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Background: Data regarding rural youths' experience with firearms, including safety training, is highly limited despite their frequent presence in homes. Our objective was to investigate rural adolescents' use of firearms and whether they had received formal firearm training. Methods: A convenience sample of 2021 National FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Convention & Expo attendees were given an anonymous survey at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital injury prevention booth. The survey explored their use of rifles/shotguns and handguns and whether they had completed a certified firearm safety course. Descriptive and comparative analyses, including multivariable logistic regression analyses, were performed on compiled data. Results: 3206 adolescents ages 13–18 years participated with 45% reporting they lived on a farm or ranch. The vast majority of participants (85%) had fired a rifle/shotgun; 43% reported firing them > 100 times. Of those that had fired rifles/shotguns, 41% had done so before 9 years old. Most had also fired a handgun (69%), with 23% having fired handguns > 100 times. Of those that had fired handguns, 44% had done so before 11 years. Average age for first firing rifles/shotguns was 9.5 (SD 3.1) years, and 11.1 (SD 3.0) years for handguns. Males, non-Hispanic Whites, and those living on farms or in the country had significantly greater percentages who had fired a rifle/shotgun or a handgun. Significant differences were also seen by U.S. census region. Over half (64%) reported having gone hunting. Of those that had used a firearm, 67% had completed a firearm safety training course. Overall, 23% were/had been members of a school or club shooting team and of these, 87% had taken a safety course. Conclusions: Most FFA member participants had fired both rifles/shotguns and handguns, many at very young ages. Significant differences in firearm use were noted by demographic factors including the home setting (i.e., farms and ranches) and their U.S. census region. Nearly one-third of adolescent firearm users had not received formal safety training. Promoting firearm safety should include advising families on when it is developmentally appropriate to introduce youth to firearms and on the importance of firearm safety training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a shooting algorithm to compute the periodic responses of geometrically nonlinear structures modelled under the special Euclidean (SE) Lie group formulation. The formulation is combined with a pseudo-arclength continuation method, while special adaptations are made to ensure compatibility with the SE framework. Nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of various two-dimensional structures including a doubly clamped beam, a shallow arch, and a cantilever beam are computed. Results are compared with a reference displacement-based FE model with von Kármán strains. Significant difference is observed in the dynamic response of the two models in test cases involving large degrees of beam displacements and rotation. Differences in the contribution of higher-order modes substantially affect the frequency-energy dependence and the nonlinear modal interactions observed between the models. It is shown that the SE model, owing to its exact representation of the beam kinematics, is better suited at adequately capturing complex nonlinear dynamics compared to the von Kármán model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been limited research examining kinematics during ice hockey slap shots, especially how the body segments are coordinated during this task. The objective of this study was to compare shoulder–trunk inter-joint coordination and sequencing between elite and recreational ice hockey players when completing a slap shot. Eight elite and eight recreational players completed slap shots on real ice. Kinematic data of the trunk, humerus, stick, and puck were collected using a 14-camera motion capture system. Inter-joint coordination between the shoulder and trunk was determined using continuous relative phase, and both magnitude and between-trial variability measures were calculated. To determine sequencing, peak velocity of the shoulder and trunk were determined. Mann–Whitney U tests compared coordination variables and sequencing between elite and recreational players. Elite players were more out-of-phase (i.e., anti-phase) for trunk-rotation/shoulder-elevation plane (p = 0.05) and trunk-rotation/shoulder-elevation (p = 0.03) on the trail side. Elite players had greater between-trial variability for trunk-sideflexion/shoulder-elevation on both lead (p = 0.02) and trail (p = 0.05) sides. Regarding sequencing, peak trunk angular velocity occurred earlier in relation to peak shoulder (trail side) angular velocity (p = 0.04) for elite players. The out-of-phase and greater coordination variability in elite players may allow them to adapt more easily to varying shot environments. The proximal to distal sequence might help them to produce faster puck speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass shooting cases have caused large casualties worldwide. The counterforce, such as the policemen, is of great significance to reducing casualties, which is the core issue of social safety governance. Therefore, we model both the killing force and counterforce, to explore the crowd dynamics under the shooting. Taking the "Borderline" shooting in 2018 as the target case, the agent-based modeling is applied to back-calculate this dynamic process and explore key behavior rules of individuals. The real death tolls of three classes of agents (civilians, policemen, & killers) are as the real function, based on which we calculate the gaps between real target case and simulations. Eventually, we obtain three optimal solutions, which achieve the least gap or highest matching degree. Besides, we make counterfactual inferences under the optimal solutions, to explore the strategic interactions between policemen and killers. For strategies of killers, we explore different sizes, positions, and moving patterns of the killers. The optimal size of policemen is four to five, for each one killer. For strategies of policemen, we explore the size, locations, and the response time. It indicates that optimal response time of policemen is thirty to forty shots of the killer, and the death of civilians and policemen can be minimized, and the death probability of the killer can be maximized. These findings help to improve public safety governance for our cities. To effectively deal with sudden shooting terrorist cases, patrol routes, reasonable settings, and swift dispatches of the police (stations) should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological function of the Mu rhythm (8–13 Hz in the central region) is still unclear, particularly its role in visuomotor performance in sports (shooting vs. golf putting), as both the complexity of the motor skills (i.e., simple vs. complex visuomotor skills) and the skill level (e.g., novices vs. experts or low-skilled vs. highly skilled) may modulate Mu rhythm. To gain a broader understanding of the association between Mu rhythm and visuomotor skill performance, a study design that considers both a control moderator (the difference in skill level) and the ability to manipulate Mu rhythm (i.e., either increase or decrease Mu rhythm) is required. To achieve this, we recruited 30 novice golfers who were randomly assigned to either the increased Mu rhythm group (IMG), decreased Mu rhythm group (DMG), or sham group (SG) and used electroencephalographic-neurofeedback training (EEG-NFT) to manipulate Mu rhythm during a golf putting task (complex visuomotor skill). The aim was to determine whether the complexity of the motor skill was a potential moderator of Mu rhythm. We mainly found that Mu power was significantly decreased in the DMG following EEG-NFT, which lead to increased motor control and improved performance. We suggest that (1) the complexity of the motor skill, rather than the difference in skill level, may be a potential moderator of Mu rhythm and visuomotor performance, as our results were not consistent with a previous study that reported that increased Mu rhythm improved shooting performance (a simple visuomotor task) in novices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For winding configurations with parallel paths, synchronous electric motors can exhibit large amplitude rotor oscillations, which cannot be related to any rotation order nor investigated with classical harmonic analysis. This unusual behaviour is critical, since it can cause the rotor to hit the stator. It is a direct consequence of the coupling of rotor displacement with the magnetic flux and current distribution. It depends not only on the winding configuration, but also on the various motor design parameters. In order to explain this phenomenon, a simple analytical motor model has been built, including the full coupling between mechanical and electrical equations, which reproduces the behaviour observed experimentally. Using non-dimensional expressions allows to extract the few design ratios characterising the system, whose influence is then explored by stability analysis, in order to set their stability domain. It becomes thus possible to determine which parameters' configuration would lead to an unstable behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding a geodesic joining two given points in a complete path-connected Riemannian manifold requires much more effort than determining a geodesic from initial data. This is because it is much harder to solve boundary value problems than initial value problems. Shooting methods attempt to solve boundary value problems by solving a sequence of initial value problems, and usually need a good initial guess to succeed. The present paper finds a geodesic γ : [ 0 , 1 ] → M on the Riemannian manifold M with γ(0) = x0 and γ(1) = x1 by dividing the interval [0,1] into several sub-intervals, preferably just enough to enable a good initial guess for the boundary value problem on each subinterval. Then a geodesic joining consecutive endpoints (local junctions) is found by single shooting. Our algorithm then adjusts the junctions, either (1) by minimizing the total squared norm of the differences between associated geodesic velocities using Riemannian gradient descent, or (2) by solving a nonlinear system of equations using Newton’s method. Our algorithm is compared with the known leapfrog algorithm by numerical experiments on a 2-dimensional ellipsoid Ell(2) and on a left-invariant 3-dimensional special orthogonal group SO(3). We find Newton’s method (2) converges much faster than leapfrog when more junctions are needed, and that a good initial guess can be found for (2) by starting with Riemannian gradient descent method (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large numbers of gamebirds (pheasants Phasianus colchicus, red-legged partridges Alectoris rufa and mallard Anus platyrhynchos) are released annually in the UK to support recreational shooting. It is important to know how many of these birds are being released because their release and management has ecological effects on the wildlife and habitats of the UK. There is little regulation governing their release, and consequently, an accurate figure for the numbers being released is unknown. I took 12 different approaches, totalling 4329 estimates of the numbers of birds being released annually, based on a series of datasets that described numbers of birds being held for breeding, rearing or release, being released, managed or shot on game shoots, being shot by individual guns or being recorded during breeding bird surveys. These 12 approaches produced estimates ranging from 14.7 to 106.1 million with a mean of 43.2 million (95% CI 29.0–57.3 million). This suggests that 31.5 million pheasants (range 29.8–33.7 million), 9.1 million red-legged partridges (range 5.6–12.5 million) and 2.6 million mallard (range 0.9–6.0 million) are released annually in the UK. These figures differ substantially from both official records of gamebirds and previous published estimates, and I discuss why such differences may occur. I set these figures in the context of the number and behaviour of shoots operating in the UK. Improved estimates of numbers of gamebird being released are critical if we are to better understand the ecological effects occurring in areas where they are released and managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the practice-related sensitivity of automatic change detection. The visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) component of event-related potentials was compared in handball players and in sport shooters. Whereas effective performance in handball requires processing of a wide visual field, effective performance in shooting requires concentration to a narrow field. Thus, we hypothesized larger sensitivity to peripheral stimuli violating the regularity of sequential stimulation in handball players. Participants performed a tracking task, while task-irrelevant checkerboard patterns (a frequent and an infrequent type) were presented in the lateral parts of the visual field. We analyzed the vMMN, a signature of automatic detection of violating sequential regularity, and sensory components (P1, N1, and P2). We obtained larger vMMN in the handball players' group indicating larger sensitivity to peripheral stimuli. These results suggest the plasticity of the automatic visual processing, i.e., it can adapt to sport-specific demands, and this can be captured even in a short experimental session in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletes that excel in their field, and are hence declared "elite", have many challenges and problems in their career. The path to glory is often littered with personal sacrifice, rigorous schedules and many related medical issues from orthopaedic injuries specific to individual sports, to mental health issues that are often not diagnosed. Coupled with that, the lack of support to these sportspersons in underdeveloped countries, makes their road to the top much more challenging. Commitment of time, continuance of effort and perseverance are key components. The current account of a difficult journey and the issues that were overcome serves as a guide to aspiring athletes and to support staff ranging from doctors to physiotherapists and perhaps even the sports administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the main shooting equipment used for circular-screen movie production is the multichannel reflective camera system. However, this equipment is cumbersome, the playout method is complex, and the cost of production is very high. To overcome these shortcomings, this study proposes a panoramic video method for producing circular-screen movies. Three key problems of using the panoramic video method are studied and solved: panoramic video flattening, the hardware and software components of a panoramic circular-screen movie playout system, and a playout algorithm for panoramic circular-screen movies. The study gives an example of a panoramic circular-screen movie and compares the features of panoramic circular-screen movies and traditional circular-screen movies. The comparison shows that the equipment used for shooting panoramic circular-screen movie is lightweight, simple to operate, and low cost. These features will promote the development of circular-screen movies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: This randomised controlled trial tested the effect of immediate versus delayed, as well as repeated, questioning on memory retrieval regarding details of officer-involved shootings.Methods: A sample of 87 police officers experienced "active armed offender" training scenarios followed by a memory questionnaire testing their recall and recognition of details of the scenario. Officers were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. Group 1 completed the questionnaire immediately after the training scenario and again 2 days later, while group 2 completed the survey 2 days later only.Results: Linear mixed models showed that delayed questioning negatively impacted officers' recognition of correct details of the incident, but only for details not directly associated with threat stimuli. This pattern was supported by the free recall data. Further, officers who were questioned immediately did not experience the same memory decay over time, showing that early questioning can aid memory retention. Officers were also better at recognising correct threat-relevant details (compared to non-threat relevant) that were visual, but the reverse was true for auditory details.Conclusions: We found no support for the position that delay improves officers' memory. However, rather than finding universal memory decay over time, the interaction between timing and type of details being recalled revealed a more nuanced picture. This knowledge assists understanding of the limitations of information provided by officers under different interviewing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the last 4 years, there has been an increasing awareness of traumatic shootings of Black Americans in our society, more specifically Black American males who are likely descendants of slaves and or low socioeconomic status. This increase in media coverage of these shootings has highlighted not only the plight of Black Americans in America but also the real threat of death Black American’s live with. Americans in general have expressed outrage against these fatal shootings, which has been traumatic for many people, especially Black Americans and their community. These shootings severely impact Black American families and communities causing them to become trauma organized; losing basic sense of physical and psychological safety as well as family and community functionality. Understanding the effects these shootings have on the Black American community can help clinicians work more effectively work with this population. This article presents the Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy, Counseling, Human Rights and Social Justice (MPM) as a vital and necessary perspective in the treatment of traumatized Black Americans, specifically those effected by mass traumatic events, as well as a case study that applies the MPM using the fatal shooting of Philando Castile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron (Crocus sativus L) is a triploid (2n = 3x = 24), sterile geophyte which can only be propagated by means of underground vegetative corms. Since corm multiplication does not induce genome variations, therefore, the entire saffron population is expected to have a similar genetic makeup. Keeping in view the economic importance of the plant and the factors responsible for its low yield, the present investigation has been undertaken to establish an in vitro ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis protocol followed by characterization of the induced variability in the advanced generations. The present report is limited to standardization of in vitro mutagenesis protocol only. Among the mutagenic treatments tested, concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5% EMS showed a varied survival of explants. Based on various growth parameters, the LD50 was calculated to be 0.3% EMS for 3 h. Among the two types of explants analyzed, the corm explant gave better results for in vitro survival and the growth parameters than callus explant. An average of 57.33 and 92.00 daughter cormlets in all EMS treatments as compared to 47.67 and 57.67 daughter cormlets in control, obtained from callus and corm explants respectively, were transferred to the field. The maximum, average daughter cormlet weight was obtained in control (3.01 g, corm explant) followed by 0.1% EMS (2.8 g, corm explant). In general, the growth parameters showed decreasing trend with an increase in EMS concentration in both the explants. The present study has been a significant achievement in the sense that the first mutagenesis protocol for C. sativus has been standardized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deadliest U.S. school shooting to date, occurring on February 14, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida serves as a powerful reminder that school violence is ever present. Addressing school violence, however, has been an elusive endeavor. The purpose of this review is to provide a historical examination of United States intentional mass school shootings in the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, implications for students, schools, and society are discussed in light of policy and legislative initiatives as well as school-based prevention and intervention tiered models of support, such as positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ben Hall was a nineteenth-century Australian bushranger (outlaw) who was shot and killed by colonial police on May 5 1865. Popular belief is that Hall was shot while sleeping in his camp bedding. This contrasts with the official police version of Hall being shot while attempting to escape by running away. To evaluate this divergence of opinion a study of the gun belt allegedly worn by Hall at the time of his fatal shooting was undertaken. This revealed a nineteenth-century belt with a defect corresponding to an oblique bullet hole. The shelving was in keeping with the shooter being located to the rear and left of the decedent, in a position corresponding to police reports. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of lead, in addition to mercury, silver and sulfur, materials used as primers in nineteenth century ammunition. Thus, contemporary examination of the belt provides support for the police version of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate variability (HRV) is commonly used in sport science for monitoring the physiology of athletes but not as an indicator of physiological state from a psychological perspective. Since HRV is established to be an indicator of emotional responding, it could be an objective means of quantifying an athlete’s subjective physiological state before competition. A total of 61 sport shooters participated in this study, of which 21 were novice shooters, 19 were intermediate shooters, and 21 were advanced level shooters. HRV, self-efficacy, and use of mental skills were assessed before they completed a standard shooting performance task of 40 shots, as in a competition qualifying round. The results showed that HRV was significantly positively correlated with self-efficacy and performance and was a significant predictor of shooting performance. In addition, advanced shooters were found to have significantly lower average heart rate before shooting and used more self-talk, relaxation, imagery, and automaticity compared to novice and intermediate shooters. HRV was found to be useful in identifying the physiological state of an athlete before competing, and as such, coaches and athletes can adopt practical strategies to improve the pre-performance physiological state as a means to optimize performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of fine motor tasks which require a degree of precision can be negatively affected by physiological tremor. This study examined the effect of different aiming positions on anterior-posterior (AP), medial-lateral (ML) and vertical (VT) postural tremor. Participants were required to aim a mock handgun at a target located in front of them at eye level. Changes in AP, ML and VT tremor from the forearm and gun barrel were assessed as a function of limb (i.e., whether one or both arms were used) and upper arm position (elbow bent or extended). Tremor was recorded using triaxial accelerometers. Results showed that, across all tasks, the ML and VT tremor for any point was characterized by two frequency peaks (between 1-4 and 8-12 Hz) with amplitude increasing from proximal (forearm) to distal (gun barrel). Interestingly, irrespective of the posture adopted, ML accelerations were of greater amplitude than VT oscillations. AP oscillations were markedly smaller compared to VT and ML tremor, did not display consistent frequency peaks, and were not altered by the arm conditions. Altering the aiming posture resulted in changes in VT and ML tremor amplitude, with oscillations being greater when using a single arm as compared to when two arms were used together. Similarly, tremor amplitude was reduced when the task was performed with the elbow bent compared to the straight arm condition. Overall, these results highlight that ML oscillations make as significant a contribution to the overall tremor dynamics as those observed in the VT direction. However, the origin of ML tremor is not simply the product of voluntary adjustments to maintain aim on the target, but also exhibits features similar to the neural generated 8-12-Hz tremor seen under postural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maximum speed of a high-speed train is limited to its critical speed. In this study, the definition of critical speed is reviewed. The relationship between creepage and creep force and the effects of the parameters of the first and second suspension systems are also studied using a bogie model to increase the critical speed. Kalker's linear creep theory and its modification of Wormey's saturation constant are reviewed. The nonlinear creep force of Vermeulen's creep theory, Polach's calculation, and the newly calculated longitudinal and lateral creep forces using strip theory from wheel-rail contact pressure are investigated for the critical speed. Flange contact is also considered when lateral displacement exceeds the dead band between wheel flange and rail. Direct numerical integration and a shooting algorithm are devised to calculate the response, especially for the limit cycle. Results show that as speed increases, the equilibrium point becomes unstable and creates a limit cycle through a Hopf bifurcation. The unstable fixed point can be a critical speed. The critical speed increases as the creep curve becomes stiff before saturation, which is more effective than the variation in suspension parameters. The consideration of flange contact can also increase the critical speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The illegal hunting of wild birds is still today a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity on a global scale. This activity jeopardizes the survival of several migratory species. Our aims in this work were to (1) determine the spatial and temporal distribution of illegal hunting activities affecting bird species with regard to the location of fixed hunting posts in particular, and (2) identify the most affected species in Gipuzkoa (north of Spain), situated in a bottleneck area within one of the main routes of migration between Europe and Africa. All of our data came from birds with firearm injuries that were admitted to the Gipuzkoa Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC). Over a period of 8 years (2006-2013), 421 birds belonging to 53 species were registered. The number of shot birds was found to be greater in more highly populated areas and during the months coinciding with hunting periods. Moreover, shot birds were recovered close to fixed hunting posts, suggesting that the illegal shooting of birds took place near or directly from these posts. Although the figures were not comparable to the high numbers of migrants shot annually in some other southern European areas, our results show that, even in small areas like Gipuzkoa, increased levels of protection are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear dynamics of bimodular laminated composite conical panels subjected to harmonic excitation is investigated using Bert's constitutive model and first-order shear deformation theory based finite element. The governing equations of motion are solved to obtain the state vector representing the periodic response by employing shooting technique coupled with Newmark time marching and arc length/pseudo-arc length continuation algorithms. The influence of bimodularity, geometric nonlinearity and curvature on the steady state response characteristics of bimodular material laminated composite conical panels is analyzed for the first time. The through the thickness variations of normal strain/stress, steady state stress history, phase plane plots and frequency spectra are presented to explore the nonlinear periodic response characteristics of bimodular conical panels. The frequency response curves reveal increase in hardening nonlinearity with the increase in bimodularity ratio, load amplitude and semi-cone angle. The frequency response curves tend toward softening nonlinear behavior with the increase in curvature and/or decrease in semi-cone angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a great deal of research examining the link between a polymorphism in the promoter region of the MAOA gene and antisocial phenotypes. The results of these studies have consistently revealed that low activity MAOA alleles are related to antisocial behaviors for males who were maltreated as children. Recently, though, some evidence has emerged indicating that a rare allele of the MAOA gene-that is, the 2-repeat allele-may have effects on violence that are independent of the environment. The current study builds on this research and examines the association between the 2-repeat allele and shooting and stabbing behaviors in a sample of males drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Analyses revealed that African-American males who carry the 2-repeat allele are significantly more likely than all other genotypes to engage in shooting and stabbing behaviors and to report having multiple shooting and stabbing victims. The limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of mass shootings has emerged over the past 50 years. A high proportion of rampage shootings have occurred in the United States, and secondarily, in European nations with otherwise low firearm homicide rates; yet, paradoxically, shooting massacres are not prominent in the Latin American nations with the highest firearm homicide rates in the world. A review of the scientific literature from 2010 to early 2014 reveals that, at the individual level, mental health effects include psychological distress and clinically significant elevations in posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in relation to the degree of physical exposure and social proximity to the shooting incident. Psychological repercussions extend to the surrounding affected community. In the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting on record, Norway has been in the vanguard of intervention research focusing on rapid delivery of psychological support and services to survivors of the 'Oslo Terror.' Grounded on a detailed review of the clinical literature on the mental health effects of mass shootings, this paper also incorporates wide-ranging co-author expertise to delineate: 1) the patterning of mass shootings within the international context of firearm homicides, 2) the effects of shooting rampages on children and adolescents, 3) the psychological effects for wounded victims and the emergency healthcare personnel who care for them, 4) the disaster behavioral health considerations for preparedness and response, and 5) the media 'framing' of mass shooting incidents in relation to the portrayal of mental health themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we demonstrate the micropropagation protocol of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.), an endangered herb exhibiting anti-diabetic and immune-suppressant properties, and antioxidant enzymes pattern is evaluated. Maximum callogenic response (60 %) was observed from leaf explant at 1.0 mg L 1-nephthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 0.5 mg L 6-benzyl aminopurine (BA) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium using hypocotyl and root explants (48 % each). Addition of AgNO and PVP in the culture medium led to an increase in callogenic response up to 86 % from leaf explant and 72 % from hypocotyl and root explants. The best shooting response was observed in the presence of NAA, while maximum shoot length and number of shoots were achieved based on BA-supplemented MS medium. The regenerated shoots were rooted and successfully acclimatized under greenhouse conditions. Catalase and peroxidase enzymes showed ascending pattern during in vitro plant development from seed while ascorbate peroxidase showed descending pattern. Totally reverse response of these enzymes was observed during callus induction from three different explants. During shoot induction, catalase and peroxidase increased at high rate while there was a mild reduction in ascorbate peroxidase activity. Catalase and peroxidase continuously increased; on the other hand, ascorbate peroxidase activity decreased during root development and acclimatization states. The protocol described here can be employed for the mass propagation and genetic transformation of this rare herb. This study also highlights the importance and role of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase in the establishment of A. roseum in vitro culture through callogenesis and organogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olympic shooters discharge, annually, thousands of tons of lead shot which pose toxic risks to animals and may pollute both surface and ground waters. Non-toxic steel shot is an acceptable and effective substitute, but International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) rules prevent its adoption. The present policy and rules of the ISSF on lead shot use contravene the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter position on environmental protection. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a formal Olympic partner on environmental protection, has no stated policy on contamination from lead ammunition, despite having declared lead a Priority Area for remedial action, and is pressing to remove lead from the global human environment. The IOC Sport and Environment Commission and UNEP could examine the continued use of lead shot ammunition and advise the IOC Executive Board on appropriate changes in policy and rules that could halt the massive lead shot contamination of shooting range environments world-wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purposes of the present study were to substantiate the existence of the four types of performance categories (i.e., optimal-automatic, optimal-controlled, suboptimal-controlled, and suboptimal-automatic) as hypothesised in the multi-action plan (MAP) model, and to investigate whether some specific affective, behavioural, psychophysiological, and postural trends may typify each type of performance. A 20-year-old athlete of the Italian shooting team, and a 46-year-old athlete of the Italian dart-throwing team participated in the study. Athletes were asked to identify the core components of the action and then to execute a large number of shots/flights. A 2 × 2 (optimal/suboptimal × automated/controlled) within subjects multivariate analysis of variance was performed to test the differences among the four types of performance. Findings provided preliminary evidence of psychophysiological and postural differences among four performance categories as conceptualized within the MAP model. Monitoring the entire spectrum of psychophysiological and behavioural features related to the different types of performance is important to develop and implement biofeedback and neurofeedback techniques aimed at helping athletes to identify individual zones of optimal functioning and to enhance their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the physiological demands and effects of different pacing strategies on performance during the new combined event (CE) of the modern pentathlon (consisting of three pistol shooting sessions interspersed by three 1-km running legs). Nine elite pentathletes realised five tests: a free-paced CE during an international competition; an incremental running test to determine $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2\max }} $$ and its related velocity ( $$ v\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2\max }} $$) and three experimental time-trial CE, where the pacing strategy was manipulated (CE, CE, CE). CE reproduced the international competition strategy with a 170-m fast running start within the first 2 km. CE and CE imposed a constant strategy over km-1 and km-2 with a velocity of 100 and 105% of the mean speed adopted over the same sections during the international competition, respectively. Km-3 was always self-paced. The subjects ran CE at 99 ± 4% of $$ v\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2\max }} $$ and reached 100 ± 5, 100 ± 7, 99 ± 8% of $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2\max }} $$ at the end of kilometres 1, 2 and 3, respectively ( $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2\max }} $$: 72 ± 6 mL O min kg), with a peak blood lactate concentration of 13.6 ± 1.5 mmol L. No significant differences in overall performance were found between the pacing conditions (753 ± 30, 770 ± 39, 768 ± 27 s for CE, CE and CE, respectively, p = 0.63), but all of the shooting performance parameters were only stable in CE. Completion of CE by elite pentathletes elicits a maximal aerobic contribution coupled with a high glycolytic supply. Manipulating the mean running speed over km-1 and km-2 had strong influence on the overall pacing strategy and induced minor differences in shooting performance, but it did not affect overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperpredation can be described as a restrictive case of apparent competition where an increased number of primary prey species indirectly induces the decrease of the secondary prey species through numerical response of predators to the primary prey dynamics. It has been proposed that rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), which decimated populations of European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spain, led to prey switching by raptors towards red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) causing declines in their populations as a peculiar case of hyperpredation. We have reviewed field studies that disagree with estimates (based on bag records) of recent increases of rabbit and partridge numbers in Spain. Because of an increase in releases of farm-reared animals, there is doubt about the use of bag records to accurately estimate population trends in recent decades. We also provide new data and discuss some analytical considerations related to the temporal and spatial scales that might affect the interpretation of data. Finally, we discuss why studies associated with raptor food habits, predator population dynamics and predator distribution suggest that diet data are not sufficient to link patterns and processes. Although we agree that the RHD outbreak has markedly affected rabbit populations, which has indirectly affected many other species in the Iberian Peninsula, we consider that hyperpredation mediated by raptors has not been clearly demonstrated. In contrast, endorsing the hypothesis of raptor-mediated hyperpredation without sufficient proof may have conflictive consequences if we consider the increased persecution of raptors in recent decades in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large vertebrates, like the domestic goat ( Capra hircus), have been transported all over the world and are an ecological disaster to numerous island and mainland ecosystems. Eradication measures for such species are generally centered on lethal methods of removing individuals, an increasingly difficult process as populations become smaller and individual animals become much more difficult to detect. In addition, methods of lethal removal are becoming less desirable in the public eye, prompting the necessity to explore alternatives. Here we investigate the use of the sterile males technique as an effective strategy in the eradication of large mammals. The results of our simulations suggest that the use of sterile males as a single strategy would only be an effective measure to eradicate relatively small (no more than 100 individuals) isolated feral vertebrate populations. However, our results indicate that the technique could be employed as a successful and potentially cost-effective end-point complement to lethal control and/or as a preventative measure against re-invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a methodology based on shooting technique and Newmark's time integration scheme is proposed for predicting the periodic responses of nonlinear systems directly from solution of second order equations of motion without transforming to double first order equations. The proposed methodology is quite suitable for systems with large number of degrees of freedom such as the banded system of equations from finite element discretization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of drying a porous permeable material is considered. Self-similar solutions are derived for the process of the moisture diffusion transport. The dependence of drying intensity on the porous medium initial state as well as on the parameters of external effect is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between hockey stick shaft stiffness and puck speed with mechanical energy considerations during stationary wrist and slap shots. Thirty left-handed pro-model composite hockey sticks, submitted by eleven hockey stick manufacturers, were subjected to a mechanical cantilever bend test to determine the shaft stiffness of each stick. Eight sticks representing the entire spectrum of stiffnesses were then used by five elite male hockey players to perform stationary wrist and slap shots in a laboratory setting. Eight infra-red high-speed digital video cameras were used to capture shaft deformation and puck speed. A second mechanical test then replicated the loading patterns applied to each stick during shooting. Force-deformation data from this test were used to determine the shaft stiffness and potential energy storage and return associated with each stick during shooting. The results of this study suggest that shaft stiffness has an influence on puck speed in wrist but not slap shots. During a wrist shot, a given player should realise higher puck speeds with a stick in which they store increased elastic potential energy in the shaft. In general, flexible sticks were found to store the most energy. However, how the athlete loads the stick has as much influence on puck speed as stick construction. Energy considerations were unable to explain changes in puck speed for the slap shot. For this type of shot it is the athlete and not the equipment influencing puck speed, but the governing mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction of players’ skill level, body strength, and sticks of various construction and stiffness on the performance of the slap and wrist shots in ice hockey. Twenty male and twenty female subjects were tested. Ten of each gender group were considered skilled and ten unskilled. In addition to general strength tests, each subject performed the slap and wrist shots with three stick shafts of different construction and stiffness. Shot mechanics were evaluated by simultaneously recording ground reaction forces from a force plate, stick movement and bending from high speed filming and peak puck velocity from a radar gun. Data were analysed with a 4-way repeated measures ANOVA for several dependent variables including peak puck velocity, peak Z (vertical) force, peak bending and stick to ground angles, peak angular deflection of the shaft, and hand placement on the stick. The results indicated that: 1) the slap shot was much faster than the wrist shot corresponding to greater vertical loading force, stick bending, and greater width of the hand placement; 2) the puck velocity was influenced by skill level and body strength but not stick type; and, 3) that skilled players were able to generate more vertical force and bend of the stick, in part, by adjusting their hand positions on the stick. Further studies are needed to address the specific influence of body strength and skill on the techniques of these shots and in relation to stick material and construction properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between radish thiocyanate content and its dry weight, the content of sugar, protein, fibre, ascorbic acid, some minerals, the incidence of plant shooting, the firmness and pithiness of storage-roots, and the ratio of leaves to storageroot (wt/wt) were investigated. The analysis of linear correlation was based on numerous data from the 4-year field experiment with six radish cultivars and different sowing and harvest dates. The content of thiocyanate in radish roots was found to be positively correlated with their dry weight, and the content of total protein, crude fibre, and soluble sugar. A strong relationship was found between the content of thiocyanate and dry weight of radish leaves. The negative correlation between the thiocyanate content in the leaves and the firmness of storageroots and the positive correlation with their pithiness might indicate the translocation of this compounds into green plant parts during the ageing of root tissue. The root thiocyanate content and the percentage of shooting correlated significantly only in the case of Tokinashi. The closeness of relations between the ratio of leaves/storage-root and thiocyanate content, though in general small, was affected also by a cultivar. A similar effect was observed for the correlations between the thiocyanate contents in leaves and storage-roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]