W5″ Test: A simple method for measuring mean power output in the bench press exercise

The aims of the present study were to assess the validity and reliability of a novel simple test [Five Seconds Power Test (W5″ Test)] for estimating the mean power output during the bench press exercise at different loads, and its sensitivity to detect training-induced changes. Thirty trained young men completed as many repetitions as possible in a time of ≈5?s at 25%, 45%, 65% and 85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in two test sessions separated by four days. The number of repetitions, linear displacement of the bar and time needed to complete the test were recorded by two independent testers, and a linear encoder was used as the criterion measure. For each load, the mean power output was calculated in the W5″ Test as mechanical work per time unit and compared with that obtained from the linear encoder. Subsequently, 20 additional subjects (10 training group vs. 10 control group) were assessed before and after completing a seven-week training programme designed to improve maximal power. Results showed that both assessment methods correlated highly in estimating mean power output at different loads (r range: 0.86–0.94; p?R²: 0.78). Good to excellent intra-tester (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.81–0.97) and excellent inter-tester (ICC range: 0.96–0.99; coefficient of variation range: 2.4–4.1%) reliability was found for all loads. The W5″ Test was shown to be a valid, reliable and sensitive method for measuring mean power output during the bench press exercise in subjects who have previous resistance training experience.     

Solving math problems: Where and why does the solution process go astray?

This article describes a model of adaptable learning which takes account of the interaction between affective and cognitive variables in learning situations. In addition, an instrument for measuring the relevant aspects of this model is introduced. We present some initial results of the application of this instrument in the domain of mathematics learning by students in the final year of primary education. Emphasis is placed on differences between boys and girls.     

Getting ready to write—And having fun doing it

Recently I visited Disneyland. Because it was a rainy day, there were not many people in the amusement park, so I was able to go through every attraction. There were several disconcerting rides—but the most upsetting of all was Space Mountain.Gerard Giordano is Associate Professor of Education at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.     

In-situ characterization of gas-liquid precipitation reaction in a spray using rainbow refractometry

Gas-liquid precipitation reactions in terms of a spray exist widely in energy, chemical, and environmental engineering. In this paper, a rainbow refractometry-based method is used to measure the reaction process of these spray-based gas-liquid precipitation reactions in a non-intrusive way. Rainbow refractometry can simultaneously provide information on thermochemical and physical properties of droplets. A global rainbow measurement system was built to characterize a CO₂ absorption reaction. Rainbow signals of spray droplets of Ca(OH)₂ solutions before and after CO₂ absorption were recorded and processed. Results indicated that the average refractive index of saturated H₂O-Ca(OH)₂ solution was 1.335 69, which accorded with the Abbe measurement. After the absorption reaction, the refractive index of droplets decreased to 1.335 17 which is close to that of water. The reaction extent was therefore reflected in the change of the refractive index of droplets. An extra experiment of CO₂ absorbed by Ba(OH)₂ solutions was conducted. The refractive index of droplets decreased with the reaction process, which acted well as an evolution indicator of the reaction. A heat transfer analysis of the reaction was also carried out. Due to the high heat dissipation performance of fine droplets, the temperature increase in the measurement volume was estimated to be less than 0.61 K, which has almost no effect on the measured results. The rainbow refractometry-based method shows good potential for in-situ characterization of a gas-liquid precipitation reaction.     

Some Common Teaching Practices and their Effectiveness in Foreign Language Reading Instruction

This article shows that some rather common foreign‐language‐teaching reading practices are questionable. Very often, the emphasis is on the content of the text used in the instruction, and only rarely on developing reading skills. Questioning, one of the most frequently observed teaching strategies, hardly contributes to better reading achievement. Neither does teaching the content or explaining words. Explanations for this are proposed to be found in educational tradition, teacher values, teacher needs, desired teaching comfort and the influence of the testing format as used in examinations. In fact, teaching reading is to a large extent no more than sustained comprehension assessment. Some alternative types of exercises, materials and teacher activities, are presented, based on an analysis of crucial characteristics of the reading process and on some clues from learning theory.     

Play learning

When I was 15 years old, I entered a private school. When I was 17, I was expelled. The Batman incident was the major cause of the expulsion.Gerard Giordano is Associate Professor of Education at New Mexico State University.     

Military Sexual Trauma: Considerations for Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

Military sexual trauma (MST) is an experience unique to veterans, and it is essential that social workers receive military-specific education in preparing for work with this population. This article discusses the impact of MST on veterans, cultural considerations for social workers working with this population, and the Veterans Administration’s efforts to address MST. In addition, the need to emphasize the utilization of evidence-based practice in social work education and the importance of incorporating military specific curricula material is discussed.