Search Results (95)

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the external load demands of players from the Spanish women’s national football teams across the U-17, U-20, and senior categories during their respective FIFA World Cup participations. Key kinematic variables were assessed via global positioning systems (GPS), including total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR; ≥18 km·h⁻¹), sprint distance (≥21 km·h⁻¹), accelerations (>3 m·s⁻²), decelerations (<–3 m·s⁻²), and high metabolic load distance (HMLD) during 3 world cups (U17, U20 and senior). Significant differences were observed between the senior team and both U-20 and U-17 in nearly all variables, with greater magnitude as the intensity of the metrics increased, showing effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large (d = 0.95 to 4.76). Positional analysis by categories showed that senior full backs (FB) and central midfielders (CM) showed higher demands compared to U-20 and U-17. For TD, senior covered more than U-17 (FB: p = 0.001; d = 1.11 | CM: p = 0.023; d = 0.97), with small differences vs. U-20 (d ≤ 0.54). In HSR, both positions outperformed U-17 and U-20 (FB: p ≤ 0.007; d = 0.87–1.15 | CM: p ≤ 0.031; d = 0.71–1.11). In HMLD, both FB and CM displayed very large differences compared to U-17 and U-20 (all p < 0.001; d = 2.54–6.16). These findings underscore the need for progressive development of locomotor capacities from early stages, considering both age category and playing position, to facilitate a more seamless transition to elite-level football. Full article

Background/Objectives: The role of body composition in sports performance has been widely studied, particularly in soccer. Understanding how anthropometric characteristics impact movement efficiency and neuromuscular performance is crucial for optimizing player performance. This study examined the relationship between body composition and locomotor performance in elite soccer players. Methods: Thirty-six male soccer players from the Mexican National Team participated in the study, where body composition was assessed using surface anthropometry. Players underwent tests to measure countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, sprinting speed, maximum acceleration, and distance covered during two games of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Correlation matrices were created to identify the most significant associations, followed by generalized linear models (GLMs) to associate body composition variables with performance metrics. Results: Anthropometric profile tables were created by playing position. Higher body fat percentage (%BF) was associated with lower performance. Specifically, higher %BF was associated with slower sprint speed (B = −0.74 m/s, p < 0.001) and shorter distance covered (B = −4.86 m/min, p < 0.001). Conversely, greater muscularity, reflected by corrected girth values for the thigh and calf, was associated with improved CMJ performance. Thigh corrected girth was positively associated with concentric mean force (B = 48.85 N, p < 0.001), and calf corrected girth was positively associated with peak power (B = 240.50 W, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of low body fat and high lean mass for efficient movement. Conclusions: The results highlight the critical role of body composition in enhancing soccer performance, particularly for explosive movements like jumps, sprints, and accelerations. This study suggests that monitoring and optimizing body composition should be a central focus of nutrition, training, and conditioning strategies, adapted to the specific positional demands of professional soccer. Full article

Material stocks (MS) serve as essential physical foundations for socio–economic systems, reflecting the accumulation, transformation, and consumption of resources over time and space. Positioned at the intersection of environmental and socio–economic systems, MS are increasingly recognized as leverage points for advancing sustainability. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive overview, making it difficult to fully capture the latest developments and cutting–edge research. We adopt a systems perspective to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric and thematic review of 602 scholarly publications on MS research. The results showed that MS research encompasses has three development periods: preliminary exploration (before 2007), rapid development (2007–2016), and expansion and deepening (after 2016). MS research continues to deepen, gathering multiple teams and differentiating into diverse topics. MS research has evolved from simple accounting to intersection with socio–economic, resources, and environmental systems, and shifted from relying on statistical data to integrating high–spatio–temporal–resolution geographic big data. MS research is shifting from problem revelation to problem solving, constantly achieving new developments and improvements. In the future, it is still necessary to refine MS spatio–temporal distribution, reveal MS’s evolution mechanism, establish standardized databases, strengthen interaction with other systems, enhance problem–solving abilities, and provide powerful guidance for the formulation of dematerialization and decarbonization policies to achieve sustainable development. Full article

The restoration of gold leaf on sandstone sculptures requires structural stability, aesthetic considerations, and compliance with the principles of cultural heritage preservation. A primary issue is achieving visual and material compatibility between newly restored and original areas. Based on the “Diagnosis–Analysis–Selection–Restoration” methodology, the research team developed a targeted restoration approach for gilded stone sculptures, using the Shakyamuni sculpture at Erfo Temple in Chongqing as a case study. Assessment of the current situation revealed that over 70% of the sculpture’s surface exhibited gold leaf delamination. The composition and structure of the gold-sizing lacquer, lacquer plaster filler, ground layers, and pigments were investigated using SEM-EDS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and THM-Py-GC/MS techniques. The results confirmed that the sculpture featured a typical multilayer gilding structure with clear evidence of historical restorations. Considering both material performance and interfacial compatibility, an NHL2/SiO₂/SF016 composite emulsion and traditional lacquer plaster were selected as the optimal materials for reattachment and infill, respectively. A scientific restoration protocol was developed, encompassing gentle cleaning, targeted reattachment and reinforcement, and region-specific repair methods. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the influence of temperature and humidity on the curing behavior of lacquer layers. Additionally, a non-invasive gold leaf color-matching technique was developed by controlling the surface roughness of the gold-sizing lacquer, effectively avoiding the damage caused by traditional color-matching methods. Full article

Introduction: Timed Twenty-Five Foot Walk (T25FW) and Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDSs) are measures commonly used for people with MS (PwMS). However, there is limited knowledge about the utility of using the measures to customize interventions. Aim: This exploratory study aimed to assess the correlation between T25FW and PDDS among PwMS enrolled in the Tele-Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis (TEAMS) study. Methods: The correlation was examined through a Spearman’s rho statistic for T25FW time and PDDS scores. Associations between TEAMS Intervention levels (T25FW baseline benchmarks: <6 s, 6–7.99 s, >8 s, unable to complete) and the PDDS-modified ranges (0–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7) were examined utilizing a chi-square test with Monte Carlo simulations. Results: The results showed a strong statistically significant positive correlation between the T25FW time and the PDDS scores (r_s = 0.72, p < 0.001). An additional Spearman’s correlation showed strong significant positive correlation between T25FW baseline benchmarks and PDDS-modified ranges used for intervention assignment (r_s = 0.73, p < 0.001). A chi-square with Monte Carlo simulations showed a significant association between the TEAMS Intervention Level and PDDS-modified ranges (p = 0.005). Conclusion: In conclusions, the findings suggest that T25FW, when considered with PDDSs, might offer some utility in supporting clinicians as they develop intervention strategies that consider both subjective and objective aspects. These findings also highlight the potential for integrated use of both tools in clinical decision-making, program design, and tailoring interventions to meet individual functional capabilities and self-reported disability in PwMS. Full article

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a high-mortality, multi-complication cardiovascular disease. Reducing brain injury and promoting neuronal repair after IS onset remain important challenges for current treatments. Our team previously found that PAS840, an extract from Periplaneta americana (L.), protects nerve function; this study further uses LC-MS/MS and peptidomics to analyze PAS840’s components and network pharmacology to predict its ischemic stroke (IS) therapeutic targets. We then employed Transwell, a biochemical kit, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and transcriptomics to investigate PAS840’s effects on migration ability, oxidative stress levels, and cellular pathways in mouse microglial cells (BV-2) following oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. Finally, using Evans blue staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and RT-qPCR, we investigated PAS840’s effects on the blood–brain barrier, inflammation pathways, and neural function in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model. PAS840 components target multiple IS pathways, effectively inhibit NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β inflammasome pathway activation in BV-2 cells following OGD/R, reduce cellular oxidative stress, inflammation, and pyroptosis, and improve cell viability and migration ability. PAS840 decreases NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β inflammasome pathway expression in tMCAO rat brains, reduces inflammation, activates BDNF/VGF/NGR1/Erbb4 neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways, enhances neuronal cell viability, and effectively protects and repairs the blood–brain barrier. Full article

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to significant disability in young adults, with a higher prevalence observed in women. The heterogeneous clinical presentation of MS poses substantial challenges in diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, considerable emphasis has been placed on improving the quality of life for MS patients, with sexual health being a key component of this assessment. The literature suggests that sexual dysfunctions affect between 42% and 73% of individuals with MS. While the positive effects of physiotherapy interventions on sexual dysfunction have been extensively studied, there remains a significant gap in understanding the prevalence of these disorders within the MS population and the most effective treatment approaches. This review highlights the critical need to integrate pelvic floor physiotherapists into multidisciplinary MS treatment teams. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. These studies included patients diagnosed with MS who reported various sexual dysfunctions, such as orgasmic dysfunction, sexual arousal disorders, and dysfunctions associated with overactive bladder. The outcomes were assessed using sexual function and urological symptom questionnaires. Physiotherapeutic interventions, including manual therapy, kinesiotherapy, and physical therapy elements, have demonstrated positive effects on sexual quality of life, specifically in relation to issues such as desire, arousal, and satisfaction. However, the available data are still preliminary and warrant further investigation. By recognizing the importance of pelvic floor therapy, more targeted and holistic interventions can be implemented, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall standard of care. Full article

Acceleration and Acceleration-Initial Speed Running are important factors in soccer performance. The aims of the study were (a) analyze by playing position the acceleration-initial speed (AS₀) profile and (b) analyze the relevance of the number of accelerations > 3 m·s⁻² according to final league position. The subjects (n = 309) from the Spanish First Division during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons were classified in six positions: Central Defenders (CD), Full Backs (FB), Central Midfielders (CM), Offensive Midfielders (OF), Wingers (W), and Forwards (F). A total of 6180 match observations were recorded using the Mediacoach System. The parameters analyzed were accelerations > 3 m·s⁻² and AS₀ profile variables, maximal theoretical acceleration (A_0Int), and maximal theoretical initial running speed (S_0Int). The AS₀ profile was calculated using a linear regression model. Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a consistent relationship between the A_0Int variable of the AS₀ profile and team success in CM, FB, and W positions. Moreover, the successful teams for CD, CM, FB, OM, and W positions showed a statistically higher number of accelerations > 3 m·s⁻² than unsuccessful teams. In conclusion, these findings suggest the importance of enhancing acceleration abilities, particularly for lower-performing teams, to achieve the physical standards of successful teams. Full article

The rapid development of information technologies has significantly transformed education, making digital tools and e-learning platforms essential for modern learning processes. This research study examines mobile learning (m-learning) adoption among higher education students, emphasising the importance of user acceptance for implementing mobile technologies in education. Using a research model based on the UTAUT framework and analysed via PLS–SEM, the research study investigates business students’ behavioural intention to adopt m-learning platforms (in our case, Microsoft Teams), offering valuable insights into their efficacy and long-term viability, explicitly focusing on the use of mobile devices and the mobile version of the Microsoft Teams application for educational purposes. The study’s findings indicate that all four examined factors significantly influence students’ behavioural intention to adopt m-learning applications, with “performance expectancy” having the most substantial impact. The survey highlights the sustained importance of m-learning even after the pandemic. These results reinforce that students’ expectations of improved performance play a crucial role in adopting mobile apps for m-learning. The findings also suggest that increasing adoption rates requires improving system usability, minimising reliance on external support through intuitive design and training, and leveraging peer influence to enhance engagement in m-learning environments. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent hard lockdown in South Africa, implemented in March 2020, significantly disrupted disability and rehabilitation services. Persons with disabilities experienced limited access to essential Orthotic and Prosthetic services, particularly in rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape. This study aimed to explore how Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists reconfigured their services during and after the pandemic to inform disability-inclusive emergency responses. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 12 Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists practicing in the public sector in the Eastern Cape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via MS Teams, and the data were analysed by using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to service disruptions and adaptations. Four main themes emerged: (1) disrupted access to Orthotic and Prosthetic services, (2) backlogs and limited services, (3) safety measures and adaptation control, and (4) lingering challenges and gaps. Service delivery was hindered by halted outreach clinics, limited access to materials, budget reallocations, and the deprioritisation of rehabilitation services. This study highlights the challenges faced by Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists in maintaining the functionality of Orthotic and Prosthetic services during the pandemic. These findings emphasise the need for disability-inclusive policies and strategies to ensure the continuity of rehabilitation services during emergencies. Full article

The running performance of football players is influenced by their team’s formation as well as by their playing position. The creation of the external load profile provides information to the coaching staff for personalized loading of the players based on their playing positions. The aim of this study was to create the athletic running profile of high-level football players under 17 years of age (U17) in the 1-4-3-3 formation, and to investigate the differences between the playing positions in the formation. The study involved 20 football players from a football academy of a professional team. For the study, 13 league matches were used in which the team played with the 1-4-3-3 formation. Positions were classified as central defenders (CDs), side defenders (SDs), central midfielders (CMs), side midfielders (SMs), and forwards (Fs). The players’ movement patterns were captured using a GPS device and categorized into six velocity zones (first: 0.1–7.19 km/h, second: 7.2–10.99, third: 11–14.39 km/h, fourth: 14.4–19.79 km/h, fifth: 19.8–25.19 km/h, sixth: >25.2 km/h). The accelerations and decelerations recorded were those exceeding 2 m/s⁻¹. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that CMs exhibited the greatest external load in total distance and in specific distances in the other velocity zones (p < 0.05). Forwards dominated high-intensity efforts, leading in Distance Zone 5 with SD (mean = 555 m and mean = 559 m, respectively), as well as in Distance Zone 6 (F: mean = 146 m) and in high-speed running values (mean = 701 m). Side players, particularly SD and SM, contributed dynamically through elevated high-speed running (p < 0.05) and maximum speed (p < 0.05), reflecting their role in both transitions and positional phases of play. The study’s results clearly show that the physical demands of the playing positions in the 1-4-3-3 formation differ. This difference is likely due to the different tactical roles of each playing position. This variation between playing positions emphasizes the need for individualized loading of players during the training microcycle. Full article

Grossular, a widely recognized colored gemstone in the market, attains premium quality when exhibiting pale-toned orange-yellow to golden-yellow hues with high transparency. Recently, our research team identified abundant gem-grade grossular associated with skarn-type polymetallic deposits in the Mt.Bozhushan area. However, these grossular specimens are currently discarded as mining waste. To promote their sustainable utilization, we conducted a systematic sampling of Mt.Bozhushan grossular and performed comprehensive analyses including fundamental gemological testing, spectroscopic characterization, and compositional profiling through EPMA and LA-ICP-MS. This multidisciplinary approach aims to establish an objective valuation framework for Mt.Bozhushan-derived grossular. The compositional and spectral data obtained in this study provide critical theoretical foundations and technical references for developing the gemstone resources of southeastern Yunnan’s Mt.Bozhushan grossular while establishing an evaluative baseline for grossular specimens from other regional deposits. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is forcing a dramatic transformation of the methods by which we acquire knowledge and engage in collaborative learning. Although there are several studies on how AI can support collaborative learning, there are no published studies examining how students can actually collaborate among themselves while interacting with AI tools. For this study, thirty postgraduate students were organized into teams of three, and each team developed a project mainly exploiting responses from ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MS Copilot, as well as the internet and class resources. Each team selected a specific internet of things (IoT) application area and described the technologies and real-world cases in this area. Then, each team delivered a report with the full description of their project and their interactions with these generative AI (GenAI) tools and presented their work in class. Additionally, students answered an online questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions and participated in focus group discussions. Members of each team collaborated to design prompts using five suggested modes of collaboration. Eventually, half of the students exploited all five collaborative modes, but they mostly liked and preferred three of these collaborative modes. On average, teammates initially disagreed 24% of the time but eventually reached an agreement. Students appreciated GenAI tools for their quick and well-structured responses, natural communication style, broad subject coverage, as well as their ability to simplify complex topics and support personalized learning. However, they expressed concerns about GenAI tools’ inaccurate and inconsistent responses and identified key risks, such as passive learning, over-dependence, outdated information, and privacy issues. Finally, students recommended that GenAI tools should provide a shared and well-organized discussion space for collaborative prompt asking, allowing all team members to simultaneously view each other’s prompts and the tool’s responses. They also advised source verification and proper training to ensure these tools remain supplementary rather than primary learning resources. Full article

In this study, the composition and mechanical properties of composites designed for shipbuilding are described. Four different composites were designed and fabricated by the research team, using quadriaxial glass fiber fabric (eight layers in all composites), two different resins (the epoxy resin SikaBiresin^® CR82 with the hardener CH80-2 or the polyester resin Enydyne H 68372 TA with Metox-50 W as the accelerator), and a middle layer of Coremat Xi 3 (only applied in some composites). The experimental results of low-velocity impact tests are also discussed, including the graphics force (displacement) and absorbed energy (displacement and velocity). The displacement and composite quality were evaluated through several parameters, such as maximum force, absorbed energy, and maximum displacement. Impact tests were carried out using four impact energy values (50–200 J), with an average impact velocity in the range of 4.37 ± 0.05 m/s. Only partial penetrations were obtained for all tested composites. For the low energy tests (50 J), the four composite materials were not well differentiated by graph shapes and parameter values, but for the higher energy tests, the composites containing Coremat Xi 3 displayed better behavior, having F_max reduced with 10.8% to 29.08%. The higher absorbed energy of these composites can be explained by the plateau generated by the force from a longer impactor displacement in contact with the composite. The results generated in this study confirm the suitability of the designed composites for shipbuilding applications. Still, the composites have light differences in terms of energy absorption in low-velocity impact and a significant reduction in maximum force. Full article

Background: The prognosis of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has improved substantially in recent decades due to advances in diagnosis and treatment. Due to the unpredictable course and heterogenous treatment response in MS, there is a clear need for biomarkers that reflect disease activity in the clinical follow-up of these patients. We conducted a systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis with the aim of analyzing the effects of physical exercise on neurofilaments (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in patients with MS. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, starting with a PICO (patient/population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) question: what are the clinical effects of physical exercise (with independence of the type) on NfL and/or GFAP levels in patients with MS compared with other interventions or no intervention whatsoever? A systematically comprehensive literature search was conducted from January to March 2024 to identify original studies that answered the PICO question, using the main data sources. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Quality Index of Downs & Black. For studies included in the systematic review that followed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the methodological quality of each paper was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale. Risk of bias was also explored by two independent reviewers. Finally, all articles were classified according to the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation for diagnosis studies established by the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. For continuous outcome measures with enough comparisons and a methodological quality greater than or equal to good according to the PEDro scale, a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was applied. The statistical analyses were performed in R (version 4.1.3, R Core Team 2023) using the “BUGSnet” and “gemtc” packages. Bayesian NMA can be used to obtain a posterior probability distribution of all the relative treatment effects, which allows us to quantify the uncertainty of parameter estimates and to rank all the treatments in the network. Results: Eight studies were included in this systematic review and six articles in the NMA, and they were appraised for quality. The characteristics of the included studies, types of training and described protocols, methodological quality, risk of bias, and clinical effects on the studied biomarkers were outlined. Qualitative synthesis, effects of different exercise modalities in NfL with the Bayesian NMA, selection of the final model and model assessment, and ranking of interventions are also shown. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that moderate-intensity exercise is more likely to reduce NfL concentration compared to high-intensity exercise, and, in turn, high-intensity exercise is more likely to reduce NfL concentration than low-intensity exercise. However, the effects of high-intensity exercise on GFAP levels were inconclusive. Full article