Tree counting polynomials for labelled graphs part I: Properties

The properties of special pairs of tree counting polynomials that relate to a class of incomplete graphs and their complements are presented. These polynomial pairs are related by the previously defined binary complementing operation.In contrast with alternative graph representations, they offer the possibility of serving as a convenient signature for the specific configurations.In Part II, a new constructive procedure is presented for deriving these polynomials. It is shown that the new algorithmic approach facilities obtaining the polynomials for cases not readily obtained by use of generic factors of the basic subgraphs.     

An assessment matrix for library makerspaces

The emergence of maker culture has led to an increase of makerspaces across a variety of educational organizations, including public libraries. These makerspaces provide library patrons with new opportunities to learn and create through exploration, creation, and play. However, as the number of library makerspaces grows, so does the need for assessing learning in those same spaces. There is a small amount of research completed on assessing learning of makerspaces in public libraries. The researchers in this study examine patron use of a library makerspace through a theoretical framework based on modern assessment research. Soon after the study began, it was necessary to rethink the original research questions and methods in order to better understand how assessment could be effectively implemented. Findings include determining the scope of library makerspace participants and their assessment needs, potential assessments that can address those needs, and design implications for assessments in library makerspaces.     

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury on Instagram: Examining Hashtag Trends

International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling - We sought to investigate how individuals who upload nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) content on Instagram conceptualize self-injury by...     

Limited Fine Motor and Grasping Skills in 6‐Month‐Old Infants at High Risk for Autism

Atypical motor behaviors are common among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, little is known about onset and functional implications of differences in early motor development among infants later diagnosed with ASD. Two prospective experiments were conducted to investigate motor skills among 6‐month‐olds at increased risk (high risk) for ASD (N₁ = 129; N₂ = 46). Infants were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and during toy play. Across both experiments, high‐risk infants exhibited less mature object manipulation in a highly structured (MSEL) context and reduced grasping activity in an unstructured (free‐play) context than infants with no family history of ASD. Longitudinal assessments suggest that between 6 and 10 months, grasping activity increases in high‐risk infants.     

De-colonising international collaboration: The University of KwaZulu-Natal-Mauritius Institute of Education Cohort PhD programme

This paper explores the setting up of the partnership across the Mauritian and South African higher education contexts with respect to the development of a postgraduate PhD doctoral studies programme. The Mauritian Institute of Education (MIE) aims to develop staffing capacities through engagement with doctoral studies, especially in the context of limited experience in doctoral supervision. The South African model of doctoral cohort supervision at The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Education is a recent alternative model of delivery in the building of these student and staff capacities through shared ownership of the process and products of doctoral education and development. This paper highlights the expectations, constraints and enabling features of the setting up of the UKZN-MIE PhD programme across international boundaries, driven by mutual reciprocity through valuing of indigenous local knowledges, a non-colonising engagement and innovative methodologies for postgraduate education. Adapting the UKZN cohort model for the international context is the subject of this paper. The paper draws on the experiences of the designers and deliverers as well as users of this programme. The paper explores what drives this form of international collaboration for both contracting partners in the context of shifting conceptions of a teacher education institution.     

Step width alters iliotibial band strain during running

This study assessed the effect of step width during running on factors related to iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome. Three-dimensional (3D) kinematics and kinetics were recorded from 15 healthy recreational runners during overground running under various step width conditions (preferred and at least ± 5% of their leg length). Strain and strain rate were estimated from a musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity. Greater ITB strain and strain rate were found in the narrower step width condition (p < 0.001, p = 0.040). ITB strain was significantly (p < 0.001) greater in the narrow condition than the preferred and wide conditions and it was greater in the preferred condition than the wide condition. ITB strain rate was significantly greater in the narrow condition than the wide condition (p = 0.020). Polynomial contrasts revealed a linear increase in both ITB strain and strain rate with decreasing step width. We conclude that relatively small decreases in step width can substantially increase ITB strain as well as strain rates. Increasing step width during running, especially in persons whose running style is characterized by a narrow step width, may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of running-related ITB syndrome.     

Maximum oxygen uptake and body composition of healthy Hong Kong Chinese adult men and women aged 20 – 64 years

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to assess the maximal oxygen uptake and body composition of adult Chinese men and women, and to determine how these variables relate to age. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 196 men and 221 women aged 20 – 64 years. Maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max) was determined by indirect calorimetry during a maximal exercise test on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. The correlations between [Vdot]O_2max and fat mass were ?0.52 in men and ?0.58 in women. Linear regression defined the cross-sectional age-related decline in [Vdot]O_2max as 0.35 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 · year^?1 in men and 0.30 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 · year^?1 in women. Multiple regression analysis showed that more than 50% of this cross-sectional decline in [Vdot]O_2max was due to fat mass, lean mass, and age. Adding fat mass and lean mass to the multiple regression models reduced the age regression mass from 0.35 to 0.24 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 · year^?1 in men and from 0.30 to 0.15 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 · year^?1 in women. We conclude that age, fat mass, and lean mass are independent determinants of maximal oxygen uptake in Chinese adults.     

Ad libitum fluid intakes and thermoregulatory responses of female distance runners in three environments

Ad libitum fluid intakes and thermoregulatory responses were compared in eight female marathon runners during a 30 km treadmill run at individual best marathon race pace (range = 2.45-4.07 m·s -1 ) under three wet bulb globe temperature conditions (25°C, 17°C and 12°C, corresponding to hot, moderate and cool conditions, respectively). Rectal temperature, mean skin temperature and heart rate were recorded at 10 min intervals and expired air was collected every 5 km during exercise. Simulated water stations were also provided at 5 km intervals with voluntary fluid intake being recorded. Blood was drawn before and after exercise for the determination of plasma volume changes and osmolarity. Ad libitum fluid intakes in the hot trial (0.70 - 0.31 l·h -1 ; mean - s) were greater (P? 0.05) than in the cool (0.47 - 0.13 l·h -1 ) but not the moderate (0.54 - 0.26 l·h -1 ) trial. Each volume replaced 63%, 68% and 73% of total sweat losses in each condition, respectively, and kept dehydration below ~3% of body mass. After the initial 30 min of exercise, rectal temperature was maintained well below 39°C for >2 h of continuous running. The results demonstrate that the thermoregulatory responses of female distance runners to exercise in variable, but compensable, weather conditions is well maintained when ad libitum fluid intakes replace approximately 60-70% of sweat losses.     

Checking In

Despite the growing popularity of women's ice hockey in North America, players continue to face limitations because of the prohibition of body checking. In this paper, we argue from a liberal feminist philosophical perspective that this prohibition reinforces existing traditional stereotypes of female athletes. Because the women's game does not incorporate checking, female ice hockey players are not afforded the same opportunity to flourish as men and experience bodily agency, which results in continued male domination of the game, therefore, indirectly reinforcing a gender hierarchy in hockey and society.