A NASA high-power space-based laser research and applications program

Applications of high power lasers are discussed which might fulfill the needs of NASA missions, and the technology characteristics of laser research programs are outlined. The status of the NASA programs or lasers, laser receivers, and laser propulsion is discussed, and recommendations are presented for a proposed expanded NASA program in these areas. Program elements that are critical are discussed in detail

Meaning interventions in schools: Strategies for supporting healthy development and wellbeing in the lives of youth

Human beings inherently make meaning of the world, interpreting themselves in context and utilizing these representations to determine what to think, how to feel, and in what way to act. Developing meaning in life appears to be a highly nuanced, personal journey and yet, research suggests that those who experience their lives as meaningful enjoy multiple physical and psychological benefits and are protected from various health risks. Beyond establishing a firm sense that life is meaningful, studies suggest that people of all ages who can ‘make meaning’ of their experiences, especially difficult experiences, may be protected from developing some mental and physical health concerns. Childhood and adolescence may be pivotal periods for the development of this well-being resource, and school offers an especially promising context for fostering meaning. Yet, there have been few articles that have explored how meaning and meaning-making can be woven into the school day. The current article attempts to address this gap in the literature by defining meaning and meaning-making, discussing the relevance of meaning from a developmental framework, and offering suggestions for applications for teachers and providers during the school day

Hunter Participation, Harvest, and Hunting Behavior During the 2019 Illinois Conservation Order

Harvest of light geese (Chen caerulescens, Chen rossii) during the 2019 Illinois Light Goose Conservation Order was estimated at 86,683. An estimated 2,694 hunters participated in the 2019 Illinois Light Goose Conservation Order. Hunters spent an estimated 30,206 days afield during 2019, and the majority (64%) of the snow goose harvest occurred during the month of February. Due to changes in sampling of addresses and calculation of estimates, comparisons should not be made to years prior to 2014. Hunters were sampled from Harvest Information Program (HIP) registrants who reported they hunted snow and other light geese (including Ross’ and Blue geese) during the 2018 Light Goose Conservation Order. Electronic calls were used by 83.8% of hunters, 80.2% used unplugged shotguns, and 59.5% reported hunting between sunset and ½ hour after sunset. About forty-four percent of active snow goose hunters indicated an increase in effort over the past five years, and 7.2% of hunters had increased harvest of snow goose over the previous 5 years. Approximately fifty-three percent of active snow goose hunters used a guide or outfitter while hunting snow geese during the 2019 order.Federal Aid Project Number W-112-R-28unpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

2018-2019 Illinois Hunter Harvest Report

A random sample of 5,000 hunters was selected from adult 2018 Illinois resident Habitat Stamp and hunting license holders. Selected individuals were mailed an 8-page self-administered questionnaire designed to query hunters about their hunting activities and harvest in Illinois. We received 2,631 questionnaires, 2,284 of which were usable, for a 47% response rate. Illinois resident license sales decreased 5% from 2017-18 (263,495) to 250,007 for the 2018-19 seasons. Total days afield for rabbit, quail, non-wild pheasant, dove, crow, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, turkey, deer, red fox, gray fox, coyote, and opossum decreased. Harvest increased for 5 game species (wild quail, wild pheasant, groundhog, deer, and red fox) from 2017-18. Hunters were also asked questions regarding hunting activity and harvest in Illinois, recruitment and retention, perceived effects of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) on deer hunting, and their attitudes toward wildlife and hunting in Illinois. Estimates of wild quail and pheasant harvested beginning during 2011-12 were calculated differently than previous estimates to include harvest of captive-raised birds distinct from wild birds, so comparisons across years are to be made with caution.Federal Aid Project Number W-112-R-28unpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

2019-2020 Illinois Hunter Harvest Report

A random sample of 5,000 hunters was selected from adult 2019 Illinois resident Habitat Stamp and hunting license holders. Selected individuals were mailed an 8-page self-administered questionnaire designed to query hunters about their hunting activities and harvest in Illinois. We received 2,406 questionnaires, 2,198 of which were usable, for a 45% response rate. Illinois resident license sales decreased 3% from 2018-19 (250,007) to 242,704 for the 2019-20 seasons. Total days afield decreased for rabbit, quail, pheasant, dove, woodcock, crow, groundhog, raccoon, red fox, and gray fox. Harvest increased for 9 game species (wild quail, crow, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, turkey, deer, gray fox, coyote, and opossum) from 2018-19. Hunters were also asked questions regarding hunting activity and harvest in Illinois, satisfaction with small game hunting, and perceived effects of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) on deer hunting. Estimates of wild quail and pheasant harvested beginning during 2011-12 were calculated differently than previous estimates to include harvest of captive-raised birds distinct from wild birds, so comparisons across years are to be made with caution.Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlifeunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

Hunter Participation, Harvest, and Hunting Behavior During the 2021 Illinois Conservation Order

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlifeunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

Nutritional strategies of high level natural bodybuilders during competition preparation

Background Competitive bodybuilders employ a combination of resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, calorie reduction, supplementation regimes and peaking strategies in order to lose fat mass and maintain fat free mass. Although recommendations exist for contest preparation, applied research is limited and data on the contest preparation regimes of bodybuilders are restricted to case studies or small cohorts. Moreover, the influence of different nutritional strategies on competitive outcome is unknown. Methods Fifty-one competitors (35 male and 16 female) volunteered to take part in this project. The British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) runs an annual national competition for high level bodybuilders; competitors must qualify by winning at a qualifying events or may be invited at the judge’s discretion. Competitors are subject to stringent drug testing and have to undergo a polygraph test. Study of this cohort provides an opportunity to examine the dietary practices of high level natural bodybuilders. We report the results of a cross-sectional study of bodybuilders competing at the BNBF finals. Volunteers completed a 34-item questionnaire assessing diet at three time points. At each time point participants recorded food intake over a 24-h period in grams and/or portions. Competitors were categorised according to contest placing. A “placed” competitor finished in the top 5, and a “Non-placed” (DNP) competitor finished outside the top 5. Nutrient analysis was performed using Nutritics software. Repeated measures ANOVA and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were used to test if nutrient intake changed over time and if placing was associated with intake. Results Mean preparation time for a competitor was 22 ± 9 weeks. Nutrient intake of bodybuilders reflected a high-protein, high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. Total carbohydrate, protein and fat intakes decreased over time in both male and female cohorts (P < 0.05). Placed male competitors had a greater carbohydrate intake at the start of contest preparation (5.1 vs 3.7 g/kg BW) than DNP competitors (d = 1.02, 95% CI [0.22, 1.80]). Conclusions Greater carbohydrate intake in the placed competitors could theoretically have contributed towards greater maintenance of muscle mass during competition preparation compared to DNP competitors. These findings require corroboration, but will likely be of interest to bodybuilders and coaches. Keywords BodybuildersCaloriesCompetitionContest preparationDietingEnergy restrictionNaturalNutritionSupplementationPhysiqu

The Ergogenic Potential of Arginine

Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in protein synthesis, the detoxification of ammonia, and its conversion to glucose as well as being catabolized to produce energy. In addition to these physiological functions, arginine has been purported to have ergogenic potential. Athletes have taken arginine for three main reasons: 1) its role in the secretion of endogenous growth hormone; 2) its involvement in the synthesis of creatine; 3) its role in augmenting nitric oxide. These aspects of arginine supplementation will be discussed as well as a review of clinical investigations involving exercise performance and arginine ingestion