Reliability of Zepp baseball on batting velocity / Raja Nurul Jannat Raja Hussain … [et al.]

In baseball and softball sports, one of the important characteristic of a successful hitter is having a fast bat swing velocity. Therefore, it is crucial to measure changes of batting velocity in training and during competitive matches. This paper quantifies the reliability of a small wearable sensor that was designed to be used in baseball and softball sports. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) manufactured by Zepp Lab, USA was used to measure the batting velocity in softball. A single female collegiate softball player completed sixty tee swings of two pre-determined swing velocities. Results from moderate velocity Vm (25.5 ± 3.5 m/s), and fast velocity range Vf (34.5 ± 3.5 m/s) were obtained. Data were collected concurrently with a 3- Dimensional (3D) motion analysis system (Qualisys Motion Capture). The reliability of the IMU was determined based on the Pearson Correlation and Intraclass Correlation (ICC) values between the IMU and the 3D data. Results indicated strong and moderate correlation between the IMU and the 3D data (Vm, r = 0.89; Vf, r = 0.59). The ICC for Vm (0.89) showed strong agreement, while fair agreement showed for Vf (0.37). However, for a total of sixty swings of two different velocities showed almost perfect agreement (ICC = 0.94). These results indicate that the Zepp Baseball device has an acceptable level of reliability in measuring batting velocity during different swing velocity ranges and it is suitable to be use in a softball-related research environment

Measurement of the educational environment in MBBS teaching program, according to DREEM in College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan

Karimeldin MA Salih,1,2 Muawia EA Idris,1 Omer A Elfaki,3 Nasir MN Osman,4 Saada M Nour,5 Hind A Elsidig,6 Rahamatalla M Toam,7 Walyeldin EM Elfakey1 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan; 2Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Health Professional Education, Medical College, University of Batterjee, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan; 5Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan; 6Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan; 7Faculty Registrar, College of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan Introduction: Learning environment might be defined as anything that can affect the learning directly or indirectly. During the era of accreditation and quality assurance, we are badly in need to evaluate our program strength and pick possible areas for curriculum reform.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of medical students in the University of Bahri (UB) about the educational environment and analyze the variation of this perception with gender, level of study, type of intake, type of certificate, and accommodation.Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, UB, in Sudan during July–August 2017, enrolling 347 students. Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was used as a survey tool for this study.Results: Overall DREEM average score of 125.2997/200 is perceived. This score is distributed in all DREEM subclasses.Conclusion: Having some negative perceptions is a huge burden on policymakers, administration, and all stakeholders to revise the whole educational environment at the UB with special efforts needed for curriculum revision, faculty development, mentoring, and other skills development. Keywords: DREEM, measurement, educational environment, perception

Empirical Framework for Tackling Recurring Project Management Challenges Using Knowledge Management Mechanisms

The construction industry is termed as a highly risky industry, considering the alarming rate of recurring challenges and its negative impact on the economy, man, and his environment. This study aimed to develop a framework using knowledge management in tackling recurring problems in the Nigerian construction industry. The data instrument was a well-designed questionnaire directed at construction professionals. Out of the 80 questionnaires distributed, the study used 78 (97.5%) questionnaires for analysis. The study identified corruption, inadequate planning measures, and reduced government policies as the main factors influencing recurring project management challenges in the Nigerian construction industry. The study revealed significant knowledge management strategies used by Nigerian construction professionals, which include the use of emails, face-to-face interactions, and brainstorming sessions. The knowledge management strategies are further classified into data mining based, traditional based, and mobile technology-based knowledge management strategies in the construction sector. The primary benefits associated with knowledge management mechanisms in the construction industry include high growth performance, aid decision making, and innovation in the construction sector. Further classification showed that these benefits are mainly performancebased and collaboration and learning-based benefits. The study proposed a knowledge management framework for tackling recurring challenges in the Nigerian construction industry. Some recommendations drawn from the findings and conclusions can be found in this study