Investigating optimal technique in the presence of motor system noise: application to the double layout somersault dismount on high bar

Minimising joint torque is often used as an optimisation criterion when investigating human movement. Alternatively, an aspect of performance may be chosen to be maximised when investigating sporting movements. The aim of the study was to optimise the technique in the backward giant circle prior to a double layout somersault dismount from the high bar using various criteria to determine which best characterised the technique adopted by a gymnast. Ten recorded gymnast trials were used to determine bar release parameters and the level of noise in the gymnast’s movements. A computer simulation model of a gymnast and bar was used to optimise giant circle technique under three criteria: minimising joint torques, maximising the release window and maximising success in the presence of motor system noise. Local and global optimisations of technique were performed using the three criteria starting from the average technique of the 10 recorded trials. All global optimum solutions diverged from the gymnast’s technique. The local optimum for maximising success in the presence of noise had a success rate comparable with the global optimum (98% vs. 100%, respectively). It is concluded that the gymnast’s technique is characterised by maximising success despite operating with motor system noise.     

The Treatment of Research

The recommendations of the Dearing Report concerning research organisation and content are critically examined. Many of them are seen to be benign and to adopt an appropriately pluralist approach to the objectives and working of the higher education system. The report is criticised, however, on several grounds. The Committee had a fragile grasp of the nature of knowledge and of its modes of production, and failed to remedy this by consulting sufficiently available international and national research. It is, therefore, inadequate as an example of the way in which research on higher education should be used in determining higher education policy. It takes for granted conventional wisdom on several key issues: the application of selectivity in research funding; the priority to be given to areas identified in the still largely unevaluated Technology Foresight programmes, and the relationships between uni- and multi-disciplinary work.     

The deletion of broadcast licenses by the federal communications commission

Primary purpose of this investigation was to uncover basic trends in the revocation and non‐renewal of broadcasting licenses spanning the history of the Federal Communications Commission through 1969.     

Students' Visualization of Diagrams Representing the Human Circulatory System: The use of spatial isomorphism and representational conventions

This study investigated students' interpretation of diagrams representing the human circulatory system. We conducted an interview study with three students aged 14–15 (Year 10) who were studying biology in a Hong Kong school. During the interviews, students were asked to interpret diagrams and relationships between diagrams that represented aspects of the circulatory system. All diagrams used in the interviews had been used by their teacher when teaching the topic. Students' interpretations were expressed by their verbal response and their drawing. Dual coding theory was used to interpret students' responses. There was evidence that one student relied on verbal recall as a strategy in interpreting diagrams. It was found that students might have relied unduly on similarities in spatial features, rather than on deeper meanings represented by conventions, of diagrams when they associated diagrams that represented different aspects of the circulatory system. A pattern of students' understanding of structure–behaviour–function relationship of the biological system was observed. This study suggests the importance of a consistent diagrammatic and verbal representation in communicating scientific ideas. Implications for teaching practice that facilitates learning with diagrams and address students' undue focus on spatial features of diagrams are discussed.     

The National Curriculum balance sheet for Key Stage 2: a researcher's view

The National Curriculum had very specific objectives. From the beginning there have been claims that the failure to implement the programme in full was the fault of a ‘liberal’ educational establishment. This article looks at implementation from the perspective of a researcher who was engaged in classroom observation, mainly in primary schools, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Among the consequences of the implementation strategies adopted have been negligible effects on teaching methods, falling standards and lack of increased curriculum continuity on transfer to Key Stage 3. The findings of this research suggest that recent calls for teachers to be mandated as to how to teach the curriculum will not overcome these problems.