Movement Style Research Articles

Ichnofossil morphology as a response to resource distribution: Insights from modern invertebrate foraging

A number of surficial horizontal ichnofossils have non-random, simple geometric morphologies such as spirals or meanders. These paths may result from an organism's interactive response to the perceived spatial distribution of resources on the seafloor. This hypothesis was tested by examining the movements of foraging invertebrates in response to the location, shape and internal density gradient of food patches in a controlled laboratory environment. Freshwater pond snails ( Planorbis planorbis), marine intertidal crabs ( Hemigrapsus nudus) and microscopic soil nematodes ( Caenorhabditis elegans) were placed in experimental arenas free of competitors and containing food patches of varying shapes and density distributions, and allowed to move and forage freely. Their movements were recorded at 1-minute intervals, and any visible tracks and trails were photographed. Pathways were digitally reconstructed using the recorded movement data, and along with the photographs were digitally analyzed. The total path length, path tortuosity, polygon area, step number, average step length and average turning radius within the resource patches were compared to the values for movement outside the resource patches. All three invertebrates engaged in area-restricted searching when within patches, consisting of a larger step number, higher path tortuosity, larger polygon area, greater turning radius, and a shorter step length. The behavior of these three invertebrate species suggests that resource distribution, in terms of patch morphology, acts as a strong control on forager movement and path morphology. Area-restricted searching as a distinct movement style may have evolved in response to the appearance of patchy resource distributions on the seafloor during the Cambrian substrate revolution.

Obtaining features for the recognition of human movement style

Obtaining features for the recognition of human movement style

Baroque Exuberance: Frivolity or Disquiet

AbstractRobert Harbison defines the Baroque in the 17th and early 18th centuries, which is so often characterised in contrast with the Renaissance by its excess and drama. In doing so, he challenges the reader to consider whether this artful style of subversion, tension, movement, gravity‐defying feats and freedom was really one of whimsical frivolity or subversive disquiet. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Semi-automated human body 3D animator

The creation of realistic 3D human body animations is one of the most challenging research topics of investigation in the domain of the 3D animation, as it constitutes an extremely time-consuming task that requires significant technical and creative expertise. The motivation of this research project is to develop a tool to simplify and automate the creation of human 3D movements by enhancing a 3D graphics creation tool. The proposed tool semi-automates the creation of human character animation, by specifying the starting and ending states and movement styles of a human avatar and the transitionary motion state between them.

Nietzsche's Zarathustra: Promethean Pretensions and Romantic Dialectics

On 26 August 1881, at his mountain refuge in Sils Maria, Nietzsche drafted an early schema for what would later become Thus Spake Zarathustra (TSZ). Under the subheading ‘Sketch for a New Mode of Living’, Nietzsche wrote in his Nachlass: ‘First Book in the style of the first movement of the Ninth Symphony. Chaos sive natura: “On the Dehumanization of Nature.” Prometheus is fettered to the Caucasus. Written with the cruelty of [Kratos], “Might”‘ The related references here to chaos, cruelty and Prometheus immediately recall the reader to Nietzsche’s interpretation of the Prometheus myth as set out in his first published work, The Birth of Tragedy (BT). In section 9 of this work, Nietzsche compares the myth of Prometheus to the myth of the Fall, portraying the first as an embodiment of the masculine virtues of heroic individualism and heroic suffering, and the second as an expression of ‘curiosity, deception, seduction, concupiscence, in short a series of principally feminine affects’. In the same gender-biased vein one could also argue that the Edenic myth imagines a feminized pre-lapsarian earth where lamb and lion nestle companionably upon Mother Nature’s fragrant bosom, whereas the Greek myth posits a harsh, brutal earth where all forms of life, especially human, necessarily suffer and perish. Similarly, while shame and submissive humility accompany Eve into the vale of tears, Prometheus curses the cruel injustice of his fate which he nonetheless bears with proud dignity and heroic courage. He does so perhaps because he is not only cognisant of but equal to what Nietzsche refers to as ‘the wretchedness at the core of things’,

La recepción de la escultura italiana en la posguerra española: Eugenio D’Ors y Cristino Mallo

This article examines the impact of Italian sculpture by artists such as Francesco Messina, Arturo Martini, Marino Marini or Giacomo Manzu on both art criticism and sculptors in Spain. Their works, characterized by the capture of expressive figures in ordinary situations, were well-received by critics like the influential Eugenio D’Ors, who aspired to recuperate the classical roots of Spanish art in the style of the Italian Novecento art movement. This Italian influence made an extraordinarily deep impression on the Spanish sculptor Cristino Mallo.

Floral biology and mechanisms of spontaneous self-pollination in five neotropical species of Gentianaceae

Cross- and self-fertilization in angiosperms are regulated by several factors, and a knowledge of the mechanism and time of spontaneous self-pollination offers opportunities for a better understanding of the evolution of mating systems and floral traits. The floral biology of five species of Gentianaceae found in high-altitude neotropical grassland is presented, with emphasis on the mechanisms that promote spontaneous self-pollination. A presumed floral Batesian mimicry system is suggested between the rare and rewardless Zygostigma australe and Calydorea campestris, a species of Iridaceae with pollen-flowers, pollinated by syrphids and bees. The floral morphology of the other four gentian species points to three different pollination syndromes: melittophily, phalaenophily and ornithophily. However, with the exception of the nocturnal Helia oblongifolia, flowers are nectarless and appear to exhibit non-model deceptive mechanisms, providing similar floral cues to some sympatric rewarding species with the same syndrome. The similar mechanism of spontaneous self-pollination in Calolisianthus pedunculatus, Calolisianthus pendulus and H. oblongifolia (Helieae) is based on the stigmatic movements towards the anthers. Selfing is promoted by movements of the style/stigma and of the corolla in Deianira nervosa and Z. australe (Chironieae), respectively. The movements of stamens, style and stigma during anthesis seem to be the most common method of spontaneous self-pollination in angiosperms. It is suggested that the evolution of delayed spontaneous self-pollination would be more expected in those taxa with dichogamous flowers associated with herkogamy. Such a characteristic is frequent in long-lived flowers of certain groups of Asteridae, which comprise most documented cases of autonomous selfing. Thus, the presence of dichogamy associated with herkogamy (which supposedly evolved as a result of selection to promote both separation of male and female functions and the efficient transfer of cross pollen) may be the first step in the adaptive evolution of delayed selfing to provide reproductive assurance. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160, 357–368.

‘Posh music should equal posh dress’: an investigation into the concert dress and physical appearance of female soloists

This study investigates the effects of concert dress and physical appearance on perceptions of female classical soloists’ musical abilities over a range of genres. Four female violinists were recorded playing three pieces, in four styles of dress of varying formality. Each combination of performer, piece and dress was recorded twice, once as the performer’s own interpretation and again with a master-track dubbed over the top. The master-track provided a constant musical soundtrack and allowed the investigation of observer perceptions based on changes in visual information alone. The clips were rated by 15 male and 15 female observers (age range 18—28) in terms of technical proficiency, musicality, appropriateness of dress and attractiveness of performer on six-point Likert scales. Significant effects of dress, performer and piece suggest that (1) observers have a strong concept of appropriate dress by genre of music; (2) inappropriate and body-focused dress may have a detrimental effect on perceptions of performers’ musical abilities; and (3) performers’ body movement style may also affect perceptions of their abilities.

Course and Prognostic Factors for Neck Pain in Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD): Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders

Study Design Best evidence synthesis. Objective To perform a best evidence synthesis on the course and prognostic factors for neck pain and its associated disorders in Grades I–III whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Summary of Background Data Knowledge of the course of recovery of WAD guides expectations for recovery. Identifying prognostic factors assists in planning management and intervention strategies and effective compensation policies to decrease the burden of WAD. Methods The Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force) conducted a critical review of the literature published between 1980 and 2006 to assemble the best evidence on neck pain and its associated disorders. Studies meeting criteria for scientific validity were included in a best evidence synthesis. Results We found 226 articles related to course and prognostic factors in neck pain and its associated disorders. After a critical review, 70 (31%) were accepted on scientific merit; 47 of these studies related to course and prognostic factors in WAD. The evidence suggests that approximately 50% of those with WAD will report neck pain symptoms 1 year after their injuries. Greater initial pain, more symptoms, and greater initial disability predicted slower recovery. Few factors related to the collision itself (for example, direction of the collision, headrest type) were prognostic; however, postinjury psychological factors such as passive coping style, depressed mood, and fear of movement were prognostic for slower or less complete recovery. There is also preliminary evidence that the prevailing compensation system is prognostic for recovery in WAD. Conclusion The Neck Pain Task Force undertook a best evidence synthesis to establish a baseline of the current best evidence on the course and prognosis for WAD. Recovery of WAD seems to be multifactorial.

Bank‐collapse processes in a valley‐bottom gully, western Iowa

AbstractWidening and bank‐slope reduction of a valley‐bottom gully in western Iowa was correlated to increasing subsurface flow over a 36‐year period. To study bank collapse at this gully, we measured rainfall, air temperature, hydraulic head near the banks and bank movement nearly continuously over a 2‐year period. Styles of movement ranged from imperceptible creep to rapid slab collapses preceded by the formation of tension cracks parallel to the gully walls. Bank movement was commonly correlated to rainfall or snowmelt and associated head increases in the banks. If the banks are modelled as a two‐dimensional slab with an adjacent tension crack partly filled with water, measured heads were sufficient to cause bank failures through reduction of frictional support at the base of the slab. During winter months, air temperature variations across 0 °C were correlated with bank movement: during mildly subfreezing periods banks expanded, and most, but usually not all, of this movement was recovered during above‐freezing periods. This motion is attributed to frost heave followed by thawing. Deformation of the banks by heaving and thawing during winter may weaken them and prime them for failure during spring rains and snowmelt, when the frequency of mass‐wasting events is highest. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

Movement Patterns of Tourists within a Destination

This paper reports on a study analysing the movements of tourists within an urban destination. A total of 78 discrete movement patterns was identified, which can be categorized into 11 movement styles. Data were analysed using GIS software. The large number of movement patterns is a reflection of the interaction of six factors: territoriality, the number of journeys made per day, the number of stops made per journey, participation in a commercial day tour, participation in extra-destination travel and observed patterns of multi-stop journeys. The 11 movement styles were influenced by territoriality and intensity of consumption.

Floral Synorganization and Secondary Pollen Presentation in Four Marantaceae from Costa Rica

The Marantaceae have one of the most spectacular pollination mechanisms, including proterandry, secondary pollen presentation, and an explosive style movement. Because the flower has only a single chance to become pollinated, floral structures and processes have to be precisely synorganized and synchronized. In this article, Calathea lutea, Calathea platystachya, Pleiostachya pruinosa (all Calathea clade), and Hylaeanthe hoffmannii (Maranta clade) from Costa Rica are investigated. Pollen is transferred from the anther to the style in late‐bud stages. Depending on the arrangement of the respective parts, self‐pollination in the bud is likely in P. pruinosa but is excluded in C. lutea. After pollen deposition, the buds elongate to twice their length, inducing the style’s tension by differential growth. The representatives of the Calathea clade show a high mechanical tensioning of the backward‐bent style (referred to as “additional tension” here). The four species differ in their floral structures in terms o...

Setting‐up tension in the style of Marantaceae

The Marantaceae stand out from other plant families through their unique style movement which is combined with a highly derived form of secondary pollen presentation. Although known for a long time, the mechanism underlying the movement is not yet understood. In this paper, we report an investigation into the biomechanical principles of this movement. For the first time we experimentally confirm that, in Maranta noctiflora, longitudinal growth of the maturing style within the 'straitjacket' of the hooded staminode involves both arresting of the style before tripping and building up of potential for the movement. The longer the style grows in relation to the enclosing hooded staminode, the more does its capacity for curling increase. We distinguish between the basic tension that a growing style builds up normally, even when the hooded staminode is removed beforehand, and the induced tension which comes about only under the pressure of a too short hooded staminode and which enables the movement. The results of our investigations are discussed in relation to previous interpretations, ranging from biomechanical to electrophysiological mechanisms.

Expertise in dance modulates alpha/beta event‐related desynchronization during action observation

We presented professional dancers and non-dancers with videos of two movement styles, dance movements and everyday movements. Participants were asked to indicate by a button press to which category a movement belonged. We computed event-related desynchronization (ERD) in alpha and beta frequency bands between 7.5 and 25 Hz relative to a visual baseline condition. Power in alpha and lower beta frequency bands was significantly reduced if dancers watched dance movements but not if non-dancers watched dance movements, in particular between 1 and 2 s after movement onset. During observation of everyday movements no such group difference was evident. Thus, ERD in alpha and beta frequency bands was modulated by a participant's expertise with a certain movement style. The results are discussed in light of a human observation-execution matching system similar to the macaque mirror neuron system and strengthen the idea of a functional relationship between such a system and rhythmical activity in the alpha and beta frequency bands.

The religious life and happiness of Protestants involved with the charismatic movement

This research compared the religious lives and happiness of American Protestants involved in the charismatic movement and those not involved in it. Data from the General Social Survey were used to answer the research questions. After controlling for basic demographic variables, the results of multivariate analysis indicated that Protestants involved in the charismatic movement attend religious services and pray more frequently; however, they are not significantly happier than those not involved in the movement. The results of this research suggest that happiness can be enhanced when people participate in religious services frequently; however, the ecstatic worship style and theological perspective of the charismatic movement do not make its participants happier than those who do not participate in the movement.

Characteristics of Magnetic Fabrics in Western Segment of the Altun Fault Belt and Its Tectonic Significance

AbstractThe parameters of magnetic fabric of deformed rocks such as Kmax,Kint,Kmin, P, T, F,L and E can be used to quantitatively display the behaviors and stages of tectonic deformation. Characteristics of magnetic fabrics in the west segment of Altun fault belt (from Guozhacuo to Kongkashankou) were analyzed in this investigation. These characteristics suggest that the segment had undergone multiple stages of mobility, and the deformation feature had experienced a successive transformation from ductile, to ductile‐brittle and to brittle deformation. Stress mechanisms are indicative of shear, stretch and compress with shear. The direction of principal stress is NNE‐SSW and approximately S‐N. The fabric characteristics of the minimum magnetic susceptibility axis (Kmin) are different between the two blocks of the strike‐slip fault, and in different areas they have different movement vectors. Sinistral strike slip is proved to be the main movement style of the Altun fault belt. Magnetic fabric data also indicate that the Altun fault belt has the character of semi‐symmetry with the most intensive deformation in the middle, and a gradual decreasing towards both sides, showing that the deformation during the early period gradually decreased from east to west along the strike‐slip fault belt. The stress, strain and the character of deformation revealed by magnetic fabrics are consistent with field features, microstructure and paleostress data.

Trainee teachers' cognitive styles and notions of differentiation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the cognitive styles of trainee teachers with their notions of differentiation and perceptions of its place/location within their teaching and learning during a PGCE programme of ITE.Design/methodology/approachA total of 80 trainee teachers completed the Cognitive Style Index (CSI) at the beginning and at the end of their course. After completing the CSI measure trainees received instruction on cognitive styles. To assess their initial understanding and prior knowledge of differentiation, all trainees completed a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of their course.FindingsAt the outset rudimentary understandings of differentiation were found to be held by the trainees, as well as stylistic differences between the four style groupings. Gains in understanding of differentiation and the use of cognitive style in school were evident in all trainees. Moderate changes in style were evident, with all trainees becoming more intuitive over the course of the programme.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size may be seen as a limitation in terms of generalisability.Practical implicationsThe predominant direction of cognitive style movement was from analytic to intuitive. The suggestion that cognitive style, while relatively fixed, is also something that can be developed is a feature which should offer encouragement to those developing university courses through interventions such as this.Originality/valueTeaching sessions on how cognitive styles can be used in the classroom were used to enhance trainee understandings of individual learning differences and increase awareness of one's own style to facilitate understanding of differentiation.

Course and Prognostic Factors for Neck Pain in Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD)

Best evidence synthesis. To perform a best evidence synthesis on the course and prognostic factors for neck pain and its associated disorders in Grades I–III whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Knowledge of the course of recovery of WAD guides expectations for recovery. Identifying prognostic factors assists in planning management and intervention strategies and effective compensation policies to decrease the burden of WAD. The Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force) conducted a critical review of the literature published between 1980 and 2006 to assemble the best evidence on neck pain and its associated disorders. Studies meeting criteria for scientific validity were included in a best evidence synthesis. We found 226 articles related to course and prognostic factors in neck pain and its associated disorders. After a critical review, 70 (31%) were accepted on scientific merit; 47 of these studies related to course and prognostic factors in WAD. The evidence suggests that approximately 50% of those with WAD will report neck pain symptoms 1 year after their injuries. Greater initial pain, more symptoms, and greater initial disability predicted slower recovery. Few factors related to the collision itself (for example, direction of the collision, headrest type) were prognostic; however, postinjury psychological factors such as passive coping style, depressed mood, and fear of movement were prognostic for slower or less complete recovery. There is also preliminary evidence that the prevailing compensation system is prognostic for recovery in WAD. The Neck Pain Task Force undertook a best evidence synthesis to establish a baseline of the current best evidence on the course and prognosis for WAD. Recovery of WAD seems to be multifactorial.

Gesture modeling and animation based on a probabilistic re-creation of speaker style

Animated characters that move and gesticulate appropriately with spoken text are useful in a wide range of applications. Unfortunately, this class of movement is very difficult to generate, even more so when a unique, individual movement style is required. We present a system that, with a focus on arm gestures, is capable of producing full-body gesture animation for given input text in the style of a particular performer. Our process starts with video of a person whose gesturing style we wish to animate. A tool-assisted annotation process is performed on the video, from which a statistical model of the person's particular gesturing style is built. Using this model and input text tagged with theme, rheme and focus, our generation algorithm creates a gesture script. As opposed to isolated singleton gestures, our gesture script specifies a stream of continuous gestures coordinated with speech. This script is passed to an animation system, which enhances the gesture description with additional detail. It then generates either kinematic or physically simulated motion based on this description. The system is capable of generating gesture animations for novel text that are consistent with a given performer's style, as was successfully validated in an empirical user study.

‘Going to Brazil’: transnational and corporeal movements of a Canadian‐Brazilian martial arts community

AbstractIn this article I use a case study of capoeira (an Afro‐Brazilian martial art/dance/game) in Canada to bring together sport and transnationality literatures. I show that understandings of transnationality can be extended through both investigating people born and raised in the North, since they play an important role in creating transnational spaces, and attending to the corporeal means that people deploy to connect to a homeland or ‘travel’ to a foreign country. Through adopting a particular racialized/ national style of movement, those who ‘stay put’ in the North can ‘move’ across ethnic boundaries, if not geopolitical borders. Real (international), imagined (virtual and emotional), and corporeal (embodied) ‘travel’ to Brazil are key experiences of the senior capoeirista (capoeira devotee). Sporting activities provide an exceptional window onto transnationality studies, given that ways of moving are fundamental to social, cultural and national identities.