Combined Effects of Scarification, Phytohormones, Stratification, and Soil Type on the Germination and/or Seedling Performance of Three Tamaulipan Thornscrub Forest Species

Tamaulipan thornforests in south Texas and northeast Mexico are a conservation hotspot. Shortages of native seedlings limit regional restoration and are largely driven by knowledge gaps regarding propagation of the 75+ thornforest species planted during restorations. We previously investigated three thornforest species with low or inconsistent germination or seedling survival: Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae), Cordia boissieri (Boraginaceae), and Zanthoxylum fagara (Rutaceae), and identified the types and dosages of chemical seed treatments that maximized germination. However, chemical treatments were performed in isolation and combinational treatments may be required to break dormancy or maximize germination. This study builds on prior work by investigating the effects of all possible combinations of sulfuric acid (SA), gibberellic acid (GA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatments on germination of the same focal species, and further quantified the combined effects of five chemical treatments, three stratification treatments, and six soil mixture types on the germination and seedling performance of the focal species. Ebenopsis ebano germination peaked with SA and was not improved with additional chemical treatments. Cordia boissieri germination was highest with GA only in our indoor experiment but peaked with GA + IBA + SA in our outdoor experiment. Zanthoxylum fagara germination was near zero in all treatments. Stratification treatments marginally reduced E. ebano germination and reduced C. boissieri seedling height. Soil type had significant impacts on E. ebano germination and leaf abundance (residual differences up to 40% or 4 leaves, respectively) and influenced some of the effects of chemical treatments. These results enhance our understanding of thornforest seed ecology and best practices for nursery propagation of seedlings

Differences in Simple and Complex Reaction Time Test Score Amont College Rodeo Athletes

Various sports rely heavily on reaction time (RT) to produce high levels of performance, and as expected, difference in RT are present within and between sporting activities. The sport of rodeo is a high velocity/intensity sport that require athletes to reaction quickly to the movement(s) of uncooperative livestock. However, no previous studies have investigated the RT profile of rodeo athletes and the differences in RT between rodeo events. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to establish simply and complex RT norms for rodeo athletes and secondly, identify RT difference between rodeo events. METHODS: College rodeo athletes (n = 39) from a mid-sized university in the southwest region volunteered as participates in this study. The athletes were categorized according to their rodeo event: Steer Wrestling (n = 3), Roping (n = 15), Goat Tying (n = 6), Barrel Racing (n = 10), or Rough Stock (n = 5). All rodeo athletes completed two RT tests, simple RT test (sRT) and complex RT test (cRT), which yielded RT measures for average sRT response, average cRT response, total sRT, and total cRT. These RT metrics were utilized to establish rodeo RT norms and describe differences among rodeo events. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated to establish rodeo RT norms and secondly, a MANOVA was utilized to differentiate reaction time scores between rodeo events. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between Steer Wrestling (sRT Ave. Total 30.52±2.95; cRT Ave. Total 34.21±2.70), Ropers (sRT Ave. Total 32.29±4.25; cRT Ave. Total 35.70±4.56), Goat Tying (sRT Ave. Total 32.42±1.74l; cRT Ave. Total 38.3±5.47), Barrel Racing (sRT Ave. Total 32.77±3.45; cRT Ave. Total 35.29±2.46), and Rough Stock (sRT Ave. Total 32.12±3.45; cRT Ave. Total 35.32±4.14) for all reaction time measures. CONCLUSION: The results of the investigation indicated RT performance were similar among all rodeo events. These results additionally provide newly established RT norms for rodeo athletes that could be utilized as baseline target metrics for RT training

Development and Evaluation of an Inquiry-Based Elementary Science Teacher Education Program Reflecting Current Reform Movements

The National Science Education Standards (National Research Council 1996, National science education standards . Washington, DC: National Academy Press) and various other national and state documents call for teachers who possess science content knowledge, employ an inquiry approach in teaching, and engage in reflective practices. This paper describes a rationale for choosing particular recommendations to implement and how we incorporated those as we revised our elementary science education program. An analysis of the impact of the reformed inquiry-based content courses revealed that students who take more than one reformed content course improve their science content knowledge and efficacy towards teaching science significantly more than students who take fewer courses.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43136/1/10972_2005_Article_4585.pd

Difference in Rate of Perceived Exertion between Cluster- and Traditional-set Lower Body Resistance Training

Training variation is an integral part of strength and conditioning programming as it stimulates recovery, various adaptations, enhances athletic performance outcomes, while avoiding overtraining. The structure of set and repetition prescription is often varied to achieve desired adaptive outcomes. Cluster-set (CL), or rest-pause set, training is a method utilized to change the traditional-set (TS) and repetition structure by interrupting the repetitions with a 10-30s rest interval. Results from previous reports describe CL training as optimal for increasing training volume, lift quality, and achieves similar hormonal responses when compared to TS training. However, no studies have examined differences in perceived exertion levels between CL and TS training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate rate of perceived exertion (RPE) differences between CL and TS training when performing lower body exercises. METHODS: Twenty-two (10 male, 12 female) resistance-trained athletes were divided into control (TS; n = 8) and experimental (CL; n = 13) groups and participated in a 4-weeks lower body resistance training program. Prior to the first training session, participants completed 1-repetition maximum tests for squat (SQ) and deadlift (DL). Participants completed 2 workout (SQ and DL) routines each week, 48-hours of rest was required between routines. The TS training group completed: 4 x 5 (sets x reps) at 75% intensity during week 1; 4 x 4 at 75% during week 2; 5 x 6 at 80% during week 3, 3 x 4 at 77% intensity during week 4. Between-set rest for TS training was set at 120s for each routine and across all weeks. The CL training prescribed volume and rest matching that of TS. Cluster-set routines were as follows: 4 x (1 x 3; 1 x 2) (sets [sets x reps, sets x reps]) at 75% intensity during week 1; 4 x (2 x 2) at 75% intensity during week 2; 5 x (2 x 3) at 80% intensity during week 3; 3 x (2 x 2) at 77% intensity during week 4. Intra-set rest was set at 30s, inter-set rest was set at 90s, totaling 120s rest per set. Each group was asked to report an RPE score, according to Borgs Scale of Rate of Perceived Exertion, upon the completion of each workout session. The average RPE of all sessions was calculated for each group and differences between CL and TS were analyzed using an Independent Sample T-Test (α \u3c .05). RESULTS: The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between DL TS RPE scores (4.1 ± 0.57) and DL CL RPE scores (5.7 ± 0.85), t(16)=-4.531, p \u3c 0.001. However, no RPE difference (p = .52) was expressed between TS (5.3 ± 0.77) and CL (5.7 ± 1.52) for SQ. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the use of CL training increases the perceived exertion level of participants when completing DL. While no statistically significant difference was yielded, RPE scores were lower for TS during SQ routines. These elevated levels of RPE during CL training assist in explaining previous findings of improved outcomes from CL training in comparison to TS training

Correlation Between Grip Strength at Various Arm Orientations and Hitting Performance Metrics of Division I Collegiate Baseball Players

Dominate and non-dominate grip strength (GS) significantly correlated with bat speed (BS) in the sport of baseball. Various arm orientations occur throughout the swing; moreover, additional metrics beyond BS are indicative of baseball hitting performance. The correlation between various GS and hitting outcomes have not been empirically examined. PURPOSE: The aim of the current investigation was to examine the relationship of GS at various arm angles to various hitting performance metrics. METHODS: Division I collegiate baseball players (n = 17; height: 180.92 ± 5.61 cm; weight: 82.1 ± 11.12 kg) performed dominate and non-dominate maximal GS at five different arm and forearm orientations utilizing the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer: 90-degree elbow flexion with (1) neutral (NDN), (2) supinated (NDS), and (3) pronated (NDP) forearm placement, as well as 120-degree elbow extension with 90-degree shoulder abduction with (4) supinated (AS) and (5) neutral (AN) forearm grips. At each angle, three attempts were permitted to exert maximal force, recorded in kg. Hitting metrics were gathered via Blast Motion Bat Sensors and Yakkertek Ball-Tracking System - metrics included: BS, peak hand speed (PHS), vertical bat angle (VBA), time to contact (TTC), attack angle (AA), power (PW), on plane efficiency (OPE), plane score (PS), rotational acceleration (RA), early connection (EC), connection at impact (CAI), as well as average exit-velocity (AEV), peak exit-velocity (PEV), hard hit percentage (HHP), damage percentage (DP), and average launch angle (ALA). A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (p \u3c .05) was employed to assess the relationship between GS and hitting performance. RESULT: Positive significant correlations were recognized between the following variables: dominate NDN and HHP (r = .559, p = .02), DP (r = .647, p = .007), and BS (r = .515, p = .034); non-dominate NDP and HHP (r = .497, p = .042), DP (r = .664, p = .005), and TTC (r = .519, p = .033); and non-dominate NDS and DP (r = .770, p \u3c .001), PS (r = .515, p = .035), OPE (r = .510, p = .036). A negative significant relationship was identified between non-dominate NDS and EC (r = -.629, p = -.007), and CAI (r = -.587, p = -.013). CONCLUSION: Supporting previous investigations, these results suggest dominate NDN, non-dominate NDP, and non-dominate NDS yielded the greatest influence on hitting performance among the tested GS positions; thus, potentially providing coaches with arm orientation specific GS training recommendation for baseball hitters

Effects of Scarification, Phytohormones, Soil Type, and Warming on the Germination and/or Seedling Performance of Three Tamaulipan Thornscrub Forest Species

The Tamaulipan thornforests of south Texas and northeast Mexico are an ecologically and economically important conservation hotspot. Thornforest restoration is limited by native tree and shrub seedling availability for planting. Seedling shortages arise from low seed availability and knowledge gaps regarding best practices for germinating and growing the 70+ thornforest species desired for restoration plantings. To fill key knowledge gaps, we investigated three ecologically important thornforest species with low or highly variable germination or seedling survival rates: Ebenopsis ebano, Cordia boissieri, and Zanthoxylum fagara. For each, we quantified the effects of different dosages of chemical seed treatments used to promote germination (sulfuric acid, SA; gibberellic acid, GA; indole-3-butyric acid, IBA) on germination likelihood and timing. We also quantified the effects that these chemical seed treatments, soil media mixture type, and soil warming had on seedling survival, growth, and root morphology. Ebenopsis germination peaked (\u3e90%) with 40–60 min SA treatment. Cordia germination peaked (40%) with 100 mg/L GA treatment. Zanthoxylum germination was negligible across all treatments. Seed molding was rare but stirring during SA treatment reduced Ebenopsis molding by 4%. Ebenopsis seedling survival, height, leaf count, and root morphology were minimally affected by seed treatments, generally reduced by warming, and influenced by soil mix, which also mediated responses to warming. These results suggest improvements to existing practices that could increase Ebenopsis germination by 10–20% and potentially double Cordia germination

Gold(I)-catalyzed diastereoselective synthesis of 1-α-oxybenzyl-1H-indenes

The gold(I)-catalyzed oxycyclization of β-aryl monosubstituted o-(alkynyl)styrenes gives rise to 1-α-methoxy or 1-α-hydroxybenzyl- 1H-indenes in a diastereospecific way. In contrast to β,β-disubstituted o-(alkynyl)styrenes, the stereochemical outcome of this process, diastereospecific reaction supports the higher contribution of a gold intermediate with a cyclopropylcarbene-like character.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER (CTQ2016-75023-C2-1- P), and Junta de Castilla y León and FEDER (BU076U16

Perceived Discrimination and injury at Work: a Cross-Sectional Study among Latino Day Laborers

BACKGROUND: Given the stigma of their undocumented status and their high prevalence of workplace injury, understanding the impact of discrimination on Latino day laborers (LDLs) is a critical public health issue. METHODS: We surveyed LDLs (N = 149) and assessed their sociodemographics, experiences of and perceived reasons for discrimination, and work-related injury. A logistic regression examined the association between discrimination and injury, adjusting for sociodemographics. Next, Chi-square tests identified perceived reasons for discrimination associated with injury which were then included in a second logistic regression to test their association with injury, adjusting for discrimination and sociodemographics. RESULTS: Participants reported a work-related injury (42%) and experiences of discrimination (81%). Discrimination was associated with injury in the first model (aOR = 2.25, p = 0.049), and discrimination attributed to immigration status was associated with injury in the second model (aOR = 5.04, p = 0.019). DISCUSSION: Injury prevention programs should account for perceived mistreatment to reduce LDL risk for injury at work

Structural Racism and Immigrant Health: Exploring the association Between Wage theft, Mental Health, and injury among Latino Day Laborers

BACKGROUND: Although wage theft has been discussed primarily as a labor and human rights issue, it can be conceptualized as an issue of structural racism with important consequences for immigrant health. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify sociodemographic, employment, and stress-related characteristics that increase Latino day laborers\u27 odds of experiencing wage theft; 2) assess the association between wage theft and serious work-related injury; 3) assess the association between wage theft and three indicators of mental health-depression, social isolation, and alcohol use-as a function of wage theft; and 4) assess serious work-related injury as a function of wage theft controlling for mental health. METHODS: Secondary data analyses were based on survey data collected from 331 Latino day laborers between November 2013 and July 2014. Regression analyses were conducted to test the relationships described above. RESULTS: Approximately 25% of participants reported experiencing wage theft and 20% reported serious work-related injury. Wage theft was associated with working in construction and was initially associated with work-related injury. Wage theft was not significantly associated with mental health indicators. The association between wage theft and injury became non-significant when controlling for the mental health variables. CONCLUSIONS: The hardship and stress associated with wage theft incidents may ultimately lead to more frequent injury. Although we expected an association of wage theft with mental health, we found vulnerability to physical health as indicated by injury incidents. Thus, our basic premise was partially supported: wage theft may act as a stressor that stems from conditions, in part, reflecting structural racism, making workers vulnerable to poorer health

Perceived Discrimination and injury at Work: a Cross-Sectional Study among Latino Day Laborers

BACKGROUND: Given the stigma of their undocumented status and their high prevalence of workplace injury, understanding the impact of discrimination on Latino day laborers (LDLs) is a critical public health issue. METHODS: We surveyed LDLs (N = 149) and assessed their sociodemographics, experiences of and perceived reasons for discrimination, and work-related injury. A logistic regression examined the association between discrimination and injury, adjusting for sociodemographics. Next, Chi-square tests identified perceived reasons for discrimination associated with injury which were then included in a second logistic regression to test their association with injury, adjusting for discrimination and sociodemographics. RESULTS: Participants reported a work-related injury (42%) and experiences of discrimination (81%). Discrimination was associated with injury in the first model (aOR = 2.25, p = 0.049), and discrimination attributed to immigration status was associated with injury in the second model (aOR = 5.04, p = 0.019). DISCUSSION: Injury prevention programs should account for perceived mistreatment to reduce LDL risk for injury at work