Quasi-Isometric Cycling: A Case Study Investigation of a Novel Method to Augment Peak Power Output in Sprint Cycling

Purpose: Peak power output (PPO) is a determinant of sprint cycling performance and can be enhanced by resistance exercise that targets maximum strength. Conventional resistance training is not always suitable for elite cyclists because of chronic spinal issues; therefore, alternative methods to improve strength that concurrently reduce injury risk are welcome. In this case study, quasi-isometric cycling (QIC), a novel task-specific resistance-training method designed to improve PPO without the use of transitional resistance training, was investigated. Methods: A highly trained sprint track cyclist (10.401 s for 200 m) completed a 5-week training block followed by a second 5-week block that replaced conventional resistance training with the novel QIC training method. The replacement training method required the cyclist to maximally drive the crank of a modified cycle ergometer for 5 seconds as it passed through a ∼100° range (starting at 45° from top dead center) at a constant angular velocity. Each session consisted of 3 sets of 6 repetitions on each leg. The lab PPO was recorded in the saddle and out of the saddle. Results: Conventional training did not alter sprinting ability; however, the intervention improved the out-of-the-saddle PPO by 100 W (from 1751 to 1851 W), while the in-the-saddle PPO increased by 57 W from 1671 to 1728 W. Conclusion: QIC increased PPO in a highly trained, national-level sprint cyclist, which could be translated to improvements in performance on the track. Furthermore, QIC provides a simple, but nonetheless effective, alternative for sprint track cyclists who have compromised function to perform traditional strength training

EFFECTS OF REPLACING LOW STARCH BY-PRODUCTS FOR BARLEY GRAIN ON in situ RUMEN DEGRADABILITY AND in vitro GAS PRODUCTION PROPERITES OF A TOTAL MIXED RATION

This study was conducted to study the effects of different sources of low starch by-products substituted for barley grain on in situ rumen degradability and in vitro gas production properties of a total mixed ration. The experimental treatments consisted of 370 g/kg roughages and 630 g/kg concentrates. The total mixed diets contained 100 g /kg dry matter (DM) barley grains (BG, control diet), sugar beet pulp (SBP, treatment 2), wheat bran (WB, treatments 3), or dried citrus pulp (DCP, treatment 4). In the first experiment, the experimental diets were evaluated for in-situ rumen degradability by the nylon bag technique. In the second experiment, treatments were evaluated for in vitro gas production parameters. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design. The data on in situ experiment indicated that non-soluble degradation fraction (b), the fractional degradation rate (c) and potential degradability (a+b) were not affected by the diets (P>0.05). However, soluble degradable fraction (a) was highest for a diet with DCP (P<0.05). The in vitro gas production data showed there were no significant differences among treatments for gas produced at different times of incubation (P>0.05). Besides, the potential gas production (b), and OMD did not differ among treatments (P>0.05). But, the fractional rate of gas production (c) was lowest for diet with DCP (P<0.05). Still, SCFA varied among various treatments (P<0.05), and it was higher for DCP treatment than other groups. It concluded that replacing low starch by-products, such as dried citrus pulp and sugar beet pulp, for up to 10% of diet DM instead of barley grain can improve the DM digestibility of a total mixed ration without any adverse effect on ruminal fermentation in ruminants

Distributing Deterrence Fairly: A New Rationale for Decoupling Tort Liability

Tort law faces a dilemma: how to adhere to a principle of make-whole compensation without entrenching social inequities. High-earning people receive greater compensation awards, resulting in an unequal distribution of deterrence. The deterrence disparity arises because injurers would rationally direct risky activity towards poorer victims to reduce liability costs; it persists even if race and gender classifications are barred from compensation. This Article offers a novel solution to the dilemma. It develops a decoupled liability regime under which injurers pay damages and are subject to standards of care that are invariant across individual victims, thus equalizing the distribution of deterrence. At the same time, victims receive compensatory awards that do vary, reflecting the “make whole” principle. The article demonstrates how to design this regime in a balanced-budget, incentive-compatible, manner

Fatalities Among Iranian High-altitude Outdoor Enthusiasts: Causes and Mechanisms

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the possible causes and mechanisms of fatalities among Iranian mountaineers during climbing. Methods: By contacting several sources, deceased mountaineers were identified. Data about the causes and mechanism of death was retrospectively obtained using a standard questionnaire for each case. Results: A total of 29 deaths were identified from March 2006 to June 2010. Deceased subjects had a mean age of 39 years (SD: 12.8, Range: 20-67). Falling was the most common accident leading to death of outdoor enthusiasts (n = 14, 48%). Asphyxia (n = 6, 24%) was the most common cause of death among the subjects, followed by heart attack, internal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage and hypothermia (17%, 17%, 17% and 10%, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that education of medical service providers of the climbing groups on facing victims in high altitude areas, where they have limited resources, can be particularly helpful. In addition, a national program to educate mountaineers might help to reduce fatalities

Parenting attitudes and style and its effect on children's school achievements.

The paper reviewed empirical studies on children's school achievements. The contributions of parenting attitude and style were examined in relation to children's school achievement. A strong relationship between children's school achievement and parenting attitude and style was reported in the paper. Findings from the review revealed that authoritative parenting styles were associated with higher levels of children's school achievement, though findings remain inconsistent across cultures and societies. Future studies may explore some of the salient issues underlying the inconsistencies reported in the study, particularly the contradictory results between Asian and European American school children