The effect of a carbohydrate mouth rinse on performance of the yo-yo intermittent recovery level 1 test with female university level hockey players

It has been suggested that carbohydrate mouth rinse (CHO-MR) effects short duration, high intensity exercise by activation of sensory receptors on the tongue (Carter et al., 2004: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36, 2107–2111). Research has predominately focused on the effects of CHO-MR on the performance of cycling and running time trials (Painelli et al., 2010: Nutritional Journal, 9, 1-4). Limited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of a CHO-MR on intermittent high-intensity field-based sports performance. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a CHO mouth rinse on performance of the Yo-yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 Test (IR1T) with female University standard hockey players. Following ethical approval, twelve members (mean age 20 ± 0.98 years, stature 167 ± 7.09 cm, and body mass 64.7 ± 4.96 kg) of the University of Lincoln’s female 1st team volunteered for the study. The study used a single-blind counter-balanced design with repeated measures on two treatment conditions: 1) a CHO-MR, and 2) a placebo mouth rinse (PL-MR). Participants were instructed to maintain a normal diet and fasted for 12hr prior to testing. After a familiarisation test, twelve participants completed the IR1T twice, one week apart; rinsing with either a CHO-MR or PL-MR. Administration occurred before (20min prior) the IR1T and during the 10s active recovery periods, at intervals (IV) which corresponded to five level increments in speed (IV1-13.5km/h, IV2-14km/h, IV3-14.5km/h, IV4-15km/h, IV5-15km/h). At these points, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded using the traditional Borg scale. Total distance (m) achieved was recorded as the performance measure. A dependent t-test did not detect any performance improvement (P = >0.05) between CHO-MR (1060 ± 273m) and PL-MR (1127 ± 402m) trials. Multiple dependent t-tests revealed that at the first IV (SL 12.1), RPE scores were significantly different (P = 0.006) between CHO-MR (10.9 ± 0.79) and PL-MR (11.4 ± 1.08) trials. No differences were detected between CHO-MR and PL-MR trials during the rest of the protocol (IV2-5, all P = >0.05). A CHO-MR had no effect on IR1T test performance with female university level hockey players compared to a PL-MR. The participants did not experience any differences in the feeling of exertion between the two conditions as the IR1T progressed. Further research needs to illuminate any possible performance effects from CHO-MR with intermittent high intensity activity, revealing any plausible physiological mechanisms of action

A virtual laboratory system for physiology teaching

The problem of understanding physiological processes can be aided by visualization tools. Traditionally this has been achieved by the use of schematic paper diagrams. However, many physiological processes are quite complex, and in many instances students encounter difficulties in understanding the dynamics. This paper describes the rationale behind an alternative approach using interactive three‐dimensional computer‐graphics simulation to aid comprehension of scientific concepts

Spatial Variability of Soil Phosphorus in Grazing Systems

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency has been identified as a key issue for Australian grazing systems. This project examined the spatial variability in soil P concentration from two separate surveys of grazed pasture fields. A field on the central tablelands of NSW had a range in Bray P of 1.2 to 140 mg/kg and a COV of 107%. The other field on the northern tablelands of NSW reported a range in Colwell P from 13.0 to 121.1 mg/kg and a COV of 59%. Maps of the spatial variability of soil P demonstrated that there is a relationship with field elevation. Application of critical P values to both fields enabled an estimation of the value of site specific fertiliser management. For one field, fertiliser inputs could potentially be isolated to 37% and the other 56% if nutrient additions were targeted at responsive areas. The opportunity for increased fertiliser use efficiency through site specific management (SSM) warrants further investigation. Research is required into both the value of SSM and the techniques that might enable the development of this strategy

Dynamic simulation modelling of policy responses to reduce alcohol-related harms: Rationale and procedure for a participatory approach

Development of effective policy responses to address complex public health problems can be challenged by a lack of clarity about the interaction of risk factors driving the problem, differing views of stakeholders on the most appropriate and effective intervention approaches, a lack of evidence to support commonly implemented and acceptable intervention approaches, and a lack of acceptance of effective interventions. Consequently, political considerations, community advocacy and industry lobbying can contribute to a hotly contested debate about the most appropriate course of action; this can hinder consensus and give rise to policy resistance. The problem of alcohol misuse and its associated harms in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, provides a relevant example of such challenges. Dynamic simulation modelling is increasingly being valued by the health sector as a robust tool to support decision making to address complex problems. It allows policy makers to ask ‘what-if’ questions and test the potential impacts of different policy scenarios over time, before solutions are implemented in the real world. Participatory approaches to modelling enable researchers, policy makers, program planners, practitioners and consumer representatives to collaborate with expert modellers to ensure that models are transparent, incorporate diverse evidence and perspectives, are better aligned to the decision-support needs of policy makers, and can facilitate consensus building for action. This paper outlines a procedure for embedding stakeholder engagement and consensus building in the development of dynamic simulation models that can guide the development of effective, coordinated and acceptable policy responses to complex public health problems, such as alcohol-related harms in NSW

A driving cessation program to identify and improve transport and lifestyle issues of older retired and retiring drivers

Background: This study explored the transport and lifestyle issues of older retired and retiring drivers participating in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative (UQDRIVE), a group program to promote adjustment to driving cessation for retired and retiring older drivers

Can the target set for reducing childhood overweight and obesity be met? : a system dynamics modelling study in New South Wales, Australia

The persistent prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity raises significant concerns about the impact on health, society and the economy. Responding to a target announced in September 2015 by the New South Wales (Australia) Premier to reduce childhood overweight and obesity by five percentage points by 2025, a system dynamics model was developed to support Government and stakeholders responsible for meeting the target. A participatory model building process, drawing cross-sectorial expertise, was undertaken to estimate the individual and combined impact of interventions on meeting the target. The model demonstrated that it is theoretically possible to meet the target by implementing a comprehensive combination of policies and programmes. When limited to existing and enhanced population health interventions, the modelled result did not reach the target. The project provides an example of how participatory simulation modelling can combine a broad range of interventions together into likely scenarios and usefully inform government decision-making

Immediate Reward Bias in Humans: Fronto-Parietal Networks and a Role for the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase 158Val/Val Genotype

The tendency to choose lesser immediate benefits over greater long-term benefits characterizes alcoholism and other addictive disorders. However, despite its medical and socioeconomic importance, little is known about its neurobiological mechanisms. Brain regions that are activated when deciding between immediate or delayed rewards have been identified

The visitor effect in petting zoo-housed animals: Aversive or enriching?

Two studies were carried out on the effect of visitors on mixed-breed goats, llama, and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs housed in a petting zoo display within a safari park. In the first study we investigated the effect of the presence and density of visitors on the animals' behaviour and in the second, the effect of animal grooming by the visitors. We hypothesised that the animals' behaviour would be negatively affected by presence of visitors compared to periods of their absence, but this hypothesis was not fully supported by the data. Goat and llama behaviour was unaffected by the presence of the public, while the pigs showed decreased inactivity and social behaviour, both affiliative and aggressive, when visitors were present. All three study species exhibited increased levels of non-aggressive interaction with the public when visitor density was higher but the level of avoidance or aggression towards visitors was not dependent on density. The goats were less often in physical contact with other goats and less likely to be within proximity of a non-conspecific when visitor numbers were high, whereas the pigs showed decreased feeding, a behaviour that constituted a majority of their activity budget. Species differences were observed in the proportion of samples the study groups interacted in a non-aggressive manner with visitors, goats being most likely and llama the least likely to engage in this behaviour. In the second study visitors were provided with a grooming tool and asked to groom the animals, but no significant behavioural change was observed in either goats or pigs as a result. Visitors groomed goats, but not pigs, more than they interacted with them in non-grooming interactions, and goats, but not pigs, responded less to grooming as visitor density increased. Although significant behavioural changes in all three study species were associated with either visitor presence or density, the low levels of avoidance of visitors, visitor-directed aggression, or animal-directed aggression, suggest the welfare of the study animals was not profoundly impacted by visitor-related stimuli. Furthermore, there was no evidence that grooming by the public was enriching for the animals. The species differences reported here do suggest, however, that Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and llama are more sensitive to visitor pressure than goats and particular attention to their welfare may be necessary when they are housed in petting zoo displays