Scientific Training Research Articles

Doctoral training to support sustainable soil geochemistry research in Africa.

Africa's potential for scientific research is not yet being realized, for various reasons including a lack of researchers in many fields and insufficient funding. Strengthened research capacity through doctoral training programmes in higher education institutes (HEIs) in Africa, to include collaboration with national, regional and international research institutions, can facilitate self-reliant and sustainable research to support socio-economic development. In 2012, the Royal Society and the UK's Department for International Development (now the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) launched the Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI) Doctoral Training Network which aimed to strengthen research capacity and training across sub-Saharan Africa. The ACBI supported 30 core PhD scholarships, all registered/supervised within African HEIs with advisory support from the UK-based institutes. Our 'Soil geochemistry to inform agriculture and health policies' consortium project, which was part of the ACBI doctoral training programme network, was implemented in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe between 2014 and 2020. The aims of our consortium were to explore linkages between soil geochemistry, agriculture and public health for increased crop productivity, nutrition and safety of food systems and support wider training and research activities in soil science. Highlights from our consortium included: (i) the generation of new scientific evidence on linkages between soils, crops and human nutrition; (ii) securing new projects to translate science into policy and practice; and (iii) maintaining sustainable collaborative learning across the consortium. Our consortium delivered high-quality science outputs and secured new research and doctoral training funding from a variety of sources to ensure the continuation of research and training activities. For example, follow-on Global Challenges Research Funded Translation Award provided a strong evidence base on the prevalence of deficiencies in children under 5 years of age and women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe. This new evidence will contribute towards the design and implementation of a nationally representative micronutrient survey as an integral part of the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The award also generated new evidence and a road map for creating quality innovative doctorates through a doctoral training landscape activity led by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. Although our project and the wider ACBI has contributed to increasing the self-reliance and sustainability of research within the region, many challenges remain and ongoing investment is required.

Analysis of Mechanical Damage in Dance Training Under Artificial Intelligence Behavior Constraints

This study focuses on the application of artificial intelligence behavior constraints in the analysis of mechanical injuries in dance training, aiming to accurately analyze and effectively prevent mechanical injuries during dance training through the introduction of artificial intelligence technology. Dance, as a highly dependent art form on physical skills, often comes with a certain risk of mechanical injury during its training process. In this study, we first reviewed the relevant theories of mechanical injuries in dance training and analyzed the inherent relationship between dance movements and mechanical injuries. Subsequently, we utilized artificial intelligence technology to conduct behavior constraint analysis on the dance training process. By constructing a dance action recognition model, we achieved real-time monitoring and evaluation of dance training actions. On this basis, we further utilize the principles of mechanics to quantitatively analyze dance movements and extract key factors that affect mechanical damage. Through in-depth analysis and comparison, this study found that mechanical injuries in dance training are mainly influenced by various factors such as movement standardization, training intensity, and individual differences. We applied the theory of sports biomechanics to study sports dance injuries and analyzed the causes of athlete injuries. By exploring more scientific training methods and means, the correlation coefficients between main joint muscle strength, proprioception, tibialis anterior muscle imbalance response time, and rotational stability were measured to study proprioception training suitable for sports dance, adhering to the principle of gradual progression. In future sports dance rotation training, corresponding training should be carried out according to the characteristics of different rotation steps, providing reference for strengthening leg training and ankle training.

A trainee's perspective on scientific conferences.

Attending and presenting at conferences is a preeminent experience during scientific training. This article provides a trainee's perspective on strategies to promote trainee growth before, during and after scientific meetings, taking the initiatives implemented by the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) as an example. A foremost action was the establishment of the Trainee Engagement Committee (TEC) in 2020. The TEC members contribute to the annual symposia by participating in the local organizing committee meetings and organizing trainee-directed events. We propose actions that conference organizers can take to foster the development of the next generation of scientists. In addition, we offer advice to conference presenters on how to craft talks with trainees in mind and to attendees on how to maximize the quality and longevity of conference interactions. We hope this opinion piece evokes reflections and discussions among scientific societies, organizing committees, conference presenters and trainees alike.

Introduction of Space Science in Higher Education: Space Science in BSc Engineering

Space science is a fascinating and powerful field in which our country has now become an important part. From an educational point of view, several universities now offer some kind of specialised training in space science, and there are already master's degrees in space engineering. Under the UniSpace programme, 17 Hungarian universities are cooperating to offer advanced training in space science at four universities. However, at bachelor's level, a prospective engineer is unlikely to encounter a subject related to space science outside of basic physics, or it may only be offered in a few specialised programs. Future professionals should be introduced to this discipline as soon as possible. This is why universities should consider offering undergraduate-level space science courses, to better prepare students interested in pursuing careers in this field. The Széchenyi István University of Győr has already taken several steps to promote space technologies, including the SZESAT student group, where students can work on space telecommunications, the Mobilis summer children's camps, where SZESAT gives lectures on the topic every year, and the University of Győr is also a member of the UniSpace Hungary consortium. The study seeks to answer two questions: first, how interested students are in a similar subject that introduces them to space science and the basic space technology opportunities. The second is what majors are interested in the new subject, and which segments of the discipline might be the most interesting to them. In addition to the two main orientations, another important consideration is how students might integrate it into their studies and what prior learning would be required to start such a new subject.

A longitudinal study during scientific teacher training: the association between affective and cognitive dimensions

Learning processes are undoubtedly linked to affective factors. Motivation, interest, curiosity and emotions have been already detected as the core of learning processes: affective domain modulates learning. In this work, a quantitative longitudinal study (three courses) has been conducted during primary school teacher training. An initial diagnosis of affective variables (emotions and self-efficacy) and scientifical knowledge revealed that prospective teachers claim feeling negative emotions toward physics and chemistry contents whereas these students report low scientific knowledge. Therefore, a metacognitive and emotional program was implemented in order to modify these emotions and to improve learning. After three courses, emotions, self-efficacy and scientific knowledge were assessed again. The results obtained suggest that the implementation of active methodologies for teaching science could promote positive emotions, it could lead prospective teachers to improve their self-efficacy’ perception and promotes their learning. The relationships between the different variables considered in the research were studied, and a significant relationship was found between the affective variables (self-efficacy and emotions) and cognitive variables. Prospective teachers involved in this research reported more positive emotions, an increase in their self-efficacy perception and an improvement in their scientific knowledge. These findings may lead to a deeper understanding of the affective role in science learning and could be extended to other content that also elicits negative emotions.

Application Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Technology in Fitness Training Teaching

The application of artificial intelligence virtual reality (VR) technology in fitness teaching and training is becoming increasingly widespread, and its significant advantages provide athletes with a more personalized, efficient and safe training experience. By simulating various fitness scenes, virtual reality technology enables athletes to train immersively, not only improving the fun of training, but also enhancing the training effect. At the same time, the introduction of artificial intelligence technology enables real-time monitoring and analysis of athlete performance during the training process, providing accurate data support for coaches and helping them develop more scientific training plans. This paper explores the application of virtual reality technology in physical education teaching and training, introduces the basic principles and characteristics of virtual reality and proposes several typical virtual reality application scenarios for the needs of physical education teaching and training. In football training, through virtual reality technology, athletes can conduct various technical and tactical exercises in simulated stadiums. At the same time, artificial intelligence systems can analyze the actions and decisions of athletes in real time, and provide feedback and suggestions. In track and field training, virtual reality technology can help athletes simulate competition scenes and improve their psychological adaptability during competitions. Through in-depth research, we have found that this technology provides athletes with a more personalized, efficient, and safe training experience. In football training, virtual reality technology can simulate real game scenes, allowing athletes to engage in various technical and tactical exercises in simulated sports stadiums. At the same time, artificial intelligence systems can analyze the actions and decisions of athletes in real time, provide accurate data support for coaches, and help them develop more targeted training plans.

Research and Practice on Promoting the Comprehensive Quality and Multidimensional Ability Development of College Students through Physics Academic Competition

With the development of society, the cultivation of comprehensive qualities and multi-dimensional ability among college students has received increasing attention. The Physics Academic Competition as the most participated and largest debate-style Physics Academic Competition among undergraduate students nationwide plays a key role. This paper explores its competition questions and competition models and their roles and significance. Through the drive of interest and curiosity, it not only helps to cultivate the comprehensive practical ability of college students in analyzing and solving real-world situations based on physics knowledge but also contributes to the deep understanding, systematic and structuring of physics subject knowledge. At the same time, it also promotes college students’ independent thinking, independent inquiry, literature review, commonly used scientific research and office software skills mastering, collaborative innovation ability, interpersonal communication ability, and stimulates leadership among college students. In addition, it helps to improve the ability to express academic views, argue and comment smoothly. After the competition, the scientific research expansion training has further improved the coordinated development of students’ scientific research literacy and multi-dimensional ability. This research may boost the innovation and reform of physics teaching resources and modes in higher education under the background of digital intelligence.

Effects of Chronic Exigencies on Efficacy of Myogenic Engine Among Elite Women

The heart is a myogenic engine of human body which propell the blood to meet the need of working muscles by supplying nutrients, oxygen and clear waste products. The human heart is a myogenic engine which is a hollow organ that will undergo the direct physical stress laid out by the performer when he/she exposed to a regular, panned, systematic and scientific training regimen. The acute and chronic impacts on the structure and functions of hollow myogenic organs leads to a variety of adaptations. The popularly coined statement that either structure decide the function or function decide the structure. This statement is complimentary with each other for any kind of physical stress. The heart will get direct impact, if the same stress in laydown for a prolonged period, then the heart will get certain changes those changes play an important role in deciding the cardiac dynamics like Heart rate at rest (HR), Stroke volume at rest (SV) and cardiac output at rest ( ). Based on these facts in the present study, the investigator would like to enlighten how a planned, systematic, prolonged physical stimulations will put impact on uninterruptedly working myogenic engine of elite athletes. To fulfill the condition of the study an elite woman of (N=15) fifteen each from long distance training, middle distance training, and weight lifting training were chosen as clients. All the volunteered clients had 7 to 9 years of sports age and trained by their respective coaches in their specific sports. The selected criterian parameters are Heart Rate at rest (HR), Stroke Volume at rest (SV) and Cardiac Output at rest ( ) and they were measure by M- Mode Doppler Echocardiography with the support of qualified cardiologist. Finally, the investigator came to an end that elite athletes from three experimental groups, underwent a significant alterations in the dynamics of myogenic engine. The level of significance was set at 0.01 level of assurance. In ordered to find out the significant difference the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. When the ‘F’ ratio is significant, the Scheffe’s post-hock test was used to find the paired mean significant difference, if any, among the groups of chosen parameters.

A Summer Course in Cancer for High School Students - An Update on Lessons Taught and Lessons Learned.

Previous graduate students and postdoctoral associates from the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, in partnership with the University of Florida Student Science Training Program, implemented a cooperative learning curriculum, providing high school students with a broad overview of cancer topics over six weeks over the summer. However, the ongoing shift in education and training delivery initially necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to many discussions surrounding student autonomy and satisfaction. Furthermore, adapting hybrid and distance learning styles has notably influenced student-led collaboration and critical thinking skills. Here, we report on an update of experiences gleaned from the modified curriculum of this course to accommodate hybrid and cooperative teaching. This pre-post longitudinal observational study evaluated modifications to a cancer biology and therapeutics course. Student performance was assessed using surveys administered before and after the course to determine effectiveness. Student performance tracked over a 7-year period indicated improved cumulative grade averages after modifying the previous curriculum. Post-assessment analysis revealed significant improvements in student benchmark understanding, notably in their ability to define cancer in one sentence (p = 0.0407), identify cancer therapies (p = 0.0040), and recognize cancer hallmarks (p < 0.0001). An increased trend in median response to the likelihood of pursuing cancer research (p = 0.8793) and the possibility of pursuing cancer research (p = 0.4874) were also observed, although not statistically significant. Moreover, feedback from participating students indicated that "the educational activities at the end of class (e.g., escape room, case studies)" and "learning about cancer and getting to work in groups…" the curriculum fostered a positive educational learning environment. Students generally held a positive perception of the course. Post-assessment analysis revealed decreasing trends in students' perception of course difficulty compared to their expectations in the pre-assessment. Constructive feedback centered around fostering collaborative environments, with an observed increase in learner autonomy towards the end of the course, as evidenced by students' growing comfort in leading group case studies and conducting research on topics. We hope that future course directors engage actively and incorporate practical clinical examples for students, especially when introducing or discussing complex issues like cancer.

Effects of blood flow restriction training on physical fitness among athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is an effective, scientific and safe training method, but its effect on the overall quality of athletes remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to clarify the effects of BFRT on the physical fitness among athletes. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and SCOUPS, the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to assess methodological quality, and RevMan 5.4 and STATA 15.0 software were used to analyze the data. A meta-analysis of 28 studies with a total sample size of 542 athletes aged 14–26 years and assessed as low risk for quality was performed. Our results revealed that the BFRT intervention had small to large improvements in the athletes' strength (ES = 0.74–1.03), power (ES = 0.46), speed (ES = 0.54), endurance (ES = 1.39–1.40), body composition (ES = 0.28–1.23), while there was no significant effect on body mass (p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that moderator variables (training duration, frequency, load, cuff pressure, and pressurization time) also had varying degrees of effect on athletes' physical fitness parameters. In conclusion, BFRT had a positive effect on the physical fitness parameters of the athletes, with significantly improved strength, power, speed, endurance and body composition, but not body mass parameters. When the training frequency ≥ 3 times/week, cuff pressure ≥ 160 mmHg, and pressurization time ≥ 10 min, the BFRT group was more favorable for the improvement of physical fitness parameters.

A Modern Curriculum for Training Scientists in Model-Informed Drug Development: Progress Report on FDA Grant to Train Regulatory Scientists.

Under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grant (2U18FD005320-06), the Critical Path Institute (C-Path) and experienced private sector partners collaborated with global health organizations to create didactic video materials in an e-learning format on model-informed drug development (MIDD) topics relevant to a non-modeling audience. Several multinational pharmaceutical companies contributed case studies illustrating the application of the MIDD approach in practice. Training videos were created and divided into several modules: introducing the MIDD landscape for drug development and regulatory science, a review of various model types used for MIDD, discussions of how models inform drug development and regulatory decisions, future goals of MIDD, and discussions on the interconnectedness of models used for MIDD. Examples and vignettes from stakeholders and thought leaders were included. These educational materials fill a gap between academic and "on the job training" for regulators, academic, and industry scientists, delivering insights and value for those performing modeling and non-modelers reviewing the output of modeling and simulation work. A total of 13 hours of video content is currently available. A small panel of FDA reviewers is currently beta-testing the learning management system (LMS). Future efforts for this MIDD training initiative will include expansion of the content via an expanded and diverse faculty, 1:1 online mentorship sessions, and eventually broader access to this resource consistent with an open science approach and curriculum. The MIDD training LMS can accommodate a diverse learning ecosystem; further development may also accommodate different audiences in the future.

Fostering the Development of Earth Data Science Skills in a Diverse Community of Online Learners: A Case Study of the Earth Data Science Corps

Today’s data-driven world requires earth and environmental scientists to have skills at the intersection of domain and data science. These skills are imperative to harness information contained in a growing volume of complex data to solve the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Despite the importance of these skills, Earth and Environmental Data Science (EDS) training is not equally accessible, contributing to a lack of diversity in the field. This creates a critical need for EDS training opportunities designed specifically for underrepresented groups. In response, we developed the Earth Data Science Corps (EDSC) which couples a paid internship for undergraduate students with faculty training to build capacity to teach and learn EDS using Python at smaller Minority Serving Institutions. EDSC faculty participants are further empowered to teach these skills at their home institutions which scales the program beyond the training lead by our team. Using a Rasch modeling approach, we found that participating in the EDSC program had a significant impact on undergraduate learners’ comfort and confidence with technical and nontechnical data science skills, as well as their science identity and sense of belonging in science, two critical aspects of recruiting and retaining members of underrepresented groups in STEM. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

Firefighters' muscle activity change during firefighting training program.

Research on muscle activity to reduce injuries during firefighting training has getting increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to assess the activity changes in nine muscles of firefighters during the seven firefighting training programs, and to analyze the influence of different firefighting training programs on muscle activity. Ten healthy male firefighters were recruited to measure the field surface electromyographic activities (including the percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction electromyography (% MVC) and the integrated electromyography value (iEMG)) during all the firefighting training programs. The results showed that the electromyographic activity of gastrocnemius (GA) was stronger in climbing the hooked ladder and climbing the six-meter long ladder training programs. Arms, shoulders, and lower limb muscles were more activated, myoelectric activities were more intense, and fatigue in these areas was more likely to occur during climbing five-story building with loads. Compared with other muscles, erector spine (ES) had a higher degree of activation during different postures of water shooting. The Borg scale scores of shoulders, trunk, thighs and calves were also higher. After completing all training programs, GA, tibialis anterior (TA), trapezius (TR), and ES were strongly activated, and all muscles had obvious force. The % MVC and iEMG analyses correspond well with the Borg Scale score. The results can provide certain reference for reducing the musculoskeletal injury of firefighters, carrying out scientific training and formulating effective injury prevention measures for them.

Teaching innovation of frontier material science and exploration

Materials science is a discipline that studies the material properties, structure and properties of materials. Modern materials science is developed on the basis of chemistry, physics and material science. With the rapid development of modern science and technology and industry, the discipline of materials science has also been developed continuously and made remarkable progress. The development of materials science is an important basis for human beings to understand nature, transform nature, and promote social progress. In the economic construction and social development, material science plays a pivotal role. China's educational circle has attached great importance to the reform and innovation of the teaching mode of material science. How to speed up the training of material science and technical personnel is particularly important.

Bee monitoring by community scientists: comparing a collections-based program with iNaturalist.

Bee monitoring, or widespread efforts to document bee community biodiversity, can involve data collection using lethal (specimen collections) or non-lethal methods (observations, photographs). Additionally, data can be collected by professional scientists or by volunteer participants from the general public. Collection-based methods presumably produce more reliable data with fewer biases against certain taxa, while photography-based approaches, such as data collected from public natural history platforms like iNaturalist, can involve more people and cover a broader geographic area. Few efforts have been made to quantify the pros and cons of these different approaches. We established a community science monitoring program to assess bee biodiversity across the state of Pennsylvania (USA) using specimen collections with nets, blue vane traps, and bowl traps. We recruited 26 participants, mostly Master Gardeners, from across the state to sample bees after receiving extensive training on bee monitoring topics and methods. The specimens they collected were identified to species, stored in museum collections, and the data added to public databases. Then, we compared the results from our collections to research-grade observations from iNaturalist during the same time period (2021 and 2022). At state and county levels, we found collections data documented over twice as much biodiversity and novel baseline natural history data (state and county records) than data from iNaturalist. iNaturalist data showed strong biases toward large-bodied and non-native species. This study demonstrates the value of highly trained community scientists for collections-based research that aims to document patterns of bee biodiversity over space and time.

Analysis of Strength Training in the Training of Shot-Putters

The shot put is a sport that requires very high explosive power and precise technique. Strength training occupies the core position in the training of shot-putters, which can not only improve the throwing distance of athletes but also enhance their competitive state and prevent sports injuries. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the principles, classification, methods, and specific exercises of strength training in the training of shot-putters, in order to provide scientific training guidance for shot-putters.

Jóvenes investigadores: enfrentamiento a las arbovirosis y participación juvenil en el território

This study analyzes a Scientific Initiation (SI) program on arboviroses, from the perception of young high school students in Ceilândia – Distrito Federal. Objective: It aims to understand to what extent the SI mobilizes these young people to participate in surveillance and health promotion actions in the territory and understand their motivation to participate in this project. Methodology: The methodology included the analysis of the essays written for the selection to the Training Course for Scientific Initiation in Basic Education and the Arboviroses, the administration of this course, and later a focus group with students to analyze the SI educational process they experienced. Results: The result of the Content Analysis showed that the students’ perception about the SI could be grouped into six categories: students’ motivation for the scientific initiation; the learning process; the training of young scientists; health and environment; youth participation and empowerment, and perceptions of the Public health system in Brazil (SUS). Conclusion: Confronting arboviroses requires broad-spectrum policies and interventions, and the SI strengthened these young students as subjects of rights, broadened their perception of science, health, relationship with the environment, with the Sistema Único de Saúde and stimulated interest in preventive actions to combat arboviroses in these territories. Submission: 12/19/23| Review: 03/27/24| Approval: 04/24/24

Proceedings of EIMN’s 1st European Immunometabolism Conference

The 1st European Immunometabolism Conference was organized by the European Immunometabolism Network (EIMN) in Køge near Copenhagen, Denmark from June 26 to June 28, 2024. This conference and network aims to serve as a platform for presenting and discussing the latest and most significant advances in European immunometabolism research. Our vision includes promoting collaboration, training, networking opportunities, and diversity in science, especially for early career and upcoming scientists. Here, we summarize the immunometabolism-related work that was presented during the meeting by members of the network, selected early career researchers, session speakers, and keynote speakers. Additionally, we provide an overview of the discussion points from the round table session and conclude with future aims and planned initiatives of the EIMN.

Workshop on “Cutting-Edge Scientific Instruments and Training on XRD, ICP-MS, BET and Multichannel Electrochemical Workstation” at University of Ladakh, UT of Ladakh

Workshop on “Cutting-Edge Scientific Instruments and Training on XRD, ICP-MS, BET and Multichannel Electrochemical Workstation” at University of Ladakh, UT of Ladakh

Posture detection of athletes in sports based on posture solving algorithms

With the rapid development of science and technology, the field of sports is constantly exploring and applying new technical means to improve the training effect and competitive level of athletes. Among them, the athletes' posture detection technology based on the attitude solving algorithm has been widely concerned in recent years. However, the current attitude solving algorithm has the limitation of low precision and low efficiency. Aiming at this, a new attitude solving algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the coordinate system is determined according to the theory of inertial navigation, and the attitude Angle is obtained by calculating the acceleration and magnetic induction intensity. Then the current attitude matrix is calculated according to the obtained attitude Angle. The initializing quaternion based on the attitude matrix is studied. Then, according to the advantages and defects of the three sensors, a complementary filtering algorithm is proposed for data fusion, so as to reduce the error of the final attitude solution. In order to further improve the accuracy of attitude detection, the complementary filter algorithm and double-layer Kalman filter algorithm are combined to process the data, and finally the quaternion is updated. It can be seen that the detection error of the research constructed model is only 9.94%, and its three attitude angle errors are mainly concentrated between -0.5° and 0.5° The model constructed by the research can realize high-precision posture detection, which can provide more scientific and reliable training aids for gymnastics, which has very strict requirements for movements in sports. It has positive significance for the development of sports.