Comprehensive evaluation of player-surface interaction on artificial soccer turf

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the traction characteristics of four different stud configurations on Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 2-Star, third-generation artificial soccer turf. The investigated stud configurations were hard ground design, firm ground design, soft ground design, and an experimental prototype. The concept of this study combines performance, perception, biomechanical, and mechanical testing procedures. Twenty-five soccer players took part in the different testing procedures. Variables of this study were: running times, subjective rankings/ratings, ground reaction forces, and mechanical traction properties. Statistical discrimination between the four stud configurations was shown for performance, perception, and biomechanical testing (p < 0.05). Unsuited stud configurations for playing on artificial turf are characterized by less plain distributed and pronounced studs.     

Uses and Abuses of Achievement Test Scores

Are variations in test-preparation practices from school to school undermining the meaningfulness of achievement test results? Is there pressure to raise achievement test scores by the use of educationally unsound practices? What uses of achievement test scores are most common? Do teachers and administrators have reasonably accurate views of test score uses?     

Student Loans: a Northern Ireland Perspective

The government's proposals for a student loans scheme has been inadequately thought-out and researched. Mr Baker's commitment to increase participation in higher education, and hence to increase the 'outflow' of much-needed graduates, may well be undermined by the proposed scheme. In particular, what has been missing in the debate on loans has been a regional perspective. Northern Ireland offers a useful example in that, despite being the most economically depressed region in the United Kingdom, recent participation rates have already come close to the rate Mr Baker is aiming for in other parts of the country.
We cannot predict the effect of the loans scheme on participation rates. However, in present circumstances and under present policies, our guess, based on extensive survey research, is that the proposed loans scheme will diminish participation rates, particularly among those Mr Baker has targeted for special attention. Secondly, the cost of the proposed scheme to the government will be much higher than envisaged. Regional evidence from Northern Ireland suggests that large numbers of graduates will take a long time to earn sufficient salaries to rise above the 85 per cent threshold, if, in fact, they ever do.