WRIST KINEMATICS DURING THE GOLF DRIVE FROM A BILATERALLY ANATOMICAL PERSPECTIVE

Despite the reported importance of the wrist ‘un-cocking’ measure in the golf swing, only anecdotal evidence exists with respect to the three dimensional or bilateral nature of wrist motion. Through the downswing such anecdotal reports suggest that good players generally maintain a fixed flexion/extension position at the left (lead) wrist but perform rapid flexion at the right (trail) wrist. To assess these anecdotal assertions, 3D wrist kinematics of 8 skilled male golfers were determined during a high velocity golf drive. Each participant used their preferred driver, with data recorded using a Vicon 3D optoreflective system operating at 400 Hz. The results support anecdotal recommendations with respect to the large extent of right wrist flexion. However, all players underwent a considerable amount of left wrist flexion, which was in contrast to common coaching recommendations

Intended Consequences Statement in Conservation Science and Practice

As the biodiversity crisis accelerates, the stakes are higher for threatened plants and animals. Rebuilding the health of our planet will require addressing underlying threats at many scales, including habitat loss and climate change. Conservation interventions such as habitat protection, management, restoration, predator control, trans location, genetic rescue, and biological control have the potential to help threatened or endangered species avert extinction. These existing, well-tested methods can be complemented and augmented by more frequent and faster adoption of new technologies, such as powerful new genetic tools. In addition, synthetic biology might offer solutions to currently intractable conservation problems. We believe that conservation needs to be bold and clear-eyed in this moment of great urgency

Psychological influences on biosecurity control and farmer decision-making. A review

International audienceAbstractThere is an increase of biosecurity threats in agriculture because greater urbanisation and movement of humans means that pests migrate more easily than ever before. Poor management of biosecurity risks can lead to threats to human health, animal health and food or material production. Quality assurance programs and guidelines for best management practices exist in the plant and animal farming sector. However, there is scarce knowledge on individual decision-making relevant to biosecurity, motivation to implement protective behaviours and human adherence to biosecurity practices. Indeed, people have often long-term habits that are resistant to behaviour change initiatives. These conservative habits limit the effectiveness of risk management interventions and attention to new information that contradicts existing attitudes and beliefs. This paper reviews the potential influences of psychological, social and cognitive factors on biosecurity-related behaviour and management practices. The major aspects covered in this review are as follows: (1) underlying attitudes to biosecurity risk and perceived vulnerability to a biosecurity threat, (2) the influence of social incentives and social norms on individual behaviour, (3) motivational drivers and the notion of threat perception in engaging in protective behaviour, (4) consideration of emotional and cognitive biases in assessing risk and (5) the influence of pre-existing antecedents of decision-making beyond personal factors, such as context and policy within which decisions must be made. This review makes the critical point that human adoption and adherence to biosecurity practices is influenced by psychosocial factors and is an area of urgent research and policy consideration. An exploratory model is presented for future research and on-the-ground considerations, incorporating psychosocial influences on decision-making and potential mediating factors

Predicting support and likelihood of protest in relation to the use of treated stormwater with managed aquifer recharge for potable and non-potable purposes

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) of stormwater has been deemed technically feasible in augmenting the total water supplies of the Adelaide region however, a major obstacle to implementation of new water schemes, particularly for potable reuse, can be gaining public acceptance and political support. The present survey of 1043 Adelaide residents addressed factors identified in the literature such as satisfaction with the quality of water, the importance of cost, perceived effectiveness of the recycled water distribution system, perceptions of community acceptance and trust in the water authorities to manage the system. The study compares three options for the use of stormwater through MAR: non-potable use through a third-pipe system, potable use whereby the water from the aquifer is pumped to a reservoir, and potable use whereby locally treated water from the aquifer is pumped into the mains system. Although respondents were positive about the reuse of stormwater via MAR for both potable and nonpotable options and the likelihood of protest was less than ten percent, respondents clearly preferred the non-potable to the potable options. The results suggested a need for public education on issues such as the cost of third-pipe systems, the risks associated with the potable option with localised treatment, and the actual rate of community acceptance, which was higher than they believed. However, there was also evidence of psychological bias, which is not easily moved by the provision of information alone

Establishing confidence in food safety: is traceability a solution in consumers' eyes?

Consumers have become increasingly concerned about food safety due to numerous food scandals and incidents over the past two decades. Consequently, they demand to be informed of the processes involved along the food supply chain. Employing a traceability system, tracing food from 'farm to fork', has been embraced by the food industries and governments as an important tool to restore and increase consumers' confidence in food safety. However, there is limited research examining consumers' perceptions of, and confidence in, the food traceability system to fulfil the role of ensuring food safety. To bridge the knowledge gap, we conducted an online survey of 489 consumers from three major Australian cities. The results suggested that although participants had a great desire to know how their food was produced and handled, it was their understanding of, and confidence in, food traceability systems that strongly predicted their willingness to pay (WTP) for having their food traced. Participants also indicated that, in comparison to locally produced food products, it was more important to have imported food products traced. However, paradoxically, the information provided by the traceability system of imported food products was less trusted. The results highlight that, in order to use the food traceability system to gain consumer trust in food safety, it is critical to inform consumers how the system works to build their confidence in the system

Key dimensions of public acceptance for managed aquifer recharge of urban stormwater

The present study qualitatively explored psychological and policy-related factors underpinning community acceptance of treated urban stormwater for domestic uses, as well as community views regarding managed aquifer recharge for stormwater treatment and delivery. Participants (N ¼ 36) took part in 2-h community workshops and focus groups, where they discussed existing knowledge and perceptions of stormwater and managed aquifer recharge. Results showed a high general acceptance for managed aquifer recharge using stormwater. Nine key social dimensions were found to be indicators of acceptance for stormwater: 1. Fair distribution of treated stormwater, 2. Trust in managed aquifer recharge technology and scientific information, 3. Environmental impact of managed aquifer recharge, 4. Cost of treating and distributing stormwater, 5. Wastage of stormwater if not utilised, 6. Issues relating to future water security, 7. Water quality, 8. Education, and 9. Perceived effectiveness of the stormwater scheme. These important dimensions and drivers of acceptance emerged within the data, highlighting what is important to an urban community with respect to acceptance of managed aquifer recharge of stormwater for potable and non-potable uses. A proposed model of social acceptance is presented, incorporating the policy-related characteristics, psychological factors and communication factors which emerged during the qualitative analysis as predictors of social acceptance for the managed aquifer recharge of stormwater. This model helps to conceptualise how the public perceives the use of stormwater in the home, and how public opinion of stormwater sits relative to other forms of alternative water, such as recycled water and rainwater. It is seems that public acceptance for stormwater is higher than for other types of alternative water, which is a significant finding in this research area. Future research can further explore the predictive nature of the hypothesised relationships between perceptions and intentions to use stormwater and water use behaviours

Psychosocial barriers and facilitators for area-wide management of fruit fly in southeastern Australia

Social mechanisms underpinning collaborative approaches to pest management are as important as the biological control of the pest. To facilitate the success of an area-wide management approach, social factors need to be understood and addressed. This study qualitatively analyses social, psychological and institutional barriers and facilitators for the widespread adoption of area-wide management of Queensland fruit fly, and attitudes towards the use of sterile insect technology. Interviews were conducted (N = 35) with fruit growers, industry representatives, agronomists, government representatives and community leaders from across the dominant horticultural regions of southeastern Australia. Transcripts were analysed and compared based on thematic organisations. Growers and stakeholders expressed high acceptance for area-wide management of Queensland fruit fly and the use of sterile insect technology. However, participants reported limited knowledge of both area-wide management and sterile insect technology. Factors found to facilitate acceptance were perceptions of increased market access, increased social awareness, operationalising community champions and value chain actors, as well as dissemination of credible scientific evidence. Trust in those individuals advocating area-wide management and sterile insect technology, and interpersonal trust between neighbours, was also seen as an important factor affecting adoption of area-wide management and sterile insect technology. Barriers to acceptance included perceptions of costs and ongoing funding needs, lack of knowledge, apathy towards control of Queensland fruit fly, compatibility of area-wide management and sterile insect technology with current practices and a lack of social cooperation amongst growers. The data show a need to increase growers’ awareness of costs and benefits associated with Queensland fruit fly control and an understanding of the direct and indirect consequences of their own on-farm behaviours with respect to control. This study is the first to use a psychological lens to explore and distil grower and stakeholder attitudes towards a cooperative management approach for a pest of national significance. Results provide insight into beliefs that guide underlying biosecurity decision-making and can help improve uptake of other area-wide control techniques

The review of Korean studies

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) of stormwater has been deemed technically feasible in augmenting the total water supplies of the Adelaide region however, a major obstacle to implementation of new water schemes, particularly for potable reuse, can be gaining public acceptance and political support. The present survey of 1043 Adelaide residents addressed factors identified in the literature such as satisfaction with the quality of water, the importance of cost, perceived effectiveness of the recycled water distribution system, perceptions of community acceptance and trust in the water authorities to manage the system. The study compares three options for the use of stormwater through MAR: non-potable use through a third-pipe system, potable use whereby the water from the aquifer is pumped to a reservoir, and potable use whereby locally treated water from the aquifer is pumped into the mains system. Although respondents were positive about the reuse of stormwater via MAR for both potable and non-potable options and the likelihood of protest was less than ten percent, respondents clearly preferred the non-potable to the potable options. The results suggested a need for public education on issues such as the cost of third-pipe systems, the risks associated with the potable option with localised treatment, and the actual rate of community acceptance, which was higher than they believed. However, there was also evidence of psychological bias, which is not easily moved by the provision of information alone