The Performance Effect of Centralizing a Nation’s Elite Swim Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sian V. Allen ◽  
Tom J. Vandenbogaerde ◽  
Will G. Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Mixed Linear Model ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Performance Effect ◽  
Important Improvement ◽  
Performance Trends ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
Long Course

Many national sporting organizations recruit talented athletes to well-resourced centralized training squads to improve their performance.Purpose: To develop a method to monitor performance progression of swimming squads and to use this method to assess the progression of New Zealand’s centralized elite swimming squad.Methods: Best annual long-course competition times of all New Zealand swimmers with at least 3 y of performances in an event between 2002 and 2013 were downloaded from takeyourmarks.com (~281,000 times from ~8500 swimmers). A mixed linear model accounting for event, age, club, year, and elite-squad membership produced estimates of mean annual performance for 175 swim clubs and mean estimates of the deviation of swimmers’ performances from their individual quadratic trajectories after they joined the elite squad. Effects were evaluated using magnitude-based inferences, with a smallest important improvement in swim time of –0.24%.Results: Before 2009, effects of elite-squad membership were mostly unclear and trivial to small in magnitude. Thereafter, both sexes showed clear additional performance enhancements, increasing from large in 2009 (males –1.4% ± 0.8%, females –1.5% ± 0.8%; mean ± 90% confidence limits) to extremely large in 2013 (males –6.8% ± 1.7%, females –9.8% ± 2.9%). Some clubs also showed clear performance trends during the 11-y period.Conclusions: Our method of quantifying deviations from individual trends in competition performance with a mixed model showed that Swimming New Zealand’s centralization strategy took several years to produce substantial performance effects. The method may also be useful for evaluating performance-enhancement strategies introduced at national or club level in other sports.

scholarly journals Wheelchair Mobility Performance Enhancement by Changing Wheelchair Properties: What Is the Effect of Grip, Seat Height, and Mass?

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1050-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rienk M.A. van der Slikke ◽  
Annemarie M.H. de Witte ◽  
Monique A.M. Berger ◽  
Daan J.J. Bregman ◽  
Dirk Jan H.E.J. Veeger
Keyword(s):  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Wheelchair Basketball ◽  
Additional Mass ◽  
Seat Height ◽  
Performance Effect ◽  
Mobility Performance ◽  
Sport Practice ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
Low Mass

Purpose: To provide insight on the effect of wheelchair settings on wheelchair mobility performance (WMP). Methods: Twenty elite wheelchair basketball athletes of low (n = 10) and high classification (n = 10) were tested in a wheelchair-basketball-directed field test. Athletes performed the test in their own wheelchairs, which were modified for 5 additional conditions regarding seat height (high–low), mass (central–distributed), and grip. The previously developed inertial-sensor-based WMP monitor was used to extract wheelchair kinematics in all conditions. Results: Adding mass showed most effect on WMP, with a reduced average acceleration across all activities. Once distributed, additional mass also reduced maximal rotational speed and rotational acceleration. Elevating seat height had an effect on several performance aspects in sprinting and turning, whereas lowering seat height influenced performance minimally. Increased rim grip did not alter performance. No differences in response were evident between low- and high-classified athletes. Conclusions: The WMP monitor showed sensitivity to detect performance differences due to the small changes in wheelchair configuration. Distributed additional mass had the most effect on WMP, whereas additional grip had the least effect of conditions tested. Performance effects appear similar for both low- and high-classified athletes. Athletes, coaches, and wheelchair experts are provided with insight into the performance effect of key wheelchair settings, and they are offered a proven sensitive method to apply in sport practice, in their search for the best wheelchair–athlete combination.

The Influence of Training Phase on Error of Measurement in Jump Performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie-Lee Taylor ◽  
Will G. Hopkins ◽  
Dale W. Chapman ◽  
John B. Cronin
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Training Phase ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Random Factor ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Mean Error ◽  
Overload Training ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Error Of Measurement

The purpose of this study was to calculate the coefficients of variation in jump performance for individual participants in multiple trials over time to determine the extent to which there are real differences in the error of measurement between participants. The effect of training phase on measurement error was also investigated. Six subjects participated in a resistance-training intervention for 12 wk with mean power from a countermovement jump measured 6 d/wk. Using a mixed-model meta-analysis, differences between subjects, within-subject changes between training phases, and the mean error values during different phases of training were examined. Small, substantial factor differences of 1.11 were observed between subjects; however, the finding was unclear based on the width of the confidence limits. The mean error was clearly higher during overload training than baseline training, by a factor of ×/÷ 1.3 (confidence limits 1.0–1.6). The random factor representing the interaction between subjects and training phases revealed further substantial differences of ×/÷ 1.2 (1.1–1.3), indicating that on average, the error of measurement in some subjects changes more than in others when overload training is introduced. The results from this study provide the first indication that within-subject variability in performance is substantially different between training phases and, possibly, different between individuals. The implications of these findings for monitoring individuals and estimating sample size are discussed.

scholarly journals Spinoffs’ alliance network growth beyond parental ties: performance diminishing, then performance enhancing

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Forough Zarea Fazlelahi ◽  
J. Henri Burgers ◽  
Martin Obschonka ◽  
Per Davidsson
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Adjustment Costs ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Network Growth ◽  
Performance Effect ◽  
Alliance Networks ◽  
Alliance Network ◽  
Performance Effects

Abstract Spinoff firms are a common phenomenon in entrepreneurship where employees leave incumbent parent firms to found their own. Like other types of new firms, such new spinoffs face liabilities of newness and smallness. Previous research has emphasised the role of the initial endowments from their parent firm to overcome such liabilities. In this study, we argue and are the first to show, that, in addition to such endowments, growing an alliance network with firms other than their parents’ is also critical for spinoff performance. Specifically, we investigate the performance effect of alliance network growth in newly founded spinoffs using a longitudinal sample of 248 spinoffs and 3370 strategic alliances in the mining industry. Drawing on theory based on the resource adjustment costs of forming alliances, we posit and find a U-shaped relationship between the alliance network growth and spinoff performance, above and beyond the parent firm’s influence. We further hypothesise and find that performance effects become stronger with increased time lags between alliance network growth and spinoff performance, and when spinoffs delay growing their alliance networks. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Reliability and Construct Validity of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale for Quantifying Pediatric Outcomes after Interarytenoid Augmentation

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (5) ◽  
pp. 862-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth H. Wick ◽  
Kaalan Johnson ◽  
Kim Demarre ◽  
Amy Faherty ◽  
Sanjay Parikh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Linear Model ◽  
Barium Swallow ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Modified Barium Swallow ◽  
Outcome Group ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Postoperative Time ◽  
Penetration Aspiration Scale

Objective To assess the reliability and construct validity of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale in children. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of pre- and postoperative video modified barium swallow studies from children who underwent interarytenoid injection augmentation for unexplained persistent pharyngeal dysphagia. Two pediatric speech and language pathologists reviewed each study twice in a blinded and randomized fashion. Setting Tertiary academic pediatric hospital. Subjects and Methods Thirty children were identified with adequate pre- and postoperative modified barium swallow studies within 4 weeks of intervention. Children were separated into clinical outcome groups based on ability to advance to thinner diet consistencies postoperatively. Construct validity was assessed with a mixed linear model to test the hypothesis that only the clinically improved group would receive better Penetration-Aspiration Scale scores after surgery. Reliability was assessed by calculating chance-corrected agreement between raters (interrater) and raters’ repeat evaluations (intrarater). Results Inter- and intrarater reliabilities (Cohen’s κ) were both excellent. Results of the mixed model revealed a significant interaction between outcome group and pre- and postoperative time interval. As hypothesized, this involved a significant improvement in Penetration-Aspiration Scale score only in the improved group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the Penetration-Aspiration Scale is a reliable and valid measure of clinical response to interarytenoid injection augmentation in children.

Risk Factors for Salmonella and Hygiene Indicators in the 10 Largest Belgian Pig Slaughterhouses

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 1320-1329 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. DELHALLE ◽  
L. DE SADELEER ◽  
K. BOLLAERTS ◽  
F. FARNIR ◽  
C. SAEGERMAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Mixed Linear Model ◽  
Mixed Regression ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Pig Carcasses ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

A survey was conducted to collect data on Salmonella prevalence, Escherichia coli counts (ECCs), and aerobic bacteria colony counts (ACCs) on pig carcasses after chilling at the 10 largest Belgian pig slaughterhouses during 2000 through 2004. Potential risk factors of contamination associated with production parameters, technical descriptions of the installations, and cleaning and disinfection methods were assessed during investigations in the slaughterhouses. These variables were used first in a univariate analysis and then were extended to a multivariate analysis with a logistic mixed regression model for Salmonella and a linear mixed model for ECCs and ACCs with slaughterhouses as the random effect. The results indicated high variability concerning Salmonella contamination among the 10 slaughterhouses, with prevalence ranging from 2.6 to 34.3% according to the area of origin. The median ECC and median ACC ranged from −0.43 to 1.11 log CFU/cm2 and from 2.37 to 3.65 log CFU/cm2, respectively. The results of the logistic and linear regressions revealed that some working practices such as scalding with steam, second flaming after polishing, and complete cleaning and disinfection of the splitting machine several times a day were beneficial for reducing Salmonella prevalence, ECCs, and ACCs. Changing the carcass hooks just before chilling, using water as the cleaning method, and a higher frequency of disinfection of the lairage seemed to be protective against E. coli in the multivariate mixed linear model. The monitoring of critical points, slaughterhouse equipment, good slaughtering practices, and effective washing and disinfection are the keys to obtaining good microbiological results.

scholarly journals Primerjava različnih regresijskih modelov za napovedovanje debelinskega priraščanja jelke

2021 ◽  
Vol 126 ◽  
pp. 61-76
Author(s):  
Andrej Ficko ◽  
Vasilije Trifković
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Random Noise ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Mixed Linear Model ◽  
Truncated Regression ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Tree Diameter

We present seven alternative statistical models for modelling tree diameter increment with data from permanent sampling plots. In addition to the polynomial regression model, we present a regression model with added random noise, a mixed linear model, regression with natural splines, and three models with limited dependent variables: truncated regression, tobit regression and grouped data regression. The models may be used when dealing with truncated or censored variables, biased estimation of the increment due to censoring and rounding down, or when having multilevel data. The parametrization of the models was done using 21,013 fir trees on 4,405 plots in the period 1990–2014 in uneven-aged Dinaric fir-beech forests. All models showed a similar effect of tree diameter, stand basal area, basal area of larger trees, diameter structure diversity, altitude and slope. There were only minor differences in the regression coefficients and fit measures. The highest increment predictions were given by the tobit model. The mixed model fit the data best and, compared to the other models, predicted a slower decrease in the growth of large-diameter trees after growth culmination.

Multinationality and performance effects: an integrated theory of new patterns of multinationality and home political influence

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
I-Fan Yen ◽  
Hsin-Mei Lin
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Foreign Investments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Effect ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated perspective on the relationship between multinationality and performance in the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) of Chinese firms. The study not only represents contrasting OFDI patterns – namely, born global-natured multiple synchronous foreign investments versus conventional internationalization process (IP)-natured steady increasing foreign investments – but also contributes to understanding the extent to which explanations of home political influence need to be rooted within the general theory of multinationality. Design/methodology/approach By testing a comprehensive panel observation of 8,635 OFDI projects from 1991-2016 in China, this study found that multinationality with the new pattern of multiple synchronous OFDIs has a superior performance effect compared with the conventional pattern of steady increasing OFDIs. Findings This study also finds a positive relationship between multinationality (international diversification and home political influence) and the performance effect with the new pattern of multiple synchronous OFDIs, as well as a partial positive relationship between multinationality and the performance effect with the conventional pattern of steady increasing OFDIs. Research limitations/implications The study extends the understanding of the performance effects of Chinese multinational enterprises, which may benefit more from the new pattern of multiple synchronous OFDIs than from the conventional pattern of steady increasing OFDIs when the home-country institution is strongly positioned. Originality/value This paper concludes that multinationality needs an integrated framework that accounts for the new pattern of OFDI and the influence of diversification and home politics, particularly for the emerging country, China.

Continuous Jumps Enhance Twitch Peak Torque and Sprint Performance in Highly Trained Sprint Athletes

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Haiko B. Zimmermann ◽  
Débora Knihs ◽  
Fernando Diefenthaeler ◽  
Brian MacIntosh ◽  
Juliano Dal Pupo
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Postactivation Potentiation ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Vertical Jumps

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of a conditioning activity (CA) composed of continuous countermovement jumps on twitch torque production and 30-m sprint times. Methods: A total of 12 sprint athletes, 10 men (23.5 [7.7] y) and 2 women (23.0 [2.8] y), volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were evaluated in 2 sessions as follows: (1) to determine the effects of the CA (3 sets of 5 continuous vertical jumps with a 1-min interval between sets) on 30-m sprint performance over time (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min) and (2) to evaluate twitch peak torque to determine the magnitude and time course of the induced postactivation potentiation at the same recovery intervals. Results: Mixed-model analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc verified that there was a decrease on the 30-m sprint time at 2 minutes (P = .01; Δ = 2.78%; effect size [ES] = 0.43) and 4 minutes (P = .02; Δ = 2%, ES = 0.30) compared with pre when the CA preceded the sprints. The peak torque of quadriceps also showed significant increase from pretest to 2 minutes (P < .01; Δ = 17.0% [12.2%]; ES = 0.45) and 4 minutes (P = .02; Δ = 7.2% [8.8%]; ES = 0.20). Conclusion: The inclusion of CA composed of continuous countermovement jumps in the warm-up routine improved 30-m sprint performance at 2- and 4-minute time intervals after the CA (postactivation performance enhancement). Since postactivation potentiation was confirmed with electrical stimulation at the time when sprint performance increased, it was concluded that postactivation potentiation may have contributed to the observed performance increases.

scholarly journals Teacher-Implemented Self-Regulated Strategy Development Instruction for Story Writing with Year Two Students in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kristen Finlayson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Writing Instruction ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
Social Validity ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
School Students ◽  
Writing Performance ◽  
Story Writing

<p>Writing is a complex skill and many students struggle to learn to write. Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) for writing is an intervention strategy that can increase students’ writing performance. However, there is limited research on the use of this intervention with younger primary-school students and most of the existing research has been implemented by researchers or research assistants, rather than by actual classrooms teachers, which therefore limits the ecological validity of the research. The two studies included in this thesis investigated teacher-implemented SRSD writing instruction. Study 1 evaluated a 5-week intervention programme consisting of 19 lessons. Study 2 evaluated a 17-week intervention with 61 lessons. Studies 1 and 2 both used a mixed-methods design to investigate the effectiveness and social validity of the teacher-implemented Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) program on the story-writing performance with Year 2 students (6- to -7-year-old children) in New Zealand. In the quantitative strand, I conducted a quasi-experiment in which students either received SRSD writing instruction or their regular writing instruction. I collected student writing samples before and after the intervention and teachers completed a questionnaire on the social validity of the intervention. A mixed-model ANOVA with SRSD instruction as the between-subjects variable and time as the within-subjects variable indicated that students in the treatment condition had larger improvements relative to students in the comparison condition on measures of holistic quality, number and quality of story elements, and length of composition. In the qualitative strand, I conducted interviews with the classroom teachers to ascertain their perceptions of intervention. Results suggested that the intervention was beneficial for the students. In addition, teachers perceived the intervention as appropriate and reported that they enjoyed implementing the intervention. These results suggest that teacher-implemented SRSD interventions can be effective at improving early primary students’ writing performance and is socially valid for use by teachers in Year 2 classroom settings.</p>

scholarly journals Internal Migration in the Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ying Li
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Internal Migration ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Annual Income ◽  
Migration Status ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
The Difference

<p>This thesis studies the short term outcomes in family annual income changes associated with internal migration in New Zealand. This is carried out through analysis of the unit record dataset produced from the Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE) which is a longitudinal social survey undertaken by Statistics New Zealand starting in October 2002. Results from data analysis shows us that family migration status and time of measurement have a close relationship with family annual income. Moveover, family structure, average age of adult members in a family, education level of family members, ownership of family residential property and the number of dependent children in a family are all factors related to family annual income.  We apply the General Linear Mixed Model to control these confounding variables and explore the relationship between migration status and annual income of a family. The results from our final model show that changes in the family annual income from before to after their internal migration are different for families. The difference depends on the average age of adult family members. Families with a younger average age benefit from internal migration: their family annual incomes are increased shortly after their movement. In contrast, families with a older average age experience a loss of income.</p>

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