Competitive Training Research Articles

Detection method of limb movement in competitive sports training based on deep learning

Human posture detection is easily affected by the external environment, resulting in blurred results of limb feature extraction. In order to improve the accuracy and speed of human motion detection, this paper proposes a deep learning-based motion detection method in competitive sports training. The double parallel convolution network algorithm in the depth learning algorithm is used to process the collected action information, extract the body action features, and greatly reduce the operation scale; With the help of the theory of motion mechanics, the mechanical parameters in the motion process are calculated to eliminate outliers and reduce feature dimensions; With the help of motion inertial sensors and joint degrees of freedom, the limb motion detection results are obtained. The experimental results show that the average recognition rate of the method for different motion actions is 99.5%, and the average detection time is 148 ms, with good application performance.

Supervised Contrastive Generative Adversarial Networks

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) is becoming more and more popular, artists use them to find their own inspirations, computer scientists use it for data synthesis, workers use it for machine fault diagnosis and so on. However, GANs are flawed despite its popularity: they are unstable. GANs are based on game theory. In a typical GAN model, the generator and the discriminator are both improved by competing with each other. Therefore, in this highly competitive training process, GANs can easily run into trouble while they move towards the optimal solution. In most cases, the case of such instability arises from the loss function, or in other words, the gradient of the loss function. This research proposed a new set of GAN that replaces its objective function with supcon, or the supervised contrastive loss to solve gradient-related problems. We have also proved that under our model, the GANs are less likely to suffer from these two factors of instability. Finally, we have compared our model and the traditional generative adversarial nets.

Does right ventricular remodeling in elite athletes persist years after training cessation?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Intense and prolonged exercise training induces morpho-functional cardiac changes, known as "athlete’s heart". The physiologic nature of this cardiac remodeling has been questioned and data on reversibility of cardiac remodeling, especially of the right ventricle (RV), after the suspension of high intensity training are scarce. Purpose To describe cardiac morpho-functional changes by echocardiography in a group of Olympic athletes prior the Olympic games (T1) and years after cessation of their competitive athletic career (T2). Methods Endurance athletes evaluated prior their participation to the Olympic games (edition 2004-2008-2012) and after cessation of their athletic career (> 3 years of cessation of intensive exercise training) were invited to be evaluated at our Institute. 12-lead ECG, exercise ECG test and echocardiogram were performed. Echocardiogram parameters at T1 and T2 were compared including left ventricle (LV) and RV dimension, systolic and diastolic function. Results 25 athletes were enrolled (mean age 47±2 years). The mean time from the end of their agonistic activity was 12 ± 7 years. No differences in terms of LV dimensions and function were observed (Table). Veterans showed a significant decrease in RV dimensions and improvement in function at T2 compared to T1. Conclusion After suspension of competitive training, Veteran athletes showed reverse remodeling of the right ventricle compared with the evaluation during the peak training by echocardiography.

Technologies for improving the technical and tactical training of highly qualified saber fencers

Ideas about the content of technical-tactical and functional training of fencers, whose training is focused on higher sports achievements, have always been relevant. In the technology of programming the technical and tactical actions of highly qualified fencers, in which the technique of performing motor actions has already been formed, it is necessary to single out tactical improvement as one of the priority directions in the training of athletes.
 Technology is a set of knowledge about methods of development, implementation and improvement of certain processes. Any technology involves the subject of technological influence, technological means and carriers of technological functions. This article examines the technologies of using group models of competitive activity in programming the tactical training of saber fencers of the national team of Ukraine. Group models of technical and tactical actions of fencers are presented in the form of petal diagrams. Attention was paid to the creation of a technical and tactical actions database of the world's leading saber fencers, analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, study of combat tactics, etc. The use of video in the formation of tactical actions in future matches with the potential opponents is shown. Conclusions were made regarding the application of training programs in the competitive training of highly qualified athletes.
 Further research will be aimed at the creation and analysis of individual models of competitive activity of saber fencers of the world and Ukraine.

Comparative Study Between Vision Transformer and EfficientNet on Marsh Grass Classification

Due to rapidly changing ecosystems, effective environmental protection often calls for the monitoring of the vegetation for any environmental changes. Vegetation monitoring is essential in assessing the changes and impacts to environmentally valuable ecosystems such as marshlands. While vegetation monitoring of marsh grasses is crucial to the maintenance and protection of marshlands, it is a tedious and time-consuming task that involves careful examination of individual pixels within large resolution images. In this study we compare the use of Vision Transformers (ViT) and two different EfficientNet models on automated marsh grass identification using the GTMNERR Marsh Grass Species data set. Our results show that the use of a ViT allowed for an increase in the accuracy of marsh grass identification. The Vision Transformer was also able to better distinguish between the 6 classes in the data set and provided competitive training time to the smaller of the two EfficientNet models tested in this study.

Strengthening the Character of Patriotism Through the Narantika Rarangganis Dance at a Senior High School in Cimahi

This study aims to determine the implementation of Narantika Rarangganis Dance, instilling patriotism's value. This research uses a case study method with a qualitative approach. The participants that were involved in this study were three teachers from a state senior high school in Cimahi Regency. These participants were senior teachers aged above 50 years old. The results of the study show that (1) the implementation plan of the Cultural Arts Learning for dance branch refers to the curriculum in accordance with basic competencies, planting the character of patriotism is formed from the values of local wisdom in the form of surti, harti, evidence and devotion which is realized by restoring character education as an alignment between knowledge, skills and attitudes. (2) The Cultural Arts Learning Process based on local wisdom by demonstrating the Narantika Rarangganis dance as a West Java regional dance that continuously has a peace-loving character, defends the country, kinship or friendship and upholds the value of local wisdom by maintaining and developing it. (3) Efforts to instill the character of patriotism through Cultural Arts Learning by carrying out cultural performances, language month, carrying out character building, getting to know regional culture, implementing school superior programs, including preserving regional culture, (4) How to preserve local wisdom of Narantika Rarangganis Dance by participating in performing dances at every cultural performance activity both at school and outside of school, participating in the national student art competition festival, holding education and training targeting junior high, high school students and teachers. Recommendations are addressed to school principals, teachers, and future researchers.

Bipedal Static Supination and Dynamic Forefoot Loading Characteristics in Taiwanese College Badminton Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Badminton is a unilateral sport that involves repetitive jumping, lunging and quick changes of direction with the lower limb, thus, plantar pressure profiles and foot postural profiles are critical to maintaining balance and coordination. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of static and dynamic plantar pressure profiles with rearfoot posture in elite and recreational badminton players as well as assess the transitional changes of plantar loads between static and dynamic states. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 65 college-level elite male badminton players (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.2 years; mean height: 177.4 ± 4.6 cm; mean weight: 72.6 ± 4.6 kg) and 68 recreational badminton players of the same gender (mean age: 19.9 ± 0.8 years; mean height: 170.3 ± 3.9 cm; mean weight: 67.7 ± 3.2 kg). The JC Mat was used to evaluate the arch index (AI), plantar pressure distribution (PPD), centers of gravity, and the characteristics of the footprint. Static foot posture was determined by examining the rearfoot alignment. Both groups' AI fell within the normal range. The static plantar loads of the elite group were distributed at the bipedal lateral part of longitudinal arches and heels (p < 0.01), while the right foot experienced higher centers of gravity (p < 0.05). The elite group's static rearfoot postural alignment exhibited a higher degree of rearfoot varus than the recreational group (p < 0.05). In addition, the elite group's dynamic plantar loads were mainly exerted at the medial and lateral metatarsals of both feet (p < 0.05). During the transition state, the recreational group's plantar loads were mainly shifted to the bipedal lateral part of metatarsals and heels (p < 0.05), whereas the elite group's bipedal lateral longitudinal arches as well as the medial and lateral heels experienced a reduction in plantar loads (p < 0.01). For elite badminton players, the findings revealed a possible connection among the static supinated foot, centers of gravity tending towards the right foot, and increased forefoot plantar loads in the dynamic state. The finding merits further exploration of the possible links between transitional changes in plantar pressure distribution in both states and related foot injuries resulting from intense competition and regular training in badminton.

The Impact of Online Social Media on Chinese Professional Badminton Players

The use of online social media is an inevitable activity for many professional athletes, and under the background of the rapid development of sports in the information age and the commercialization of sports, the performance of Chinese professional badminton players will be affected by online social media. From the positive aspect, it is beneficial for professional badminton players to promote sports, promote accountability and training performance, can be monitored on online social media, and sports commercialization also has gifts to increase the income of professional athletes. From the negative aspects, rapid information development and negative evaluation storms can put pressure on athletes to make decisions and cause them to play intensively, Moreover, the commercialization of sports brings income to athletes, and the impatience brought by high income will also show up, so that they are not focused enough in the competition training. Therefore, the right treatment of online social media and its impact is conducive to the sustainable development of professional badminton players.

Passion for programming: to the determination of the status and content of the concept

Introduction. Programming is very attractive for today's youth in terms of future professional activities. The professional choice of a significant number of high school students is associated with admission to IT specialties in the country's leading universities; professional dreams and plans of many young people are related to competitive training and work in an IT company. The increased interest of young people in this specialty and the demand for highly qualified specialists in this field from the state actualizes the need to study the psychological characteristics of the development of children, adolescents and young people who are passionate about programming. The theoretical significance is the definition of the ontological status and content of the concept of passion for programming. Is the passion for programming a socially and historically conditioned characteristic of personality development, or should this concept be considered as a kind of giftedness? Materials and Methods. The article presents the results of a review of theoretical approaches to defining the essence of the concept of "enthusiasm for activity" and considers the possibility of its application in relation to programming in the context of the general theory of youth giftedness. During the review, such methods of theoretical research as comparative analysis, generalization, interpretation were used. Results. Passion for programming can be defined as a state of energy, devotion and absorption in this activity, requiring physical, cognitively active and emotional involvement in the process. Passion for programming must be considered in the context of the general theory of giftedness. In relation to the studied target group, it seems appropriate to use the term "computer talent". Computer talent includes a high level of development of computer thinking as an analogue of the development of intellectual abilities and creativity of the classical model. Enthusiasm for programming as an activity and in solving a specific problem is a personal component of computer talent. Discussion and Conclusions. Passion for programming as a special state of the individual when certain conditions are created, including those that support and enhance motivation and form and develop computer thinking, can develop into a property as a special ability for programming. And a high level of development of this ability, together with a high level of development of computer thinking, will represent a special kind of giftedness – giftedness in the field of programming. Thus, enthusiasm for programming can be considered as a personal prerequisite for the development of giftedness in the field of programming. Identification and development of computer talent is a special pedagogical task.

Managing the development of competitive professional training in vocational educational institutions

Globalization-inspired significant transformation processes in Ukraine necessitate a reevaluation of educational goals, objectives, and imperatives. The training system must consider the overall context of actions and effects while preparing a competitive specialist as part of the educational process in vocational (vocational-technical) educational institutions. The goal of this article is to analyze the current state of development of vocational (vocational-technical) education in Ukraine and the network of institutions of vocational (vocational-technical) education, while also identifying issues that need to be resolved in the training of professionals and factors that affect the quality of a competitive specialist's training. A set of theoretical and empirical methodologies were used to examine the current state of preparation, and a number of issues that impede the process of assuring the quality of training of a competitive specialist were discovered. A set of questionnaires was developed to study the current state of preparation, and within the framework of a pedagogical experiment, questionnaires were administered to entrants, educators, graduates, pedagogical workers, heads of vocational (vocational-technical) education institutions in Ukraine's regions, and employers, and the questionnaire results were analyzed.

Developing and Evaluating a Virtual Reality Videogame Using Biofeedback for Stress Management in Sports

AbstractStress is a reaction of the body to external challenges, whether physical or psychological. In sports, there are stress factors that affect the athlete's performance, especially in team sports that involve short, high-intensity exercise cycles followed by short recovery periods, such as American football. The lack of stress regulation mechanisms can be detrimental to the individual and collective performance of athletes. Biofeedback systems have shown promising clinical results in regulating stress for sports competitions. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support their efficacy, and technologies, such as virtual reality videogames, have not been extensively explored. In this article, we present the development and pilot testing of Virtual Autonomic Nervous System (VANS), a virtual reality videogame using biofeedback that supports stress management training in athletes. VANS uses an optical heart rate sensor and aims at keeping the heart rate below a given threshold to control features within the game. We evaluated the usability and user experience of VANS through a 1-week deployment study with 10 American footballers. Our results show that VANS outperformed a commercial videogame used for biofeedback training and considerably reduced stress in our participants. Therefore, VANS could provide stress management training for future matches and competitions. Finally, we reflect on aspects of our design and discuss future directions of our work.

Teacher performance: a perception from the theory

The teacher's performance in educational contexts could be more perceived from his role in the quality of management, leadership, competitiveness, and academic training. Its development has been affected by the misunderstanding of inclusion and attention to classroom diversity. The internalization, fromthe systematic investigation of the theories, methodologically supported in the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses), opens a range of awareness towards the perception of teaching actions, for which twenty were reviewed. Five articles and research theses from 2016 to 2021, thus providing a new look at the topic under study. All perceptions advocate the construction of strategies to achieve educational quality, conceived from professional training and the achievement of skills, which enables management and characterizes leadership in solving educational needs.

Role of a medical student neuro-society organized neurosurgical conference: The Glasgow neuro experience.

Entering neurosurgical training in the United Kingdom demands extensive prior commitment and achievement, despite little to no exposure to the specialty in medical school. Conferences run by student "neuro-societies" offer a means to bridge this gap. This paper describes one student-led neuro-society's experience of curating a 1-day national neurosurgical conference supported by our neurosurgical department. A pre-and post-conference survey was distributed to attendees to ascertain baseline opinions and conference impact using a five-point Likert Scale, and free text questions explored medical students' opinions of neurosurgery and neurosurgical training. The conference offered four lectures and three workshops; the latter provided practical skills and networking opportunities. There were also 11 posters displayed throughout the day. 47 medical students participated in our study. Post-conference, participants were more likely to understand what a neurosurgical career involves and how to secure training. They also reported increased knowledge about neurosurgery research, electives, audits, and project opportunities. Respondents enjoyed the workshops provided and suggested the inclusion of more female speakers in future. Neurosurgical conferences organized by student neuro-societies successfully address the gap between a lack of neurosurgery exposure and a competitive training selection. These events give medical students an initial understanding of a neurosurgical career through lectures and practical workshops; attendees also gain insight into attaining relevant achievements and have an opportunity to present research. Student neuro-society-organized conferences have the potential to be adopted internationally and used as a tool to educate on a global level and greatly aid medical students who are aspiring neurosurgeons.

Time domain adaptation of left ventricular diastolic intraventricular pressure in elite female ice hockey athletes.

Ice hockey is a high-intensity dynamic sport for which competitive athletes train for longer than 20 hours each week for several years. The cumulative time of myocardial exposure to hemodynamic stress affects cardiac remodeling. However, the intracardiac pressure distribution of the elite ice hockey athletes' heart during adaptation to long-term training remains to be explored. This study aimed to compare the diastolic intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) of the left ventricle (LV) between healthy volunteers and ice hockey athletes with different training times. Fifty-three female ice hockey athletes (27 elite and 26 casual) and 24 healthy controls were included. The diastolic IVPD of the LV during diastole was measured by vector flow mapping. The peak amplitude of the IVPD during isovolumic relaxation (P0), diastolic rapid filling (P1), and atrial systole (P4); the difference in the peak amplitude between adjacent phases (DiffP01, DiffP14); the time interval between the peak amplitude of adjacent phases (P0P1, P1P4); and the maximum decrease rate in diastolic IVPD were calculated. Differences between groups, as well as correlations between hemodynamic parameters and training time, were analyzed. Structural parameters of the LV were significantly higher in elite athletes than in casual players and controls. No significant difference in the peak amplitude of the IVPD during the diastolic phase was found among the three groups. The analysis of covariance with heart rate as a covariate showed that P1P4 in the elite athlete and casual player groups was significantly longer than that in the healthy control group (p < 0.001 for all). An increased P1P4 was significantly associated with an increased training year (β = 4.90, p < 0.001). The diastolic cardiac hemodynamics of the LV in elite female ice hockey athletes could be characterized by a prolonged diastolic IVPD, and P1P4 prolonged with an increase in the training years, reflecting a time-domain adaptation in diastolic hemodynamics after long-term training.

Competitive programming in computational thinking and problem solving education

AbstractBuilding practical programming competency requires a long‐lasting journey of discovery, trial and error, learning and improvement. This article presents essential findings of a case study of a Python programming contest with an automatic judgement system for Competitive Programming training extending the learning experiences for students in an introductory course, computational thinking and problem‐solving. The benefits and challenges are discussed. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic, a hybrid model of the contest was adopted, that is, some students participated in the contest on‐site, while others participated remotely. To alleviate human effort in judging the submissions, the DOMjudge platform, a web‐based automatic judgement system, has been deployed as an online automatic judgement system and contest management in competitive programming. The implementation roadmap and framework were provided. The contest problems and contestants' performances were discussed. Not many junior contestants could solve at least one problem(s), and competitive computing training should be offered if the students are keen on open competitions. An empirical study was conducted to evaluate the student feedback after the contest. Preliminary results revealed that the contest offering the chance to stimulate student learning interests could enhance their independent learning, innovative thinking and problem‐solving skills, and could thus lead to the overall benefits of the learning experiences, which further encourage them to participate in future contests to improve their learning and therefore enhance their employability. Employers often treasure student experiences in competitive programming events, like association for computing machinery programming contests, Google Code Jam or Microsoft Imagine Cup. Sharp vision requiring skills to tackle unseen problems within a short period is also instrumental to students planning for graduate school.

Quality competition and worker training

AbstractWe examine the relationship between firm‐sponsored training and product quality competition within a model of worker–firm bargaining. We develop a quality‐adjusted monopolistically competitive setting in which firms invest in training to an extent that reflects: (i) the costs of training, (ii) the extent to which training increases product quality, and (iii) the extent to which product quality increases final product demand. We identify the conditions under which greater sensitivity between product demand and quality results in greater firm‐sponsored training.

The landscape of biomedical research progress, challenges and prospects in Saudi Arabia-A systematic review.

The main objective of this review was to synthesize the progress, challenges and prospects of biomedical research in Saudi Arabia in order to provide a holistic view to all stakeholders, such as policy makers, decision makers, and local researchers along with external collaborators interested in the field of biomedical research in this region. A systematic review was conducted using the scientific literature for bibliometric studies in the field of biomedical research in Saudi Arabia that comprehensively covered past few decades using PubMed. The search was performed by combining verified Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms: "biomedical research", "bibliometrics", "Saudi Arabia" using boolean operator "AND". The data collection was done from January to June 2022 by both authors. Out of 202 articles yielded from initial search, 13 articles met all of the inclusion criteria and were examined in details. The outcome of analysis showed that with the augmentation of Research and Development (R&D) globalization in Saudi Arabia, researchers are publishing internationally and collaborating globally, academic and research centers are enriching research environment and policies, and government is taking many initiatives to bolster biomedical research; but still more improvements needs to be achieved by Saudi Arabia to be in the list of strong competitive leading nations in the global biomedical research field. There were various key challenges related to biomedical publications and bibliometric aspects for Saudi Arabia that included: publishing preferences, quality of publications, indexing services, international scientific community, and importantly barriers related to planning, funding, training, resources and support at institutional and national levels. This review provided some insights and recommendations to enhance biomedical research in Saudi Arabia that included: effective policies, health priorities, building infrastructures, greater investments, high incentives, skilled recruitment, competitive training and engagement of community that can play a vital role in this context.

RELAÇÕES ENTRE A QUALIDADE PSICOLÓGICA E O TREINAMENTO EM JOGADORES DE BASQUETEBOL

ABSTRACT Introduction Psychological monitoring and psychological intervention of basketball players has been a focus of attention in sports training. In basketball, players consume much physical energy and also much mental energy. Psychological tension and emotional changes cause basketball players to restrict their technical abilities. Objective Analyze the relationship between sport-induced mental fatigue and pre-game emotions in basketball players. Methods This paper selects 40 basketball players as research volunteers. A survey questionnaire and mathematical statistics were used to analyze the relationship between basketball players’ mental fatigue, training level, and pre-game emotions. This paper analyzes the relationship between psychological quality and training level of basketball players. Results There were significant correlations between various dimensions of sport-induced mental fatigue and basketball players’ pregame emotions. Basketball players’ pre-game self-confidence is mainly affected by training game competence and excessive energy consumption. Conclusion The psychological quality of basketball players is significantly correlated with the level of training. Athletes should pay attention to psychological quality training in sports competitions. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

EFEITOS DA AERÓBICA NA APTIDÃO FÍSICA DAS UNIVERSITÁRIAS EM EDUCAÇÃO FíSICA

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aerobic gymnastics will be implemented in several universities’ physical education elective course schedules due to its unique advantages, including lower physical environment demands and rapid applicability. Objective: Study the effects of physical training with aerobic gymnastics on the physical fitness of female university students. Methods: The controlled experiment was performed on female undergraduate students of the physical education course at a university. The volunteers were divided into a control group, subjected to the existing aerobics teaching plan, and the experimental group, which practiced an enhanced program compared to the existing aerobics teaching plan. The competitive aerobics physical training method, along with a 30-minute physical training plan, was performed in each class. Another course design and organization were performed according to the existing teaching plan. Results: The mean score of the experimental group before the experiment was 45.22; 49.36 in the second week; 55.22 in the fourth week, 62.89 in the sixth week, 70.2 at the eighth week, and 76.73 at the end of 10 weeks of training. Conclusion: The aerobic physical training program proposed in this work presented a better effect on the fitness gain of female university students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Practices of Talent Management in Private Organizations of Bangladesh: A Descriptive Analysis

Purpose: This study examines talent management practices in private organizations in Bangladesh, focusing on practical implementation and identifying associated challenges. Methodology: Employing a descriptive research design, data is collected through interviews and questionnaires using a Likert scale from administrative personnel at four organizations in Kushtia. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods are applied. Findings: Talent management lacks a precise definition but is generally viewed as integral to human resource management. It is recognized as a strategic approach to attract, retain, engage, and develop talent. Competitive compensation, training programs, and a positive culture are key attraction and retention factors. Talent management is considered cost-effective, reducing turnover and enhancing performance. Succession planning is valued for talent development and leadership continuity. Practical Implications: The study offers insights for human resource (HR) practitioners, emphasizing the integration of talent management into HR practices. Competitive compensation, training, and culture-building are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Viewing talent management as a strategic and cost-effective approach can enhance performance and competitiveness. Originality: This research contributes to the evolving literature on talent management in Bangladesh's unique organizational context, providing a comprehensive analysis of its integration with HR. Research Limitations: Reliance on self-reported data and a regional focus limit generalizability.