Aesthetic Concepts: A Paradigm for Dance

A survey of literature in dance and aesthetics fmds eight recurring fundamental components which form a concrete framework for the dance composition. These are (a) content, (b) the raw material of movement, (c) movement vocabulary, (d) process, (e) form, (f) performer and (g) production accessories, resulting in (h) expression. In addition, central to the art of dance is its unique medium of expression, the human body through which all flows. The interaction and interrelation of these components produces an integrated gestalt which becomes the dance. Awareness of the potential and diversity within each area and skill in the manipulation of these constitutes the craft of choreography. From this underlying aesthetic theory emerges a model which is a pragmatic and firm foundation for thorough analysis of a dance. Its application serves to increase the understanding of the complex process of choreography and therefore is useful to historian, scholar, choreographer, critic, and student.     

Isometric Knee Extension and Plantar Flexion Muscle Fatigue and Fiber Type Composition in Female Distance Runners

Abstract

Plantar flexion and knee extension fatigue patterns elicited by 25 serial isometric contractions were assessed on eight female distance runners. Fiber type composition of the vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscles was examined by a needle biopsy technique. Two different isometric exercise regimens were administered: 10-sec contractions separated by 5-sec intertrial rest (10:5) designed to elicit a rapid rate of fatigue, and 10-sec contractions separated by 20-sec intertrial rest (10:20) designed to induce less fatigue. No fatigue pattern was found for the 10:20 regimen which was consistent with previous data on male distance runners but unlike male power athletes who did exhibit significant fatigue. Significant fatigue decrements were found for the 10:5 knee extension (55.7%) and plantar flexion (75.8%) conditions. Fiber type composition and fatigue decrements did not correlate. Knee extension and plantar flexion maximum strength correlated significantly with the amount of fatigue induced with r's of .82 and .83, respectively. For each separate muscle group, maximum isometric strength was a better predictor of fatigability than fiber type composition. Even though differences in maximal strength and muscle mass existed between knee extension and plantar flexion muscle groups, elicited fatigue curves were similar in pattern differing only in absolute level. High versus low strength classification analysis showed similar knee extension but dissimilar plantar flexion fatigue patterns. Results suggest that the role of fiber type composition, muscle mass, and maximum strength level as they influence local muscular fatigue patterns must be elucidated for each muscle group separately.     

A Study of Three Movements in Classical Ballet

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and magnitude of specific variables perceived to have affected U.S. Olympic athlete performance. Participants included 296 Atlanta Olympians and 83 Nagano Olympians. Olympians rated how they perceived specific variables influenced their Olympic performance. Results revealed that numerous variables, including performance influences, such as preparation for distractions and loss of composure; team variables, such as strong cohesion and positive coach-athlete relationships; coaching variables, including coach's ability to deal with crises and coaching expectations; family-friend variables, including general social support and getting event tickets for family and friends; and environmental concerns, such as venue transportation difficulties and Olympic village distractions; were perceived to influence performance. Findings verified the results of qualitative interviews conducted with Olympic athletes and coaches.     

The Relationships Among Isokinetic Endurance,Initial Strength Level,and Fiber Type

Abstract

Knee extension isokinetic peak torque was assessed at angular velocities of 0, 30, 180, and 240[ddot]/sec, and isokinetic endurance was assessed by 50 consecutive contractions at 180[ddot]/sec in eight college age men. Also, muscle fiber type of the vastus lateralis was determined and related to isokinetic strength and fatigability. To determine the influence of initial strength on isokinetic endurance the 50 serial isokinetic contractions were assessed after subjects performed two bicycle exercise regimens designed to affect initial strength levels. Neither isokinetic peak torques (made relative to MVC or per Kg of body weight) nor the amount of strength loss over the 50 contractions correlated with fiber type. The peak torques at 180[ddot]/sec at the start of the 50 contractions differed over the three conditions (unfatigued and after the two bicycle exercise regimens), however, the amount of of strength loss over the 50 trials was similar for the three conditions. Also, the patterns of the three isokinetic fatigue curves were remarkably similar. Thus, the initial strength level across the treatments did not affect the rate of fatigue. However, when the treatment conditions were examined separately, the amount of strength loss over the 50 trials correlated significantly with initial strength. Thus, factors other than, or in addition to, fiber type and initial strength level must influence the rate of isokinetic fatigue.     

E-readers: new opportunities for hospital patients and staff

E-readers provide an opportunity for hospital librarians to reach out to staff and patients with new approaches to library lending. Librarians in four Veterans Health Administration medical centers are using e-readers to enlarge their scope of service in unique ways. The libraries of VA hospitals in Minneapolis, Des Moines, Tampa, and Philadelphia have developed several ways to reach out to new library users.     

Book Clubs—Outreach Opportunities for Hospital Libraries

Book clubs and discussion groups provide opportunities for hospital librarians to reach out to staff from all areas of their facilities while introducing them to literature reflecting participants’ personal and professional interests. Librarians presenting these case studies have coordinated local book clubs where topics ranged from titles about the nature of healing, to leadership development, and patient-centered care. Some also included contemporary novels of interest to participants. No matter the setting or scope of material discussed, each group has provided unique networking opportunities for staff to meet others working in various departments of their facilities.     

Changing Teachers – Teachers Changing Schools: assessing a graduate program in technology education

ABSTRACT

Innovative uses of technology may require a revision of educational policy and practice if technology is going to have an impact on the educational system. In 1993 the University of New Mexico College of Education began a four semester in‐service graduate program to develop teacher knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that might assist the teacher to confront today's challenges without being restricted by past patterns. During the second year of its implementation, a comprehensive research study was instituted to assess the impact of the program. This paper presents findings relevant to the outcomes of the program. The results reveal that significant shifts occurred among participants in the frequency of use of technology and student‐oriented strategies and that participants were increasingly concerned with assuming leadership roles in their schools and school districts. Four dimensions of the program were central in achieving these results: its cohort nature, the fact that it was graduate, the use of telecommunications, and the incorporation of group activities by faculty that modeled frameworks and practices under study. The program was effective in helping participants to examine their educational beliefs and assumptions, to turn their perceptions into practices, and to shift their concerns from personal impacts and insecurities to global and system‐wide impacts and potentials. Graduate study for these educators has become a process of change with already discernible consequences for New Mexico schools.