Core executive functions are selectively related to different facets of motor competence in preadolescent children

Background: Although accumulating evidence suggests that motor and cognitive development is interrelated, only a few studies have investigated links between executive function and motor control. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study examined the relationship between motor competences and core components of executive functioning, including inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility. Methods: In 89 preadolescent children, motor competences were assessed using the MOBAK-5 test battery. Additionally, all participants completed computer-based versions of the Flanker task, which included standard and switch blocks, and the 2-Back task. Results: Partial correlations (correcting for age, gender and body mass index) revealed that locomotor skills were associated with the adjusted hit-rate on the 2-Back task (r?=?0.34) whereas object control was linked with conflict score on the Flanker task (r?=??0.39). In contrast, there was no correlation between switch costs and motor competences. Conclusion: In preadolescent children, high competences in locomotor skills and object control skills are associated with high performance on specific executive function tasks. This finding supports the current view that motor competences and cognitive control share some common underlying processes.     

Parameter study using a finite element simulation of a carving Alpine ski to investigate the turn radius and its dependence on edging angle,load, and snow properties

For ski manufacturers, it is important to know how a given ski-binding system performs under different loading conditions. Important performance parameters are the ski deformation and the resulting turn radius. This study focuses on carving turns. The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the dependence of the turn radius on edging angle, load on the binding, and snow hardness using a finite element (FE) simulation, and (2) to compare the results with predictions of a frequently used model introduced by Howe. The FE simulation used a quasi-static approach (similar to Howe’s model), but the ski–snow interaction model incorporated the groove that forms in the snow during a carved turn. Up to edging angles of 40°, the results of the FE simulation agreed well with Howe’s model. However, for large edging angles (>50°) the calculated turn radius leveled out, whereas Howe’s model tends to zero. This effect was more pronounced for soft snow than for hard snow conditions. Increasing forces on the binding caused a decrease in the calculated turn radii. In summary, the FE simulation showed that particularly at large edging angles the groove in the snow needs to be considered in models of the ski–snow interaction or in computations of the turn radius.     

Changes in player characteristics and match activities in Bledisloe Cup rugby union from 1972 to 2004

To illustrate changes in elite rugby union match activities, we analysed coded videotape recordings of the first match in each Bledisloe Cup series played between Australia and New Zealand from 1972 to 2004. We also analysed the stature and body mass of players. Effects associated with professionalism, weather conditions, and time (expressed as change per decade) were estimated with a simple generalized linear model and standardized for interpretation of magnitude. The sample size permitted confident conclusions about effects that were of at least moderate magnitude (standardized mean difference >0.6). Increases in passes, tackles, rucks, tries, and ball-in-play time were associated with the advent of professionalism, whereas there were reductions in the numbers of lineouts, mauls, kicks in play, and in mean participation time per player. Noteworthy time trends were an increase in the number of rucks and a decrease in the number of scrums. Good weather conditions were associated with increases in tries and points scored and with reductions in the number of kicks in play and participation time per player. With the advent of professionalism, players have become heavier and backs have become taller. Overall, there have been major changes in international rugby match activities and player size over the past three decades. We believe law changes and developments in match analysis, equipment technology, and player training have contributed to the changes associated with the introduction of professionalism.     

The association of objectively determined physical activity behavior among adolescent female friends

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which physical activity among adolescent female friends is interdependent. The participants were 318 adolescent girls with a mean age of 16.0 years (range: 15-18 years). Pedometry was used to assess physical activity over 4 days. The relationship between an individual girl and her first-nominated reciprocal friend's physical activity level was moderate (r = 0.45, 90% confidence interval = 0.31, 0.56), when the friendship was nonreciprocal it was trivial (r = -.06, 90% confidence interval = -.36 .25). Friends'physical activity levels explained between 27% and 32% of an individual's pedometer-determined physical activity level. Reciprocity of friendship is an important variable to consider when understanding the relationship between adolescent female friends' physical activity. When friendships are reciprocal, there is a stronger relationship between friends' physical activity.     

Mentale Toughness im Sport

The present article reviews the previous literature on mental toughness in sport. The review demonstrates that qualitative researchers have been able to establish conceptual clarity and provide guidance for operationalizing the concept. As a consequence, several quantitative questionnaires have been developed beyond the Psychological Performance Inventory (PPI). Meanwhile, there is preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of these instruments. Moreover, researchers showed that mental toughness is associated with higher achievement levels or performance outcomes in elite athletes. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, prior research indicated that mentally tough athletes use more positive coping strategies. Although researchers agree that mental toughness is a rather stable construct, experimental research showed that mental skill training influenced mental toughness in a positive fashion. To date, there is a great need for more quantitative, longitudinal and experimental research. Also, a biopsychological approach offers an interesting avenue for future studies.     

Engaging excellence? Effects of faculty quality on university engagement with industry

We investigate how universities’ research quality shapes their engagement with industry. Previous research has predominantly found a positive relationship between academics’ research quality and their commercialization activities. Here we use industry involvement measures that are broader than commercialization and indicate actual collaboration, i.e. collaborative research, contract research and consulting. We hypothesise that the relationship between faculty quality and industry engagement differs across disciplines, depending on complementarities between industrial and academic work, and resource requirements. Using a dataset covering all UK universities, we find that in technology-oriented disciplines, departmental faculty quality is positively related to industry involvement. In the medical and biological sciences we find a positive effect of departmental faculty quality but establish that this does not apply to star scientists. In the social sciences, we find some support for a negative relationship between faculty quality and particularly the more applied forms of industry involvement. The implication for science policy makers and university managers is that differentiated approaches to promoting university-industry relationships are required.     

A Preliminary Examination of Burnout Among Counselor Trainees Treating Clients With Recent Suicidal Ideation and Borderline Traits

Treating suicidal clients with borderline traits can be conducive to burnout. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may assuage this burnout in counselors. As part of a DBT treatment outcome study, 6 counselors in training collected their own salivary cortisol samples and completed self‐report measures of burnout and well‐being for 1 year. Findings indicate a significant interaction for cortisol levels by treatment condition, such that DBT counselors experienced less physiological stress over time relative to a control group of counselors. There were no group differences in self‐reported burnout or well‐being. DBT may have a salutary effect on trainees' physiological stress levels over time.     

Computer-based learning of spelling skills in children with and without dyslexia

Our spelling training software recodes words into multisensory representations comprising visual and auditory codes. These codes represent information about letters and syllables of a word. An enhanced version, developed for this study, contains an additional phonological code and an improved word selection controller relying on a phoneme-based student model. We investigated the spelling behavior of children by means of learning curves based on log-file data of the previous and the enhanced software version. First, we compared the learning progress of children with dyslexia working either with the previous software (n = 28) or the adapted version (n = 37). Second, we investigated the spelling behavior of children with dyslexia (n = 37) and matched children without dyslexia (n = 25). To gain deeper insight into which factors are relevant for acquiring spelling skills, we analyzed the influence of cognitive abilities, such as attention functions and verbal memory skills, on the learning behavior. All investigations of the learning process are based on learning curve analyses of the collected log-file data. The results evidenced that those children with dyslexia benefit significantly from the additional phonological cue and the corresponding phoneme-based student model. Actually, children with dyslexia improve their spelling skills to the same extent as children without dyslexia and were able to memorize phoneme to grapheme correspondence when given the correct support and adequate training. In addition, children with low attention functions benefit from the structured learning environment. Generally, our data showed that memory sources are supportive cognitive functions for acquiring spelling skills and for using the information cues of a multi-modal learning environment.     

Developing Professional Services Staff to Enhance The Student Experience

This article outlines how cultural change was achieved for enhancing the student experience. The engagement and development of staff and a model of partnership is presented that delivered new services and developments. The change is disclosed from a staff development perspective including an examination of differentiation and what makes a good facilitator. The relevance of the facilitator's own continuing professional development is considered before reflecting on the authors’ delivery of a conference workshop in the north west of England to promote the techniques. It is hoped that the reader will critique the approach and embrace elements for their own practice.