Full Shots Research Articles

Symbolic representations social media and photography in Nigeria

The medium of “photography” has encompassed the world, but depending on the cultural context, it has different aesthetics that come with different associations and implications. Using social media as an example, this article explores how the social conventions of art influence popular Nigerian photography and create a unique style: there is a strong focus on the staging of people, who are usually shown in front of simple backgrounds as full body shots, whereas in a comparison group, people appeared more integrated in situations or places and there was more preference for narrower cuts. In addition, Nigerian photography places a lot of emphasis on color and heavy retouching. These aspects are consistent with African art in general, which is often more concerned with conveying abstract concepts than authenticity. In this way, Nigerians appropriated photography in their own way, emphasizing the symbolic rather than the indexical function of photography. Nigerian popular photography can be understood as a continuation of classical African art rather than a break with its tradition.

Towards high-repetition rate petawatt laser experiments with cryogenic jets using a mechanical chopper system

Laser-plasma based ion accelerators require suitable high-repetition rate target systems that enable systematic studies at controlled plasma conditions and application-relevant particle flux. Self-refreshing, micrometer-sized cryogenic jets have proven to be an ideal target platform. Yet, operation of such systems in the harsh environmental conditions of high power laser induced plasma experiments have turned out to be challenging. Here we report on recent experiments deploying a cryogenic hydrogen jet as a source of pure proton beams generated with the PW-class ultrashort pulse laser DRACO. Damage to the jet target system during application of full energy laser shots was prevented by implementation of a mechanical chopper system interrupting the direct line of sight between the laser plasma interaction zone and the jet source.

Carved by Light of Cities with a Chisel. Kraków Retable of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Altar through Stanisław Kolowca 's Lens

On two occasions (around 1932–1933 and after the war, between 1946 and 1950), Stanisław Kolowca (1904–1968) undertook the task of creating the photographic documentation of the reredos of the altar of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kraków (Poland). The stature of Wit Stwosz’s work – widely recognized as one of the key late Gothic masterpieces in Europe – could be the only factor legitimizing the status of Kolowca’s photographs. Nevertheless, the photographs seem to deserve a thorough analysis for other reasons as well. It should be underlined that in his project Kolowca did not focus only on the most obvious shots illustrating the altarpiece. In addition to long shots and full shots showing the characteristic iconographic motifs and portrait-type close-ups, reflecting the mastery of key figures (such as Virgin Mary or John the Baptist), the photographer also created completely unexpected compositions that go beyond the codified frames of documentary photography. Consequently, his works fundamentally problematize the concept of photographic reproduction of an art piece.

Symbolic Representations: Social Media and Photography in Nigeria

The medium of “photography” has encompassed the world, but depending on the cultural context, it is characterized by different aesthetics that come with different associations and implications. Drawing on cultural anthropology and semiotic image analysis, this article contributes to research on cross-cultural aesthetics with a focus on Nigeria. Based on a sample of 100 Instagram posts with the hashtag #nigerianphotography, it explores how social conventions of art influence popular Nigerian photography and create a unique style: there is a strong focus on the staging of people, who are usually shown in front of simple backgrounds as full body shots. In addition, Nigerian photography places a clear emphasis on colour and heavy retouching. These aspects are seen as consistent with African art in general, which is often more concerned with conveying abstract concepts than authenticity. Thus, it can be stated that Nigerians appropriated photography in their own way, emphasizing the symbolic rather than the indexical function of photography. Nigerian popular photography can be understood as a continuation of classical African art rather than a break with its tradition.

Stim: a fast stabilizer circuit simulator

This paper presents “Stim", a fast simulator for quantum stabilizer circuits. The paper explains how Stim works and compares it to existing tools. With no foreknowledge, Stim can analyze a distance 100 surface code circuit (20 thousand qubits, 8 million gates, 1 million measurements) in 15 seconds and then begin sampling full circuit shots at a rate of 1 kHz. Stim uses a stabilizer tableau representation, similar to Aaronson and Gottesman's CHP simulator, but with three main improvements. First, Stim improves the asymptotic complexity of deterministic measurement from quadratic to linear by tracking the inverse of the circuit's stabilizer tableau. Second, Stim improves the constant factors of the algorithm by using a cache-friendly data layout and 256 bit wide SIMD instructions. Third, Stim only uses expensive stabilizer tableau simulation to create an initial reference sample. Further samples are collected in bulk by using that sample as a reference for batches of Pauli frames propagating through the circuit.

La videodanza como arte de edición del cuerpo

La videodanza, una fusión del lenguaje audiovisual con la coreografía, utiliza el encuadre fotográfico y el montaje para editar el cuerpo y su movimiento. Analizamos el plano entero o general usado para mostrar el cuerpo y la coreografía enteros, y las composiciones coreográficas en gran plano general donde el cuerpo individual se convierte en fragmento de un conjunto coreografiado. El montaje clásico alterna planos generales y de detalle para destacar partes de la acción. Las micro-coreografías hacen bailar a manos o rostros filmados en primer plano. Ciertas videodanzas buscan la abstracción con el desenfoque y los planos de detalle extremos sobre partes del cuerpo que pasan a ser percibidas como texturas y líneas abstractas. La brevedad y el tiempo de lectura del plano, el ángulo de cámara y tamaño de plano influyen en el reconocimiento de la forma humana o la percepción de masas abstractas en movimiento.

Examining the construction of identity among high performance male and female athletes using photography

ABSTRACTThis study, adopting a feminist perspective explored two research questions: (1) how do male and female athletes perform an athletic identity through photographic self-representation, and (2) what are the messages they look to convey, as role models, through these images? Eighteen culturally diverse high-performance athletes (12 female, 6 male; mean age = 20.56 years, SD = 2.83) representing a range of sports took part. Following an individual photo session with autonomy over image capture, participants selected their favoured image and provided a caption symbolising the message they wished to convey to others. Participants were then interviewed to obtain their thoughts, feelings and stories with regards image capture and selection. Analysis of photographic data revealed a tendency for participants to select full body action shots, located in the field of play and wearing sports clothing. Captions emphasised hard work, psychological assets, technical precision and encouraged sports participation. Interview data were organised under two broad themes aligned with the research questions; ‘performing an athletic identity’ and ‘intended messages’. Participants typically wanted to appear in action shots, emphasising good technique, displaying a sporting physique and in relevant uniforms. Intended messages reflected how to be a good role model and comprised of ideals of hard work and giving sport a go. Findings suggest that whilst athletes sought to champion their sport and the physical and psychological qualities that participation produces, gendered performances were also evident in production and interpretation of many images, thus highlighting the pervasive nature of gendered sporting participation.

Effects of avatar character performances in virtual reality dramas used for teachers’ education

ABSTRACTVirtual reality drama has the benefit of enhancing immersion, which was lacking in original e-Learning systems. Moreover, dangerous and expensive educational content can be replaced by stimulating users’ interest. In this study, we investigate the effects of avatar performance in virtual reality drama. The hypothesis that the psychical distance between virtual characters and their viewers changes according to the size of video shots is tested with an autonomic nervous system function test. Eighty-four college students were randomly assigned to three groups. Virtual reality drama is used to train teachers concerning school bullying prevention, and deals with the dialogue between teachers and students. Group 1 was provided with full-shot video clips, Group 2 was shown various clips from full shots to extreme close-ups, and Group 3 was provided with close-up shots. We found that the virtual reality drama viewers’ levels of stimulation changed in relation to the size of the shots. The R-R (between P wave and P wave) intervals of the electrocardiograms (ECGs, bio-signal feedback) became significantly narrower as the shot size became smaller.

Total time taken and heart rate changes of youth golfers during pre-shot routines in on-course conditions

The aim of the research was to assess the total time taken and the heart rate (HR) changes of youth golfers during pre-shot routines in on-course conditions. Ten male golfers participated. Data of a golf round were gathered hole by hole using a golf personal statistical protocol. HR responses were recorded at 2 s intervals using Suunto t6 HR monitors. Observers recorded behavioural patterns during the pre-shot routines. The subjects’ pre-shot routines for approach shots were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than their pre-shot routines for tee shots. HR increased significantly (p < 0.05) from the start to the end of the pre-shot routines for tee and fairway shots; the number of practice swings had the strongest relationship with the increased HR from the start to the end of the pre-shot routines for tee (r = 0.474; p < 0.05) and fairway (r = 0.373; p < 0.05) shots. Approach shots require more accuracy than full swing shots; therefore, findings suggest that a longer pre-shot routine for these shots is essential. The number of practice swings is the factor significantly increasing HR responses before full swings shots. The increase in HR before tee shots has a negative influence on the accuracy of these shots.

Improving performance in golf: current research and implications from a clinical perspective.

Golf, a global sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, involves relatively long periods of low intensity exercise interspersed with short bursts of high intensity activity. To meet the physical demands of full swing shots and the mental and physical demands of putting and walking the course, it is frequently recommended that golfers undertake golf-specific exercise programs. Biomechanics, motor learning, and motor control research has increased the understanding of the physical requirements of the game, and using this knowledge, exercise programs aimed at improving golf performance have been developed. However, while it is generally accepted that an exercise program can improve a golfer's physical measurements and some golf performance variables, translating the findings from research into clinical practice to optimise an individual golfer's performance remains challenging. This paper discusses how biomechanical and motor control research has informed current practice and discusses how emerging sophisticated tools and research designs may better assist golfers improve their performance.

신문보도사진에 나타난 남녀 경제리더의 이미지 분석

현대사회에서 뉴스는 신화와 같은 역할을 한다고 한다. 신화는 사람들이 세상을 이해하고 체험하는 의미의 틀을 제공하는데, 그 신화를 구성하는 데 미디어 뉴스가 큰 역할을 하기 때문이다. 그런 의미에서 본 연구는 남녀 고위직 경제인들이 신문보도 사진에 어떻게 재현되는지를 내용분석의 양적인 방법과 기호학적인 질적방법을 통해 분석하고자 하였다. 1990년 1월 1일부터 2011년 12월 31일까지 지난 20년간 조선일보에 실린 기획 인터뷰 및 인물중심 기사 가운데 여성 경제리더 사진 전수와 무작위로 뽑은 동일 수의 남성 경제리더 사진을 분석하였다. 분석결과 남성은 대체로 업무현장과 밀접한 배경에서 역동적이고 진지하게 묘사되었고, 인물의 이미지를 강하게 표현하는 바스트샷이 대부분을 구성하였다. 반면 여성들은 업무와 분리된 장식적인 배경 속에서 인위적인 포즈를 취하고 있는 전신사진을 통해 수동적인 객체로 재현되는 남성주의적 시각이 발견되었다. News plays a similar role with myths in modern society. Myths provide the framework from which people understand and experience the world, and news media plays an important role in constructing these myths. In this context, this study examined how female and male business leaders have been represented in newspaper photographs through quantitative and qualitative textual analyses. Photographs of female business leaders which appeared in news interviews and profile news stories from 1990 to 2011 were analyzed, and photographs of male leaders corresponding to the total number of female photographs were also investigated. As a result, gender perspectives were found. While male business leaders were portrayed as active and serious figures in connection with their professional work places, mostly in bust shots, female business leaders were represented as passive objects artificially posed for the news in a context separated from their business, and often in full length shots.

Latent Effect of Passive Static Stretching on Driver Clubhead Speed, Distance, Accuracy, and Consistent Ball Contact in Young Male Competitive Golfers

This investigation was conducted to determine the effect of 2 different warm-up treatments over time on driver clubhead speed, distance, accuracy, and consistent ball contact in young male competitive golfers. Two supervised warm-up treatments, an active dynamic warm-up with golf clubs (AD) and a 20-minute total body passive static stretching routine plus an identical AD warm-up (PSS), were applied before each performance testing session using a counterbalanced design on nonconsecutive days. Immediately after the AD treatment, subjects were instructed to hit 3 full swing golf shots with their driver with 1-minute rest between trials. Immediately after the PSS treatment, subjects were instructed to hit 3 full-swing golf shots with their driver at t0 and thereafter at t15, t30, t45, and t60 minutes with 1-minute rest between swing trials to determine any latent effects of PSS on golf driver performance measures. Results of paired t-tests revealed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in clubhead speed at t0 (-4.92%), t15 (-2.59%), and t30 (-2.19%) but not at t45 (-0.95) or t60 (-0.99). Significant differences were also observed in distance at t0 (-7.26%), t15 (-5.19%), t30 (-5.47%), t45 (-3.30%), and t60 (-3.53%). Accuracy was significantly impaired at t0 (61.99%), t15 (58.78%), t30 (59.46%), and t45 (61.32%) but not at t60 (36.82%). Finally, consistent ball contact was significantly reduced at t0 (-31.29%), t15 (-31.29%), t30 (-23.56%), t45 (-27.49%), and t60 (-15.70%). Plausible explanations for observed performance decrements include a more compliant muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and an altered neurological state because of the PSS treatment. Further, the findings of this study provide evidence supporting the theory that the mechanical properties of the MTU may recover at a faster rate than any associated neurological changes. The results of this inquiry strongly suggest that a total-body passive static stretching routine should be avoided before practice or competition in favor of a gradual AD. Athletes with poor mechanics because of lack of flexibility should perform these exercises after a conditioning session, practice, or competition.

The Politics and Practice of Voice: Representing American Sign Language on the Screen in Two Recent Television Crime Dramas

The Politics and Practice of Voice: Representing American Sign Language on the Screen in Two Recent Television Crime Dramas

The Electra KrF laser system

This paper presents a brief overview of the Electra laser system and reports on the most recent results. The laser system consists of an electron beam pumped main amplifier with an aperture of 30 cm × 30 cm, an e-beam pumped 10 cm × 10 cm pre-amplifier, and a KrF discharge laser serving as the seed oscillator. The electron beam amplifiers are pumped from both sides. Full laser system shots have been completed with a laser energy of 450 J. The main amplifier, operating as an oscillator, has demonstrated 25,000 continuous laser shots at 2.5 Hz single sided pumping as well as 16,600 shots @ 2.5 Hz at ∼300 J/shot within 2 hours.

The Use of Swing Keys by Elite Tournament Professional Golfers

A swing key (swing thought) is a conscious thought or image that is used just before and/or during the execution of a golf shot. 113 players who were competing in tournaments on the PGA European Tour (1989–1991) were interviewed about their use of swing keys. It was found that all these players reported use of swing keys for full shots either on the practice ground and/or on the course. The nature, origin and function of swing keys are discussed especially with regard to imitational and instructional learning. At any one time on the Tour, there were not many players using swing keys on chipping. The use of swing keys in chipping is discussed in terms of theory in cognitive psychology about conscious control of action Finally, there is a discussion of what is written about swing keys in Bob Rotella's influential books on golf psychology

Development of the plasma generator for a long pulse 10×40 neutral beam

Users of fusion devices have identified heating requirements for positive ion based neutral beams to include energies of 80 or 120 kV with pulse length up to 30 s. Additional requirements are low beam divergence (0.3°×1.0°; 1/e half angles), low impurity (less than 1%), high species (over 80% atomic), and cathode lifetime exceeding 5 h of beam operation. Accelerator design remains as an engineering problem, whereas most of the performance goals have required development of the plasma generator. Problems of concern which relate to the performance goals are the heat dissipation, magnetic field configuration, and cathode placement. The plasma generator was tested on TS IIA (the plasma generator testing facility) which does not have beam extraction capability but is used to evaluate efficiency, operating conditions, arc notching characteristics, species, plasma uniformity, and cathode conditioning. The source, consisting of the plasma generator mounted on the long pulse accelerator was mounted on NBETF (Neutral Beam Engineering Test Facility) for beam testing. During beam operation the back-streaming electrons add power to the source and affect the arc operation. Source durability and stability were studied at 80 kV and 40 A of accelerator current (deuterium). The arc efficiency was higher than the value used for the design. Power loading from back-streaming electrons was much less than the design level. With feedback control, plasma density and accel current were constant to ±2% during 30-s shots. The beam atomic fraction of 84%–88% (deuterium) was slightly higher than measured on TS IIA. Cathode durability was tested by operating over 500, 30-s full shots at 80 kV and 40 A of deuterium. Arc conditioning was found to be an important phase to avoid filament damage.

Light lon Fusion Target Development Facility Pre-Conceptual Design

The light ion fusion target development facility will be used to test high yield ICF targets (50200 MJ) at the rate of 10 shots per day. The 6 meter diameter cylindrical target chamber is designed as a first wall supported by a structural frame and is capable of withstanding 15,000 full yield shots over a 5 year lifetime. It is made from Al 6061, thus greatly reducing induced activity. The chamber is shielded by a water pool to allow easy access.