Three-dimensional kinematics of the lower limbs during forward ice hockey skating

The objectives of the study were to describe lower limb kinematics in three dimensions during the forward skating stride in hockey players and to contrast skating techniques between low- and high-calibre skaters. Participant motions were recorded with four synchronized digital video cameras while wearing reflective marker triads on the thighs, shanks, and skates. Participants skated on a specialized treadmill with a polyethylene slat bed at a self-selected speed for 1 min. Each participant completed three 1-min skating trials separated by 5 min of rest. Joint and limb segment angles were calculated within the local (anatomical) and global reference planes. Similar gross movement patterns and stride rates were observed; however, high-calibre participants showed a greater range and rate of joint motion in both the sagittal and frontal planes, contributing to greater stride length for high-calibre players. Furthermore, consequent postural differences led to greater lateral excursion during the power stroke in high-calibre skaters. In conclusion, specific kinematic differences in both joint and limb segment angle movement patterns were observed between low- and high-calibre skaters.     

Evaluating leadership development in an academic program

An evaluation of the Royal Military College of Canada's Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year leadership practicum was conducted in 2009. This novel approach used several human performance technology (HPT) models to frame the evaluation and identify the dimensions and subdimensions of merit. This article explains the theoretical framework of the evaluation, how and why different HPT models complemented the evaluation process, the challenges faced in executing the evaluation, and the teams' findings on using this approach.     

Formation d'Ingénieurs en Génie Sanitaire: un exemple de collaboration entre deux universités

For eight years, the Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland and the Ecole Inter-Etats d'Ingénieurs de I'Equipement Rural (EIER) at Ouagadougou Burkina Faso, have collaborated in the postgraduate education and training of university engineers, offering a course in Sanitary Engineering, comprising 8 months in Ouagadougou, followed by 3 months in Lausanne. Successful students receive a diploma confered by the two Engneering Schools. Such collaboration is productive only if planned on a long-trem basis forcing some of the limiting principles of technical development programmes to be sidestepped. The better students may continue their studies towards an MSc or a PhD, developing the EIER's research facilities, working on topics directly related to Afircan needs and may benefit fiom EPFL's facilities and scientific experience.     

The impact of polytechnic institutes on the local economy

Tertiary Education and Management - Higher education institutions and, particularly, polytechnic institutes in Portugal are, generally speaking, recognized as the key stakeholders in regional...