant would be allowed 10 seconds of rest. Following the same protocol, all participants would complete the test using their non-dominate leg. RESULTS. The value and percent difference associated with dominant and non-dominant extension (both torque and work) were rather large. As seen in the percent difference section, the value of each percent difference were at least 7.83% (min) and as high as 27.43% (max). There was also a noticeable percent difference associated with 90/s in flexion for both torque and work between dominant and non-dominant with values at torque = 19.97% and work = 16.23%. DISCUSSION. This study may help provide insight into how dominant and non-dominant limbs may be trained and how they may be equal even without training. This may be untrue due to many variables, but this study has allowed a certain insight into how dominant and non-dominant limbs may be equal in gross motor movements. Results that find non-dominant to dominant differences may be errors due the tester and/or the participant; it may be due to the participant because of situational awareness, they may learn the protocol and movements with one leg and adjust using the other

Isokinetic Knee and Hip Torque in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Athletes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of isokinetic knee and hip torque to various physiological characteristics and soccer-specific variables, such as kick velocity (KV) and body fat percentage (BF%) specifically in female collegiate soccer players. METHODS: Anthropometric data was collected on 22 division I female soccer players. Maximum strength, explosive lower body power, agility, acceleration, speed, and aerobic power were tested. Anthropometric data was collected on age, height, weight, and body composition. Body composition was assessed using the Jackson-Pollock 3- Site Skinfold Formula procedure using the Lange skinfold calipers. A one repetition max (1-RM) squat parallel test was be used to determine the maximum lower body strength of the athlete. Lower body explosive power (VJ) was measured using a Vertec vertical jump device. A 40 yard dash was measured to evaluate acceleration and 100 meter sprint was used to determine speed. VO2Max was estimated with a 2 mile test and agility was tested using the Illinois Agility Test. Kicking Velocity (KV) was determined using the Speed Trac radar gun. The isokinetic peak torque during knee extension/flexion in the sitting position at 60, 180, and 240 degrees/second, and torque during hip flexion and extension in the standing position at 60, 180, and 240 degrees/second were measured with the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients were calculated for all variables by utilizing a correlation matrix from raw scores for both the pre and post season data. Statistical analysis indicated significant relationships exist. Knee torque during extension was highly correlated with hip flexion (r=.81) and hip extension (r=.87). A correlation was found between knee torque during extension and KV (r=0.89), as well as vertical jump and KV (r=0.91). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that significant relationships do exist between isokinetic hip and knee torque and soccer-specific variables, and that hip and knee torque is correlated in soccer athletes, which is similar to previous research (1,2,3). However, one cannot interpret this to mean a cause and effect relationship. Additionally, this research demonstrates a need for further research regarding hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio. Our Biodex data suggests hamstring strength is half that of quadriceps strength. This has an important implication for strength coaches in conditioning athletes for injury prevention

Physiological Monitoring of the Cardiovascular System During a One-Rep Max Bench Press Using the Zephyr Bioharness

While much is known about the muscular and neurological responses in the body during a one rep max (1RM) bench press test, there is little research regarding the cardiovascular response. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological response, specifically in the cardiopulmonary system, during 1RM testing in real-time using the Zephyr Bioharness. Thirty college undergraduates who were enrolled in beginning weight training for three months were asked to wear a BioHarness device during a 1RM bench test. Individual 1RM was found one week prior to test. Prior to testing, subjects followed a standardized warm-up and protocol to obtain 1RM. Subjects instantaneous peak and average heart rate and respiratory rate during, prior to, and following the lift were recorded. Data showed instantaneous heart rate was correlated to the amount of weight successfully lifted (p\u3c.05). There were no significant correlations between weight lifted and average heart rate or respiratory rate. Post lift heart rate and respiratory rate had no correlation to amount of weight lifted. Because intensity is highly subjective and the cardiovascular system and its kinetics limit meaningful research on instantaneous cardiovascular response in the field, the correlations found and relationships between variables in this study may be limited. Cardiovascular fitness is an important aspect of recovery in all activities and the ability to recover from maximal lifting is related to and limited by circulation. Future studies should focus on other power activities and the often neglected relationship between those activities and cardiovascular recovery

Effects of a Triphasic Block Method on Power in Collegiate Basketball Players

Implementing a non-traditional method for a training cycle may serve as an alternative means of developing maximal strength and power. Seven male Division I intercollegiate basketball players (age=21.0±0.63 yrs, ht=191.86±7.24cm, wt=94.8±14.9kg, training experience = 2.2 ± 1.3 yrs) who recently completed a 5-month competitive season were recruited for this study. The testing took place during the off-season, when the players were not involved in NCAA competition. Subjects underwent a three-week preparation phase, followed by a pre-test vertical jump (CMJ), standing broad jump (SBJ), and back squat 1-repetition max (1RM). Prior to all testing sessions, the participants participated in a dynamic warm-up, and were allowed to familiarize themselves with each test. The training methods were developed as three, two-week phases, with the triphasic and plyometric methods included “French contrast training” along with the barbell back squat (BBS). The first phase had an eccentric emphasis, the second phase an isometric emphasis, and the third phase had a concentric emphasis. With the respective phase, the contraction emphasis was applied to the BBS, either completing 6-second eccentric portions, 3-second isometric portions, or dynamic concentric portions of the exercise. Each set was followed by a series of both reactive plyometrics, followed by resisted plyometrics. The triphasic emphasis was rotated throughout a 6-week period. At the end of six weeks, the participants had a recovery week, then underwent post-testing. Data was analyzed between the pre-test and post-test CMJ, SBJ and 1RM. There was a significant difference between CMJ improvement following a Triphasic Block Method (TBM) vs. a traditional method of training (

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