Duration Of Training Research Articles

Paralabral cyst in cricketers – A case series

Objectives: Paralabral cysts of the shoulder are rare, and it is usually associated with labral tears. Repetitive stress on the labrum due to increased training history in cricketers can cause micro-tear of the labrum. These tears commonly occur during the early cocking phase in cricketers. These longstanding micro-tears usually form paralabral cysts where the tear operates as a one-way valve. It is fairly common in cricketers who had a longer duration of training and playing history. These cysts are commonly seen in posterior-superior labral tears and SLAP tears. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from a total of 12 cricketers between the period of March 2022 and July 2023. All these athletes mostly came with complaints of chronic shoulder pain, and the diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. All these patients were treated by arthroscopic cyst decompression with labral repair. A rehabilitation regimen was administered postoperatively to improve the functional ability of the shoulder and help the athlete to return-to-play. QuickDASH score was performed 12 months postoperatively to assess the effectiveness of the surgical outcome. Results: All the patients reported remission of pain and showed improvement in their QuickDASH scores compared to the pre-operative period. A properly supervised rehabilitation regimen helped the athlete to return to sport. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of paralabral cysts helps in preventing neurological compromise and quicker return-to-play in cricketers. Arthroscopic cyst decompression with labral repair, along with a criteria-based rehabilitation program helps in improving the functional outcome of the athlete.

Evaluation Nurses' Intervention toward Potential Complication for Patient after Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background: gastrointestinal surgery complication one cause of death worldwide. Objective: To determine the nurse's intervention toward potential complication for patient after gastrointestinal surgery. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out throughout the present study to evaluation of nurses' intervention toward potential complication for patients after gastrointestinal surgery In Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital who attended the outpatient clinic department of hospitals in Al-Dewaniya governorate. The study was carried out during the period extended from the 10th of January 2024 to 1th June 2024. Results: The study showed that all ten axes are associated with the overall goal (evaluation of nurse's intervention). A statistical correlation is very strong because the mean level is less than 0.01. (And the level of indication shows that the relationship is true and stronger. Conclusion: Findings of the study indicated that there is the duration of training the findings of the present study show that highest percentage while the relationship between the all of items of questioner's depending on the coefficient of high correlation because attention to this axis will result in increased nursing care, which is the general goal. Recommendations: Carrying out strategies for nursing intervention within a context of comprehensive follow- up care, and Carrying out nursing care programmed on patients with produce of caring during treatment. Also Emphasis on the communication between the educational hospitals in relation to the exchange of clinical and surgical practical experiences through the establishment of seminars, courses and seminars, organized by the experts. In regarding about the role of health care worker should be give instruction to maintain the weight and exposure to the sunlight and identify the signs and symptoms of disease.

Selected Specific Physical Training Program to Improve Jump Ability for Aerobic Gymnastic

Background and Aim: For aerobic gymnasts, a customized physical training regimen is essential because it increases muscle strength, improves performance quality, and lowers the risk of injury. It also cultivates priceless life lessons like self-control and tenacity, which are essential for athletes' overall growth. In the end, these kinds of programs are essential for optimizing physical ability, guaranteeing competitiveness, and developing well-rounded people in the demanding world of aerobic gymnastics. This research objective was to select specific physical training programs on Jumping ability and to compare the effect of selected specific physical training programs within the experimental group on jumping ability between pretest, after week 4, and posttest. Materials and Methods: The research was a quasi-experimental design, The Population was the 23 aerobic gymnastic players of Qingyuan City No. 3 Middle School in Guangdong Province, in 2023, aged 16-17 years. The sample was 23 aerobic gymnastic players, a purposive sampling method. They examined jump ability in the Straddle jump test, 360-degree-jump test, Split leap test, and power strength such as the Vertical jump test, Standing long jump test, and Wall squat test with pretest, after week 4 and posttest. The selected specific physical training programs were conducted for an eight-week duration of training, three days each week (Monday Wednesday Friday) and 1.30 hours per time. Data were collected and analyzed for mean and standard deviation. Differences were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. Bonferroni performed a post hoc pairwise comparison. The significance level is set to .05. Result: (1) The mean and standard deviation of jump ability and, strength and power which divide into the pretest, after week 4 and the posttest were followed by the Straddle jump was 4.61 ± 1.31, 6.13 ± 1.22 and 8.00 ± 0.74 score, 360-degree-jump was 5.57 ± 0.79, 6.96 ± 0.64 and 8.39 ± 0.58 score, Split leap test was 5.30 ± 0.76, 6.65 ± 0.71 and 8.26 ± 0.62 score, Vertical jump was 256.91 ± 23.50, 262.91 ± 24.55 and 269.09 ± 25.53 cm., Standing long jump was 204.83 ± 31.02, 209.43 ± 31.81 and 214.43 ± 31.82 cm. and Wall squat was 54.04 ± 10.44, 59.61 ± 11.02 and 66.04 ± 11.37 sec respectively. (2) The mean comparison of aerobic gymnastic jump ability and strength and power with the pre-test after week 4 and post-test found that all pairwise post hoc, pretest-after week 4, pretest-posttest, and after week 4- post-test were significant differences (*p<.05). Conclusion: The special physical training program can improve the jumping ability of aerobic gymnastic players. This study concludes the most effective methods to improve the jumping ability of aerobics athletes, discusses and corrects the deficiencies in the training process, bids farewell to the boring traditional exercises, and expands the application of the training contents, it provides a basis for teachers to formulate training programs.

How to ensure an appropriate oral health workforce? Modelling future scenarios for the Netherlands

BackgroundCurrent methods for oral health workforce planning lack responsiveness to dynamic needs, hampering efficiency, equity and sustainability. Effective workforce planning is vital for resilient health care systems and achieving universal health coverage. Given this context, we developed and operationalised a needs-adaptive oral health workforce planning model and explored the potential of various future scenarios.MethodsUsing publicly available data, including the Special Eurobarometer 330 Oral Health Survey, we applied the model in a hypothetical context focusing on the Dutch population’s dental needs from 2022 to 2050. We compared current and future provider supply and requirement and examined, in addition to a base case scenario, several alternative scenarios. These included epidemiological transition scenarios with different oral health morbidity trajectories, skill-mix scenarios with independent oral hygienists conducting check-ups and multiple dental student intake and training duration (5 instead of 6 years) scenarios.ResultsBased on the aforementioned historical data, our model projects that provider requirement will exceed supply for the planning period. If the percentage of people having all natural teeth increases by 10% or 20% in 2032, 34 or 68 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) dentists will be required, respectively, compared to the base case scenario. In the skill-mix scenario, the model indicates that prioritising oral hygienists for check-ups and shifting dentists’ focus to primarily complex care could address population needs more efficiently. Among the student intake and training duration scenarios, increasing intake to 375 and, to a lesser extent, reducing training to 5 years is projected to most effectively close the provider gap.ConclusionsThe study underscores the importance of understanding oral health morbidity trajectories for effective capacity planning. Due to limited dental epidemiological data, projections carry substantial uncertainty. Currently, demand for FTE dentists seems to exceed supply, though this may vary with epidemiological changes. Skill-mix strategies could offer efficiency gains by redistributing tasks, while adjustments in dental intake and training duration could also help address the requirement-supply gap. Resolving dentistry workforce challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening oral epidemiology projections, addressing the root causes of dental health issues and prioritising harmonious dental public health and general practice prevention measures.

The optimal treatment duration for inspiratory muscle strengthening exercises in stroke patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background Little is known about the ideal duration of inspiratory muscle training in stroke patients. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effects of short-term and long-term inspiratory muscle strengthening exercises in stroke patients. Methods This study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 50 stroke patients. Based on baseline maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) values, participants were divided into two strata: those with severely weak inspiratory muscle (stratum A) and those with moderately weak inspiratory muscle (stratum B). Within each stratum, individuals were randomly assigned to either the 4-week exercise group, the 8-week exercise group, or the sham group. The exercise groups underwent inspiratory muscle strengthening exercises. The MIP, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Index were assessed at baseline, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Results Subjects in Stratum A exhibited notably greater improvement after 8 weeks of training compared to those in Stratum B. Furthermore, both Stratums displayed significantly greater improvement following 8 weeks of training compared to sham training. In Stratum B cases, a significantly higher level of improvement was noted with the 4-week training in comparison to the sham training. A significant increase in NEADL index and 6MWT score was observed during the 24-week follow-up period. Conclusion For individuals with moderately weak inspiratory muscle strength, a 4-week exercise program proves sufficient in enhancing inspiratory muscle strength, walking capacity, and daily life activities. However, individuals with severely weak inspiratory muscle strength benefit more from an 8-week treatment.

The impact of imagery training on achievement motivation among young swimmers aged 10-15 years

Achievement motivation is a critical factor in the performance and development of young athletes. It drives them to set and pursue goals, overcome obstacles, and succeed in sports. Understanding and enhancing achievement motivation can significantly impact young athletes' progress and performance. This study aims to examine the effect of imagery training on the achievement motivation of young swimmers to achieve, especially in commitment, goal setting, self-confidence, and engagement. The research design uses one group pre-test and post-test. A sample of 20 young swimmers participated in the study. Achievement motivation was assessed using standardized pre-test and post-test measures. The independent sample t-test revealed a highly significant difference between pre-test and post-test means (t = -26.937, p = 0.000), confirming the effectiveness of imagery training. These improvements suggest that imagery training can improve swimmers' commitment, goal-setting ability, self-confidence, and engagement in training. Although this study has several limitations, such as limited sample size and short training duration, the results confirm the importance of imagery training as an effective method in supporting mental development and performance improvement in young swimmers. Further research is recommended to address these limitations and explore the long-term effects of imagery training.

Contrasting performance of panel and time-series data models for subnational crop forecasting in Sub-Saharan Africa

We comprehensively examine methodologies tailored for subnational crop yield and production forecasting by integrating Earth Observation (EO) datasets and advanced machine learning approaches. We scrutinized diverse input data types, cross-validation methods, and training durations, focusing on maize production and yield predictions in Burkina Faso and Somalia. Central to our analysis is the comparative assessment of using time-invariant features within a panel data (PD) model versus a time-series data (TD) model. The TD model performed well in predicting both production and yield, while the PD model offered comparable yield predictions. Time-invariant features such as livelihood zones, soil properties, and cropland extents enriched the spatial understanding of crop data, enhancing the R-squared by 0.09 (0.21) for production and 0.11 (0.03) for yield, with corresponding reductions in the Mean Absolute Percentage Error by 90 % (238 %) for production and 5 % (4 %) for yield in Burkina Faso (Somalia). While Burkina Faso's consistent crop data allowed for effective modeling with brief training, Somalia benefited from the adaptability of the PD model to crop statistics outliers, particularly with extended training in high-producing regions. The PD approach showed promise in addressing data gaps, although predicting crop productions for unobserved districts remained a challenge. Our findings highlight the harmonious integration of EO data and machine learning in the field of agricultural forecasting and emphasize the importance of region-specific methodologies, especially in the rapidly changing landscape of EO data convergence.

Multi-source partial discharge pattern recognition in GIS based on Grabcut-MCNN

Partial discharge (PD) surveillance constitutes a pivotal methodology for diagnosing insulation failures in electrical equipment. Enhancing comprehensively the precision of identifying PD anomalies in Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is of paramount significance for ensuring the steady functioning of power grids. This study introduces a novel framework that integrates Phase-Resolved PD Graph Segmentation (PRPD-Grabcut) with a tailored MobileNets-based Convolutional Neural Network (MCNN) to classify GIS-related PD issues. Leveraging image segmentation via PRPD-Grabcut, crucial features are extracted from PRPD diagrams, which then facilitate the construction of the MCNN model. This model employs depth-wise separable convolutions alongside inverted residual architectures to tackle the vanishing gradient dilemma inherent in Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) during GIS PD pattern discernment. Upon the model's subsequent training and validation, empirical evidence illustrates that the PRPD-Grabcut-MCNN hybrid significantly alleviates the computational load and storage requisites of the model, concurrently enhancing the recognition precision and expediting the training process of the neural network. Relative to diverse established lightweight neural network architectures, MCNN manifests superior performance in terms of recognition accuracy, reduced cross-entropy loss, and expedited training duration.

Intensity or Duration: That Is the Main Question of the Exercise Training Management in Stroke-Induced Neurological Deficit - A Systematic and Meta-analysis Study

Background: The neurological assessment plays a crucial role in evaluating stroke patients and is a skill that has been practiced by physicians for a long time, and further refined by practitioners. The purpose of the current study was to systematically review and synthesize the evidence-based neurological assessment of the different methods of treadmill-related training protocols in stroke patients. Evidence Acquisition: In this study, the appropriate studies were documented (N = 1270) using PubMed as the sole electronic database. Moreover, subgroup studies were provided based on training intensity and duration, categorized as low intensity-low duration, low intensity-high duration, high intensity-low duration, and high intensity-high duration. Training intensities were standardized to meters per second (m/s), and the training duration was calculated in terms of minutes per session, the number of sessions per week, and the total number of training weeks, which were then converted into minutes. The assessment of neurological recovery following stroke was conducted using standard neurological assessment scales. Results: This meta-analysis in humans found a notably positive standardized mean difference in protocols with high intensity and high duration (1.792; 95% CI = 0.566 to 3.02). Conclusions: In conclusion, the current meta-analysis suggests that practitioners using the high intensity-high duration protocol should regularly monitor the neurological outcomes, as they may be negatively impacted by the intensity and duration of the protocol.

The impact of exercise intensity and duration for swim training-induced adaptations in cardiac structure and function in women with mild hypertension.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of swim training intensity and duration on cardiac structure and function in mildly hypertensive women. Sixty-two mildly hypertensive women were randomized to 15 weeks of either (1) high-intensity swimming (HIS, n = 21), (2) moderate-intensity swimming (MOD, n = 21) or (3) control (CON, n = 20). Training sessions occurred three times per week. Cardiac measurements were conducted using echocardiography pre- and post-intervention. Both the HIS and MOD groups demonstrated significant within-group increases in left ventricular mass: 7.3% [1.2; 13.2] (p = 0.02) for HIS and 6.2% [0.5; 11.8] (p = 0.03) for MOD. The MOD group also demonstrated a significant increase in left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole by 2.4% [0.2; 4.6] (p = 0.03).Post-hoc analysis of diastolic function markers revealed reduced mitral valve A velocity in both HIS (-14% [-25; -3], p = 0.02) and MOD (-13% [-23; -3], p = 0.01), leading to increased mitral valve E/A ratios of 27% [10; 47] (p = 0.003) and 22% [5; 40] (p = 0.01), respectively. Additionally, only MOD demonstrated increased left atrial diameter of 4.9% [0.7; 9.1] (p =0.02). A significant time×group effect (p = 0.02) existed for global longitudinal strain, which increased by 1.6% [0.2; 3.0] (p = 0.03) in MOD only. In conclusion, swim training for 15 weeks increased left ventricular mass and improved markers of diastolic function in mildly hypertensive women. These independent of exercise intensity and duration in mildly hypertensive women.

The Comparison of Two Multitasking Approaches to Cognitive Training in Patients after Coronary Bypass Surgery: Theta Activity Changes and <i>sLORETA</i> Analysis Data

The study investigated the changes in theta activity and localization of its sources by standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) in patients who have underwent two variants of multitasking cognitive training (CT) in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Two groups were formed in a pseudo-random way, which differed according to the type of motor problem used: CT I (n = 27) – a postural balance task and CT II (n = 27) – a simple visual-motor reaction. Cognitive tasks were the same for both groups (counting backwards, verbal fluency, and unusual uses for common objects). Daily sessions of CT were held from the 3rd to 4th day after CABG, with a duration of 5 minutes on the 1st day of training and up to 20 minutes on the 6th to 7th day of training. The current density of theta rhythm sources was lower before CABG than after surgery in the CT II group only. The most significant differences are in the Brodmann area 31, the parietal occipital lobes and precuneus, which may indicate damage associated with cardiac surgery. This effect was not observed in the CT I group. The results of our study demonstrated the informativeness of sLORETA indicators to determine an effective cognitive recovery option after CABG. The reduction of the severity of damaging effects of CABG during training using cognitive tasks and postural balance task was shown. Further research is needed to determine the optimal mode and duration of cognitive training to maximize the functional reserves of such patients.

Enhancing training transfer among stroke specialist nurses: Insights from latent profile analysis

AimUsing Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to identify distinct categories within stroke specialist nurses training transfer and to explore the factors influencing these categories. BackgroundStroke represents a significant worldwide health challenge. During the treatment and rehabilitation of stroke, stroke specialist nurses play an essential role. However, despite significant resources devoted in the training of stroke specialist nurses, the effectiveness of training transfer is still at a moderate or low level. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify the factors affecting the training transfer of stroke specialist nurses and to formulate effective strategies for improvement based on these findings. DesignThis is a cross-sectional study. MethodFrom August to September 2023, demographic questionnaires, stroke specialist nurses training transfer scales, nursing work environment scales, and job crafting questionnaire were used to survey 413 stroke specialist nurses in 5 tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China. LPA was used to analyze the latent characteristics of nurse training transfer and to explore the predictive factors of different categories using univariate analysis and logistic regression. ResultsA total of 397 stroke specialist nurses were included, identifying three categories of training transfer: "low training transfer group" (20.40 %), "medium training transfer group" (31.74 %), and "high training transfer group" (47.86 %). Work experience, employment type, training duration, nursing work environment, and job crafting significantly influence the training transfer categories. ConclusionThe majority of stroke specialist nurses fall into medium and low training transfer group. Contract employment and less work experience are the main reasons for medium and low levels of training transfer. Enhancing work experience, designing effective training courses, ensuring equal pay, improving the nursing environment, and implementing job crafting strategies could effectively improve training transfer for various types of stroke specialist nurses.

Task-Based Language Teaching in Hospitality Training

This study aims to measure the effectiveness of implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) in improving the English language skills of Palembang Hospitality Job Training Institute (LPK) students who will intern at hotels. This research mainly focuses on the speaking and listening skills needed in direct interaction with foreign guests in the hotel environment. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through pre-tests and post-tests on 10 students. The results showed that the average pre-test score of students was 62.8, while the average post-test score increased to 86.1, with an average increase of 23.3 points. This increase shows that implementing TBLT effectively improves students' English proficiency, especially in the context of practical communication relevant to the hospitality industry. Students also reported increased confidence in using English after training due to a task-based learning approach that allowed them to practice in real-life situations. Although the results were positive, the study had some limitations, such as a limited sample size and a short duration of training. This study has implications that TBLT can be implemented more widely in other LPKs that focus on the hospitality sector, and it is recommended that follow-up research with a larger sample and longer training time be conducted to obtain more comprehensive results.

Relation between wearable heart rate monitor derived training load and cardiac adaption in endurance athletes

Abstract Background No studies have effectively measured training load (TL) from wearable heart rate (HR) monitors and determined its relation to exercise induced left and right ventricular (LV, RV) remodeling. A better insight into drivers of exercise induced cardiac remodeling is of clinical relevance to guide training advice in athletes at risk of adverse remodeling. Purpose We determined the TL, based on HR monitoring by commercial wearables[1]. The number and duration of training sessions was quantified during a period of 3 months. Training-intensity was calculated as Edwards TRIMP (eTRIMP) based on the product of training duration in one of 5 HR zones (1=light, 5=very vigorous) and the coefficient related to the respective HR zone. Methods Training data was collected in 2 prospective multicenter studies. Master@Heart comprises endurance trained middle-aged men aged 45 to 70years[2]. Pro@Heart consists of elite athletes aged 16 to 23years[3]. For this analysis, all male athletes with complete training data recorded using a chest-worn HR monitor for 3 months were included. Using an in-house developed pipeline, maximal HR and TL were calculated from raw training data. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to measure indexed LV/RV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi, RVEDVi), end-systolic volume (LVESVi, RVESVi), ejection fraction (LVEF, RVEF) and LV mass (LVMi). Results Pro@Heart athletes (n=69; age 21.9 ± 4.2 years) trained more than Master@Heart athletes (n=82; age 55.2 ± 6.5 years) and their total 3-month TL (eTRIMP) was also higher (9718 ± 3190 vs. 5499 ± 3775min; P<0.05 and 22339 ± 7350 vs. 13438 ± 8880 AU; P< 0.05; Table 1). Considering all athletes, there was a strong correlation between both training duration and eTRIMP and LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVMi, RVEDVi and RVESVi. Training duration in zone 1&2 correlated well with LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVSV, LVMi, RVEDVi and RVESVi (Table 2). We found small significant negative correlations between duration and eTRIMP compared to LVEF and RVEF (Table 2). To filter out individual training factors influencing cardiac remodeling we used a partial least squares method which included time and percentage of time spent in training zones and age. Accordingly, training duration in zone 1&2 and age were the main predictors of cardiac volumes and LVMi. For LVEF, age and time in zone 3 was most predictive, whereas for RVEF zone 3 and to a lesser degree zone 1&2 were the main predictors, irrespective of age. Interestingly, time spent in high intensity zones 4 and 5 was not predictive. Conclusion We prospectively quantified TL in comparison to CMR-derived measures of cardiac remodeling and demonstrated that training duration in low intensity training zones is most predictive for cardiac volumes and mass, whereas LVEF and RVEF are more closely associated to time in zone 3. Very vigorous intensity exercise was not predictive, likely due to limited time training in zone 4 and 5.

Effects of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength Gains in Adults <50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Numerous meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of creatine supplementation in increasing muscle strength. However, most have not considered the effect of the participants’ age, training duration, or other confounding variables on strength outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to consider the effect of these variables on the potential efficacy of creatine supplementation and resistance training for improving measures of muscle strength. Methods: Four databases were searched (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and SPORTDiscus) with a search end date of 22 May 2024. Twenty-three studies were included, with 20 studies involving males (447 male participants), 2 studies involving females (40 female participants), and 1 study involving both males and females (13 male participants and 9 female participants). Results: In comparison with a placebo, creatine supplementation combined with resistance training significantly increased upper-body (WMD = 4.43 kg, p < 0.001) and lower-body strength (WMD = 11.35 kg, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed a trend for greater upper-body strength improvements for males on creatine compared with females on creatine (p = 0.067, Q = 3.366). Additionally, males who consumed creatine combined with resistance training significantly increased both upper- and lower-body strength, whereas females showed no significant gains. There was a trend indicating greater lower-body strength gains from high-dose creatine compared with lower doses (p = 0.068, Q = 3.341). No other variables influenced the effect of creatine supplementation. In conclusions, creatine supplementation with resistance training enhances upper- and lower-body muscle strength in adults aged < 50, with greater benefits likely to be seen in males than females.

The Effect of Velocity-Based Training on Some Performance Parameters in Football Players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of velocity-based (VBT) and traditional strength training (TST) methods on vertical jump, dynamic balance, agility, 10 m acceleration and 20 m sprint performances. Twelve volunteer men randomly divided into two groups participated in the study. After 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) was determined, the TST group performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 40-60% of their maximum weight, while the VBT group performed 3 sets of strength training at a velocity range of 0.75-1.0 m/s for 6 weeks, 2 days a week. In the VBT group, a significant difference was found between 55.16±6.17 cm in the pre-test and 59.16±4.99 cm in the post-test of vertical jump and 4.05±0.27 in the pre-test and 1.72±0.27 in the post-test of balance (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between 48.33±3.98 cm in the pre-test and 53.66±4.03 cm in the post-test; between 4.29±0.29 in the pre-test and 3.65±0.48 in the post-test. Optimising the speed while lifting load in VBT enables athletes to react faster to sudden position changes by improving dynamic balance. Although 6 weeks of VBT training increased vertical jump, the difference was not statistically significant, which may be due to sample size, training duration or individual differences. As a result, the increase in vertical jump and balance in both strength training exercises can be explained by the fact that squat exercise activates the quadriceps muscles by activating the knee joint and increases leg strength, endurance and knee stabilisation.

Knowledge management and knowledge sharing in maintenance department of high-tech industries

PurposeThe competition and competitive advantage among firms in various industries have shifted toward a knowledge-based economy. This is particularly evident in knowledge-intensive industries where a company’s competitive edge relies heavily on its ability to generate and utilize new knowledge solutions. Knowledge management (KM) is essential for all organizations, but it holds greater significance in specific functional units, such as maintenance. Industrial maintenance is a knowledge-intensive field and knowledge sharing (KS) motivation is low due to the tacit and intricate nature of knowledge. Despite these challenges, sharing knowledge between experienced and novice employees is fundamental to industrial maintenance, and much remains to be examined in this area. This study explores how novices' knowledge and KS with other workers can be improved via “Training by Novices” program in industrial maintenance.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted an action-research approach within a high-tech company’s maintenance department, involving 103 maintenance employees. The research unfolded in three pivotal phases: first, an initial evaluation of KM and KS was carried out; second, training programs by novices aimed at strengthening KS between novices and department members were implemented and third, data were collected to assess changes and facilitate improvement in knowledge exchange and collaboration within the department.FindingsThe study demonstrates that involving novices in training programs as trainers within high-tech industries' maintenance departments enhances KM and KS among all employees. The training programs led to substantial increases in knowledge for novices and experienced workers and fostered a culture of continuous learning. Despite the short training duration, participants' overall knowledge increased, and they found the program effective and expressed willingness to continue, indicating potential for long-term improvements in KS practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis research challenges conventional wisdom regarding KS among novices in industrial maintenance. Showcasing the effectiveness of novices as trainers offers a fresh perspective on enhancing KS practices within knowledge-intensive industries.Practical implicationsThis study provides actionable insights for maintenance managers grappling with KS challenges. Organizations can boost employees' knowledge and KS practices by advocating for structured training programs led by novices, fostering a more collaborative workplace culture.Originality/valueThis study introduces a novel approach by empowering novices to engage actively in KS within industrial maintenance settings. By utilizing novices as trainers, the research demonstrates a practical means of enhancing both their own knowledge and that of their peers. This innovative strategy not only addresses common challenges in KM within maintenance units but also promotes a culture of continuous learning and development. This research offers valuable insights into improving KS practices and fostering a more collaborative organizational culture.

Fungal Skin Infections in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece

Background/Objectives: Fungal infections, commonly referred to as mycoses, are widespread and affect various parts of the body. Common types of fungal skin infections include tinea pedis, tinea unguim, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and tinea manuum. Athletes, in particular, are at a higher risk of contracting these infections due to several factors inherent to their training and competitive environments. Methods: This research examined the incidence, anatomical distribution, and seasonal occurrence of fungal skin infections among beach volleyball athletes in Greece. The study cohort consisted of 785 participants, with an average age of 28.4 years. Variables recorded included gender, the seasonal periods during which athletes might be more prone to injuries, and the specific body areas affected by fungal infections. In addition, training-related data such as weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were collected. Results: Incidence rates correlated in relation to gender: male, tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea manuum (p < 0.010); number of weekly trainings: tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea unguium (p < 0.043), tinea cruris (p < 0.008), tinea versicolor (p < 0.038), tinea manuum (p < 0.043); average hours of daily training: tinea unguium (p < 0.039), tinea manuum (p < 0.039). Conclusions: Athletic activities often involve exposure to warm, moist conditions that promote fungal growth. Locker rooms, showers, and equipment can harbor fungi, spreading infections among athletes. Understanding these infections is essential for effective prevention and management, as they can impact performance and health if untreated. Proper hygiene, antifungal treatments, and public health measures are crucial to reducing the risk in athletic settings.

SVQ-MAE: an efficient speech pre-training framework with constrained computational resources

Self-supervised learning for speech pre-training models has achieved remarkable success in acquiring superior speech contextual representations by learning from unlabeled audio, excelling in numerous downstream speech tasks. However, the pre-training of these models necessitates significant computational resources and training duration, presenting a high barrier to entry into the realm of pre-training learning. In our efforts, by amalgamating the resource-efficient benefits of the generative learning model, Masked Auto Encoder, with the efficacy of the vector quantization method in discriminative learning, we introduce a novel pre-training framework: Speech Vector Quantization Masked Auto Encoder (SVQ-MAE). Distinct from the majority of SSL frameworks, which require simultaneous construction of speech contextual representations and mask reconstruction within an encoder-only module, we have exclusively designed a decoupled decoder for pre-training SVQ-MAE. This allows the additional decoupled decoder to undertake the mask reconstruction task solely, reducing the learning complexity of pretext tasks and enhancing the encoder’s efficiency in extracting speech contextual representations. Owing to this innovation, by using only 4 GPUs, SVQ-NAE can achieve high performance comparable to wav2vec 2.0, which requires 64 GPUs for training. In the Speech Processing Universal Performance Benchmark, SVQ-MAE surpasses wav2vec 2.0 in both keyword spotting and emotion recognition tasks. Furthermore, in cross-lingual ASR for Mandarin, upon fine-tuning on AISHELL-1, SVQ-MAE achieves a Character Error Rate of 4.09%, outperforming all supervised ASR models.

Add-on perceptual learning on refractive amblyopia in children.

To evaluate the visual outcomes of standard amblyopic treatment add-on training via perceptual learning in refractive amblyopic children and to identify the risk factors for treatment failure. Retrospective charts were reviewed in children with refractive amblyopia who received standard treatment and add-on Cambridge Visual Stimulator (CAM) training. The add-on CAM group that was enrolled had worn full-corrected glasses for at least 2mo before training. A control group received only the standard treatment. Treatment success was defined as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥20/25. The age, sex, initial BCVA, refractive errors, sessions and duration of training, and final BCVA were recorded. A total of 209 children (129 children in add-on CAM group and 80 children in control group) were enrolled. Seventy-six percent of unilateral and 87% of bilateral amblyopic children achieved treatment success. In children with unilateral or bilateral moderate amblyopia, the duration to reach BCVA ≥20/25 was significantly shorter in add-on CAM group than in control group. Poor initial BCVA (P<0.001) and high astigmatism (P=0.007) were risk factors for treatment failure after add-on CAM training. Age, sex, and types of refractive error were not associated with treatment success. Add-on CAM training is an effective strategy for visual improvement and can shorten the treatment course when the effect of standard treatment is limited in amblyopic children.