63,847 research outputs found
Over egging the pudding? Comments on Ojala and Thorpe
In a recent paper in ISCJ, Ojala and Thorpe offered a culturally based observation that questions the role and application of coaching in action sports. Their critique is focused on the action sport of snowboarding which, despite its’ comparatively recent inclusion in the Olympics, retains a different, almost collaborative rather than competitive culture more akin to other action sports such as skateboarding and surfing. Ojala and Thorpe then present Problem Based Learning (PBL) as the solution to many of these perceived ills, describing the positive characteristics of the approach and promoting its cultural fit with action sport environments and performers. In this paper we offer a different perspective, which questions the veracity of the data presented and the unquestioningly positive view of PBL as the answer. Our alternative, data-driven perspective suggests that action sport athletes are increasingly positive, or even desirous of good coaching, of which PBL is a possible approach; suitable for some athletes some of the time
Improving the performance of swift-water rescue quick release harnesses
This paper considered the effectiveness of empathic design modifications to quick release harness design. It was found that the critical element in effecting a rapid and efficient release was the tape length distal to the buckle/back-bar components. We have concluded that the length of tape pulled through the buckle and the loading of the buckle/ tri-glide are critical to ensure an effective release. Physical separation of tape and buckle mechanism when the harness is released is crucial to the effective release. We then considered the problems this may pose in multiple user situations such as ‘call out’ teams or training use and we propose that the adaptation utilised in the research harness to facilitate testing may provide a simple and low cost solution to the multiple user problem allowing easy adjustment of the harness to ensure the separation of buckle and tape on release. We conclude by outlining the design adaptations and recommendations for the training and use of the quick release harness and make recommendations for the training of QRH use
2Planning for Contingencies: A Decision-based Approach
A fundamental assumption made by classical AI planners is that there is no
uncertainty in the world: the planner has full knowledge of the conditions
under which the plan will be executed and the outcome of every action is fully
predictable. These planners cannot therefore construct contingency plans, i.e.,
plans in which different actions are performed in different circumstances. In
this paper we discuss some issues that arise in the representation and
construction of contingency plans and describe Cassandra, a partial-order
contingency planner. Cassandra uses explicit decision-steps that enable the
agent executing the plan to decide which plan branch to follow. The
decision-steps in a plan result in subgoals to acquire knowledge, which are
planned for in the same way as any other subgoals. Cassandra thus distinguishes
the process of gathering information from the process of making decisions. The
explicit representation of decisions in Cassandra allows a coherent approach to
the problems of contingent planning, and provides a solid base for extensions
such as the use of different decision-making procedures.Comment: See http://www.jair.org/ for any accompanying file
Experimental review of diffractive phenomena
A review is given of the measurements of the hard diffractive interactions in
recent years from two high-energy colliders, the HERA collider and the
Tevatron collider. The structure of the diffractive exchange in
terms of partons, the factorisation properties and the ratio of diffractive to
non-diffractive cross sections are discussed.Comment: Contribution to the proceedings of BARYONS 2004. LaTeX 10 page
Rite of Passage: Young Adults and the Affordable Care Act of 2010
Provides an annual update on the insurance status of young adults age 19 to 29. Explains provisions in the 2010 healthcare reform that will expand coverage, including allowing children to remain on parents' plans up to age 26 and expanding Medicaid
Realizing Health Reform's Potential: Young Adults and the Affordable Care Act of 2010
Outlines the 2010 healthcare reform provisions that will benefit young adults, including expanded eligibility for dependent coverage and Medicaid, new preexisting condition insurance plans, and premium subsidies. Estimates effects on coverage rates
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