Showing papers by "Edith Cowan University published in 2006"

A review of multiobjective test problems and a scalable test problem toolkit

Abstract: When attempting to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of an algorithm, it is important to have a strong understanding of the problem at hand. This is true for the field of multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (EAs) as it is for any other field. Many of the multiobjective test problems employed in the EA literature have not been rigorously analyzed, which makes it difficult to draw accurate conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the algorithms tested on them. In this paper, we systematically review and analyze many problems from the EA literature, each belonging to the important class of real-valued, unconstrained, multiobjective test problems. To support this, we first introduce a set of test problem criteria, which are in turn supported by a set of definitions. Our analysis of test problems highlights a number of areas requiring attention. Not only are many test problems poorly constructed but also the important class of nonseparable problems, particularly nonseparable multimodal problems, is poorly represented. Motivated by these findings, we present a flexible toolkit for constructing well-designed test problems. We also present empirical results demonstrating how the toolkit can be used to test an optimizer in ways that existing test suites do not

A faster algorithm for calculating hypervolume

Abstract: We present an algorithm for calculating hypervolume exactly, the Hypervolume by Slicing Objectives (HSO) algorithm, that is faster than any that has previously been published. HSO processes objectives instead of points, an idea that has been considered before but that has never been properly evaluated in the literature. We show that both previously studied exact hypervolume algorithms are exponential in at least the number of objectives and that although HSO is also exponential in the number of objectives in the worst case, it runs in significantly less time, i.e., two to three orders of magnitude less for randomly generated and benchmark data in three to eight objectives. Thus, HSO increases the utility of hypervolume, both as a metric for general optimization algorithms and as a diversity mechanism for evolutionary algorithms.

Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in World Biodiversity Hotspots: the Need for a Greater Global Perspective in Assessing N Deposition Impacts

Abstract: Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is known to reduce plant diversity in natural and semi-natural ecosystems, yet our understanding of these impacts comes almost entirely from studies in northern Europe and North America. Currently, we lack an understanding of the threat of N deposition to biodiversity at the global scale. In particular, rates of N deposition within the newly defined 34 world biodiversity hotspots, to which 50% of the world’s floristic diversity is restricted, has not been quantified previously. Using output from global chemistry transport models, here we provide the first estimates of recent (mid-1990s) and future (2050) rates and distributions of N deposition within biodiversity hotspots. Our analysis shows that the average deposition rate across these areas was 50% greater than the global terrestrial average in the mid1990s and could more than double by 2050, with 33 of 34 hotspots receiving greater N deposition in 2050 compared with 1990. By this time, 17 hotspots could have between 10% and 100% of their area receiving greater than 15kgNha � 1 yr � 1 , a rate exceeding critical loads set for many sensitive European ecosystems. Average deposition in four hotspots is predicted to be greater than 20kgNha � 1 yr � 1 . This elevated N deposition within areas of high plant diversity and endemism may exacerbate significantly the global threat of N deposition to world floristic diversity. Overall, we highlight the need for a greater global approach to assessing the impacts of N deposition.

Apolipoprotein E, cholesterol metabolism, diabetes, and the convergence of risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease

Abstract: High fat diets and sedentary lifestyles are becoming major concerns for Western countries. They have led to a growing incidence of obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and a condition known as the insulin-resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome. These health conditions are well known to develop along with, or be precursors to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Recent studies have found that most of these disorders can also be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To complicate matters, possession of one or more apolipoprotein E epsilon4 (APOE epsilon4) alleles further increases the risk or severity of many of these conditions, including AD. ApoE has roles in cholesterol metabolism and Abeta clearance, both of which are thought to be significant in AD pathogenesis. The apparent inadequacies of ApoE epsilon4 in these roles may explain the increased risk of AD in subjects carrying one or more APOE epsilon4 alleles. This review describes some of the physiological and biochemical changes that the above conditions cause, and how they are related to the risk of AD. A diversity of topics is covered, including cholesterol metabolism, glucose regulation, diabetes, insulin, ApoE function, amyloid precursor protein metabolism, and in particular their relevance to AD. It can be seen that abnormal lipid, cholesterol and glucose metabolism are consistently indicated as central in the pathophysiology, and possibly the pathogenesis of AD. As diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and early AD are becoming more reliable, and as evidence is accumulating that health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and coronary artery disease are risk factors for AD, appropriate changes to diets and lifestyles will likely reduce AD risk, and also improve the prognosis for people already suffering from such conditions.

Authenticating mobile phone users using keystroke analysis

Abstract: Mobile handsets have found an important place in modern society, with hundreds of millions currently in use. The majority of these devices use inherently weak authentication mechanisms, based upon passwords and PINs. This paper presents a feasibility study into a biometric-based technique, known as keystroke analysis – which authenticates the user based upon their typing characteristic. In particular, this paper identifies two typical handset interactions, entering telephone numbers and typing text messages, and seeks to authenticate the user during their normal handset interaction. It was found that neural network classifiers were able to perform classification with average equal error rates of 12.8%. Based upon these results, the paper concludes by proposing a flexible and robust framework to permit the continuous and transparent authentication of the user, thereby maximising security and minimising user inconvenience, to service the needs of the insecure and evermore functional mobile handset.

Possible stimuli for strength and power adaptation: acute hormonal responses

Abstract: A great deal of literature has investigated the effects of various resistance training programmes on strength and power changes. Surprisingly, however, our understanding of the stimuli that affect adaptation still remains relatively unexplained. It is thought that strength and power adaptation is mediated by mechanical stimuli, that is the kinematics and kinetics associated with resistance exercise (e.g. forces, contraction duration, power and work), and their interaction with other hormonal and metabolic factors. However, the effect of different combinations of kinematic and kinetic variables and their contribution to adaptation is unclear. The mechanical response to single repetitions has been investigated by a number of researchers; however, it seems problematic to extrapolate the findings of this type of research to the responses associated with a typical resistance training session. That is, resistance training is typified by multiple repetitions, sets and exercises, rest periods of varying durations and different movement techniques (e.g. controlled and explosive). Understanding the mechanical stimuli afforded by such loading schemes would intuitively lead to a better appreciation of how various mechanical stimuli affect adaptation. It will be evident throughout this article that very little research has adopted such an approach; hence our understanding in this area remains rudimentary at best. One should therefore remain cognizant of the limitations that exist in the interpretation of research in this field. We contend that strength and power research needs to adopt a set kinematic and kinetic analysis to improve our understanding of how to optimise strength and power.

Determination of functional strength imbalance of the lower extremities

Abstract: The purposes of this study were (a) to determine whether a significant strength imbalance existed between the left and right or dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) legs and (b) to investigate possible correlations among various unilateral and bilateral closed kinetic chain tests, including a field test, and traditional isokinetic dynamometry used to determine strength imbalance. Fourteen Division I collegiate women softball players (20.2 +/- 1.4 years) volunteered to undergo measures of average peak torque for isokinetic flexion and extension at 60 degrees .s(-1) and 240 degrees .s(-1); in addition, measures of peak and average force of each leg during parallel back squat, 2-legged vertical jump, and single-leg vertical jump and performance in a 5-hop test were examined. Significant differences of between 4.2% and 16.0% were evident for all measures except for average force during single-leg vertical jump between the D and ND limbs, thus revealing a significant strength imbalance. The 5-hop test revealed a significant difference between D and ND limbs and showed a moderate correlation with more sophisticated laboratory tests, suggesting a potential use as a field test for the identification of strength imbalance. The results of this study indicate that a significant strength imbalance can exist even in collegiate level athletes, and future research should be conducted to determine how detrimental these imbalances could be in terms of peak performance for athletes, as well as the implications for injury risk.

Resistance training and reduction of treatment side effects in prostate cancer patients.

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the effect of progressive resistance training on muscle function, functional performance, balance, body composition, and muscle thickness in men receiving androgen deprivation for prostate cancer. Methods: Ten men aged 59-82 yr on androgen deprivation for localized prostate cancer undertook progressive resistance training for 20 wk at 6- to 12-repetition maximum (RM) for 12 upper- and lower-body exercises in a university exercise rehabilitation clinic. Outcome measures included muscle strength and muscle endurance for the upper and lower body, functional performance (repeated chair rise, usual and fast 6-m walk, 6-m backwards walk, stair climb, and 400-m walk time), and balance by sensory organization test. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and muscle thickness at four anatomical sites by B-mode ultrasound. Blood samples were assessed for prostate specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, and hemoglobin. Results: Muscle strength (chest press, 40.5%; seated row, 41.9%; leg press, 96.3%; P < 0.001) and muscle endurance (chest press, 114.9%; leg press, 167.1%; P < 0.001) increased significantly after training. Significant improvement (P < 0.05) occurred in the 6-m usual walk (14.1%), 6-m backwards walk (22.3%), chair rise (26.8%), stair climbing (10.4%), 400-m walk (7.4%), and balance (7.8%). Muscle thickness increased (P < 0.05) by 15.7% at the quadriceps site. Whole-body lean mass was preserved with no change in fat mass. There were no significant changes in PSA, testosterone, GH, cortisol, or hemoglobin. Conclusions: Progressive resistance exercise has beneficial effects on muscle strength, functional performance and balance in older men receiving androgen deprivation for prostate cancer and should be considered to preserve body composition and reduce treatment side effects.

Peak force and rate of force development during isometric and dynamic mid-thigh clean pulls performed at various intensities.

Abstract: Eight male collegiate weightlifters (age: 21.2 +/- 0.9 years; height: 177.6 +/- 2.3 cm; and body mass: 85.1 +/- 3.3 kg) participated in this study to compare isometric to dynamic force-time dependent variables. Subjects performed the isometric and dynamic mid-thigh clean pulls at 30-120% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) power clean (118.4 +/- 5.5 kg) on a 61 x 121.9-cm AMTI forceplate. Variables such as peak force (PF) and peak rate of force development (PRFD) were calculated and were compared between isometric and dynamic conditions. The relationships between force-time dependent variables and vertical jump performances also were examined. The data indicate that the isometric PF had no significant correlations with the dynamic PF against light loads. On the one hand, there was a general trend toward stronger relationships between the isometric and dynamic PF as the external load increased for dynamic muscle actions. On the other hand, the isometric and dynamic PRFD had no significant correlations regardless of the external load used for dynamic testing. In addition, the isometric PF and dynamic PRFD were shown to be strongly correlated with vertical jump performances, whereas the isometric PRFD and dynamic PF had no significant correlations with vertical jump performances. In conclusion, it appears that the isometric and dynamic measures of force-time curve characteristics represent relatively specific qualities, especially when dynamic testing involves small external loads. Additionally, the results suggest that athletes who possess greater isometric maximum strength and dynamic explosive strength tend to be able to jump higher.

Greater muscle damage induced by fast versus slow velocity eccentric exercise

Abstract: Debate exists concerning the effect of contraction velocity on muscle damage, and few human studies have yet to address this issue. This study examined whether the velocity of eccentric exercise affected the magnitude of muscle damage. Twelve untrained subjects performed a series of slow velocity isokinetic eccentric elbow flexions (SV: 30 degrees . s (-1)) of one arm and a fast velocity exercise (FV: 210 degrees . s (-1)) of the other arm, separated by 14 days. In order to standardise the time under tension (120 s) for the two conditions, the number of muscle actions for SV was 30 and 210 for FV. Criterion measures consisted of maximal voluntary torque for isometric, concentric (4 velocities) and eccentric contractions (2 velocities), range of motion (ROM) and relaxed elbow joint angle (RANG), upper arm circumference, muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity. Measures were taken before, immediately after, 0.5 hour and 24 - 168 hours (240 hours for CK) after each eccentric exercise protocol, and changes in the measures over time were compared between FV and SV by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Both protocols resulted in significant decrements in isometric and dynamic torque (p < 0.01), but FV showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions over time ( approximately 55 %) and a slower recovery compared to SV ( approximately 30 %). Significantly (p < 0.05) larger decreases in, and delayed recovery of, ROM and RANG were evident after FV compared to SV. FV had significantly (p < 0.05) larger increases in upper arm circumference and soreness compared to SV, and peak plasma CK activity was 4.5-fold greater (p < 0.05) following FV than SV. These results suggest that, for the same time under tension, fast velocity eccentric exercise causes greater muscle damage than slow velocity exercise in untrained subjects.

A functional methodology for determining the groundwater regime needed to maintain the health of groundwater-dependent vegetation

Abstract: In the past, the phrase ‘environmental allocations of water’ has most often been taken to mean allocation of water to rivers. However, it is now accepted that groundwater-dependent ecosystems are an important feature of Australian landscapes and require an allocation of water to maintain their persistence in the landscape. However, moving from this theoretical realisation to the provision and implementation of a field-based management regime is extremely difficult. The following four fundamental questions are identified as being central to the effective management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs): (1) How do we identify GDEs in the field; put another way, which species or species assemblages or habitats are reliant on a supply of groundwater for their persistence in the landscape; (2) what groundwater regime is required to ensure the persistence of a GDE; (3) how can managers of natural resources (principally water and habitats), with limited time, money and other resources, successfully manage GDEs; and (4) what measures of ecosystem function can be monitored to ensure that management is effective? This paper explicitly addresses these questions and provides a step-by-step theoretical and practical framework for providing answers. In particular, this paper provides an introduction to some of the relevant literature and from this, presents a synthesis, presented in the form of a functional methodology for managing groundwater dependent ecosystems.

A review of landholder motivations and determinants for participation in conservation covenanting programmes

Abstract: Conservation covenants (or easements) are flexible but legally enforceable documents attached to a land title restricting the use of that land, providing for the protection of important conservation values, while allowing the landholder to retain possession. Given the attractiveness of covenants to those who seek to expand national and regional nature conservation initiatives, it is important to understand landholder motivations for participation in programmes that covenant for nature conservation. This paper examines the likely influences on landholder decision making when it comes to conservation initiatives. A review of literature highlights key motivations and determinants, such as landholder demographics and the nature of the land tenure in question, their knowledge and awareness of the programme, financial circumstances, and perceptions of financial and other risks and benefits of the programme itself, including incentives and compensation. Underpinning, or mediating, the decision-making processes will be landholder philosophies and values, and five constructs are determined from the review, namely economic dependence on property, private property rights, confidence in perpetual covenant mechanisms, nature conservation equity and nature conservation ethic. Using these constructs, a series of explicit hypotheses is drawn, applicable to agencies dealing with conservation covenants and testable through an adaptive management approach. A conceptual model is presented to show hypothesized relationships between motivational factors and the five constructs that will lead to the uptake of covenants by landholders, providing direction for policy makers and managers of incentive programmes for nature conservation on private lands.

Changes in markers of muscle damage, inflammation and HSP70 after an Ironman triathlon race

Abstract: We investigated the effects of an Ironman triathlon race on markers of muscle damage, inflammation and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Nine well-trained male triathletes (mean +/- SD age 34 +/- 5 years; VO(2peak) 66.4 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) participated in the 2004 Western Australia Ironman triathlon race (3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, 42.2 km run). We assessed jump height, muscle strength and soreness, and collected venous blood samples 2 days before the race, within 30 min and 14-20 h after the race. Plasma samples were analysed for muscle proteins, acute phase proteins, cytokines, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and clinical biochemical variables related to dehydration, haemolysis, liver and renal functions. Muscular strength and jump height decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after the race, whereas muscle soreness and the plasma concentrations of muscle proteins increased. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6 and IL-10, and HSP70 increased markedly after the race, while IL-12p40 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were also elevated. IL-4, IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha did not change significantly, despite elevated C-reactive protein and serum amyloid protein A on the day after the race. Plasma creatinine, uric acid and total bilirubin concentrations and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity also changed after the race. In conclusion, despite evidence of muscle damage and an acute phase response after the race, the pro-inflammatory cytokine response was minimal and anti-inflammatory cytokines were induced. HSP70 is released into the circulation as a function of exercise duration.

Authentic Tasks Online: A Synergy among Learner, Task, and Technology

Abstract: Fostering synergies amongst learner, task, and technology to create innovative and immersive distance learning environments runs counter to the widespread practice of incorporating traditional classroom pedagogical strategies into Web‐based delivery of courses. The most widely accepted model of online higher education appears to be one of reductionism, whereby learning management systems facilitate the design of easily digested packets of information, usually assessed by discrete stand‐alone tests and academic assignments. This article describes a model for the development of authentic tasks that can assist in designing environments of increased, rather than reduced, complexity. It provides a robust framework for the design of online courses, based on the work of theorists and researchers in situated learning and authentic learning. It describes the characteristics of a task's design that facilitates the requirements of an entire course of study being readily satisfied by its completion, where the student...

Neurogenesis in the R6/1 transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease: effects of environmental enrichment.

Abstract: Previous work has demonstrated that the transgenic R6/1 mouse model of Huntington's disease has decreased proliferation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. This study therefore examined the survival and differentiation of NPCs in presymptomatic and symptomatic R6/1 mice and the effects of environmental enrichment on these variables. Here it is demonstrated that the survival of bromodeoxyuridine-positive (BrdU+) NPCs in the dentate gyrus is decreased in the transgenic mice. In addition, the number of doublecortin-positive (DCX+) cells is greatly reduced in these mice, as is the total number of new mature neurons, while the proportion of BrdU+ cells differentiating into mature neurons was not significantly different between genotypes. Furthermore, the DCX+ cells in the R6/1 mice had smaller and irregular-shaped somas, shorter neurites, and migrated a shorter distance into the granular cell layer compared with wild-type mice. Older symptomatic mice housed in an enriched environment had an increased number of BrdU+ and DCX+ cells as well as longer neurites and increased migration of DCX+ cells. There was no significant difference between genotypes or environments in the number of BrdU+ cells in the subventricular zone. These results suggest that decreased neurogenesis might be responsible, in part, for the hippocampal deficits observed in these mice and that environmental enrichment produces morphological changes in newborn granule neurons in both wild-type and R6/1 mice, which could underlie some of the beneficial effects of enrichment.

Groundwater-dependent ecosystems: the where, what and why of GDEs

Abstract: Until the early 1970s, the management of water resources in Australia was predominantly concerned with the assessment, development and harnessing of new water resources for irrigation, urban and industrial, stock and domestic water supply. The consequences of excessive and unsympathetic groundwater abstraction on groundwaterdependent (phreatophytic) vegetation, such as tree decline and mortality, have been observed throughout Australia (Arrowsmith 1996; Hatton and Evans 1998; Clifton and Evans 2001). With increasing demand for water and a changing climate regime, the need to mitigate the environmental impacts of groundwater development is increasing. Current borefield operation in Australia is largely responsive to consumption demand and often in conflict with environmental needs for groundwater, resulting in drought stress and sometimes death of phreatophytic vegetation and other impacts on GDEs. Groundwater resource managers commonly ask how much water can be taken from the aquifer while still maintaining a low level of risk to GDEs. This requires quantified information on the relationship between the health of a GDE and groundwater depth (or other parameter; see Eamus et al. 2006a). Recommendations are generally made by defining the acceptable level to which groundwater can be allowed to fall, while maintaining important environmental values (see Murray et al. 2006). The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed reforms in 1994 to achieve a sustainable water industry that included allocations for the environment

The attribution of success and failure in IT projects

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to determine how project managers attribute information technology (IT) project success and failure.Design/methodology/approach – IT personnel from large Australian organisations completed an adapted version of the Attributional Styles questionnaire, which asked them to attribute causes along a number of attribution dimensions, for IT projects which have either succeeded or failed.Findings – The results indicate that IT support workers attribute failure to external factors, whilst attributing success to themselves. On the other hand, executive management took a more balanced perspective which attribute success to external factors and only partially to themselves, whereas they attribute significant personal responsibility for failure.Practical implications – More junior professionals and operational IT employees can learn from their senior professionals in attributing success and failure. Post‐implementation reviews and debriefings conducted by senior IT profession...

Cruise ship tourism.

Abstract: Part 1: Introduction * The Cruising Industry, R Dowling, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia * A Geographical Overview of the World Cruise Market and its Seasonal Complementarities, J Charlier, University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium & R McCalla, Saint Mary's University, Canada * The Cruise Industry: An Industrial Organisation Perspective, A Papatheodorou, University of Surrey, UK * Cruise Tourism and Organisational Culture: The Case for Occupational Communities, D Lee-Ross, James Cook University, Australia * Cruise Sector Policy in a Tourism Dependent Island Destination: The Case of Bermuda, V Teye, Arizona State University, USA Part 2: Demand: Cruise Passengers and Marketing * What Drives Cruise Passengers' Perceptions of Value? J Petrick & X (Robert) Li, Texas A &M University, USA * Cruising and The North American Market, A Miller & W Grazer, Towson University, USA * When One Size Doesn't Fit All, C Fanning & J James, Flinders University, Australia * Ways of Seeing the Caribbean Cruise Product: A British Perspective, C Weeden & J-A Lester, University of Brighton, UK * The Impact of Interpretation on Passengers on Expedition Cruises, K Walker & G Moscardo, James Cook University, Australia * Cruise Guide Star Rating Systems: A Need for Standardization, R Swain, Georgetown, Canada * Sixteen Ways of Looking at an Ocean Cruise: A Cultural Studies Approach, A Asa Berger Part 3: Supply: Cruise Destinations and Products * Spatial and Evolutionary Characteristics of Baltic Sea Cruising: An Historic - Geographical Overview, J Lundgren, McGill University, Canada * The Alaska Cruise Industry, J Munro & W Gill, Simon Fraser University, Canada * The Cruise Industry and Atlantic Canada: A Case Study, N Chesworth, Mount St Vincent University, Nova Scotia, Canada * The Changing Geography of Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean, P Wilkinson, York University, Canada * Paradise and Other Ports of Call: Cruising in the Pacific Islands, N Douglas, Southern Cross University, Australia & N Douglas, Pacific Profiles, Australia * The Antarctic Cruise Industry, R Dowling & T Bauer, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, P R China * Round the World Cruising: A geography created by geography? R McCalla & J Charlier * The Norwegian Coastal Express: Moving Towards Cruise Tourism? O Sletvold, Finnmark University College, Norway * The Structure and Operation of Coastal Cruising - Australian Case Studies, S Reid, University of Technology, Australia & B Prideaux, James Cook University, Australia * Adventure Cruising: An Ethnography of Small Ship Travel, V Smith, California State University, USA * Off the Beaten Track: A Case Study of Expedition Cruise Ships in Southwest Tasmania, Australia, C Ellis & L Kriwoken, University of Tasmania, Australia Part 4: Interactions: Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts * Turning Water into Money: The Economics of the Cruise Industry, R Klein, University of Newfoundland, Canada. * Cruising North to Alaska: The New 'Gold Rush', G Ringer, University of Oregon, USA * The Sources and Magnitude of the Economic Impact on a Local Economy from Cruise Activities: Evidence from Port Canaveral, Florida, B Braun & F Tramell, University of Central Florida, USA * Florida's Day Cruise Industry: A Significant Contributor to Florida's Economy? L Pennington-Gray, University of Florida, USA * Cruise Tourism in the Eastern Caribbean: An Anachronism in the Post-Colonial Era? L Pulsipher & L Holderfield, University of Tennessee, USA * Fantasy and Reality: Tourist and Local Experiences of Cruise Ship Tourism in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, L Sheridan & G Teal, University of Western Australia, Australia * A Shifting Tide: Environmental Challenges and Cruise Industry Responses, J Sweeting & S Wayne * Environmental Policy Challenges for the Cruise Industry: Case Studies from Australia and the United States, S Dobson & A Gill, Simon Fraser University, Canada * Cozumel: The Challenges of Cruise Tourism, H Sorensen, Metropolitan State College, USA Part 5: Industry Issues * Cruise Ships in the UK and North European Market - Development Opportunity or Illusion for UK Ports? D Robbins, Bournemouth University, UK * Troubled Seas: Social Activism and the Cruise Industry, R Klein, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada * The Disneyization of Cruise Travel, A Weaver, University of Wellington, New Zealand * Cruise Tourism: A Paradigmatic Case of Globalization? R Wood, Rutgers University, USA * Cruises, Supranationalism and Border Complexity, D Timothy, Arizona State University, USA * The Future of the Cruise Industry, R Dowling.

Eccentric utilization ratio: effect of sport and phase of training.

Abstract: The eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), which is the ratio of countermovement jump (CMJ) to static jump (SJ) performance, has been suggested as a useful indicator of power performance in athletes. The purpose of the study was to compare the EUR of athletes from a variety of different sports and during different phases of training. A total of 142 athletes from rugby union, Australian Rules Football, soccer, softball, and field hockey were tested. Subjects performed both CMJ and SJ on a force plate integrated with a position transducer. The EUR was measured as the ratio of CMJ to SJ for jump height and peak power. The rugby union, Australian Rules Football, and hockey athletes were tested during off-season and preseason to provide EUR data during different phases of training. For men, EUR for soccer, Australian Rules Football, and rugby was greater than softball (effect size range, 0.83-0.92). For women, EUR for soccer was greater than field hockey and softball (0.86- 1.0). There was a significant difference between the jump height and peak power method for the Australian Rules Football, rugby, and field hockey tests conducted preseason (p < 0.05). For field hockey, there was a significant increase in EUR from off-season to preseason. Athletes in sports such as soccer, rugby union, and Australian Rules Football appear to have higher EUR values, which reflects the greater reliance on stretch shortening activities in these sports. It does appear that EUR can be used to track changes in training with the values significantly increasing from off-season to preseason. The EUR provides the practitioner with information about the performance of athletes and appears to be sensitive to changes in the type of training being undertaken.

Authentic Learning at Work

Abstract: This chapter describes models of work-based learning and outlines key features of the authentic learning pedagogy that informs its application. It contextualises work-based learning in the political and economic imperatives driving curriculum change in universities in the Western world. In so doing, it refers to curriculum development based on generic skills and notes analyses of the role of universities in contemporary society, with particular reference to the relative importance of practical and theoretical training. Innovative case studies provide practical examples of the implementation of authentic learning pedagogies through work-based university programs. The key to successful implementation is assessment, which links theory and practice. The underlying message of the chapter is that what counts are not the teaching and learning tools you have, but the way that you use them. There can be nothing more real than real, and this is the strength of work-based university learning: it offers authentic or situated learning environments that reflect the way knowledge will be used in real life.

Product involvement and the evaluation of wine quality

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between wine drinkers' product involvement and their engagement with wine quality. It examined particularly how they conceptualise quality, how they evaluate it, and the dimensions of quality they focus on.Design/methodology/approach – The study used focus groups (including wine tasting as a stimulus) and individual interviews to elicit data. Wine drinkers across Australia were informants for the study.Findings – There appears to be a relationship between involvement level and how wine quality is perceived. Higher‐involvement drinkers seemed more inclined to conceptualise wine quality as objective whereas lower‐involvement consumers tended to see it as subjective. Lower‐involvement informants often focused more on sensory dimensions of wine quality (like flavour or smoothness), while high‐involvement drinkers used more cognitive dimensions such as interest or complexity. Further, there appears to be evidence for a group of medium‐involvem...

Differences in kelp morphology between wave sheltered and exposed localities: morphologically plastic or fixed traits?

Abstract: The ability of algae to change the shape of their thallus in response to the environment may be of functional and ecological importance to the alga, with many species of macroalgae exhibiting a great range of morphological variation across wave exposure gradients. However, differences in morphology detected between sheltered and exposed environments cannot determine whether such differences represent plastic responses to the local environment or whether morphology is genetically fixed. This study tested for differences in the morphology of the common kelp, Ecklonia radiata, between wave sheltered and exposed environments, and reciprocally transplanted juveniles to distinguish the nature of such differences (i.e. plastic vs fixed traits). Differences between exposure environments were consistent with known effects of exposure (i.e. a wide, thin thallus at sheltered sites and a narrow, thick thallus with a thick stipe at exposed sites). The reciprocal transplant experiment confirmed that morphological plasticity was the mechanism enabling this alga to display different patterns in morphology between exposure environments. Individuals transplanted to the exposed environment underwent a rapid and extreme response in morphology, which was not apparent in individuals transplanted to the sheltered environment that responded more slowly. These results suggest that stressors typical of sheltered environments (i.e. diffusion stress) may not be as influential (if at all) compared to stressors typical of exposed environments (i.e. breakage, dislodgement) in differentiating morphological characters between exposure environments.

Epiphytes of Seagrasses

Abstract: In all aquatic environments, available surfaces are rapidly colonized by a variety of organisms. If these organisms grow on plants they are called epiphytes. Seagrasses provide an excellent substratum for epiphytic organisms and these organisms are an integral component of seagrass ecosystems. The ecology and physiology of seagrass epiphytes have been reviewed previously (Harlin, 1980; Borowitzka and Lethbridge, 1989) and this chapter focuses primarily on new developments in our understanding of seagrass epiphyte biology and ecology that have occurred since then.

Four weeks of optimal load ballistic resistance training at the end of season attenuates declining jump performance of women volleyball players.

Abstract: Anecdotal and research evidence is that vertical jump performance declines over the competitive volleyball season. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a short period of ballistic resistance training would attenuate this loss. Fourteen collegiate women volleyball players were trained for 11 weeks with periodized traditional and ballistic resistance training. There was a 5.4% decrease (p < 0.05) in approach jump and reach height during the traditional training period (start of season to midseason), and a 5.3% increase (p < 0.05) during the ballistic training period (midseason to end of season), but values were not different from start to end of season. These changes in overall jump performance were reflective of changes in underlying neuromuscular performance variables: in particular, power output and peak velocity during loaded jump squats, countermovement jumps, and drop jumps. During the first 7 weeks of traditional heavy resistance training, it appears that the neuromuscular system is depressed, perhaps by the combination of training, game play, and skills practice precluding adequate recovery. Introduction of a novel training stimulus in the form of ballistic jump squats and reduction of heavy resistance training of the leg extensors stimulated a rebound in performance, in some cases to exceed the athlete's ability at the start of the season. Periodization of in-season training programs similar to that used in this study may provide volleyball players with good vertical jump performance for the crucial end-of-season games.

Core temperature and hydration status during an Ironman triathlon

Abstract: Background: Numerous laboratory based studies have documented that aggressive hydration strategies (∼1–2 litres/h) are required to minimise a rise in core temperature and minimise the deleterious effects of hyperthermia on performance. However, field data on the relations between hydration level, core body temperature, and performance are rare. Objective: To measure core temperature (T core ) in triathletes during a 226 km Ironman triathlon, and to compare T core with markers of hydration status after the event. Method: Before and immediately after the 2004 Ironman Western Australia event (mean (SD) ambient temperature 23.3 (1.9)°C (range 19–26°C) and 60 (14)% relative humidity (44–87%)) body mass, plasma concentrations of sodium ([Na + ]), potassium ([K + ]), and chloride ([Cl − ]), and urine specific gravity were measured in 10 well trained triathletes. T core was measured intermittently during the event using an ingestible pill telemetry system, and heart rate was measured throughout. Results: Mean (SD) performance time in the Ironman triathlon was 611 (49) minutes; heart rate was 143 (9) beats/min (83 (6)% of maximum) and T core was 38.1 (0.3)°C. Body mass significantly declined during the race by 2.3 (1.2) kg (−3.0 (1.5)%; p + ], [K + ], and [Cl − ] did not change. Changes in body mass were not related to finishing T core ( r = −0.16), plasma [Na + ] ( r = 0.31), or urine specific gravity ( r = −0.37). Conclusion: In contrast with previous laboratory based studies examining the influence of hypohydration on performance, a body mass loss of up to 3% was found to be tolerated by well trained triathletes during an Ironman competition in warm conditions without any evidence of thermoregulatory failure.