The Role of Governance in the Cultivation of University as an Ethical Enterprise

Universities have always relied on financial and other resources to pursue their goals. Over the last two decades, the percentage of financial support they receive from government has dwindled (Metcalfe, 2010). The expression, “enterprising university”, is generally used to refer to post- secondary educational institutions adopting entrepreneurial approaches to locate new sources and forms of revenue. Invoking the term in a normative register, some adopt a cheerful, triumphant tone (Meyer, 2002), others a gloomy, foreboding one (Lynch, 2006). Certain opponents condemn the “enterprising university” for spelling the end of university as we know it, whereas certain proponents claim being “enterprising” offers universities their last, best chance of survival. I support the characterization of university as an enterprise, but I do not think it should be framed exclusively (or even primarily) as an economic one. Etymologically, the word ‘enterprise’ means ‘undertaking’— that is, an endeavour, an activity, a project through time. This is an apt description of university whose survival and flourishing ultimately rely on the commitment of its members. I argue that framing university as an ethical undertaking informs while being informed by the following considerations: first, the integrity of university as an enterprise; second, the most suitable basis for evaluating the endeavour; third, the purposes of the enterprise; fourth, how the undertaking is governed, and lastly, who we imagine its undertakers to be. In this paper, I examine each subject in turn. My goal is to demonstrate why the university ought to be imagined foremost as an ethical enterprise— a shared project of teaching, learning and discovery, fostering each individual’s pursuit of virtue

Gall-forming insects concentrate on hybrid phenotypes of Eucalyptus hosts

We examined distributions of 33 gall forming insect species on parent species and three hybrid phenotypes in two Eucalyptus hybrid zones in Australia. Variation in insect abundance among hybrid classes was greater than variation between species suggesting that hybrid zones are sites of dynamic interactions between plants and herbivores. For instance, of 25 galling species in Victoria, 52% showed significant differences in abundance among hybrid classes, whereas only 24% differed between pure host species. While some components of hybrid use were very predictable, others were not. Based on galler use of pure species, we could accurately predict which hybrid phenotype would be most used. Our data show that most gall species concentrate on the hybrid class that is most similar to the parent species on which it is most abundant. However, species related taxonomically or by feeding guild did not exhibit consistent responses to hybrid and parent hosts. Thus pooling either hybrid classes or insect species for statistical analysis may mask underlying patterns. Overall, galler responses to three hybrid phenotypes are consistent with the hypothesis that plant hybrid zones and especially backcross hybrids are centers of insect species richness and abundance. Furthermore, galler response to hybrids plants suggests that the narrow host specificity characteristic of gallers may be less strongly influenced by plant developmental processes than generally thought. Our observations support the hypothesis that genetic differences among host plants in hybrid zones underlies patterns of insect host use. They also suggest that other mechanisms might be involved. Hybrid zone studies may have much to tell us about the ecology and evolution of plant-herbivore interactions

Supraspinal nocifensive responses of cats: Spinal cord pathways, monoamines, and modulation

These experiments were conducted to determine (1) whether dorsal and ventral ascending spinal pathways can each mediate unlearned supraspinal nocifensive responses of cats to noxious thermal stimuli and (2) whether interrupting the spinal projection of supraspinal monoaminergic neurons alters the excitability and natural modulation of these responses. In partially restrained cats, thermal pulses (≥ 47°C) delivered to the hindlimbs of intact cats or rostral to lesions of the thoracic spinal cord elicited abrupt body movements and interruption of eating (or of exploring for) liquified food. These electronically monitored responses automatically terminated the stimulus. Natural modulation of responsiveness was produced by delivering food and thermal stimuli simultaneously; this reduced response probability by an average of 41%. Complete transection of the thoracic spinal cord eliminated both thermally elicited responses, and orienting responses to noxious and tactile mechanical stimulation of the hindlimbs. Ventral bilateral thoracic spinal cord lesions that spared only the dorsal funiculus and portions of the dorsolateral funiculus (three cats) significantly reduced orienting responses to all mechanical hindlimb stimuli and reduced, but did not eliminate, movement and interrupt responses to noxious thermal hindlimb stimuli. Response latency was unaffected. Food-induced response supression persisted although lumbar spinal cord concentrations of serotonin (5HT) and norepinephrine (NE) were markedly reduced. A bilateral lesion of the dorsal funiculi and dorsal portions of the dorsolateral funiculi (one cat) also reduced nocifensive responsiveness, but only the NE concentration in lumbar spinal cord was reduced significantly relative to a matched cervical sample. In contrast, deep bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral funiculi (two cats) produced an increase in the probability of movement and interrupt responses without affecting either response latency or food-induced response supression. Lumbar spinal cord concentrations of NE and, in one cat, 5HT were reduced. We conclude that (1) the dorsal and ventral spinal funiculi are each sufficient to initiate and necessary to maintain normal supraspinally organized nocifensive behavior in the cat; (2) descending monoaminergic pathways are not necessary for the phasic modulation of these responses; and (3) the tonic excitability, but not the phasic modulation, of these responses is determined in part by fibers in the dorsolateral funiculus.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/50039/1/902700412_ftp.pd

An Explorative Investigation of the Warm-up Practices of Professional and Amateur Rugby League Players

This study aimed to assess warm-up practices within professional and amateur Rugby League players, specifically to determine players’ perceptions why particular methods were used and discover whether any differences existed in warm-up practices and perceptions between the two separate standards. The study used a 10 question online questionnaire to investigate 30 professional and 53 amateur players warm-up protocols and their perceptions behind their practices. To provide a richer understanding regarding the practices and perceptions surrounding warm-up protocols, the questionnaire was followed by two focus groups (professionals and amateurs), which included four participants in each. Following analysis of the questionnaire responses, it was discovered that professional players warm-up protocols were significantly longer in duration than amateur players (P = 0.009). However, for all other variables assessed including; specific warm-up protocols, static stretch duration, and perceptions and beliefs concerning warm-up protocols, there were no significant differences between professionals and amateurs. Overall findings demonstrated the widespread use of static stretching within warm-up for both professionals and amateurs; 71 of 83 players (86%) reported usage. It was also highlighted that injury prevention was the most commonly perceived benefit from performing a warm-up across both standards [(Professional; 15 of 30, 50%) (Amateur; 27 of 53, 51%)]. Findings from the focus group generally supported questionnaire responses, and it was identified that the warm-up practices and protocols of Rugby League players were influenced by others such as coaches and strength and conditioning coaches which emphasises the importance of the role such practitioners

An explorative investigation into the warm-up practices of both professional and amateur rugby league players

PURPOSE: Rugby League (RL) players require high levels of speed, strength, power, agility and psychological readiness. Optimum preparation for performance via warm-up (WU) routines has been an area of research speculation in recent years. This study aimed to survey the WU protocols of professional and amateur RL players, to determine player’s perceptions of their featured WU procedures and to establish any significant differences in WU practices and perceptions between the two populations. METHODS: An online questionnaire was used to investigate 30 professional and 53 amateur players’ WU protocols and their perceptions behind their practices, providing both statistical and descriptive analysis. For a more in depth understanding into the practices and perceptions of the featured protocols, the questionnaire was followed up by two focus groups which included four participants in each (one professional group and one amateur). Raw data was produced from the focus groups which was then placed within higher-order themes and general dimensions. RESULTS: The questionnaire revealed a significant between-group difference for the duration of the WU’s between the two separate standards (P = 0.009). Professionals’ WU protocols were considerably longer in duration compared to the amateurs’ protocols; 67% of professional players performed WU routines for 15+ min whereas only 42% of amateur players claimed to WU for 15+ min. However, no between-group differences existed for protocols, perception variables, static stretching (SS) duration and similarity of the WU protocol (P > 0.05). The questionnaire also revealed the prevalence of SS; 83% of amateur participants and 90% of professional players claimed to perform SS during their WU. The focus group revealed that RL players’ protocols and perceptions of their regime are due to the influences of others such as coaches, strength and conditioning practitioners and physiotherapists and emphasises the importance the role such professionals play. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that professional participants WU for a longer period in comparison to amateurs. The high prevalence of SS within RL WU protocols at both a professional and amateur standard was clearly apparent, contradicting the vast amount of literature that would advocate the removal of SS in sports requiring explosive power due to the associated links with decrements in performance. Most professional and amateur RL participants were discovered to perform SS for a duration that has been proven to impair desired physiological attributes. Furthermore, the study revealed the dynamic element of a WU is being consistently placed before SS, by both the professional and amateur domain, which has been previously linked to decreases in body temperature and associated mechanisms related mechanisms. Players associated that there WU practice was heavily influenced by RL coaches and associated practitioners. PRACTICAL APPLICTIONS: It is recommended that coaches, strength and conditioning practitioners and other key influential figures are educated on optimal evidence based WU procedures prior to prescription. Important aspects for consideration and education include WU duration, intensity, protocol order and SS elongation, volume and duration. Whilst it is important to link the research in WU to performance, practitioners should be mindful of changing regimes abruptly and the idiosyncratic nature of how athletes prefer to prepare physically and mentally

Improved technique for recording single unit activity in awake animals

An improved system for recording the electrical activity of single neurons in the brain of awake, unanesthetized and unrestrained animals is described, including complete details of construction and use. The advantages of this new technique over earlier methods are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/23365/1/0000309.pd

A neutron activated sample activity and dose rate calculator

This paper describes the development of a Microsoft (MS) Excel workbook calculator that estimates the dose rate of a neutron activated sample by calculating the activity and associated dose rate contributions of key isotopes. The goal of the calculator is to prove a simplified and reasonably accurate dose rate estimate that can be used by technicians, students, and instructors who routinely perform Neutron Activation Analysis on samples of known material compositions. Furthermore, the calculator can be used by personnel with little or no programming experience or access to more complicated analysis software. This paper outlines the research performed and assumptions made in the development of the calculator along with the methods used for testing its output. The calculator is mostly automated and requires no programming experience and only a limited knowledge of MS excel to operate. Though unable to compare against dose rates of activated sample results, this calculator provides activity result estimates within 5% of the Wise Uranium – Neutron Activation Calculator and a calculated exposure rate within 50% of the dose rates from gamma-ray constants.Mechanical Engineerin

Wayfinding in Boise

This document reviews the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of wayfinding within the Boise and downtown areas. This project was done in coordination with the City of Boise Parks & Recreation (Boise P&R) Department as an in-class Service Learning component of the Community and Regional Planning course “CRP 503 Plan Making and Implementation” at Boise State University. The purpose of this project is to develop a quality set of findings and recommendations that adhere to accepted planning processes and sound methodology. The goal from the onset is to develop content that is broad-based, all-inclusive, and will be helpful to Boise P&R in the future development of a detailed wayfinding plan. This document identifies major destinations in the city and recommends designated routes to reach these destinations. Recommendations are also made in regards to the location and design of signage, the potential uses of technology within a wayfinding system, and the next steps to take in working toward the implementation of a wayfinding system. This project referenced and incorporated wayfinding-related work already done by Boise P&R. This included what they see as their key assets, most popular recreation destinations, and typical park -user demographics. Incorporating existing plans allows for a better understanding of what had been considered by Boise P&R as well as what had worked and not worked in regards to wayfinding efforts in the past. While wayfinding can be designed for and used by major transit such as automobiles, this project sets out to focus on non-motorized users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Further consideration could be given to identify ways to improve wayfinding on a larger scale within the city to assist motorists. One of the major findings of this project indicates that early and consistent communication among various stakeholders would be essential to developing a successful wayfinding system. Multiple agencies should have roles in the design and implementation. It is important that these organizations feel they have a place at the table to discuss their ideas and opinions. The Boise downtown area is in need of an integrated wayfinding system. This project is a step forward in the development of a successful wayfinding system in the City of Boise

Clonidine effects on pain evoked SII activity in humans

We investigated pain evoked activity in the human secondary sensory cortex (SII) following clonidine administration in six healthy volunteers using multi‐channel magnetoencephalography (MEG). Pain was elicited by electrical shocks applied intracutaneously to the fingertip. Subjects rated pain intensity and perceptions of tiredness and passiveness by numerical ranking scales. Each subject underwent two investigations, one week apart from each other, with clonidine doses of 1.5 or 3.0 μg/kg, administered intravenously in a random order and double‐blinded. We applied a total number of seven blocks, each consisting of 60 painful stimuli, with one adaptation block, one pre‐medication block, four post‐medication blocks and one recovery block at the end of the session. MEG data were analysed by dipole reconstruction using CURRY R (Neuroscan, Hamburg) software package. Cortical activity in the contralateral SII cortex appeared with peak latencies of 118.5 ± 10 ms. This activity was significantly reduced by clonidine, in parallel with a reduction of pain intensity and enhancement of subjective tiredness and passiveness. There was, however, no significant correlation between MEG and subjective effects. Although both clonidine doses had similar effects, the higher dose induced longer changes. Results indicate that intravenous clonidine is able to relieve pain, but the exact mechanism of clonidine at the level of the SII cortex remains unclear. It is possible that clonidine interacts with the brainstem ascending system regulating vigilance and arousal which would explain the observed decrement of pain induced activity in SII. An additional more specific analgesic action at spinal level cannot be excluded.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90357/1/j.ejpain.2005.12.003.pd