Search Results (56)

Background/Objectives: Pressure to stay lean may lead adolescent athletes to dietary restraint and disordered eating. Lack of nutrition awareness can also contribute to suboptimal dietary habits, increasing the risk of eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport [RED-S], though evidence in competitive athletes is limited. This study explored eating disorder symptoms and RED-S knowledge in adolescent artistic gymnasts. Methods: Eighty-four female artistic gymnasts, thirty-nine international and national level gymnasts [high-level; 14 [14, 15] y] and forty-five recreational and club level gymnasts [low-level; 14 [13, 15] y] completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q 6.0], the RED-S knowledge Questionnaire and provided training details. Results: Seventeen gymnasts (20.2%) scored above the cutoff point on the EDE-Q. In addition, high-level gymnasts scored higher than low-level on EDE-Q [2.21 ± 1.37 (35.9%) vs. 1.19 ± 0.79 (6.7%), respectively; p < 0.001] and on its subscales: Restraint, Eating Concerns, Weight Concerns, and Shape Concerns [p < 0.001 to 0.009], thus indicating more severe disordered eating symptoms. No group differences were found in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. An important percentage of gymnasts reported at least one episode of binge eating and excessive training [39.3–58.3%], while four gymnasts reported self-induced vomiting. RED-S knowledge did not differ between groups. On average, gymnasts were unaware of correct answers related to RED-S [51.5%], its definitions [79.8–92.9%], and its association with menstrual disturbances and bone health [54.8–86.9%]. However, gymnasts reported better awareness of the impact of food restriction on illness and performance [47.6–84.5%]. Conclusions: Elite artistic gymnasts exhibited a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms than lower-level peers. Gymnasts at all levels demonstrated limited knowledge of the effects of RED-S on menstrual and bone health. Failure to recognize these risks may influence gymnasts’ eating behaviors and delay RED-S detection and management. Full article

The authors examine the transformative impact of technological advancements on the customary traditions associated with camels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with Emirati camel owners/breeders, focusing on the effects of innovations in breeding, racing, beauty contests, and heritage preservation. The findings reveal that genetic technologies have reshaped camel husbandry by enhancing desirable traits, while introducing commercialization. In camel racing, robotic jockeys, biometric monitoring, and GPS tracking have revolutionized training and competition, making the sport a highly regulated, technology-driven industry. Similarly, camel beauty contests have been influenced by genetic selection, aesthetic standards, and controversial cosmetic enhancements. While these advancements have increased the economic value of camels, they have also altered traditional perceptions, raising concerns about the commodification of Emirati heritage. Additionally, online platforms and digital tools have facilitated the global promotion of camels, fostering connections between owners/breeders and enthusiasts, while introducing new modes of engagement. The study demonstrates how technological progress both preserves and challenges the customary traditions associated with camels, offering insights into the intersection of modernization and cultural heritage in the UAE. Full article

Background: Rhinoplasty is a leading cosmetic surgery, with the crooked nose being one of the most complex challenges due to its combination of functional and aesthetic issues. Involving multiple nasal components, a crooked nose remains difficult to correct, with a high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcomes and stability of the nasal pyramid after surgery through a nasal grid analysis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 360 patients (20 men and 16 women) treated for moderate to severe nasal deviation between January 2014 and January 2020. All patients underwent surgery by the same expert surgeon, with follow-ups extending to at least 24 months. Medical records, physical exams, and standardized photographic evaluations were used to assess outcomes. A nasal grid was adapted to analyze the long-term stability of nasal corrections, focusing on individual post-operative changes. Results: The study involved 360 patients, mostly men aged 22 to 65, with the majority having nasal deviations caused by extrinsic trauma (e.g., sports injuries). Nasal deviations affected various parts of the nose, and all patients underwent follow-up evaluations using a nasal grid to compare pre- and post-operative measurements. The results showed long-term stability in nasal corrections, with minimal changes observed between 1 month and 24 months post-surgery. Only one case had partial recurrence, requiring revision surgery, which was successful. Conclusions: The surgical correction of a crooked nose is complex and requires a personalized approach, particularly for severe septal deviations. Complete anatomical reconstruction, using advanced techniques like extracorporeal septal reconstruction and laser osteotomies, provides stable long-term results. The adapted nasal grid proved to be not only an effective post-operative assessment tool but also shows potential for the pre-operative classification of nasal deformity complexity. Although this study focused on a standardized surgical technique, future comparative analyses with alternative approaches are recommended to further validate the outcomes. Full article

With the rapid expansion of the Electric Sport Utility Vehicle (ESUV) market, capturing consumer aesthetic preferences and emotional needs through front-end styling has become a key issue in automotive design. However, traditional Kansei Engineering (KE) approaches suffer from limited timeliness, subjectivity, and low predictive accuracy when extracting affective vocabulary and modeling the nonlinear relationship between product form and Kansei imagery. To address these challenges, this study proposes an improved KE-based ESUV styling framework that integrates data mining, machine learning, and generative AI. First, real consumer reviews and front-end styling samples are collected via Python-based web scraping. Next, the Biterm Topic Model (BTM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are used to extract representative Kansei vocabulary. Subsequently, the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models are constructed and optimized using the Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Experimental results show that SOA-BPNN achieves superior predictive accuracy. Finally, Stable Diffusion is applied to generate ESUV design schemes, and the optimal model is employed to evaluate their Kansei imagery. The proposed framework offers a systematic and data-driven approach for predicting consumer affective responses in the conceptual styling stage, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional experience-based design. Thus, this study offers both methodological innovation and practical guidance for integrating affective modeling into ESUV styling design. Full article

The discharge of wastewater into bodies of water and subsoil poses a serious pollution problem. In many neighborhoods or districts, there are often no wastewater treatment systems due to the high costs involved, which may compromise human health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer an ecological solution to improve water quality and enable its reuse. They promote the removal of contaminants through physical, chemical, and biological processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate Canna hybrids, Zingiber spectabile, and Alpinia purpurata—ornamental plants not typical of wetlands—regarding their function as phytoremediators and their growth under such conditions. Utilizing CWs with ornamental plants for water treatment in neighborhoods could improve the adoption of this ecotechnology. To this end, eight cells were built: two were controls (without plants), two contained Canna hybrids, two had Zingiber spectabile, and two included Alpinia purpurata, all designed for a hydraulic retention time of three days. Inlet and outlet water samples were collected biweekly for six months. The results showed that the cells with Canna hybrids and Zingiber spectabile removed from 40 to 70% of total nitrogen and phosphorus. In terms of organic matter, measured as COD and TSS, the removals ranged from 55 to 90%. In contrast, cells with Alpinia purpurata demonstrated removal rates of only 30 to 50%, which were statistically lower (p ≤ 0.05), indicating a slower adaptation to wetland conditions. This slower adaptability is directly related to the growth of the species, as Alpinia purpurata also exhibited the lowest growth rates. The study concluded that using CWs with the studied ornamental plants is a viable alternative for treating wastewater and, at the same time, they may add a commercial value to the vegetation. Additionally, they can enhance the aesthetic landscape with colorful flowers that attract birds and insects and the treated water could be utilized to irrigate sports areas or urban planters. Full article

Compression stockings have long been manufactured in a single color without patterns, but enhancing their aesthetic appeal through knitted designs can improve user compliance. This study explores the potential of punch lace knitted structures to create patterns in compression textiles by seamless knitting technology while maintaining sufficient pressure. The effects of yarn material, number of yarns used, and knitted patterns on pressure and thermal comfort will be studied. The fabric pressure was evaluated using pressure sensors with a leg mannequin, while the thermal properties were measured according to the textile standard. This study found that the pressure and thermal conductivity of fabric are significantly influenced by the number of yarn and yarn materials, but not the knitted pattern. Cupro/cotton/polyurethane yarn (A) exhibits the strongest positive impact on pressure, increasing by 2.03 mmHg with the addition of one end of yarn A while polyamide/lycra yarn (C) exhibits a higher thermal conductivity than yarn A. For air permeability, the number of yarn and knitted patterns significantly affects the ventilation resistance. Pattern B with an additional needle in a float stitch shows 0.023 kPa·s/m lower resistance than pattern A. The findings from this study can be widely used in health, medical, and sports applications. Full article

As a core and long-established part of urban blue–green infrastructure (BGI), public parks play a significant role in the sustainable development of cities. In particular, they make a major contribution to maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing multiple benefits that support human health and quality of life as a kind of nature-based solution (NBS). Still, planning, design, and management of public parks mostly rely on official standards and technical guidelines, whereas societal perspectives and the use of the ecosystem services (ES) approach (and cultural ecosystem services (CES) in particular) remain inadequately integrated. By assessing CES offered by Gorky Park in Moscow (Russia), the paper aims to bridge this gap and investigate the flow of CES and its relation to park infrastructure and the visitors’ needs. For this purpose, non-participant observation, field notes, and photographs were used in different functional park zones. By investigating visitor activities and factors affecting them, a variety of CES provided by the park have been detected. As aligned with its original idea, the park was mostly used for recreation, leisure, sports, and socializing. Moreover, the CES related to aesthetic, educational, and cultural heritage values were also partially utilized. The park was mostly attractive to the younger generation (the highest number of visitors), whereas visitors over 60 years old were hardly represented. Notably, men were more interested in sports (especially, team sports), whereas women mostly preferred walking (alone, with family, and with friends), relaxation, playing and spending time with children, picnicking, etc., which indicated certain preferences for CES among the park visitors. An interdependent relationship between the CES supply and the park infrastructure was found: the more infrastructural components were identified, the greater variety of park activities and corresponding CES were detected at certain observation points, which could ultimately lead to overcrowding and overutilization of the ES capacity. Given that the Moscow government claims integrating ES into the planning and management of urban BGI as one of the priorities in the city’s environmental policies, the related recommendations are provided. They address the recent challenges of creating integrated BGI, increasing demand for multifunctionality, and the conflicting interests of different visitor groups to maximize the benefits and diversity of CES delivered by the park. Full article

Background: disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED) can negatively impact athletes’ health, wellbeing, and athletic performance. Objective: this cross-sectional study aims to assess DE risk, body composition, and nutrition knowledge among elite Hungarian athletes. Methods: DE risk was assessed using DESA-6H and EAT-26 scales, nutrition knowledge through the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ), and body composition with the OMRON BF511 device. The data were analyzed using Kendall’s tau correlations, Mann–Whitney U tests, and ROC analysis. Results: a total of 71 athletes participated (39.4% males, mean age = 24.8 years, SD = 4.8 years and 60.6% females, mean age = 24.3 years, SD = 4.3 years). At-risk scores on the DESA-6H scale were recorded for nine athletes (12.7%), while 32.4% scored in the risk zone on the EAT-26, with female athletes in aesthetic, endurance and weight-dependent sports being most affected. Low BF was observed in four males and four females. Nutrition knowledge (49.1%) was below the acceptable threshold. DESA-6H significantly correlated with EAT-26 scores, BMI, sports nutrition knowledge, and A-NSKQ total scores. A statistically significant difference by gender was found in the EAT-26 total score (p = 0.019, d = 0.65). Risk groups significantly differed in A-NSKQ scores (p = 0.026, d = 0.511) and sport nutrition knowledge, specifically (p = 0.016, d = 0.491). Using EAT-26 to identify at-risk athletes and the DESA-6H recommended cut-off, the ROC analysis showed a sensitivity of 29.1% and a specificity of 95.7%. Conclusions: insufficient nutrition knowledge plays a role in being at-risk for DE and ED. These results underscore the need for early detection, early sport nutrition education across all elite athletes, with particular attention to female athletes in aesthetic, endurance and weight-dependent sports, and for monitoring these athletes to prevent DE. Further work is warranted to optimize screening tools such as EAT-26 and DESA-6H for elite athletes. Full article

Background: Sprengel’s Deformity (SD) is a rare condition of the shoulder girdle, appearing as the principal congenital anomaly of the shoulder in paediatric patients. The aim of this study is to document the combined experience of two paediatric orthopaedic departments in managing SD using the modified Green Procedure, with a specific emphasis on the clinical and functional outcomes reported by patients; Methods: from June 2010 to February 2023, 42 shoulders in 40 paediatric patients were surgically treated for SD at two paediatric orthopaedic departments. All patients were treated using the modified Green Procedure with or without clavicle osteotomy. To better evaluate the deformity, the Cavendish’s classification for aesthetic appearance and the Rigault’s classification for radiological aspect were used, while movements of abduction and flexion were quantified to assess shoulder mobility. Several dedicated questionnaires such as QuickDASH, the Shoulder Pain Index and the Shoulder Disability Index (SPADI) and finally the UCLA Shoulder Scale were submitted to assess the quality of life of the subjects and the ability to practice certain activities, including work and sports. Complications were evaluated according to the modified Clavien–Dindo–Sink classification; Results: The mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 1.0–13.6). Clavicular osteotomy, performed in 15 patients, improved post-operative abduction by a mean of 25° (95% CI: 11–39°; p = 0.001). Three patients had complications (7.1%), with two requiring re-operation. At follow-up, 67.5% of patients had a qDASH score < 7, highlighting excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder function showed moderate correlation with pre- and post-operative flexion. The SPADI and UCLASS scores indicated significant improvement, with 70.0% reporting high satisfaction. Factors like sex, associated anomalies, and surgical technique did not impact patient-reported outcomes or satisfaction; Conclusions: The modified Green’s technique has proven to be a safe procedure with a low rate of complications and satisfactory clinical and functional patient-reported outcomes. Full article

While moderate exercise supports regular menstrual cycle (MC) function, many female athletes experience MC symptoms that negatively influence their training and performance. Hereby, knowledge and communication about this topic are important to promote an athlete’s health and wellbeing. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and communication surrounding the MC among Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts, ballerinas, and dancers. In total, 116 rhythmic gymnasts, ballerinas, and dancers aged ≥ 16 years training ≥ 3 days per week completed an electronic questionnaire. Of these, 63% (n = 73) reported a lack of knowledge about the MC’s influence on physical fitness and performance, and 39% (n = 45) rated their coaches’ or pedagogues’ knowledge as low. With only 32% of participants discussing the MC with their coaches/pedagogues, communication was found to be limited. Seventy-three percent felt uncomfortable during training or competition due to their attire and recommended darker colors and more options in size and layering. The study highlights a significant gap in knowledge and communication about the MC among female athletes and coaches/pedagogues in aesthetic sports. It also recommends improving athletes’ choice of attire for greater comfort and confidence. Full article

Much has been written about the presumed interaction between moral and aesthetic properties in art, about whether moral flaws in a work or its artist can compromise the work’s aesthetic value. In the philosophy of sport, similarly, the beauty of an athlete’s performance may be undermined by moral flaws in the performance itself (e.g., in a case of cheating). Yet to be addressed, however, is a potential analogy between artists and athletes where personal moral flaws failing to register in the work or performance may nonetheless compromise aesthetic response. Along with tracing the conceptual terrain in these debates and drawing on earlier work endorsing pluralism in such matters, I will argue that an athlete’s moral flaws may indeed compromise the aesthetic appeal of their performances, even where such flaws stand apart from those performances. In contrast to creative artists whose presence is immaterial to accessing their work, in the case of performing artists and athletes—since they themselves are the vehicles of their work—it is, and ought to be, harder to avoid having one’s moral response to the person diminish one’s aesthetic response to the work. We want athletes to be moral exemplars, I propose, less because they serve as role models and more because we want to preserve unspoiled the aesthetic rewards they provide. Full article

Urban and peri-urban forests serve as significant drivers, conferring benefits to humans through engagement with their ecosystems. These benefits encompass recreation, cognitive development, introspection, the acquisition of knowledge systems, social relations, and aesthetic values. The aim of this study is to examine the urban and peri-urban ecosystem services by offering new insights into visitors’ perspectives on the recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual values of forests in the city of Timișoara and its peri-urban area. The study focuses on two forests: Padurea Verde, the largest forest in Timișoara, and the Giroc Forest, one of the most frequently visited forest areas in the peri-urban zone of Timișoara. Thirty-six in-depth interviews were conducted with visitors to the two selected forests in September 2024. The findings indicate that visitors derive benefits from the ecosystem values of these forests, including recreational, aesthetic, and cultural values. However, there are also feelings of disappointment related to the lack of cleanliness and the presence of an excessive number of stray dogs in the forests. The findings also indicate a necessity for the implementation of organized activities, such as sports competitions and more children-oriented events, while discouraging the organization of festivals and the excessive use of noise in forests. Furthermore, they suggest that forests should be maintained in a relatively undisturbed state. These findings could prove beneficial as future perspectives for local practitioners, enabling the continued provision of complex ecosystem services and recreational values by urban and peri-urban forests. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) pose a significant health issue affecting athletes, with risk factors varying by sport level, sex, and social media use. This study assesses the risk of EDs among professional and amateur football players, considering these factors, and compares findings with a control group of non-athletes. Methods: The study involved 170 participants, including non-athletes as a control group, categorized by sex and sport level. The mean age of participants was 24.3 ± 4.20, with an age range of 18–36. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and body mass index (BMI) assessments were used to determine ED risk. Results: Results showed a higher prevalence of ED risk among professional athletes, especially women, compared to amateurs and non-athletes. Social media use and body comparisons were linked to increased ED risk, with professional athletes exhibiting higher vulnerability due to performance pressures. Women, particularly those in professional sports, showed a higher risk of EDs than men, influenced by social and aesthetic pressures. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, promoting healthier body image perceptions and addressing social media’s role in shaping body dissatisfaction. Psychological support and sex-specific strategies should be integrated into athlete care programs to mitigate these risks. Full article

Background: The radial forearm flap remains the gold standard in phalloplasty in gender-affirming surgery due to its versatility and functional outcome, but the significant donor site morbidity and its impact on daily functioning and aesthetic perception remains understudied. This study provides valuable insights into the mid-term functional and aesthetic outcomes of the forearm in transgender individuals following radial forearm flap phalloplasty using widespread instruments for assessment scoring systems and for the evaluation of postoperative wound healing of surgical interventions in general. Methods: Between January 2013 and March 2018, a total of 47 patients underwent radial phalloplasty at AGAPLESION Markus Hospital, and 20 consented to participate in this cross-sectional, retrospective study evaluating functional and aesthetic outcomes post-radial forearm flap phalloplasty using standardized questionnaires (DASH, POSAS, and SBSES). A univariate median regression of each score was performed to determine the associations with selected variables, and correlation analyses between scores was performed using a nonparametric Spearman rank correlation. Results: Among the 20 participants, the median Quick DASH, DASH functionality, DASH sport and music, and DASH work scores indicated minimal to no functional impairment. Scar evaluations using the PSAS, OSAS, and SBSES scales showed overall patient satisfaction with minimal concerns regarding pigmentation and scar texture. Notably, an increase of 0.27 cm² in wound surface area added one point to the DASH sport and music score (p = 0.037). Statistical analysis also demonstrated a significant correlation between functional and aesthetic assessment scores. Conclusions: The radial forearm phalloplasty donor site, evaluated by the PSAS, OSAS, and SBSES scales, leads to minimal or no functional impairment; however, the worsening of the DASH sport and music score with increasing wound surface reflects a direct relation between wound size and functional impairment. Full article

In modern urban development, utilizing the space under overpasses (SUO) contributes to connecting the cityscape and facilitating the transformation of SUO into a public urban space. However, existing studies sometimes fail to properly take into account user requirements, resulting in the neglect of the SUO by the population. The solutions proposed are based on the assumption that the SUO can be renewed, but there is no thorough evaluation methodology to determine if the current state of the SUO can be renewed and in which areas it needs renewal. In this research, all the overpasses within the Third Ring Road in Chengdu are taken as samples. Based on cultural ecosystem services (CES) and external spatial quality (ESQ), an evaluation system for the renewal potential of SUO was established and the overpass with the most potential for regeneration was selected: the Longtan Overpass. Further, the KANO model was used to explore the categories of residents’ requirements for indicators of CES in the space under Longtan Overpass, so as to propose targeted renewal strategies. This study found a positive correlation between the satisfaction of residents living near Longtan Overpass and the natural aesthetics and facade landscape of the SUO. It also suggests that enhancing cultural service indicators such as sports, human aesthetics, customs and humanities, and geographical history can improve the attractiveness of the SUO. This study also found that quantitatively assessing the value of SUO through ecosystem cultural services is feasible, which provides new ideas and methods for updating SUO. These findings help urban designers understand how people feel. Full article