Comparison of split double and triple twists in pair figure skating

In this study, we compared the kinematic variables of the split triple twist with those of the split double twist to help coaches and scientists understand these landmark pair skating skills. High-speed video was taken during the pair short and free programmes at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the 2003 International Skating Union Grand Prix Finals. Three-dimensional analyses of 14 split double twists and 15 split triple twists from eleven pairs were completed. In spite of considerable variability in the performance variables among the pairs, the main difference between the split double twists and split triple twists was an increase in rotational rate. While eight of the eleven pairs relied primarily on an increased rotational rate to complete the split triple twist, three pairs employed a combined strategy of increased rotational rate and increased flight time due predominantly to delayed or lower catches. These results were similar to observations of jumps in singles skating for which the extra rotation is typically due to an increase in rotational velocity; increases in flight time come primarily from delayed landings as opposed to additional height during flight. Combining an increase in flight time and rotational rate may be a good strategy for completing the split triple twist in pair skating.     

Comments on “Theoretical Modeling of Grip Firmness During Ball-Racket Impact”

Abstract

Ages at menarche and selected menstrual characteristics in 204 nonathletes, 253 high school athletes, 386 college athletes, and 40 young top athletes of Japan were investigated by questionnaire. Data from the questionnaire have confirmed (a) the ascending trend of ages of menarche with advancement of training and competitive level, and (b) the diversity of mean age at menarche by sport in a given level. The menarcheal orders by sport in the literature have been found to be strikingly similar to those found in the present data. We offer the hypothesis that ages at menarche and selected menarcheal characteristics (a) are brought about by selection in the socialization process into sports participation, and (b) reflect the diversity of suitable physiques by sport. Also, the higher the training and competitive level, the more likely the occurrence of menstrual irregularity (cycle length and period duration) and/or dysmenorrhea (backache).     

For Young Jumpers,Differences are in the Movement's Control,Not its Coordination

Abstract

Previous research on the development of jumping has indicated that the coordination of the jump is stable from its inception, but that individual differences lie in the control of the task. The purpose of this study was to examine control in the vertical jump as performed by novice jumpers. Two groups of children who varied in their ability to regulate the takeoff angle were compared on measures of coordination and control. The children's groups were also compared to a group of skilled adults. Both children's groups demonstrated temporal coordination patterns comparable to the adult pattern, though the children were distinguished from the adults on selected spatial (control) measures. The results indicate that a mature pattern of coordination for the jump exists at the earliest stages of the behavior's appearance in the movement repertoire. The novice, however, lacks the ability to precisely control, or tune, the movement to task demands.     

Aboriginal Football in Australia: Race Relations and the Socio-Historical Meanings of the 2014 Borroloola Tour to the Brazil World Cup

Abstract

This paper tells the history of the Borroloola Tour to the 2014 Brazil World Cup, when eight Aboriginal adolescent footballers from the remote town of Borroloola in Australia’s Northern Territory were selected to be part of a tour to Brazil. In Brazil they followed the Australian team from the stands, socialized with football idols such as Tim Cahill, and visited a Brazilian Indigenous tribe. John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal Australian to be selected to Australia’s national football team executed this excursion. Considering that race relations within the Australian sporting arena have historically, been tense and contested, this paper brings to light an under-explored aspect of football in Australia. It is timely too, given the insertion of Australian football within the Asian Football Confederation. The paper examines the historical meanings of the Borroloola Tour through the lens of its key participants; as well as by unveiling John Moriarty’s history as the first Aboriginal person to be selected to play for the Socceroos. In conclusion, it reveals that both the past and contemporary history of Aboriginal people’s involvement in Australian football has an emerging face that will shape football in Australia and in Asia in the coming years.     

When digital capital is not enough: reconsidering the digital lives of disabled university students

The relationship that disabled university students have with both their technologies and institutions is poorly understood. This paper seeks to illuminate this relationship using the conceptual lens of digital capital. The results from a study that explored the technology experiences of 31 disabled students studying in one university were analysed with a view to revealing evidence for both cultural and social digital capital. The analysis suggests that disabled students possess significant levels of both cultural and social capital, but that there are times when this capital is compromised or insufficient to enable students to fully benefit from technologies. Possessing digital capital does not appear to guarantee complete inclusion into university life.     

Perusing Google eBookstore

Google launched the Google eBookstore in December 2010. This edition of Techcast provides some initial thoughts on its impact on libraries.     

Wanted: A Revolution in Library Continuing Education

This article reviews the work of the Library Continuing Education Summit organized by the Tennessee State Library and Archives in 2008 and the subsequent actions to implement the recommendations of that Summit. The summit objectives were to identify library training needs and opportunities, including those that could be shared by multi‐type libraries; to avoid duplication and encourage collaboration; to do better marketing and to create a centralized continuing education calendar for all libraries in the state. The author reviews these objectives and notes substantial specific organizational follow up to implement the recommendations in order to improve library continuing education. In spite of a wavering economy, the Summit has brought major changes in the organization and delivery of CE within Tennessee, including new e‐learning options, attention to the quality of instruction and how to improve operations and service delivery.