7,200 research outputs found
Sport team leadership coaching and captaincy in elite level rugby union football
A wide range of literature exists on coaching but it is concerned predominantly with the high school and college levels, is based upon athlete or coach perceptions, or is confined to observations of training or competition. As leaders of sports teams, coaches and captains have rarely been studied at the highest level of national or international sports competition.
In the present study, the team leadership roles of the coach and captain in elite rugby union football in New Zealand were examined using participant observation and other qualitative research methods. Elite was defined as New Zealand rugbyâs highest internal level of competition: (a) the national provincial championships and (b) international test matches of the national team, the All Blacks.
The study explored the roles of the elite rugby coach and captain in vivo in a wide variety of team situations. It was felt that this could provide first-hand information on particular team leader behaviours, on what a coach and captain actually do, and how they are perceived by those around them. The main objective, however, was to use grounded theory techniques to create a model of elite rugby team leadership that might guide developmental programmes on such leadership.
The research phases undertaken were those of participant observation with a Provincial Team for five matches, a survey of provincial teamsâ coaches and captains on their leadership associated with actual matches, three yearsâ participant observation with the All Blacks (including observation in eight test match weeks), multiple perspectives on elite team leadership from past rugby test players in New Zealand and overseas, and interviews with national team leaders in sports other than rugby.
Participant observation, interviews, questionnaires and document analysis generated data from the research settings. These data were considered in terms of symbolic interactionism and subjected to a grounded theory process. This led to a set of elite rugby team leadership categories and properties which, in turn, generated a comprehensive set of theoretical propositions.
The propositions became the basis for a model of elite rugby team leadership. This model was then considered as the basis for a programme to develop elite rugby team leaders. Significant aspects of the research findings which have not featured in previous research literature included the coachâs vision, team culture, centrality of the game plan, match week build-up, the importance of the captainâs playing example, the coach's ability to utilise teaching precepts, the coachâs personal qualities, and the need to develop and evaluate team leaders. The model, and the developmental programme principles emanating from it, are seen as relevant for developing elite level leaders in team sports other than rugby
Characterising connectivity for fragmented landscapes in support of regional planning and impact assessment
Biodiversity loss resulting from habitat fragmentation and land use change is occurring at an increasing rate globally. Fragmentation can lead to genetic isolation within or between populations, due to loss in connectivity. The issue of ensuring ecological protection of fragmented areas must be addressed. Methods for accurately characterising connectivity within a landscape and integrating the study of connectivity loss into impact assessments is crucial. This thesis addresses this gap. It: (1) investigates the extent of ecological connectivity has been considered as part of infrastructure impact assessments (2) characterises connectivity for landscapes fragmented by agriculture, by considering how fine-scaled vegetation such as scattered trees support connectivity and the implications of ignoring such elements have on land use planning and (3) applies a spatially explicit scenario analysis of alternative road alignments and mitigation options to address common criticisms of the lack of consideration of connectivity in environmental impact assessments.
This work begins by providing a systematic review on the extent of ecological connectivity research in the context of linear infrastructure Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). that the review revealed that there is a lack of consideration of specific locational impacts or design alternatives for reducing harmful impacts to biodiversity, in linear infrastructure EIA. There is also much uncertainty regarding best methods and metrics to quantify and compare between multiple design options, and it is evident that research seldom recommends mitigation measures or their specific locations in environmental impact assessments. It is necessary to develop quantitative approaches for assessing the effects of transport networks on landscape connectivity at large spatial scales. It is shown in this chapter that while such approaches do exist, there are few published instances compared to the global geographic scope and scale of infrastructure projects; consequently, there are few examples from which to draw upon. Overall, the review showed a lack of standardised and efficient procedures to guide EIAs and decision making. The need for such procedures is made imperative by the increases in the number and extent of infrastructure developments, many of which require environmental impact assessments.
Subsequently, an assessment of connectivity within a fragmented landscape dominated by agriculture and pasture was conducted. It demonstrated how fine-scaled vegetation such as scattered trees support connectivity and the implications of ignoring such elements in regional scale land use planning. Modern connectivity modelling techniques rarely consider fine-scale movement patterns associated with movement between fine-scaled structural connectivity features, such as scattered trees, roadside corridors, and small habitat patches. This connectivity assessment mapped scattered trees in an agricultural area where pasture was the predominant human-altered land cover, then used a least-cost path analysis and a graph-theoretic approach to show that by ignoring scattered trees, simulated movement patterns do not match typical movement patterns seen in field research. The work showed that connectivity models that omit fine-scale landscape elements may misrepresent connectivity patterns.
Building on our findings above, we attempted to address common shortcomings of infrastructure EIAs. Construction of roads is one of the leading causes of habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss on a global scale. This study represents the first research to combine both a scenario assessment and an evaluation of mitigation strategies for a road infrastructure project. It applied a spatially explicit connectivity model that considers fine-scale movement patterns, along with scenario analysis of alternative road alignments for a bypass in the Australian town of Beaufort. The wildlife connectivity model used expert-based parameterization of species movement traits and a combination of least-cost pathways, circuit theory, and graph theory to represent five conservation targets with contrasting dispersal abilities and habitat needs. For each of target, impacts of four distinct road alignments were modelled, with mitigation measures and alternatives routes then evaluated to identify the least damaging. The results demonstrated that each conservation target was affected differently, with terrestrial species with greater dispersal distances being the most affected. However, the modelling indicated that one alignment option had least impact overall, and that combining this route with wildlife crossing structures increases connectivity for all conservation targets. This real-world case study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating ecological connectivity modelling with scenario analysis in EIAs using a clear and quantitative manner.
The work presented in this thesis shows how fine-scale movement patterns can be characterised and modelled, and incorporated into EIAs and mitigation proposals for infrastructure development. It shows how specific measures can avoid, minimise, or mitigate adverse effects from infrastructure development, and more broadly to help land managers identify important conservation values that are often ignored. The quantitative assessments and models show how knowledge about dispersal networks, and the availability and distribution of suitable and accessible habitat can be used assess the effects of land use changes on a region's fauna and flora. Different species experience habitat fragmentation in different ways and at different scales, underlining the necessity for species-specific EIAs undertaken at appropriate at spatial scales
Community Radio Broadcasting and Local Governance Participation in Ghana: A Study of Simli Radio in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region.
This research explores the nexus between community radio and local community participation in decentralized local governance in the Ghanaian context. It is based on a case study of the Kumbungu District in the Northern region. Ghana has implemented a local government programme under its decentralised reforms since 1988, and this was primarily aimed at stimulating the active participation of ordinary citizens in the affairs of governance and in development intervention at the local community level, yet the available evidence highlights poor community participation in district level government business. Community radio has long been established as a communication tool that amplifies marginalised voices in democratic societies that are relative to identity formation and community development. However, there are very few academic discussions that explore the contribution of community radio in addressing the concerns relating to poor local community participation in decentralized local governance in Ghana.
Employing qualitative research approaches for the data collection, a key question that this research addresses is how, and why, poor local community participation and weaknesses in local accountability in the countryâs decentralised reforms are linked to an inadequate flow of communication and the lack of legitimate mechanisms with which to amplify the voices of ordinary members of the community. Additionally, this research explores the question of how CR is addressing the failure of existing communication systems in the local government structures to facilitate active citizengovernment dialogue and a synergy that strengthens the articulation of community voices and enhances the responsiveness of local government policies and initiatives.
The study found that the poor community participation in local governance is due to the failure of the local assembly to incorporate into their mobilisation strategies and administrative structures effective, credible and trustworthy communication systems that guarantee the best interests of the local people. The research established that the concerns relating to low community participation in local government activities in Ghana is linked to the lack of access to local government information, as the civic education campaigns of district assemblies fail to address key factors that undermine local community participation in local governance.
In the particular case of Simli Radio, the research found that the station encourages creative expressions and contributes to democratic processes at the local level through participatory programming, open access to its facilities and the stimulation of the local communityâs sense of identity and ownership of the station, thus enabling the local community to contribute to issues that affect their daily political and socioeconomic lives. Simli Radioâs open access allows local people to focus on local issues, giving voice to groups and individuals who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to express their views, to hold local authority leaders accountable and to act in the best interests of the local community
Development of Sustainable Asphalt Mix Solution for use in Approach Intersection Pavements in Southern Ontario
Due to the continuous rise in heavy truck traffic and the impacts of climate change, York Region is facing premature pavement failure at many of its heavy truck traffic intersections, primarily in the form of deformation or rutting. This implies that the pavement materials commonly used in the York Region for heavy truck traffic volume intersections may not meet desired resilience. As a result, the York Region selected six approach intersections for examination to assess their in-service performance and determine any need for material improvement. The findings from the field investigation revealed that rutting damage was only present in the asphalt surface layer, suggesting that the pavement structures were structurally sound, and the rutting was possibly caused by inadequate asphalt mix stability. In addition, three (3) currently specified plant-produced asphalt surface mixes by York Region were investigated to evaluate their rutting resistance: HMA-SP12.5 FC1 PG64-28, HMA-SP12.5 FC1 PG70-28, and WMA-SP12.5 FC2 PG70-28. The research used HWTT, Flow Number, IDEAL-RT, and a modified Uniaxial Shear Tester. Although the WMA-SP12.5 FC2 provided the best results, the conclusion was that the current asphalt mixes are not suitable for intersections with high traffic volume due to inadequate rutting resistance. The results from both field investigation and laboratory tests on plant-produced asphalt surface mixes indicated that relying solely on volumetric design may not fully reflect the mix's performance under heavy traffic. It is advised to incorporate performance testing in the design stage for a more comprehensive understanding of the mix's rutting resistance and desired reliability.
The intend of this research was to propose a sustainable asphalt surface mix for the heavy truck traffic approach intersections in Southern Ontario, aimed at improving its resilience to rutting and cracking through performance testing. Therefore, a total of seven lab-produced asphalt surface mixes including six SMA and one EME asphalt mixes were investigated. The SMA mixes were produced by using two Nominal Maximum Aggregate Sizes (NMAS), 9.5mm and 12.5mm, and three polymer-modified asphalt binders, namely PG70-28, PG76-28, and PG82-28. The EME mix was produced with a 12.5mm NMAS and PG82-28 asphalt binder. In addition, HWTT, IDEAL-RT, Flow Number, and Dynamic Modulus tests were conducted to evaluate the shear resistance of asphalt mixes. Moreover, I-FIT and IDEAL-CT tests were applied to determine the intermediate temperature cracking resistance. While the DC(T) test was employed to evaluate the low-temperature cracking resistance. Furthermore, BPT and TSR tests were conducted to investigate the friction and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixes, respectively.
To establish performance specifications for evaluating the resistance of asphalt surface mixes to rutting and cracking at approach intersections with high truck volume in Southern Ontario, the results of the HWTT, IDEAL-CT, I-FIT, and DC(T) tests on seven proposed heavy-duty asphalt mixes were analyzed. The proposed preliminary specifications stated that the HWTT test should be performed at a temperature of 58°C and with 40,000 wheel-track passes. Furthermore, it was suggested that the rut depth acceptance threshold be reduced from 12.5mm to 6mm to address safety concerns at approach intersections. Based on the study data, a pre-determined threshold DC(T) fracture energy value of 900 J/m2 can be used. Additionally, it was recommended that the Flexibility Index (FI) value be set at 20 and the CT Index value at 500 for the heavy-duty asphalt mixes. The overall ranking based on the results of the HWTT, I-FIT, DC(T), and IDEAL-CT tests indicated that the best performing lab-produced asphalt mix was SMA12.5-PG76-28. The results of the life cycle analysis demonstrated a substantial increase in the service life of the pavement, leading to both material and cost savings when using the SMA12.5-PG76-28 asphalt mix in comparison to a currently specified asphalt mix in the York Region
Comedians without a Cause: The Politics and Aesthetics of Humour in Dutch Cabaret (1966-2020)
Comedians play an important role in society and public debate. While comedians have been considered important cultural critics for quite some time, comedy has acquired a new social and political significance in recent years, with humour taking centre stage in political and social debates around issues of identity, social justice, and freedom of speech. To understand the shifting meanings and political implications of humour within a Dutch context, this PhD thesis examines the political and aesthetic workings of humour in the highly popular Dutch cabaret genre, focusing on cabaret performances from the 1960s to the present. The central questions of the thesis are: how do comedians use humour to deliver social critique, and how does their humour resonate with political ideologies? These questions are answered by adopting a cultural studies approach to humour, which is used to analyse Dutch cabaret performances, and by studying related materials such as reviews and media interviews with comedians. This thesis shows that, from the 1960s onwards, Dutch comedians have been considered âprogressive rebelsâ â politically engaged, subversive, and carrying a left-wing political agenda â but that this image is in need of correction. While we tend to look for progressive political messages in the work of comedians who present themselves as being anti-establishment rebels â such as Youp van ât Hek, Hans Teeuwen, and Theo Maassen â this thesis demonstrates that their transgressive and provocative humour tends to protect social hierarchies and relationships of power. Moreover, it shows that, paradoxically, both the deliberately moderate and nuanced humour of Wim Kan and Claudia de Breij, and the seemingly past-oriented nostalgia of Alex Klaasen, are more radical and progressive than the transgressive humour of van ât Hek, Teeuwen and Maassen. Finally, comedians who present absurdist or deconstructionist forms of humour, such as the early student cabarets, Freek de Jonge, and Micha Wertheim, tend to disassociate themselves from an explicit political engagement. By challenging the dominant image of the Dutch comedian as a âprogressive rebel,â this thesis contributes to a better understanding of humour in the present cultural moment, in which humour is often either not taken seriously, or one-sidedly celebrated as being merely pleasurable, innocent, or progressively liberating. In so doing, this thesis concludes, the âdarkâ and more conservative sides of humour tend to get obscured
Strategies for Early Learners
Welcome to learning about how to effectively plan curriculum for young children. This textbook will address: ⢠Developing curriculum through the planning cycle ⢠Theories that inform what we know about how children learn and the best ways for teachers to support learning ⢠The three components of developmentally appropriate practice ⢠Importance and value of play and intentional teaching ⢠Different models of curriculum ⢠Process of lesson planning (documenting planned experiences for children) ⢠Physical, temporal, and social environments that set the stage for childrenâs learning ⢠Appropriate guidance techniques to support childrenâs behaviors as the self-regulation abilities mature. ⢠Planning for preschool-aged children in specific domains including o Physical development o Language and literacy o Math o Science o Creative (the visual and performing arts) o Diversity (social science and history) o Health and safety ⢠Making childrenâs learning visible through documentation and assessmenthttps://scholar.utc.edu/open-textbooks/1001/thumbnail.jp
Trends and Prospects in Geotechnics
The Special Issue book presents some works considered innovative in the field of geotechnics and whose practical application may occur in the near future. This collection of twelve papers, in addition to their scientific merit, addresses some of the current and future challenges in geotechnics. The published papers cover a wide range of emerging topics with a specific focus on the research, design, construction, and performance of geotechnical works. These works are expected to inspire the development of geotechnics, contributing to the future construction of more resilient and sustainable geotechnical structures
Convergence of Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems
This book is a collection of published articles from the Sensors Special Issue on "Convergence of Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems". It includes extended versions of the conference contributions from the 10th IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems: Technology and Applications (IDAACSâ2019), Metz, France, as well as external contributions
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