Analysis of Underventilated Compartment Fires

Little research has been done to examine full-scale unventilated fires despite their common occurrence and relevance. This project was conducted to characterize the fire dynamics of unventilated and partially ventilated compartment fires. A series of fifteen full-scale fires were performed within an instrumented, four room, apartment style enclosure measuring 41.8 m2 (450 ft2). Three different fuel sources, including sofas, kitchen cabinets, and cotton batting, were tested using different ventilation and ignition schemes to analyze the effect of ventilation on fire growth and tenability. The results of these tests allowed for the examination of the effects of ventilation on: general fire dynamics, including fire growth, smoke and gas production, and vitiation; tenability factors including temperature, heat flux and carbon monoxide FED levels; and the ability to utilize forensic tools to determine the cause and progression of a fire

The Olivetian Volume 73 Number 1

The Olivetian is the public relations magazine for Olivet Nazarene University. The Culture of Giving, by Michael Benson Make It Count, by John C. Bowling Campus Receives Summer Facelift, by Kate Morgan ONU Reports Record-Breaking Enrollment for Ninth Consecutive Year, by Heather (Quimby) Day Board of Trustees Unanimously Grants Bowling Five-Year Renewal, by Heather (quimby) Day Olivet Recognized as \u27Top Tier\u27 University, by Seth Hurd Here Am I, Lord. Send me, by Heather (Quimby) Dayhttps://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/mark_olivn/1002/thumbnail.jp

Cre/lox generation of a novel whole-body Kiss1r KO mouse line recapitulates a hypogonadal, obese, and metabolically-impaired phenotype.

Kisspeptin and its receptor, Kiss1r, act centrally to stimulate reproduction. Recent evidence indicates that kisspeptin is also important for body weight and metabolism, as whole-body Kiss1r KO mice, developed with gene trap technology, display obesity and reduced metabolism. Kiss1r is expressed in brain and multiple peripheral tissues, but it is unknown which is responsible for the metabolic phenotype. Here, we sought to confirm that 1) the metabolic phenotype of the gene trap Kiss1r KOs is due to disruption of kisspeptin signaling and not off-target effects of viral mutagenesis, and 2) the Kiss1r flox line is suitable for creating conditional KOs to study the metabolic phenotype. We used Cre/lox technology (Zp3-Cre/Kiss1r flox) to develop a new global Kiss1r KO ("Kiss1r gKO") to compare with the original gene trap KO phenotype. We confirmed that deleting exon 2 of Kiss1r from the entire body induces hypogonadism in both sexes. Moreover, global deletion of Kiss1r induced obesity in females, but not males, along with increased adiposity and impaired glucose tolerance, similar to the gene trap Kiss1r KOs. Likewise, Kiss1r gKO females had decreased VO2 and VCO2, likely underlying their obesity. These findings support that our previous results in gene trap Kiss1r KOs are due to disrupted kisspeptin signaling, and further highlight a role for Kiss1r signaling in energy expenditure and metabolism besides controlling reproduction. Moreover, given Kiss1r expression in multiple cell-types, our findings indicate that the Kiss1r flox line is viable for future investigations to isolate specific target cells of kisspeptin's metabolic effects

Disease mapping and regression with count data in the presence of overdispersion and spatial autocorrelation: a Bayesian model averaging approach

This paper applies the generalised linear model for modelling geographical variation to esophageal cancer incidence data in the Caspian region of Iran. The data have a complex and hierarchical structure that makes them suitable for hierarchical analysis using Bayesian techniques, but with care required to deal with problems arising from counts of events observed in small geographical areas when overdispersion and residual spatial autocorrelation are present. These considerations lead to nine regression models derived from using three probability distributions for count data: Poisson, generalised Poisson and negative binomial, and three different autocorrelation structures. We employ the framework of Bayesian variable selection and a Gibbs sampling based technique to identify significant cancer risk factors. The framework deals with situations where the number of possible models based on different combinations of candidate explanatory variables is large enough such that calculation of posterior probabilities for all models is difficult or infeasible. The evidence from applying the modelling methodology suggests that modelling strategies based on the use of generalised Poisson and negative binomial with spatial autocorrelation work well and provide a robust basis for inference

Sex Specific Responses to Perceptually Regulated Work-to-Rest Ratios during Resistance Training

Recovery has long been an important training variable, receiving increased attention within the scientific literature. While there has been considerable attention to intersession recovery, less is known about optimizing intrasession recovery. Additionally, growing evidence suggest women may experience relatively less fatigue with greater acute recovery as opposed to men when exercising at similar intensities. However, relatively little is known regarding the impact of self-regulated within session recovery between men and women during resistance training. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of the research is to examine the sex specific responses to perceptually regulated work-to-rest ratios during strength training. METHODS: Participants (n = 14; 7 men, 7 women) completed two sessions. Session one consisted of obtaining each individual’s one-repetition maximum (1RM) for squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) using the National Strength and Conditioning Association standardized procedures. Following a minimum of 48 hours of recovery, participants performed 5 sets of 6 repetitions at 80% of their 1RM for SQ and BP (experimental session). Immediately following each set of work (SW), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) using the OMNI RPE scale for resistance training was recorded. Participants utilized the Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) scale to guide their recovery. Participants were instructed that when they reach a ‘7’ (out of 10) begin their next set. Following completion of the SQ participants were given 15 minutes before completing the same procedure for the BP. RESULTS: Results from an 1-Way ANOVA, indicate no statistically different (SQ: SW1 =0.88; SW2 p=0.18; SW3 p=0.53; SW4 p=0.19; BP: SW1 =0.09; SW2 p=0.07; SW3 p=0.28; SW4 p=0.25) time to recovery between men (SQ: SW2 109.6 ± 40.4; SW3 136.9 ± 37.4 ; SW4 191 ± 82.5; SW5 178.7 ± 79.7; BP: SW2 137.3 ± 45.9; SW3 173.6 ± 88.3; SW4 170.6 ± 133.5; SW5 194.7 ± 133.1) and women (SQ: SW2 115.6 ± 89.9; SW3 109 ± 36.5 ; SW4 111 ± 53.9; SW5 122.6 ± 69.4; BP: SW2 94.4 ± 39.3; SW3 102.1 ± 88.3; SW4 109 ± 56.2; SW5 127.4 ± 54.4). However, there was a large effect size of sex time to recovery as calculated by Cohen’s d (SQ: SW1 d =0.09; SW2 d=0.74; SW3 d =1.19; SW4 d =0.76; BP: SW1 d =1.02; SW2 d =1.15; SW3 d =0.65; SW4 d =0.72). While no statistical difference was found, the self-selected recovery time between men and women indicated women self-select shorter recovery periods on both SQ and BP, with no differences in volume of work. CONCLUSION: These findings support the notion that women may experience either relatively less fatigue during exercise or can recovery from similar intensities faster than men. Further work is needed to determine optimal work-to-rest ratios between men and women during resistance training and what implications this may have on training adaptations

Perceived Wellness of College Professors, Faculty and Staff

With the current rise in various concerning health conditions, researchers are placing greater importance on overall wellness. The World Health Organization defines wellness as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Additionally, wellness is thought to be a crucial component to living a higher quality of life. Previous studies suggest that physical activity could play a large role in overall perceived wellness; however, current research has yet to explore this relationship. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of the current investigation was to determine the relationship between physical wellness and the alternative wellness dimensions of university employees. METHODS: Participants (n = 49) were asked to complete the Perceived Wellness Survey, a 36-item, 6-point Likert scale assessment (1. “Very strongly disagree” to 6. “Very strongly agree”), which measures the following six dimensions of wellness: physical, psychological, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual, with six questions per dimension. The researchers employed a Pearson Product Moment Coefficient (α \u3c.05) to determine the relationship between physical wellness and the remaining dimensions (psychological, emotional, spiritual, social, and intellectual). RESULTS: The results of the statistical analysis recognized physical wellness to only significantly correlated with psychological wellness (r= .290, p= .043). The psychological wellness, however, significantly correlates with all wellness dimensions: emotional dimension (r=.344, p = .015), spiritual dimension (r=.510, p \u3c .001), social dimension (r=.499, p \u3c .001) and lastly, the intellectual dimension (r=.357, p=.012). CONCLUSION: These results suggest physical wellness may not directly correlate with the other dimensions, however, the significant correlates with the psychological dimension may infer an indirectly impact of physical wellness on the four alterative wellness dimensions. Furthermore, the researchers advises university employees to regularly participate in physical activity and exercise geared towards optimizing health and overall well-being

Estrogenic Regulation of the GnRH Neuron

Reproductive function is regulated by the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary and the steroid hormones from the gonads. The dynamic changes in the levels of the reproductive hormones regulate secondary sex characteristics, gametogenesis, cellular function, and behavior. Hypothalamic GnRH neurons, with cell bodies located in the basal hypothalamus, represent the final common pathway for neuronally derived signals to the pituitary. As such, they serve as integrators of a dizzying array of signals including sensory inputs mediating information about circadian, seasonal, behavioral, pheromonal, and emotional cues. Additionally, information about peripheral physiological function may also be included in the integrative signal to the GnRH neuron. These signals may communicate information about metabolic status, disease, or infection. Gonadal steroid hormones arguably exert the most important effects on GnRH neuronal function. In both males and females, the gonadal steroid hormones exert negative feedback regulation on axis activity at both the level of the pituitary and the hypothalamus. These negative feedback loops regulate homeostasis of steroid hormone levels. In females, a cyclic reversal of estrogen feedback produces a positive feedback loop at both the hypothalamic and pituitary levels. Central positive feedback results in a dramatic increase in GnRH secretion (Moenter et al., 1992; Xia et al., 1992; Clarke, 1993; Sisk et al., 2001). This is coupled with an increase in pituitary sensitivity to GnRH (Savoy-Moore et al., 1980; Turzillo et al., 1995), which produces the massive surge in secretion of LH that triggers ovulation. While feedback regulation of the axis in males is in part mediated by estrogen receptors (ER), there is not a clear consensus as to the relative role of ER versus AR signaling in males (Lindzey et al., 1998; Wersinger et al., 1999). Therefore, this review will focus on estrogenic signaling in the female

Physical Fitness Sex Differences of ROTC Cadets

Occupational requirements of military personal necessitate optimal levels of physical fitness; suboptimal levels yield detrimental operations. Consequently, female physical readiness and abilities in comparison to the male soldier fitness level is frequently questioned. Qualitative reports denounce masculine advantages, however, quantitative measures explaining sex differences in physical fitness of military personal remains unclear. PURPOSE: Clarifying the physical fitness difference of male and female militants was the purpose of this investigation. METHODS: A Freedom of Information Act request provided the researchers with Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) results (Raw 2-mile run, Raw 2-minute push-ups, Raw 2-minute sit-ups, Standardized 2-mile run, Standardized 2-minute push-ups, and Standardized 2-minute sit-ups), and Leadership Development Assessment Course field physical fitness scores for male (n = 657) and female (n = 178) Reserve Officers\u27 Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from a southwestern ROTC brigade. An independent sample t-test (PRESULTS: No statistically significant differences were identified between APFT or field physical fitness scores of male and female cadets: Raw 2-minute push-up t(833 ) =.467, .64; Raw 2-minute sit-up t(833) =.719, .47; Raw 2-mile run t(833) t(833) =-.418, t(833) =.952, .34; Standardized 2-mile run t(833) =-.254, .80; overall APFT t(833) =-.132, .90; and field physical fitness t(833) =-.289, .77. CONCLUSION: Brownson (2014) suggested that sex differences should not interfere with physical fitness or physical occupational performance, and based upon qualitative reports female militants possess adequate, and sometimes superior, leadership, physical, and job performance in comparison to male counterparts. These results compliment qualitative reports and suggests female ROTC cadets possess occupationally sufficient physical abilities

Agility Measures Related to Game Performance of NCAA Baseball Pitchers

Like most kinetic chains in athletic performance, the baseball pitching motion begins with the muscles of the legs and continues progressively through the torso, shoulders, and arms. Similarities are noted between the baseball pitching motion and the kinetic chain employed in agility tests that involve acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction measures of agility. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine pre-season agility in NCAA pitchers and to relate these measures to regular season pitching performance. Methods: NCAA Division II pitchers (n=10, age 20.2 ± 1.9 yrs., weight 83.8 ± 10.3 kg, height 1.85 ± 0.48 m) volunteered as study subjects. A previously described laser-timed 60-yd shuttle run (“JJ Shuttle”) provided average speeds for four contiguous agility segments (S1, S2, S3, and S4 of 10, 10, 20, and 20 yds., respectively), as well as Total Shuttle Run (TSR). Statistical measures obtained from regular season games (n=48), including Runs (R), Hits (H), Earned Runs (ER), Base-on-Balls (BB), and Strikeouts (SO), each normalized for innings pitched, provided evidence of game pitching performance. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient determined the relationship of average agility speeds to pitching performance. Results: Analysis identified significant correlations (p\u3c.05) between S1, S2, and TSR and normalized SO (r=0.77, r=0.73, and r=0.87, respectively); S3 and S4 were insignificant (r=0.42 and r=0.59, respectively). Additionally, a significant correlation (p\u3c.05) was identified between S3 and BB (r=0.67). Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that better agility may lead to selected improvements in game performance in NCAA Division II baseball pitchers