Low-level Performance Research Articles

A Multimodal Approach to Measuring Listening Effort: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Auditory Task Demand on Physiological Measures and Their Relationship.

Listening effort involves the mental effort required to perceive an auditory stimulus, for example in noisy environments. Prolonged increased listening effort, for example due to impaired hearing ability, may increase risk of health complications. It is therefore important to identify valid and sensitive measures of listening effort. Physiological measures have been shown to be sensitive to auditory task demand manipulations and are considered to reflect changes in listening effort. Such measures include pupil dilation, alpha power, skin conductance level, and heart rate variability. The aim of the current systematic review was to provide an overview of studies to listening effort that used multiple physiological measures. The two main questions were: (1) what is the effect of changes in auditory task demand on simultaneously acquired physiological measures from various modalities? and (2) what is the relationship between the responses in these physiological measures? Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant articles were sought in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science and by examining the references of included articles. Search iterations with different combinations of psychophysiological measures were performed in conjunction with listening effort-related search terms. Quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. A total of 297 articles were identified from three databases, of which 27 were included. One additional article was identified from reference lists. Of the total 28 included articles, 16 included an analysis regarding the relationship between the physiological measures. The overall quality of the included studies was reasonable. The included studies showed that most of the physiological measures either show no effect to auditory task demand manipulations or a consistent effect in the expected direction. For example, pupil dilation increased, pre-ejection period decreased, and skin conductance level increased with increasing auditory task demand. Most of the relationships between the responses of these physiological measures were nonsignificant or weak. The physiological measures varied in their sensitivity to auditory task demand manipulations. One of the identified knowledge gaps was that the included studies mostly used tasks with high-performance levels, resulting in an underrepresentation of the physiological changes at lower performance levels. This makes it difficult to capture how the physiological responses behave across the full psychometric curve. Our results support the Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening and the need for a multimodal approach to listening effort. We furthermore discuss focus points for future studies.

Investigating the Feasibility and Performance of Hybrid Overmolded UHMWPE 3D-Printed PEEK Structural Composites for Orthopedic Implant Applications: A Pilot Study.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components for orthopedic implants have historically been integrated into metal backings by direct-compression molding (DCM). However, metal backings are costly, stiffer than cortical bone, and may be associated with medical imaging distortion and metal release. Hybrid-manufactured DCM UHMWPE overmolded additively manufactured polyetheretherketone (PEEK) structural components could offer an alternative solution, but are yet to be explored. In this study, five different porous topologies (grid, triangular, honeycomb, octahedral, and gyroid) and three surface feature sizes (low, medium, and high) were implemented into the top surface of digital cylindrical specimens prior to being 3D printed in PEEK and then overmolded with UHMWPE. Separation forces were recorded as 1.97-3.86 kN, therefore matching and bettering the historical industry values (2-3 kN) recorded for DCM UHMWPE metal components. Infill topology affected failure mechanism (Type 1 or 2) and obtained separation forces, with shapes having greater sidewall numbers (honeycomb-60%) and interconnectivity (gyroid-30%) through their builds, tolerating higher transmitted forces. Surface feature size also had an impact on applied load, whereby those with low infill-%s generally recorded lower levels of performance vs. medium and high infill strategies. These preliminary findings suggest that hybrid-manufactured structural composites could replace metal backings and produce orthopedic implants with high-performing polymer-polymer interfaces.

Greater Psychophysiological Intensities in Conditioned Games May Impair Technical Performance: An Exploratory Study in Youth Male Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1)to examine the relationships between psychophysiological responses and locomotor demands with variations in technical performance during 2v2 and 4v4 conditioned games and (2)to compare psychophysiological and locomotor responses among players exhibiting higher and lower technical performance levels during the conditioned games. Twenty-four male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.8y old) participating at the trained/developmental level underwent monitoring for psychophysiological responses (including heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and visual analog scale), locomotor demands (such as distance covered), and technical performance variables (including successful and unsuccessful passes and shots, as well as lost balls) across 2v2 and 4v4 formats. These formats were applied 4 times within a single session and were replicated twice over 2weeks. Large correlations between the number of lost balls per minute and mean heart rate were found in both the 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = .586 and r = .665, respectively). Successful shots were inversely and largely correlated with mean heart rate (r = -.518) in 4v4 games. The number of interceptions per minute was inversely and significantly correlated with the visual analog scale in 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = -.455 and r = -.710, respectively). The frequency of lost balls was significantly higher among players who attained a higher mean heart rate (2v2: +42.9%, P = .031, d = -0.965; 4v4: +57.1%, P < .001, d = -2.072). Coaches should be aware that highly psychophysiologically demanding scenarios may significantly impair technical performance. Therefore, prioritizing technical performance by deliberately adjusting the intensity should be considered.

Adapting to climate change in a spiny lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fishery: A harvest strategy response

The complex lifecycle of spiny lobsters makes the species particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In south-eastern Australia, a regime shift in productivity was experienced during the late 1990s with evidence indicating that increased water temperatures had impacted on female size-of-maturity. Within the Southern Zone fishery of South Australia, this translated into low levels of egg production and sub-optimal fishery performance. In 2018, the harvest strategy for the fishery was reviewed with the primary focus of achieving a target percentage of unexploited egg production (%UEP) within an agreed timeframe. The proposed harvest strategy was based on a tabular harvest control rule, where catch per unit effort (CPUE) from the preceding season, as an indicator of lobster abundance, specified the following year’s total allowable commercial catch (TACC). To account for climate change impacts, the harvest strategy was assessed using a projection model where recruitment was sampled from post-regime shift years, thereby adopting a conservative approach to stock rebuilding. Results were assessed against projected trends in catch, CPUE and %UEP. In 2020, this harvest control rule was formally adopted and is now used in annual TACC setting. Observed values for key indicators have been closely aligned with projected estimates, with %UEP estimates approaching the target reference point. Specifically, %UEP has improved from 10% to 15% with the target projected to be achieved by the late 2020 s. Projections are sensitive to recruitment however, with a 21% lower recruitment scenario failing to reach target levels, thereby reinforcing the need to account for climate change impacts in harvest strategy testing.

Setting a shared development agenda: prioritizing the sustainable development goals in the Dominican Republic with fuzzy-LMAW.

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations as an international call to eradicate poverty, safeguard the environment, and guarantee that everyone lives in peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs aim to balance growth and sustainability in three dimensions: social, economic and environmental. However, in the post-pandemic era, when resources for public development policies are scarce, nations face the problem of prioritizing which SDGs to pursue. A lack of agreement is one of the determinants of low performance levels of the SDGs, and multicriteria decision analysis tools can help in this task, which is especially relevant in developing countries that are falling behind in achieving the SDGs. To test the feasibility and appropriateness of one of these tools, the Fuzzy Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights, we apply it to prioritize the SDGs in the Dominican Republic, to see if the priorities established are consistent. Seventeen experts were surveyed, and the main result was that Decent work and economic growth was the most important goal for the country. Our findings, consistent with the literature, show the path to similar applications in other developing countries to enhance performance levels in the achievement of the SDGs.

Profiles of Teaching Assistants’ Role Performance in Chinese Elementary Schools: A Person-Centred Approach

ABSTRACT Using a person-centred approach, this study aims to identify teaching assistants’ (TAs) profiles in terms of their role performance levels and how these profiles are associated with TAs’ personal and job characteristics. Three hundred and eighty TAs from Chinese elementary schools completed the Teaching Assistants’ Role Performance Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis yielded three profiles: (1) the low role performance level, (2) the medium role performance level, and (3) the high role performance level. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that profile membership was associated with TAs’ personal and job characteristics (i.e. educational level, years of classroom experience, professional training received, and part-time or full-time status) in different ways. The findings contribute to the literature on TA role performance in an inclusive education context and have practical implications for improving role performance among TAs.

Task-order control in dual-tasks: Only marginal interactions between conflict at lower levels and higher processes of task organization.

When simultaneously performing two tasks that share response properties, interference can occur. Besides general performance decrements, performance in the first task is worse when the second task requires a spatially incompatible response, known as the backward crosstalk effect (BCE). The size of this BCE, similar to congruency effects in conflict tasks, is subject to a sequential modulation, with a smaller BCE after incompatible compared to compatible trials. In the present study, we focus on a potential bidirectional interaction between crosstalk (and its resolution) at a lower level of task performance and higher-order processes of task organization. Two questions were of particular interest: First, do participants switch task order more frequently after a conflict-prone incompatible trial than after a compatible trial? Second, does changing task order influence the efficiency of conflict resolution, as indexed by the size of the sequential modulation of the BCE. Across four experiments, we only found marginal evidence for an influence of lower-level conflict on higher-order processes of task organization, with only one experiment revealing a tendency to repeat task order following conflict. Our results thus suggest practical independence between conflict and task-order control. When separating processes of task selection and task performance, the sequential modulation was generally diminished, suggesting that conflict resolution in dual-tasks can be disrupted by a deliberate decision about task order, or, alternatively, by a longer inter-trial interval. Finally, the study found a strong bias towards repeating the same task order across trials, suggesting that task-order sets not only impact task performance but also guide task selection.

Insights into Rett Syndrome girls' receptive vocabulary through eye movements and parental perception

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the receptive vocabulary of girls diagnosed with Rett Syndrome (RS) by employing eye-tracking technology and examined how these objective measures compared with parents' perceptions of their daughters' language abilities. MethodFourteen girls with RS and eleven typically developing peers participated. Instruments included the Kerr Scale, a parental questionnaire on communication skills, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test - PPVT-4, and eye-tracking equipment. The PPVT-4's initial 12 cards, each displaying four images, were presented on screen for 5 s for the child's initial inspection. Subsequently, the same card was shown for 5 s with instructions to identify the picture matching the word, repeated three times in a randomized order. ResultsEye-tracking assessments revealed that girls with RS with less severe symptoms, performed below typically developing peers with aged 3–4 years. The number of eye fixations emerged as a reliable metric for assessing their performance. A positive correlation was found between parental reports of their daughters' vocabulary knowledge and their ability to identify the correct stimulus, suggesting comprehension and active engagement in the testing process. ConclusionThis study presents a pioneering approach by combining parental perceptions with eye-tracking measures to assess receptive vocabulary in girls diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Despite showing lower performance levels compared to significantly younger peers, the findings suggest that these individuals use less effectively eye contact as a mode of communication.

Performance of Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers and Associated Factors in Hajjah, Yemen

Background: since the Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers (CHNVs) program established, the performance of CHNVs has never been evaluated. Aims: to evaluate the performance of the CHNVs, and its associated factors. Methods: a cross-sectional study design was conducted in Bani Qais and Al-Maghrabah districts, Hajjah governorate between January and April 2023. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 65 CHNVs participated in this study. Almost 53.8% of CHNVs had-high performance, 29.2% had moderate performance, and 16.9% had low performance level. The multivariate regression analysis of factors associated with the performance of CHNVs revealed that the percentage of CHNVs who were involved in an occupation was high-performance compared to those not involved in any occupation (68.8% vs 39.4%). This association was statistically significant [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 10.8, 95% CI: 1.1-105.9, p value = 0.041]. Moreover, the percentage of CHNVs who serve 22 or less children under 24 months old was high-performance compared to those serving more than 22 children under 24 months old (69.7% vs 37.5%). This association was statistically significant (aOR = 7.9, 95% CI: 1.2 - 51.5, p value = 0.031). Conclusions: the performance of CHNVs is inadequate. The main job and number of children under 24 months served were significantly affected the performance of CHNVs.

Key bacterial groups maintain stream multifunctionality in response to episodic drying

AbstractMicrobial biodiversity is fundamental to maintain ecosystem functioning in seasonally variable ecosystems. However, it remains unclear how alterations in water availability caused by episodic drying compromise the ability of stream microbes to maintain multiple functions simultaneously (e.g., primary production and carbon cycling). Using data from 32 streams, we investigated how the phenology of annual drying influences stream sediment microbial biodiversity and their capacity to sustain multifunctionality. Our results showed that stream multifunctionality and most bacteria did not respond to changes in drying phenology. Only two bacterial groups, the drying‐resistant Sphingobacteriia and the drying‐sensitive Acidobacteria_Gp7, exhibited positive associations with multifunctionality; whereas, bacterial diversity showed a negative correlation with functions. Among these biodiversity aspects, Sphingobacteriia showed the strongest capacity to maintain multifunctionality at low and moderate performance levels. Our findings will help to better understand the mechanisms through which biodiversity sustains the functioning of seasonally variable streams and their responses to global change.

The relationships between motor skills and executive functions in children with and without autism spectrum disorder.

To date, information on associations between motor skills and executive functions (EF) in autistic children is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare motor skills and EF performance between autistic children and typically developing (TD) children and to examine the relationships between motor skills and EF in these two groups. Forty-eight autistic children and 48 TD children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited for this study. Motor skills were measured with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2). EF was assessed with the Stroop Color and Word Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST), and the Test of Attentional Performance: Go/No-go test. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the BOT-2 scores and EF measures between autistic children and TD children. Pearson product-moment correlation and regressions were conducted to assess the relationships between the BOT-2 scores and the EF measures for each group. Results showed that autistic children scored significantly lower than TD children on all four BOT-2 composite scores and a total motor composite. Autistic children also demonstrated significantly lower levels of performance on all EF measures than TD children. Further, autistic children showed more significant associations between motor skills and EF than TD children, particularly pronounced in the domains of fine manual control and manual coordination to cognitive flexibility, as well as manual coordination and inhibitory control. Continued development of motor skills and EF in autistic children is important. The relationships between motor skills and EF were significant among autistic children, suggesting future research on promoting EF through motor skill interventions in autistic children is required.

A Parallel Mediation Model of Employee Affective Commitment and HR Outcomes: Empirical Evidence from Judiciary of Pakistan

Attainment of goals and objectives of every institute lies in the performance of human resources. Public sector institutions and the judiciary as well face the problem of lower-level performance. In today's dynamic and competitive atmosphere, every organization needs to satisfy their employees to attain the optimum level of their skills and competencies to accomplish the organizational goals and objectives. The present study aims to examine the influence of HRM Practices on job satisfaction with the mediating mechanism of HR outcomes and employee affective commitment. Data collected for this study in two-time spans with a stratified random sample of 203 (186 males and 17 females) ministerial employees (Admin Office Coordinator, Senior Office Coordinator, and Office Coordinator) of Lahore High Court (Principal-seat and allied-Benches) to test the hypothesis. Findings of the study unveiled that HRM practices positively influenced the employees' satisfaction level. Moreover, mediation of HR outcomes and employee affective commitment found between the relationship of HRMPs and employee job satisfaction.

It is Monday again: Weekend sleep differentially relates to the workweek via reattachment on Monday

SummaryThe weekend constitutes an important recovery period for employees. However, psychologically reattaching to work on Monday can be difficult because employees must transition from their private to their work role. Building on boundary theory and integrating a sleep and circadian perspective, we shed light on this transition by investigating antecedents and outcomes of Monday reattachment. We propose that three weekend sleep characteristics differentially relate to reattachment on Monday: weekend sleep quality, catch‐up sleep (extended sleep duration on the weekend), and social sleep lag (differences in sleep times workweek vs. weekend). Successful reattachment on Monday should, in turn, be related to lower levels of exhaustion and higher task performance during the workweek. We conducted a weekly diary study with 310 employees (933 weeks) over four workweeks. Two‐level path models demonstrated that higher weekend sleep quality was indirectly related to lower levels of workweek exhaustion via higher levels of Monday reattachment. In contrast, higher catch‐up sleep was related to higher levels of workweek exhaustion via lower levels of Monday reattachment. Accordingly, we demonstrate that Monday reattachment can set the tone for the entire workweek, but the capability to reattach can depend on weekend sleep as a core recovery process.

Beyond rating accuracy: Unpacking frame-of-reference assessor training effectiveness

AbstractEvidence from previous research suggests that frame-of-reference (FOR) training is effective at improving assessor ratings in many organizational settings. Yet no research has presented a thorough examination of systematic sources of variance (assessor-related effects, evaluation settings, and measurement design features) that might influence training effectiveness. Using a factorial ANOVA and variance components analyses on a database of four studies of frame-of-reference assessor training, we found that (a) training is most effective at identifying low levels of performance and (b) the setting of the training makes little difference with respect to training effectiveness. We also show evidence of the importance of rater training as a key determinant of the quality of performance ratings in general. Implications for FOR training theory and practice are discussed.

Bacteriological culture and direct PCR for detecting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in the Italian eradication campaign: a decade of experience at the National Reference Laboratory.

Our study evaluates the capacity of direct real-time PCR for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with a focus on diagnostic performances and the feasibility of implementing this protocol in an eradication campaign. Specifically, we compare the effectiveness of the direct PCR method to various culture systems used by the Italian National Reference Laboratory over the last decade to detect MTBC. Bovine tissue samples were routinely tested and analyzed for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) confirmation using microbiological culture (solid and liquid media), histopathological analysis, and a direct PCR assay targeting IS6110, an insertion sequence specific to the MTBC that is widely used for tuberculosis diagnosis. The direct real-time PCR demonstrated a high concordance (K=0.871) with microbiological culture, as well as good sensitivity (91.84%) and specificity (95.24%). In contrast, histopathology demonstrated lower concordance (K=0.746) and performance levels (sensitivity 91.41%, specificity 82.88%). Liquid media promoted faster and more efficient growth of MTBC than solid media. M. bovis and M. caprae had the comparable ability to respond to the direct real-time PCR test and grow on the microbiological medium. This study confirms that direct real-time PCR can detect MTBC with high diagnostic accuracy within a few days. This study found no significant differences in performance between culture media and direct PCR for M. bovis and M. caprae.

Faktor-faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Intensi Menabung Dengan Metode Importance Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA) Pada Bank Sumut Syariah KCP Multatuli di Kota Medan

This study aims to identify the factors that play a role in influencing the intention to save in Islamic banks, including religiosity, service quality, and trust with the IPMA method. This research uses quantitative research methods. The population in this study were the customers of Bank Sumut Syariah Kcp Multatuli Medan totaling 6,382. Sampling was carried out using non-probability sampling and incidental sampling using the Slovin formula for 100 customers. Data collection techniques used a questionnaire which was measured by a Likert scale. The data analysis used was multiple linear regression analysis with the help of the SPSS program. The results showed that the religiosity variable had an effect on the intention to save. The significant value (sig) for the effect of X1 on Y was 0.049 &lt;0.05 and the tcount value was 1.995, which was less than 1.984. Both service quality have a positive effect on the intention to save a significant value (sig) for the effect of X2 on Y is 0.756 &gt; 0.05 and the tcount value is 0.312 smaller &lt;1.984. The three beliefs have no effect on saving intentions. Simultaneously the variables of religiosity, service quality and trust have a significant effect on the intention to save. The IPMA method shows that religiosity and service quality are factors that have a high level of importance and high performance, while the trust variable has a low level of importance and low performance.

Elevating Village Financial Care: Igniting Excellence through Dynamic Education and Training in Work Motivation

This study aimed to assess and analyze the impact of motivation, organizational culture, and competence on the work commitment and performance of elementary school teachers in cluster 4 of Bengkalis District. The selection of this research topic was motivated by observed phenomena and issues concerning the relatively low levels of work commitment and performance among elementary school teachers in this particular cluster. The data collection method employed for this study was a questionnaire, distributed to all 145 civil servant teachers in elementary schools within cluster 4 of Bengkalis District, constituting the entire population. Through Google Form questionnaires filled out by all 145 respondents, SEM PLS analysis was conducted. The research findings indicated that the motivation variable significantly and positively influenced work commitment. Organizational culture exhibited a significant positive impact on work commitment. However, job competency had a significant negative impact on work commitment. In terms of performance, the motivation variable demonstrated an insignificant positive impact, while organizational culture showed an insignificant positive impact as well. On the other hand, job competency had a significant positive effect on performance. Intriguingly, work commitment was found to have a significant negative impact on teacher performance.

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in elite ski jumping reliably allow return to competition but severely affect future top performance.

In recent years, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been frequently observed in ski jumping. However, available data in this discipline are very scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether an ACL injury in elite-level ski jumping limits the performance level after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Both male and female elite-level ski jumpers from fivenational A-teams who suffered an ACL injury were identified retrospectively by searching available media reports and Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) database. World Cup (WC) results and time-out-of-competition before ACL injury and after ACLR were compared. Only athletes who suffered the injury during or after the 2009-2010 season and who participated in at least one WC competition before the injury were included in this study. The level of athletes' performance from two full seasons before until three seasons after the injury was compared. Eighteen elite-level ski jumpers (11 males/seven females) were eligible for the study. All male and fourfemale athletes returned to professional competition after ACLR. One female athlete ended her career due to prolonged recovery and twohave not yet recovered due to a recent injury. The mean return-to-competition (RTC) time was 14.6 months in males and 13.5 months in females. The mean WC placement decreased after the ACL injury: two seasons before injury the mean position was 17.9 ± 11.0 (n = 12), one season before it was 22.4 ± 12.8 (n = 15). After recovery, the mean placement in seasons 1-3 was: 26.4 ± 8.9 (n = 7), 25.7 ± 10.3 (n = 13), 33.6 ± 12.2 (n = 10) (p = 0.008). Among the athletes returning to competition, only sixmales and threefemales reached their preinjury level and only one male and one female (compared to seven males and three females preinjury) reached an individual top-3 placement after ACLR, accounting for less than 10% of podiums compared to preinjury. Only 60% of the professional ski jumpers reached the preinjury level and less than 15% reached a top-3 placement after the ACL injury. These results support the fact that ACL tear during a ski jumping career may be a significant factor limiting high-level performance. In terms of clinical relevance, the findings implicate the need to analyse the reasons of these very low rates of return to elite-level performance, to analyse ACL injury and RTC rates at lower levels of performance and to develop specific prevention strategies in order to reduce the number of ACL injuries in this sport. Level IV.

PRONOUCIATION BASED SECOND LANGUAGE LERNERS’ USE

The current study is an attempt to examine the extent of the students ‘applying of some aspects of English pronunciation relating to vowels, consonants, stress, connected speech and homophones. The sample of the study is 23 students enrolled in the seventh and eighth semesters in the English Department in Almarj Faculty of Education during the academic year, 2022. The aim of this study is to discover the extent of applying the aspects of vowels, consonants, stress, connected speech and homophones when speaking in English language. Data were collected through using a recording oral test, which consists of some questions relating to the topic of the study, that was applied to the whole sample of the study. Date were analyzed according to the assessment criteria posited in the study. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the participants showed a low level of performance when using the basic elements of English pronunciation. Some recommendations were offered to help both the teacher and the students in improving and highlighting the quality of learning and teaching the basic components of English pronunciation.

System-Based Protection Method for High-Voltage Pulse Generator Switching Units in Biomass Electroporation

Background High-voltage pulsed electric field (PEF) technology has emerged as a promising technique for enhancing cell membrane permeabilization for biotechnological and medical applications. Given the parametric instability and low resistivity of biomass when used it as an electrical load, it is imperative for the switching unit to meet specific requirements in terms of load capacity and protection against overloads and short circuits. Methods To construct generators capable of producing high-voltage pulses in the microsecond and millisecond duration ranges, we are incorporating a switching unit that employs a hardware-software method to safeguard critical transistors against overloads and short-circuit currents. Our strategy revolves around utilizing the energy storage capacitor (ESC) both as a means of energy storage and as a current sensor. By monitoring the voltage drop during discharge, we can accurately estimate current parameters. The occurrence of an excessively rapid discharge from the ESC serves as an indicator of a short circuit. The microcontroller calculates ESC discharge limits based on preset parameters within a defined timeframe. Should this limit be exceeded, the system promptly interrupts to address the pulse responsible for the short circuit and halts the further supply of remaining pulses to the load. This sophisticated approach ensures the protection and integrity of the system in the face of potential overloads or short circuits. Results Applying a systemic approach in the design of the presented implementation of protection for key transistors in the switching node from overload and short-circuit current for high-voltage pulse generators (HVPG) in the microsecond and millisecond duration ranges allows for a simpler circuit solution. In this case, the system approach also provides a unified control principle when implementing the considered option for organizing protection, regardless of the number and type of transistors or solid-state switching modules used and connected in parallel. Conclusions The configuration and protective circuitry presented in the article are specifically tailored for shielding switching elements from short-circuit currents, with a primary focus on their application in high-voltage pulse generators (HVPG). These generators are commonly employed in the high-voltage pulse treatment of diverse and unstable loads during the electroporation of biomass. The technical solution expounded in the article is intended for use in the switching nodes of HVPG, particularly those with discharge circuits constructed based on a direct capacitive discharge scheme. Notably, this protection configuration introduces local innovation and is characterized by the circuit's simplicity, achieved through the effective utilization of existing system resources. This protective variant for HVPG switches is particularly well-suited for devices utilized in versatile technological installations with relatively lower performance levels.