Efficient Training Programs Research Articles

The Effects of Different Rater Training Procedures on ESL Essay Raters’ Rating Accuracy

The study investigated the effects of three commonly employed rater training procedures on the rating accuracy of novice ESL essay raters. The first training procedure involved going through a set of benchmarked scripts with scores, the second involved assessing benchmarked scripts before viewing the scores. The third was a combination of the former and latter. A pre, post and delayed post-experimental research design was employed. Data were collected before, immediately after and one month after training. Actual IELTS scripts with benchmarked scores determined by subjecting expert IELTS raters’ scores through Multi-Faceted Rasch (MFR) analysis were used for the training and data collection purposes. Sixty-three TESL trainees were selected based on their pre-training rating accuracy to form three equally matched experimental groups. The trainees’ scores for the essays before, immediately after and one month after the assigned training procedure were compared with the official scores for the operational essays. Although the findings indicate that generally, rater training improves raters’ rating accuracy by narrowing the gap between their scores and the official scores, different training procedures seem to have different effects. The first training procedure significantly improved raters’ rating accuracy but showed a decreasing effect with time. The second training procedure showed immediate as well as delayed positive effects on raters’ rating accuracy. The third training did not lead to significant immediate improvement, but rating accuracy improved significantly after some time. This paper discusses the implications of the findings in planning efficient and effective rater training programmes.

Short-training Algorithm for Online Brain-machine Interfaces Using One-photon Microendoscopic Calcium Imaging.

Calcium imaging has great potential to be applied to online brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). As opposed to two-photon imaging settings, a one-photon microendoscopic imaging device can be chronically implanted and is subject to little motion artifacts. Traditionally, one-photon microendoscopic calcium imaging data are processed using the constrained nonnegative matrix factorization (CNMFe) algorithm, but this batched processing algorithm cannot be applied in real-time. An online analysis of calcium imaging data algorithm (or OnACIDe) has been proposed, but OnACIDe updates the neural components by repeatedly performing neuron identification frame-by-frame, which may decelerate the update speed if applying to online BMIs. For BMI applications, the ability to track a stable population of neurons in real-time has a higher priority over accurately identifying all the neurons in the field of view. By leveraging the fact that 1) microendoscopic recordings are rather stable with little motion artifacts and 2) the number of neurons identified in a short training period is sufficient for potential online BMI tasks such as cursor movements, we proposed the short-training CNMFe algorithm (stCNMFe) that skips motion correction and neuron identification processes to enable a more efficient BMI training program in a one-photon microendoscopic setting.

MY CHILD’S DISABILITY AND ME”: IMPACT OF CHILD DISABILITY ON MATERNAL QUALITY OF LIFE AND COPING STRATEGY

The birth of differently-abled child brings huge impact on the life of parents. This condition results in adverse impact on quality of life of parents. The study examined the components of quality of life and coping strategies of mothers of children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, and intellectual disability. This was a cross-sectional, ex-post facto research study. The statistical population included the mothers of differently abled children. 200 mothers of differently-abled children participated in the study. WHOQOL-BREF and Coping strategies scale was used for data collection. Findings revealed that the quality of life has statistically significant difference among the mothers of visually impaired, hearing-impaired children and mothers of locomotor disabled and intellectually disabled children. The mothers of visually impaired and hearing-impaired children use approach coping more than the mothers of intellectually disabled and locomotor disabled children. The avoidance coping is used more by mothers of locomotor disabled children followed by mothers of intellectually disabled children. Efficient social skill training programs should be provided to enhance their social network and quality of life. The professionals should also assess the needs, potential problems of mothers and integrate effective strategies with the treatment of their children.

Virtual reality simulator metrics cannot be used to assess competence in ureteronephroscopy and stone removal – a validation study

Objective The growing use of simulation-based training makes it necessary to develop efficient training programs in order to ensure optimal use of time and resources. Our aim was to develop and gather validity evidence for a simulation-based test in ureteronephroscopy and set a pass/fail standard for the test that will allow future mastery learning. Design This study is a validation study. A test in ureteronephroscopy and stone removal on the URO Mentor™ virtual reality simulator (3D Systems, USA) was developed by two experienced urologists in order to ensure content. Participants with different experience completed three standardized tasks on the simulator and simulator-generated metrics were used as outcome parameters to minimize bias and ensure a fair response process. Results Twenty novices, 15 intermediates, and 8 experienced urologists were included in the study. Validity evidence for internal structure and relationship to other variables was questionable with weak and mostly insignificant correlations across all four metrics (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.14, p = 0.15) and across the three modules (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.41 (p = 0.02), 0.35 (p = 0.06), 0.10 (p = 0.35), and 0.30 (p = 0.09) for each metric, respectively). It was not possible to establish a pass/fail score for the simulation test with meaningful consequences. Conclusion Our study showed that automatically generated simulator metrics cannot be used as a valid way of assessing competence in ureteronephroscopy. Virtual-reality simulator training could still be a valuable and patient-safe way to practice these skills, but an experienced supervisor is needed to determine when the trainee is ready to continue to supervised practice on patients.

Past behavior as a predictor of eco-driving practices: The case of a sustained intervention in a Mexican transportation company

Freight transportation—specifically, fuel consumption during delivery operations—is one of the main contributors to global CO2 emissions. In this article, we study the effect of eco-driving practices (e.g., avoiding idling, keeping a steady speed) on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. We also explore the effect of a sustained intervention supporting eco-driving on the adoption of eco-driving practices among professional drivers. Transportation companies usually invest resources to train, coach, and reward drivers who practice eco-driving; therefore, our study aims to provide insights into the impact of these efforts. We conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis on data collected from 55 drivers in 150 trips, using GPS records (e.g., geolocation, speed, revolutions per minute) and direct observations, for one of the largest Mexican retailers that operates its own transportation fleet. Our results show that eco-driving contributes to fuel savings at an average of 27.8%, as indicated by the difference in consumption between the high-proficiency and medium-proficiency drivers and low-proficiency drivers, and an average reduction of 13 kg of CO2 per route. In addition, we observe that the eco-practices of keeping a steady speed and avoiding idling, followed by abrupt accelerations or braking, have a substantial effect on fuel efficiency and, consequently, on CO2 emissions. Our research also provides managerial insights into the relationship between past driving behaviors and the adoption of eco-driving practices. These findings contribute to the design of efficient company training programs aimed to improve eco-driving practices.

Some Methodological Tools from The School of Competent and Efficient Parents Counseling and Training Program

Some Methodological Tools from The School of Competent and Efficient Parents Counseling and Training Program

Perbedaan Pukulan Lob Berpola dan Pemberian Lob Tak Langsung Terhadap Ketepatan Pukulan Lob Dalam Permainan Bulutangkis Pada Atlet Pemula Putra PB. Lindu Aji Ngaliyan

Abstract
 Muhammad Shofiana "The difference between patterned lob and indirect lob is the accuracy of lob strokes in badminton games for young male athletes PB. Lidu Aji Ngaliyan ”Faculty of Social Sciences and Sports Education, PGRI University Semarang, 2020.
 The problems in this study were (1) whether there was a difference in the effect of patterned lob training and indirect lob treatment on the accuracy of lob strokes and (2) which one was better between patterned lob training and indirect lob practice. While the objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effect of patterned lob training and indirect lob on the accuracy of lob stroke accuracy (2) to determine which one was better patterned lob and indirect lob. In accordance with this background, this research is experimental.
 This type of research is quantitative, with a Two Group Pretest Posttest design. The population in this study athletes PB Lindu Aji Ngaliyan, amounting to 53 people and a sample of 20 people. In taking the sample using purposive sampling technique. There were 2 types of variables studied in this study, namely patterned lob training and indirect lob as the independent variable and the accuracy of the lob as the dependent variable. The research instrument used the lob punch test. Furthermore, the data obtained was then entered into SPSS.
 This research shows. the results of the Independent Sample T-Test hypothesis test obtained the value of tcount (2.182) and the value of Sig. Thus you can do patterned lob training and give indirect lob gives better results for the accuracy of the lob stroke is the pattern lob rolling exercise.
 The conclusions of this study are (1) there is an effect of patterned lob training on increasing lob accuracy (2) there is an effect of indirect lob training on increasing lob accuracy (3) there is a difference between the effect of patterned lob strokes and indirect lob in accuracy. The lob stroke and patterned lob training method were better than the indirect lob training method in increasing the accuracy of the lob stroke. Suggestions in this research (1) For novice athletes to continue to strive to improve the accuracy of lob strokes (2) For coaches to always provide an effective and efficient training program to their athletes, especially training programs to improve the accuracy of lob strokes, namely by providing lob stroke training. patterned (3) For further researchers, it is necessary to add other variables so that studies that examine methods to improve the accuracy of lob hits are wider.

Safety climate assessment: a survey in an electric power distribution company

Introduction. This study aimed to investigate safety climate and its structural dimensions as well as establish a relationship between safety climate and demographic variables in a power distribution company. Method. This cross-sectional study included 200 workers. The safety climate questionnaire recommended by the UK Health and Safety Executive was applied containing 43 questions in 11 dimensions. Demographic information was also assessed. SPSS version 22.0 was applied to analyze the data. Results. In total, 179 workers participated in this survey. The response rate was high (89.5%). Safety climate had the highest correlation with the management commitment dimension (r = 0.754). The total score of safety climate in this company was 3.37 on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. Among safety climate factors, the highest score was for safety-related training (3.87) but work pressure had the lowest score (2.80). Among demographic variables, a significant relationship was observed between safety climate and age (r = 0.180). Conclusions. Management as an organizational power can exert great influence on the promotion of safety climate. Moreover, adopting efficient training programs and making a balance in workload for decreasing work pressure can improve safety climate.

Feasibility and suitability of a graded exercise test in patients with aggressive hemato-oncological disease

PurposePhysical activity promises to reduce disease-related symptoms and therapy-related side effects in patients suffering from aggressive lymphoma (L) or acute leukemia (AL). For an efficient training program, determination of patients’ physical capacity with a purposive exercise test is crucial. Here, we evaluated the feasibility and suitability of a graded exercise test (GXT) frequently applied in patients suffering from solid tumors by assessing whether patients achieved criteria for maximal exercise testing according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).MethodsThe GXT was performed by 51 patients with an aggressive L or AL prior to the start or in the earliest possible phase of high-dose chemotherapy, following a recommended protocol for cancer patients, starting at 20 Watts (W), with an increase of 10 W/min until volitional exhaustion. Subsequently, we investigated whether the following ACSM criteria were fulfilled: (1) failure of heart rate to increase despite increasing workload, (2) post-exercise capillary lactate concentration ≥ 8.0 mmol L−1, (3) rating of perceived exertion at exercise cessation > 17 on the 6–20 Borg Scale.ResultsOut of 51 patients, two, six, and 35 participants met the first, second, and third criterion, respectively. No relevant relationships between the completion of the criteria and patients’ characteristics (e.g., gender, age) were found.ConclusionAlthough results of this study suggest a general feasibility of the applied GXT, the ACSM criteria were not met by the majority of the participants. Therefore, this study raises doubts about the suitability of the GXT protocol and the ACSM criteria for this group of patients.

Reality based skills development approach in welding technology: An overview

One of the important technologies of Industry 4.0 is digitalization. By 2022, the industrial sector may spend 27% on AR/ VR solutions. Augmented Reality (AR) is a fast growing technology and has various applications in the field of academic studies, sports, medical, military etc. The Virtual Reality (VR) simulator is appropriate training programs for welding skills development and created a new tool to achieve the requirement of higher efficient skill training programs for hazardous environments. Application of AR/VR permits the reduction in time, materials, and cost in comparison with traditional training methods. Use of AR/VR already revealed a reduction of 50% in major energy resources. Its application also reduces pollutants and NO2 apart from reduction of noise pollution, AR technology consists of a software for the welding source simulation, positioning system and plate with base materials and a welding helmet called HMD (head mounted displays) coupled with the welding torch

Basic life support training for the adult lay population. A systematic review

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is an influential method for improving the perception of resuscitation maneuvers, user willingness to carry it out, and also coordination of the people performing it. The main objective of the present systematic review is to evaluate the effects of basic CPR training program and Semi-Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) use on acquiring and retaining practical skills of lay adults. The included researches involved adult participants of 18 years old and over without previous CPR official training. In addition, the studies containing any training program, without a specified training method of CPR and AED use, were considered. A qualitative analysis was conducted to determine the most efficient B-CPR and AED use training program for lay adults regarding to acquisition and retention of practical skills. All randomized experimental trials followed a sequence of assigning participants to different categories. This corresponds to distinct interventions which in turn involved various CPR and AED training types or different durations of training between the groups. Overall, a specific training methodology has not been identified for approaching a clear demonstration with more effective and low-cost results. However, it seems that a training program based on simplified and short-term CPR combined with instructor-student feedback, videos, feedback devices, and simulations could cause reduction of the barriers for the lay population to help the OHCA patients and perform CPR.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding COVID-19 and its Impact on Dentistry: A Cross-sectional Survey among Nepalese Dentists

Background Coronavirus Disease, 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease with high transmissibility. Dentists are at inherent risk because of aerosol generating procedures exposing dentists to the respiratory and oral secretions of the patients. Objective To assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice (KAP) of the Dentists to combat the pandemic which could help shape future guidelines and policies to be implemented in dental settings. Method This cross-sectional descriptive study included series of multiple-choice questions distributed online, assessing dentists' KAP towards COVID-19, its impact on dentistry and their psychological well-being. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20 for mac Operating System (OS). Descriptive statistics was performed, and frequencies of responses were reported in proportion. Non-parametric tests of independence and Chi-square test were performed to see the association between the categorical variables. Result Around 84% of the respondents accurately answered mode of transmission, 68% inquired about the travel history while only 49% measured the body temperature. Also, only 42% were receiving salary. A statistically significant difference concerning impact and practice during the COVID-19 was observed between general practitioner and specialist working at different work places. Conclusion Majority of Dentists have good knowledge and awareness but there were certain pitfalls in attitude and practice level calling out for more efficient training programs, precise guidelines, and treatment protocols to put into practice. Also, the mental distress and the financial impact subjected upon dentist require to be further explored determining the association between their mental health during and post COVID-19 outbreak.

Skills Needs of the Civil Engineering Sector in the European Union Countries: Current Situation and Future Trends

The construction sector has always occupied a strategic place in the European economy. The European construction industry suffered during the 2007–2008 global financial crisis, and today the sector is undergoing a recovery process. Among all the construction subsectors, civil engineering has the highest growth rate. Currently, the sector has to face profound industrial changes emerging with digital transformations (Industry 4.0), sustainability, climate change and energy efficiency. To promote the growth of the civil engineering sector and accelerate the recovery, we need to create a highly qualified and competent workforce that can handle the challenges coming up with the technological progress and global competitiveness. The main condition to achieve this capable workforce is to define the expected evolution of skills requirements. For that purpose, our work focuses on identifying current and near-future key skills required by the civil engineering occupations. To achieve this, we developed an automated sectoral database for the current and near-future skills requirements of the selected professional profiles. It is our belief that this sectoral database is a fundamental framework that will guide the sector through the future changes. We also believe that our research can be used as a key tool for construction companies, policy-makers, academics and training centers to develop well-designed and efficient training programs for upskilling and reskilling the workforce.

Assessing trainees’ experience from the skill development programmes on inland fisheries management and its impact on human capital

As the world is moving towards ‘knowledge economy’, training and capacity building has become an integral part of all organizations. The trainers themselves need to undergo training programmes to increase their efficiency. The present study aims to investigate the impact of five trainers’ training programmes in the inland fishery sector of India based on participants’ perceptions and changes in human capital, i.e., knowledge, attitude, and skill. The training effectiveness index was devised for this purpose consisting of six parameters namely, expectation fulfillment, the overall grading of the programme, the extent of satisfaction, change in knowledge, attitude, and skill level of the participants. The statistically significant change in knowledge level in all programmes and in attitude level in two programmes was recorded. The effectiveness scores ranged from 71.76 to 80.66 percent. The motivation for participation, perceived challenges, suggestions for improvement, and future action plans were also noted. Based on the findings a three-stage training cycle has been recommended by the authors for improving the efficiency of training programmes. Some of the recommended measures are conducting Training Need Analysis (TNA), application of simulation method for skill-building, the inclusion of more practical and field-oriented sessions, carrying out microlab in the beginning of the training for building positive effect, post-training follow up with the motherorganizations and analyzing the impact of training on job performance. The findings are expected to aid in designing more efficient training programmes in the inland fishery sector in the future. Key words Trainers’ training; Training effectiveness index; Human capital; Training cycle

Surveying sleep quality and fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients at a multiple sclerosis center in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2017

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system which appears with de-myelination of the central nervous system. Sleep disorder and fatigue are very common in MS patients and are part of the main debilitating factors in patients. The present study was conducted to survey sleep quality and fatigue in MS patients. MethodsA descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 87 MS patients, who were referred to the Kermanshah MS Center in 2017. Data collection tools include a demographics form, fatigue severity scale, and Pittsburg sleep quality inventory. The questionnaires were self-reporting. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS23. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 35.50±9.25 years and the majority of the participants were married (54; 62.1%). Quality of sleep was related to family history of MS and history of using medications (antidepressants like tricyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, and SNRIs and anxiety drugs such as diazepam, oxazepam, and alprazolam (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between length of sleep and history of using medicines (p < 0.05). Finally, the results showed that there was a strong statistical relationship between performance during the day and fatigue (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe results recommend holding relaxation and exercise courses by nurses to ease fatigue in MS patients. Clinics can also play a more effective role by being more supportive and holding more efficient training programs. The program is taught by the researchers. Trial registrationThis study was carried out following the permission from Ethics Committee, Department of Research and Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (approval number: KUMS.REC.1395.680).

Effect of Oregon Circuit Training and Fartlek Training on the VO2Max Level of Soedirman Expedition VII Athletes (Goes to Aconcagua Mountain: Argentina)

AbstractThis study aims to determine the effect of Oregon Circuit Training and Fartlek Training on VO2max levels in Sudirman Expedition VII athletes (goes to Aconcagua Mountain: Argentina). The research method uses pre-experimental with two groups pretest posttest design. The variables in this study are (1) independent variables: Oregon Circuit Training Fartlek Training. (2) dependent variable: VO2Max level. The population numbered 20 athletes and used a total sampling technique to obtain 20 samples. The research instrument uses the Multi Stage Fitness Test Instrument. This research was conducted in January 2018 until October 2018. Data analysis techniques were obtained by T-Test. The results showed that there was an Oregon Circuit Training effect on the increase in VO2Max of Sudirman VII Expedition Athletes as evidenced by p value = 0.002. In addition, there is the influence of Fartlek Training on the increase in VO2Max Soedirman VII Expedition Athletes as evidenced by p value = 0.001, and there is no significant difference in effect between the Oregon Circuit Training and Fartlek Training on increasing VO2Max athlete of Soedirman VII Expedition with ρ value = 0,740. these results, the two methods can be used as an effective and efficient training program to improve VO2Max.

A machine learning approach to predict surgical learning curves

BackgroundContemporary surgical training programs rely on the repetition of selected surgical motor tasks. Such methodology is inherently open ended with no control on the time taken to attain a set level of proficiency, given the trainees’ intrinsic differences in initial skill levels and learning abilities. Hence, an efficient training program should aim at tailoring the surgical training protocols to each trainee. In this regard, a predictive model using information from the initial learning stage to predict learning curve characteristics should facilitate the whole surgical training process. MethodsThis paper analyzes learning curve data to train a multivariate supervised machine learning model. One factor is extracted to define the trainees’ learning ability. An unsupervised machine learning model is also utilized for trainee classification. When established, the model can predict robustly the learning curve characteristics based on the first few trials. ResultsWe show that the information present in the first 10 trials of surgical tasks can be utilized to predict the number of trials required to achieve proficiency (R2=0.72) and the final performance level (R2=0.89). Furthermore, only a single factor, learning index, is required to describe the learning process and to classify learners with unique learning characteristics. ConclusionUsing machine learning models, we show, for the first time, that the first few trials contain sufficient information to predict learning curve characteristics and that a single factor can capture the complex learning behavior. Using such models holds the potential for personalization of training regimens, leading to greater efficiency and lower costs.

A Study On Employee Perception On Effectiveness Of Training Programs In Myanmar Citizens Bank

In banking industries, employees are entrusted with different roles and responsibilities, and training enables them to carry out these roles and responsibilities efficiently by let them to learn new things. Moreover, it will prepare them to take up higher responsibilities in the future. Therefore, this study focuses to analyze the employee perceptions on effectiveness of Training Programs in Myanmar Citizens Bank (MCB). By using the descriptive research method, primary data are collected from the responsible persons and employees of MCB in head office, branches. Secondary data are gathered and scrutinized from relevant text books, records and annual reports from MCB. The research revealed that there are four kinds of training programs in MCB. Moreover, this paper revealed that MCB successfully delivered its training programs in year 2015 to 2018 and the trainees have positive perceptions on effectiveness of training programs in MCB. Based on these results, this paper pointed out the important facts that can give improvement actions for effective and efficient training programs in Myanmar Citizen Banks.

Examining the Impact of a Gamified Entrepreneurship Education Framework in Higher Education

Entrepreneurship education constitutes a top priority in policy agendas across the globe as a means to promote economic growth, fight unemployment and create social capital. An important premise of entrepreneurship education is that it can be learned and students can be taught to formulate entrepreneurial mentality, skills and competencies, something that can result in the formulation of startups and business initiatives. Given the importance of entrepreneurship, the necessity to formulate efficient entrepreneurship education frameworks and training programs arise. In this work, we present the design of an entrepreneurship educational environment that is based on learning in 3D virtual worlds. Innovative 3D virtual reality technologies were utilized to provide immersive and efficient learning activities. Various topics of entrepreneurship education courses were designed and formulated to offer students the opportunity to obtain theoretical knowledge of entrepreneurship. The 3D virtual reality educational environment utilizes pedagogical approaches that are based on gamification principles, allowing students to study in immersive ways as well as in game-based learning activities on real challenges that can be found in business environments. The game-based learning activities can help students gain necessary skills, helping them to tackle everyday obstacles on their entrepreneurial pathways. An experimental study was performed to explore the learning efficiency of the environment and the gamified learning activities as well as assess their learning impact on student’s motivation, attitude, and overall learning experience. The evaluation study revealed that the framework offers efficient gamified learning activities that increase students’ motivation and assist in the formulation of entrepreneurship mentality, skills and competencies.

Exploiting Bi-Directional Self-Organizing Tendencies in Team Sports: The Role of the Game Model and Tactical Principles of Play.

Research has revealed how inherent self-organizing tendencies in athletes and sports teams can be exploited to facilitate emergence of dynamical patterns in synergy formation in sports teams. Here, we discuss how game models, and associated tactical principles of play, may be implemented to constrain co-existing global-to-local and local-to-global self-organization tendencies in team sports players during training and performance. Understanding how to harness the continuous interplay between these co-existing, bi-directional, and coordination tendencies is key to shaping system behaviors in sports training. Training programs are traditionally dominated by designs, which shape the self-organizing tendencies of players and teams at a global-to-local scale by coaches imposing a tactical/strategical plan with associated tactical principles of play. Nevertheless, recent research suggests that performers also need to be provided with opportunities to explore self-organizing tendencies that emerge at the local-to-global scale in training. This directional tendency in synergy formation can be facilitated by players being given opportunities to actively explore different adaptive and innovative performance solutions, coherent with principles of play circumscribed in an overarching game model. Developing methods (coaching sessions rooted on principles of dynamical systems theory that foment the development of such local-to-global relations) to exploit the continuous interplay between these co-existing tendencies within sports teams may promote more effective and efficient athlete skill training programs, in addition to enhancing performance.