Hand-motion Analysis for Development of Double-unders Skill

Double-unders is one of interesting physical skills combining multiple primitive motions of different frequencies. This paper discusses an analyzing method of trajectory on hand-motion in double-unders. It also tackles to design an environment for the staged learning in acquisition process of the skill. We focus on the radius of motion-trajectory of the hand and spatial positions of moving hand. We measure some parameters relating to the hand-motions, and observe relative hand positions to the body. Then, we observe the difference of them between persons who have acquired the skill and others who have not acquired the skill yet. As a result, it has clarified that our proposal relating to the hand-motions is not irrelevant to success or failure of double-unders

Learning to Jump Like Corbin Bleu: The Physics Behind Jump Rope

This project seeks to determine how engineering can be applied to the sport of jump rope so that athletes may better understand the science behind the sport and apply it to improve their performance in “speed jumping.” This style of jump rope consists of a jumper alternating their feet, with the rope passing under them with each step. Several types of ropes, handles, rope lengths, and widths between a jumper’s handles were tested to determine correlations between each variable and different STEM concept. These findings were then transitioned into a lesson plan so that both the jumpers and coaches could better understand the connections between STEM and their sport in a way that would be useful to them. Additionally, this lesson draws from teaching standards to supply an incentive for teachers to incorporate into their classrooms. This project is especially valuable since the majority of jumpers are female and women are still underrepresented in many STEM disciplines. Similarly, several initiatives from national organizations, such as the Department of Defense and National Science Foundation, have been created to involve women in STEM which further emphasizes the need for women in STEM. Overall, this project will give jumpers the opportunity to consider the field through the context of one of their existing passions and encourage their participation in STEM

Exploring the effects of traditional and expert-derived attentional focus cue structures on complex skill learning

Instructions that direct attention externally have been shown to enhance motor performance. However, research on learning effects has produced mixed findings, particularly in skilled populations, and particularly when realistic instructional protocols have been used. Most studies have presented an overly simplistic view of attention, such that all-internal focus protocols are contrasted with all-external focus protocols. Expert performers, however, have reported adopting combined approaches, revealing the need for research to test more realistic instructions. The current project was a two-part study designed to investigate the effects of realistic focus instructions on performance and learning. Study 1 was an exploratory study of expert jump rope athletes’ attentional strategies during the learning process. Results showed that experts focused on a wide range of cues related to control of the upper limbs and the rope as well as the movements of the lower body. Most cues were internal or non-distinguishable (i.e., neither clearly internal nor clearly external) and were often used in the context of stated externally-focused goals. Study 2 provided an experimental test of focus instructions modeled after experts’ foci. Four groups of near-expert jump rope athletes practiced new skills under various instructions. The internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF) groups were given traditional internal and external focus instructions, respectively. The expert modeled (EM) group was given instructions that were based on experts’ reported focus strategies. The expert modeled-autonomous (EM-A) group was given the expert modeled instructional set but was allowed to choose how they used the instructions. All groups completed a baseline assessment, four practice sessions, and a learning assessment. Results of a chi-square test of independence revealed no relationship between group assignment and performance during baseline or practice. There was a significant relationship between group assignment and performance during the learning assessment (p \u3c .05). Specifically, the IF group performed worse than expected while the EM group performed better than expected. Findings support previous research showing internal focus learning detriments compared to external focus conditions and also provide new insight into the advantages of using instructional approaches modeled after experts’ strategies. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed

Machine Learning Solutions for Biomedical Applications

This dissertation proposes three novel Bayesian modeling techniques to addresses the challenges arising from the complex, underlying features of biomedical data. These models are motivated by three different biomedical studies. The first is an analysis of data collected from six efficacy and safety clinical trials of buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder. The focus of this study is to overcome the problem of non-adherence by trial participants that, if left unaccounted for, obscures the true effect of buprenorphine on illicit opioid use. The second study is the assessment of hemodialysis cannulation skill through the use of a sensor-based simulator that provides objective metrics quantifying various facets of cannulation skill. The main objective of this study is to identify salient features from a high-dimensional feature space that influence multiple cannulation outcomes that are highly correlated, both implicitly and by design, while also addressing the presence of multicollinearity within the feature space. The third and final study focuses on modeling an individual’s probability of disease from data collected on pooled specimens. The primary barrier of this study is measurement error: the individual disease statuses are likely to be obscured by the group testing protocol and the testing responses (on pools and individuals) are subject to misclassification due to imperfect testing. The key objective of this study is to develop a flexible model that can account for imperfect testing and can be used to analyze data arising from any group testing protocol. A key attribute of the proposed modeling techniques is that they scale easily to extremely large data sets. The scalability of the modeling strategies discussed here is accomplished by introducing carefully constructed latent random variables to develop Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling algorithms that consist primarily of Gibbs steps. This results in efficient computation of posterior estimates, especially in large data scenarios

Trends and models of Media literacy in Europe : between digital competence and critical understanding

This research focuses on models and strategies the EU has developed over the last decade in order to deal with these new and changing conditions. This is an important fact due to these strategies also have guided the actions of the European Union in promoting digital and media literacy. In order to understand how it has got to the current position in Europe, we identify and describe the models of literacy (digital and its gradual transformation in media literacy) that have emerged along more than a decade.El presente artículo se centra en el estudio y análisis de los diferentes modelos y estrategias que la Unión Europea (UE) ha desarrollado en la última década con el objetivo de adaptarse a la nueva y cambiante coyuntura comunicativa y social. Con el objetivo de establecer cómo la UE se ha adaptado a este nuevo panorama, se identifican y describen los principales modelos de alfabetización (desde la digital hasta la mediática) aplicados en los últimos diez años

Optimisation of a moving platform vehicle simulator for vehicle handling experiments

This thesis discusses the optimisation of motion platform simulators and was motivated by Loughborough University's acquisition of a low cost six strut moving platform vehicle simulator. Historically, we see that automotive vehicle simulators are more generally used for human factors experiments that examine driver behaviour during low severity manoeuvres or short events e.g. obstacle avoidance. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the potential for the simulator to be used for vehicle handling experiments where the vehicle is free to explore the limits of the vehicle for sustained periods of time. This research has a significant emphasis on vehicle handling models. In particular, we examine data acquisition systems and testing methods before investigating potential optimisation and identification techniques for estimating vehicle model parameters that have the potential to be implemented on the simulator. Here we examine the possibility of producing high quality vehicle models within a short space of time with a view to rapid identification of different types of vehicle directly from vehicle testing. This includes the data acquisition process and addresses the significance of the sensors and equipment used to measure the vehicle states and the importance of the recorded vehicle manoeuvres and test track characteristics. The second phase was carried out once the simulator was installed and functional. Clearly, the simulator is a piece of experimental equipment and as with any engineering experiment, the equipment should be well understood. Consequently, the accuracy to which it adheres to the real world, i.e. its fidelity, is assessed by investigating the simulators capabilities and limitations and is achieved by analysing the raw performance of the motion platform and conducting driver-in-the-Ioop experiments; this work proves valuable as it is used to optimise how the motion platform responds to vehicle dynamics and provides the motivation behind conducting a driver-in-the-Ioop handling experiment for the final section of this thesis. Here, the simulators potential to be used as a tool to assess race car driver skill is investigated. After conducting various tests in the simulated and real world, the correlation between the subjects simulated and real world performances are used to critically assess the simulators performance and draw conclusions concerning its future potential for handling based research. This thesis shows it possible to use an Inertial GPS Navigation System for capturing vehicle data to good effect and describes how a comprehensive set of new vehicle dynamics measurements can be collected and used for model tuning and optimisation within a relatively short space of time (approximately one day). The work presents substantial evidence that shows how dominant the influence of steer ratio and toe compliance is on the accuracy of the handling models and that they are a likely source of modelling errors. The importance of vehicle slip angle measurement is a particular point if of interest and is examined concurrently with the driving manoeuvres, where some guidelines for test methodology and data collection are established. A novel identification process is also presented with the Identifying Extended KaIman Filter. It has been shown possible to identify separate front and rear tyre models as well as a single tyre model. The thesis also describes the relative importance of motion for vehicle simulators that are to be used for handling based experiments. It appears more valuable to emulate only those vehicle motions that are within the platforms capabilities and limitations in a quest for quality over quantity. Finally, this work demonstrates the simulators potential to be used as tool to evaluate race car driver skill, which also fundamentally assesses the fidelity of the simulator. This is achieved by examining the correlation between a simulated and real world experiment, where we see a positive correlation which indicates high fidelity. Further analysis shows the importance that adequate driver training is being administered before beginning experimentation

Feasibility of large scale implementation of the component approach for assessment of fundamental motor skills in grades K-3

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using Roberton and Halverson's component approach to assess the developmental sequences of the hop and skip in an actual K-3 public school situation. More specifically, the study examined the implementation procedures involving objectivity training, videotaping, and coding along with parental reactions to developmental information. Subjects were 206 male and female students in grades K-3 in one school. The coders were two physical education practitioners from the same school. Subjects were videotaped performing two skills: hop and skip

Greco-Roman Wrestling: Moves, Counters and Drills with a 16mm Instructional Film Suppliment

The purpose of this study was to develop an Instructional 16 mm color film on Greco-Roman wrestling moves, counters, and drills which would benefit those on all levels interested in the use of upperbody wrestling techniques. To achieve this objective it was necessary to determine the moves, counters and drills which are most successfully used in Greco-Roman wrestling. This was accomplished by means of a questionnaire and by personal interviews with nationally and internationally known coaches and competitors. The results of the questionnaires and interviews formed the basis for the 16 mm color film and for the explanations used to explain the illustrations used in the Instructional film. Major emphasis was placed toward the high school, college and international levels. Several other purposes will also be served, for example, it is possible through this study to determine where national and international competitors learned their Greco-Roman wrestling, and the actual amount of upperbody wrestling taught at the high school and college levels. The coaches and competitors contacted also suggested the moves, counters and drills which they recommend to be taught at these levels