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Qu Y, Wang D, Jin S, Zheng Z, Diao Z, Rong Y. Flooding Length Mediates Fencing and Grazing Effects on Soil Respiration in Meadow Steppe. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:666. [PMID: 38475512 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Grassland management affects soil respiration (Rs, consists of heterotrophic respiration and autotrophic respiration) through soil micro-ecological processes, such as hydrothermal, plant root, organic carbon decomposition and microbial activity. Flooding, an irregular phenomenon in grasslands, may strongly regulate the response of soil respiration and its components to grassland management, but the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. We conducted a 3-year experiment by grassland management (fencing and grazing) and flooding conditions (no flooding (NF), short-term flooding (STF) and long-term flooding (LTF)) to study their effects on Rs and its components in a meadow steppe in the Hui River basin of Hulunbuir. We found differences in the patterns of Rs and its components under grassland management and flooding conditions. In 2021-2023, the temporal trends of Rs, heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and autotrophic respiration (Ra) were generally consistent, with peaks occurring on days 190-220, and the peaks of grazing were higher than that of fencing. In NF, Rs of grazed grassland was significantly higher than that of fenced grassland in 2021-2022 (p < 0.05). In STF and LTF, there was no significant difference in Rs between fenced and grazed grassland (p > 0.05). The dependence of Rs on soil temperature (ST) decreased with increasing flooding duration, and the dependence of Rs on ST of grazed grassland was higher than fenced grassland under NF and STF, but there was no difference between fenced grassland and grazed grassland under LTF. In addition, Rh was more sensitive to ST than Ra. This may be due to the different pathways of ST effects on Rs under grazing in different flooding conditions. Our study indicates that the effect of flooding on Rs is the key to the rational use of grassland under future climate change. To reduce regional carbon emissions, we recommend grazing on flooding grassland and fencing on no-flooding grassland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Hulunbuir Forest-Steppe Ecotone, Hulunbuir 021100, China
| | - Deping Wang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sanling Jin
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhirong Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Hulunbuir Forest-Steppe Ecotone, Hulunbuir 021100, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-Process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhaoyan Diao
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Hulunbuir Forest-Steppe Ecotone, Hulunbuir 021100, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-Process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yuping Rong
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Bagot P, Fournier JF, Kerivel T, Bossard C, Kermarrec G, Martinent G, Bernier M. Visual Search Strategies of Elite Fencers: An Exploratory Study in Ecological Competitive Situation. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:106. [PMID: 37606401 PMCID: PMC10443368 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the visual activity of fencers in conditions resembling official competitions. Previous research in experimental conditions has shown that experts focus on specific areas of the torso and the armed arm to control movement initiation. Eight right-handed fencers (epee: two males, one female; foil: one male; sabre: two males, two females) participated in a simulated competition, wearing an eye tracker during one bout. The findings showed that the main fixation in foil and sabre is the upper torso, while in epee, it is the lower torso. In epee and sabre, the upper torso is viewed about 50% of the time, with three other areas also observed, while in foil, the fixation is totally directed to the upper torso. Additionally, two new areas of interest were identified: the score machine and an area involving fixations other than the opponent. The study found no direct link between visual activity and performance. The visual search strategy varies among weapons, with foil using a gaze anchor or foveal spot and epee and sabre utilizing a visual pivot due to the discipline's inherent rules. The study also emphasizes that competition-like conditions can disrupt visual activity with external stimuli, possibly affecting performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bagot
- Centre de Recherche sur l’Éducation, l’Apprentissage et la Didactique, University Brest, F-29200 Brest, France; (P.B.)
| | - Jean F. Fournier
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire en Neurosciences, Physiologie et Psychologie: Activité Physique, Santé et Apprentissages, University Paris Nanterre, F-92001 Nanterre, France
| | - Thibault Kerivel
- Centre de Recherche sur l’Éducation, l’Apprentissage et la Didactique, University Brest, F-29200 Brest, France; (P.B.)
| | - Cyril Bossard
- Centre de Recherche sur l’Éducation, l’Apprentissage et la Didactique, University Brest, F-29200 Brest, France; (P.B.)
| | - Gilles Kermarrec
- Centre de Recherche sur l’Éducation, l’Apprentissage et la Didactique, University Brest, F-29200 Brest, France; (P.B.)
| | - Guillaume Martinent
- Laboratoire sur les Vulnérabilités et l’Innovation dans le Sport, University Lyon 1, F-69622 Lyon, France
| | - Marjorie Bernier
- Centre de Recherche sur l’Éducation, l’Apprentissage et la Didactique, University Brest, F-29200 Brest, France; (P.B.)
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Zhao Y, Liu S, Dong Y, Wang F, Liu H, Liu Y. Effect of fencing on regional ecological networks in the northern Tibetan Plateau. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1051881. [PMID: 36798709 PMCID: PMC9928204 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1051881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fencing is an essential measure for the rehabilitation and conservation of grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, its construction could change the distribution and migration of wildlife, thus affecting the integrity of the ecological networks for local wild animal movement. It is of great significance to quantify the potential impact of fencing on ecological network connectivity associated with land-use changes at regional scale. In this study, taking the northern Tibetan Plateau as the study area, we explored the ecological network change using circuit theory approach under different scenarios at county scale. Among them, this study set up four different scenarios according to the economic growth rate, population growth rate and the sustainable development of society and environment. The results showed that: 1) with increased grazing intensity and enhanced human activities from 1990 to 2015, the grasslands of the northern Tibetan Plateau were greatly degraded, most of which was converted into the barren land, and the conversion proportion was as high as 90.84%, which lead to a decreasing trend of the current density of ecological network in most counties and deterioration of ecological connectivity; 2) fencing construction has reduced regional current density, while fencing intensity is positively correlated with current density loss at county scale. Among them, the counties with serious current density loss were distributed in the northwest and southeast regions. The maximum loss ratio is 39.23%; 3) under four different future land use scenarios, coordinated economic, social and environmental development will have a positive effect on the ecological network. The results of the study have important ecological significance for developing reasonable conservation measures for grassland restoration, protecting wildlife, and maintaining regional ecological balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Dong
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Kim TW, Lee JS, Jo I. Low Activation of Knee Extensors and High Activation of Knee Flexors in Female Fencing Athletes Is Related to the Response Time during the Marche-Fente. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:17. [PMID: 36612338 PMCID: PMC9819084 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Reaction time is important to determine the performance of fencing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reaction time and muscle activity and compare the movement among genders during Marche-fente. Fifteen Korean national Fleuret fencing athletes participated and were instructed to perform Marche-fente. Reaction time was measured with Plug & Play equipment and muscle activation was obtained by electromyography. The male athletes (0.94 ± 0.08 s) were faster than female athletes, who a performance of 1.03 ± 0.05 s. As the knee extensors activation was increased, the movement and response time was shorter (rectus femoris (RF); r = −0.526, p < 0.05, vastus lateralis oblique (VLO); r = −0.628, p < 0.05). In phase 1, men activated more knee extensors in the dominant leg, whereas the activation of knee flexors was increased to maintain a stable posture in women. Additionally, women used other muscles instead of large muscles such as RF and VLO in phase 2. In conclusion, female athletes activated knee flexors rather than knee extensors when moving the center of mass or generating a greater force. Less use of knee extensors is associated with knee injuries; therefore, exercise which activates knee extensors is required for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Whan Kim
- Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul 01794, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-seok Lee
- Department of Physical Education, Daegu National University, Seoul 42411, Republic of Korea
| | - Iseul Jo
- Department of Physical Education, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Iijima H, Watari Y, Furukawa T, Okabe K. Importance of Host Abundance and Microhabitat in Tick Abundance. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:2110-2119. [PMID: 36153660 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To reduce the risk of zoonoses, it is necessary to understand the infection process, including the ecology of animals and vectors (i.e., the 'One Health' approach). In temperate climates, ticks are the major vectors of zoonoses, so factors determining their abundance, such as host mammal abundance and microhabitat conditions, should be clarified. Sika deer (Cervus nippon) are a major tick host and are rapidly expanding their distribution in Japan. We established 12 plots along a gradient of sika deer abundance in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. We monitored the occurrence of mammal species with camera traps and sampled questing ticks on a monthly basis by flagging along three transects (center of a trail, forest edge, and forest interior) at each site from April to November 2018. The camera traps recorded 12 mammal species, predominantly sika deer. Five Haemaphysalis species and three Ixodes species were sampled. The numbers of ticks sampled were explained by the photographic frequency of sika deer, and partly by that of other mammal species, depending on tick species and their developmental stages. The numbers of sampled adult and nymphal ticks were the highest at the forest edge, where vegetation cover was greatest. Thus, vegetation management in tick habitats and the control of sika deer populations may reduce tick abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Iijima
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
| | - Yuya Watari
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
| | - Takuya Furukawa
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
| | - Kimiko Okabe
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
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Yang WH, Park JH, Shin YC, Kim J. Physiological Profiling and Energy System Contributions During Simulated Epée Matches in Elite Fencers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:943-50. [PMID: 35290960 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate physiological responses and energetic contributions during simulated epée matches in elite fencers. METHODS Ten elite male fencers participated in simulated epée (direct elimination) matches. Simulated epée matches included 3 bouts of 3 minutes each with 1-minute rests between bouts. During these sessions, physiological variables such as mean and peak heart rate, peak and mean oxygen uptake (VO2peak and VO2mean), metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak and VO2mean, and blood lactate concentrations (peak lactate concentration and delta blood lactate concentration) were measured. Furthermore, energetic contributions (oxidative [WOxi], glycolytic, and phosphagen) and time-motion variables were estimated. RESULTS Values of peak heart rate, mean heart rate, and WOxi (in percentages) were significantly higher in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2peak and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak were significantly higher in the first bout compared with the third bout. Values of delta blood lactate concentration and glycolytic contribution (in kilojoules and percentages) were significantly lower in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2mean and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2mean were significantly higher in the second bout compared with the third bout. Furthermore, WOxi (in kilojoules and percentage) was significantly higher in all bouts compared with phosphagen and glycolytic contributions. Low positive and negative correlations were seen between WOxi, VO2mean, sum of attacks and defense times, and the sum of time without attacks and defenses. CONCLUSIONS Direct-elimination epée matches consist of high-intensity intermittent exercise, and the oxidative contribution is 80% to 90%. Improving aerobic conditioning may support high-intensity intermittent actions during entire epée matches in elite fencers.
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Abdelkader N, Brown SHM, Beach TAC, Howarth SJ. Dynamic Balance is Similar Between Lower Extremities in Elite Fencers. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2021; 16:1426-1433. [PMID: 34909249 PMCID: PMC8637260 DOI: 10.26603/001c.29852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have quantified dynamic balance in fencers despite previous suggestions that balance training may be beneficial for these athletes. Generally, asymmetry in dynamic balance performance between the left and right legs can be an indicator of lower extremity injury risk and used to monitor rehabilitation progress. Fencing is recognized as an asymmetric sport, therefore, differences in dynamic balance may exist among uninjured athletes. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether asymmetry of dynamic balance is present in uninjured national-level fencers. It was hypothesized that elite uninjured fencers would demonstrate superior dynamic balance on the lead-leg of their fencing stance. A secondary objective was to compare dynamic balance performance of elite fencers to previously published data from high-level athletes participating in other sports. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive Laboratory Study. METHODS Fourteen uninjured elite competitive fencers were recruited. Subjects self-reported the lead leg of their fencing stance. Each participant performed the Y-Balance test (YBT), which represented a measurement of dynamic balance control, on both legs. Reach distances were recorded directly from a commercially available YBT apparatus. Four reach distances were recorded: anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral, and a composite measure was calculated. Distances were leg length-normalized and expressed as a percentage. Sample averages and standard deviations were derived for the four YBT measurements. RESULTS There were no significant differences in reaching distance between the lead and trail legs in any of the four YBT measures (p ≥ 0.65). Fencers appeared to demonstrate larger normalized reach distances in the posterolateral and posteromedial directions than other athletes. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that dynamic balance is not significantly different between the lead and trail legs in elite fencers, despite the asymmetrical nature of their sport. The apparent symmetry of dynamic balance control in uninjured fencers means that the YBT could be used in this population for monitoring progress during training and rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Abdelkader
- Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
| | - Stephen H M Brown
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph
| | | | - Samuel J Howarth
- Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
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Kostorz K, Sas-Nowosielski K. Aggression Dimensions Among Athletes Practising Martial Arts and Combat Sports. Front Psychol 2021; 12:696943. [PMID: 34305756 PMCID: PMC8299414 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.696943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The main aim of the research was to analyse aggression dimensions among athletes practising martial arts and combat sports. Material and Methods: There were 219 respondents. The Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) in the Polish adaptation by Siekierka was applied. Results: Martial arts apprentices turned out to present a statistically significantly lower level of hostility (p < 0.001) and of the general aggression index (p = 0.04) than combat sports athletes. It turned out that lower level of aggression was noted in female participants (physical aggression (p < 0.001), verbal aggression (p = 0.004), hostility (p < 0.001), and the general aggression index (p < 0.001). Analysis revealed that the training experience and the training rank did not differentiated the level of the respondents' particular aggression dimensions. Conclusions: It would be advisable to perform parallel analyses in other areas of Poland and take into account the respondents' education and place of residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kostorz
- Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Sociology, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sas-Nowosielski
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Sociology, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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Jo YS, Gortázar C. African Swine Fever in wild boar: Assessing interventions in South Korea. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:2878-2889. [PMID: 33844467 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected in South Korean pig farms in September 2019. Currently, ASF occurs mostly in wild boar (Sus scrofa). We describe the ASF dynamics in wild boar in South Korea from October 2019 to October 2020 and use case studies to evidence the advantages and limitations of the control measures applied. During 2019, ASF remained confined in fenced areas of three counties. Since January 2020 however, the ASF management policy changed from fencing with limited disturbance to culling (with more disturbance), and ASF spread east and south. Until 31 October 2020, a total of 775 wild boar ASF cases have been confirmed, affecting 9 counties. Interventions for ASF control in wild boar included silent (trapping) and non-silent (shooting) population control, local and large-scale fencing, and carcass destruction. Pre-ASF wild boar densities were closed to 10 per km2 . Biosafety risks arose from the movements of people and vehicles, swill feeding of wild boar, destroying pig herds, handling wild boar during trapping and hunting, and searching for and disposing of carcasses. Despite training efforts, biosafety regulations were sometimes ignored. We observed differences between counties regarding disease control. While interventions apparently succeeded in controlling ASF in one site where geographical features and fast decision making facilitated an early and efficient fencing, and culling was performed silently, biosafety problems and habitat- and management-related delays hindered ASF control in other situations. Given that carcass, destruction faces specific limitations in South Korea, fencing and trapping (under appropriate biosafety conditions) might represent the most effective intervention option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong-Seok Jo
- Department of Biology Education, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha & CSIC, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Kim YJ, Kim ES. Analysis of Korean Fencing Club Members' Participation Intention Using the TPB Model. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18062813. [PMID: 33802048 PMCID: PMC8002150 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate effects of three factors from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—on 233 fencing club members’ intention to continue participation, while considering fencing’s low popularity as a sport in Korea. This study analyzed data from members of fencing clubs in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daegu, and Busan, using frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlational analysis, and multiple regression with SPSS Windows 25.0 software. Results indicate that selected TPB model factors—specifically attitude and subjective norms—positively affected intention to continue participating. Moreover, significant influences of attitude and subjective norms were found in both men and women. Attitude significantly influenced intention in participants in their twenties, thirties, and forties or over; subjective norms significantly influenced intention in participants in their twenties and forties or over; and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced intention in participants in their thirties. Lastly, attitude and subjective norms significantly influenced intention when subjects participated once a week or twice a week and at least three times a week, and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced intention only when they participated at least three times a week. This suggests that members perceived their participation in fencing favorably and that the people around them encouraged them to continue participation in fencing and viewed it as a positive activity. The findings may be useful for understanding how to further popularize fencing in Korea and encourage current club members to maintain or increase their participation levels.
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Jo YS, Gortázar C. African swine fever in wild boar, South Korea, 2019. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:1776-1780. [PMID: 32145154 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
South Korea is the only Asian country where African swine fever (ASF) is spreading in wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations. This rapid communication describes the situation of ASF in South Korea since its first detection on 17 September 2019 with special attention to ASF dynamics and management in wild boar. Since the first case in a wild boar was detected on 2 October 2019, a total of 86 wild boar have been confirmed as infected by PCR until 18 January 2020, and the monthly number of cases has been growing from October 2019 to January 2020. Interventions to limit ASF spread among wild boar in South Korea consist in fencing, population control and carcass search and disposal. The confirmed ASF-infected sites are immediately fenced, and a three-layer fencing system has been deployed to avoid southward spread of ASF. Hunting and trapping allowed culling 2,623 wild boar on 2,414 km2 (1.08/km2 ), and a total of 889 wild boar carcasses were detected and destroyed. Unfortunately, mine fields impose constraints to effective carcass search, impeding effective quantification of cases and carcass destruction in parts of the infected zone and generating a unique epidemiological setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong-Seok Jo
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha & CSIC, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Taylor RA, Podgórski T, Simons RRL, Ip S, Gale P, Kelly LA, Snary EL. Predicting spread and effective control measures for African swine fever-Should we blame the boars? Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:397-416. [PMID: 32564507 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
An ongoing, continually spreading, outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), following its identification in Georgia in 2007, has resulted in 17 European and 12 Asian countries reporting cases by April 2020, with cases occurring in both wild boar and domestic pigs. Curtailing further spread of ASF requires understanding of the transmission pathways of the disease. ASF is self-sustaining in the wild boar population, and they have been implicated as one of the main drivers of transmission within Europe. We developed a spatially explicit model to estimate the risk of infection with ASF in wild boar and pigs due to natural movement of wild boar that is applicable across the whole of Europe. We demonstrate the model by using it to predict the probability that early cases of ASF in Poland were caused by wild boar dispersion. The risk of infection in 2015 is computed due to wild boar cases in Poland in 2014, compared against reported cases in 2015, and then the procedure is repeated for 2015-2016. We find that long- and medium-distance spread of ASF (i.e. >30 km) is unlikely to have occurred due to wild boar dispersal, due in part to the generally short distances wild boar will travel (<20 km on average). We also predict the relative success of different control strategies in 2015, if they were implemented in 2014. Results suggest that hunting of wild boar reduces the number of new cases, but a larger region is at risk of ASF compared with no control measure. Alternatively, introducing wild boar-proof fencing reduces the size of the region at risk in 2015, but not the total number of cases. Overall, our model suggests wild boar movement is only responsible for local transmission of disease; thus, other pathways are more dominant in medium- and long-distance spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Taylor
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Tomasz Podgórski
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland.,Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Robin R L Simons
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Sophie Ip
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Gale
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Louise A Kelly
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma L Snary
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
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Carter NH, Baeza A, Magliocca NR. Emergent conservation outcomes of shared risk perception in human-wildlife systems. Conserv Biol 2020; 34:903-914. [PMID: 32406968 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human perception of risks related to economic damages caused by nearby wildlife can be transmitted through social networks. Understanding how sharing risk information within a human community alters the spatial dynamics of human-wildlife interactions has important implications for the design and implementation of effective conservation actions. We developed an agent-based model that simulates farmer livelihood decisions and activities in an agricultural landscape shared with a population of a generic wildlife species (wildlife-human interactions in shared landscapes [WHISL]). In the model, based on risk perception and economic information, farmers decide how much labor to allocate to farming and whether and where to exclude wildlife from their farms (e.g., through fencing, trenches, or vegetation thinning). In scenarios where the risk perception of farmers was strongly influenced by other farmers, exclusion of wildlife was widespread, resulting in decreased quality of wildlife habitat and frequency of wildlife damages across the landscape. When economic losses from encounters with wildlife were high, perception of risk increased and led to highly synchronous behaviors by farmers in space and time. Interactions between wildlife and farmers sometimes led to a spillover effect of wildlife damage displaced from socially and spatially connected communities to less connected neighboring farms. The WHISL model is a useful conservation-planning tool because it provides a test bed for theories and predictions about human-wildlife dynamics across a range of different agricultural landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil H Carter
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
| | - Andres Baeza
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Avenue, Tempe, AZ, 85287-8001, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas R Magliocca
- Department of Geography, University of Alabama, Farrah Hall 331A, Box 870322, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0322, U.S.A
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14
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Liu J, Bian Z, Zhang K, Ahmad B, Khan A. Effects of different fencing regimes on community structure of degraded desert grasslands on Mu Us desert, China. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:3367-3377. [PMID: 30962898 PMCID: PMC6434551 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Grazing is one of the major anthropogenic driving factors influencing community structure and ecological function of grasslands. Fencing has been proved to be one of the main measures for rehabilitating degraded grasslands in northwestern China. However, data from combined empirical studies on the effects of different management regimes in desert grasslands are lacking. So we selected long-term fencing (fenced since 1991), mid-term fencing and seasonal fencing (fenced since 2002), and adjacent free-grazing grasslands to investigate vegetation and soil properties on southwest Mu Us desert. Our results showed that fencing increased plant cover, height, aboveground biomass (AGB) of different plant life-form groups, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Evenness index, Simpson index, total soil nitrogen, total soil phosphorus, and soil organic matter, but decreased plant density, species richness, Richness index, soil bulk density, water content, and pH. However, 22-24 years of long-term complete fencing might cause redegradation of vegetation and soil nutrients, characterized by the reduction of some vegetation properties, biodiversity, total AGB, and some soil properties. Seasonal fencing with 11-13 year was more beneficial to vegetation restoration than that with completely fencing measures. Our study suggests that appropriate artificial disturbances, such as seasonal fencing (winter grazing and summer fencing), should be used after long-term fencing in order to maintain grassland productivity and biodiversity. These findings will help to provide theoretical support for vegetation restoration and sustainable management in grassland under grazing prohibition at Mu Us desert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankang Liu
- School of Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhen Bian
- School of Water Conservancy and EnvironmentUniversity of JinanJinanChina
| | - Kebin Zhang
- School of Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- School of Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Alamgir Khan
- School of Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Soil and Water ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
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15
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Brevers D, Dubuisson E, Dejonghe F, Dutrieux J, Petieau M, Cheron G, Verbanck P, Foucart J. Proactive and Reactive Motor Inhibition in Top Athletes Versus Nonathletes. Percept Mot Skills 2018; 125:289-312. [PMID: 29310525 DOI: 10.1177/0031512517751751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We examined proactive (early restraint in preparation for stopping) and reactive (late correction to stop ongoing action) motor response inhibition in two groups of participants: professional athletes ( n = 28) and nonathletes ( n = 25). We recruited the elite athletes from Belgian national taekwondo and fencing teams. We estimated proactive and reactive inhibition with a modified version of the stop-signal task (SST) in which participants inhibited categorizing left/right arrows. The probability of the stop signal was manipulated across blocks of trials by providing probability cues from the background computer screen color (green = 0%, yellow =17%, orange = 25%, red = 33%). Participants performed two sessions of the SST, where proactive inhibition was operationalized with increased go-signal reaction time as a function of increased stop-signal probability and reactive inhibition was indicated by stop-signal reaction time latency. Athletes exhibited higher reactive inhibition performance than nonathletes. In addition, athletes exhibited higher proactive inhibition than nonathletes in Session 1 (but not Session 2) of the SST. As top-level athletes exhibited heightened reactive inhibition and were faster to reach and maintain consistent proactive motor response inhibition, these results confirm an evaluative process that can discriminate elite athleticism through a fine-grained analysis of inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Brevers
- 1 Laboratory of Psychological Medicine and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, CHU-Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.,2 Research in Psychology Applied to Motor Learning, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Etienne Dubuisson
- 2 Research in Psychology Applied to Motor Learning, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.,3 Physiotherapy Section, Haute Ecole Libre de Bruxelles Ilya Prigogine, Belgium
| | - Fabien Dejonghe
- 3 Physiotherapy Section, Haute Ecole Libre de Bruxelles Ilya Prigogine, Belgium
| | - Julien Dutrieux
- 2 Research in Psychology Applied to Motor Learning, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Petieau
- 4 Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Guy Cheron
- 4 Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Paul Verbanck
- 1 Laboratory of Psychological Medicine and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, CHU-Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.,2 Research in Psychology Applied to Motor Learning, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Foucart
- 2 Research in Psychology Applied to Motor Learning, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.,3 Physiotherapy Section, Haute Ecole Libre de Bruxelles Ilya Prigogine, Belgium
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16
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Abstract
Physical activity is recommended after breast cancer surgery. Fencing is a sport that is well suited to combatting fatigue, pain and reduced arm mobility. A healthcare executive, herself a fencer, puts the benefits of this sport into perspective, both physically and psychologically.
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17
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Sadoti G, Gray ME, Farnsworth ML, Dickson BG. Discriminating patterns and drivers of multiscale movement in herpetofauna: The dynamic and changing environment of the Mojave desert tortoise. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:7010-7022. [PMID: 28904779 PMCID: PMC5587480 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes to animal movement in response to human‐induced changes to the environment are of growing concern in conservation. Most research on this problem has focused on terrestrial endotherms, but changes to herpetofaunal movement are also of concern given their limited dispersal abilities and specialized thermophysiological requirements. Animals in the desert region of the southwestern United States are faced with environmental alterations driven by development (e.g., solar energy facilities) and climate change. Here, we study the movement ecology of a desert species of conservation concern, the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). We collected weekly encounter locations of marked desert tortoises during the active (nonhibernation) seasons in 2013–2015, and used those data to discriminate movements among activity centers from those within them. We then modeled the probability of movement among activity centers using a suite of covariates describing characteristics of tortoises, natural and anthropogenic landscape features, vegetation, and weather. Multimodel inference indicated greatest support for a model that included individual tortoise characteristics, landscape features, and weather. After controlling for season, date, age, and sex, we found that desert tortoises were more likely to move among activity centers when they were further from minor roads and in the vicinity of barrier fencing; we also found that movement between activity centers was more common during periods of greater rainfall and during periods where cooler temperatures coincided with lower rainfall. Our findings indicate that landscape alterations and climate change both have the potential to impact movements by desert tortoises during the active season. This study provides an important baseline against which we can detect future changes in tortoise movement behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Sadoti
- Conservation Science Partners Truckee CA USA.,Department of Geography University of Nevada Reno NV USA
| | | | | | - Brett G Dickson
- Conservation Science Partners Truckee CA USA.,Landscape Conservation Initiative Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
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18
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Proulx G, Brook RK. Fencing Large Predator-Free and Competitor-Free Landscapes for the Recovery of Woodland Caribou in Western Alberta: An Ineffective Conservation Option. Animals (Basel) 2016; 7:ani7010002. [PMID: 28036042 PMCID: PMC5295152 DOI: 10.3390/ani7010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In western Alberta, Canada, in order to recover the Little Smoky boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) population, the provincial government announced a plan in June 2016 to create a 100-km2-fenced enclosure that would encompass part of the caribou population range. Within the enclosure, all predators and other ungulates will be killed. The fenced area will be dedicated entirely to the farming of caribou, with the intent of releasing weaned calves into adjacent areas with continued intensive wolf (Canis lupus) control throughout the region. Industrial activities will be allowed to continue within the enclosure. In this review, we assess the government’s proposed program on the basis of questions related to the long-term recovery and sustainability of the caribou population, and the conservation and welfare of wildlife populations and individuals. We conclude that this program is unlikely to safeguard the future of this caribou population, will jeopardize wildlife communities inside and outside the fenced enclosure, and will cause harm to wild populations and individual animals. We recommend an alternative habitat conservation program which is ecologically justified over the long term. Abstract In Canada, boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are listed as “threatened” throughout their range due directly and indirectly to habitat loss. In western Alberta, in order to recover the Little Smoky boreal caribou population, the provincial government announced a plan to create a 100-km2-fenced enclosure that would encompass part of the caribou population range. Within the enclosure, all predators and other ungulate species will be killed. The fenced area will be dedicated entirely to the farming of caribou, with the intent of releasing weaned calves into adjacent areas with continued intensive wolf (Canis lupus) killing throughout the region. Industrial activities will be allowed to continue within the enclosure. In this review, we assess the government’s proposed program on the basis of questions related to the long-term recovery and sustainability of the caribou population, and the conservation and welfare of wildlife populations and individuals. We conclude that this program is unlikely to safeguard the future of this caribou population, will jeopardize wildlife communities inside and outside the fenced enclosure, and will cause harm to wild populations and individual animals. We recommend an alternative habitat conservation program which is ecologically justified over the long term, and invite the scientific community to object to the implementation of the government’s proposed Little Smoky caribou recovery program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Proulx
- Alpha Wildlife Research & Management Ltd., Sherwood Park, AB T8H 1W3, Canada.
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa.
| | - Ryan K Brook
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science & the Indigenous Land Management Institute, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5A8, Canada.
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19
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Gutiérrez-Davila M, Rojas FJ, Gutiérrez-Cruz C, García C, Navarro E. Time Required to Initiate a Defensive Reaction to Direct and Feint Attacks in Fencing. J Appl Biomech 2016; 32:548-52. [PMID: 27400434 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2015-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The two-fold purpose of this study was to analyze the time required by a fencer to initiate a defensive action in response to a direct attack, which involves identifying when the defending fencer detects the just-noticeable difference, and, secondly, to assess the effect that an attacker's rapid armed hand movement (feint attack) has on the time required to initiate a defensive move. Twenty-four elite fencers and a fencing master were included in the study. Four adapted force plates were installed on a scaffold used as a fencing piste. A 3D video analysis system recorded the location of 2 markers installed on the fencing master's shoulder and sword. The results confirm that the defending fencer has a mean movement time of 0.353 ± 0.028 s to perform the defensive action, which provides an advantage over the attacking fencer. The velocity of movement in the peripheral visual field has no influence on the time required by elite fencers to initiate a defensive action. This confirms the crucial role that response inhibition processes play when nonrelevant actions are perceived. Kinematic analysis of markers suggests that the eye movements of elite fencers are not the only source of information used while observing an attack.
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20
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Hong J, Ma X, Wang X. Leaf meristems: an easily ignored component of the response to human disturbance in alpine grasslands. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:2325-32. [PMID: 27110348 PMCID: PMC4834318 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Grazing and fencing are two important factors that influence productivity and biomass allocation in alpine grasslands. The relationship between root (R) and shoot (S) biomass and the root:shoot ratio (R/S) are critical parameters for estimating the terrestrial carbon stocks and biomass allocation mechanism responses to human activities. Previous studies have often used the belowground:aboveground biomass ratio (Mb/Ma) to replace the R/S in alpine ecosystems. However, these studies may have neglected the leaf meristem biomass, which belongs to the shoot but occurs below the soil surface, leading to a significant overestimation of the R/S ratio. We conducted a comparative study to explore the differences between the R/S and Mb/Ma at both the species (Stipa purpurea, Carex moorcroftii, and Artemisia nanschanica) and community levels on a Tibetan alpine grassland with grazing and fencing management blocks. The results revealed that the use of the Mb/Ma to express the R/S appeared to overestimate the actual value of the R/S, both at species and community levels. For S. purpurea, the Mb/Ma was three times higher than the R/S. The Mb/Ma was approximately two times higher than the R/S for the species of C. moorcroftii and A. nanschanica and at the community level. The relationships between the R‐S and Mb‐Ma exhibited different slopes for the alpine plants across all the management practices. Compared to the fenced grasslands, the plants in the grazing blocks not only allocated more biomass to the roots but also to the leaf meristems. The present study highlights the contribution of leaf meristems to the accurate assessment of shoot and belowground biomasses. The R/S and Mb/Ma should be cautiously used in combination in the future research. The understanding of the distinction between the R‐S and Mb‐Ma may help to improve the biomass allocation mechanism response to human disturbances in an alpine area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Hong
- Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Xingxing Ma
- Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
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21
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Lu X, Yan Y, Sun J, Zhang X, Chen Y, Wang X, Cheng G. Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus storage in alpine grassland ecosystems of Tibet: effects of grazing exclusion. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:4492-504. [PMID: 26664694 PMCID: PMC4667823 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, alpine grasslands have been seriously degraded on the Tibetan Plateau and grazing exclusion by fencing has been widely adopted to restore degraded grasslands since 2004. To elucidate how alpine grasslands carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) storage responds to this management strategy, three types of alpine grassland in nine counties in Tibet were selected to investigate C, N, and P storage in the environment by comparing free grazing (FG) and grazing exclusion (GE) treatments, which had run for 6–8 years. The results revealed that there were no significant differences in total ecosystem C, N, and P storage, as well as the C, N, and P stored in both total biomass and soil (0–30 cm) fractions between FG and GE grasslands. However, precipitation played a key role in controlling C, N, and P storage and distribution. With grazing exclusion, C and N stored in aboveground biomass significantly increased by 5.7 g m−2 and 0.1 g m−2, respectively, whereas the C and P stored in the soil surface layer (0–15 cm) significantly decreased by 862.9 g m−2 and 13.6 g m−2, respectively. Furthermore, the storage of the aboveground biomass C, N, and P was positively correlated with vegetation cover and negatively correlated with the biodiversity index, including Pielou evenness index, Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and Simpson dominance index. The storage of soil surface layer C, N, and P was positively correlated with soil silt content and negatively correlated with soil sand content. Our results demonstrated that grazing exclusion had no impact on total C, N, and P storage, as well as C, N, and P in both total biomass and soil (0–30 cm) fractions in the alpine grassland ecosystem. However, grazing exclusion could result in increased aboveground biomass C and N pools and decreased soil surface layer (0–15 cm) C and P pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China ; Xainza Alpine Steppe and Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Experiment Station Chinese Academy of Sciences Xainza 853100 China
| | - Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Jian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Youchao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China ; Xainza Alpine Steppe and Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Experiment Station Chinese Academy of Sciences Xainza 853100 China
| | - Genwei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
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22
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of stimulus change timing on reaction response time parameters, horizontal velocity of the centre of mass (CM) and precision during offensive actions in fencing. Twelve fencers from the Spanish National Foil Team were included in the study. Two 500 Hz force plates were used to register the horizontal component of the reaction force while a 3D video camera set at 250 Hz recorded the spatial position of 11 body markers and a projector connected to a programmed stopwatch projected a moving target (stimulus) on a screen. When the circle (target) appeared in the centre of the plastron, fencers had to execute a step-forward-lunge as fast as possible, trying to touch the circle with the tip of the foil. During the lunge, the position of the target could randomly shift or not to three different positions. The stimulus change was performed randomly at four different times with a progressive delay. The results show that target changes did not have any effect when they occurred at the beginning of the movement sequence. However, when the target change was delayed, reaction and movement times increased and the technical execution of the lunge changed, leading to more errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Gutiérrez-Cruz
- a Department of Physical Education and Sports , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - F Javier Rojas
- a Department of Physical Education and Sports , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
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23
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Alm M, Wall H, Holm L, Wichman A, Palme R, Tauson R. Welfare and performance in layers following temporary exclusion from the litter area on introduction to the layer facility. Poult Sci 2015; 94:565-73. [PMID: 25681475 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
When introduced to the laying facility, pullets are sometimes temporarily excluded from the litter area in order to help them locate food and water, and to prevent floor-laid eggs. This procedure is not permitted in Sweden, because it involves denying access to both litter and space, which may have a negative effect on bird welfare. The present study investigated how the welfare and performance of layers were affected by this temporary exclusion on introduction of hens to the laying facility. The study included 600 floor-reared Dekalb White layers obtained at 16 wk age and housed in 6 groups of 100 in a conventional single-tier floor-laying system. Birds were either given full access to the litter area during the whole study or were excluded from the litter area during the first 2 wk after transfer to the laying facility. From 18 to 72 wk age, birds in both treatments had full access to the litter area. Excluding birds from the litter area for 2 wk resulted in better feather cover and reduced fearfulness, according to novel object and tonic immobility tests. Furthermore, birds initially excluded from the litter area produced eggs with a lower proportion of shell irregularities than birds with full access to the litter area throughout. No difference was found in corticosterone metabolites in droppings rate of lay, mortality, or proportion of floor-laid eggs. In conclusion, none of the parameters studied indicated that the welfare of laying hens was compromised by temporary exclusion from the litter area on introduction to the laying facility. In fact, some of the data suggested that bird welfare had improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alm
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7024, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - H Wall
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7024, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L Holm
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7011, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Wichman
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7068, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - R Tauson
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7024, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
Clinical analyses have shown that injuries and pain linked specifically to fencing training/competition were prevalent in 92.8% of fencers. Patellofemoral pain is the most common chronic injury in athletic populations and females are considered to be more susceptible to this pathology. This study aimed to examine gender differences in patellofemoral contact forces during the fencing lunge. Patellofemoral contact forces were obtained from eight male and eight female club level epee fencers using an eight-camera 3D motion capture system and force platform data as they completed simulated lunges. Independent t-tests were performed on the data to determine whether gender differences in patellofemoral contact forces were present. The results show that females were associated with significantly greater patellofemoral contact force parameters in comparison with males. This suggests that female fencers may be at greater risk from patellofemoral pathology as a function of fencing training/competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sinclair
- a Division of Sport Exercise and Nutritional Sciences , University of Central Lancashire , Preston , UK
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25
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Gutiérrez-Dávila M, Zingsem C, Gutiérrez-Cruz C, Giles FJ, Rojas FJ. Effect of uncertainty during the lunge in fencing. J Sports Sci Med 2014; 13:66-72. [PMID: 24570607 PMCID: PMC3918569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the effect that uncertainty, in relation to the probability of error, exerts on the reaction response and speed during the lunge in fencing. The participants were 18 regional-level fencers with over five years' experience. Force platforms under the feet recorded the horizontal components of the reaction forces, from which the kinematic parameters of the center of mass were calculated. An electronic system to present stimuli, controlled by a programmable clock, projected a target onto a screen that represented a plastron. In situations without uncertainty, the fencers had to lunge as swiftly as possible when a circle (the target) appeared in the center of the plastron, trying to touch the center of the circle with the tip of the sword. In situations with uncertainty, the fencers had the same target as in the previous situation but they received the information that they had to change the lunge into a defensive move if the target disappeared from the plastron during the action. The results indicate that the reaction time and the movement time increased with uncertainty. Although there were no differences for the horizontal velocity of the center of mass at the end of the acceleration phase, the mean horizontal velocity of the lunge was reduced by the effect of the uncertainty. Prior knowledge of the opponent´s possible action implies a reduction in uncertainty, reducing movement time as well as meaning faster execution, thereby increasing the success of the lunge in fencing. Key PointsReaction time (RT) and the movement time (MT) increase when doubts arise about being able to reach the target as planned during the lunge.The horizontal velocity of the lunge decreases by the effect of uncertainty due to the possibility that the events might not occur as planned.These results highlight the importance that tactical intent has in fencing for successfully predicting the defensive movements of the opponent during the attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Gutiérrez-Dávila
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Faculty of Sports Sciences , Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Zingsem
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Faculty of Sports Sciences , Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Gutiérrez-Cruz
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Faculty of Sports Sciences , Granada, Spain
| | - F Javier Giles
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Faculty of Sports Sciences , Granada, Spain
| | - F Javier Rojas
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Faculty of Sports Sciences , Granada, Spain
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Tsolakis C, Bogdanis GC. Acute effects of two different warm-up protocols on flexibility and lower limb explosive performance in male and female high level athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2012; 11:669-675. [PMID: 24150077 PMCID: PMC3763313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of two different warm-up protocols on lower limb power and flexibility in high level athletes. Twenty international level fencers (10 males and 10 females) performed two warm-up protocols that included 5-min light jogging and either short (15s) or long (45s) static stretching exercises for each of the main leg muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae), followed by either 3 sets of 3 (short stretching treatment), or 3 sets of 5 tuck jumps (long stretching treatment), in a randomized crossover design with one week between treatments. Hip joint flexion was measured with a Lafayette goniometer before and after the 5-min warm-up, after stretching and 8 min after the tuck jumps, while counter movement jump (CMJ) performance was evaluated by an Ergojump contact platform, before and after the stretching treatment, as well as immediately after and 8 minutes after the tuck jumps. Three way ANOVA (condition, time, gender) revealed significant time (p < 0.001) and gender (p < 0.001) main effects for hip joint flexion, with no interaction between factors. Flexibility increased by 6. 8 ± 1.1% (p < 0.01) after warm-up and by another 5.8 ± 1.6% (p < 0.01) after stretching, while it remained increased 8 min after the tuck jumps. Women had greater ROM compared with men at all time points (125 ± 8° vs. 94 ± 4° p<0.01 at baseline), but the pattern of change in hip flexibility was not different between genders. CMJ performance was greater in men compared with women at all time points (38.2 ± 1.9 cm vs. 29.8 ± 1.2 cm p < 0.01 at baseline), but the percentage of change CMJ performance was not different between genders. CMJ performance remained unchanged throughout the short stretching protocol, while it decreased by 5.5 ± 0.9% (p < 0.01) after stretching in the long stretching protocol However, 8 min after the tuck jumps, CMJ performance was not different from the baseline value (p = 0.075). In conclusion, lower limb power may be decreased after long periods of stretching, but performance of explosive exercises may reverse this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charilaos Tsolakis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens, Greece
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