Effects of a combined aerobic and strength training program in youth patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Cure rates of youth with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) have increased in the past decades, but survivor's quality of life and physical fitness has become a growing concern. Although previous reports showed that resistance training is feasible and effective, we hypothesized that a more intense exercise program would also be feasible, but more beneficial than low- to moderate-intensity training programs. We aimed to examine the effects of an exercise program combining high-intensity resistance exercises and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises in young patients undergoing treatment for ALL. A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The patients (n = 6; 5-16 years of age) underwent a 12-week intra-hospital training program involving high-intensity strength exercises and aerobic exercise at 70% of the peak oxygen consumption. At baseline and after 12 weeks, we assessed sub-maximal strength (10 repetition-maximum), quality of life and possible adverse effects. A significant improvement was observed in the sub maximal strength for bench press (71%), lat pull down (50%), leg press (73%) and leg extension (64%) as a result of the training (p < 0.01). The parents' evaluations of their children's quality of life revealed an improvement in fatigue and general quality of life, but the children's self-reported quality of life was not changed. No adverse effects occurred. A 12-week in-hospital training program including high-intensity resistance exercises promotes marked strength improvements in patients during the maintenance phase of the treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia without side-effects. Parents' evaluations of their children revealed an improvement in the quality of life.

Experimentelle Analyse von Last- und Treibketten zur Optimierung der Lebensdauer

Zusammen mit einem namhaften Kettenhersteller hat das Institut für Fördertechnik und Logistik (IFT) im Rahmen eines AIF-geförderten Forschungsprojektes einen Kettenverschleißprüfstand für Last- und Treibketten entwickelt und gebaut, um neuentwickelte Ketten in kurzen Testphasen unter normierter Umgebung auf ihre Lebensdauer bzw. Verschleißfestigkeit zu prüfen. Durch steigende Rohstoffkosten und den immer größer werdenden Konkurrenzdruck im Bereich der Ketten entsteht ein hoher Bedarf an der Entwicklung neuer leistungsfähigerer Produkte. Die Neuheit dieser Projektidee liegt in dem erstmaligen Einsatz alternativer Werkstoffe und Konstruktionen in Kombination mit neuen verschleißarmen Beschichtungsverfahren für Kettenbauteile um Schmierstoffe langfristig einzulagern und bedarfsgerecht abzugeben

1RM prediction: a data mining case study

In the last few years there has been a heightened interest in data treatment and analysis with the aim of discovering hidden knowledge and eliciting relationships and patterns within this data. Data mining techniques (also known as Knowledge Discovery in Databases) have been applied over a wide range of fields such as marketing, investment, fraud detection, manufacturing, telecommunications and health. In this study, well-known data mining techniques such as artificial neural networks (ANN), genetic programming (GP), forward selection linear regression (LR) and k-means clustering techniques, are proposed to the health and sports community in order to aid with resistance training prescription. Appropriate resistance training prescription is effective for developing fitness, health and for enhancing general quality of life. Resistance exercise intensity is commonly prescribed as a percent of the one repetition maximum. 1RM, dynamic muscular strength, one repetition maximum or one execution maximum, is operationally defined as the heaviest load that can be moved over a specific range of motion, one time and with correct performance. The safety of the 1RM assessment has been questioned as such an enormous effort may lead to muscular injury. Prediction equations could help to tackle the problem of predicting the 1RM from submaximal loads, in order to avoid or at least, reduce the associated risks. We built different models from data on 30 men who performed up to 5 sets to exhaustion at different percentages of the 1RM in the bench press action, until reaching their actual 1RM. Also, a comparison of different existing prediction equations is carried out. The LR model seems to outperform the ANN and GP models for the 1RM prediction in the range between 1 and 10 repetitions. At 75% of the 1RM some subjects (n = 5) could perform 13 repetitions with proper technique in the bench press action, whilst other subjects (n = 20) performed statistically significant (p < 0:05) more repetitions at 70% than at 75% of their actual 1RM in the bench press action. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) seems not to be a good predictor for 1RM when all the sets are performed until exhaustion, as no significant differences (p < 0:05) were found in the RPE at 75%, 80% and 90% of the 1RM. Also, years of experience and weekly hours of strength training are better correlated to 1RM (p < 0:05) than body weight. O'Connor et al. 1RM prediction equation seems to arise from the data gathered and seems to be the most accurate 1RM prediction equation from those proposed in literature and used in this study. Epley's 1RM prediction equation is reproduced by means of data simulation from 1RM literature equations. Finally, future lines of research are proposed related to the problem of the 1RM prediction by means of genetic algorithms, neural networks and clustering techniques. RESUMEN En los últimos años ha habido un creciente interés en el tratamiento y análisis de datos con el propósito de descubrir relaciones, patrones y conocimiento oculto en los mismos. Las técnicas de data mining (también llamadas de \Descubrimiento de conocimiento en bases de datos\) se han aplicado consistentemente a lo gran de un gran espectro de áreas como el marketing, inversiones, detección de fraude, producción industrial, telecomunicaciones y salud. En este estudio, técnicas bien conocidas de data mining como las redes neuronales artificiales (ANN), programación genética (GP), regresión lineal con selección hacia adelante (LR) y la técnica de clustering k-means, se proponen a la comunidad del deporte y la salud con el objetivo de ayudar con la prescripción del entrenamiento de fuerza. Una apropiada prescripción de entrenamiento de fuerza es efectiva no solo para mejorar el estado de forma general, sino para mejorar la salud e incrementar la calidad de vida. La intensidad en un ejercicio de fuerza se prescribe generalmente como un porcentaje de la repetición máxima. 1RM, fuerza muscular dinámica, una repetición máxima o una ejecución máxima, se define operacionalmente como la carga máxima que puede ser movida en un rango de movimiento específico, una vez y con una técnica correcta. La seguridad de las pruebas de 1RM ha sido cuestionada debido a que el gran esfuerzo requerido para llevarlas a cabo puede derivar en serias lesiones musculares. Las ecuaciones predictivas pueden ayudar a atajar el problema de la predicción de la 1RM con cargas sub-máximas y son empleadas con el propósito de eliminar o al menos, reducir los riesgos asociados. En este estudio, se construyeron distintos modelos a partir de los datos recogidos de 30 hombres que realizaron hasta 5 series al fallo en el ejercicio press de banca a distintos porcentajes de la 1RM, hasta llegar a su 1RM real. También se muestra una comparación de algunas de las distintas ecuaciones de predicción propuestas con anterioridad. El modelo LR parece superar a los modelos ANN y GP para la predicción de la 1RM entre 1 y 10 repeticiones. Al 75% de la 1RM algunos sujetos (n = 5) pudieron realizar 13 repeticiones con una técnica apropiada en el ejercicio press de banca, mientras que otros (n = 20) realizaron significativamente (p < 0:05) más repeticiones al 70% que al 75% de su 1RM en el press de banca. El ínndice de esfuerzo percibido (RPE) parece no ser un buen predictor del 1RM cuando todas las series se realizan al fallo, puesto que no existen diferencias signifiativas (p < 0:05) en el RPE al 75%, 80% y el 90% de la 1RM. Además, los años de experiencia y las horas semanales dedicadas al entrenamiento de fuerza están más correlacionadas con la 1RM (p < 0:05) que el peso corporal. La ecuación de O'Connor et al. parece surgir de los datos recogidos y parece ser la ecuación de predicción de 1RM más precisa de aquellas propuestas en la literatura y empleadas en este estudio. La ecuación de predicción de la 1RM de Epley es reproducida mediante simulación de datos a partir de algunas ecuaciones de predicción de la 1RM propuestas con anterioridad. Finalmente, se proponen futuras líneas de investigación relacionadas con el problema de la predicción de la 1RM mediante algoritmos genéticos, redes neuronales y técnicas de clustering.

Transgenerational Effects of Early Life Starvation on Growth, Reproduction, and Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Starvation during early development can have lasting effects that influence organismal fitness and disease risk. We characterized the long-term phenotypic consequences of starvation during early larval development in Caenorhabditis elegans to determine potential fitness effects and develop it as a model for mechanistic studies. We varied the amount of time that larvae were developmentally arrested by starvation after hatching ("L1 arrest"). Worms recovering from extended starvation grew slowly, taking longer to become reproductive, and were smaller as adults. Fecundity was also reduced, with the smallest individuals most severely affected. Feeding behavior was impaired, possibly contributing to deficits in growth and reproduction. Previously starved larvae were more sensitive to subsequent starvation, suggesting decreased fitness even in poor conditions. We discovered that smaller larvae are more resistant to heat, but this correlation does not require passage through L1 arrest. The progeny of starved animals were also adversely affected: Embryo quality was diminished, incidence of males was increased, progeny were smaller, and their brood size was reduced. However, the progeny and grandprogeny of starved larvae were more resistant to starvation. In addition, the progeny, grandprogeny, and great-grandprogeny were more resistant to heat, suggesting epigenetic inheritance of acquired resistance to starvation and heat. Notably, such resistance was inherited exclusively from individuals most severely affected by starvation in the first generation, suggesting an evolutionary bet-hedging strategy. In summary, our results demonstrate that starvation affects a variety of life-history traits in the exposed animals and their descendants, some presumably reflecting fitness costs but others potentially adaptive.

A randomized controlled trial on the effects of combined aerobic-resistance exercise on muscle strength and fatigue, glycemic control and health-related quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients

Aim: to evaluate the effects of a 12-weeks combined aerobic-resistance exercise therapy on fatigue and isokinetic muscle strength, glycemic control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in moderately affected type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. Methods: a randomized controlled trial design was employed. Forty-three T2DM patients were assigned to an exercise group (n = 22), performing 3 weekly sessions of 60 minutes of combined aerobic-resistance exercise for 12-weeks; or a no exercise control group (n = 21). Both groups were evaluated at a baseline and after 12-weeks of exercise therapy for: 1) muscle strength and fatigue by isokinetic dynamometry; 2) plasma glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C); and 3) HRQoL utilizing the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: the exercise therapy led to improvements in muscle fatigue in knee extensors (-55%) and increased muscle strength in knee flexors and extensors (+15 to +30%), while HbA1C decreased (-18%). In addition, the exercising patients showed sizeable improvements in HRQoL: physical function (+53%), vitality (+21%) and mental health (+40%). Conclusion: 12-weeks of combined aerobic-resistance exercise was highly effective to improve muscle strength and fatigue, glycemic control and several aspects of HRQoL in T2DM patients. These data encourage the use of aerobic and resistance exercise in the good clinical care of T2DM.

The effect of WC-17Co thermal spray coating by HVOF and hard chromium electroplating on the fatigue life and abrasive wear resistance of AISI 4340 high strength steel

One of the most interesting alternatives for replacement of hard chrome plating is tungsten carbide thermal spray coating applied by the high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process which presents a safer, cleaner and less expensive alternative to chromium plating. The objective of this research is to compare the influence of the tungsten carbide-17cobalt (WC- 17Co) coating applied by high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) process with that of hard-chromium electroplating on the fatigue strength and abrasive wear of AISI 4340 steel.

Selection for Increased Starvation Resistance Using Drosophila melanogaster: Investigating Physiological and Life History Trait Responses to Starvation and Dietary Supplementation in the Context of an Obese Phenotype

Artificial selection for starvation resistance provided insight into the relationships between evolved physiological and life history trait responses following exposure to biologically induced stress. Investigations of alterations to body composition, metabolic rate, movement, and life history traits including development time, female egg production, and longevity in response to brief periods of starvation were conducted on genetically based starvation-resistant and control lines of Drosophila melanogaster. Analysis of the starvation-resistant lines indicated increased energy storage with increased triglyceride deposition and conversion of carbohydrates to lipid, as identified by respiratory quotient values. Correlations between reductions in metabolic rates and movement in the starvation-resistant lines, suggested the presence of an evolved physiological response resulting in energy conservation. Investigations of life history traits in the starvation-resistant lines indicated no significant differences in development time or reproduction between the selected and control lines. Measurements of longevity, however, indicated a significant reduction in starvation-resistant D. melanogaster lifespan. These results suggested that elevated lipid concentrations, similar to that observed with obesity, were correlated with premature mortality. Exposure of the starvation-resistant and control lines to diets supplemented with glucose, palmitic acid, and a 2:1 mixture of casein to albumin were used to investigate alterations in body composition, movement, and life history traits. Results obtained from this study indicated that increased sugar in the diet led to increased carbohydrate, glycogen, total sugar, trehalose, and triglyceride concentrations, while increased fat and protein in the diet resulted in increased soluble protein, carbohydrate, glycogen, total sugar, and trehalose concentrations. Examination of life history trait responses indicated reduced fecundity in females exposed to increased glucose concentrations. Increased supplementations of palmitic acid was consistently correlated with an overall reduction in lifespan in both the starvation-resistant and control Drosophila lines, while measurements of movement indicated increased female activity levels in flies exposed to diets supplemented with fat and protein. Analyses of the physiological and life history trait responses to starvation and dietary supplementation on Drosophila melanogaster used in the present study has implications for investigating the mechanisms underlying the development and persistence of human obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

A pilot study assessing the feasibility of a home-based progressive resistance exercise program and trend toward healing rates for patients with venous leg ulcers

Venous leg ulceration is a serious condition affecting 1 – 3% of the population. Decline in the function of the calf muscle pump is correlated with venous ulceration. Many previous studies have reported an improvement in the function of the calf muscle pump, endurance of the calf muscle and increased range of ankle motion after structured exercise programs. However, there is a paucity of published research that assesses if these improvements result in an improvement in the healing rates of venous ulcers. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to establish the feasibility of a homebased progressive resistance exercise program and examine if there was any clinical significance or trend toward healing. The secondary aims were to examine the benefit of a home-based progressive resistance exercise program on calf muscle pump function and physical parameters. The methodology used was a randomised controlled trial where eleven participants were randomised into an intervention (n = 6) or control group (n = 5). Participants who were randomised to receive a 12-week home-based progressive resistance exercise program were instructed through weekly face-to-face consultations during their wound clinic appointment by the author. Control group participants received standard wound care and compression therapy. Changes in ulcer parameters were measured fortnightly at the clinic (number healed at 12 weeks, percentage change in area and pressure ulcer score healing score). An air plethysmography test was performed at baseline and following the 12 weeks of training to determine changes in calf muscle pump function. Functional measures included maximum number of heel raises (endurance), maximal isometric plantar flexion (strength) and range of ankle motion (ROAM); these tests were conducted at baseline, week 6 and week 12. The sample for the study was drawn from the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Participants with venous leg ulceration who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The participants were screened via duplex scanning and ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) to ensure they did not have any arterial complications. Participants were excluded if there was evidence of cellulitis. Demographic data were obtained from each participant and details regarding medical history, quality of life and geriatric depression scores were collected at baseline. Both the intervention and control group were required to complete a weekly exercise diary to monitor activity levels between groups. To test for the effect of the intervention over time, a repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted on the major outcome variables. Group (intervention versus control) was the between subject factor and time (baseline, week 6, week 12) was the within subject or repeated measures factor. Due to the small sample size, further tests were conducted to check the assumptions of the statistical test to be used. The results showed that Mauchly.s Test, the Sphericity assumptions of repeated measures for ANOVA were met. Further tests of homogeneity of variance assumptions also confirmed that this assumption was met. Data analysis was conducted using the software package SPSS for Windows Release 17.0. The pilot study proved feasible with all of the intervention (n=6) participants continuing with the resistance program for the 12 week duration and no deleterious effects noted. Clinical significance was observed in the intervention group with a 32% greater change in ulcer size (p= 0.26) than the control group, and a 10% (p = 0.74) greater difference between the numbers healed compared to the control group. Statistical significance was observed for the ejection fraction (p = 0.05), residual volume fraction (p = 0.04) and ROAM (p = 0.01), which all improved significantly in the intervention group over time. These results are encouraging, nevertheless, further investigations seem warranted to examine the effect exercise has on the healing rates of venous leg ulcers, with a multistudy site, larger sample size and longer follow up period.

Embedded criminology and knowledges of resistance

This chapter explores the changing intellectual landscapes and market-led research within academic institutions as the rise of 'embedded criminology' and argues for knowledges of resistance.

'It had to be my choice' Indigenous smoking cessation and negotiations of risk, resistance and resilience

While Australia is considered a world leader in tobacco control, smoking rates within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population have not declined at the same rate. This failure highlights an obvious shortcoming of mainstream anti-smoking efforts to effectively understand and engage with the socio-cultural context of Indigenous smoking and smoking cessation experiences. The purpose of this article is to explore the narrative accounts of 20 Indigenous ex-smokers within an urban community and determine the motivators and enablers for successful smoking cessation. Our findings indicated that health risk narratives and the associated social stigma produced through anti-smoking campaigns formed part of a broader apparatus of oppression among Indigenous people, often inspiring resistance and resentment rather than compliance. Instead, a significant life event and supportive relationships were the most useful predictors of successful smoking cessation acting as both a motivator and enabler to behavioural change. Indigenous smoking cessation narratives most commonly involved changing and reordering a person’s life and identity and autonomy over this process was the critical building block to reclaiming control over nicotine addiction. Most promisingly, at an individual level, we found the important role that individual health professionals played in encouraging and supporting Indigenous smoking cessation through positive rather than punitive interactions. More broadly, our findings highlighted the central importance of resilience, empowerment, and trust within health promotion practice.

ICT to enhance the triangle of life : the soil, the seed, and the life-giver farmer

This paper reports on the outcomes of an ICT enabled social sustainability project “Green Lanka1” trialled in the Wilgamuwa village, which is situated in the Dambulla district of Sri Lanka. The main goals of the project were focused towards the provision of information about market prices, transportation options, agricultural decision support and modern agriculture practices of the farmer communities to improve their livelihood with the effective use of technologies. The project used Web and Mobile (SMS) enabled systems. The Green Lanka project was sponsored by the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka under the Institutional Capacity Building Programme (ICBP) grant scheme which was sponsored by the World Bank. Six hundred families in Wilgamuwa village participated in the project activities. The project was designed, executed and studied through an Action Research approach. The lessons learned through the project activities provide an important understanding of the complex interaction between different stakeholders in the process of implementation of ICT enabled solutions within digitally divided societies. The paper analyses the processes used to reduce the resistance to change and improved involvement of farmer communities in ICT enabled projects. It also analyses the interaction between stakeholders involved in design and implementation of the project activities to improve the chances of project success.

The human cost of change : tales from the campus about personal change fatigue, resistance, and resilience

For the last decade, one question has haunted me: what helps people to cope with large-scale organisational change in their workplace? This study explores the construct of personal change resilience, and its potential for identifying solutions to the problems of change fatigue and change resistance. The thesis has emerged from the fields of change management, leadership, training, mentoring, evaluation, management and trust within the context of higher education in Australia at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In this thesis I present a theoretical model of the factors to consider in increasing peoples’ personal change resilience as they navigate large-scale organisational change at work, thereby closing a gap in the literature on the construct of change resilience. The model presented is based on both the literature in the realms of business and education, and on the findings of the research. In this thesis, an autoethnographic case study of two Australian university projects is presented as one narrative, resulting in a methodological step forward in the use of multiple research participants’ stories in the development of a single narrative. The findings describe the experiences of workers in higher education and emphasise the importance of considerate management in the achievement of positive experiences of organisational change. This research makes a significant contribution to new knowledge in three ways. First, it closes a gap in the literature in the realm of change management around personal change resilience as a solution to the problem of change fatigue by presenting models of both change failure and personal change resilience. Second, it is methodologically innovative in the use of personae to tell the stories of multiple participants in one coherent tale presented as a work of ethnographic fiction seen through an autoethnographic lens. By doing so, it develops a methodology for giving a voice to those to whom change is done in the workplace. Third, it provides a perspective on organisational change management from the view of the actual workers affected by change, thereby adding to the literature that currently exists, which is based on the views of those with responsibility for leading or managing change rather than those it affects. This thesis is intended as a practical starting point for conversations by actual change managers in higher education, and it is written in such a way as to help them see how theory can be applied in real life, and how empowering and enabling the actual working staff members, and engaging with them in a considerate way before, during and even after the change process, can help to make them resilient enough to cope with the change, rather than leaving them burned out or disengaged and no longer a well-functioning member of the institution. This thesis shows how considerately managed large-scale organisational change can result in positive outcomes for both the organisation and the individuals who work in it.

A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health-related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of a Tai Chi and Qigong exercise programme in adults with elevated blood glucose. Design, Setting, and Participants A single group pre–post feasibility trial with 11 participants (3 male and 8 female; aged 42–65 years) with elevated blood glucose. Intervention Participants attended Tai Chi and Qigong exercise training for 1 to 1.5 h, 3 times per week for 12 weeks, and were encouraged to practise the exercises at home. Main Outcome Measures Indicators of metabolic syndrome (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol); glucose control (HbA1c, fasting insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA)); health-related quality of life; stress and depressive symptoms. Results There was good adherence and high acceptability. There were significant improvements in four of the seven indicators of metabolic syndrome including BMI (mean difference −1.05, p<0.001), waist circumference (−2.80 cm, p<0.05), and systolic (−11.64 mm Hg, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (−9.73 mm Hg, p<0.001), as well as in HbA1c (−0.32%, p<0.01), insulin resistance (−0.53, p<0.05), stress (−2.27, p<0.05), depressive symptoms (−3.60, p<0.05), and the SF-36 mental health summary score (5.13, p<0.05) and subscales for general health (19.00, p<0.01), mental health (10.55, p<0.01) and vitality (23.18, p<0.05). Conclusions The programme was feasible and acceptable and participants showed improvements in metabolic and psychological variables. A larger controlled trial is now needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.