Role In Adaptation Research Articles

The higher oxygen consumption during multiple short intervals is sex-independent and not influenced by skeletal muscle characteristics in well-trained cyclists.

It has been suggested that time spent at a high fraction of maximal oxygen consumption (% O2max) plays a decisive role for adaptations to interval training. However, previous studies examining how interval sessions should be designed to achieve a high % O2max have exclusively been performed in males. The present study compared the % O2max attained during three different 6×8 min interval protocols, in female (n=11; O2max, 62.5 (6.4)mL·min-1·kg-1) and male (n=8; O2max, 81.0 (5.2)mL·min-1·kg-1) cyclists. Mean power output during work intervals were identical across the three interval protocols, corresponding to the cyclist's 40 min maximal effort (PO40min): (1) 30 s intervals at 118% of PO40min interspersed with 15 s active recovery at 60% (30/15), (2) constant pace at 100% of PO40min (CON), and (3) altering between 60 s intervals at 110% and 60 s at 90% of PO40min (60/60). Additionally, the study explored whether the m. vastus lateralis characteristics of the cyclists (fiber type proportion, capillarization, and citrate synthase activity) were associated with the % O2max attained during the interval sessions. Overall, mean % O2max and time ≥90% of O2max were higher during 30/15 compared to CON (86.7 (10.1)% and 1123 (787) s versus 85.0 (10.4)% and 879 (779) s, respectively; both p≤0.01) and 60/60 (85.6 (10.0)% and 917 (745) s, respectively; both p≤0.05), while no difference was observed between 60/60 and CON (both p≥0.36). During interval sessions, % O2max and time ≥90% of O2max did not differ between sexes. Skeletal muscle characteristics were not related to % O2maxduring interval sessions. In conclusion, well-trained cyclists demonstratehighest % O2max during 30/15, irrespective of sex and skeletal muscle characteristics.

Beyond borders: The effects of perceived cultural distance, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adaptation on academic performance among international students of higher education

Perceived cultural distance (PCD) has been established as a significant factor influencing academic performance; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the intricate mediating and moderating mechanisms that underlie this relationship. The present study seeks to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the potential mediating role of cross-cultural adaptation and the moderating influence of cultural intelligence (CQ) in the relationships between PCD and academic performance among international students in China. The theoretical model was tested using survey data that measured international students' PCD, CQ, and cross-cultural adaptation in academic, psychological, and sociocultural domains, along with their academic performance. The findings revealed that (1) PCD exhibits a direct and negative influence on academic performance; (2) Three dimensions of cross-cultural adaptation, namely academic, psychological, and sociocultural adaptation, operate as mediators in the link between PCD and academic performance; (3) CQ, functioning as a moderator, weakens the negative association between PCD and academic performance. These results underscore the pivotal role of PCD in the realm of cross-cultural learning for international students, particularly those engaged in educational pursuits within the Chinese higher education landscape. The study also highlights the protective effects of all four aspects of CQ (metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral CQ) on the adaptation processes and academic performance of these sojourning students in the face of cultural differences.

Innovative Management Strategies and Competitive Advantage of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Service Providers in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study investigates the effects of product, service, process, and technological innovations on the competitive advantage of GSM service providers in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. It aims to determine how these different types of innovations influence market positioning and operational efficiency within the regional telecommunications sector. The research is framed using Dynamic Capabilities Theory, which emphasizes the role of strategic adaptability and resource reconfiguration in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage in rapidly changing markets. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from structured questionnaires distributed to 115 staff across major telecom providers and qualitative insights from industry reports. A total of 102 responses were analyzed using regression analysis in SPSS to evaluate the effect of innovation types on competitive advantage. The findings reveal that all types of innovation—product, service, process, and technological—significantly enhance the competitive advantage of GSM providers in Jalingo. Service innovation showed the strongest effect, followed by technological, product, and process innovations. The study underscores the critical importance of a holistic innovation strategy that includes diverse forms of innovation to improve competitive advantage. GSM providers in Jalingo who embrace comprehensive innovation strategies are more likely to secure greater market share and achieve long-term profitability. The study recommends that GSM service providers should prioritize developing new service offerings and enhancing existing services. This could include investing in customer relationship management systems to personalize services, implementing loyalty programs, or introducing flexible pricing models that cater to different customer segments.

Concept, content and structure of the phenomenon of professional adaptation of military servicemen to military service through physical training and sports

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept, content and structure of professional adaptation of military personnel to military service using means of physical training and sports. It was determined that the professional adaptation of military personnel is a complex process that includes psychophysiological, social and professional components. Special attention is paid to the role of physical training and sports in ensuring the effective adaptation of servicemen to the conditions of service, in particular in the context of the formation of the necessary physical, moral and willpower qualities and professional skills. On the basis of a systemic approach, the main elements and stages of the adaptation process, as well as their interrelationship and influence on the general level of combat readiness of servicemen, are revealed. Means of physical training and sports play an important role in the professional adaptation of military personnel. They contribute to increasing physical endurance, strengthening health, developing mental stability and forming teamwork skills. Thus, the professional adaptation of military personnel is the result of the complex influence of physical, psychological and social factors. Means of physical training and sports are important tools that contribute to a successful adaptation process, providing recruits with not only physical strength, but also psychological readiness for service, as well as integration into the military team.

Adaptation in Global Semiconductor Supply Chains: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Strategic Responses

Abstract—This study examines the global semiconductor supply chain disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on their impact on the automotive and electronics industries. The research highlights that these disruptions were exacerbated by systemic vulnerabilities such as just-in-time manufacturing, geopolitical tensions, and reliance on complex global interdependencies. Through case studies of companies like Tesla and Hyundai, the study demonstrates the critical role of adaptability and supply chain resilience in mitigating the effects of semiconductor shortages. Firms that diversified suppliers or employed technological innovations, like software adjustments, were better equipped to manage the crisis. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of international cooperation, government intervention, and technological advancements in forecasting and supply chain management to build more resilient systems. The research identifies significant gaps in understanding the long-term resilience of semiconductor supply chains, calling for sustainable, scalable solutions to manage future disruptions. Keywords— Semiconductor shortages, global supply chain disruptions, automotive and electronics industries, resilience, geopolitical tensions, technological innovation, government policy, circular economy principles, AI, and machine learning in supply chains.

The impact of mindfulness on academic achievement of students with the mediating role of adaptability: a structural equation modeling approach

IntroductionExamining the factors influencing students’ academic achievement can lead to improved educational planning and enhanced teaching and learning outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of mindfulness on academic achievement with the mediating role of adaptability among students at Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in southern Iran in 2024.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 students from various fields at Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in southern Iran from January to April 2024. To select these 290 individuals, a stratified sampling proportional to size was first carried out based on the year of university entry and field of study. After the sample size was determined for each entry year and field of study, students were randomly selected using their student numbers and a random number table. The data collection instruments were the standard mindfulness, academic achievement, and adaptability questionnaires. Descriptive tests and structural equation modeling using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method were employed for data analysis, utilizing Smart PLS3 and SPSS26 software.ResultsThe findings indicate that students’ mindfulness positively affects their academic achievement (p < 0.001, β = 0.59). Additionally, mindfulness positively influences students’ adaptability (p < 0.001, β = 0.65). The results also show adaptability positively impacts students’ academic achievement (p = 0.001, β = 0.57). Finally, students’ mindfulness has a significant positive effect on their academic achievement through the mediating role of adaptability (p < 0.001).DiscussionAccording to the results, a favorable state of mindfulness and adaptability among students can improve academic achievement. Therefore, it is recommended that university administrators facilitate the enhancement of students’ mindfulness and adaptability by organizing relevant courses and workshops. This approach can contribute to their academic progress.

The impact of insertion bias into piRNA clusters on the invasion of transposable elements.

This study challenges the pre-existing understanding of the TE dynamics by investigating the potential adaptive role of insertion bias into piRNA clusters. Using extensive forward simulations, we demonstrate that while insertion bias significantly alters TE invasion dynamics, it is generally not beneficial for the TE's spread in populations. Our results also show that transposable elements (TEs) that avoid piRNA clusters tend to do better than those that are more likely to preferencially insert into these clusters. This work provides novel insights into the complex dynamics between TEs and host genomes, showing the limited scenarios where the insertion bias could be advantageous to TEs. These results open new area for research into TE invasion dynamics and the evolution of host-TE interactions, further contributing to our understanding of genome evolution and stability.

Interactive effects of sustainable HRM, career adaptability and career sustainability on employee well-being

PurposePast research has well-demonstrated the importance of sustainable human resource management practices in augmenting sustainability in careers of individuals and their overall growth and well-being. In this regard, role of career adaptability as a potential resource in harnessing sustainable HRM and career sustainability relationship requires attention. Considering this, the purpose of the current research is to analyze how sustainable HRM practices influence career sustainability, that eventually predicts employee well-being. Besides this, we also examined the role of career adaptability as a potential moderator in governing the linkage between sustainable HR practices and career sustainability.Design/methodology/approachOur study adopted a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected through administration of survey among 620 working professionals. Analysis was conducted deploying statistical techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm the factors, and the hypotheses were tested using model 4 and model 7 in PROCESS macro by SPSS 20.0.FindingsResults showed that in the Indian context, career sustainability acts as a potential mediator between the sustainable HRM practices and employee well-being relationship. In addition, we also found the significant moderating role of career adaptability in strengthening the impact of sustainable HRM practices on career sustainability among employees.Practical implicationsThe study offers potential implications for scholars and management practitioners in terms of implementing sustainable HRM practices emphasizing on good values at various levels in organizations. Also, it encourages organizational policymakers and leaders for conducting training programs and workshops on developing career adaptability resources.Originality/valueIt is among one of the few studies that help in advancing the scholarship on sustainable HRM and sustainable careers and their key role in strengthening individuals’ well-being. The findings also extend the application of conservation of resources theory at the intersection of sustainable HRM and vocational psychology literature in the South-east Asian context.

Genome-Scale Identification of Wild Soybean Serine/Arginine-Rich Protein Family Genes and Their Responses to Abiotic Stresses.

Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins mostly function as splicing factors for pre-mRNA splicing in spliceosomes and play critical roles in plant development and adaptation to environments. However, detailed study about SR proteins in legume plants is still lacking. In this report, we performed a genome-wide investigation of SR protein genes in wild soybean (Glycine soja) and identified a total of 31 GsSR genes from the wild soybean genome. The analyses of chromosome location and synteny show that the GsSRs are unevenly distributed on 15 chromosomes and are mainly under the purifying selection. The GsSR proteins can be phylogenetically classified into six sub-families and are conserved in evolution. Prediction of protein phosphorylation sites indicates that GsSR proteins are highly phosphorylated proteins. The protein-protein interaction network implies that there exist numerous interactions between GsSR proteins. We experimentally confirmed their physical interactions with the representative SR proteins of spliceosome-associated components such as U1-70K or U2AF35 by yeast two-hybrid assays. In addition, we identified various stress-/hormone-responsive cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of these GsSR genes and verified their expression patterns by RT-qPCR analyses. The results show most GsSR genes are highly expressed in root and stem tissues and are responsive to salt and alkali stresses. Splicing analysis showed that the splicing patterns of GsSRs were in a tissue- and stress-dependent manner. Overall, these results will help us to further investigate the biological functions of leguminous plant SR proteins and shed new light on uncovering the regulatory mechanisms of plant SR proteins in growth, development, and stress responses.

Bacterial and Symbiodiniaceae communities’ variation in corals with distinct traits and geographical distribution

Coral microbiomes play crucial roles in holobiont homeostasis and adaptation. The host’s ability to populate broad ecological niches and to cope with environmental changes seems to be related to the flexibility of the coral microbiome. By means of high-throughput DNA sequencing we characterized simultaneously both bacterial (16S rRNA) and Symbiodiniaceae (ITS2) communities of four reef-building coral species (Mussismilia braziliensis, Mussismilia harttii, Montastraea cavernosa, and Favia gravida) that differ in geographic distribution and niche specificity. Samples were collected in a marginal reef system (Abrolhos, Brazil) in four sites of contrasting irradiance and turbidity. Biological filters governed by the host are important in shaping corals’ microbiome structure. More structured associated microbial communities by reef site tend to occur in coral species with broader geographic and depth ranges, especially for Symbiodiniaceae, whereas the endemic and habitat-specialist host, M. braziliensis, has relatively more homogenous bacterial communities with more exclusive members. Our findings lend credence to the hypothesis that higher microbiome flexibility renders corals more adaptable to diverse environments, a trend that should be investigated in more hosts and reef areas.

Proline metabolism is essential for alkaline adaptation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

BackgroundSaline-alkaline water aquaculture has become a key way to mitigate the reduction of freshwater aquaculture space and meet the increasing global demand for aquatic products. To enhance the comprehensive utilization capability of saline-alkaline water, it is necessary to understand the regulatory mechanisms of aquatic animals coping with saline-alkaline water. In this study, our objective was to elucidate the function of proline metabolism in the alkaline adaptation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).ResultsExpose Nile tilapia to alkaline water of different alkalinity for 2 weeks to observe changes in its growth performance and proline metabolism. Meanwhile, to further clarify the role of proline metabolism, RNA interference experiments were conducted to disrupt the normal operation of proline metabolic axis by knocking down pycr (pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductases), the final rate-limiting enzyme in proline synthesis. The results showed that both the synthesis and degradation of proline were enhanced under carbonate alkalinity stress, and the environmental alkalinity impaired the growth performance of tilapia, and the higher the alkalinity, the greater the impairment. Moreover, environmental alkalinity caused oxidative stress in tilapia, enhanced ion transport, ammonia metabolism, and altered the intensity and form of energy metabolism in tilapia. When the expression level of the pycr gene decreased, the proline metabolism could not operate normally, and the ion transport, antioxidant defense system, and energy metabolism were severely damaged, ultimately leading to liver damage and a decreased survival rate of tilapia under alkalinity stress.ConclusionsThe results indicated that proline metabolism plays an important role in the alkaline adaptation of Nile tilapia and is a key regulatory process in various biochemical and physiological processes.

Rhizosheath Formation and Its Role in Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stress

The rhizosheath, the layer of soil tightly attached to the roots, protects plants against abiotic stress and other adverse conditions by providing a bridge from the plant root system to the soil. It reduces the formation of air gaps between the root and soil and facilitates the transportation of water at the root–soil interface. It also serves as a favourable niche for plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria in the surrounding soil, which facilitate the absorption of soil water and nutrients. This review compares the difference between the rhizosheath and rhizosphere, and summarises the molecular and physiological mechanisms of rhizosheath formation, and identifying the causes of rhizosheath formation/non-formation in plants. We summarise the chemical and physical factors (root hair, soil-related factors, root exudates, and microorganisms) that determine rhizosheath formation, and focus on the important functions of the rhizosheath in plants under abiotic stress, especially in drought stress, phosphorus deficiency, aluminium stress, and salinity stress. Understanding the roles played by the rhizosheath and the mechanisms of its formation provides new perspectives for improving plant stress tolerance in the field, which will mitigate the increasing environmental stress conditions associated with on-going global climate change.

Role of Gut Bacteria in Enhancing Host Adaptation of Tuta absoluta to Different Host Plants.

The insect gut bacteria play important roles in insect development and growth, such as immune defense, nutrient metabolism, regulating insect adaptations for plants, etc. The Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a destructive invasive pest that mainly feeds on solanaceae plants. However, the relationship between gut microflora and host adaption of T. absoluta remains to be known. In this study, we first compared the survival adaptability of T. absoluta feeding with two host plants (tomatoes and potatoes). The T. absoluta completed the generation cycle by feeding on the leaves of both plants. However, the larvae feeding on tomato leaves have shorter larvae durations, longer adult durations, and a greater number of egg production per female. After Single Molecular Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing, according to the LDA Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis, the gut bacterial biomarker of T. absoluta fed on tomato was Enterobacter cloacae and the gut bacterial biomarker of T. absoluta fed on potatoes was Staphylococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus gallinarum. Furthermore, a total of 6 and 7 culturable bacteria were isolated from the guts of tomato- and potato-treated T. absoluta, respectively. However, the isolated strains included bacterial biomarkers E. cloacae and S. gallinarum but not E. gallinarum. In addition, different stains bacterial biomarkers on T. absoluta feeding selection were also studied. E. cloacae enhanced the host preference of the SLTA (T. absoluta of tomato strain) for tomato but had no impact on STTA (T. absoluta of potato strain). S. gallinarum improved the host preference of STTA to a potato but did not affect SLTA. The results showed that the gut bacteria of T. absoluta were affected by exposure to different host plants, and the bacterial biomarkers played an important role in host adaptability. This study not only deepens our understanding of gut bacteria-mediated insect-plant interactions but also provides theoretical support for the development of environmentally friendly and effective agricultural pest control methods.

Pharmaceutical Agents for Targeting Autophagy and Their Applications in Clinics

Autophagy is the process by which damaged regions of the cytoplasm and intracellular pathogens are degraded. This mechanism often serves an adaptive role in cells, enhancing their survival. It plays a direct or indirect role in the development of various pathological conditions within the body. This phenomenon is common in various malignant diseases, where autophagy is associated with the resistance of transformed cells to chemotherapy. Conversely, abnormal activation of autophagy can trigger cell death, a process often seen in neurodegenerative conditions. Given that dysregulation of autophagy is associated with the progression of numerous pathological conditions, this is of significant interest to the developers of drugs that can effectively modulate autophagy for both basic research and clinical applications. Here, we provide a brief description of the mechanism of macroautophagy, the most prevalent form of autophagy identified in humans. We also discuss the clinical potential of drugs that can modulate autophagy, highlighting their use in combating diseases associated with direct or indirect dysregulation of this essential process.

TFIIS is required for reproductive development and thermal adaptation in barley

Key messageBarley reproductive fitness and efficient heat stress adaptation requires the activity of TFIIS, the elongation cofactor of RNAPII.Regulation of transcriptional machinery and its adaptive role under different stress conditions are studied extensively in the dicot model plant Arabidopsis, but our knowledge on monocot species remains elusive. TFIIS is an RNA polymerase II-associated transcription elongation cofactor. Previously, it was shown that TFIIS ensures efficient transcription elongation that is necessary for heat stress survival in A. thaliana. However, the function of TFIIS has not been analysed in monocots. In the present work, we have generated and studied independent tfIIs-crispr-mutant barley lines. We show that TFIIS is needed for reproductive development and heat stress survival in barley. The molecular basis of HS-sensitivity of tfIIs mutants is the retarded expression of heat stress protein transcripts, which leads to late accumulation of HSP chaperones, enhanced proteotoxicity and ultimately to lethality. We also show that TFIIS is transcriptionally regulated in response to heat, supporting a conserved adaptive function of these control elements for plant thermal adaptation. In sum, our results are a step forward for the better understanding of transcriptional machinery regulation in monocot crops.

Multi-omics analysis reveals phenylalanine enhance mitochondrial function and hypoxic endurance via LKB1/AMPK activation

Many studies have focused on the effects of small molecules, such as amino acids, on metabolism under hypoxia. Recent findings have indicated that phenylalanine levels were markedly elevated in adaptation to chronic hypoxia. This raises the possibility that phenylalanine treatment could markedly improve the hypoxic endurance. However, the importance of hypoxia-regulated phenylalanine is still unclear. This study investigates the role of phenylalanine in hypoxia adaptation using a hypoxic zebrafish model and multi-omics analysis. We found that phenylalanine-related metabolic pathways are significantly up-regulated under hypoxia, contributing to enhanced hypoxic endurance. Phenylalanine treatment reduced ROS levels, improved mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in hypoxic cells. Western blotting revealed increased phenylalanine uptake via L-type amino transporters (LAT1), activating the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. This activation up-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, while down-regulating uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), thereby improving mitochondrial function under hypoxia. This is the first comprehensive multi-omics analysis to demonstrate phenylalanine’s crucial role in hypoxia adaptation, providing insights for the development of anti-hypoxic drugs.Graphical

The Mediating Role of Strategic Adaptability on the Relationship between Human Resource Management Strategies and Innovation

The Mediating Role of Strategic Adaptability on the Relationship between Human Resource Management Strategies and Innovation

Genome-wide DNA methylation and their transgenerational pattern differ in Arabidopsis thaliana populations originated along the elevation of West Himalaya

Methylation at 5' cytosine of DNA molecule is an important epigenetic mark. It is known to play critical role in adaptation of organisms under different biotic and abiotic stressors via modulating gene expression and/or chromatin architecture. Plant populations evolved under variable climatic conditions may have evolved different epigenetic marks including DNA methylation. Here we, describe the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern under native field, F1 and F6 generation followed by their association with phenotypes, climate and global gene expression in the three Arabidopsis thaliana populations originated at different elevation ranges of Indian West Himalaya. We show that the global methyl cytosine (mC) content is more or less similar in the three populations but differ in their distribution across genome. There was an increase in differential methylation between the populations as elevation increased. The methylation divergence was the highest between the low and the high elevation populations. The high elevation populations were hypo-methylated than the low elevation population. The methylation in the genes was associated with population specific phenotypes and climate of the region. The genes which were differentially methylated as well as differentially expressed between the low and high elevation populations were mostly related to abiotic stresses. When grown under controlled condition, there was gain of differential methylation over native condition and the maximum percent changes was observed in CHH-sequence context. Further ~ 99.8% methylated cytosines were stably passed on from F1 to F6 generation. Overall, our data suggest that high elevation population is epigenetically more plastic under changing environmental condition.BackgroundArabidopsis thaliana is the model plant species and has been extensively studied to understand plants life processes. There are numerous reports on its origin, demography, evolution, epigenomes and adaptation etc. however, Indian populations of Arabidopsis thaliana evolved along wide elevation ranging from ~ 700 m amsl to ~ 3400 m amsl not explored yet. Here we, describe the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern under native field, F1 and F6 generation followed by their association with phenotypes, climate and global gene expression in the three Arabidopsis thaliana populations originated at different elevation ranges of Indian West Himalaya.Results In our study we found that total mCs percent was more or less similar in the three populations but differ in their distribution across genome. The proportion of CG-mCs was the highest, followed by CHH-mCs and CHG-mCs in all the three populations. Under native field condition the methylation divergence was more prominent between low and high elevation populations and the high elevation populations were hypo-methylated than the low elevation population. The methylation in the genes was linked to population-specific phenotypes and the regional climate. The genes that showed differential methylation and expression between low and high elevation populations were primarily associated with abiotic stress responses. When grown under controlled condition, there was gain of differential methylation compared to the native condition and the maximum percent changes was observed in CHH-sequence context. Further 99.8% methylated cytosines were stably passed on from F1 to F6 generation.Conclusions The populations of A. thaliana adapted at different climatic conditions were significantly differentially methylated both under native and controlled condition. However, the magnitude and extent of gain or loss of methylation were most significant between the low and the high elevation populations. Overall, our data suggest that high elevation population is epigenetically more plastic under changing environmental condition.

Online Pedagogical Training during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Responses, Challenges, and Contributions

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread closure of educational systems, prompting a shift to online learning methods for instructors and students in higher education institutions. This study explores how pedagogical instructors supported accessibility to online pedagogical training during this crisis. This qualitative investigation employed a case study methodology, focusing on the high school training program at a multicultural college of education in Israel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six pedagogical instructors to explore their roles as educators, their oversight of pedagogical training, the implementation of didactic workshops and practical work, and their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic across technological, pedagogical, and emotional dimensions. Findings underscore the critical role of pedagogical instructors during the shift to remote learning. They facilitated communication using digital tools among pre-service teachers, coaching professors, and students, akin to conducting an orchestra with multiple participants. Amid widening educational, technical, and social disparities among students, pedagogical instructors and their pre-service teachers played a pivotal role in curriculum adaptation and crisis management within the school setting.

The higher the fraction of maximal oxygen uptake is during interval training, the greater is the cycling performance gain.

It has been suggested that time at a high fraction (%) of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) plays a decisive role for adaptations to interval training. Yet, no study has, to date, measured the % of VO2max during all interval sessions throughout a prolonged training intervention and subsequently related it to the magnitude of training adaptations. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between % of VO2max achieved during an interval training intervention and changes in endurance performance and its physiological determinants in well-trained cyclists. Twenty-two cyclists (VO2max 67.1 (6.4) mL·min-1·kg-1; males, n=19; females, n=3) underwent a 9-week interval training intervention, consisting 21 sessions of 5×8-min intervals conducted at their 40-min highest sustainable mean power output (PO). Oxygen uptake was measured during all interval sessions, and the relationship between % of VO2max during work intervals and training adaptations were investigated using linear regression. A performance index was calculated from several performance measures. With higher % of VO2max during work intervals, greater improvements were observed for maximal PO during the VO2max test (R2 adjusted=0.44, p=0.009), PO at 4mmol·L-1 [blood lactate] (R2 adjusted=0.25, p=0.035), the performance index (R2 adjusted=0.36, p=0.013), and VO2max (R2 adjusted=0.54, p=0.029). Other measures, such as % of maximal heart rate, were related to fewer outcome variables and exhibited poorer session-to-session repeatability compared to % of VO2max. In conclusion, improvements in endurance measures were positively related to the % of VO2max achieved during interval training. Percentage of VO2max was the measure that best reflected the magnitude of training adaptations.