Acquisition Of Skills Research Articles

Impact of Socio-cultural Factors on the Development of Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Belagavi City of Karnataka State

This research investigates the defining traits of successful entrepreneurs, specifically within the context of small and medium-scale businesses in Belgaum. It explores the influence of personal attributes such as personality traits, family business background, upbringing, and the role of community support in shaping entrepreneurial ambitions and actions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study employs comprehensive content analysis alongside thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from semis-structured interviews with Belgaum-based entrepreneurs aged between 25 and 45. These methods facilitate the examination of psychological factors like self-efficacy, and risk-taking behaviour, as well as the impact of social networks and environmental upbringing on the development of entrepreneurial traits and skills. The interviews provide a platform to uncover detailed themes and pathways that lead to entrepreneurial skill acquisition and refinement, offering insights into the early stages of psychological development conducive to entrepreneurial success. The research's findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between an entrepreneur's personal and social environment and their success in business ventures. Through its exploration of these dimensions, the study aims to enrich the literature on enterprise management and entrepreneurship, particularly in the realm of small and medium-sized businesses in emerging markets like Belgaum.

The effect of clinical supervision model on nurses’ self-efficacy and communication skills in the handover process of medical and surgical wards: an experimental study

BackgroundThe handover process is a vital part of patient safety continuity, particularly conducted between nurses at the end of shifts. Nurses often face challenges in handover due to a lack of self-efficacy and inadequate communication skills. The clinical supervision model, by providing emotional, educational, and organizational support, aids in skill acquisition and instills confidence.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of the clinical supervision model on nurses’ self-efficacy and communication skills in the handover process within medical and surgical wards.MethodThis experimental two-group (pre-and post-test) study was conducted in 2024 at selected hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Convenience sampling was used, and participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Data were collected using the ISBAR communication checklist, communication clarity, the Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for handover self-efficacy, and the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS). The clinical supervision model and routine supervision were implemented in six sessions for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, employing independent t-tests, covariance analysis, paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and repeated measures ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsNo significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of baseline characteristics. Inter-group analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the scores of self-efficacy, ISBAR, and communication clarity between the control and intervention groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). According to the intra-group analysis, the ISBAR and communication clarity scores in the intervention group significantly increased over time (p < 0.001), whereas no such increase was observed in the control group. The intervention group showed a significant increase in general self-efficacy (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Although both groups showed a significant improvement in handover self-efficacy, the mean scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001). The mean score of the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale in the intervention group was 128.98, indicating the high effectiveness of implementing the clinical supervision model.ConclusionThe findings indicated that the use of the clinical supervision model improves self-efficacy and communication skills in the handover process of nurses in medical and surgical wards. Therefore, it is recommended to use this model in handover training to enhance the quality of care and improve patient safety.

Assessment of Species-Based Ecosystem Services and Its Usefulness in Forest-Savanna Ecological Zone

Forest ecosystems are the main species rich ecosystem on earth, having a significant role in the provision of massive benefits to the populace who depended on them for sustenance. This study aimed at assessing the forest provisioning ecosystem service and use in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The objectives of this study include the identification of forest provisioning ecosystem services and their uses, people’s dependence for livelihood and quantity of ecosystem services supplied by community forests. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 8 sampled communities while Nikolopoulou convenience sampling technique was adopted for selecting sampling size of 200 persons. Also, 31 key informants were interviewed across the study area. The responses from the entire sampled questionnaire and interview were analyzed using Microsoft excel and statistical package for social sciences. The study revealed that a good number of the forest resources such as Elaeis guineensis, Garcinia kola, Bambusa vulgaris, Azadirachta indica and Brophyllum pinnatum have multiple uses. The result also revealed that the nature of forest determines the quantity of ecosystem service benefits supplied. Hence, those community forests with weak policies supply less than 40% of resources because their traditional laws of entering and harvesting forest resources are no longer effective, while those with strong policies like restriction into their sacred groves, forest reserves and swampy forests supply above 40%. The chi-square value of 352.873 with 28 degrees of freedom (DF) proved that there is strong relationship between the nature of forest and the quantity of ecosystem services provided. This research concludes that forest ecosystem in Ihiala L.G.A, supplies a wide variety of plant and animal species to the populace, which they basically use for timber, firewood, food and medicine. Nonetheless, without alternative and diversified livelihood, the supply is becoming unsustainable. It recommends that since palm tree and its resources are averagely abundant in the study area, there is need to support the establishment of basket making training centre in various communities and as such, make it an attractive skill acquisition programme.

Classroom Reconstruction and Practice of College Tennis Teaching under PBL and TBL Concepts

This study explores the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Team-Based Learning (TBL) concepts in college tennis teaching to enhance student engagement and skill acquisition. Given the challenges of traditional tennis instruction, which emphasizes teacher-led learning and often neglects student autonomy and creative thinking, the study proposes a restructuring of tennis teaching methodologies. By integrating PBL and TBL, the research outlines a new instructional design that promotes collaborative problem-solving and active learning. The experimental results indicate that students taught using this new approach show significant improvements in their tennis skills and overall interest in physical education, compared to those receiving traditional instruction. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing teacher development and curriculum innovation to facilitate effective learning experiences in college sports education.

Skills Acquisition and Student Motivation in Badminton Training Towards Enhanced Sports Educational Program

The study examined skills acquisition and learner motivation in badminton training to improve sports educational programs. It addressed respondent profiles, skill integration levels, motivation factors, significant differences, and relationships between skills integration and motivation, culminating in a proposed program to enhance both areas. The study employed a quantitative research design and used the descriptive correlational research and utilized 377 respondents who are enrolled in badminton classes in three selected Chinese universities. The study found that senior, female students from Hunan Normal University dominated the sample, with skill integration from badminton training rated as moderate, indicating room for improvement. Significant differences in skill integration and motivation were noted based on school attended, but not by age or sex, suggesting that institutional factors play a key role. A weak positive correlation between skill integration and motivation suggests other factors may also influence student motivation.

Effectiveness of the Flipped Project-Based Learning Model Based on Moodle LMS to Improve Student Communication and Problem-Solving Skills in Learning Programming

The acquisition of programming skills is often complex and poses challenges that impede students’ progress and understanding. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the flipped project-based learning (FPBL) model, implemented via Moodle LMS, in enhancing students’ communication and problem-solving abilities in programming education. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group following a blended learning approach and an experimental group utilizing the FPBL model. Purposive sampling was used. Data collection involved pre- and post-tests assessing communication and problem-solving skills, analyzed through paired and independent sample t-tests to evaluate the significance of the observed improvements. These findings demonstrated significantly positive outcomes in the experimental group. For problem-solving skills, the paired sample t-test showed a mean difference of 16.000, a t-value of 5.852, and a significance level of 0.000. Communication skills analysis revealed a mean difference of 7.400, a t-value of 10.418, and a significance level of 0.000. Independent sample t-tests corroborated these results, indicating notable enhancements in both skills in the experimental group compared to the control group. he FPBL model based on the Moodle LMS markedly improved students’ communication and problem-solving skills in programming education. Future research should investigate the long-term retention of these skills and the applicability of the model across different disciplines and educational levels.

Exploring Talent Identification and Development Practices in Chinese Basketball

The objective of this research was to evaluate the techniques used in the process of identifying and developing young basketball player potential in Chinese basketball schools. The study included a sample of 150 teenage basketball players and coaches who were selected to assess specific criteria for talent identification. These criteria encompassed physical characteristics, technical abilities, tactical understanding, social qualities, work ethic, and contextual elements. The research used a blend of descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including regression analysis, to ascertain the most influential characteristics in predicting the selection of young athletes for development programs. The findings revealed that all the main factors for identifying potential were significant, with work ethic obtaining the highest ranking among sporting participants. The survey showed no notable disparity in the evaluation of credentials depending on gender. However, variations were seen based on the academic year level, namely in the perceived enhancement of skills, with senior athletes displaying a more positive perspective. The efficacy of the current development initiatives was evaluated favorably in all domains, with mental growth achieving the highest success rating. Upon further examination, a notable disparity was found in the efficacy of cognitive growth depending on gender and skills acquisition depending on the academic year. The regression analysis revealed that all criteria, including physical attributes, technical skills, tactical understanding, social attributes, work ethic, and contextual factors, have significant predictive power in determining the selection of young athletes for development programs. Among these criteria, contextual factors emerged as the most influential predictor.

Educational research on medical residency programs in Chile: a scoping review and analysis of the impact of the new accreditation policy

BackgroundAccrediting medical specialties programs are expected to influence and standardize training program quality, align curriculum with population needs, and improve learning environments. Despite global agreement on its necessity, methods vary widely. In the Chilean context, a recent new accreditation criteria includes research productivity in relation to educational research on resident programs, so we aimed to define it. What is the profile of publications in educational research produced by Chilean medical specialty residency programs in the last five years? Based on these results, we intend to analyze the potential impact of the new accreditation policy on medical specialty programs in Chile.MethodsWe performed a preliminary bibliometric search to identify the use of the term “resident” in literature. After that, we conducted a literature search, using a six-step approach to scoping reviews, including the appraisal of the methodological quality of the articles.ResultsBetween 2019 and 2023, an average of 6.2 articles were published yearly (19%). The bibliometric analysis revealed that the dominant thematic area of the journals was clinical, accounting for 78.1%. Most articles focused on residents (84.38%), with only two articles including graduates as participants. One university was responsible for 62.50% of the articles and participated in all multicenter studies (9.38%). Surgical specialties produced 15 research articles focused on procedural training using simulation. Psychiatry was the second most productive specialty, with 5 articles (15.63%) covering standardized patients, well-being, and mental health assessment. The most frequent research focus within residency programs over the five-year period was teaching and learning methodologies, with 19 articles representing almost 60% of the total analyzed.ConclusionsResearch on medical education in Chile’s postgraduate residency programs is limited, with most studies concentrated in a few universities. The new accreditation criteria emphasize educational research, posing challenges for many institutions to meet higher standards. Understanding unexplored areas in educational research and learning from successful programs can enhance research productivity and align efforts with accreditation expectations. Continuous evaluation and new research on residents’ satisfaction, skills acquisition, and well-being are needed to ensure training quality and accountability.

Evaluating video feedback to improve eSports performance in Street Fighter V

AbstracteSports is a newly rising field with rapidly increasing cultural validity. Despite the wide array of similarities between eSports and traditional sports, behavioral skill acquisition interventions have yet to be applied to video game skills. Although video feedback has been established as effective for traditional sports, further research is needed to validate its efficacy as a standalone intervention. In this study, the effects of video feedback were analyzed with three participants in a nonconcurrent multiple baseline across subjects design. Participants performed a specific in‐game behavior (an anti‐air attack) in a controlled match against the researcher, then viewed recordings of their performance and received positive and corrective feedback from the researchers. The generalization of the skill improvement was evaluated through the rate of successful skill implementation in ranked online matches. Results showed that the video feedback intervention improved performance over baseline for all participants and generalized to online matches.

Perceptions of Interns Toward Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Pre-service Education and Its Impact on Their Clinical Knowledge: A Study at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat.

Objectives The study aims to assess interns' perceptions of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) pre-service education at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Specifically, it evaluates how IMCI training during phases 2 and 3 influences interns' clinical practice readiness and knowledge acquisition. The findings will inform evidence-based enhancements to IMCI training programs, ensuring they meet interns' educational needs and optimize clinical skills acquisition. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CoMHS) at SQU, Muscat, over a two-month period (September 20, 2023, to November 30, 2023). The questionnaire evaluated interns' sociodemographic factors, perceptions regarding pre-service IMCI training, and IMCI knowledge. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24 (Released 2016; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) was used to analyze Likert scale responses for frequencies and proportions. Results Out of 103 invited interns, 75 participated in the study, resulting in a response rate of 72.8%. Interns who attended three or more IMCI lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions demonstrated a more advanced understanding of IMCI principles compared to those attending fewer sessions. Overall, 63 (84.0%) interns agreed on the effectiveness of IMCI training, 57 (76.0%) interns acknowledged skill enhancement, and 69 (92.0%) interns perceived its practicality for illness assessment. However, only 60.0% (n=45) felt confident in managing sick children. The knowledge assessment revealed varied understanding of IMCI objectives (82.7%, n=62) and components (61.3% (n=46) to 64.0% (n=48)). Clinical case evaluation showed mixed recognition of clinical features and danger signs of childhood illnesses, while awareness of disease preventability through immunization was generally high, except for tuberculosis (74.7%, n=56) and rotavirus (40.0%, n=30). Conclusion Interns exhibit positive attitudes towards IMCI principles, demonstrating a strong grasp of related concepts through effective case-based question responses. These results highlight the effectiveness of IMCI training in improving interns' understanding of pediatric healthcare principles, with potential implications for enhancing clinical practice and patient care. Future investigations should explore the impact of IMCI training on interns' clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Influence of Available Instructional Resources on the Acquisition of Language Skills among Early-Year Learners in Kiambaa Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Language entails the ability to communicate with other people with significant variations between understanding of speech and language. Although language acquisition largely depends on the learner's ability, the access and availability of instructional resources play a pivotal role in language acquisition among children in Early Childhood Education Centres. The main aim of this study was to assess the influence of available instructional resources on the acquisition of language skills among early-year learners, to determine the impact of teachers' competence on the use of instructional resources on the acquisition of language skills among early-year learners and to determine the influence of challenges in use of instructional resources on the acquisition of language skills among early year learners in Kiambaa sub-county, Kiambu County. The study was based on the constructivists and overlapping spheres of influence theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 98 head teachers and 210 ECD teachers who were considered for the study. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 12 head teachers, and simple random sampling was used to obtain 44 teachers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative information gathered using open-ended questions, where findings were reported in a narrative form under each theme. Descriptive analysis was done through frequencies and percentages. A multiple Linear Regression model was used to model the relationship between the independent variable and the response variable (Acquisition of language skills). The study concludes that the availability of Instructional resources has a significant positive effect on the acquisition of language skills as denoted by the p-value (P &lt;0.05). The study recommends that stakeholders, including head teachers, teachers, and parents, should understand the importance of having sufficient instructional resources. Efforts should be made to improve access and availability based on recommendations from ECD teachers, thereby fostering language acquisition among early learners.

Early emotion regulation developmental trajectories and ADHD, internalizing, and conduct problems symptoms in childhood.

Emotion dysregulation is considered a transdiagnostic factor with importance for a range of neurodevelopmental and mental health issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, internalizing problems, and conduct problems. Emotion regulation skills are acquired from early in life and are thought to strengthen gradually over childhood. Children, however, acquire these skills at different rates and slower acquisition may serve as a marker for neurodevelopmental and mental health issues. The current study uses the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a large longitudinal study to evaluate whether developmental trajectories of emotion regulation across ages 3, 5, and 7 predict levels of ADHD symptoms, internalizing problems, and conduct problems at age 7. Both higher initial levels of and slower reductions in emotion dysregulation across ages 3, 5, and 7 predicted higher ADHD symptoms, conduct problems, and internalizing problems at age 7 in both male and female children. Our findings suggest that monitoring trajectories of emotion regulation over development could help flag at-risk children. Additionally, supporting the acquisition of emotion regulation skills in this critical period could be a promising transdiagnostic preventive intervention.

Conservative nonsurgical knowledge of German orthopedic and trauma surgeons-Present state of affairs.

After the fusion of the fields of orthopedics and trauma surgery in 2006 the educational content significantly increased. The acquisition of non-surgical diagnostic and treatment skills seems to fall behind in the classical operatively focused residency programs. This study presents astatus quo of the non-surgical education and knowledge in the field of orthopedics and traumatology in Germany. An online-based voluntary and anonymous questionnaire was conducted between June and August 2023. The questionnaire was distributed through the email lists of the German Society for Orthopedics and Traumatology (DGOU) and the German Professional Association for Orthopedics and Traumatology (BVOU). Atotal of 486 German orthopedic and trauma surgeons answered the online questionnaire (77.9% male; mean age50.2 ± 11.8 years) and 11.5% were residents. Only 27.1% spent part of the residency training in the outpatient sector. In total 84.2% wish for an increased focus on non-operative treatment options during further education, 81.1% agreed that they have agood general understanding of non-operative treatment options and 81.0% felt confident to apply them in the daily clinical routine (residents 35.4% and 41.7%, respectively). The highest self-assessed competences were knowledge on the application of splints and casts and physiotherapy, ergotherapy and sports therapy, the lowest were knowledge on acupuncture, magnetic field therapy and nutritional aspects after trauma. In total, 77.7% stated non-surgical research projects are not supported at their institution. Orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Germany subjectively have solid knowledge on treatment options while resident physicians still need to strengthen their skills. Rotation into the outpatient sector and rehabilitation facilities as well as supporting research in the field could further improve the non-surgical skills.

응급구조학과 수업에서 빔(beam)을 이용한 동영상 교육과 QR code 동영상을 활용한 자가 학습의 자기효능감 비교 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the impact of video practice education using beam technology and self-learning through QR code videos on the acquisition of emergency patient management skills in relation to self-efficacy. Methods The study was conducted from March 27, 2024, to March 31, 2024. It employed a randomized cross-pre-post-experimental design to assess the impact of emergency patient management skills on self-efficacy among 53 students enrolled in the Department of Paramedicine, using either beam technology or self-learning via QR code videos. Results The study found no significant difference in intravenous selection and insertion before training and during practical training using beams. However, there was a notable improvement in self-efficacy observed after viewing the QR code videos. Notably, participants who engaged in self-learning through QR code videos more than three times demonstrated the highest levels of self-efficacy, with a significant difference noted. Conclusions The findings suggest that learners enhanced their self-efficacy by repeatedly practicing difficult skill items through self-learning using QR code videos.

Teaching foundational skills using strategic incremental rehearsal: Investigating effectiveness across varying school agents

AbstractStrategic incremental rehearsal (SIR) is an efficacious flashcard intervention shown to improve foundational skill acquisition. However, there is limited research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of SIR when used by school‐based implementers. We present two studies to address this limitation. Study 1 examined the effects of SIR implemented by teachers on the acquisition of grapheme‐phoneme correspondences with three at‐risk kindergarteners. Study 2 examined the effects of SIR implemented by a same‐age peer on the acquisition and fluency of addition math facts with 3 second‐grade students receiving special education services. Overall, both studies point to the effectiveness of using SIR with students requiring intensive intervention in an focused, short timeframe. The effectiveness of SIR is particularly salient given that teachers and peers were able to implement SIR with high treatment integrity and effectively improve outcomes for students with and at risk for disabilities.

Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: Analysis of the Results in the Author’s Initial 200 Cases

Background Endoscopic endonasal approaches represent currently an important tool for approaching the skull base. The evolution of new techniques is based in the continuous acquisition of skills and abilities and it is paramount to determine the safety and effectiveness of new approaches. Based on that, the aim of this study is to analyze our results after the first 200 cases. Material and methods We performed a retrospective review of all cases operated on through an endoscopic endonasal approach in our Skull Base Unit, between January 2007 and May 2018. We analyze the results and all the per-operative complications associated. Results In this study we included 200 cases, comprising 105 female (52,2 %) and 95 male (47,5 %), with a mean age of 45,6 (range 21-85 years-old). The most commonly reported pathology was the pituitary adenoma, comprising 121 cases (60,5 %), followed by 13 meningocele (6,5 %), 9 chordoma (4,5 %), 6 skull base meningioma (3 %) and 7 cranyopharingioma (3,5 %). 161 cases (81 %) represented first surgery. The most frequently reported complication was diabetes insipidous in 17 % of all cases, followed by CSF leak, represented by 15 cases (7,5 %). 12 CSF leak cases were successfully treated by external lumbar draining and 3 patients required second surgery to skull base repair. In the last 50 cases, only one CSF leak has been reported, representing an incidence of 2 %, successfully treated by endoscopic repair. This decrease in CSF leak represents the impact of the learning curve in skull base reconstruction. 5 % of patients suffered meningitis and 5 % presented permanent anosmia. In our serie we reported 1,6 % of transient neurologic deficit represented by oculomotor palsy and 1,6 % of permanent neurologic deficit due to infarction. 3 patients in this serie has died, two due to malignant ICA occlusion and 1 due to infection (overall mortality 1,5 %). The most commonly used approach was the transsphenoidal transsellar approach (58 %), followed by transplanum-transtubercullum approach (8 %). Gross total resection was achieved in 76 % of tumoral pathology, 71 % in cases of pituitary adenomas. Conclusion From this review we can conclude that, in our serie, endoscopic endonasal surgeries represent safe approaches to the skull base to a huge variety of pathologies. Progressive acquisition of skills and experience is paramount to improve the results, avoiding and reducing complications. Appropriate patient and pathology selection is also mandatory.

Effects of an adapted peer-assisted learning strategies reading programme on reading fluency and reading comprehension of secondary students with or at-risk for reading disabilities

ABSTRACT The acquisition of reading skills in a person’s native language is a key life component to functioning successfully within their society. Unfortunately, many German students have significant reading difficulties in their native language, German. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to translate into German and implement a promising U.S. reading programme that focuses on fluency and comprehension: Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS Reading 2–6). PALS has shown positive effects for English elementary and secondary students with or at risk for reading disabilities. Therefore, this project conducted a pilot Single Subject multiple baseline design study with eight 7th grade students with or at risk for reading disabilities, to explore the feasibility of implementing PALS in German. Results showed improvement in German reading comprehension and fluency for these students after five sessions along with stability at follow-up conducted after six weeks. Limitations of the study and areas for further research are discussed, as well as implications for practitioners.

Quantifying the Training Loads and Corresponding Changes in Physical Qualities among Adolescent, Schoolboy Rugby League Players.

The adolescent development period is critical for rugby league athletes, given the physical growth, neuromuscular adaptation, and skill acquisition that occurs. Secondary schools play an important role in the development of adolescent rugby league players; however, players may be selected into rugby league academies and development programs outside of school, as well as participating in additional sports. In turn, the training loads these young athletes accrue and the implications of these loads are currently unknown. Our aim was to quantify the training loads and concomitant changes in physical qualities of schoolboy and adolescent rugby league players during mesocycles within the pre-season and in-season phases. This is a prospective experimental study. Twenty-one schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 ± 1.3 years) were monitored across separate 4-week mesocycles in the pre-season and in-season. Session frequency, duration, and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) load were reported for all examples of training and match participation in the school rugby league program, as well as club and representative teams for any sport and personal strength and conditioning. Various physical qualities were assessed before and after each 4-week mesocycle. The sRPE load that accumulated across the 4-week mesocycles was higher in the pre-season than the in-season (8260 ± 2021 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 6148 ± 980 AU, p < 0.001), with non-significant differences in accumulated session frequency and duration between phases. Session frequency, duration, and sRPE load differed (p < 0.05) between some weeks in an inconsistent manner during the pre-season and in-season mesocycles. Regarding physical qualities, improvements (p < 0.05) in the 10 m sprint test, Multistage Fitness Test, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum back squat and bench press performances were evident across the pre-season mesocycle, with declines (p < 0.05) in the 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and 1-repetition maximum back squat performances across the in-season mesocycle. Conclusions: These novel training load data show schoolboy rugby league players experience considerable demands that may be suitable in developing several physical qualities during the pre-season but detrimental to maintaining such qualities across the in-season.

A principled approach to skill acquisition in competitive surfing: Embracing representative learning design

The recent rise in professionalisation and institutionalisation of competitive surfing has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of alternative training modalities. These are often employed in an attempt to increase exposure to surf-like activities when appropriate ocean conditions are not available. It is commonly accepted that practice sessions should be grounded in theory, with training content informed by a clear scientific rationale. Despite this, research is yet to offer surfing coaches and surfers effective strategies to assist in implementing appropriate ‘off water’ training modalities. It is widely accepted that integrating a representative learning design is crucial towards the transfer of performance to competition environments. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to promote representative learning design (RLD) as a contemporary, principled framework that can underpin the creation of surfing training design and performance. Examples of constraints relevant to surfing are considered, and the efficacy and rationale of popular training methods are challenged. Finally, practical implications and coaching tools to underpin the implementation of representative learning design in surf training are provided.

Use of AI in Pediatric Occupational Therapy: A Review

The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in pediatric occupational therapy (OT) has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing assessment, intervention, and outcomes for children with diverse developmental needs. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of AI applications in pediatric OT, highlighting key findings, benefits, challenges, and future directions. AI technologies, including machine learning algorithms, computer vision systems, and wearable sensors, offer innovative approaches to assess children&amp;apos;s motor skills, sensory responses, and cognitive functions objectively and efficiently. AI-driven intervention strategies, such as personalized treatment planning, adaptive task selection, virtual reality environments, and gamified activities, promote engagement, motivation, and skill acquisition among pediatric patients. AI can be helpful in early diagnosis as well as early intervention. Additionally, AI-powered telehealth platforms enable remote delivery of OT services, real-time monitoring of patient progress, and access to care for underserved populations. However, challenges related to data privacy, ethical decision-making, disparities in access, and therapist education must be addressed to ensure the ethical, effective, and equitable integration of AI into pediatric OT practice. By embracing ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation, pediatric OT practitioners can harness the transformative potential of AI to improve outcomes and quality of life for children and families worldwide.