Flow in New Zealand high-performance athletes and their intentions to use regulated breathing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

Flow, or being “in the zone” (Jackson & Csikszentmihalyi, 1999, p. 12), is associated with athletes’ best-perceived performance (Jackson, Thomas, Marsh, & Smethurst, 2001). Practising regulated breathing could be associated with experiencing flow; the current research sought to identify this potential relationship with New Zealand high-performance adult athletes. New Zealand high-performance adult athletes’ intentions to use regulated breathing in two behaviours (‘practising regulated breathing in a training routine’ or ‘using regulated breathing as a mental skills tool during competition’) along with the components of an individual’s intentions (instrumental and experiential attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms and capacity and autonomy; Fishbein & Ajzen, 2010) were also researched. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data. A t-test showed there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency flow was experienced between participants currently practising regulated breathing against those that were not, t(40) = 0.96, p = .342. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVAs showed the majority of the sample responded that they intended to practice regulated breathing in a training routine (64%) and use regulated breathing as a mental skills tool during competition in the future (76%) with no significant difference across the competition level competing at, F(2,87) = 0.26, p = .774 and F(2,87) = 0.56, p = .575, respectively. Finally, multiple linear regression models showed instrumental attitudes were the only significant predictor of intentions to perform regulated breathing in a training routine (Beta = .68, p < .001) or during competition as a mental skills tool (Beta = .82, p < .001). Participants’ components (instrumental and experiential attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms and capacity and autonomy) estimated 67% of the variation in their intentions to practice regulated breathing in a training routine and 70% of the variation in their intentions to use regulated breathing as a mental skills tool during competition. Further evidence is needed to confirm the relationship between practising regulated breathing and how frequently flow is experienced. However, regulated breathing interventions could be appealing to New Zealand high-performance athletes

Guide to cataloging slotMusic based on AACR2 Chapters 6 and 9

In September 2008 SanDisk announced it would begin making music available for purchase on its microSD flash memory card format.1 The audio files on a slotMusic card are in MP3 format and are offered free of any digital rights management controls. In addition to containing an album\u27s worth of music (i.e., a slotMusic release generally corresponds to a collection of music issued on other formats such as compact disc), a typical slotMusic card may come pre-loaded with images, video, text, MIDI files, etc. Each card contains 1 GB of memory (well more than what is required for the pre-loaded content) and the extra memory can be used in whatever way the buyer wishes. Indeed, the preloaded content can be moved to another storage device and the memory card can be formatted and used like any other card. Music on slotMusic cards can be accessed using any device that both accepts microSD cards and is able to play MP3 files at up to 320 kbps.2 In addition, some slotMusic cards come packaged with a special microSD-to-USB adapter, which makes it possible to load slotMusic content onto a computer, car stereo, or any other device equipped with a USB jack. Some slotMusic cards are also sold as bundles, which in addition to the memory card and USB adapter include special dedicated MP3 players that accept the microSD format. Many early media responses questioned whether there would be a market for slotMusic, reasoning that music consumers interested in MP3s generally are comfortable with downloading them through computer network connections.3 But a more recent report in the Los Angeles Times argues that the format is doing better than many expected.4 Still, in April 2010, a search for “slotmusic” in WorldCat retrieves only the record created by this task force as an example, and it is unclear whether any libraries have begun collecting this new format. In terms of cataloging, slotMusic offers a number of challenges. Like much electronic media, the cards exhibit aspects of more than one format, in this case at least sound recordings and electronic resources. Currently, and as the name implies, slotMusic only offers musical sound recordings, but future releases could potentially contain non-musical sound. SlotMusic releases contain no descriptive information on the card itself, making choice of chief sources of information challenging. And slotMusic releases often come bundled with peripheral items (such as USB adapters and MP3 players) that contain no intellectual content, making for interesting accompanying materials notes. And finally, since the devices that can play the cards are numerous, but the technical requirements of those devices are complex, clear notes regarding the playback characteristics of the cards are necessary

1810s: Butterfly Effect

How one woman\u27s refusal to bow to a bully shaped the future of Dartmouth College

Episode 1: Knowledge Management and Analytics with Dr. Jay Liebowitz

If you are interested in Knowledge Management and Analytics, this podcast will be an enlightening experience for you. Join University Libraries as we interview Dr. Jay Liebowitz, a Visiting Professor of the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall and one of most highly ranked in knowledge management strategy. The interview covered, among other topics, Dr. Liebowitz’s newest book: A Research Agenda for Knowledge Management and Analytics

Proprietary arabinogalactan extract increases antibody response to the pneumonia vaccine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study in healthy volunteers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Arabinogalactan from Larch tree (<it>Larix </it>spp.) bark has previously demonstrated immunostimulatory activity. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ingestion of a proprietary arabinogalactan extract, ResistAid™, would selectively enhance the antibody response to the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine in healthy adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group pilot study included 45 healthy adults who had not previously been vaccinated against <it>Streptococcus pneumoniae</it>. The volunteers began taking the study product or placebo (daily dosage 4.5 g) at the screening visit (V1-Day 0) and continued over the entire 72 day study period. After 30 days the subjects received the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine (V2). They were monitored the following day (V3-Day 31), as well as 21 days (V4-Day 51) and 42 days (V5-Day 72) after vaccination. Responses by the adaptive immune system (antigen specific) were measured via pneumococcal IgG antibodies (subtypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) and salivary IgA levels. Responses by the innate immune system (non-specific) were measured via white blood cell counts, inflammatory cytokines and the complement system.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Vaccination significantly increased pneumococcal IgG levels as expected. The arabinogalactan group demonstrated a statistically significant greater IgG antibody response than the placebo group in two antibodies subtypes (18C and 23F) at both Day 51 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002) and at Day 72 (p = 0.008 and p = 0.041). These same subtypes (18C and 23F) also demonstrated change scores from baseline which were significant, in favor of the arabinogalactan group, at Day 51 (p = 0.033 and 0.001) and at Day 72 (p = 0.012 and p = 0.003). Change scores from baseline and mean values were greater in the arabinogalactan group than placebo for most time points in antibody subtypes 4, 6B, 9V, and 19F, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. There was no effect from the vaccine or arabinogalactan on salivary IgA, white blood cell count, inflammatory cytokines or complement.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The proprietary arabinogalactan extract (ResistAid™), tested in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group pilot study, increased the antibody response of healthy volunteers to the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine compared to placebo.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ISRCTN98817459</p

Evaluation of Mangosteen juice blend on biomarkers of inflammation in obese subjects: a pilot, dose finding study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The ability to reduce inflammation in overweight and obese individuals may be valuable in preventing the progression to metabolic syndrome with associated risks for heart disease and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple dosages of a proprietary Mangosteen Juice blend on indicators of inflammation and antioxidant levels in obese patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a pre-study 2 week washout period. The study included four groups including placebo and three difference doses of the test product, XanGo Juice™: 3, 6 or 9 oz twice daily. The primary outcome measure of this study was high-sensitivity (HS)-CRP. Secondary outcome measures included other biochemical indicators of inflammation, anthropomorphic measures and a safety evaluation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>One hundred twenty two (122) persons were screened for the study, 44 were randomized and 40 completed the study. HS-CRP measurements dropped after 8 weeks treatment compared to baseline in all 3 dose groups and increased in the placebo group. The changes from baseline were not significant but the comparison of change from baseline was significant for the 18 oz group when compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Other markers of inflammation (inflammatory cytokines) and a marker for lipid peroxidation (F2 isoprostane) did not show any significant differences when compared with placebo. There was a trend towards a decrease in BMI in the juice groups. There were no side effects reported in any of the groups and none of the laboratory or EKG safety assessments indicated clinically significant changes for any subject.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this pilot, dose-finding study, a proprietary mangosteen juice blend (XanGo Juice™) reduced CRP levels (increased change from baseline) compared to placebo for those taking the highest dose of 18 oz per day. Further studies with a larger population are required to confirm and further define the benefits of this juice. The juice was administered safely.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ISRCTN9300027</p

Guide to Cataloging SlotMusic Based on AAACR2 Chapters 6 and 9

A typical slotMusic card may come pre-loaded with images, video, text, MIDI files, etc. Each card contains 1 GB of memory (well more than what is required for the pre-loaded content). Many early media responses questioned whether there would be a market for slotMusic, reasoning that music consumers interested in MP3s generally are comfortable with downloading them through computer network connections. But a more recent report in the Los Angeles Times argues that the format is doing better than many expected. Still, in April 2010, a search for “slotmusic” in WorldCat retrieves only the record created by this task force as an example, and it is unclear whether any libraries have begun collecting this new format. In terms of cataloging, slotMusic offers a number of challenges