Effect of Box Breathing Technique on Lung Function Test

Background: Box breathing exercise is a technique of slow breathing rhythm also known as square breathing used universally. It increases the performance and concentration level, it also acts as a powerful stress relief. It is tested with a spirometer for the lung function test that measures the airflow of the upper and lower respiratory tract. This method builds up carbon dioxide in blood which calms down and regulates the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System), which enhances the cardio- inhibitory response of the vagus nerve that improves the mood. The main aim of the study was to analyze the effect of box breathing technique on lung function Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out among the participants at the age of 18-25 years from Saveetha Dental College. A total of 30 participants were included in this study (15 males, 15 females). The experimental training procedures consisted of 2 sessions of box breathing day and night for a period of 30 days. Participants were informed of the procedures of the box breathing technique. RMS Helios spirometer was used to measure lung volumes and capacities. Statistics analysis was done using SPSS software, paired t test. P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant statistically. Results: There was a significant increase among the participants FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume), FIVC (Forced Inspiratory Vital Capacity) parameters after 2 sessions on each day of box breathing technique for a period of 30 days. Other parameters increased to 10% but not significantly. Conclusion: The present study illustrates the potential for box breathing practice to improve lung performance and reduce stress in healthy individuals. Despite the significant difference in FVC, FEV, FIVC levels supporting improved lung function, further investigation is needed to delineate mechanisms that underlie these benefits

Teaching family vocabulary during Ukrainian language lessons (communicative approach)

The relevance of the study derives from the modern objective reality, which is represented by lack of attention to family lexical nominations of family members, the features of the names of communication lines and situational options for the latest use; identifying factors for improvement of interpersonal contacts; fostering a culture of mutual support, etc. (communicative approach). The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate and experimentally verify the effectiveness of this model and the chosen approach for the development of family lexical competence in high school. Research methods were theoretical (comparative and systematic analysis of philosophical, methodical, psychological, didactic and sociological literature); empirical (analysis of conceptual scientific principles of school education and universal ideas about family nomination, observation, comparison, survey (conversation, questionnaire for teachers and students), study and generalization of pedagogical experience); practical (problem-searching, modeling, pedagogical experiment, mathematical statistics, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results of experimental training). They allowed for comprehensive analysis of the problem and influenced it. Ivano-Frankivsk Vocational College of Vasyl Stefanyk at Precarpathian National University served as the basis for the experiment. The study discusses the implementation of the proposed methodological model (communicative approach) in high school and proves the effectiveness of application.

Testing the role of symbols in preschool numeracy: An experimental computer-based intervention study

Numeracy is of critical importance for scholastic success and modern-day living, but the precise mechanisms that drive its development are poorly understood. Here we used novel experimental training methods to begin to investigate the role of symbols in the development of numeracy in preschool-aged children. We assigned pre-school children in the U.S. and Italy (N = 215; Mean age = 49.15 months) to play one of five versions of a computer-based numerical comparison game for two weeks. The different versions of the game were equated on basic features of gameplay and demands but systematically varied in numerical content. Critically, some versions included non-symbolic numerical comparisons only, while others combined non-symbolic numerical comparison with symbolic aids of various types. Before and after training we assessed four components of early numeracy: counting proficiency, non-symbolic numerical comparison, one-to-one correspondence, and arithmetic set transformation. We found that overall children showed improvement in most of these components after completing these short trainings. However, children trained on numerical comparisons with symbolic aids made larger gains on assessments of one-to-one correspondence and arithmetic transformation compared to children whose training involved non-symbolic numerical comparison only. Further exploratory analyses suggested that, although there were no major differences between children trained with verbal symbols (e.g., verbal counting) and non-verbal visuo-spatial symbols (i.e., abacus counting), the gains in one-to-one correspondence may have been driven by abacus training, while the gains in non-verbal arithmetic transformations may have been driven by verbal training. These results provide initial evidence that the introduction of symbols may contribute to the emergence of numeracy by enhancing the capacity for thinking about exact equality and the numerical effects of set transformations. More broadly, this study provides an empirical basis to motivate further focused study of the processes by which children’s mastery of symbols influences children’s developing mastery of numeracy.

MRlogP: Transfer Learning Enables Accurate logP Prediction Using Small Experimental Training Datasets

Small molecule lipophilicity is often included in generalized rules for medicinal chemistry. These rules aim to reduce time, effort, costs, and attrition rates in drug discovery, allowing the rejection or prioritization of compounds without the need for synthesis and testing. The availability of high quality, abundant training data for machine learning methods can be a major limiting factor in building effective property predictors. We utilize transfer learning techniques to get around this problem, first learning on a large amount of low accuracy predicted logP values before finally tuning our model using a small, accurate dataset of 244 druglike compounds to create MRlogP, a neural network-based predictor of logP capable of outperforming state of the art freely available logP prediction methods for druglike small molecules. MRlogP achieves an average root mean squared error of 0.988 and 0.715 against druglike molecules from Reaxys and PHYSPROP. We have made the trained neural network predictor and all associated code for descriptor generation freely available. In addition, MRlogP may be used online via a web interface.

Dynamics of special physical training of qualified MMA fighters during the preparatory period of the macrocycle when performing shock equipment

Purpose: to determine the influence of the experimental training program for qualified mixed martial arts fighters of 18-19 years old on their special physical fitness when performing shock actions. Material and methods. The study involved seven athletes 18-19 years old (all athletes - KMSU) department of mixed martial arts ODYUSSH «Dinamovets» in Zhitomir. A training program for qualified junior mixed martial arts fighters was developed using interval and interval-circular training methods with a wide range of general, special and competitive training means. The training program is designed for 15 weeks (may 17 - august 27, 2021) in the preparatory period of the macrocycle, therefore its predominant focus was towards physical fitness. Research methods: analysis of scientific theoretical sources, conversations with specialists, pedagogical observations, pedagogical testing, methods of mathematical statistics. Results: the dynamics of special physical readiness of qualified fighters was investigated, under the influence of an experimental training program, when performing percussion technique. The study of the dynamics of special physical readiness when performing a series of punches with hands showed significant positive shifts in the total force of punches with hands during the execution of an 8-second series (t=3,02; p˂0.05) and a 40-second series of punches (t=7,69; p˂0,001). The result of the average force of strikes (t=2,21; p˂0,05) in a 40-second series of strikes also noticeably improved. The study of the dynamics of special physical readiness when performing a series of strikes with the dominant leg revealed positive changes in the total force of strikes in the 8-second (t=3,33; p˂0,01) and 40-second (t=5,39; p˂0,001) tests. The high-speed component of the striking technique did not undergo significant positive changes, although there is a tendency towards positive dynamics (p>0,05). Conclusions. It was determined that the introduction of an experimental training program into the educational and training process of 18-19 year old mixed martial arts fighters made it possible to improve the special physical fitness of the fighters when performing specific striking techniques. In five studied indicators, a significant positive trend was obtained, confirmed by mathematical calculations. Significant positive changes in the total strength in the series of punches with the hands and the dominant leg were determined both in the 8-second and in the 40-second tests (p˂0,05 - p˂0,001). We also found a significant positive dynamics in the average force of punches in the 40-second test (p˂0,05). Keywords: mixed martial arts, qualified fighters, special physical training; interval training method; Interval-circular training method; training aids.

Training to Improve the Landing of an Uninjured Leg in Crutch Walk Using AR Technology to Present an Obstacle

A patient who unexpectedly sustains a lower leg injury often uses crutches for walking, to both assist the patient and prevent further injury until a full recovery is made. In this study, a novel crutch walk training system was developed; a head-mounted display (HMD) was introduced to present a virtual obstacle for trainees using crutches. Through repetitions of the training, it was expected that the trainees would improve their overall body stability. Healthy subjects participated in experimental training exercises using the developed training system. As a result, the participants acquired the skill of walking well with crutches without losing their body balance significantly, even in the event of facing a virtual obstacle, during the five training sessions.

Pedagogical practice of philological students: cooperation with the basic school

The author considers pedagogical practice from the positions of professional risks presented in the scientific literature, taking into account which he builds a practice-oriented system of complex dispersed training of students for practice in the Russian language. At the same time, the emphasis is on interaction with basic schools, where future teachers receive their first professional experience. The university teachers ‘ knowledge of the school’s requirements, the general concept of practice, long-term cooperation of educational organizations of higher and secondary education, the built system of propaedeutic methodological training of students allow them to develop general pedagogical and special competencies of novice teachers, prevent possible risks, and contribute to their successful adaptation at school. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature, associative experiment, method of unfinished sentences, questionnaire, observation, reflexive essay, experimental training, conversation with the employer.

Improvement of coordination abilities of qualified athletes specializing in fencing

Background and Study Aim. The aim of the research is to investigate the efficiency of designed complexes of training exercises aimed to improve the coordination abilities of qualified athletes in fencing. Material and Methods. 22 qualified athletes specializing in fencing aged from 15 to 18 took part in the research. The study design included the sequential pedagogical experiment that was realized through the several stages. At the first stage, the preliminary testing of the athletes’ coordination abilities (n=22) was conducted. During the preliminary testing the following tests were applied: jumps to the line; shuttle run (4x9 m.); T-test, straight touch from en-garde position to the target of 10 cm in diameter from close range (10 attempts); straight lunge attack from en-garde position to the target of 10 cm (10 attempts). At the second stage of the pedagogical experiment two complexes of exercises aimed at developing the coordination abilities of the athletes were applied for 3 months. The experimental complexes of exercises were used twice a week. At the third stage, the efficiency of experimental complexes aimed at the developing of coordination abilities of qualified athletes in fencing was checked through a control testing. The Statistica 10 software created by the StatSoft Company was used for statistical processing of data. Results. It was established that during the process of coordination abilities development, the greatest attention should be given to the athletes’ ability to control timing, spatial and physical parameters of moves and moves consistency. To improve the process of developing the coordination abilities of the qualified athletes in fencing two complexes of training exercises were developed. The results of the pedagogical experiment confirmed the statistical differences in the levels of the athletes’ coordination abilities manifestation before and after using experimental training complexes (p<0.05). Conclusions. It has been shown that specially developed training complexes could be used during the training process in order to develop and increase the level of coordination abilities of qualified athletes in fencing. The analysis of experts’ opinion showed that the development of coordination abilities in fencing should be oriented towards the development of athletes’ ability to control timing, spatial and physical parameters of movements.

Using the Discord Application to Facilitate EFL Vocabulary Acquisition

Vocabulary knowledge is a prerequisite for mastering any foreign language. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop English as a foreign language (EFL) vocabulary skills. Efficient ways to facilitate this process should be studied and analyzed. The present study aimed to investigate the role of the Discord application in teaching and learning EFL vocabulary. Discord is a free messenger with support for IP telephony and video conferencing, as well as the possibility to create public and private chats for exchanging text and voice messages. The study relied on pre-test and post-test design to get the necessary data of one experimental and one control group, 80 university students altogether. The results of the pre-test showed no significant difference between the two groups. The experimental group was taught with the help of the Discord application, while the control group was dealing with the traditional educational process, that is, 180 min every week in a classroom with a textbook and no electronic educational resources. Results of the t-test indicated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group on a researcher-made vocabulary post-test. A post-treatment speaking test was administered—the participants took part in speaking interviews where they were asked to give a short speech on one of the topics studied during the experimental training. The representatives of the experimental group managed to use more vocabulary items per person correctly (pronunciation, lexical combinability, etc.). The findings revealed that the suggested way of using the Discord application may positively influence the acquisition of EFL vocabulary and its further application in speaking. Hence, it is recommended that the Discord application be used as a tool in the EFL vocabulary teaching and learning process to reinforce in-class tasks and activities.