Effects of multicycle-run training on triathlete performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of triathlon training using multiple, short cycle-run sequences (multicycle-run training) on cycle-run performance. Twelve competitive triathletes, randomized into two groups, underwent multicycle-run training or normal training for 6 weeks. During this period, baseline training remained the same for both groups, and only the high-intensity component differed. The differentiated exercises were performed at or above 100% maximal aerobic velocity. The improvements in overall cycle-run performance were similar (3.3 +/- 1.4 % and 6.1 +/- 1.7% rise in Performance in multicycle-run and normal training, respectively). However, the improvement in performance was significantly greater for the multicycle-run training (-11.2 +/- 6.8 s versus -1.2 +/- 7. 7 s for multicycle-run training and normal training, respectively) during both the cycle-run change and the first 333-m lap, which together are termed the cycle-run transition. We concluded that 6 weeks of multicycle-run training did not induce greater improvement in cycle-run performance than did normal training in competitive triathletes. However, it did induce significant improvement in the cycle-run transition. This finding indicates that multicycle-run training may help competitive triathletes to develop greater skill and better physiological adaptations during this critical transition period of the triathlon race.     

Dimensions rurales-urbaines de la gestion scolaire en contexte de décroissance des clientèles et des compression budgétaires

Résumé En utilisant des données recueillies lors d'un sondage provincial et des données provenant du ministère de l'Éducation du Québec, cet article analyse l'impact de la variable urbain-rural sur différents aspects de la gestion de commissions scolaires en période de décroissance. La réduction des effectifs scolaires ainsi que celle du personnel sont plus importantes en milieu urbain qu'en milieu rural. Lorsqu'on analyse les conséquences des stratégies de gestion, la décroissance des effectifs et la variable urbain-rural ont des effets constants à travers toutes les estimations. Bien que certains de ces effets soient directs, ils sont, dans la plupart des cas, indirects via la réduction du personnel. En général, les conséquences de la gestion sont moins positives en milieu urbain qu'en milieu, rural. Enfin, selon les répondants, la qualité des services liés à l'enseignement se serait détériorée en milieu urbain comparativement au milieu rural.

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Using data collected in a provincial poll and provided by the Ministry of Education of Quebec, this article analyzes the impact of the urban-rural variable on different aspects of the management of school commissions at a time of economic recession and population decrease. The reduction in school enrollees as much as that of the educational personnel is more considerable in the urban environment than the rural one. When analyzing the consequences of management strategies in all assessments the decrease in enrolments and the urban-rural variable show constant results. Although some of these effects are direct, in most cases, however, they tend to be indirect because of the decrease in the number of staff members. In general, the consequences of management are less positive in the urban environment than in the rural one. Finally, according to the respondents the quality of the service linked to teaching has deteriorated more so in the urban environment than compared to the rural one.

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Zusammenfassung Gestützt auf die bei einer Umfrage in einer kanadischen Provinz gesammelten und vom Erziehungsministerium von Quebec zur Verfügung gestellten Daten, wird in diesem Artikel die Auswirkung der Unterschiede zwischen städtischen und ländlichen Gebieten auf Aspekte der Schulverwaltung bei sinkenden Einschulungsraten analysiert. Sinkende Einschulungsraten und Personalkürzungen werden in Stadtbereichen für schwerwiegender gehalten als in den Landgebieten. Andererseits sind die Verwaltungsmaßnahmen bezüglich der untersuchten Variablen unabhängig von Stadt-Land Unterschieden konstant. Obwohl einige dieser Folgen direkt sind, sind die meisten mittelbar durch Personalkürzungen bedingt. Im allgemeinen sind jedoch die Folgen der Verwaltungsmaßnahmen im städtischen Bereich weniger positiv als im ländlichen. Schließlich hat sich gemäß den Befragungsergebnissen die Qualität der unterrichtsbezogenen Dienstleistungen in den städtischen Gebieten stärker verschlechtert als in den ländlichen.

     

A new type of transitional filter based on summation of polynomials

A new transitional filter based on the sum of filter polynomials is proposed and discussed. It shall be shown that the approach allows for greater flexibility in adjusting passband and stopband gain shapes. The sensitivity of the filter transfer function is analyzed and related to the approximation problem. Some new modified classical filters are also derived including maximally flat (Butterworth) and equiripple (Chebyshev) types. Several examples of combining Butterworth, Chebyshev and sync-tuned filters are presented and compared to those obtained using the conventional product method. The new transitional filter provides an alternative to other forms and provides a means for isolating the effects of non-uniformly distributed pole angles.     

Modeling context through domain ontologies

Traditional information retrieval systems aim at satisfying most users for most of their searches, leaving aside the context in which the search takes place. We propose to model two main aspects of context: The themes of the user's information need and the specific data the user is looking for to achieve the task that has motivated his search. Both aspects are modeled by means of ontologies. Documents are semantically indexed according to the context representation and the user accesses information by browsing the ontologies. The model has been applied to a case study that has shown the added value of such a semantic representation of context.

Pluridisciplinary programmes for innovation: Realities and limits of a promising form of learning

Higher education has adopted an innovation imperative that has driven significant transformations in the sector. A new kind of learning programme, based on problem‐solving, design thinking, creativity and “pluridisciplinarity” has emerged in the last two decades and become an emblematic form of learning to cope with current “complex” economic and societal problems by examining their roots at ground level. The French case study allows one to understand the distance between general policy orientations for innovation and actors' capacity and the need to take into account the local context.     

Diagnosis and Monitoring of Basic Motor Competencies among Third-Graders in Luxembourg. An Assessment Tool for Teachers

ABSTRACT

Basic motor competencies (in German: Motorische Basiskompetenzen; MOBAK) are performance dispositions empowering children to participate in the movement culture. For the diagnosis of basic motor competencies, a test instrument consisting of 15 test items for assessing third graders’ basic motor competencies was developed (MOBAK-LUX-3) and validated empirically. Basic motor competencies were operationalized as test items in the form of basic motor qualifications, which are cultural tools formulated as a minimum standard. Data (MOBAK-LUX-3, age, gender, migration background, weight, height, sport club membership, weekly physical activity) were collected in 2015 amongst third-graders in elementary school in Luxembourg (N = 488; 50.4% female; M age = 8.8 years, SD = .51). A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure (locomotion, object control, moving in water, object locomotion; CFI = .94; TLI = .92; RMSEA = .036; WRMR = 0.89). Five classes with different competence profiles were determined through latent class analysis. The MOBAK-LUX-3 test instrument satisfies test theory requirements and can be used to determinate motor competence profiles.     

Élaboration d'un environnement logo favorable au développement d'habiletés en manipulation procédurale

Résumé Un environnement pédagogique propice à l'acquisition et à l'expression des habiletés procédurales en Logo est mis au point et accueille des enfants de 10–12 ans dans un projet d'une durée de 8 mois. Dans des phases successives de familiarisation et d'évaluation des compétences, on propose aux 10 participants une série de mises en situation requérant la manipulation de procédures en programmation Logo. Une analyse des comportements des enfants en termes de leurs habiletés fines et distinctes permet d'observer leur compétence et intérêt à manipuler des procédures. La discussion met en perspective l'importance des habiletés acquises et retrace les conditions environnementales qui en favorisent et supportent l'expression. Les limites dans les compétences observées sont aussi soulignées, ceci dans une perspective d'identification des étapes encore à parcourir dans la poursuite de l'acquisition et de la maîtrise des habiletés procédurales.

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A learning environment that facilitated the acquisition and expression of procedural skills in LOGO was set up for children in the 10 to 12 year range. In successive phases of familiarization and evaluation of competence over an eight month period, ten participants were placed in a series of situations that required them to manipulate programming procedures in LOGO. A fine-grained analysis of each of the children's behavior revealed their competence and interest in manipulating procedures. The importance of the acquired skills and the environmental conditions that favor and support their expression are discussed. Limits in the competencies observed are highlighted in order to identify the further steps to be taken in the acquisition and mastery of procedural skills.