Indicators of sailing performance in youth dinghy sailing

Abstract

This study aimed to determine indicators of sailing performance in 2 (age) groups of youth sailors by investigating the anthropometric, physical and motor coordination differences and factors discriminating between elite and non-elite male optimist sailors and young dynamic hikers. Anthropometric measurements from 23 optimist sailors (mean ± SD age = 12.3 ± 1.4 years) and 24 dynamic youth hikers (i.e. Laser 4.7, Laser radial and Europe sailors <18 years who have to sail the boat in a very dynamic manner, due to a high sailor to yacht weight ratio) (mean ± SD age = 16.5 ± 1.6 years) were conducted. They performed a physical fitness test battery (EUROFIT), motor coordination test battery (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder) and the Bucket test. Both groups of sailors were divided into two subgroups (i.e. elites and non-elites) based on sailing expertise. The significant differences, taking biological maturation into account and factors discriminating between elite and non-elite optimist sailors and dynamic hikers were explored by means of multivariate analysis of covariance and discriminant analysis, respectively. The main results indicated that 100.0% of elite optimist sailors and 88.9% of elite dynamic hikers could be correctly classified by means of two motor coordination tests (i.e. side step and side jump) and Bucket test, respectively. As such, strength- and speed-oriented motor coordination and isometric knee-extension strength endurance can be identified as indicators of sailing performance in young optimist and dynamic youth sailors, respectively. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of motor coordination skill training in optimist sailors (<15 years) and maximum strength training later on (>15 years) in order to increase their isometric knee-extension strength endurance.     

Teaching: getting it right

This autobiographical article explores the way one North American high school teacher's intuitive teaching principles developed over time. The author uses tennis as a metaphor to try to describe her feelings about the teaching process.     

技能类运动竞赛裁判员评分合理性评价方法研究

本研究依据定量的评价方法，对技能类运动竞赛裁判员在执行裁判中主观评分的公正性、合理性进行优劣排序评价，以期裁判员在执行裁判中进一步做到公正、准确。     

注重物理科学方法教育,培养学生创造能力

物理科学方法教育有利于学生能力的培养,科学世界观的形成,以及对物理知识的掌握和对物理规律的认识。而物理科学方法教育要以物理实验为基础,结合物理概念、规律和物理学史进行方法教育。     

Modelling and analysis of a basilica under earthquake loading

In this paper a basilica-type church is analysed in order to assess its structural behaviour and seismic vulnerability. For this purpose, an effective two-step procedure has been used, consisting of: (a) 3D static and dynamic linear analyses of the structural complex, and (b) 2D nonlinear push-over analysis of the single macro-elements. The results obtained through push-over analyses have been compared to the collapse loads derived from limit analysis, proving the ability of finite element (F.E.) nonlinear model to provide reliable simulation of the actual response of masonry elements. Then, the strength demand on each single structural macro-elements, resulting from the 3D linear analyses, has been compared to the macro-element ultimate strength capacity. The comparison demand vs. capacity has been carried out for all transversal and longitudinal macro-elements of the church, allowing a direct, though approximate, assessment of the seismic safety level of the church. The comparison demand vs. capacity confirms the susceptibility of this type of buildings to extensive damage and possibly to collapse, as frequently observed. The insertion of rigid diaphragms, which represents a widely used retrofit technique, has also been investigated; such intervention triggers concentration of strength demand in the stiffest macro-elements, so that the seismic capacity of the building is not necessarily increased.