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The objectives of the present study were to determine whether (I) workmotive values influence the appraisal of specific work characteristics of significance for health and function and (II) subject variables impact workmotive values. Two aspects of work-motive values were studied: values that assign importance to pursuing one's personal goals and interests, internally based work-motive values (IntWMVs), and values that assign importance to external factors, externally based work-motive values (ExtWMVs). These aspects of motive values, age, gender, skill level, managerial role, and specific psychosocial work characteristics were analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of 12,994 employees in 101 private and public organizations. Twoyear follow-up prospective data from 6,252 employees in 69 organizations elucidated whether associations were stable over time. The results showed that IntWMV influenced reports of levels of control of decisions, empowering leadership, innovative climate, quantitative demands, feedback from work, and self-leadership. ExtWMVs were most consistently associated with role clarity. Skill level and managerial role were associated with reporting higher levels of IntWMVs and lower ExtWMVs. In conclusion, the present data support the assumption that work-motive values influence the appraisal, reporting, and consequently measurements of work characteristics. Managers differ from subordinates in work-motive values and may face challenges in ascertaining and supporting subordinates' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important application for training instructions is found in directing one's attentional focus. This direction can occur in different internal, external, or holistic forms. However, comparison between these three forms of instructions is a relatively recent development rarely reported at different skill levels or various sports including karate. Therefore, the present study attempts to investigate the effects of three forms of instructions on standing long jump performance in skilled and novice karatekas. The participants were 60 skilled and novice karatekas (all females; mean age: 21.32 ± 1.65) who completed 12 standing long jump trials under different focus conditions (3 trials for each condition: internal, external, holistic and control condition) in a counterbalanced order. Our findings suggested significant main effects, indicating that skilled karatekas outperformed the novices. The findings also showed that regardless of skill levels, the participants exhibited similar performance under external and holistic focus conditions while performance in both of these conditions was superior compared to performance under internal focus and control conditions. No difference was observed between the control and internal focus conditions. It seems that skilled and novice karatekas may benefit from holistic and external focus of attention instructions which enhance their motor performance. Thus, it is recommended that coaches should incorporate these two types of attentional focus instructions into their training sessions. Highlights: Both external as well as holistic focus of attention are similar and improve standing long jump performance.Both skilled and novice karatekas benefit from external as well as holistic focus of attention.Performance under an Internal focus of attention is similar to control conditions and does not benefit standing long jump performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim. Despite extensive training, combat athletes often face challenges in optimizing their physical development to enhance performance and work capacity. This study aims to examine the interrelations of key parameters within the physical development (PD) structure of highly skilled combat athletes in the process of ensuring special work capacity. Material and Methods. Between 30 and 83 wrestlers of different weight categories and skill levels, all members of the national teams of Ukraine in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, and judo, participated in various studies. The age of the subjects ranged from 18 to 31 years. The combat athletes aged 18-24 years old were students of Ukrainian universities. A total of 56 indices of PD, speed-strength fitness, and special work capacity of the combat athletes were registered. The special work capacity of wrestlers was estimated based on the intensity of performing 15 specialized throws of a partner of equal weight in 3 series. Each series of throws was performed 3 times, with a rest interval of 1 minute between the series. Results. The studies revealed that in the morphometric component of combat athlete PD structure, the circumference dimensions of the body are more integrated compared to the longitudinal, transverse, anteroposterior dimensions, and other parameters. The most highly interconnected circumferences are those of the neck, thorax, relaxed and tensed shoulder, forearm, hip, and shin. These parameters show the highest correlation with both the athletes' skill level and the integral parameters of PD, such as body weight, surface area, weight category, and Quetelet index. An increase in wrestlers' skill level is associated with an increase in the neck, chest, shoulder, and hip circumferences. It also correlates with the enhancement of anaerobic work capacity and the formation of the morphofunctional profile of highly skilled combat athletes. Multiple regression models reflecting these dependencies were developed. Conclusions. The thorax, thigh, shoulder, and neck circumferences are key parameters of the morphometric component of combat athlete PD structure. They are the most integrated into the general structure of physical fitness and determine the integral parameters of PD, the level of anaerobic work capacity, and the strength endurance of wrestlers with a high degree of accuracy. The specificity of improving PD structure and special fitness of combat athletes is manifested in the fact that, as the athlete's skill level increases, the volumes of the thorax, neck, shoulder, and thigh increase to the greatest extent. Their interrelations among themselves, with the integral parameters of PD, and with the level of anaerobic work capacity, speed, and speed-strength endurance tend to enhance. The developed models can be used for predicting the PD structure of combat athletes of different skill levels and weight categories. They can also be utilized for assessing special work capacity and designing appropriate normative evaluation scales.

At the provincial level, there is a research gap in discussing the causality and internal mechanism between ICT development and wages of workers. The study utilizes the province-level balanced panel data over the period 2006–2021 in China, clarifies the impact and internal mechanism of ICT development on wages of workers, and uses the DID method to identify the causality between the two. This study found that there is a positive correlation between ICT development and workers’ wages, and skill level is a mediate transmission channel. Moreover, ICT development has a positive impact on workers’ wages in the central and western regions. Besides, compared to low-wage workers, high-wage workers gain more information dividends. The findings of this study have reference significance for policymakers. First, for the central and western provinces in China, it is necessary to actively develop the ICT industry, cultivate high-tech enterprises, and improve local ICT development levels. Second, we should improve the skill level of workers and enhance their competitive advantage in employment. Third, each province should continue to expand the enrollment scale of higher education institutions, and improve the quality of labor force. First published online 09 September 2024

The objectives of the present study were to determine whether (I) work-motive values influence the appraisal of specific work characteristics of significance for health and function and (II) subject variables impact work-motive values. Two aspects of work-motive values were studied: values that assign importance to pursuing one’s personal goals and interests, internally based work-motive values (IntWMVs), and values that assign importance to external factors, externally based work-motive values (ExtWMVs). These aspects of motive values, age, gender, skill level, managerial role, and specific psychosocial work characteristics were analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of 12,994 employees in 101 private and public organizations. Two-year follow-up prospective data from 6,252 employees in 69 organizations elucidated whether associations were stable over time. The results showed that IntWMV influenced reports of levels of control of decisions, empowering leadership, innovative climate, quantitative demands, feedback from work, and self-leadership. ExtWMVs were most consistently associated with role clarity. Skill level and managerial role were associated with reporting higher levels of IntWMVs and lower ExtWMVs. In conclusion, the present data support the assumption that work-motive values influence the appraisal, reporting, and consequently measurements of work characteristics. Managers differ from subordinates in work-motive values and may face challenges in ascertaining and supporting subordinates’ needs.

PURPOSE This study aimed to prove the mediator effect of skill level on participation frequency and injury level of leisure sports players with the highest injury rate. METHODS Raw data of the “2019 Sports Safety accident data” conducted by the Korea Sports Safety Foundation were used for this study. We analyzed 857 leisure sports players participating in events with the top four highest injury rates (Basketball, Soccer, Baseball/Softball, Foot Volleyball). Frequency, descriptive statistics, and correlation analyses using SPSS version 27.0 and Process macro model 4 were employed for analysis. RESULTS The results regarding participation frequency, injury severity, and skill level among recreational athletes are as follows. First, a positive correlation was established between the participation frequency of recreational athletes and their skill levels. Second, the correlation between participation frequency and injury severity was observed only in soccer and basketball. Third, skill level plays a mediating role in the relationship between participation frequency and injury level. The results indicate that as the participation frequency among leisure sports players who participate in ball sports with a high injury rate increases, this affects the degree of injury. CONCLUSIONS Skill level appears to play a mediating role in the relationship between participation frequency and injury level. Based on the results, we recommend safety education not only on the relationship between participation frequency and injury level, but also the intermediary role of skill level.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the role of salespeople's skills in relative and absolute SP in business-to-business (B2B) settings of services firms. This conceptual logic reported in meta-analytical works, that salespeople's skills relate directly to their sales performance (SP), is questioned. Design/methodology/approach: his research relies on existing theory and previous studies on SP drivers and SP measures. The literature identifies a set of common denominators on the role of salespeople's skills regarding their SP, all of which are tested in this study. Based on a deductive approach and questionnaire survey, 732 service firms in Norway were targeted. A total of 389 questionnaires were returned, generating a response rate of 53.1%. Findings: A total of 10 out of 12 hypothesized relationships in the research model dealing with the relationship between SP drivers and SP turn out to be non-significant. The hypothesized relationship in the research model between relative and absolute SP is also supported. Research limitations/implications: The results reported in this study, based on a large sample of service firms, empirically confirm that the direct effect is generally overestimated. Empirical evidence is provided that sheds additional light on the role of salespeople's skills in relative and absolute SP in B2B settings of services firms. Practical implications: This study offers meaningful and relevant insights into the monitoring of SP drivers to practitioners in B2B sales settings of services firms. Salespeople need to learn about gathering knowledge in training programs about each customer and their specific situation. Firms should strive to recruit salespeople who possess the appropriate skills, taking into consideration their customers and specific situations related to them, such as experiences from competitors. Salespeople may be organized around similar customers and similar customer situations, rather than geographical assignments. Originality/value: Overall, this research contributes insights into the role played by salespeople's skills in relative and absolute SP in B2B settings of services firms. In particular, the research contributes additional insights into the non-existent role of interpersonal presentation and communication skills, adaptiveness of sales approach and sales behavior skills and product/technology-related knowledge skills in salespeople's relative and absolute SP in B2B settings of services firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the impact of return migration on labour market outcomes, more specifically, wage, consumption and welfare outcomes for workers in South Asia. The unprecedented changes brought about by the pandemic have led to mass upheaval and the return migration of millions of workers over the past two years. This return migration is likely to lead to an expansion of the labour force and employment in South Asia. The impact of this labour force supply shock is evaluated using the GMig2 version of the GTAP model. We find heterogeneous results in terms of labour returns by levels of skill and industry. The sectoral demand composition changes with manufacturing and services gaining demand over agriculture and primary industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a lack of job security, many employees in Sri Lanka's garment industry – which is important to the country's economy – experience irritation and fear. Most employees fear the unexpected, and the loss of workplace security exacerbates these fears. This study aimed to pinpoint factors that affect the job security of office-based employees in Sri Lanka's garment sector. A cross-sectional survey, using a structured questionnaire, was used to determine the factors affecting job security using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Government policies, skill level and the status of employment were found to be significantly associated with job security while collective bargaining and the working environment were not statistically significant. The research identified a set of factors that are suitable for assessing job security. The article concludes by exploring the implications of the results for decision-makers and making recommendations to employers, government bodies, and trade unions for measures whose implementation might bolster employees' assurance of job stability for garment workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basketball is included in the junior high school sports curriculum. Shooting is a basic technique that basketball players must master. Youmust be able to make shots, because shooting can cover up the weaknesses of other basic techniques. To make an accurate shot must multiply practice by increasing confidence, mechanism, rhythm, and range. The purpose of this study was to determine the skill level of free throw basketball for grade 8 boys of Pius Gombong Junior High School. The research method used is the survey method. The results of the calculation study use a percentage descriptive formula. Data collection technique with free throw test from the calculation results, the results showed that overall, the basic technique of playing basketball for 8th grade boys of Pius Gombong Junior High School. The results of the research on the Shooting Ability Free throw of 8th grade male students of Pius Gombong Junior High School. Categorized either with a frequency of 58% or with a good predicate. Free throws in basketball games are needed to make points freely. Free throw itself is done without using obstacles so that it makes it easier for players to make points. The conclusion of the data analysis of the results of the study is known that the results of the analysis of shooting ability are free. Throw students.grade 8 boys of SMP Pius Gombong are categorized as good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology has become an important resource in sport that can help athletes improve their performance. However, the factors that predict the use of technology among athletes are unknown. In an effort to understand the current use of technology, we examined factors that impact technology use in sport. Human technology research in other domains suggests that an individual's trust in technology may be an important predictor of whether they use technology. Specific to sport, an athlete's use of a coach, self-regulated learning, skill level, playing experience, and gender may also influence their technology use. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine which factors predict golfers' use of technology and, through a secondary analysis, to explore how predictive factors differed between athletes who used technology and/or a coach. A one-time survey that gathered demographic and golfing-specific (Skill Level, years of playing Experience) information, and measured technology use, coach use, trust in technology, and self-regulated learning was completed by 313 golfers. Logistic regression determined that golfers' use of a coach, trust in technology, self-regulated learning, and skill level predicted their use of technology. Further, a two-way factorial analysis of variance demonstrated that there were differences in trust in technology, self-regulated learning, and skill level between golfers who did and did not use technology. The findings of this novel study create a foundation for future research in this area and are the first step in determining how athletes can best use technology in their training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This study aims to determine the work productivity of employees, which includes work attitudes, skill levels, education, and leadership style, both partially and simultaneously influencing employees' work productivity. Method — This study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The population comprised 34 respondents from the Medang Deras District office, with a saturated sample. Result — Based on the study's results, it was concluded that work attitude, skill level, and employee education had a partially positive effect on employee productivity, while leadership style had a partial negative effect on productivity. Additionally, the study found that work attitude, skill level, education, and leadership style had a positive simultaneous effect on work productivity. Contribution — The academic contribution of this research lies in its innovative approach by introducing additional variables and combining various disciplines such as Management, Psychology, and Education to explore the interplay between work attitude, leadership style, skill levels, and education, ultimately shedding light on their collective impact on employee productivity.

Background: Previous research showed that the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was associated with a widening disparity in suicide rates between lower-class occupations and the highest-class occupations in Australia. There has been no research investigating whether this trend continued post-GFC. Aims: This study aimed to investigate suicide rates by occupational class among employed Australians aged 15 years and over, between 2007 and 2018. Method: A population-level retrospective mortality study was conducted using data from the National Coronial Information System. Adjusted suicide rates were calculated over the period 2007 to 2018. Negative binomial regression models were used to assess the relationship between occupational class, gender and time, comparing post-GFC years (2010–2012, 2013–2015 and 2016–2018) with GFC years (2007–2009). Results: Relative to the GFC period of 2007–2009, a significant reduction in suicide disparity between managers and other occupation groups was only observed among male labourers (rate ratios (RR) = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.86) and male technicians/trades workers (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96) for the period 2013–2015. Conclusion: Skilled manual and lower-skilled occupational classes remain at elevated risk of suicide in Australia. While a decreasing divergence in suicide rates was only observed between labourer and manager occupational classes post-GFC, this trend was not maintained over the later part of the study period (2016–2018). There is a need to further understand the relationship between contextual factors associated with suicide among the employed population, especially during periods of economic downturn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Regional Science Policy & Practice is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Softball is a globally popular sport that reached the Olympic level for women only. However, research on softball, particularly among female players, remains at its infancy stage. Softball is played by two teams of nine players, with each side striving to score more runs via batting than the other. This is accomplished when the team is playing offence and batting the ball. A great batting performance is essential to enhance the likelihood of scoring a run. Batting is one of the hardest sports skill to learn, if not the hardest. Thus, this study examines selected arm kinematics that improve batting performance in skilled and less skilled female collegiate softball players during bat--ball contact. Using 3D motion analysis, five skilled and five less skilled female collegiate softball players use their dominant hand to hit a stationary ball off a tee placed in the middle of their individual striking zone. From a stationary tee, participants executed eight swings with maximum effort. The kinematics of shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion and wrist flexion are calculated using the Visual3D software. The data from eight maximal effort swings for each kinematic variable during bat-ball contact are averaged and analysed using an Independent T-test. The results reveal that the shoulder flexion and elbow flexion angles display statistically significant differences between skilled and less-skilled batters. During bat-ball contact, skilled batters hold their hands further out from their bodies, as evidenced by a larger elbow extension (139.19+18.95°), compared to less skilled players (87.3+8.3°). Additionally, skilled players are reported to have less shoulder flexion than less-skilled players. This research suggests that less-skilled players bend their shoulders more when striking the ball with the bat in contrast to skilled players whose shoulders are somewhat more extended during bat-ball contact (by 6.05°). This study revealed that skilled players are able to adjust the degree to which their arm bends during ball contact. The adjustment maximises the surface area of the bat that makes contact with the ball, hence increasing a batter's probability of successfully striking the ball. As demonstrated by the skilled female softball players during bat-ball contact, keeping an extended arm position may assist batters in creating higher bat velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze young swimmers' performance regarding sex and skill level, 23 boys and 26 girls (15.7 ± 0.8 and 14.5 ± 0.8 years old, respectively) were assessed for anthropometry, flexibility, strength, drag, coordination, and biomechanical variables. During a 50-m maximal front-crawl bout, seven aerial and six underwater Qualisys cameras assessed kinematics, and a load cell was used to measure drag (Tedea, United Kingdom) and tethered swimming force. A multivariate analysis of variance test (p <.05) enabled us to observe differences between skill levels in speed, stroke frequency, stroke index, and intracyclic velocity variations, but most relevant differences were noticed when comparing sexes, particularly for anthropometrics, shoulder flexibility, speed, stroke frequency, stroke length, drag, mechanical power, power per stroke, and maximal and mean force. Considering the included variables, only male swimmers' performance could be predicted through multiple linear regression, with stroke index, left shoulder flexion, and intracycle velocity variations showing great importance in achieving better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wage inequality is one of the most prominent topics of discussion across the world. The study is an attempt to estimate wage inequality in-between and within various skill-based occupational groups in India. For the purpose, Theil index, one of the most important measures in generalised entropy family, has been utilised on the unit-level data of Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2017–18 (PLFS) pertaining to 94,460 workers employed across skill-categorised broad occupational groups. Wage inequality has observed to be highest in occupational groups requiring highly skilled workers (skill level 4), and the same is witnessed lowest among workers in occupations requiring low level of skill (skill level 1). The study found occupational diversity, diverse nature of work assignment in accordance with cognitive ability of workers the main reasons behind increasing wage inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanities Journal of University of Zakho (HJUOZ) is the property of Humanities Journal of University of Zakho and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study featured the issues of human resourcing in the sphere of physical training and sports in Kuzbass during the transition period from the Soviet to the post-Soviet model. The research was based on a wide range of documents, including those from several collections of the Regional State Archive. The research united scientific, historicist, and comparative methods, which made it possible to identify two factors that affected the personnel potential in the sphere of physical education and sports. The first one was the policy of advanced socio-economic development, proclaimed in the mid-1980s. The second was the transition to the market economy, which started in the early 1990s and was accompanied by a serious crisis. These two processes systematically affected the sphere of physical training and sports, including its national and regional human resources. The staffing proved uneven: while it was satisfactory in urban institutions of higher education and sports, the rural areas saw a severe labor shortage.

Objective/Background: Parents have been shown to be highly influential in the development of sporting talent, however the relationship between sibling characteristics and talent development is comparatively under-researched. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the associations between athlete skill level, birth order, sibling's participation, and achievement in sport in the UK. Materials and Methods: The methodology by Hopwood et al. (2015) was followed for the purpose of the current study One hundred and eight UK based athletes competing at three different skill levels (elite, pre-elite, non-elite) divided according to the Athlete Development Triangle (Gulbin et al., 2010) reported data concerning their own and siblings' participation in sports using the Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire (Hopwood, 2013). A Pearson's chi-square test for independence was used to assess skill level differences in categorical independent variables. Results: Results reinforced previous findings from Hopwood et al. (2015) demonstrating that elite athletes were more likely to be later-born siblings, than pre-elite and non-elite athletes (p = .007). Elite athletes were also more likely to have siblings who were involved in competitive sport (p = .005), competed at elite level (p = .001) in the same sport (p < .001) than siblings of pre-elite and non-elite athletes. Conclusions: The findings revealed that siblings may influence the development of sporting talent and involvement in sport by facilitating the growth of key psychological characteristics and providing additional support and opportunities. Therefore, incorporating those relationships within talent development environments coupled with the concept of role models could be a positive influence aiding towards effective talent development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of university students examined the effects of a rubric based on subjective skill tasks on the subjective benefits of participation in physical education courses. Three studies were conducted based on the ADDIE course improvement model. We examined 595 subjects taking a badminton course (177 from preimprovement courses and 418 from improved courses) at universities C and D in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Study 1 examined the impact of badminton skill level in pre-improvement classes on the subjective benefits. The results indicated that students with higher skill levels had higher learning outcomes than those with lower skill levels. Study 2 utilized free descriptions by students to identify the subjective skill tasks they found difficult based on their skill level. This clarified that the perception of tasks differed according to skill level. For example, members of the beginner group assessed their skills not by their own movement but by the flight of the shuttle, and a rubric was created based on this evaluation. In Study 3, the subjective benefit scores were compared between the pre-improvement classes and the improved classes using the rubric. This revealed that the improved classes using the rubric had higher scores than the pre-improvement classes in terms of "Improvements in physical strength and physical activities" and "Establishment of regular lifestyles." The results indicated that the improved class using the rubric based on subjective skill tasks enhanced the subjective benefits perceived by the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to assess how the existing imbalance between the education system and the regional economy influences the formation of spatial inequality and uneven economic development. Based on the structural and comparative analysis of data on Russia and China as the members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, we demonstrate that the technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution shift the demand for highly skilled labour force. This situation leads to the gap between labour demand and supply, as the education systems are oriented to the economic needs of the 3rd Industrial Revolution. We consider cross-country differences in the quantity of STEM graduates and researchers (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as a possible cause of spatial inequality in the context of digital transformation. Further, on the example of Russia, we apply correlation and regression analysis to show that the discrepancy between the skill level of graduates and market expectations contributes to regional development inequality. We demonstrate the strong relationship between the share of unemployed persons among the economically active population and the skills of the labour force for all federal districts of the Russian Federation. On average, an increase in the share of employees with higher or secondary vocational education by 1 % decreases unemployment by 0.32 %. Additionally, in all federal districts of Russia, there is a discrepancy between the economic need for highly qualified workers with higher education and the education system producing too many specialists with secondary vocational education. The discrepancy between the structure of skilled labour force produced by the education system and the employment structure in the labour market by 10 % increases unemployment by almost 1 %. The results of the study can be used by the government for creating the development strategy of the education system and reducing spatial inequality.

This study was conducted to identify the teacher skill level and attitude towards the use of multimedia in the teaching and learning of the Holy Koran for Autism students. This study was conducted using a set of questionnaires that were completed by 40 teachers who teach in the Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI) class selected by random. These quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed descriptively through SPSS software, version 22 to obtain the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between skill level and teacher attitude towards using multimedia in the teaching and learning of the Holy Koran for Autism students. The results of the analysis of the study found that the teacher skill level (M=3.63, SD.=0.82) and teacher attitude (M=3.80, SD.=0.71) were at a moderate and high level. Meanwhile, this study also shows that there is a significant relationship between skill level and teacher attitude. Indeed, the teacher skill level and attitude towards using multimedia in teaching is positive but has weaknesses in terms of the application of multimedia items. Thus, while conducting the teaching process, a teacher must take into account the skill level to be applied and the readiness of the teacher attitude to build a multimedia-based teaching process to be more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a tactical games model instructional plan on game-play volleyball performances of elementary school students, taking into account their skill level. In total, 39 fourth-grade students (average age: 8.9 years) participated in a 13-week unit, in which each lesson exaggerated the use of small-sided games. In-game performances were assessed via the Team Sport Assessment Procedure, while students played a 10-minute modified game (four versus four). Data were collected pre- and post-intervention, and after the summer vacation (retention test). A 2 (skill level) × 3 (time) analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare students' performance, and the relevant effects were interpreted mainly by means of confidence intervals and effect size measures. At the end of the instructional period, all participants had an overall moderate to large improvement, and this global improvement seems to have remained at least until the end of the summer vacation. Lower-skilled students attained a larger and more established improvement than high-skilled students did. However, some detrimental effects on in-game students' performance existed at the end of the instructional period. Therefore, teachers have to take into account students' skill levels when designing their lessons because, if small-sided games are adequately considered and managed, students' learning processes can be enhanced. Furthermore, the students should be assigned appropriate learning activities to avoid summer learning loss in physical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving human motor performance via physical guidance by an assist robot device is a major field of interest of the society in many different contexts, such as rehabilitation and sports training. In this study, we propose a Bayesian estimation method to predict whether motor performance of a user can be improved or not by the robot guidance from the user's initial skill level. We designed a robot-guided motor training procedure in which subjects were asked to generate a desired circular hand movement. We then evaluated the tracking error between the desired and actual subject's hand movement. Results showed that we were able to predict whether a novel user can reduce the tracking error after the robot-guided training from the user's initial movement performance by checking whether the initial error was larger than a certain threshold, where the threshold was derived by using the proposed Bayesian estimation method. Our proposed approach can potentially help users to decide if they should try a robot-guided training or not without conducting the time-consuming robot-guided movement training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the relationship between cognitive processes and saccadic eye movements has been outlined, the relationship between specific cognitive processes underlying saccadic eye movements and skill level of soccer players remains unclear. Present study used the prosaccade task as a tool to investigate the difference in saccadic eye movements in skilled and less skilled Chinese female adolescent soccer players. Fifty-six healthy female adolescent soccer players (range: 14–18years, mean age: 16.5years) from Fujian Youth Football Training Base (Fujian Province, China) took part in the experiment. In the prosaccade task, participants were instructed to fixate at the cross at the center of the screen as long as the target appeared peripherally. They were told to saccade to the target as quickly and accurately as possible once it appeared. The results indicated that skilled soccer players exhibited shorter saccade latency (p =0.031), decreased variability of saccade latency (p =0.013), and higher spatial accuracy of saccade (p =0.032) than their less skilled counterparts. The shorter saccade latency and decreased variability of saccade latency may imply that the attentional system of skilled soccer player is superior which leads to smaller attention fluctuation and less attentional lapse. Additionally, higher spatial accuracy of saccade may imply potential structural differences in brain underlying saccadic eye movement between skilled and less skilled soccer players. More importantly, the results of the present study demonstrated that soccer players' cognitive capacities vary as a function of their skill levels. The limitations of the present study and future directions of research were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of robots has attracted researchers to design numerous haptic training methods to support motor learning. However, investigations of new methods yielded inconclusive results regarding their effectiveness to enhance learning due to the diversity of tasks, haptic designs, participants’ skill level, and study protocols. In this review, we developed a taxonomy to identify generalizable findings out of publications on haptic training. In the taxonomy, we grouped the results of studies on healthy learners based on participants’ skill level and tasks’ characteristics. Our inspection of included studies revealed that: i) Performance-enhancing haptic methods were beneficial for novices, ii) Training with haptics was as effective as training with other feedback modalities, and iii) Performance-enhancing and performance-degrading haptic methods were useful for the learning of temporal and spatial aspects, respectively. We also observed that these findings are in line with results from robot-aided neurorehabilitation studies on patients. Our review suggests that haptic training can be effective to foster learning, especially when the information cannot be provided with other feedback modalities. We believe the findings from the taxonomy constitute a general guide, which can assist researchers when designing studies to investigate the effectiveness of haptics on learning different tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of skill level on the performance of dribbling skills in soccer choking under pressure conditions. For this purpose, 20 skilled players of the university football team and twenty beginner students in football (with age range 18-25) participated in the study. The Egilly soccer dribble skill test was performed in two stages: without pressure condition and combined pressure condition. In the present study, the combination of two types of pressure, competition between participants and camcorders were used to create pressure condition. In order to ensure that the pressure conditions were applied, the level of competitive anxiety was measured using the second version of the competitive state anxiety and the heart rate of the participants. To analyze the data, repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparing the mean scores and independent t-test was used to compare the mean scores of two groups without pressure condition. The results showed that the performance of the skilled group, decrease under pressure conditions and the performance of the beginner group improved under pressure conditions. It is possible that the pressure conditions in the beginner group would increase the effort to perform better and thus improve performance. It can also be said that the motivational role of pressure conditions has improved performance in beginners. In skilled persons, they are also likely to engage in skill-centered mechanisms that give less skill to the source of attention which is empirically evident in verifying the explicit review theory.

Background: Optometrists with different levels of optometric education in India provide eye care services under various capacities to the public. Aim: The study evaluated the status of optometrists in terms of their knowledge, skills and frequency of skill utilisation in public and private sectors. Setting: A quantitative study design was adopted using a survey questionnaire that was distributed to optometrists providing eye care services in public and private sectors. Methods: A structured and validated questionnaire with closed-ended questions was administered to 650 participants. Results: A total of 400 completed questionnaires were received (response rate = 62%) of which 207 respondents were males (52%) and 193 females (48%). Most (57%) of the respondents were bachelor’s degree holders with 86% of the respondents in the private sector and 14% in the public sector. The knowledge level of ancillary and diagnostic tests (69%) was the least amongst public sector optometrists whilst it was binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (66%) for private sector optometrists. The skill levels in indirect ophthalmoscopy was least amongst the public sector (56%) and private sector (44%) optometrists. Indirect ophthalmoscopy showed the least frequency of skill utilisation amongst public sector (13%) and private sector (34%) optometrists. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for mandating best practice standards, and expanding the scope of defined practice, as optometrists are better suited for diagnostic roles and comprehensive eye examinations, and can contribute effectively towards averting preventable blindness.

Although the relationship between cognitive processes and saccadic eye movements has been outlined, the relationship between specific cognitive processes underlying saccadic eye movements and skill level of soccer players remains unclear. Present study used the prosaccade task as a tool to investigate the difference in saccadic eye movements in skilled and less skilled Chinese female adolescent soccer players. Fifty-six healthy female adolescent soccer players (range: 14–18years, mean age: 16.5years) from Fujian Youth Football Training Base (Fujian Province, China) took part in the experiment. In the prosaccade task, participants were instructed to fixate at the cross at the center of the screen as long as the target appeared peripherally. They were told to saccade to the target as quickly and accurately as possible once it appeared. The results indicated that skilled soccer players exhibited shorter saccade latency (p=0.031), decreased variability of saccade latency (p=0.013), and higher spatial accuracy of saccade (p=0.032) than their less skilled counterparts. The shorter saccade latency and decreased variability of saccade latency may imply that the attentional system of skilled soccer player is superior which leads to smaller attention fluctuation and less attentional lapse. Additionally, higher spatial accuracy of saccade may imply potential structural differences in brain underlying saccadic eye movement between skilled and less skilled soccer players. More importantly, the results of the present study demonstrated that soccer players’ cognitive capacities vary as a function of their skill levels. The limitations of the present study and future directions of research were discussed.

Improving human motor performance via physical guidance by an assist robot device is a major field of interest of the society in many different contexts, such as rehabilitation and sports training. In this study, we propose a Bayesian estimation method to predict whether motor performance of a user can be improved or not by the robot guidance from the user’s initial skill level. We designed a robot-guided motor training procedure in which subjects were asked to generate a desired circular hand movement. We then evaluated the tracking error between the desired and actual subject’s hand movement. Results showed that we were able to predict whether a novel user can reduce the tracking error after the robot-guided training from the user’s initial movement performance by checking whether the initial error was larger than a certain threshold, where the threshold was derived by using the proposed Bayesian estimation method. Our proposed approach can potentially help users to decide if they should try a robot-guided training or not without conducting the time-consuming robot-guided movement training.

The purpose of the paper was to examine the effects of student skill level on knowledge, decision making, skill execution and game performance in a minivolleyball Sport Education season. Forty-eight secondary school students from two classes participated in a 12 lesson season. Knowledge, decision-making and skill execution (components of game play) were evaluated prior to and on completion of the season. Paired t test analysis showed that the game performance components of decision making and game play achieved significant gains. Further, results of the regression analyses detected that the sigmoidal model was indeed superior to the linear model for (a) skill execution, (b) game play, and (c) knowledge, by explaining 4.0, 2.8, and 3.25 times more of the variance respectively. That is, improvements of the highest and lowest skilled students were less significant than those of more moderate levels. This outcome, accompanied by a lack of general improvement in skill execution, suggests that future research should examine in more detail the progressive development of the tasks and learning experiences incorporated during seasons of Sport Education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on a framework of sales performance drivers, considering four areas of seller skills, and seven dimensions that the literature generally recognizes as affecting sales performance in B2B settings. The four areas and seven dimension of seller skill level are as follows: (i) interpersonal abilities, including communication as well as presentation skills; (ii) degree of adaptiveness, considering seller ability to modify both the sales approach and the sales behavior; (iii) selling-related knowledge, covering product and market-knowledge skills; and (iv) sellers' use of technology. As a whole, assuming a pivotal role played by seller skills, the research objective is to empirically verify a conceptual framework based on B2B seller skills in the context of sales performance. This study responds to a recent call to use meta-analyses to increase research-based knowledge in the sales domain. This study offers an empirical testing of a research framework for the identification and understanding of those skills that sellers need to embrace handling and increasing value in business relationships with customers in B2B settings of tangible products. The methodology relies on a questionnaire survey using a deductive approach. A total of 315 companies were ultimately selected to take part in the study, so as to represent a range of companies from different industries and corporate sizes within the product-oriented business sector of Norway (i.e. services-oriented companies are not included). The companies were identified from the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 2007). A total of 236 questionnaires out of 315 were returned, generating a response rate of 74.9%. Methodology/Approach An exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to falsify or confirm the seven-dimensional framework of skill level. The initial factor analysis consisted of 21 items with three per dimension. The principal component method was applied to reveal the pattern in the factor solution. An orthogonal approach (varimax rotation) was applied to rotate the factor solution. The multi-item measures of each dimension were selected and modified from various sources. The empirical findings provide a foundation for further studies on sales performance. In particular, the findings can be used to assess the relationship between seller skill dimensions on sellers' objective and subjective performance in B2B sales settings. The findings can also be used to assess the relationship between these skill-level indicators on sellers' economic and non-economic satisfaction. Findings Companies could use the reported findings to organize and structure the process of B2B seller planification. This study offers seven verified categories of seller skill level. Companies should focus on each category in relation to their specific industry, so as to optimize sales performance. Seller skills become relevant with respect to taking into consideration the context of sales performance in areas such as planning and organization, recruiting and screening, training, remuneration and motivation, and evaluation and control. Note that companies need to consider the reported seven categories of skill level across all areas of sales performance. Companies should evaluate their sellers in relation to each category of skill level, and offer continuous training that is appropriate to each category. It is evident that training is fundamental to acquiring seller skills. The recruitment and screening of sellers are also important for acquiring sellers with an appropriate level of each category of skill levels. Furthermore, companies need to evaluate the training results of sellers, and offer economic compensation in accordance with the skill level reached in each of the seven categories. This study contributes to creat a B2B framework of seller skills in the context of sales performance. Accordingly, the tested and reported seven-dimensional framework provides a foundation for structuring the skill level dimensions in B2B sales settings. A further opportunity in B2B settings is to assess the structural properties of how the seven dimensions of seller skills are associated with and related to the other sales performance indicators (i.e. seller role perceptions, motivations and aptitude, as well as the influence of organizational and environmental aspects on sellers). One such research opportunity is to assess to what extent there are any moderating and mediating effects between skill level, role perception, motivation, aptitude and organizational/environmental, or whether they all relate only to sales performance in B2B settings. We conclude that the seven-dimensional framework of B2B seller skills in the context of sales performance verified in this study offers satisfactory validity and reliability. We therefore argue that the reported dimensions of B2B seller skills – i.e. interpersonal presentation and communication skills, degree of adaptiveness regarding abilities to modify sales approach and sales behavior, selling-related knowledge about customers and product/technology knowledge, and sales technology use – offer a sound foundation for assessing and following up on sales performance. This study contributes to existing theory and previous studies, thus providing a foundation for framing relevant indicators of sales performance regarding B2B seller skills. The seven-dimensional framework therefore provides a foundation on which to structure the assessment of sales performance in B2B settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PST on performance, retention, and transfer under pressure of novice badminton players. 40 novice badminton players were randomly assigned to experimental (20 participants) and placebo-control (20 participants) groups. In acquisition and retention tests, short and long service, toss clear and drop shots were used; in transfer under pressure test, notational analysis was applied. All participants acquired specific badminton skills in 24 sessions over three months. In addition to specific badminton skills, the experimental group received the specific package of PST during 24 sessions (each session 20 min.) while placebo-control group received the same number of sessions about general information on badminton. The results of mixed ANOVA indicated that in all tests, the scores of experimental group were significantly higher than those of the placebo-control group, which indicated the effectiveness of PST on performance and learning of novice male badminton players. The results of this study extended the effectiveness of PST to learning new motor skills.

Background: Optometrists with different levels of optometric education in India provide eye care services under various capacities to the public. Aim: The study evaluated the status of optometrists in terms of their knowledge, skills and frequency of skill utilisation in public and private sectors. Setting: A quantitative study design was adopted using a survey questionnaire that was distributed to optometrists providing eye care services in public and private sectors. Methods: A structured and validated questionnaire with closed-ended questions was administered to 650 participants. Results: A total of 400 completed questionnaires were received (response rate = 62%) of which 207 respondents were males (52%) and 193 females (48%). Most (57%) of the respondents were bachelor's degree holders with 86% of the respondents in the private sector and 14% in the public sector. The knowledge level of ancillary and diagnostic tests (69%) was the least amongst public sector optometrists whilst it was binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (66%) for private sector optometrists. The skill levels in indirect ophthalmoscopy was least amongst the public sector (56%) and private sector (44%) optometrists. Indirect ophthalmoscopy showed the least frequency of skill utilisation amongst public sector (13%) and private sector (34%) optometrists. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for mandating best practice standards, and expanding the scope of defined practice, as optometrists are better suited for diagnostic roles and comprehensive eye examinations, and can contribute effectively towards averting preventable blindness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article, which is a continuation of the study published in the previous issue of the journal, describes a methodology for assessing the total cost of labor in the economy in the context of certain groups of the employed population. In particular, the analysis of estimates of direct and indirect labor costs for three levels of qualifications of workers is carried out. Based on estimates of indirect labor costs, it is shown that the number of jobs produced by one job for workers of low, medium and high skill levels is different both within the same industry and in related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the postural stability of single-leg standing on the retiré position in ballet dancers having three different levels of skill. Nine superior experienced female ballet dancers, 9 experienced, and 12 novice dancers performed single-leg standing in the retiré position. The parameters of center of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions and the maximum distance between COP and the center of mass (COM) were measured. The inclination angles of body segments (head, torso, and supporting leg) in the frontal plane were also calculated. The findings showed that the novice dancers had a trend of greater torso inclination angles than the experienced dancers but that the superior experienced dancers had greater maximum COM-COP distance in the anterior-posterior direction. Furthermore, both experienced and novice dancers had better balance when standing on the nondominant leg, whereas the superior experienced dancers had similar postural stability between legs. Based on the findings, ballet training should put equal focus on both legs and frontal plane control (medial-lateral direction) should be integrated to ballet training program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing global aquatic sport, with increasing popularity among participants within recreation, competition and rehabilitation. To date, few scientific studies have focused on SUP. Further, there is no research examining the biomechanics of the SUP paddle stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in kinematics existed among experienced and inexperienced SUP participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. This data could be of significance to participants, researchers, coaches and health practitioners to improve performance and inform injury minimization strategies. Methods A cross-sectional observational design study was performed with seven experienced and 19 inexperienced paddlers whereby whole-body kinematic data were acquired using a six-camera Vicon motion capture system. Participants paddled on a SUP ergometer while three-dimensional range of motion (ROM) and peak joint angles were calculated for the shoulders, elbows, hips and trunk. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted on the non-normally distributed data to evaluate differences between level of expertise. Results Significant differences in joint kinematics were found between experienced and inexperienced participants, with inexperienced participants using greater overall shoulder ROM (78.9° ± 24.9° vs 56.6° ± 17.3°, p = 0.010) and less hip ROM than the experienced participants (50.0° ± 18.5° vs 66.4° ± 11.8°, p = 0.035). Experienced participants demonstrated increased shoulder motion at the end of the paddle stoke compared to the inexperienced participants (74.9° ± 16.3° vs 35.2° ± 28.5°, p = 0.001 minimum shoulder flexion) and more extension at the elbow (6.0° ± 9.2° minimum elbow flexion vs 24.8° ± 13.5°, p = 0.000) than the inexperienced participants. Discussion The results of this study indicate several significant kinematic differences between the experienced and inexperienced SUP participants. These variations in technique were noted in the shoulder, elbow and hip and are evident in other aquatic paddling sports where injury rates are higher in these joints. These finding may be valuable for coaches, therapists and participants needing to maximize performance and minimize injury risk during participation in SUP.

Purpose: determine the features of technical and tactical actions of female athletes of various qualifications specializing in complex swimming at a distance of 200 meters. Material & Methods: analysis of literary sources, video shooting, timing, methods of mathematical data processing. The contingent of the surveyed were female athletes who specialized in complex swimming at a distance of 200 meters and had the level of sports qualification of the CMS, I and II adult category. Results: author established that the technical and tactical actions of female athletes of various skills during the crossing of the 200 meters distance by complex swimming have their own peculiarities; the degree of influence of the speed, pace and "step" indicators of the cycle of strokes on the result of the swimming of a distance of 200 meters in female athletes with a qualification level of CMS, I and II adults. Conclusion: determination of the specifics of the technical and tactical actions of female athletes of various qualifications specializing in complex swimming at a distance of 200 meters can serve as a guide for the construction of the training process, which will allow it to be improved in order to achieve high results.

Meta-stability is a relatively stable region in which system components tend to cooperate to reach performance goals of movement while maintaining their separate and flexible characters. Participants were assigned to 3 skill groups: coordination (n=10), coordination control (n=10), and optimized control (n=10). Each two fencers fought in each group. Results of cluster analysis and empirical density indicated the emergence of a metastable region in coordination control group (between 1.689276- 2.270372), two metastable regions in optimized control group (between 0.9824658- 1.00113699 and 1.843131-2.333738) and no metastable region in coordination group. Moreover, the binomial test showed that the proportion of using modes of actions in metastable regions in coordination control and optimized control groups had no significant difference (P=0.4888). But the extent of metastable region in the coordination control group was significantly greater. Findings of this study showed that fencers' motor system is metastable depending on their skill level and the extent of metastable regions was different in each level. To design learning and organizing practice, sport coaches can lead the athletes to metastable regions to emerge the most functional motor responses.

Background: Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing global aquatic sport, with increasing popularity among participants within recreation, competition and rehabilitation. To date, few scientific studies have focused on SUP. Further, there is no research examining the biomechanics of the SUP paddle stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in kinematics existed among experienced and inexperienced SUP participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. This data could be of significance to participants, researchers, coaches and health practitioners to improve performance and inform injury minimization strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design study was performed with seven experienced and 19 inexperienced paddlers whereby whole-body kinematic data were acquired using a six-camera Vicon motion capture system. Participants paddled on a SUP ergometer while three-dimensional range of motion (ROM) and peak joint angles were calculated for the shoulders, elbows, hips and trunk. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted on the non-normally distributed data to evaluate differences between level of expertise. Results: Significant differences in joint kinematics were found between experienced and inexperienced participants, with inexperienced participants using greater overall shoulder ROM (78.9° ± 24.9° vs 56.6° ± 17.3°, p = 0.010) and less hip ROM than the experienced participants (50.0° ± 18.5° vs 66.4° ± 11.8°, p = 0.035). Experienced participants demonstrated increased shoulder motion at the end of the paddle stoke compared to the inexperienced participants (74.9° ± 16.3° vs 35.2° ± 28.5°, p = 0.001 minimum shoulder flexion) and more extension at the elbow (6.0° ± 9.2° minimum elbow flexion vs 24.8° ± 13.5°, p = 0.000) than the inexperienced participants. Discussion: The results of this study indicate several significant kinematic differences between the experienced and inexperienced SUP participants. These variations in technique were noted in the shoulder, elbow and hip and are evident in other aquatic paddling sports where injury rates are higher in these joints. These finding may be valuable for coaches, therapists and participants needing to maximize performance and minimize injury risk during participation in SUP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attitudes and perceptions of middle school students toward competitive activities in physical education were examined. Ten boys and 14 girls volunteered (11-high-skilled, 11 moderate-skilled, and 2 low skilled students) in 6th and 7th grade from a total of 6 schools, all offering competitive activities. Data collection was conducted over several months and included focus groups consisting of students of mixed skill levels, observations of competitive class activities, and informal interviews with teachers. The three major themes that emerged were, having fun in competitive activities, not all students were attaining motor skills necessary to participate in activities due to a lack of time to engage in appropriate practice, and the structure of competitive activities affects student experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional assignment model is established for the assignment of soldiers, equipment and tasks during a combat engineering support operation, in which takes the skill level of soldiers, the technical state of equipment and the cooperative efficiency into account. The constraint conditions of the model are based on the war readiness requirement of multiple skills of soldier and multiple functions of equipment as well as the operational principle of "equipment operating while soldiers taking break". In view of the objective function and constraint conditions of assignment model, a virtual equipment method is adopted to disintegrate a multi-functional equipment into smaller combinations of single-functional articles. A quick solution algorithm is also designed on the basis of the idea. A detailed introduction is given to the application of the assignment model with illustrative practical instances. The practicabilities of the assignment model and the quick solution algorithm are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyse 18 Portuguese high school students' game play performance improvements across three hybrid Sport Education-Step-Game-Approach volleyball seasons. Students' play performance at the entry and exit points of each season was evaluated using the Game Performance Assessment Instrument during 2vs2 games. A series of hierarchical linear models was then constructed in order to quantify the impact of gender, skill and time on the students' Game Performance Index scores over the three seasons. The best predictive model showed a nonlinear effect of time on student performance such that all participants' levels improved from their first experience at the seventh-grade through to the end of the ninth-grade season. This study has shown the value of implementing multiple seasons of the same sport within Sport Education, as the implementation of three seasons seemed to produce a fading in the gaps between skill levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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