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Western Kentucky University Stormwater Utility Survey 2025
Get PDFThis survey provides data on 2147 U.S. and 82 Canadian stormwater utilities. The data is intended to provide useful data to communities that wish to enact stormwater utilities. Different fee systems are examined with the goal of avoiding legal exposure. Recently, the major source of pre-disaster mitigation funds was eliminated. States should consider state-wide stormwater utilities to make up for this loss
Caves, Calculus, and Climate Change: Measuring and Modeling the Discharge of Biz Falls in Mammoth Cave National Park
Get PDFClimate change poses a significant global challenge, with increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide as a primary driver of rising temperatures and environmental disruptions. Karst systems, such as those in South-Central Kentucky, play a role in sequestering atmospheric CO₂ through the dissolution of limestone, a process that forms unique landscapes while mitigating climate impacts. This study investigates the discharge dynamics of Cascade River in Great Onyx Cave to enhance understanding of the relationship between hydrology and carbon sequestration in karst environments. A barrel weir equipped with pressure transducers was employed to collect and measure water flow, and Torricelli’s law was used to calculate discharge under varying conditions. Python-based computational modeling enabled efficient processing of large datasets, revealing a strong correlation between rainfall patterns and discharge rates. The findings highlight the sensitivity of flow dynamics to environmental inputs and demonstrate the potential of karst landscapes as natural carbon sinks. This research establishes a framework for future studies to refine discharge measurements, integrate real-time environmental monitoring, and quantify the contribution of limestone dissolution to atmospheric carbon sequestration
Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 37. What About Wallace on Vaccination . . . ?
Get PDFBest known for his natural history studies on evolution and biogeography, Alfred Russel Wallace (1823−1913) had a significant second career as a social critic. One of his most controversial stances was his position on (smallpox) vaccination. Anti-vaxxers of the present frequently bring up his name as a resource for their side, but the situation is not so easily reducible to that
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAIN FROM PROLONGED SITTING AND AFFECT: A PILOT STUDY
No full textPURPOSE: Prolonged sitting is common in modern work environments, yet it has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including pain. Understanding how pain induced by prolonged sitting influences job performance will be essential for helping create change in seated offices. This pilot study measured the effects of 2 hrs of seated computer work on affect (any experience of feeling and emotion) and if pain exacerbated changes. METHODS: Nine participants (7 female) aged 18 to 40 who spent at least 50% of their work seated at a computer sat at a computer workstation for 2 hrs in our research laboratory. Participants completed surveys at 0, 60, and 120 min and standardized keyboard and mouse tasks in between. Pain was assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Scale and the Physical Symptom Inventory. Affect was measured using a validated scale of positive and negative affect words such as interested, distressed, excited, or upset. Participants indicated if they were currently experiencing these emotions from “Very slightly or not at all(1)” to “Extremely(5).” We used a non-parametric repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes effect over time and descriptive statistics to assess the effect changes based on pain over time. RESULTS: Positive affect decreased over time, but this was not significant (p=.128) (baseline median 26 [interquartile range=22-28]; 2 hrs = 8 [17-26]). Seven participants reported eye strain after 2 hours, and the decrease was more significant (8 points) for those with eye strain versus those without eye strain (6.5). Negative affect did not change. CONCLUSION: During seated computer work, positive affect may decrease over time and worsen with eye strain. Lower positive affect can impact job performance by reducing employee motivation, creativity, and engagement, leading to impaired decision-making and errors. Future studies expand our study sample and further explore the relationship between pain intensity, affect, and job performance
SELF-REPORTED ENERGY DEFICIT IN COLLEGIATE GOLFERS
No full textAlthough playing golf is often perceived as a leisurely activity for the novice golfer, collegiate golf is a physically and mentally demanding sport characterized by fluctuating workloads. A standard 18-hole round lasts 4 to 6 hours, during which college golfers must carry or push golf bags weighing 9-16 kg. Therefore, it is important for college golfers to fuel themselves to supply adequate energy to walk 18+ holes and maintain cognitive function and focus. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if collegiate golfers feel physically or mentally fatigued after 18 holes, and if so, what is causing that fatigue. METHODS: 10 female and 10 male NCAA Division I golfers were surveyed to determine if they felt a significant decrease in energy (mentally or physically) from the beginning of an 18-hole round to the end. If they reported fatigue, they were then asked to define the cause of their fatigue. RESULTS: Of the 20 golfers surveyed, 12 responded stating they did not experience a decrease in energy, however 8 responded that they did experience a decrease in energy. Of the 8 who reported decreased energy, 5 were female and 3 were male. Six of the 8 reported they believe this was due to insufficient fueling before and during the round. The remaining two stated insufficient physical training. CONCLUSION: From this small sample size, 40% of athletes felt a decrease in energy during an 18-hole round. Collegiate golfers often complete 1 to 2 rounds (18 – 36 holes) per day in tournaments and thus must fuel efficiently to optimize performance for the entire duration of play. Coaches and golfers alike should be educated on sufficient fueling strategies to ensure athletes are able to perform with optimal focus throughout the entire duration of a round or multiple rounds
DIFFERENCE IN COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMPS ON FORCEPLATES USING A TARGET VS NO TARGET
No full textThe countermovement jump (CMJ) is a performance test that has been utilized for many years and has grown in popularity with the increasing use of forceplates. One potential limitation to this exercise would be if participants are providing a true maximal effort when simply told ‘jump as high as you can’. PURPOSE: To assess potential differences in performance metrics of a CMJ when using an external cue or target. METHODS: Following a brief generalized warm-up, thirty (13 males, 17 females) college students (mean +/- SD, age: 21.5+/-4.0y, height: 170.2+/-9.6cm, weight: 74.8+/-16.4kg) performed countermovement jump (CMJ) under two different conditions. One condition utilized a padded block approximately 15cm in height (YB) and the other condition did not utilize the block (NB). Using Hawkin Dynamics forceplates, two attempts of the CMJ were performed with hands on hips for each condition. A dependent t-test was used to compare results between the two jumping conditions. RESULTS: The extra padding on the forceplates did increase system weight by about 12N or 1.6%. When jumping on to the padded block, there was a significant decline in calculated jump height (YB: 0.23+/-0.09m vs NB: 0.28+/-0.09m). However, the attempts using the padded block had a significantly higher peak force production than the attempts not using the block (YB: 1956.4+/-582.6N vs NB: 1764.7+/-535.3N, p\u3c0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a visual goal did result in greater force production even though the jump height was lower. These results do partially support the notion that individuals may provide a greater effort (higher force) if there is a visual goal, but it may come at the expense of other performance metrics (jump height)
OXYGEN UPTAKE KINETICS DURING TEN SHORT-DURATION, HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVALS AT A CONSTANT WORK RATE
No full textPURPOSE: Oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics at intensities below lactate threshold (LT) are better understood than those closer to VO2peak. Additionally, there is little information on the behavior of kinetics across repeated intervals of exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze how VO2 kinetics change throughout a short-duration, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocol. METHODS: Subjects (n = 13) visited the laboratory on two separate occasions. The first visit included a graded exercise test to determine VO2peak and LT. The second visit included ten 2-minute intervals at a power halfway between LT and VO2peak, with 2minute resting periods between. VO2, minute ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) were collected during the exercise and resting portions of each interval. Previously published VO2 kinetics models were used to compare the phase II time constant (��) and amplitude (Ap) across intervals. RESULTS: �� was significantly faster during interval 2 compared to interval 1 of exercise (mean difference = 21.09 sec, CI: [9.66, 32.51], p\u3c.001), but no different thereafter. Ap was significantly decreased during interval 2 compared to interval 1 (mean difference = 0.24, CI: [0.07, 0.41], p\u3c.001), but no different thereafter. Significant increases were observed for peak exercise and minimum (min) resting values across the intervals for VO2 (peak: b = 0.033 L/min, CI: [0.029, 0.038], p\u3c.001; min: b = 0.01 L/min, CI: [0.006, 0.013], p\u3c.001), VE (peak: b = 2.79 L/min, CI: [2.47, 3.14], p\u3c.001; min: b = 0.418 L/min, CI: [0.27, 0.67], p\u3c.001), and HR (peak: b = 1.79 bpm, CI: [1.58, 2.01], p\u3c.001; min: b = 1.94 bpm, CI: [1.62, 2.26], p\u3c.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the first bout of HIIE shortens �� and decreases Ap in the second bout. However, �� and Ap remain unchanged beyond the second interval, suggesting that only one bout is necessary to speed the kinetics of subsequent bouts. Linear increases in VO2, VE, and HR suggests that 2-minute rests between HIIE are likely insufficient for full recovery. Future studies should examine if kinetics change before volitional exhaustion and if there is an optimal length of recovery periods during HIIE
EFFECTS OF FATIGUE AND EXERCISE INTENSITY ON EXERCISE ENJOYMENT DURING AN OUTPATIENT CANCER REHABILITATION PROGRAM
No full textPURPOSE: Exercise can improve physical and psychosocial outcomes for cancer survivors, and positive affect or “exercise enjoyment” can increase exercise adherence. This study examined the effects of pre-exercise fatigue levels and exercise intensity on exercise enjoyment among cancer survivors participating in a 12-week outpatient cancer rehabilitation program. METHODS: Observational study. Participants were cancer survivors ≥18 years of age, and planning to participate in a cancer rehabilitation program located at a regional cancer center. Exercise sessions were twice per week and exercise enjoyment was measured after each exercise session (1= not at all – 7= very much). Fatigue was measured before each exercise session (0=no fatigue – 10=worst fatigue). Exercise intensity was self-selected, and exercise sessions were categorized as low (30-39% HRR & RPE range 9-11) or moderate to high (40-89% HRR & RPE range 12-20). A spearman’s correlation examined the association between fatigue and enjoyment, and an independent t-test compared enjoyment between low vs. moderate-high intensity exercise session. RESULTS: Participants (N=24) were M=64±11 years of age, 83% female, represented 14 different cancer types, and completed N=181 exercise sessions. Average exercise enjoyment was 6.2±1.1 (range 2-7). Average fatigue was 3.1±2.4 (range 0-10). Over half (N=102, 57%) of exercise sessions were low intensity. Fatigue was inversely associated with enjoyment (rs= -0.26, p\u3c.001). There was no difference in enjoyment between light (M=6.3±1.1) and moderate-high (M=6.3±=1.0) intensity exercise sessions [t(175)= -0.08, p = .94]. CONCLUSION: Overall, exercise enjoyment was high, but worse fatigue before an exercise session was associated with lower enjoyment. There was no difference in enjoyment between low vs. moderate-high exercise sessions. These findings highlight the impact of fatigue on exercise experiences and suggest the need for strategies to support engagement on high-fatigue days to maintain adherence even when enjoyment is lower. Funding: Supported by a pilot grant from the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control program in conjunction with the Associate Director for Population Scienc
THE EFFECTS OF VOLUNTARY EXERCISE ON THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK IN AGED AND YOUNG FEMALE MICE
No full textThe circadian clock regulates essential physiological processes, but aging disrupts this rhythm, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These risks are amplified by disruptions in hormone release, metabolism, and immune response. Voluntary exercise may counteract circadian disruption, though its mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study examined differences in voluntary running times and distances between young and aged female mice under a controlled light/dark cycle, correlating activity with frailty index scores. METHODS: This work was approved by the University of Wyoming IACUC. Three 18-month-old and three 3-month-old female mice were individually housed with running wheels under a 24hour light/dark cycle. Running activity was recorded for two weeks and analyzed using ClockLab. Following the study, mice were sacrificed via intraperitoneal injection, and their brains were extracted for confocal imaging. RESULTS: Aged mice ran significantly less than young mice, with young females (frailty index 0) showing the highest activity levels. Aged females (frailty index 4) showed marked reductions in revolutions and daily distance. Young females exhibited consistent circadian rhythmicity, with activity peaks aligned to the light/dark cycle. Aged females, however, displayed more erratic behavior, with less pronounced peaks and irregular activity patterns. This suggests that aging reduces physical activity and disrupts circadian stability. CONCLUSION: Aging diminishes physical activity due to physiological decline and frailty. These findings highlight the link between frailty, circadian stability, and exercise. Future research should explore interventions such as timed exercise or pharmacological treatments to address age-related declines in activity and associated health risks. This work was supported by NIH Grant 2P20GM12131006
EFFECTS OF BANDED POSTERIOR FEMORAL GLIDE AND LATERAL DISTRACTION ON SQUAT KINEMATICS AND PERFORMANCE
No full textJoint mobility through a full range of motion (ROM) is essential for everyday function and sport. Full joint ROM is especially important in the squat, a fundamental strength and performance exercise widely used in recreational and athletic training. Despite how fundamental the squat is, research on proper technique remains controversial. PURPOSE: This study aimed to understand the effects of banded mobilization techniques on squat kinematics. METHODS: Following a standardized warm-up, participants performed baseline squats with standardized verbal cues but no coaching. These were recorded from the dominant side-sagittal plane to measure ankle, knee, hip flexion and squat depth. Each set of squats was recorded at hip level, and the third squat was used at its deepest point to measure knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and squat depth. Participants then completed a mobilization routine incorporating banded posterior femoral glide and banded lateral distraction with overpressure. Post-intervention squats were assessed using identical verbal cues, with any form modifications occurring naturally. Pre- and post-mobilization pain and comfort ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected to evaluate the subjective impact of these changes. RESULTS: Twenty-four recreationally to elite-trained participants (aged 20.17 ± 1.31, n= 7 females) participated in the study. Results demonstrated significant decreases in ankle flexion (79.69 ± 6.62 degrees, 82.78 ± 6.58 degrees, pre- and post-test respectively, p\u3c0.001) coupled with significant increases in knee flexion (72.00 ± 15.65 degrees, 65.38 ± 15.32 degrees, pre- and post-test respectively, p\u3c0.001) and squat depth (-6.86 ± 15.53 degrees, 1.35 ± 16.29 degrees, pre- and post-test respectively, p\u3c0.001). Additionally, 78.3% of participants reported decreased pain and increased comfort, with significant improvements in RPE scores (0.43 ± 1.47, 1.63 ± 1.35, pre- and post-test respectively, p\u3c0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of banded posterior femoral glide and banded lateral distraction with overpressure demonstrated significant reductions in ankle flexion while facilitating increased knee flexion, ultimately contributing to enhanced squat depth with decreased anterior tibial protrusion. These banded hip mobilization techniques present valid strategies for optimizing squat kinematics and enhancing participant comfort and performance