Softball bat inertial considerations and their effects on female softball swing mechanics and estimated bat performance

Author(s):  
Steven M Nesbit ◽  
Monica Milanovich

This paper discusses the role of the inertial properties in the design and selection of the softball bat, and their interrelated effects on female softball swing mechanics and bat performance. The study was performed using 14 collegiate subjects whose swings were analyzed via a computer model, which included methods for estimating post-impact ball velocity. The model was driven kinematically by subject swing recordings using two different trial bats with markedly different inertial properties. Using this method, the following information was determined: subjects altered their linear kinetic inputs while applying consistent angular kinetic inputs to maintain nearly consistent trajectories; subjects compensated for increased bat inertia by modification of the bat instantaneous center-of-rotation trajectory ( ICR); and swing trajectory influenced the bat’s inertial feel, actual, and ideal impact locations, and batted-ball velocity. Subsequently, the mass properties of 27 collegiate level bats were input into the model for each subject trial. Using this information, the relative changes in kinetic inputs were quantified and the performance of the bats was estimated. Results showed that bat inertial properties varied considerably, and independent manipulation of individual properties was evident. In addition, subject kinetic inputs and bat performance measures were most affected by changes in mass center (CG) location, mass, and CG inertia. A modified definition of IGRIP based upon the ICR was presented, and practical implications for designers and practitioners were offered based upon these findings.

Author(s):  
Dorota Kuchta

Purpose – research on R&D projects implemented at universities shows that many researchers feel that the requirements set on R&D project definition in the process of calls for projects brake the innovativeness and the freedom of research. Thus, the objective of the paper is to propose a soft, fuzzy set based method of R&D project definition, which would allow to evaluate projects in the stage of project calls, but at the same time would not act contrary to the research ideas of the most ingenious and innovative researchers. Research methodology – the proposal is based on the results of over 70 structured interviews with R&D project managers from Polish and French universities. The respondents expressed their critical opinion about the required definition of R&D projects in the application stage of most calls, suggested which elements should be improved and in which way. Most of them criticised the required detail level of projects description and emphasized the uncertainty present in their research. Then we propose to model this uncertainty by means of fuzzy sets. Findings – the result of the research presented in the paper is a new way of R&D project definition, based on the fuzzy theory, adjustable to each R&D project type. The new method of project definition will express the actual uncertainty and innovative potential of each R&D project and thus allow a selection of R&D projects which would maximise their contribution to the university and science development. Research limitations – the proposed approach needs to be validated and verified on the basis of a big sample of a real world R&D project, with the participation of a representative sample of researchers. Another limitation is a highly probable resistance against such an approach among the researchers and research funding institutions, as it requires a deep analysis of the planned research and its context. Practical implications – it is proposed that the method will be used by research funding institutions in project calls. This will increase the efficiency of financial resources spent on research, in terms of value-added per one dollar invested in the research. Originality/Value – the proposed method is the first approach to project definition based on fuzzy numbers and one of very few existing approaches to project definition taking uncertainty into account


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.20) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Azham Hussain ◽  
Emmanuel O.C. Mkpojiogu ◽  
Fa’alina Hassan

The introduction and rapid growth of mobile learning applications (m-learning apps) has improved the role of teachers in facilitating the learning process especially among children. The learning experiences of children are enhanced and enriched with the use of m-learning apps for children. There are several m-learning apps developed for children in the market today, however, some of these apps do not succinctly support and adequately assist in the learning process and educational endeavors and quest of these young minds. In this paper, a systematic review of literature was conducted to assess past research and studies on usability dimensions and sub-dimensions utilized in evaluating children’s m-learning apps. The systematic literature review consisted of the following approach: the definition of search strategy, selection of primary studies, data extraction, and implementation of synthesis strategy and lastly, the presentation of findings. The result of the review reveals that effectiveness, efficiency, learnability, and user satisfaction (with their corresponding sub-dimensions) were the top four usability dimensions used in the evaluation of m-learning apps for children. In addition, the works reviewed showed that usability evaluation is prominent only during the implementation phase of the applications’ development.  


1978 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 654-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
EBENEZER R. VEDAMUTHU

As a microbiological medium, lactose-hydrolyzed milk is quite different from natural milk in that the restrictive role of milk lactose (the major energy source for microorganisms) is eliminated. To emphasize the restrictive role of lactose, the enzymatic and genetic mechanisms involved in the utilization of this beta-galactoside are discussed. Elimination of this selectivity leads to certain manufacturing and storage difficulties with cultured dairy products. This important change in the raw material (milk) should be recognized in selection of starter strains for use in conversion of lactose-hydrolyzed milk to cultured dairy products.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashkan Khalili

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine empirically the influence of leader-member exchange (LMX) on employees’ creativity and innovation. In addition, this study investigated the moderating role of employees’ personal initiative on the associations. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 1,221 employees working in organizations across various industries in Australia. Findings The findings of this study revealed positive and significant relationships between LMX and employees’ creativity and innovation. Also, the findings indicated employees’ personal initiative moderated the LMX-employees’ creativity and LMX-employees’ innovation relationships. Practical implications Organizations should invest in LMX training and in the selection of leaders with this leadership style if their aim is to nurture and intensify employees’ creativity and innovation. They also should invest in personal initiative training in order to amplify the effect of LMX on creativity and innovation in organization. Originality/value This study makes vital theoretical contributions in different ways. In the domain of creativity and innovation, it addresses factors that impact employees’ creativity and innovation. It expands knowledge about organizational resources that nurture and enhance the creativity and innovation of employees. For LMX, this study supplements existing research by examining employees’ creativity and innovation as outcomes. Also, identifying personal initiative as an amplifier of the LMX-employees’ creativity and innovation relationships extends research in that domain. This study is also a rare investigation of the Australian context.


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Rodwell ◽  
Linden Fairbairn

PurposeMany university libraries are adopting a faculty liaison librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper aims to examine, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the faculty liaison librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterized by a more outward‐looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University's teaching and research programs.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of the literature and other sources on the rationale and role of library liaison, the current developments, drivers and expectations are discussed.FindingsThe study finds that dynamic external and internal environments of universities are driving the evolution of library liaison, so the role description is still fluid. However, the breadth and weight of expectations is now such that the effectiveness and sustainability of the role has to be addressed.Practical implicationsWhile a dynamic, broader and more intensive role for the faculty liaison librarian is emerging, more thinking is needed about the extent of that role and its sustainability. What, for example, are the priorities for the faculty liaison librarian? What traditional activities can, and may, have to be abandoned? These considerations are necessary not only to guide the librarians, but also to help define the attributes and skills required for the position and to determine the institutional support it requires.Originality/valueThis is a contemporary critique of the well‐established, but diverse library service – the faculty liaison librarian structure.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary K. Van Ullen ◽  
Jane Kessler

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy and functionality of a selection of basic Android and iOS apps for mobile devices designed to generate bibliographic citations. Design/methodology/approach – A number of inexpensive or free apps were installed on several different tablets and phones. Book citations in MLA and APA format were generated and evaluated for accuracy. Findings – Results show that the majority of the apps tested produced unacceptably inaccurate citations, and many had limited functionality. The best of the apps tested was EasyBib. Research limitations/implications – There are infinite combinations of operating systems, apps, citation styles, material types and devices. Testing for this study was limited to uncomplicated apps likely to appeal to undergraduate students. It did not include more sophisticated apps for managing reference libraries. The study investigated how well several Android and iOS apps installed on mobile devices functioned to generate MLA and APA citations for print books. Practical/implications – As the role of mobile technology in education continues to grow, librarians need to remain aware of solutions that can help students manage their research. Librarians have an opportunity to provide feedback to developers by reviewing and rating apps. Originality/value – Undergraduate students face challenges in learning to appropriately acknowledge materials they have consulted in their research and writing. Librarians can play an important role in helping students select the most appropriate tools to make citing sources easier and more accurate.


Author(s):  
Ahraou wafa ◽  
◽  
Abdallah FARHI ◽  
Hynda Boutabba ◽  
◽  
...  

The study includes four chapters, the first is devoted to reviewing the research problem, its importance, objectives and limitations in addition to defining terms. The second chapter contains the theoretical introduction that includes a definition of optical art and its impact on highlighting features of urbanidentity. The third chapter examines several models in optical formation, where several architectural designs were discussed by its role in highlighting the features of urbanidentity. The fourth chapter includes the results and observations of the role of art and opticalformation in highlighting the urbanidentity. This is because it adds an aesthetic touch and an expression of various creative and unfamiliar ideas to the designer in a waythat occurs a fundamental change in the fixed rules of the viewer and his/her expectations for designs where the creative touch is in the overlay, communication, separation, penetration, segmentation of shapes and colors, and selection of materials needed to implement these designs have the biggest role in highlighting the features of urbanidentity. Where we found that the optical formation of its various types is the main component of architecture that it boasts of, and with what it contains creative ideas that express the reality of urbanidentity.


Author(s):  
Eeva Aromaa ◽  
Päivi Eriksson ◽  
Jean Helms Mills ◽  
Esa Hiltunen ◽  
Maarit Lammassaari ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze current literature on critical sensemaking (CSM) to assess its significance and potential for understanding the role of agency in management and organizational studies. Design/methodology/approach The analysis involves an examination of a selection of 51 applied studies that cite, draw on and contribute to CSM, to assess the challenges and potential of utilizing CSM. Findings The paper reveals the range of organizational issues that this work has been grappling with; the unique insights that CSM has revealed in the study of management and organizations; and some of the challenges and promises of CSM for studying agency in context. This sets up discussion of organizational issues and insights provided by CSM to reveal its potential in dealing with issues of agency in organizations. The sheer scope of CSM studies indicates that it has relevance for a range of management researchers, including those interested in behavior at work, theories of organization, leadership and crisis management, diversity management, emotion, ethics and justice, and many more. Research limitations/implications The main focus is restricted to providing a working knowledge of CSM rather than other approaches to agency. Practical implications The paper outlines the challenges and potential for applying the CSM theory. Social implications The paper reveals the range of problem-solving issues that CSM studies have been applied to. Originality/value This is the first major review of the challenges and potential of applying CSM; concluding with a discussion of its strengths and limitations and providing a summary of insights for future work.


2021 ◽  
pp. 25-28
Author(s):  
L. N. Kostyuchenko ◽  
G. G. Varvanina ◽  
G. S. Mikhailyants ◽  
M. A. Danilov

The aim. To determine the definition of nutritional extinction and its characteristics in various phases of carcinogenesis, to show the role of nutritional counseling in the selection of personalized metabolic correction programs.Materials and methods. 107 patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (T3 and T4). In addition to traditional methods, the nutritional status was assessed according to the parameters of the well-known personalized alimentary-volemic diagnosis and the main common metabolic syndromes (inflammatory, hypermetabolism-hypercatabolism, toxic-anemic, anorexia-cachexia).Results. The phases of nutritional extinction are identified, in accordance with which the original schemes of metabolic correction are developed. The effectiveness of the programs used, calculated according to the degree of well-being, was significantly higher in comparison with standard solutions. The feasibility of using this tactic was confirmed (in addition to traditional tests) by measuring the metabolism in lysosomes (according to the analysis of the level of cathepsin L using ELISA in the blood serum of the considered groups of patients).Conclusions. 1) When determining the tactics of nutritional treatment of cancer patients, it is advisable to distinguish the phases of nutritional extinction, on the basis of which to carry out a differentiated metabolic correction. 2) The role of nutritional counseling (along with consulting with a surgeon and an anesthesiologist) allows you to clarify the strategy of treatment of patients with oncological pathology, and in some cases, make adjustments to the choice of the nature of the surgical aid.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick French ◽  
Neil Crosby ◽  
Chris Thorne

PurposeMarket value is an estimation of price in the market. It is value in exchange. The valuer's role is to determine the appropriate approach, the method and use the right model to achieve this aim as best as possible. However, underpinning all valuations and property analysis are valuation standards and definitions. This paper looks at the definition of market value and how some market participants may misunderstand or even misrepresent it. This is particularly true when there is a downturn in the market.Design/methodology/approachThis practice briefing is an overview of the role of market value as a definition of price and how it is often misused by stakeholders in the property market.FindingsThis briefing is a review of the valuation definitions clarifying what they mean and what they do not mean.Practical implicationsThe role of the valuer in practice is to use the appropriate definition for the task in hand. The understanding of those definitions is central to the valuation process.Originality/valueThis provides guidance on how valuation definitions can be presented to the client in accordance with the International Valuation Standards.


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