Browsing by Subject "Training"

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CortexVR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using virtual reality and machine learning
(2022) Krupitzer, Christian; Naber, Jens; Stauffert, Jan-Philipp; Mayer, Jan; Spielmann, Jan; Ehmann, Paul; Boci, Noel; Bürkle, Maurice; Ho, André; Komorek, Clemens; Heinickel, Felix; Kounev, Samuel; Becker, Christian; Latoschik, Marc Erich
Goal: This paper presents an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system to analyze and train Executive Functions (EFs) of soccer players. EFs are important cognitive functions for athletes. They are a relevant quality that distinguishes amateurs from professionals. Method: The system is based on immersive technology, hence, the user interacts naturally and experiences a training session in a virtual world. The proposed system has a modular design supporting the extension of various so-called game modes. Game modes combine selected game mechanics with specific simulation content to target particular training aspects. The system architecture decouples selection/parameterization and analysis of training sessions via a coaching app from an Unity3D-based VR simulation core. Monitoring of user performance and progress is recorded by a database that sends the necessary feedback to the coaching app for analysis. Results: The system is tested for VR-critical performance criteria to reveal the usefulness of a new interaction paradigm in the cognitive training and analysis of EFs. Subjective ratings for overall usability show that the design as VR application enhances the user experience compared to a traditional desktop app; whereas the new, unfamiliar interaction paradigm does not negatively impact the effort for using the application. Conclusion: The system can provide immersive training of EF in a fully virtual environment, eliminating potential distraction. It further provides an easy-to-use analyzes tool to compare user but also an automatic, adaptive training mode.
Fecal cortisol metabolites indicate increased stress levels in horses during breaking-in: a pilot study
(2025) Krieber, Julia; Nowak, Aurelia C.; Geissberger, Jakob; Illichmann, Oliver; Macho-Maschler, Sabine; Palme, Rupert; Dengler, Franziska; Krieber, Julia; Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria, (A.C.N.);; Nowak, Aurelia C.; Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria, (A.C.N.);; Geissberger, Jakob; Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria, (A.C.N.);; Illichmann, Oliver; Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria, (A.C.N.);; Macho-Maschler, Sabine; Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;; Palme, Rupert; Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;; Dengler, Franziska; Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria, (A.C.N.);; Madigan, John
Sport horses are frequently exposed to situations that were identified as stressors, indicated by an increased cortisol release, which might impair animal welfare. However, while many studies deal with the impact of exercise, transport, and competition on stress in horses, little is known about the early phase of a horse’s sports career and studies investigating the stress level of young horses during breaking-in are limited. To compare stress levels in unridden horses, horses during breaking-in, and horses in training we collected fecal samples of young, unridden horses ( n = 28) and of horses in different training stages ( n = 13) and measured fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentrations. Our preliminary results showed that FCM concentrations of unridden horses were significantly lower than those of horses in training (Mann–Whitney rank sum test, p < 0.001). Particularly in the first year under the saddle FCMs were significantly higher than in unridden horses (one way ANOVA + post hoc Holm–Sidak test, p < 0.05), with a tendency for FCM levels to decrease with time in training. Furthermore, we observed that within the group of ridden horses there was a larger range of variability in FCM levels, suggesting individual variations regarding their ability to deal with (training-induced) stress. These results indicate that breaking-in is a stressful time for young horses, underlining the importance of carrying out the initial training as carefully as possible.
Skill needs for sustainable agri-food and forestry sectors (I): Assessment through European and National Focus Groups
(2022) Mayor, Luis; Lindner, Line F.; Knöbl, Christoph F.; Ramalho, Ana; Berruto, Remigio; Sanna, Francesca; Rossi, Daniele; Tomao, Camilla; Goodburn, Billy; Avila, Concha; Leijdens, Marg; Stollewerk, Katharina; Bregler, Michael; Koidis, Christos; Morin, Alexandre; Miličić, Vesna; Fadini, Giulia; Lazaro-Mojica, Jonas; Busato, Patrizia
The agri-food and forestry sectors are under increasing pressure to adapt to climate change, consumer concern, technological and economic change, and complex global value chains. In turn, such challenges require that the necessary skills and competences are identified at various levels and within specific areas of the sectors. For that purpose, eleven focus groups in nine different EU-countries and two at EU-level were organized within the ERASMUS+ project “FIELDS” with the participation of farmers, cooperatives, agri-food companies, foresters, forest industries, advisors, and education providers to identify the skills needed in the agri-food and forestry sectors. The focus group participants identified business and strategic management skills, communication skills, and other skills related to sustainability, entrepreneurship, digital and soft skills to be most important for the agri-food and forestry sectors as a whole.