The University School of Physical Education in Krakow (AWF; Polish: Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego w Krakowie) is an institution of higher education in Kraków, Poland.
Dung-based surveys are widely used to estimate the abundance and population density of elusive forest mammals. The accuracy of these survey depends on reliable estimates of dung density, defaecation rate, and dung survival (decay) time, which may vary with season and habitat. This study evaluated the survival time of dung from antelopes, buffaloes, and gorillas in the Congo basin rainforest of South-East Cameroon, comparing less disturbed forests represented by the Nki and Boumba Bek national parks with more disturbed forests represented by Forest Management Unit (FMU) 10018. A total of 336 dung piles were monitored during the long rainy season (2022), short rainy season (2023), and long dry season (2024) until complete decomposition. Dung survival time differed significantly among mammal species, seasons, and habitats (P<0.05). For all three mammal species, dung persisted longest during the long dry season, and shortest during the short rainy season. In the short rainy season, mean dung survival time was 2.44 and 2.34 days for antelopes in the park and FMU, respectively, 1.35 and 1.17 days for gorillas, and 22.07 days for buffaloes in the park. Across habitats and seasons, gorilla dung exhibited the shortest overall mean survival time (2.01 days), whereas buffalo dung persisted for the longest period. Field observations indicates that dung removal by dung beetles was the principal driver of dung disappearance, although rainfall and other environmental factors also contributed to decomposition. The findings demonstrated that dung survival time varies substantially among mammal species, habitats and seasons. Consequently, habitat and season specific estimates of dung-based survival time are essential for improving the accuracy of dung-based estimates of mammal abundance and population density in the Congo basin rainforest of Central Africa.
The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two resistance training load progression methods-linear and step-on peak torque and power of knee extensors and flexors during the preseason of a Polish First League soccer team across two seasons. Differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs were analyzed, with progression tracked by tempo of movement and time under tension. Velocity-based training with a linear transducer ensured standardized intensity. Sixteen players from the same club participated in both seasons: 2021/2022 (linear) and 2022/2023 (step). Three-way ANOVA showed a significant leg × training × mesocycle interaction in the knee extensor and flexor peak torque. The post hoc test showed significant differences in peak torque between the dominant and nondominant legs during both progressive load methods - 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons, both before and after the training intervention (p < 0.05). Knee extensors: The dominant leg showed higher values compared to the non-dominant leg. However, there were no significant differences during the 2022/2023 season (p > 0.05). Knee flexors: No difference in peak torque values between the dominant and non-dominant legs before the training intervention - 2022/2023 season. The conducted studies clearly indicate a greater effectiveness of the step load progression, however it also significantly affected bilateral asymmetry.
Background Doping poses a threat to the integrity of sport and the health of athletes who dope, including university students. In this systematic review, we identified the content of anti-doping education that universities provide, the disciplines mainly targeted by such education (e.g., sports science, medicine, physiotherapy, etc.), and the effectiveness of anti-doping education on university students’ anti-doping knowledge, attitudes, and other related constructs. Method We systematically searched the literature using nine different search engines, manually searched relevant journals, and used pearl growing. Results This review included four studies comprising 1,410 university students. The content of the education programmes varied, although information about prohibited substances and rules was included in all interventions. Two studies targeted a specific cohort of students (e.g., medical and sports science students), whereas the other two recruited university students without specifying the subject discipline. All intervention programmes had a positive impact on doping knowledge, two studies had a positive effect on anti-doping attitudes, and one study impacted morality. Conclusions These four studies are essential, but methodological limitations mean that better-designed education interventions for university students are required. Researchers could assess the effectiveness of education interventions on anti-doping knowledge and key psycho-social variables among this population.
