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Exploring the Potential to Non-Invasively Assess Lactate Threshold Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
No full textLactate is a versatile molecule that plays a pivotal role in whole-body energy metabolism — a process wherein fuel sources are burned down and converted into energy. Our understanding of lactate has changed considerably over time, notably, low oxygen (O2) was once considered to be the primary driver of lactate accumulation in human cells, however, lactate accumulation has been found to occur in the absence or presence of O2; and yet, a relationship between tissue O2 availability exists. The relationship between skeletal muscle oxygenation (SmO2) and thresholds of blood lactate concentration (BLC) constitutes the basis of previous attempts to use changes in SmO2 via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a proxy for BLC. The objective of this study was to 1) confirm the relationship between changes in muscle oxygenation (SmO2) using NIRS and the lactate threshold (LT) determined via traditional blood sampling; and 2) further explore the relationship between SmO2 kinetics and exercise thresholds of respiratory gas exchange. Sixteen recreationally active runners (n = 16; age 25.4 ± 8.3yrs; body fat 14.9 ± 5.5%) performed an incremental, progressive treadmill running protocol consisting of 4-min running stages, separated by 1-min rest intervals. Heart rate, ̇ O2, ̇ CO2, ̇ E, total hemoglobin, and SmO2 were continuously monitored; blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion were obtained during rest intervals and following each exercise stage, respectively. The SmO2 control ratio revealed a distinct breakpoint near, but not necessarily coincident with, the lactate and gas exchange thresholds. Bland-Altman analysis resulted in a mean bias of 2.3 bpm HR and 0.1 L/min ̇ O2 between the blood lactate-determined LT and NIRS-determined LT, suggesting an acceptable level of agreement between methods. These findings suggest that NIRS may be a valid non-invasive and practical alternative to estimate lactate threshold intensity in endurance athletes
Co-operative Marketing
No full textAn audio tape of a radio broadcast from CJFX in 1954 called Co-operative Marketing. The broadcast was part of a series called, Life in these Maritimes. Panel includes: Panel Chairman - Frank Scammell, Marketing Representative for N.S. Dept. of Agriculture and Marketing; Kenneth Canning, Manager of Crossroads Co-operative Store; Lyman Perrin, Manager of Masstown Strawberry Growers Co-operative, and Cumming McConnell, Manager of Scotsburn Co-operative Creamery. Topics include the number of co-operatives in Nova Scotia, marketing and its importance to the future of co-operatives, types of produce dealt with and marketing conditions
Membership has its privileges:: a critical case study of mixed race women executives' leadership practice
No full textThis case study explored how mixed race women leaders in the Canadian federal public sector developed their leadership philosophy and practice to better our understanding of feminist leadership practice, the roles of race, gender, and lifelong learning in executive leadership development. The study also considered the congruence of the descriptions of their practice with current equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. An interpretivist, constructivist approach centered on feminist leadership theory is the dominant theoretical frame and basis of inquiry, focused on leaders who simultaneously embody racially oppressed and privileged identities. Participants were identified using a two-tier sampling strategy and data collection included semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. Findings were compared and contrasted with the researcher’s experience using critical auto–ethnography, for example, journaling and analysis of the researcher’s comments from interview transcripts and audio recordings. The study findings expand understanding of the nature of mixed race identity; of feelings of belonging in a country of immigration; and of how simultaneous lived experienced as members of underrepresented groups and members of the dominant culture influenced participants’ leadership philosophies and practice
Temporal changes in immersion, groupness, satisfaction, and intention-to-return among novice mixed-reality group cyclists
No full textMany people engage in regular group exercise activities. Individuals’ perceptions of exercise groups depend on the degree to which they view an exercise group as a real social entity. This is referred to as “groupness" in the literature (Crozier, Martin, & Spink, 2020). High degrees of groupness are linked to several benefits in an exercise setting, including increased intention-to-return, higher satisfaction, and greater exercise exertion (Evans et al., 2019; Spink et al., 2010; Graupensperger et al., 2019). Existing research has predominantly focused on face-to-face groups, neglecting virtual groups, such as those engaging in mixed-reality (MR) group cycling. To date, a single study (Freitas, 2022) found that a higher degree of groupness among experienced MR cyclists correlated with higher satisfaction and intent-to-return. The key limitations of the study were its cross-sectional nature and exclusion of novice participants Hence, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the temporal changes in immersion, groupness, satisfaction, and intention-to-return in novice MR cyclists. Twenty-four university students were recruited through convenience sampling (21% male, 79% female). Participants engaged in three 30-minute group rides over 2-3 weeks followed by a battery of self-reported outcome measures (i.e., immersion, groupness, satisfaction, intention-to-return). The perception of immersion significantly improved from session I to session II. However, no significant changes in groupness (p = .74), satisfaction (p = .94), or intention-to-return (p = .073) were detected. The findings indicate that novice MR group cyclists might become more familiarized and immersed in group cycling sessions over time, while the perceptions of other key variables remain constant. Whether the perceptions of groupness, satisfaction, and intention-to-return may change with longer exposure to mixed reality group cycling should be the focus of future research