Psychomotor Factors Research Articles

The Relationship between Anthropometric, Biomotor, and Psychomotor Factors on the Performance of Paralympic 100 Meters Freestyle Swimming Athletes in National Paralympic Committee Indonesia

This research aims to relationship the anthropometric, biomotor, and psychomotor factors with disabled athlete's swimming speed in the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) (Indonesian) 100-meter freestyle competition in 2022. This research was a cross-sectional study conducted by the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) (Indonesia). The sample used in this research was 15 disabled athletes from NPC Indonesia with the S7-S10 classification who got medals at the ASEAN Para Games event in 2022. The data collection includes seven independent variable tests there are anthropometric factors (height, weight, body mass index, arm length, and leg length); biomotor factors (abdominal muscle strength and arm muscle power); psychomotor factors by measuring balance using Balance Tests; and dependent variables by measuring swimming speed using the 100-meter freestyle swimming ability test. Statistical analysis used the Pearson correlation coefficient test with a significance level of 5%. The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis show that swimming speed was negatively related to body height, body weight, arm length, abdominal muscle strength, and arm muscle power indicating a moderate correlation between variables (p ≤ 0.001). However, unfortunately, other anthropometric variables such as leg length and age showed a weak negative correlation with swimming speed (p ≤ 0.05). Meanwhile, body mass index and balance did not show a significant correlation with swimming speed (p ≥ 0.05). Based on the research results, it was concluded that anthropometric and biomotor factors showed a negative relationship with swimming speed, while psychomotor factors did not. Keyword: Anthropometry, biomotor, psychomotor, disabled athletes, swimming speed, achievement.

Assessing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in early pregnancy using a substance abuse framework

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are previously reported to jeopardize maternal fetal health, most well-known for gestational diabetes, childhood obesity, and cognitive impairment. Although warnings and diet recommendations urge pregnant women to consume less SSB, there is no noticeable difference in their behavior. How and why reproductive women change their SSB consumption patterns were not investigated previously. Our study aims to investigate beverage consumption patterns and how these patterns change in pregnancy in the context of substance use disorder (SUD). We invited all pregnant women visiting the clinic to answer a structured 20-min questionnaire every trimester during the regular antennal visit. At the end of the study, 337 pregnant women aged over 20 participated. A total of 301 responses entered for final analysis, with a response rate of 89.3%. Our finding showed those with high DSM-5-TR scores reduced SSB intake after becoming pregnant, while those with mild or low DSM-5-TR scores increased SSB intake after becoming pregnant. The top 3 factors related to their SSB consumption were “use despite of known health hazard (n = 133)”, “increased desire to drink (n = 88)”, and “excessive time spent on seeking SSB (n = 85)”. The least reported factors were in the domains of social impairment (ranging from n = 3 to n = 26), pharmacologic effects (i.e., tolerance (n = 24) and withdrawal (n = 70). When participants reduced SSB consumption after becoming pregnant, their choice of beverages largely shifted to sugarless beverage but not much plain water. The result provided new insights in deciphering pregnant women’s psychomotor factors for SSB intake, which served as useful references for making clinical or even public health recommendations.

Marketability Study of Mathematical Sciences Students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Higher Education Institute (HEI) has a vital role in developing human capital of a country. Measuring the quality of teaching and learning system in HEI and also industry’s satisfaction level is important to ensure the marketability of HEI graduates. This study examined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Mathematical Sciences students’ marketability by determining industry’s satisfaction level on students’ skills and abilities during industrial training and identifies factors that affect students’ marketability. There were 22 student attributes that were categorized into four factors. Mean scores and Relative Importance Analysis determined the satisfaction and importance level of each attribute studied respectively. Besides, Penalty-Reward Contrast Analysis (PRCA) showed that affective factor was categorized as a basic factor where its existence did not increase but its absence decreased the industry’s satisfaction level. For Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), cognitive, affective, and cognitive & psychomotor factors were observed in the first quadrant which had high importance level but low performance level. Lastly, all four factors were found in the loyal customer zone and at an excellent level through Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) analysis. In conclusion, UKM Mathematical Sciences students have high marketability in general, but preservation and improvement should be implemented on important attributes to enhance their marketability.

The Necessity of a Reduced Version of the Psychomotor Battery to Screen for Learning Difficulties in Preschool Children

Psychomotor development is important for effective learning. Therefore, psychomotor observation is essential beginning in preschool education; however, observational instruments require practice, experience and time-consuming procedures. Psychomotor Battery (PBM) is useful to observe children’s psychomotor profile but needs 30 to 40 min per child to be applied. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to justify the need of a reduced version of the PBM to enable more frequent psychomotor observations at this level of education. A total of 70 preschool students with typical development were observed over 4 months in a school context, among which 31 were males and 39 were females (4- and 5-year-old). PBM is composed by seven psychomotor factors (PMF) distributed across three neuropsychological functional units. The total average of points for psychomotor observations was obtained using multiple linear regression (MLR) with a Stepwise method. For associations, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used. The results of this study showed that it is possible to reduce the average time of psychomotor observation by 43.7% (13 min and 31 s), maintaining a very strong association with the total average of points obtained. This reduction in observation time may contribute to the increase in psychomotor observations of preschool children using PMB.

Analysis and Prediction of Students’ Academic Performance and Employability Using Data Mining Techniques: A Research Travelogue

Higher education institutions (HEIs) handle tons of data to analyze and generate the most relevant information. Data mining is considered a useful tool to extract knowledge to predict future educational trends in this process. Hence, such a method is significant to HEIs to understand and predict students’ employability and other critical academic elements. A comprehensive and systematic literature review was conducted to identify data mining techniques, algorithms, and the various data sets that will lead to the smart prediction and accuracy of student employability. The same method was used to determine the relationship between academic achievement and the employability of students. According to the research findings, the most frequently used data mining techniques for determining students' academic achievement and employability are Classification techniques, specifically the J48(C4.5) algorithm, the Naïve Bayes algorithm, and the CHAID Decision Tree algorithm. The most frequently used data sets or attributes for predicting students' academic performance and employability are their cumulative grade point average (CGPA), gender, technical, communication, problem-solving, analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, extracurricular activities, and age, as well as psychomotor factors such as behavior and attendance and training/internship placement. Academic performance is the primary determinant of employability. The application of data mining techniques in academia has demonstrated its value in enhancing the performance of higher education institutions (HEIs). As a result, more research is urgently needed to ascertain the efficacy of the approaches, algorithms, and data sets identified as predictors of students' employability. Moreover, automated approaches should be utilized to ascertain their accuracy.

Pengaruh Kecerdasan Emosional dan Minat Belajar terhadap Hasil Belajar Biologi Siswa Kelas X MIPA di SMAN Rambipuji Jember

This research is motivated by students as components that have the responsibility to improve the quality of education. Positive changes in student behavior which are the result of the learning process at school can be seen from their result of learning. Student learning results can be seen from the cognitive, affective and psychomotor factors of students wherein learning is not only mastery the theory concepts of subject, but also mastery of habits, perceptions, pleasures, interests and talents, social adjustment, skills, goals, desires and expectations. One of the psychological factors that influence learning results that are considered the most essential are intelligence, and interest. This study were aimed to determine the effect of emotional intelligence and interest in learning simultaneously and partially on the biology learning results of class X MIPA students at SMAN RambiPuji Jember. This study was used a quantitative approach with the type of associative research conducted at SMAN RambiPuji Jember. The population includes all students of class X, 143 students were taken. Determination of the number of sample were used the Slovin formula obtained 105 students, using the cluster random sampling technique, three classes were taken, totaling 107 students. Data collection techniques were used questionnaires and documentation and data analysis were used multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that there was a simultaneous and partial influence of emotional intelligence and interest in learning on the biology learning outcomes of students of class X MIPA at SMAN Rambi Puji Jember. This research is motivated by students as components that have the responsibility to improve the quality of education. Positive changes in student behavior which are the result of the learning process at school can be seen from their result of learning. Student learning results can be seen from the cognitive, affective and psychomotor factors of students wherein learning is not only mastery the theory concepts of subject, but also mastery of habits, perceptions, pleasures, interests and talents, social adjustment, skills, goals, desires and expectations. One of the psychological factors that influence learning results that are considered the most essential are intelligence, and interest. This study were aimed to determine the effect of emotional intelligence and interest in learning simultaneously and partially on the biology learning results of class X MIPA students at SMAN RambiPuji Jember. This study was used a quantitative approach with the type of associative research conducted at SMAN RambiPuji Jember. The population includes all students of class X, 143 students were taken. Determination of the number of sample were used the Slovin formula obtained 105 students, using the cluster random sampling technique, three classes were taken, totaling 107 students. Data collection techniques were used questionnaires and documentation and data analysis were used multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that there was a simultaneous and partial influence of emotional intelligence and interest in learning on the biology learning outcomes of students of class X MIPA at SMAN Rambi Puji Jember. Keywords: emotional intelligence, interest in learning, learning outcomes Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh siswa sebagai komponen yang mempunyai tanggung jawab untuk meningkatakan kualitas pendidikan. Perubahan positif perilaku siswa yang merupakan hasil dari proses belajar di sekolah dapat dilihat dari hasil belajarnya. Hasil belajar siswa dapat dilihat dari aspek kognitif, afektif dan psikomotorik siswa karena belajar tidak hanya penguasaan konsep teori mata pelajaran saja, tetapi juga penguasaan kebiasaan, persepsi, kesenangan, minat-bakat, penyesuaian sosial, keterampilan, cita-cita, keinginan dan harapan. Salah satu faktor psikologis yang mempengaruhi hasil belajar yang dipandang paling esensial adalah kecerdasan, dan minat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kecerdasan emosional dan minat belajar secara simultan dan parsial terhadap hasil belajar biologi siswa kelas X MIPA di SMAN Rambipuji Jember. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan jenis penelitian asosiatif yang dilakukan di SMAN Rambipuji Jember. Populasi meliputi seluruh siswa kelas X yang berjumlah 143 siswa. Penentuan jumlah sampel menggunakan rumus slovin yang didapat 105 siswa, dengan menggunakan teknik cluter random sampling maka diambil sebanyak tiga kelas yang berjumlah 107 siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket dan dokumentasi serta analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh kecerdasan emosional dan minat belajar secara simultan dan parsial terhadap hasil belajar biologi siswa kelas X MIPA di SMAN Rambipuji Jember. Kata kunci: kecerdasan emosional, minat belajar, hasil belajar

Hot and Cold Cognition in Hybrid Communication

In the socioprofessional as well as the educational context, hybrid communication has experienced an explosion and exerted strong influence not only on our psychic but also on our physical existence. In this context, cybernetics makes it possible to exploit the mechanism of control and interaction among people in continuous motion. With the integration of digital media in all aspects of human life, the exchange of digital data is continuously spreading without neglecting that these new modes of communication and collaboration can also determine our senses as well as our behavior by exerting influence not only on our perceptions and thoughts but also on our mentality. On the other hand, human capacities linked to psychomotor factors make it possible to cultivate critical thinking, sense of responsibility and cooperation. However, the risk of disturbances could lead to a gap of psychomotor investment. Above all, it is necessary to take into account social cognition and the role of memory in online interactions and learning techniques with the uses of computer systems, because the memorization of actual experiences becomes profound, if we perceive each situation in a state of strong emotional involvement.

Perfil psicomotor y lenguaje en niños/as con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje mixto escolarizados

El diagnóstico de trastorno específico del lenguaje (TEL) suele abordarse desde los saberes del profesional fonoaudiólogo con escaso aporte de otras disciplinas. Se ha demostrado que el desarrollo infantil es un proceso complejo influido por diferentes factores que se retroalimentan y participan en la evolución de habilidades, aptitudes y destrezas durante la niñez. Debido a la imbricación de distintas dimensiones, resulta de interés visualizar las interrelaciones que puedan darse entre la adquisición patológica del lenguaje y otras esferas del desarrollo. En este estudio se observaron los perfiles psicomotores de 22 niños/as diagnosticados con TEL mixto entre 5 y 7 años y 11 meses, que asistían a un establecimiento educacional gratuito de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. A continuación, se correlacionaron estos perfiles con algunas variables lingüísticas: vocabulario, gramática receptiva, gramática expresiva y fonología. Los resultados muestran que los niños/as con diagnóstico de TEL mixto presentan un perfil psicomotor normal o dispráxico, sin diferencias entre los tres rangos etarios estudiados. Todos los factores psicomotores correlacionan con al menos una variable lingüística, a excepción de lateralidad. El vocabulario fue la variable lingüística que correlacionó con más factores psicomotores. Los factores psicomotores que aparecieron más descendidos fueron noción de cuerpo, estructuración espaciotemporal y praxia fina.

Exergames to study psychomotor factors of children with ADHD: Preliminary findings

Exergaming is considered an effective way to promote physical exercising for young children. Previous work has argued in favor of using exergaming to help with health problems such as obesity, or to contribute with brain maturation, which may affect motor and cognitive abilities. In this work, we describe the preliminary results of a study focused on observing the psychomotor factors exposed by a child with ADHD attending a public primary school. The case of study is an eleven-year-old girl who attends a public primary school but who receives academic support from special education therapists. An off-the-shelf exergame was selected based on its instructional and physical activation features, which the child played with for six weeks. The exergame meets its aim to stimulate psychomotor factors. Attention, speed of reaction, body posture, temporospatial and dissociation skills are categories used for video analysis. Preliminary results seem to indicate that the child’s interaction with the game has produced positive outcomes for reading comprehension, writing, memory, and visuomotor skills. CUMANES and MABC-2 are the batteries used for PRE and POST tests.

Contribution of biomotor and psychomotor factors that determine Pencak Silat Front Kick ability

This study aims to determine the contribution of biomotor and psychomotor factors that determine pencak silat front kick ability. The study uses quantitative methods and confirmatory factor analysis design. This type of research used in this research is correlational research with confirmatory factor analysis design that confirms the relationship of indicator variables with latent variables that determine the ability of the front kick pencak silat. Data collection is processed and analyzed using a computer-based application Statistics SPSS (Product Statistics and Service Solutions) Version 23 and using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and Bartlett Test. The sample is a part or representative being studied. As a sample it is better to have the same characteristics as a population so that you can draw a picture of the population. The population and sample in this study were all students fostering the achievement of Pencak Silat UKM PSHT Sebelas Maret University with a total of 25 students. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling.The technique in collecting data uses tests and measurements. The results of the study are as follows: analysis of biomotor and psychomotor factors that determine the ability of the pencak silat front kick above, the biomotor and psychomotor factors that determine the ability of the front kick of pencak silat (H0 accepted) or those that have a factor component value of ≥ 0.5 are: Biomotor and psychomotor factors that contribute to determining the ability of pencak silat front kicks 1. Power of leg muscles with a factor component value of 0.92 2. Flexibility with a factor component value of 0.43 3. Power the abdominal muscles with a factor component value of 0.53 4. The balance with the factor component value is 0.91 5. Agility with a factor component value of 0.24 The results of the statistical analysis of biomotor and psychomotor factors that contribute to determining the ability of the front kick of pencak silat are leg muscle power (0.92), balance (0.91), abdominal muscle power (0.53), flexibility (0.42), and agility (0.24).

К вопросу изучения психологического статуса и особенностей личности в спортивной деятельности

In recent years, progress has been observed in the field of psychological support for both the training and education of the younger generation and sports training. Directly psychological training of athletes plays a big role in achieving sports results. Athletes with high psychological preparation should participate in the competition. This condition is determined by the real assessment of their capabilities, the optimal level of emotional arousal, the lack of fear and the struggle for the best result with a rival. The organization of optimal psychological support and also psychological preparation of athletes leads to a deliberately effective psychological selection of athletes. At the same time, in our republic, attention was paid to psychological training, psychological selection and individual typological properties of athletes, that today occupy an important place in physical education and training of athletes. A psychologically prepared athlete can control his actions, exercise maximum thinking in difficult situations in the sports arena. And, as you know, an insufficient level of psychological readiness often leads to poor results and defeats at competitions.The article reveals some of the main aspects and problems of studying the psychological properties and characteristics of the personality of athletes, presents the psychomotor factors that determine the process of developing of special sports abilities and the effectiveness of activities in any sport.

Profile of Vocabulary Learning of Vocabulary Masters of STIMIK Amikom and ABA Sinema Yogyakarta

Vocabulary mastery is one of the goals of language learning. Vocabulary is very important because it is one of the most functional language elements needed to perform communication. This paper reports a case study on vocabulary learning by a group of adult students learning English in two different universities. The objective of this research is to describe the profile of the vocabulary learning of the ten best vocabulary masters in two private universities. The research involved 5 students from STMIK Amikom and 5 students from ABA Sinema; both are in Yogyakarta. Those participants were chosen based three criteria; their cognitive, affective and psychomotor factors. The findings show that the masters develope varying degree of their receptive as well as the productive skills; second, the masters learn from authentic material because it is more effective; third, in order to produce a better translation, the vocabulary masters review results of their internet-based translation due to their lack of grammatical use.

MODELLING THE EFFECTS OF SELECTED AFFECTIVE FACTORS ON LEARNING STRATEGIES AND CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION

It is well known affective, cognitive and psychomotor factors have positive effects on science learning process. All these factors have interaction between themselves. So it is important to research what is the size and direction of these interactions. The aim of this research is to analyze the effects of value, attitude and self-efficacy on active learning strategies and classroom activities using Structural Equation Model. The research was conducted by the analysis of students’ answers to questionnaires data using Structural Equation Modelling. Initially KMO and Bartlett’s tests were done to test appropriateness of scale to factor analysis. Then theoretical structural model was tested using LISREL. At the end of the SEM test, it was found that there are positive effects of selected affective factors on learning strategies and classroom activities. Keywords: science learning value, attitude towards science, self-efficacy, learning strategies, classroom activities, structural equation model (SEM).

BIOMOTOR AND PSYCHOMOTOR DOMINANT FACTORS ANALYSIS DETERMINANTS OF TENNIS GROUNDSTROKE FOREHAND ABILITY ON TENNIS ACHIEVEMENT COACHING OF STUDENTS OF FKIP UNIVERSITAS SEBELAS MARET, INDONESIA

The purpose of study is to find out the dominant factors of biomotor and psychomotor determining tennis groundstroke forehand ability. The research methods were using a quantitative approach and confirmatory factor analysis design. The data collection was processed and analyzed by using Statistical Program Computerized system with SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) Version 23 and try-out Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's Test. The population in this study was 40 students of coaching achievement tennis FKIP UNS Surakarta. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. Data collection techniques applied the test and measurement. The results of study as follows: biomotor and psychomotor factors that determine the tennis ability of forehand groundstrokes on having components value factor ≥ │0,5│ is: grip strength with the factors component value of (0.84), flexibility with the factors component value of (0.34), limb muscle power by the factors component value of (0.82), speed with the factors component value of (0.91), cardiovascular endurance the factors component value of (0.79), hand-eye coordination with the factors component value of (0.50), agility with the factors component value of (0.79). The conclusion of study as follows: biomotor and psychomotor were the most dominant factors determining the forehand groundstrokes ability. Biomotor factors are the speed with the value (0.91) and psychomotor factors are the agility with the value (0.79). Article visualizations:

Complex Training: An Update

The term ‘complex training’ refers to a training mode which combines one set of strength training with a comparable set of plyometric exercises in same training session and is believed to enhance the quality of the plyometric training stimulus. This idea of combining biomechanically similar exercises is proposed to be a favourable strategy for improving rate of force development and dynamic power by better neuromuscular control. High-intensity resistance training creates an optimal training state for the subsequent plyometric bout by means of neuromuscular, hormonal, metabolic, myogenic, and psychomotor factors that allow it to serve as a strategy for continued neural adaptations. This review aims to present the current body of knowledge regarding the effects of complex training, discussing in brief, its mechanism, the various training variables that might act to confound its efficacy and finally, its comparison with other popular modes of training. In conclusion, complex training appears to be a safe and effective mode yielding gains of both strength and power training in the same session, however, further research is warranted to better understand the operating physiological mechanisms and to derive more concrete results regarding the most optimal training variables.

Técnicas grafoplásticas como herramienta de desarrollo psicomotriz fino en niños de 2 a 3 años

The first three years of life in the child have been prioritized as part of a fundamental stage in the child's development. In the Integral Development Center Mi Angelito Corre, it is necessary a plan to stimulate the child in his psychomotor development by means of graphoplastic techniques, besides working in an adequate leveling in the abilities and skills of the child. The study is aimed at determining if there is an incidence of fine psychomotor development and graphoplastic techniques in 3-year- old children. This study has a qualitative-correlational approach, which consists in the development of tests of psychomotor factors, fine language, social attitudes and gross motor skills by applying the Denver test. The information was entered and analyzed through the SPSS program. The statistic used to corroborate the proposed hypothesis is the Chi-square. It is concluded that, the application of graphoplastic techniques in the process of instruction of child preparation through activities that generate satisfaction and desire to learn and develop their skills. Finally, it was observed that some techniques were not pleasant to the child's perception and it was difficult to adapt to their stimulation.

Avaliação neuropsicomotora e classificação funcional em escolares de 10 a 12 anos da rede pública.

O desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor (DNPM) envolve as áreas motoras e cognitivas e é influenciado por questões do ambiente e da tarefa, o que numa visão ampliada de saúde pode ser classificado por meio da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o DNPM de escolares e classificá-los de acordo com a CIF. Participaram do estudo 22 pré-adolescentes (10 a 12 anos) de ambos os sexos, na região metropolitana de Curitiba, avaliados por meio da Bateria Psicomotora de Fonseca, Medida da independência funcional, entrevista semiestruturada e check-list da CIF para crianças e jovens (CIF-CJ). Observou-se que a maioria dos estudantes não apresentou alterações no DNPM, e que o auto-relato identificou: mudança no modelo familiar, poucas possibilidades para esporte e lazer, preferência pelas brincadeiras como entretenimento, escola como ambiente predominante, boa autopercepção de saúde, dificuldade de acessibilidade. Além disso, identificou-se uma criança com atraso em fatores psicomotores isolados, mas com bom desempenho psicomotor geral. A utilização do modelo proposto pelos autores respondeu às dimensões da CIF, indicando sua aplicabilidade e possibilidades de uso em ambiente escolar.

Prenatal p,p′-DDE exposure and establishment of lateralization and spatial orientation in Mexican preschooler

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE is associated with impairments in motor development during the first year of life, with no related repercussions on mental or motor development at 12–30 months and with impairments in cognitive areas, but not in perceptual and motor areas at preschool age. However, its association with particular psychomotor factors, such as establishment of lateralization and spatial orientation, essential elements to the overall learning and specifically reading, writing and spelling in preschoolers, has not been independently evaluated, since cognitive and motor areas have only been explored globally. ObjectiveTo determine the association between prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE and the establishment of lateralization and spatial orientation in children 5 years of age. Materials and methodsEstablishment of lateralization and spatial orientation was evaluated using the McCarthy Scale of Children's Abilities, with 167 children 5 years of age who participated in a birth cohort in the state of Morelos, Mexico. The information available for each child included: serum concentrations of p,p′-DDE of the mother during at least one trimester of pregnancy, mothers’ intelligence quotients, stimulation at home and anthropometry. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the association between prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE and lateralization and a multiple linear regression model was used for the association with spatial orientation. ResultsA two-fold increase in p,p′-DDE in lipid base during the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction, −0.18 points (95% CI −0.41; 0.04, in the spatial orientation index, with no impairment in the establishment of hemispheric dominance. Attending preschool and the maternal intelligence quotient were the main determinants of spatial orientation and the establishment of hemispheric dominance. ConclusionsPrenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE may affect the 5 year old's ability to identify spatial orientation of oneself and surrounding objects. Given the observed role of attending preschool in the functions studied, early attendance in formal education might serve as a stimulation strategy for preschoolers. These preliminary results should be verified and expanded in further prospective studies with DDE.

A study on cognitive and psychomotor factors of hill farmers on adoption of agri-horti farming system

Adoption of agri-horti system and associated factors need to be viewed in totality which calls for the empirical evidences to design pin pointed programmes in order to enhance productivity. The study conducted in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir state revealed that the farmers’ adoption level of seed component of field crops and plant protection components of fruit crops were found to be low. Most of the respondents reported high level of training needs with respect to training and pruning, field sanitation, weed management, selection of fruit plants and diseases management. The farmers’ characteristics like family occupation, land holding, economic motivation, innovation proneness and information sources utilization were found to be positively and significantly associated with their training needs. The farmers’ preferences regarding training programme organization included one week duration, more focus on practical aspects with demonstration method and organization of training in small group in their own locality before sowing and planting season. Therefore, the study has highlighted the need for restructuring the training programmes to benefit the farmers operating agri-horti farming system. Such an approach would boost production and generate additional income for producers and other small scale operators along the value-chain.

Predictors of Tennis Performance of Junior Players

The objective of our study was to identify the psycho-motor factors, their strength influencing the position of players in the national rank. We assume that athletes who achieve good scores in testing psycho-motor factors are likewise highly ranked. The study was conducted on 67 athletes, aged between 13 and 18 years. To evaluate these predictors, the participants were subjected to the Concentrated Attention Test, regarding the Motivation - The Sport Motivation Scale SMS - for coordination assessment - the Tapping and Tracing test and to measure personality the Revised NEO Personality-Inventory. Our survey identified one predictor on mental level (duration attention), one factor on motor-coordination level (tracing left hand) and one predictor on personality level (wish to succeed). In conclusion, players that featured highly developed psycho-motor skills also occupied a high position in the national rank.