Squat Ground Reaction Force on a Horizontal Squat Device, Free Weights, and Smith Machine

Bed rest is an analog to spaceflight and advancement of exercise countermeasures is dependent on the development of exercise equipment that closely mimic actual upright exercise. The Horizontal Squat Device (HSD) was developed to allow a supine exerciser to perform squats that mimic upright squat exercise. PURPOSE: To compare vertical ground reaction force (GRFv) on the HSD with Free Weight (FW) or Smith Machine (SM) during squat exercise. METHODS: Subjects (3F, 3M) performed sets of squat exercise with increasing loads up to 1-repetition (rep) maximum. GRF data were collected and compared with previous GRF data for squat exercise performed with FW & SM. Loads on the HSD were adjusted to magnitudes comparable with FW & SM by subtracting the subject s body weight (BW). Peak GRFv for 45-, 55-, 64-, & 73-kg loads above BW were calculated. Percent (%) difference between HSD and the two upright conditions were computed. Effect size was calculated for the 45-kg load. RESULTS: Most subjects were unable to lift >45 kg on the HSD; however, 1 subject completed all loads. Anecdotal evidence suggested that most subjects shoulders or back failed before their legs. The mean % difference are shown. In the 45-kg condition, effect sizes were 0.37 & 0.83 (p>0.05) for HSD vs. FW and HSD vs. SM, respectively, indicating no differences between exercise modes. CONCLUSION: When BW was added to the target load, results indicated that vertical forces were similar to those in FW and SM exercise. The exercise prescription for the HSD should include a total external resistance equivalent to goal load plus subject BW. The HSD may be used as an analog to upright exercise in bed rest studies, but because most subjects were unable to lift >45 kg, it may be necessary to prescribe higher reps and lower loads to better target the leg musculatur

Seasonal temperature prediction skill over Southern Africa and human health

An assessment of probabilistic prediction skill of seasonal temperature extremes over southern African is presented. Verification results are presented for six run-on seasons; September to November, October to December, November to January, December to February, January to March and February to April over a 15- year retroactive period. Comparisons are drawn between downscaled seasonal 850 hPa geopotential height field forecasts of a two-tiered system versus downscaled height forecasts from a coupled ocean-atmosphere system. The ECHAM4.5 atmospheric general circulation model is used for both systems; in the one-tiered system the ECHAM4.5 is directly coupled to the ocean model MOM3, and the two-tiered system the ECHAM4.5 is forced with Van den Dool SST hindcasts. Model output statistic equations are developed using canonical correlation analysis to reduce system deficiencies. Probabilistic verification is conducted using the relative operating characteristic (ROC) and reliability diagram. The coupled model performs best in capturing seasonal maximum temperature extremes. Seasons demonstrating the highest ROC scores coincide with the period of highest seasonal temperatures found over southern Africa. The above-normal category of the one-tiered system indicates the highest skill in predicting maximum temperature extremes, implying the coupled model skilfully predicts when there is a high likelihood of experiencing extremely high seasonal maximum temperatures during mid to late summer. The downscaled coupled maximum temperature hindcasts are additionally evaluated in terms of their monetary value and quality to the general public. The seasonal forecast system presented here should be able to reduce risks in decision making by the health industry in southern Africa.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1469-80802015-10-31hb201

Biomechanical Analysis of T2 Exercise

Crewmembers regularly perform treadmill exercise on the ISS. With the implementation of T2 on ISS, there is now the capacity to obtain ground reaction force (GRF) data GRF data combined with video motion data allows biomechanical analyses to occur that generate joint torque estimates from exercise conditions. Knowledge of how speed and load influence joint torque will provide quantitative information on which exercise prescriptions can be based. The objective is to determine the joint kinematics, ground reaction forces, and joint kinetics associated with treadmill exercise on the ISS. This study will: 1) Determine if specific exercise speed and harness load combinations are superior to others in exercise benefit; and 2) Aid in the design of exercise prescriptions that will be most beneficial in maintaining crewmember health

Differences in the carcinogenic evaluation of glyphosate between the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs Programme identifies chemicals, drugs, mixtures, occupational exposures, lifestyles and personal habits, and physical and biological agents that cause cancer in humans and has evaluated about 1000 agents since 1971. Monographs are written by ad hoc Working Groups (WGs) of international scientific experts over a period of about 12 months ending in an eight-day meeting. The WG evaluates all of the publicly available scientific information on each substance and, through a transparent and rigorous process,1 decides on the degree to which the scientific evidence supports that substance's potential to cause or not cause cancer in humans. For Monograph 112,2 17 expert scientists evaluated the carcinogenic hazard for four insecticides and the herbicide glyphosate.3 The WG concluded that the data for glyphosate meet the criteria for classification as a probable human carcinogen. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the primary agency of the European Union for risk assessments regarding food safety. In October 2015, EFSA reported4 on their evaluation of the Renewal Assessment Report5 (RAR) for glyphosate that was prepared by the Rapporteur Member State, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). EFSA concluded that ?glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and the evidence does not support classification with regard to its carcinogenic potential?. Addendum 1 (the BfR Addendum) of the RAR5 discusses the scientific rationale for differing from the IARC WG conclusion. Serious flaws in the scientific evaluation in the RAR incorrectly characterise the potential for a carcinogenic hazard from exposure to glyphosate. Since the RAR is the basis for the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) conclusion,4 it is critical that these shortcomings are corrected

Cultivating Well-being and Pursuing the Common Good through a Holistic Approach to Mental Health

With unprecedented levels of distress (anxiety, stress, depression, etc.) negatively impacting students’ academic performance, their ability to carry out daily activities, and their capacity to engage in meaningful relationships, the University of Dayton developed the UD Step Care Model, a visual tool to empower all members of the community to shift the culture of resiliency. The comprehensive approach to destigmatizing mental health challenges, promoting the dignity of all members of our communities, and educating students on self-help strategies reflects a holistic approach to mental health and empowers faculty and staff to guide students through conversation to broaden the perspective of well-being, encourage proactivity and autonomy, and promote campus supports. This session will highlight the ways in which the model reflects caring for the whole person and nurturing a community of learners. Further, it will discuss ways in which this these elements promote an ethic of well-being as an intrinsic part of the University of Dayton institutional identity