Electroencephalographic functional equivalence during observation of action

The purpose of this study was to examine the variability in cortical activation during physical air-rifle shooting and three different observation conditions. Elite air-rifle shooters performed a 40 shot individual match. Electroencephalograms were recorded from 11 active sites across the cortex during the final 6 s (3 x 2 s epochs) before shot release. Data collection was repeated while shooters watched a large-screen video of their worst shot performance from an internal-visual perspective when seated, standing and standing holding their rifle. The hypothesized differences between the three observation conditions and the physical shooting profile were not shown except at the left anterior temporal site, T5. This finding suggests that observation of performance cannot be differentiated clearly by posture or modified through kinetic and haptic afference, and that visual percepts predominate in observational functional equivalence. However, more functionally equivalent observation reduced the observation/execution variability over the temporal areas. Performer debriefs also identified different perceptions of physiological, psychological and behavioural functional equivalence associated with the different observation conditions. We conclude that elite performers' brains are accessed equally effectively during different observation conditions irrespective of some of the physical factors ascribed to the conditions. However, they may require more functionally matched conditions to attain greater equivalence in temporal areas.     

Self-reported tolerance of the intensity of exercise influences affective responses to and intentions to engage with high-intensity interval exercise

This study investigated the effect of self-reported tolerance of the intensity of exercise on affective responses to, self-efficacy for and intention to repeat low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Thirty-six healthy participants (mean age 21 ± 2 years) were split into high tolerance (HT; n = 19), low tolerance (LT; n = 9), and very low tolerance (VLT; n = 8) of exercise intensity groups. Participants completed 10 × 6 s cycle sprints with 60 s recovery. Affective valence and perceived activation were measured before exercise, after sprints 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 20 min post-HIIE. Intention and self-efficacy were assessed 20 min post-HIIE. Affective valence was significantly lower in VLT vs. LT (P = 0.034, d = 1.01–1.14) and HT (P = 0.018, d = 1.34–1.70). Circumplex profiles showed a negative affective state in VLT only. The VLT group had lower intentions to repeat HIIE once and three times per week than HT (P < 0.001, d = 1.87 and 1.81, respectively) and LT (P = 0.107, d = 0.85; P = 0.295, d = 0.53, respectively). Self-efficacy was not influenced by tolerance. Self-reported tolerance of exercise intensity influences affective responses to and intentions to engage with HIIE.     

Travelling with golf clubs: The influence of baggage on the trip decision-making process

Sports participation often requires the use of specialist equipment and for many sport tourists this is transported to the destination to aid convenience and enjoyment of participation. Yet, to date, there has been little consideration of the influence that travelling with sporting equipment can have on the trip decision-making process. This paper focuses on golf tourism, said to be the largest sector of the sports tourism market and examines the influence that travelling with golf equipment has on aspects of the trip such as travel mode and opportunities for participation. Based on a longitudinal-grounded theory study, this paper concludes that packing sporting equipment can stimulate negotiations associated with participation. Furthermore, the nature of the sporting equipment to be carried can determine the choices made regarding the travel modes used to reach and move around holiday destinations and thus directly influence the trip decision-making process.     

Young people’s perceptions of the ‘Love Hurts’ programme: Is theatre an effective means of addressing teenage relationship abuse?

Domestic abuse prevention education programmes have been found to be effective in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural change. However, there is limited research on theatre-based interventions developed in the UK. This study aimed to assess pupils’ responses to a theatre production called ‘Love Hurts’. A mixed-methods approach, which incorporated an online survey and focus groups, was used to understand the pupils’ perceptions of the play. The survey was completed by 294 pupils aged 11–19 years in five schools. Four focus groups were conducted in two of the schools involved. The pupils were generally very positive about the play, girls more so than boys. One of the strengths was that the young people reported being able to relate to the situations, and they found the use of theatre very engaging. They seemed to respond well to the use of a positive male role in the play, but reported that more could be done to highlight that women can be abusive too. Another theme was around the issue of trust, with some young people reporting feeling cautious about entering relationships following the play. The findings suggest that the young people responded well to the messages conveyed and felt that theatre was an effective means of addressing the issue. However, care is needed as to how to address the issues of gender and trust.     

Validity of selected preschool screening tests

Data from 188 white and 97 black children supported the following conclusions: (a) A general cognitive factor prevailed throughout a group of tests including the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test administered at age 3 years, the Preschool Inventory, the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts (modified), and the Graham-Ernhart Copy-Forms Test administered at age 4 years; (b) Correlations of three scales of the Preschool Attainment Records and the Verbal Language Development Scale with the other measures were less consistent; (c) the correlations of the Quick Test with other tests were satisfactory for white children but inconsistent for a subsample (N = 18) of black children; (d) the standard deviations of the Quick Test IQs were excessively large; and (e) differential scoring of Preschool Inventory subtests was not supported.     

The future of the liberal university in the era of the global knowledge grab

This paper explores the implications of thedevelopment and extension of national andinternational intellectual property regimes (IPRs) forthe liberal university. It argues that dynamics setinto motion by IPRs are eroding the university'sability to reproduce itself in two ways. On the onehand, IPRs are reducing the university's ability todraw on and to replenish the intellectual commonswhich is one fundamental precondition of its survival.IPRs are also preventing academics from fulfillingtheir public service mission which may undermine thepopular support for the university that is alsocrucial to its survival. These two mutuallyreinforcing developments are making it increasinglydifficult for the liberal university to continue on asit has. Indeed, they are producing a qualitativetransformation of the institution that will be verycostly to society, in both economic and social terms.The paper argues that although current developmentspose very serious threats to the liberal university'sfuture, there is still time to intervene in order topreempt or to alter them. The paper concludes with adiscussion of strategies that may enable the liberaluniversity to survive, if not flourish, in the currentcontext. In particular, a strategy of pursuing broadIP exemptions for universities isadvocated.