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Statistical tests for sports science practitioners: identifying performance gains in individual athletes
Get PDFThere is an ongoing surge of sports science professionals within sports organizations. However, when seeking to determine training-related adaptations, sports scientists have demonstrated continued reliance on group-style statistical analyses that are held to critical assumptions not achievable in smaller-sample team settings. There is justification that these team settings are better suited for replicated single-subject analyses, but there is a dearth of literature to guide sports science professionals seeking methods appropriate for their teams. In this report, we summarize four methods’ ability to detect performance adaptations at the replicated single-subject level and provide our assessment for the ideal methods. These methods included the model statistic, smallest worthwhile change (SWC), coefficient of variation (CV), and standard error of measurement (SEM), which were discussed alongside step-by-step guides for how to conduct each test. To contextualize the methods’ use in practice, real countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) test data was used from four athletes (two females and two males) who complete five bi-weekly CMJ test sessions. Each athlete was competing in basketball at the NCAA Division 1 level. We concluded the combined application of the model statistic and CV methods should be preferred when seeking to objectively detect meaningful training adaptations in individual athletes. This combined approach ensures that the differences between tests are A) not random and B) reflect a worthwhile change. Ultimately, the use of simple and effective methods that are not restricted by group-based statistical assumptions can aid practitioners when conducting performance tests to determine athlete adaptations
The message of the book of Nehemiah reconsidered: a postcolonial assessment of the portrait and work of Nehemiah
No full textThe realisation of two main approaches to the person and work of Nehemiah, which I have named the Heroic View of Nehemiah (HVN) and the Critical View of Nehemiah (CVN), has prompted the research culminating in this thesis. Both views consider history (exile and its consequences), prophecy (the promise of restoration) and the Torah (the condition for the restoration). The HVN scholars see the man Nehemiah as YHWH’s servant, successfully working for the postexilic restoration, and thus credited for the successful rebuilding of the wall and the socio-economic and religious reforms, and so consider him an example of leadership to emulate in Bible-based faith communities. However, the CVN scholars see a misunderstanding and misapplication of the Torah and prophecy in the book. They blame Nehemiah as a failed reformer and, thus, an example not to emulate. In such a context, this thesis aims to understand what story the book of Nehemiah tells by assessing, from a postcolonial perspective, Nehemiah’s portrait and work (the wall project, the socio-economic reforms, the expulsion of foreigners and the religious reforms). The thesis suggests that the book is not about Nehemiah, the rebuilding or the reforms, as generally held by both HVN and CVN scholarship, but about the people’s misery and reproach and attempts at resolution (through the wall project and the reforms) under Nehemiah. If so, the portrait and work of Nehemiah entails both successes and failures, all of which are linked to Nehemiah’s hybridity – as he is portrayed as embodying both religious and imperial political powers and thus serving both YHWH and the Persian Empire. As the empire’s appointed representative, Nehemiah had the authority to conduct the reforms he envisioned for Yehud. On the other hand, however, this position would not allow Nehemiah’s reforms to free the Judeans from imperial systems of exploitation of the powerless. Therefore, Nehemiah’s efforts left the Judeans in continuous multiform misery and reproach, which might have instigated the people’s relapse from keeping the covenant in Neh 13
Performance | Process | Politics
Get PDFFor this short provocation, I share some of the threads and questions that I am currently exploring in a book project with the working title Politics of Process in Performance. In the context of this roundtable provocation, I wonder whether and how the wider field of performance – as a field of practice, its related discourses and research agendas in the academic context – might be thought of and approached as a form of collective resistance, in the sense of challenging existing hierarchies and inequalities that permeate societal structures, as well as academic conventions. What role and relevance does performance hold today, when we are confronted with a multiplicity of complex and pressing challenges that concern the wellbeing and survival of many due to the climate emergency, unfolding conflicts and wars, amidst rising inequalities? What can performance do in all this, and how might we harness its potential to contribute to enacting constructive change, in the sense of working towards more equitable and sustainable futures
The global biodiversity challenge
Get PDFA section for the Interfaces issue: The Biodiversity Crisis - Planning for Nature Recovery
Fostering effective governance through intragovernmental networks: a case of a justice, crime prevention and security cluster network
Get PDFSouth Africa’s crime challenge remains despite substantial public sector efforts. As wicked problems, including crime, often transcend the conventional capacities of public authorities to address them effectively, the primary aim of this research was to uncover the underlying dimensions that contribute to the effective functioning of an intragovernmental collaboration network. This research adopted a case study approach to delve into the structure and efficacy of the South African Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster. The chosen methodology and insider access to senior management produced rich descriptions not previously available to offer a conceptual understanding of balances and trade-offs required during a mandated and directed collaboration. Findings offer enhanced understanding, contributing to overcoming traditional barriers in public administration networks and reforming traditional hierarchical structures to offer meaningful governance alternatives or improvements to existing structures. Specifically, this study reveals gaps in the intragovernmental network and offers insights for governance and performance enhancements. Findings emphasize the importance of fostering a collaborative culture based on performance and accountability. The study underscores the need for more robust network directives, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and enhancing leadership attributes. It stresses the importance of efficient coordination, collaborative capability, and shared purpose. The study also suggests cluster-oriented budgeting and greater involvement of key stakeholders, including civil societies, research institutions, and academic establishments. These findings contribute to improving government-led networks in addressing complex challenges
‘A gem in the water’: a contribution to contemporary Pentecostal theology on Baptism of the Holy Spirit from a study of Willis Hoover’s Chilean Methodist Pentecostalism
Get PDFThis thesis defines and categorises the theology of Willis Hoover, with particular emphasis on his understanding of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and his theological transition from sanctification Methodism through an initial Azusa-style Pentecostalism to his eventual Methodist Pentecostal position. This theological transition, hitherto only partially explored and explained, was germinal to Chilean Pentecostalism and uniquely conducive to fomenting and enabling the spread and influential growth of the revival, pioneer to Latin America, which began under his pastorate in Valparaiso in 1909.
The study moves through, examines, and analyses four historical stages of Hoover’s encounter with Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Seeking, Receiving, Developing, and Administering, between 1895 (arrival in Chile) and 1936 (Hoover’s death). The demarcation of these four historical stages are related chronologically, and explains how Hoover developed his uniquely Chilean theology on the Pentecostal Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Founded on his Methodist inheritance, he was influenced by Pentecostalism, particularly from Mukti, India, the Stone church in Chicago, and the Azusa Street Revival.
From this Methodist Pentecostal pneumatological base, examined with theological and historical hermeneutic methodology (especially Bernardo Campos’ principle of Pentecostality), the study will also offer a proposed solution to the problems related to Hoover’s subsequentialist Pentecostal teaching. In so doing, it proposes an emphasis on a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and formulates a pneumatological theory of ‘Pneuma plasticity’. The thesis seeks to discover how this Hooverian transition could open and contribute to a valuable missional and ecumenical conversation concerning the Pentecostal phenomenon in Chile and beyond
Does technology distract Generation Z? The effect of technology distraction on consumers’ responses, sensory overload, and discomfort
Get PDFDrawing on social cognitive theory, this study examines the effects of technology distraction on consumers’ responses, sensory overload, and discomfort. Its three objectives are: (i) to explore the effects of technology distraction on three types of consumer responses, i.e. cognitive, affective, and behavioural responses; (ii) to explore the effects of technology distraction on sensory overload; and (iii) to explore the effects of technology distraction on discomfort. To achieve these objectives, two qualitative studies were carried out. In Study 1, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of Generation Z in London, UK. Its purpose was to devise a model based on the objectives. In Study 2, 12 practitioners and academics specialising in technology-related disciplines were consulted to explore the practical utility of the model. Thematic analysis by means of NVivo 12 was carried out. The findings confirm all the objectives were achieved based on social cognitive theory, with a few additional suggestions collected from Study 2. The main implications for researchers and technology firms are provided, along with the study’s limitations and possibilities for future research
How to hit a golf ball farther, according to research; these are the physical attributes that can make a big difference—and those that won't
No full textGolfers are constantly trying all sorts of things to improve their golf game. For example, they try new clubs, new grips, new stance, and even new attitudes. But they often ignore the one thing that is most effective – physical training, which can help them hit the ball farther. What’s more, even if they do concentrate on physical training, they may be missing the specific types of training that research has shown to be most effective. My colleagues and I have examined which physical attributes are most related to driving distance, and uncovered the ones that are likely to make the biggest difference in terms of hitting a golf ball farther – and the ones that probably won’t help much at all
With a Biochecker, you'll never be ill again
No full text'With a Biochecker, You'll Never Be Ill Again' is a sci fi short story by A J Dalton. It tells the story of a medical scanner installed in the home of Tony Modesh - a machine that issues him with medication every morning to prevent him ever being ill. It appeared in the Feb 2024 Worlds Of IF magazine (Vol.1, No.1, issue 177). In the same issue, there was a Robert Silverberg short story and also four sci fi poems (speculative poetry) by A J Dalton
Validating and identifying KPIs in ATP/WTA hard court tennis match play (2019–2023) using the PWOL method
Get PDFThe study provided further validity for the use of the PWOL (percentage of matches which the winner outscored the loser) method within elite hard-court tennis. Over half of the ATP/WTA competitive calendar (January-March and August-November) is played on hard courts so is an important progression. Data from 810 men's and 586 women's hard-court matches across Grand Slams and ATP/WTA World Tours (i.e. Masters, 500s and 250s) between 2019 and 2023 was used for analysis. PWOL was validated alongside two traditionally used statistical methods (paired t-test, point-biserial correlation). Very high agreement between all approaches was shown using Spearman's correlation analysis for both men and women (>0.97). The study further identified the indicators most related to winning performance, identifying baseline points won, first serve points won, points won of 0-4 rally length and Winners:UE Ratio to be most strongly associated with success, whilst forced errors were most associated with losing. Ball three indicators lacked association with match outcome, suggesting any major focus training ‘one-two punches’ on serve should be approached with caution. PWOL has proven to be a valid method for assessing success in elite hard-court tennis (offering potential for wider sports application) to ultimately aid coach decision-making