An Analysis of the Effect of Saturday Home Football Games on Physical Use of University Libraries

Objective – Library science literature lacks studies on the effect of external events on the physical use of libraries, leaving a gap in understanding of would-be library patrons’ time use choices when faced with the option of using the library or attending time-bound, external events. Within academic libraries in about 900 colleges and universities in the US, weekend time use may be affected by football games. This study sought to elucidate the effect of external events on physical use of libraries by examining the effect of Saturday home football games on the physical use of the libraries in a large, academic institution. Methods – This study used a retrospective, observational study design. Gate count data for all Saturdays during the fall semesters of 2013-2018 were collected for the two primary libraries at East Carolina University (main campus’ Academic Library Services [ALS] and Laupus, a health sciences campus library), along with data on the occurrence of home football games. The relationship between gate counts and the occurrence of home football games was assessed using an independent samples t-test. Results – Saturday home football games decreased the gate count at both ALS and Laupus. For ALS, the mean physical use of the library decreased by one third (34.4%) on Saturdays with a home game. For Laupus, physical use of the library decreased by almost a quarter (22%) on Saturdays with a home game. Conclusion – Saturday home football games alter the physical use of academic libraries, decreasing the number of patrons entering the doors. Libraries may be able to adjust staffing based on reduced use of library facilities during these events.

Análise observacional das ações dos guarda-redes de futebol jovem

El portero tiene un papel importante en el proceso ofensivo y defensivo de un equipo de fútbol. El objetivo del estudio era analizar las acciones ofensivas y defensivas de los GR U-17 del fútbol, utilizando la metodología observacional. GR Sub-17 (n=4) fue analizado en Se analizaron treinta partidos del campeonato del distrito de AF Lisboa. La muestra observacional consistió en 286 acciones defensivas y 790 acciones ofensivas. Utilizamos los sistemas de observación de las acciones técnico-tácticas ofensivas y defensivas de los porteros. Las acciones observadas fueron codificadas utilizando el programa informático LINCE versión 1.3. El procesamiento de datos se realizó a través de análisis descriptivos, de la prueba U-Mann Whitney para comparar las acciones en la condición de local y visitante y estadísticas gráficas. Verificamos en las acciones defensivas un mayor número de ocurrencias en forma de intervención fuera de gol (n=140; 4.66±2.57), acción como la última defensa (n=102; 3.4±2.34), forma de ejecución técnica con ambas manos (n= 205; 6,83±3,32) y zona final de la acción técnica 1 (n=155; 5,16±3,19). En las acciones ofensivas registramos más ocurrencias para la forma en que la pelota llegó al portero a través del retardo (n=263; 8.76±3.89), inicio de la acción en la zona 1(n=205; 13,30±4,72), patada de objetivo corto de acción técnica (n=191; 6,36±3,99), ataque posicional de decisión táctica (n=498; 16.60±5.87), fin de la acción de mantenimiento de la posesión (n=593; 19,76±5,81) y zona final de la acción 5 (n=131; 4,36±3,47). En el proceso defensivo, la acción del portero tiene una enorme preponderancia como la última defensa y defensa de la portería. En el proceso ofensivo, las acciones técnicas con los pies son relevantes en la participación en la construcción del ataque posicional. La acción de los porteros está influenciada por la condición del visitante. The goalkeeper (GK) has a major role in the offensive and defensive process of a soccer team. The aim of the study focused on the analysis of the offensive and defensive actions of the U-17 soccer GK, using observational methodology. U-17 GK (n=4) was analyzed in thirty Lisbon FA U-17 championship games. The observational sample consisted of 286 defensive actions and 790 offensive actions. We used the observational systems of the offensive and defensive technical-tactical GK’ actions. The actions observed were codified using the LINCE version 1.3 computer program. Data processing was performed through descriptive analysis, of the U-Mann Whitney test to compare actions in home and away condition and graphical statistics. We verified in the defensive actions a higher number of occurrences in the intervention form come off from goal (n=140; 4.66±2.57), action as last defender (n=102; 3.4±2,34), technical execution form with two hands (n= 205; 6.83±3.32) and final zone of technical action 1 (n=155; 5.16±3,19). In the offensive actions we recorded more occurrences for ball arrives the GK through back pass (n=263; 8.76±3.89), start of the action in zone 1 (n=205; 13.30±4.72), technical action short goal kick (n=191; 6.36±3.99), tactical decision positional attack (n=498; 16.60±5.87), final action maintenance of ball possession (n=593; 19.76±5.81) and final zone of action 5 (n=131; 4.36±3.47). In the defensive process, the action of the GKs has enormous preponderance in the action as the last defense and goal defense. In the offensive process, technical actions with the feet are relevant in the positional attack construction participation. The GK’ action is influenced by the condition of home game or visitor. O guarda-redes (GR) tem uma ação preponderante no processo ofensivo e defensivo de uma equipa de futebol. O objetivo do estudo centrou-se na análise das ações ofensivas e defensivas do GR sub-17 de futebol, recorrendo à metodologia observacional. Foram analisados GR Sub-17 (n=4) em 30 jogos do campeonato distrital da AF Lisboa. A amostra observacional foi de 286 ações defensivas e 790 ações ofensivas. Utilizámos os sistemas de observação das ações técnico-táticas ofensivas e defensivas dos GR. As ações observadas foram codificadas recorrendo ao software informático LINCE versão 1.3. O tratamento de dados foi realizado através da análise descritiva, do teste U-Mann Whitney para comparar as ações na condição de casa e fora e estatística gráfica. Verificámos nas ações defensivas maior número de ocorrências na forma de intervenção saída da baliza (n=140; 4.66±2.57), ação como último defesa (n=102; 3.4±2.34), forma de execução técnica com as duas mãos (n= 205; 6.83±3.32) e zona final da ação técnica 1 (n=155; 5.16±3.19). Nas ações ofensivas registámos mais ocorrências para forma de chegada da bola ao GR através de atraso (n=263; 8.76±3.89), início da ação na zona 1 (n=205; 13.30±4.72), ação técnica pontapé de baliza curto (n=191; 6.36±3.99), decisão tática ataque posicional (n=498; 16.60±5.87), final da ação manutenção da posse de bola (n=593; 19.76±5.81) e zona final da ação 5 (n=131; 4.36±3.47). No processo defensivo, a ação dos GR tem enorme preponderância como último defesa e defesa da baliza. No processo ofensivo as ações técnicas com os pés são relevantes na participação na construção do ataque posicional. A ação dos GR é influenciada pela condição de visitado ou visitante.

Literacy in the new norm: stay-home game plan for parents

Purpose The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, this research aims at helping countries implement an equitable, innovative and context-appropriate stay-home game plan for the millions of disadvantaged and under-privileged students severely affected by the forfeiture of school closures; and secondly, this study proclaims that the burgeoning popularity of gamification has the potential to lay the bedrock foundation for ‘Literacy in the New Norm’. Design/methodology/approach The temporal closure of schools around the world to limit the spread of the COVID-19 has resulted in massive educational disruptions triggering adverse effects and bringing much of education under grave threat. Through a review of the current empirical and conceptual literature, this study proposes a new gamification concept in a non-technology environment. Findings Well underway are global dialogues that hold conversations on implementing mitigation strategies to counter the looming global health crisis. This has generated the impetus for a more concerted effort by concerned governments and international organizations to identify appropriate solutions for the continuity of learning so that the learning never stops. While educators and learners plunge further into the core of reconstructing education, the authors recognize that the fundamentals of technology and virtual connectivity have all along contributed to the multi-faceted e-learning stage set. However, concerns regarding the paradigm shift to remote online learning would certainly exacerbate inequalities cardinally felt across disadvantaged communities around the globe. Originality/value As the world is currently bound by strict isolation measures, learners of all ages have been relegated to the confines of their homes. For the most part, the stark realities of technological mishaps that have befallen underprivileged school children, serve as a reminder to help target children all over the world who are in most peril of losing ground in terms of continued education. It is on these grounds that the criterion set out in this article elucidates the nature and scope of a supplementary stay-home game plan detailing the use of game affordances that bear intelligently in the creation of home-based activities for parents to give it their best effort in fostering a collaborative and meaningful parent-child relationship that spawns the new language of literacy in the new norm.

Using Machine Learning to Predict National Hockey League Average Home Game Attendance

Research predicting National Hockey League average attendance is presented. The seasons examined are the 2013 hockey season through the beginning of the 2017 hockey season. Multiple linear regression and three machine learning algorithms – random forest, M5 prime, and extreme gradient boosting – are employed to predict out-of-sample average home game attendance. Extreme gradient boosting generated the lowest out-of-sample root mean square error. The team identifier (team name), the number of Twitter followers (a surrogate for team popularity), median ticket price, and arena capacity have appeared as the top four predictor variables.

Sport team-endorsed brands on Facebook

Purpose Applying social identity theory, the social identity-brand equity model and excitation-transfer theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine effects of game outcome (win/loss) and location (home/away) on sport fans’ brand attitude and purchase intention toward a brand endorsed by their favorite sport team on Facebook, as well as the mediating role of team identification. Design/methodology/approach A two (win/loss) by two (home/away) full-factorial between-subjects experiment was conducted during the US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football season over a four-month period. Participants (n=338), who were Facebook users and fans of a NCAA division I football team, completed an online questionnaire assessing brand attitude and purchase intention toward a team-endorsed brand on Facebook, during weeks after the team: won a home game, lost a home game, won an away game, or lost an away game. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance and bootstrapping mediation methods. Findings Results revealed a significant main effect for game outcome (win/loss), and a significant interaction effect between game outcome (win/loss) and game location (home/away). Team identification also mediated between game outcome (win/loss) and game location (home/away) to influence brand attitude, but not purchase intention. Originality/value Implications for use of social networking site (SNS)-based brand endorsements as an integral part of brands’ advertising strategies were discussed. Specifically, brands utilizing SNSs to advertise to sport fans should highlight team endorsements, particularly after home game wins, and also target highly identified fans, to maximize positive SNS-based brand evaluations.

Thin Slices of Athletes’ Nonverbal Behavior Give Away Game Location: Testing the Territoriality Hypothesis of the Home Game Advantage

The present research investigated whether perceivers could detect who is playing at home or away in soccer matches based on thin slices of professional (Experiment 1) and amateur (Experiment 3) athletes’ nonverbal behavior prior to the match and whether perceivers rated athletes playing at home relatively higher on behavioral dimensions (Experiments 2 and 3) linked to territoriality. In Experiment 1 ( N = 80), participants watched short videos depicting soccer players prior to a UEFA Champions League match and rated whether athletes were more likely to be playing at home or away. In Experiment 2 (two groups N = 102 and N = 101), perceivers rated these videos in terms of assertiveness, dominance, and aggression. In Experiment 3, we replicated the procedure of Experiments 1 and 2 with different stimulus material from amateur soccer ( N = 112). Participants could significantly differentiate between home playing and away playing athletes (Experiment 1: d = 0.44 and Experiment 3: d = 1.07). Experiments 2 and 3 showed that perceivers rated professional and amateur soccer players higher on assertiveness ( d = 0.34–0.63), dominance ( d = 0.20–0.55), and aggression ( d = 0.16–0.49) when playing at home compared to playing away. Findings are supportive of evolutionary accounts of nonverbal behavior, ecological approaches to person perception, and the thin slices of behavior hypothesis by demonstrating that humans change their nonverbal behavior depending on game location. We discuss the relevance of the present findings for the home advantage in sports.