National Junior Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Anthropometric Attributes Among Bosnian and Herzegovinian National Volleyball Team Senior and Junior Male Players: Advancing Insights into Athletic Development

Comparative Analysis of Anthropometric Attributes Among Bosnian and Herzegovinian National Volleyball Team Senior and Junior Male Players: Advancing Insights into Athletic Development

Young paediatric oncologists and haematologists in Europe – Emerging needs and future perspectives

BackgroundThe “Young NaPHOS” project was launched in 2021, by Young SIOPE, the group for junior members of the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE). The Young NaPHOS project aims to build a network of national representatives of young paediatric haematologists and oncologists to discuss organisational and educational aspects at national and European level, differences in the training paths, and the needs to be addressed in the future. MethodsFrom June 2021 until September 2022, three online meetings took place and one online survey was conducted. The meetings focused on presenting the structure and organisational aspects of existing national junior organisations in paediatric haematology and oncology, including their national activities. The survey aimed to investigate the European landscape of national organisations and training paths by inviting 39 young national representatives. ResultsTen out of 34 responders confirmed the existence of a junior organisation in their country. Diversity was noted among the countries for the existence of such organisations, the organisations’ activities, or the membership criteria. Further, the training path to become a paediatric oncologist/haematologist differs a lot. Young paediatric oncologists also shared common concerns, especially regarding networking, international collaboration, and educational opportunities. ConclusionThis project resulted in the creation of a European network among young paediatric oncologists and haematologists, in spreading ideas and offering support, and identified differences and areas for future action of Young SIOPE.

The relationship between asymmetry changes in the slope frequency of bioelectrical activity of the gluteus maximus muscles and experience in short track speed skating athletics

BACKGROUND: In short track speed skating, there is asymmetric fatigue of the gluteus maximus (GM) muscle resulting from the technique of skating. Scientific reports confirm the relationship between muscle fatigue and its change in the slope frequency of bioelectrical activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether athletic experience in elite short track speed skating can distinguish the asymmetry change in slope frequency of the raw electromyographic signal (EMG) of the GM muscle, influenced by the disparity in experience between junior and senior athletes. METHODS: In the research, an elite group of short track speed skating national team athletes Junior and Senior, participated. Isometric tension GM muscle was tested using the Biering-Sorensen test. RESULTS: The study confirmed differences in the asymmetry of slope frequences EMG signal in GM muscle between juniors and seniors in short track speed skating (p⩽ 0.001). Senior athletes showed greater slope frequences in the right GM muscle (p⩽ 0.002), while juniors showed greater in the left GM muscle (p⩽ 0.008). Intergroup analysis revealed significantly meaningful differences (p⩽ 0.001) in the level of slope frequences of the right GM muscle (juniors vs. seniors), highlighting the asymmetry resulting from experience. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences in the level of slope frequences of the right gluteus maximus muscle juniors vs. seniors were demonstrated, suggesting asymmetry due to experience and skating technique.

ASCERTAINING STUDY ON SOMATIC, MOTOR AND TECHNICAL ASSESSMENTS IN JUNIOR BASKETBALL TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC STANDARDS

Basketball is a sport with predominantly aerobic requirements and high-intensity anaerobic requirements. In recent years, this characteristic has changed in terms of demands on the player and intensity of the competition, involving an increase in the number and duration of explosive actions. The purpose of this paper was to determine the motor, somatic and technical levels of U14 players in order to make up the expanded junior team of Romania. To identify the values specific to the age of 14, three trials were organised over the course of a year. As a result, 49 athletes from all over the country were selected and tested, and then they followed centralised training sessions within the expanded national junior team of Romania. The somatic and motor test battery consisted of: body weight (kg), body height (cm), body mass index (BMI), arm span, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, 3 x 10 m shuttle run, standing long jump, vertical jump, t-Test, Beep Test, Little Marathon, hip mobility, and universal throw. The research methods used in this paper were: literature review, observation, mathematical statistics, tabular method and graphical method. The research results were compared with international values. In conclusion, the current somatic and motor potential of junior basketball players does not fit into the models developed at a national and international level, given that their performance was poorer, therefore our hypothesis is not validated.

The Effect of Self-Efficacy and Learning Independence on Students Mathematical Reasoning Ability

The purpose of the research is to determine 1) Direct influence of self-efficacy on students' math reasoning ability 2) the Direct influence of learning independence on the ability of mathematical reasoning 3) the Direct influence of self-efficacy on student self-reliance 4). The indirect effect of self-efficacy on mathematical reasoning ability through student learning independence. This research used a survey method. The independent variables bound to this research are Self Efficacy (X1), Learning Independence (X2), and Mathematical Reasoning Ability (X3). The research method used surveys. The sample used is 100 students as a research sample by using a proportional random sampling technique from all students of class VII of National Junior High School in Bekasi City. The data were collected using math-reasoning test and self-efficacy questionnaire and learning independence. Hypothesis testing with path analysis (Path Analys). This study was conducted in January 2018. Based on the results of the hypothesis and data analysis concluded several things as follows (1) There is a direct influence of self-efficacy significant to the ability of mathematics reasoning of students of National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (4.615)> ttable (1.984). (2) There is a significant direct influence of learning independence to the students' math skills ability in National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (5.869)> ttable (1.984). (3) There is a direct influence of self-efficacy significantly to the independence of students studying National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (18,719) > ttable (1,984). (4) There is a significant indirect influence of self-efficacy of students to the ability of mathematical reasoning through the independence of students studying National Junior High School in Bekasi City. This is evidenced by the acquisition of tcount (6.4728) > ttable (1.984). The implications of this research are 1). To improve the ability of mathematical reasoning can be done by improving self-efficacy and student learning independence. 2) to improve learning independence is done by improving self-efficacy.

The Impact of Plyometric Resistance Training Implemented During the European Championship Preparation on Athletic Performance: A Case Study of the Youth Boxing National Team

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of plyometric resistance training applied to the Turkish National Junior Men's Boxing Team during the European Championship preparation process. A total of 14 athletes from the Turkish National Junior Men's Boxing Team volunteered to participate in the study. The average age of the boxers was 17.57±1.04 years, the average height was 172.28±5.7 cm, the average weight was 72.14±2.9 kg, and the average body fat percentage was 20.47±1.15%. Participants engaged in a plyometric resistance training program prepared and scheduled by the researchers throughout the preparation camp. Various physical and biomotor parameters of all boxers (weight, BMI, body fat percentage, Squat, vertical jump, reaction time, grip strength, 5-meter speed, 10-meter speed, 40-meter speed, flexibility included) were measured at the beginning and end of the camp. Statistical analyses of all data were performed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical package program. Normal distribution analyses were conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk Test. Wilcoxon Test was used for the pre-test and post-test comparison of Body Mass Index and weight values, while the paired T-test statistic was used for the pre-test and post-test comparison of body fat percentage, Squat, vertical jump, reaction time, grip strength, 5-meter speed, 10-meter speed, 40-meter speed, and flexibility values. A significance value of p < 0.05 was accepted. Statistically significant changes were observed between pre- and post-camp changes. In conclusion, we suggest that a well-designed plyometric resistance training program may positively contribute to the physical and biomotor parameters of national junior male boxers before an important tournament during a preparation camp.

Psychological Toughness and its Relationship to Some Coordination, Physical Abilities and Accuracy of Some Basic Skills Performance Among The Iraqi Junior National Handball Team Players

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychological toughness (PT) and its relationship to some coordination and physical abilities, and the accuracy of some basic performance skills of the Iraqi Junior National Handball Team players. The sample consisted of 14 players which constituted 88% of the research community (18) players. The descriptive approach was used to determine the correlation between PT and some coordination and physical abilities, and accuracy of some basic performance skills with single sample design. A questionare scale, consists of 32 items was applied. Coordinations tests included ability of differentiation, ability of suitable differentiation, and ability of connectivity. Physical tests included endurance of the muscules arms, endurance strength for arms, speed power of the leg musclues, the distinctive strength of the arms, endurance of speed, and transition speed. Skill tests included passing and receiving, dribbling, passing, shooting were also applied. The results shows that the players had a high PT and a significant coordination, physical and skill performance (P<.05). All values were found significant ( P<.05). The study concluded the need to pay a close attention to the psychological aspects of the team in order to improved the players acheveiments.

ELAN-Based Multimodal Discourse Analysis of Teachers’ Talk: A Case Study of EFL Teachers in China

This study employs the 13th National Junior High School English Demo Classes as a corpus for multimodal analysis using ELAN, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Its objective is to investigate the structural features of middle school English reading teaching, the utilization of modes, and the realization of the meaning system. The findings are as follows: English reading teaching in Demo Classes comprises eight steps and utilizes multimodality, wherein visual, actional, and auditory modes are extensively employed to execute teaching procedures. The realization of the meaning system relies on these modes themselves, as well as their reinforcement and complementarity.

Analysis of the Interpersonal Meaning on Teacher Talk: Take the 16th National Junior High School English Teaching Seminar as an Example

In English classroom instruction, teacher talk is a critical role to impart comprehensible language to students and serves as a medium for the application of pedagogical strategies. The implementation of the English Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education requires junior high school English teachers to be more conscious of the ways in which their teaching incorporate emotional attitudes and values. Consequently, the analysis of excellent junior high school English teacher talk in terms of interpersonal function theory, proves instrumental for front-line teachers to reflect on their discourse regarding student emotion, teacher role, and the teacher-student relationships. This study endeavors to unravel the interpersonal significance embedded in teacher talk based on the mood system of the Systemic Functional Grammar model advanced by Halliday. And the research data are carefully collected through observing and recording classroom discourse of 5 distinguished junior high school English teachers in the 16th National Junior High School English Teaching Seminar. Based on the research findings, the study proposes pragmatic strategies aimed at refining teacher talk in order to foster an equitable and harmonious classroom atmosphere.

The relative age effect and its influence on athletic performance in Chinese junior female' tennis players.

The relative age effect (RAE) has been the focus of numerous studies; however, there are still fewer studies in women's sports than in men's sports. In this study, all female players (N = 2,255) who participated in Chinese junior tennis competitions (U12, U14, U16, and the National Junior Team) from 2014 to 2019 were investigated in terms of competitors' birth dates and year-end rankings. For the purposes of the analysis, the birth dates were also separated into quarters and half years. The study's objectives were to analyze the prevalence of the RAE among young Chinese female tennis players and to further examine how the RAE affects athletic performance. Differences between the observed and expected distributions of birth dates were tested using the chi-square statistic, and subsequent calculations were tested using odds ratios. The RAE was discovered to be present in every group of Chinese junior female tennis players (p < 0.001), with the proportions of those born in the first half of the year being 56.4% (U12), 53.1% (U14), and 57.0% (U16), respectively. The RAE for athletes selected for the National Women's Junior Tennis Team was even more significant, with the percentage of birth dates in the first half of the year at 61.2%. Finally, we observed a tendency for the effect of the RAE on the athletic performance of adolescent female tennis players to diminish with age.

مؤشرات القدرات البدنية وعلاقتها بمستوى الإنجاز الرياضي لدى ناشئي المنتخب الوطني لكرة القدم في الجمهورية اليمنية

The study aims to identify the level of physical ability indicators among Yemen national football junior team and the relation between physical ability indicators and their athletic achievement ،the sample of the study can sited of 19 players ،they were selected in a purposive sampling the descriptive method was used for its suitability for this research، the results showed that level of physical ability indicators in terms of selection helps coach to know the physical levels of the junior players the range begins with the largest value minus the smallest value which includes speed and strength . flexibility and aghast to lowest according to the indicators of physical abilities the total of degrees the percentage of the level of achievement ،the standard deviation and the physical ranks corresponding to the performance analysis through the west Asian championship among the players indicated that there is a difference in the degrees among the junior players they have recommended that during the selection of the junior players ،coaches should be guided by the physical abilities of players ،especially the junior players It is necessary to focus on the physical aspect during the preparation period it is also necessary to know the individual al differences between the junior players.

Changes in perceived mental fatigue, physical fatigue and mood state during a 4‐day national junior orienteering competition preparation camp

AbstractMental fatigue (MF) has been shown to acutely impair the psychological responses and endurance running performance of orienteers. This study aimed to explore MF levels experienced by orienteers during a 4‐day competition preparation camp that consisted of simulated sprint, middle‐distance, long‐distance, relay and night races. Eleven national junior orienteers participated in the study (age: 15–17 years, height: 1.69 ± 0.07 m and body mass: 59.9 ± 5.22 kg). Subjective ratings of MF, motivation, stress, physical fatigue (PF) and tiredness were measured using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) was utilized to assess the mood state of the orienteers. The self‐report measures were taken within 30 min of waking, immediately after the post‐training session, and after 24 and 48 h following the final training session. The pre–post orienteering training combined analysis showed that there was a moderate increase in perceived MF (ES = 1.06 [0.66, 1.45]), PF (ES = 1.07 [0.69, 1.45]) and BRUMS fatigue (ES = 0.74 [0.4, 1.1]) after orienteering training. At 48 h post the final training session, MF remained moderately elevated (ES = 0.86 [−0.07, 1.75]), while PF also remained elevated to a small extent (ES = 0.46 [−0.46, 1.39]) compared to the pre‐training values. A moderate impairment was still observed in BRUMS vigor (ES = −1.02 [−1.65, −0.36]), but BRUMS confusion scores were moderately lower (ES = −0.85 [−1.71, 0.04]) than pre‐training values. This study found that orienteering training induced acute MF, persisting for at least 48 h after the final session.

Sex‐based differences in track running distances of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500m in the 8 and under and 9–10‐year‐old age groups

AbstractThere are contradictory claims regarding sex‐based differences in athletic performance before puberty, but there has been minimal evaluation of sex‐based differences in competitive running performance before puberty. The purpose of this project was to determine if there are prepubertal sex‐based differences in track running performance. Finalist times from the USA Track and Field National Youth Outdoor Championships and National Junior Olympic Championships during the years 2016–2023 for running distances of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500m in the 8 and under and 9–10‐year‐old age groups were analyzed for sex‐based differences. In the 8 and under age group, the males were, on average, faster (p = 0.000, Hedges' g = 0.632–0.834) than females by 4.0% in the distance of 100m, 4.7% in 200m, 5.3% in 400m, 6.7% in 800m, and 6.1% in 1500m. In the 9–10‐year‐old age group, the males were, on average, faster (p = 0.000, Hedges' g = 0.584–1.089) than females by 2.9% in the distance of 100m, 4.6% in 200m, 4.0% in 400m, 4.0% in 800m, and 5.9% in 1500m. In each distance and age group between 2016 and 2023, the individual fastest male was faster than the individual fastest female by 3.7 ± 2.3%. The present data indicate that, in elite competition, males in the 8 and under and 9–10‐year‐old age groups typically run faster than females of the same age by 2.9%–6.7% for running distances of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500m. These findings are of particular importance as government agencies and sports organizations consider policies regarding single sex sports competition for youth.

Psychological Determinants in Biathlon Performance: A U23 National Team Case Study.

The present investigation examined what psychological factors athletes perceived to impact their competition performance and what training strategies and focus the athletes considered to be the most important. We recruited six participants (three females, three males) from the Norwegian Biathlon Federation's national U23 and junior teams, and all participated. We used semi-structured interviews to gather the data and used thematic analyses to examine our findings. The findings centered around the intricate relationship between psychological factors, particularly self-efficacy, anxiety, attention control, and performance, in biathlon shooting. Implementing a holistic approach to biathlon training entails harmonizing physical and psychological elements with personalized psychological training regimens.

Who Reaches the NHL? A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis of Junior and Adult Ice Hockey Success in Relation to Biological Maturation in Male Swedish Players

ObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between biological maturation and success in adolescence and adulthood in male Swedish ice hockey players.MethodsAnthropometric records of players in certified ice hockey high schools between 1998 and 2017 were retrieved (n = 4787). The database was complemented with records of Swedish junior national teams (U16, U18, U20) and National Hockey League (NHL) appearances. Biological maturation was recorded as a percentage of adult height (%AH), and selection probabilities were estimated using a generalised linear mixed effects model. Biological age was determined by comparing players with age-matched growth reference values. Categories of %AH, standard deviation z-scores and biological age offset describing early, on-time and late maturation were created.ResultsA total of 217 players had played on the U16 national team (junior success), and 96 reached the NHL (adult success). The difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] in baseline %AH between players with junior versus adult success was − 0.75 (− 0.39, − 1.11). Looking at age-offset categories in junior success, 30% of players were early maturing and 19% of players were late maturing, showing a bias towards early maturation (p < 0.01). In contrast, more late-maturing players (40%) achieved adult success than early-maturing players (25%), and NHL players had significantly later maturation [%AH: − 0.48 (− 0.80, − 0.16)] than non-NHL players.ConclusionThis unique 20-year analysis shows that junior success in male ice hockey is positively related to early maturation, while adult success is inversely related to advanced maturation. Ice hockey organisations should implement maturation assessments to optimise the development of both late- and early-matured players.

A Comparative Study Of Selected Physical Fitness Components Of School National, Junior National And Khelo India Academy Level Hockey Goalkeeper

A Comparative Study Of Selected Physical Fitness Components Of School National, Junior National And Khelo India Academy Level Hockey Goalkeeper

Active Teaching Techniques Using Virtual Didactics: Novel Experience From a National Neurosurgery Resident Course

To investigate the attitudes of neurosurgery residents regarding active teaching techniques and virtual didactics based on a national neurosurgery resident sample. We also evaluated the relative cost and time commitment required for faculty participation in virtual versus in-person resident courses. The Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) national junior resident courses (JRCs) were reformatted for active teaching in a virtual setting in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed course evaluations from the virtual 2020 courses in comparison to the 2019 in-person SNS JRCs. We also compared course budgets and agendas from these courses to identify comparative costs and the time commitment for faculty participation using these 2 course models. Survey of nationwide participants in virtual junior resident courses. A total of 122 residents from 80 ACGME neurosurgery residency training programs attended the 2020 virtual JRC. The survey response rate of attendees was 36%. In-class engagement was thought to be good to great by 73% to 80% of the virtual learners. In-class activities and active learning techniques also were evaluated positively by 61% to 82% of respondents. Expenses were significantly lower for the virtual course, at $118 per course participant, than for the in-person course ($2722 per participant). There also was a 97.3% reduction of faculty hours and a 97.6% reduction of faculty cost for the virtual JRC compared to the in-person course. Neurosurgeon residents embraced the active teaching techniques used to teach portions of the prepandemic JRCs in a virtual format. Other aspects of the course curriculum could not be replicated virtually. Virtual courses were dramatically less expensive to produce, used fewer faculty teachers and required less time per faculty member. The data from this study may inform the choice of active teaching techniques for other neurosurgery residency and continuing medical education courses to optimize learner engagement and participant satisfaction in the virtual setting. We recommend that the curriculum of in-person courses emphasize hands-on, experiential learning and professional enculturation that cannot be recreated in the virtual space. Curricular elements suitable to virtual learning should take advantage of lower costs, reduced faculty time requirements, and scalability. They should also utilize active teaching techniques to improve learner engagement.

Anxiety in Volleyball: Gender Differences During Competition

This study aimed to explore distinctions between male and female volleyball players in terms of various sub-domains of the sports anxiety scale and overall anxiety. A total of 126 female and 55 male volleyball players from different State teams in India were chosen using a convenient random sampling technique during the 47th Junior National Volleyball Championship of India. To gauge the anxiety levels of the volleyball players, the researcher utilized the modified version (The Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS), n.d.) of the Sports Anxiety Scale – 2. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test revealed that the data did not conform to a normal distribution. The Mann-Whitney U Test did not identify any noteworthy gender differences among the volleyball players in anxiety subscales, including Worry, Concentration Disruption, Somatic Trait Anxiety, and Total Anxiety. This outcome suggests that male and female volleyball players likely experience comparable anxiety levels during competition.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Smoking Prevalence Among Adolescents

Secondhand smoke is a substantial risk factor for youth health globally, including in Japan, where tobacco control policies should be reassessed. To assess trends in the prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among Japanese adolescents from 2008 to 2017 and to examine the association between its frequency and smoking during the study period. This study comprised a nationally representative, self-administered, school-based, cross-sectional survey focusing on tobacco and alcohol use and related factors among students in grades 7 to 12 (ages 12-18 years) in Japan. This random sampling survey used single-stage cluster sampling. Using the national school directory, junior and senior high schools throughout Japan were randomly extracted from each regional block. All students enrolled in the sampled schools were included as participants, and school-based surveys were completed in 2008, 2012, and 2017. Data analysis was performed from January 1 to March 15, 2023. Prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among adolescents in Japan from 2008 to 2017 and changes in the association between secondhand smoke exposure frequency and prevalence of smoking were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Data were analyzed for 95 680 adolescents in 2008 (50.7% boys), 100 050 in 2012 (51.6% boys), and 64 152 in 2017 (53.9% boys). At baseline, 42.0%, 38.5%, and 34.6% of the participants were junior high school students in 2008, 2012, and 2017, respectively. Based on the 2008 surveys, 51.0% of adolescents in grades 7 to 12 were exposed to secondhand smoke in any place (≥1 day during the past 7 days), 37.2% were exposed at home, and 36.5% were exposed in public places. In 2017, 36.3% of participants were exposed to secondhand smoke in any place, 23.8% were exposed at home, and 27.0% were exposed in public places. An association between secondhand smoke exposure frequency and prevalence of smoking was observed consistently regardless of survey year, location, or pattern of exposure (adjusted odds ratios ranged from 2.29 [95% CI, 1.81-2.91] for 1-2 days at home to 11.15 [95% CI, 8.50-14.62] for 7 days in public places). Stratified analysis by higher education intention indicated that the prevalence of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure decreased but remained higher among adolescents who did not intend to pursue higher education. The association between secondhand smoke and smoking did not differ substantially between groups. In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among adolescents in Japan decreased but remained at high levels overall. There may not be a hazard-free threshold for smoking. Enhancing comprehensive tobacco control strategies is Japan's first step toward achieving smoke-free environments to protect youths. Implementation and verification of the effectiveness of smoke-free legislation should be considered.

The relative age effect among Chinese junior men's tennis players and its impact on sports performance.

The relative age effect (RAE) has been the subject of many studies, but no relevant literature has discussed the phenomenon of RAE in Chinese tennis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RAE significantly contributes to brain drain and other occurrences that create inequity. This paper analyzes the birth dates and year-end rankings of all male players (N = 2697) who participated in China's junior tennis tournaments (U12, U14, U16) between 2014 and 2019 and who were selected for China's National Junior Team in 2019 and 2020; the paper classifies the birth dates into quarters and semesters. One of the research objectives of this study is to analyze whether RAE exists in Chinese junior men's tennis and whether RAE exerts an effect on athletes' performance. Differences between the observed and expected birthdate distributions were tested using chi-square statistics, and subsequent calculations were tested using odds ratios. The study found that RAE was present in all Chinese junior male tennis sports groups (p<0.001). The percentages of athletes born in the first half of the year were 56.4% (U12), 60.4% (U14), and 60.4% (U16), and the percentages of those born in the first quarter were 34.1% (U12), 36.4% (U14), and 37.1% (U16). Athletes with birth dates closer to the beginning of the year had a higher probability of achieving excellent athletic performance as a result of RAE, whereas those who were born near the end of the year had a more difficult time achieving strong athletic performance.