Mini-Review: practice organization beyond memory processes

Background: The benefits of variable practice in motor learning have been traditionally explained by the increased demand for memory processes induced by trial-to-trial changes. Recently, a new perspective associating increased demand for perception with variable practice has emerged. Aim: This revision aims to present and discuss the findings in this exciting topic newly opened. Results / Interpretation: In the second half of 2010’s, a number of studies have pointed out differences in perceptual processing when compared variable and repetitive practices. Different levels of (a) hemodynamic activation, (b) electroencephalographic activity, (c) neurochemical activity, and (d) oculomotor behavior have provided evidence that perceptual processes are affected differently by variable and repetitive practices.

Zavedovat’ or zavedyvat’?

The purpose of the article is to provide a historical explanation of how the spelling rule of the verb zaveduyu – zavedovat’ arose. The main research method is analytical, involving the analysis of the morphemic and word-forming structure of the verb, as well as the method of observing the historically variable practice of using the verbs zavedovat’ and zavedyvat’, as well as verbs with other prefixes that are of the same root with them. The study found that the normative spelling of zaveduyu – zavedovat’ is not etymological, which arose due to the peculiarities of Russian stressed vocalism and the analogical influence of nominative, not verbal verbs. The results obtained will contribute to the conscious attitude of teachers and students to the spelling norms of the Russian language.

Statistical Analysis of Green Laboratory Practice Survey: Conservation on Non-Distilled Water from Distillation Process

The water crisis is identified as the most serious global risk for the coming decade. Distilled water is one of the on-demand elements in academic laboratories; however, water scarcity may eventually affect the education sector, necessitating the implementation of new policies. Human behavior, awareness, knowledge, and opinion is having an impact on water management; accordingly, a questionnaire was purposely designed and validated to assess these variables in a Malaysian public university regarding the use of non-distilled water produced by the distillation process. An exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors: “concept of green laboratory and water”, “usage of non-distilled water”, “knowledge about water distillation”, and “behavior related to water conservation”. Using the Mann–Whitney U test to compare laboratory and non-laboratory users’ responses, the variables “Knowledge”, “Behavior”, and “Opinion” revealed statistically significant differences, with laboratory users scoring higher in all four variables. Employing the Kruskal–Wallis H test in an occupation-based comparison among laboratory users, and with an additional variable “Practice”, showed that “Lecturer” has the highest mean rank for “Awareness”, “Behavior”, and “Opinion”, while “Laboratory Assistant” has the highest mean rank for “Knowledge”. This study provides a rationale analysis for future insights to educate faculty members about the reuse of non-distilled water sustainably.

Variable Practice May Enhance Ball Catching Skills in Some but Not All Children With DCD

Children with DCD exhibit many motor issues including ball catching, which have not been addressed clinically. The purpose of this study was to examine if variable practice can improve one-handed catching performance of five boys with DCD with severe (M = 11.1 years, SD = .7) and moderate movement problems (M = 11. 7 years, SD = .9). Both groups attended 12 sessions, with 8 blocks of 10 attempts, across four different ball velocities. Children with moderate issues caught more balls at post- and transfer test, as compared to pre-test. Kinematic profiles showed that both groups exhibited stable configuration of the catching arm; however, only children with moderate issues increased (peak) velocity, degree of spatial adaptations, and extended the pre-programmed ballistic phase of the action. Thus, variable practice appeared to be effective for children with moderate issues but not those with severe problems. In line with VPH hypothesis, these improvements were due to strengthening of the schema responsible for spatial and temporal adaptations of the end effector.

465 No Role for Postoperative Antibiotics in Uncomplicated Appendicitis

Introduction Several studies have shown benefit from use of preoperative antibiotics in reducing postoperative infection after appendectomy as well as efficacy of postoperative antibiotics in complicated appendicitis (defined as perforated appendix or presence of pus in peritoneum). While for uncomplicated appendicitis, several studies showed no benefit from antibiotics postoperatively but there are no clear NICE guidelines till now and so surgeons have different practice based on their preferences. Method This study included patients who had appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis in Worthing hospital from 1st July 2019 till 30th June 2020. The end point was 30-day follow up postoperatively for wound infection or collection. Results 90 patients were admitted with uncomplicated appendicitis with age 6-80 years (mean of 31.3). 46 patients (51%) did not receive postoperative antibiotics (group A) and 44 (49%) received postoperative antibiotics (group B) with a variable practice from one dose to 8-day course. postoperatively, only 1 patient (2.1%) in group A developed wound infection requiring drainage while none in group B developed complications (p-value=1). Conclusions Administration of postoperative antibiotics in uncomplicated appendicitis showed no superiority over non-administration. in addition, they add extra cost on NHS. So, their routine use postoperatively is not recommended, however, larger studies are required to confirm this.

Engaging Communities in the Design of Homes and Neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand

Community engagement in Aotearoa New Zealand is a variable practice. Generally driven by local and central government, much of it could be described as superficial at worst and naïve at best. This paper sets out concerns with existing practice as evidenced by my own experiences working on projects with local and central government. Drawing heavily on Atawhai Tibble’s tips for engaging with Māori, I outline how we might move engagement towards meaningful practice that is rooted in the Aotearoa New Zealand context.