Search Results (46)

Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) has significant advantages for microencapsulating compounds in various structures using biopolymers, where more research using pure starch is required. Concerning this, jicama starch and its hydrolysates have not yet been tested, despite their unique characteristics, which come from an alternative low-value-added crop source. Rapid acid hydrolysis of jicama starch with H₂SO₄ resulted in dextrins with a degree of hydrolysis (DE) from 0.4 to 19% within 1–12 h, and syrup solids at 24 h (DE = 42%). This process modifies the water retention capacity of jicama starch, gel viscosity, surface tension, and electrical conductivity. Hydrolyzed starch particles obtained by electrospraying (10 kV, L = 10 cm, Q = 2 mL/h) showed Feret diameters and roundness significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.05) by the degree of hydrolysis rather than the concentration of solids. It was found that hydrolyzed jicama starch with a DE < 6.3% can be used as the sole wall material to form particles by electrospraying, as they facilitate the formation of stable and rounded like-microspheres particles; this was not feasible above this threshold. The results suggest that the jicama starch’s ability to be used as a wall material in the electrospray synthesis of particles or microspheres appears to be determined by the degree of hydrolysis. Full article

Currently, emerging technologies such as digital twins, through the application of frontier techniques, have achieved physics-based simulations that reduce time and costs. Hence, its application is of the utmost importance in the industry, mainly in the sugar drying process of sugar mills for an updated version of the process. Sugar mills lack process control, leading to unexpected issues. Sugar mills with poor process control cause operational problems. This article presents significant innovation in the field of industrial process optimisation through the integration of digital twins with the k-ε standard model in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The primary objective of this publication is to predict the ideal conditions of a centrifugal sugar dryer using CFD through the k-ε standard model to analyse the aerodynamic behaviour of the ambient air by applying heat through heat exchangers to obtain a suitable mass flow. The mathematical model was carried out under an energy balance to the thermodynamic system to study the behaviour through a simulation in MATLAB R2017 and an air-fluid simulation of drying with software CFD 2015. The results proved that the model of the thermal system and frontier conditions, when applying CFD, carried our simulation and remained stable. The ideal operating conditions of the centrifugal sugar dryer can be predicted effectively, with an energy saving of 4.25%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are globally recognized as a high-risk group for tuberculosis (TB) infection. However, limited data exist on the prevalence of latent TB infection (LTBI) and associated occupational risk factors in the Mexican context. Identifying the burden of LTBI is essential for effective prevention. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI among HCWs in a tertiary care hospital in Mexico and to explore associated risk factors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 HCWs (including physicians, nurses, and stretcher-bearers) at a tertiary-level hospital in Mexico. Sociodemographic and occupational data were collected through a structured questionnaire. LTBI screening was performed using the tuberculin skin test (TST), with positive results confirmed via the QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay. Associations between relevant variables and LTBI were assessed using logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: The prevalence of LTBI was 16.7%. After adjusting for confounders, male HCWs had significantly higher odds of LTBI compared to females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–3.80). Although elevated odds of LTBI were also observed among physicians, stretcher-bearers, and those with direct contact with TB patients, these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: LTBI represents a relevant occupational health issue among HCWs, with nearly one in six workers affected. Early detection and prevention of TB in healthcare settings are critical to protecting individual workers and public health. These findings highlight the need to strengthen occupational TB surveillance and prevention strategies in similar healthcare environments. Full article

In the school context, the teacher–student interaction style plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal adolescent functioning. Over recent years, the significance of transformational teacher leadership in fostering student engagement and positive development has been underscored. This study aimed to examine the correlations between transformational leadership and adolescent self-esteem, motor self-efficacy, enjoyment in physical education classes, and intention for future physical activity. This research used an associative and predictive strategy. A total of 429 adolescents from Málaga, aged between 14 and 16 years (M = 14.97; SD = 0.85), participated in this research, which employed an associative, comparative, and predictive approach. The Transformational Teaching Questionnaire (TTQ), Motor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), Intrinsic Satisfaction in Sport Instrument (SSI-EF), and Intention of Being Physically Active Scale (MIFA) were utilized for variable assessment. Correlation, Multiple Regression, and cluster analyses revealed statistically significant correlations between transformational leadership and self-esteem, motor self-efficacy, enjoyment, and future activity intention. Specifically, it was revealed that motivational inspiration predicts self-esteem, motor self-efficacy, enjoyment, and intention for physical activity, whereas intellectual stimulation predicts motor self-efficacy, enjoyment, and intention for physical activity. Notably, the transformational leadership factors of intellectual stimulation and motivational inspiration were observed to predict scores across other variables, particularly enjoyment in physical education classes, both overall and by gender. These findings suggest that transformational leadership in physical education classes can significantly enhance student experiences, thereby promoting adherence to physical activity and healthy lifestyles among adolescents. Full article

The KM3NeT Collaboration is building an underwater neutrino observatory at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, consisting of two neutrino telescopes, both composed of a three-dimensional array of light detectors, known as digital optical modules. Each digital optical module contains a set of 31 three-inch photomultiplier tubes distributed over the surface of a 0.44 m diameter pressure-resistant glass sphere. The module also includes calibration instruments and electronics for power, readout, and data acquisition. The power board was developed to supply power to all the elements of the digital optical module. The design of the power board began in 2013, and ten prototypes were produced and tested. After an exhaustive validation process in various laboratories within the KM3NeT Collaboration, a mass production batch began, resulting in the construction of over 1200 power boards so far. These boards were integrated in the digital optical modules that have already been produced and deployed, which total 828 as of October 2023. In 2017, an upgrade of the power board, to increase reliability and efficiency, was initiated. The validation of a pre-production series has been completed, and a production batch of 800 upgraded boards is currently underway. This paper describes the design, architecture, upgrade, validation, and production of the power board, including the reliability studies and tests conducted to ensure safe operation at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea throughout the observatory’s lifespan. Full article

Previous research has highlighted that active lifestyles that contribute to improved physical fitness are positively related to cognitive functioning in children and adolescents. Specifically, the increase in physical condition at school age is considered relevant because it is related to better cognitive ability and greater academic performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between explosive strength, speed–agility, and fluid reasoning in schoolchildren. To achieve this objective, an associative, comparative, and predictive design was used in this research. A total of 129 children participated in this study (age: M = 9.48; SD = 0.99). To assess fluid reasoning, the Raven test’s Standard Progressive Matrices Subtest and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) were used. To assess physical fitness, the speed–agility test and the horizontal jump test (ALPHA-fitness battery tests), as well as the ball throw test (2 kg), were used. The results showed that the speed–agility test significantly predicted WISC-V Fluid Reasoning Index scores, and the medicine ball toss test significantly predicted Raven test scores. The results obtained highlight the associations between physical condition at these ages and fluid intelligence. This suggests that promoting active lifestyles that improve physical fitness could have a positive impact on children’s cognitive health. Full article

Generalizability theory (GT) has been used throughout the scientific literature to ensure validity, reliability, and generalizability in different sport contexts. However, there is a small number of studies examining the measurement of psychological profiles in sport from this perspective. Therefore, this study’s main goal is the sources of variability and the optimal measurement design estimation for a good assessment of the psychological profile in track and field. The sample consisted of 470 participants (age: Average= 32.1; Standar Desviation = 13.5). The analysis of variance and generalizability component analysis has been performed in order to test the reliability and generalizability of the sample. The profile included the following variables: flow, motivation (from Self-Determination Theory and Achievement Goals), self-confidence, and psychological skills. Results confirm that the sample has a high degree of reliability and generalizability in all the tested models. So, a detailed study on the validity, reliability, and generalizability of samples and measures should be an inherent element in the practice of psychological counseling in sports. Full article

The use of electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) in the rehabilitation of injuries has been widely referenced in the psychological literature. However, despite some pioneering work in the field of sports, its use in the rehabilitation of sports injuries has hardly been explored. A case of two professional soccer players who each suffered a distal radius fracture is presented here. Parallel to the rehabilitation plan established by medical services, an intervention strategy using EMG-BF was established. An EMG-BF intervention was performed on the brachioradialis muscle with the aim of improving the voluntary control of its electromyographic activity. The study protocol was registered with the identifier NCT05376072. An ABA design was used. In each session, a pre- and postline was recorded to determine the EMG gain acquired at each point of the session. After six sessions, the intervention was terminated. One more follow-up session was performed. The results obtained indicated the efficacy of the intervention; a statistically significant increase in muscle activity in the brachioradialis muscle was observed. Full article

The objective of this study was to analyse the correlations among the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, self-confidence and the flow state of young football players. Additionally, potential distinctions based on age category, competitive level and field position were explored. This study included 328 participants divided into two groups: Group 1, 14–15 year olds, and Group 2, 16–18 year olds (M = 15.85; SD = 1.44). Data were collected by using the Psychological Inventory of Sports Execution (IPED), the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) and the Flow State Scale (FSS). The findings revealed positive associations between the sports psychological profile and self-confidence, as well as with the flow state. Conversely, competitive anxiety demonstrated negative relationships with the sports psychological profile, self-confidence and the state of flow. Moreover, superior scores were observed in the analysed variables for the older age category and higher competitive level, with no notable disparities based on field positions. These results underscore the interplay of psychological factors in the performance of football players and underline distinctions among players according to their category (age and level). This emphasises the importance of scrutinising these variables in athletes to comprehend their profiles and enable targeted interventions aimed at enhancing their psychological resources for competitive scenarios. Full article

New technologies have improved the efficiency and sustainability of psychosocial research. However, online assessment tools may differ from traditional paper-based ones in different domains. This study aims to provide an updated perspective of the online assessment advantages of a psychosocial platform called MenPas 1.0. A literature review was conducted, choosing validated questionnaire studies located in the MenPas 1.0 platform, specifically, motivation and hypnosis questionnaires. A total of five studies showing the psychometric properties of psychosocial evaluation tools were analysed and compared with their previous paper-based studies. In addition, internet impact over the last 20 years was analysed according to gender, age, nationality, and employment status. Finally, a conclusion was drawn on the impact of these tools on sustainability. The results showed that online studies have a higher number of participants (5866 users in 5 studies versus 5623 participants in 11 studies) and higher reliability rates than those of previous paper-based ones. A decrease in the social gap over the years was also found and the contribution of online tools to sustainability was discussed. This study could show the importance of the analysis of psychometric properties in online tools, the need for further research, and encourage their use in psychosocial assessment. Full article

Electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) is a technique that can contribute to the improvement of muscle tone and control in the rehabilitation process after injury. The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of EMG-BF in increasing the electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis after knee injury. The sample consisted of four individuals who had undergone surgery or rehabilitation to resolve either a partial meniscal tear or a patellar tendon strain. The intervention consisted of a program of ten sessions of EMG-BF work. Twelve trials were performed in each session, in which participants were instructed to target the muscle tension produced by the vastus lateralis of the uninjured hemilateral limb. Of the twelve trials in each session, the first three and the last three were performed without feedback, and the intermediate six with feedback. The recording of muscle activity was performed using CY-351/2 Mioback equipment, which allowed the amplitude of the electromyographic signal to be evaluated. The results indicated that the sample analyzed reached greater amplitude during the biofeedback trials, both for the maximum (Z = −13.43, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.64, 95% CI (0.27, 1.01)) and mean (Z = −7.26, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.24, 95% CI (−0.12, 0.60)) values. The amplitude also increased throughout the ten sessions, both for the maximum (Z = −3.06, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.37, 95% CI (0.29, 2.45)) and mean (Z = −3.06, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.20, 95% CI (0.34, 2.08)) values. Thus, the results highlight the efficacy of this technique in improving muscle activity, suggesting that it is a useful therapeutic procedure in injury recovery. Full article

In industrial applications based on texture classification, efficient and fast classifiers are extremely useful for quality control of industrial processes. The classifier of texture images has to satisfy two requirements: It must be efficient and fast. In this work, a texture unit is coded in parallel, and using observation windows larger than $3\times 3$, a new texture spectrum called Texture Spectrum based on the Parallel Encoded Texture Unit (TS_PETU) is proposed, calculated, and used as a characteristic vector in a multi-class classifier, and then two image databases are classified. The first database contains images from the company Interceramic^®® and the images were acquired under controlled conditions, and the second database contains tree stems and the images were acquired in natural environments. Based on our experimental results, the TS_PETU satisfied both requirements (efficiency and speed), was developed for binary images, and had high efficiency, and its compute time could be reduced by applying parallel coding concepts. The classification efficiency increased by using larger observational windows, and this one was selected based on the window size. Since the TS_PETU had high efficiency for Interceramic^®® tile classification, we consider that the proposed technique has significant industrial applications. Full article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons for which effective therapies are lacking. One of the most explored areas of research in ALS is the discovery and validation of biomarkers that can be applied to clinical practice and incorporated into the development of innovative therapies. The study of biomarkers requires an adequate theoretical and operational framework, highlighting the “fit-for-purpose” concept and distinguishing different types of biomarkers based on common terminology. In this review, we aim to discuss the current status of fluid-based prognostic and predictive biomarkers in ALS, with particular emphasis on those that are the most promising ones for clinical trial design and routine clinical practice. Neurofilaments in cerebrospinal fluid and blood are the main prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Furthermore, several candidates exist covering various pathological aspects of the disease, such as immune, metabolic and muscle damage markers. Urine has been studied less often and should be explored for its possible advantages. New advances in the knowledge of cryptic exons introduce the possibility of discovering new biomarkers. Collaborative efforts, prospective studies and standardized procedures are needed to validate candidate biomarkers. A combined biomarkers panel can provide a more detailed disease status. Full article

This study is based on frameworks of the eudaimonic activity model and the basic psychological needs theory, with two purposes: one, to prove the validity of a translation and adaptation of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale; two, to analyze how the basic psychological satisfaction and frustration needs influences the well-being of university physical activity and sports students, through sex. A total of 830 University students of physical activity and sports with an age between 17 and 31 years (M = 20.70 years; ±2.96) participated. The sample was divided into two subsamples by random selection of 50% of the cases, preserving the relative distribution of sex and age. The first subsample was used to validate the adaptation of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale to Spanish as spoken in Mexico (Study 1); and the second subsample was used to test a proposed sequential theoretical model (Study 2). In Study 1, the CFA supported the structure of six factors—satisfaction of needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence; frustration of needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence (RMSR = 0.04; RMSEA = 0.046; TLI = 0.93; CFI = 0.94)—as well as the structure of six first-order factors plus two second-order factors—psychological need satisfaction and psychological need frustration (RMSR = 0.05; RMSEA = 0.055; TLI; CFI = 0.91). Both structures were equivalent between men and women. In Study 2, the results of the structural equations model show good fit (RMSEA = 0.05; TLI = 0.90; CFI = 0.92), indicating that the needs satisfied and frustrated contribute in a unique way to indicators of eudaimonic well-being (i.e., subjective vitality) and subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction), being equivalent through sex. In conclusion, satisfaction of competence, relationships and autonomy are essential nutrients for a positive performance in this sample. Full article

Physical activity and diet are two predominant determinants of population health status that may influence each other. Physical activity has been identified as a behavior that may lead to a healthier diet and regulates eating behaviors. This research aimed to investigate how the level of physical activity is associated with the motivation related to eating behaviors and, consequently, the eating style individuals have on a daily basis. This was a cross-sectional study in which participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed the following variables: the level of physical activity, the motivation toward eating behavior, and the type of eating behavior. In total, 440 individuals (180 men and 260 women) who regularly exercised in gyms and fitness centers aged between 19 and 64 years (M = 33.84; SD = 10.09) took part in the study. The data were collected following the Declaration of Helsinki and with the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic of Leiria. For the statistical analysis, mean and standard deviations were first calculated, as well as bivariate correlations between all the variables of interest. Then, structural equation model analyses were performed considering the levels of physical activity as the independent variable, motivations toward eating behavior as the mediators, and eating styles as the dependent variables. It was concluded that a greater level of physical activity leads to a more self-determined type of eating regulation, which in turn results in less constricted eating behaviors that are influenced by external factors and emotional factors. Full article