Runners do not push off the ground but fall forwards via a gravitational torque

The relationship between the affect and timing of the four forces involved in running (gravity, ground reaction force, muscle force, and potential strain energy) is presented. These forces only increase horizontal acceleration of the centre of mass during stance but not flight. The current hierarchical models of running are critiqued because they do not show gravity, a constant force, in affect during stance. A new gravitational model of running is developed, which shows gravity as the motive force. Gravity is shown to cause a torque as the runner's centre of mass moves forward of the support foot. Ground reaction force is not a motive force but operates according to Newton's third law; therefore, the ground can only propel a runner forward in combination with muscle activity. However, leg and hip extensor muscles have consistently proven to be silent during leg extension (mid-terminal stance). Instead, high muscle-tendon forces at terminal stance suggest elastic recoil regains most of the centre of mass's height. Therefore, the only external motive force from mid-terminal stance is gravity via a gravitational torque, which causes a horizontal displacement. The aim of this paper is to establish a definitive biomechanical technique (Pose method) that is easily taught to runners (Romanov, 2002): falling forwards via a gravitational torque while pulling the support foot rapidly from the ground using the hamstring muscles.     

Interview and Concours: teacher appointment procedures in England and Wales and France,and what they mean

The paper compares and contrasts two methods or styles of selecting and appointing teachers. In England and Wales, teachers are invariably appointed by interview to particular posts in particular schools; in France, teachers are appointed to life‐long Civil Service positions as a result of a competitive examination or concours. Each of these procedures reflects different assumptions about the education system in general and about the work of teachers in particular. These differences flow from the very different histories of the nation‐states concerned. Recent changes, especially in the French system, are described and discussed. The author points to the tension between pressure from the European Union to integrate and harmonise national qualifications, and the deeply rooted character of distinct national cultures of schooling, teaching and learning and assessment.     

Models of Treatment for the Autistic Child: An Evaluation of Intervention Efficacy

This paper makes reference to three variables concerning autism; namely, diagnostic, aetiological and type of treatment. Diagnostic variables provided, through broad definition, for some communality of findings among the research. Aetiological variables provided little, if any, communality. Treatment programs have also differed but parameters for their evaluation have been suggested. These parameters are (a) a delineation, in an educational context, of presenting behaviours, (b) an analysis of what measurable variables maintain these behaviours, (c) procedures should have high levels of reproducibility and generalisation, and (d) treatment programs should aim for community maintenance for the child through educational and parental intervention. With these parameters in mind, the efficacies of psychogenically oriented programs have been discussed with reference also having been made to formulations of mental retardation and perceptual deficit. Only behaviour management programs met all four criteria.     

Surfing for health: user evaluation of a health information website. Part one: Background and literature review

The Government in Britain is set on using the Internet to expand the provision of health information to the general public. Concerns over the quality of the health information have preoccupied commentators and organizations rather than the way users interact with health information systems. This report examines the issues surrounding the provision of electronic health information, and describes an evaluation undertaken of a commercial health website-that of Surgerydoor (http://www.surgerydoor.co.uk/), and comprises two parts. Part one outlines the literature on electronic health information evaluation. It discusses quality issues, but also redresses the imbalance by exploring other evaluative perspectives. Part two describes an evaluation of a health information Internet site in terms of its usability and appeal, undertaken as part of a Department of Health funded study on the impact of such systems.     

The development and validation of an instrument assessing student-institution fit

While past research has focused on how student background characteristics and university experiences predict student retention and achievement, very few studies have examined the role that student-institution ‘fit’ might play in this process. In this study, we developed and validated a student-institution fit instrument that assesses the correspondence between student and institutional characteristics. We then examined the extent to which student-institution fit and friendship groups predict indicators of student success (e.g. academic adjustment and disengagement), which in turn predict future intentions. Using independent samples of undergraduate students from two Australian universities, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provide evidence for a unidimensional model of student-institution fit. Moreover, structural equation modelling analyses indicate that student-institution fit predicts greater academic adjustment and less disengagement, which in turn predict intentions regarding retention, transferring to another university, and changing major or career choice.