Using mixed-methods,a data model and a computational ontology in film audience research

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses a methodology that seeks to address one of the challenges in working with a range of data in mixed-methods audience research, which is how to sort, order and categorise different data so that they can be systematically combined and interrogated. The methodology was developed as part of the “Beyond the Multiplex: audiences for specialised films in English regions” (BtM) project. This project required a mixed methods approach using surveys, interviews, focus groups and document analysis to explore the richness of audience experiences and trends in the context of regional film policy. This required a mixed methods approach using surveys, interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The project utilised a data model approach that uses the principles of a computational ontology in order to sort, order and categorise data for systematic interrogation. The paper discusses methods, data, coding, and the use of a data model to support data analysis. We argue that this approach enables the cross referencing of data that provides a rich, multi-layered and relational understanding of film audiences but requires time and attention to data management and coding. Although, additionally it also forms the basis of an open access data resource for future research.     

Functional Movement ScreenTM total score does not present a gestalt measure of movement quality in youth athletes

We aimed to evaluate the internal consistency and factor structure of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS^TM) in youth athletes and quantify differences between individual task score at different stages of maturation. FMS^TM and anthropometric variables were measured in 144 youth athletes (96 female, 48 male). Biological maturation was categorised as before- (<-0.5 years), at- (?0.49–0.50 years) and after- peak height velocity [PHV] (>0.51 years). Internal consistency was poor (Cronbach’s alpha; 0.53, ±90% confidence limit 0.10; ordinal alpha 0.6, ±0.09). Principle component analysis extracted two components, representing 47% of the total variance. Tasks loading highest on component 1 required stability, while those loading highest on component 2 favoured mobility. “Likely” decrements in component 1 tasks were observed before-PHV. In-line lunge (effect size ±90% confidence limit; ?0.47, ±0.49), hurdle step (?0.38, ±0.49), and trunk stability push-up (?0.51, ±0.45), were lower compared with athletes at-PHV and rotatory stability (?0.44, ±0.37) was lower than those after-PHV. Boys’ scored “most likely”, higher (0.73, ±0.28) in trunk stability push-up, and girls “likely” higher in shoulder mobility (0.46, ±0.29). In our population, the FMS^TM is not uni-dimensional, thus total score should be avoided. Clear maturation affects were observed in stability tasks.     

Perceptual changes to progressive resistance training with and without blood flow restriction

The purpose was to examine changes in the perceptual responses to lifting a very low load (15% one repetition maximum (1RM)) with and without (15/0) different pressures [40% (15/40) and 80% (15/80) arterial occlusion pressure] and compare that to traditional high load (70/0) resistance exercise. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort were measured following each set of exercise. In addition, resting arterial occlusion pressure was measured prior to exercise. Assessments were made in training sessions 1, 9, and 16 for the upper and lower body. Data are presented as means and 95% CI. There were changes in RPE in the upper body with condition 15/40 [?2.1 (?3.4, ?0.850)] and 15/80 [?2.4 (?3.6, ?1.1)] decreasing by the end of training. In the lower body, RPE decreased in condition 15/40 [?1.4 (?2.3, ?0.431)] by the end of the training study. There was a main effect of time in the upper body with all conditions decreasing discomfort. In the lower body, all conditions decreased except for 15/80. For arterial occlusion pressure, there were differences across time in the 15/40 condition and the 15/80 condition in the upper body. Repeated exposure to blood flow restriction may dampen the perceptual responses over time.     

Muscle activation and local muscular fatigue during a 12-minute rotational bridge

Due to anecdotal reports of back pain during a 12-minute rotational bridge test by uniformed services, the level of fatigue leading to possible back pain and or injury was investigated. We hypothesised a high level of fatigue due to diminishing core muscle activation. Nineteen highly trained uniformed service members were measured by surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, lumbar erector spinae, thoracic erector spinae and latissimus dorsi. Average rectified electromyography amplitude (AEMG) and median power frequency were analysed to determine activation and fatigue. All AEMG were normalised and expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Significant increases in AEMG were observed over the test duration for the rectus abdominis (+19.5%MVIC), external oblique (+18.0%MVIC) and internal oblique (+23.2%MVIC) during the prone position; and for the external oblique (+21.8%MVIC) when bracing on the measurement side (all, p < 0.05). No significant changes in median power frequency were observed (all, p > 0.05). Combining prone and side bridge positions is a reasonable measure of anterior, posterior and lateral trunk musculature. Muscular fatigue remained low throughout making this a safe assessment in trained individuals.     

Rousseau’s Crusoe myth: the unlikely provenance of the neoclassical homo economicus

The neoclassical homo economicus has escaped the narrow confines of economic theory and is today embodied countless times over in the everyday behaviour that so much of the modern economy is set up precisely to serve. Not all of the authors of leading books on economic principles have named the neoclassical homo economicus, but when they have done so it is overwhelmingly in the same way. They have given him the human form of a Robinson Crusoe figure, despite the fact that his behavioural motivations and his practical conduct owe next-to-nothing to Daniel Defoe’s original characterisation. I suggest that the route to today’s cultural familiarity with the neoclassical homo economicus instead passes through the entirely unwitting hands of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He substituted Defoe’s account of the castaway’s continuing deference to prevailing social norms with his own idealised vision of how the individual might use solitude to escape the corrupting influences of modern society. It is altogether another desocialised individual also bearing the Crusoe name who has latterly shaped many of the economics textbooks’ renderings of the neoclassical homo economicus. However, we can get to him only by first understanding the essential features of Rousseau’s Crusoe myth.     

The impact of uphill cycling and bicycle suspension on downhill performance during cross-country mountain biking

ABSTRACT

Non-propulsive work demand has been linked to reduced energetic economy of cross-country mountain biking. The purpose of this study was to determine mechanical, physiological and performance differences and observe economy while riding a downhill section of a cross-country course prior to and following the metabolic “load” of a climb at race pace under two conditions (hardtail and full suspension) expected to alter vibration damping mechanics. Participants completed 1 lap of the track incorporating the same downhill section twice, under two conditions (hardtail and full suspension). Performance was determined by time to complete overall lap and specific terrain sections. Power, cadence, heart rate and oxygen consumption were sampled and logged every second while triaxial accelerometers recorded accelerations (128 Hz) to quantify vibration. No differences between performance times (P = 0.65) or power outputs (P = 0.61) were observed while physiological demand of loaded downhill riding was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) than unloaded. Full suspension decreased total vibrations experienced (P < 0.01) but had no effect on performance (P = 0.97) or physiological (P > 0.05) measures. This study showed minimal advantage of a full suspension bike in our trial, with further investigations over a full race distance warranted.     

The effectiveness of front fork systems at damping accelerations during isolated aspects specific to cross-country mountain biking

Cross-country mountain bike suspension reportedly enhances comfort and performance through reduced vibration and impact exposure. This study analysed the effectiveness of three different front fork systems at damping accelerations during the crossing of three isolated obstacles (stairs, drop, and root). One participant completed three trials on six separate occasions in a randomised order using rigid, air-sprung, and carbon leaf-sprung forks. Performance was determined by time to cross obstacles, while triaxial accelerometers quantified impact exposure and damping response. Results identified significant main effect of fork type for performance time (p < 0.05). The air-sprung and leaf-sprung forks were significantly slower than the rigid forks for the stairs (p < 0.05), while air-sprung suspension was slower than the rigid for the root protocol (p < 0.05). There were no differences for the drop protocol (p < 0.05). Rigid forks reduced overall exposure (p < 0.05), specifically at the handlebars for the stairs and drop trials. More detailed analysis presented smaller vertical accelerations at the handlebar for air-sprung and leaf-sprung forks on the stairs (p < 0.05), and drop (p < 0.05) but not the root. As such, it appears that the suspension systems tested were ineffective at reducing overall impact exposure at the handlebar during isolated aspects of cross-country terrain features which may be influenced to a larger extent by rider technique.     

The physical demands of professional soccer goalkeepers throughout a week-long competitive microcycle and transiently throughout match-play

ABSTRACT

The physical demands of English Premier League soccer goalkeepers were quantified during training and match-play in a two-part study. Goalkeeper-specific micromechanical electrical systems (MEMS) devices, profiled training and match-day activities throughout one competitive week (n=8; part A). Changes in MEMS-derived outputs were also profiled throughout match-play (100 matches; n=8, 18±14 observations per goalkeeper; part B). In part A, goalkeeping-training elicited the most dives (51±11) versus all activities (all p≤0.030) except shooting-training (p=0.069). Small-sided games elicited the fewest (5±3) dives (all p≤0.012). High-speed distance covered in match (103±72 m) was similar to goalkeeping-training (p=0.484), while exceeding shooting-training, small-sided games, pre-match shooting, and pre-match warm-up (all p=0.012). Most changes of direction (34±12) and explosive efforts (70±18) occurred during goalkeeping-training, with values exceeding match (both p=0.012). In part B, between-half reductions in total distance, but increased high-speed changes of direction and explosive efforts, occurred (both p≤0.05). Excluding the number of high jumps, all variables differed from 0-15-min during at least one match epoch, with more dives (1.3±1.4 vs 1.0±1.1) and explosive efforts (2.5±2.4 vs 2.0±1.8) performed between 75-90-min versus 0-15-min (all p<0.05). These data highlight the differing physical demands of various activities performed by professional soccer goalkeepers throughout a competitive week.