Search Results (189)

The development of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has contributed in various ways to improving the physical condition of modern football players by enabling the quantification of physical load. Previous studies have reported that the running demands of matches vary depending on playing position and formation. Over the past decade, despite the widespread use of GPS technology, studies that have investigated the running performance of young football players within the 1-4-3-3 formation are particularly limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to create the match running profile of playing positions in the 1-4-3-3 formation among high-level youth football players. An additional objective of the study was to compare the running performance of players between the two halves of a match. This study involved 25 football players (Under-19, U19) from the academy of a professional football club. Data were collected from 18 league matches in which the team used the 1-4-3-3 formation. Positions were categorized as Central Defenders (CDs), Side Defenders (SDs), Central Midfielders (CMs), Side Midfielders (SMs), and Forwards (Fs). The players’ movement patterns were monitored using GPS devices and categorized into six speed zones: Zone 1 (0.1–6 km/h), Zone 2 (6.1–12 km/h), Zone 3 (12.1–18 km/h), Zone 4 (18.1–21 km/h), Zone 5 (21.1–24 km/h), and Zone 6 (above 24.1 km/h). The results showed that midfielders covered the greatest total distance (p = 0.001), while SDs covered the most meters at high and maximal speeds (Zones 5 and 6) (p = 0.001). In contrast, CDs covered the least distance at high speeds (p = 0.001), which is attributed to the specific tactical role of their position. A comparison of the two halves revealed a progressive decrease in the distance covered by the players at high speed: distance in Zone 3 decreased from 1139 m to 944 m (p = 0.001), Zone 4 from 251 m to 193 m (p = 0.001), Zone 5 from 144 m to 110 m (p = 0.001), and maximal sprinting (Zone 6) dropped from 104 m to 78 m (p = 0.01). Despite this reduction, the total distance remained relatively stable (first half: 5237 m; second half: 5046 m, p = 0.16), indicating a consistent overall workload but a reduced number of high-speed efforts in the latter stages. The results clearly show that the tactical role of each playing position in the 1-4-3-3 formation, as well as the area of the pitch in which each position operates, significantly affects the running performance profile. This information should be utilized by fitness coaches to tailor physical loads based on playing position. More specifically, players who cover greater distances at high speeds during matches should be prepared for this scenario within the microcycle by performing similar distances during training. It can also be used for better preparing younger players (U17) before transitioning to the U19 level. Knowing the running profile of the next age category, the fitness coach can prepare the players so that by the end of the season, they are approaching the running performance levels of the next group, with the goal of ensuring a smoother transition. Finally, regarding the two halves of the game, it is evident that fitness coaches should train players during the microcycle to maintain high movement intensities even under fatigue. Full article

The report examines food availability and demand in the Anthropocene era, exploring the connections between global population growth and carrying capacity through an extended version of Cohen’s Condorcet concept. It recalls the super-Malthus and Verhulst-type scalings, matched with the recently introduced analytic relative growth rate. It focuses particularly on the ongoing Fifth Industrial Revolution (IR) and its interaction with the concept of a sustainable civilization. In this context, the significance of innovative food preservation technologies that can yield high-quality foods with health-promoting features, while simultaneously increasing food quantities and reducing adverse environmental impacts, is discussed. To achieve this, high-pressure preservation and processing (HPP) can play a dominant role. High-pressure ‘cold pasteurization’, related to room-temperature processing, has already achieved a global scale. Its superior features are notable and are fairly correlated with social expectations of a sustainable society and the technological tasks of the Fifth Industrial Revolution. The discussion is based on the authors’ experiences in HPP-related research and applications. The next breakthrough could be HPP-related sterilization. The innovative HPP path, supported by the colossal barocaloric effect, is presented. The mass implementation of pressure-related sterilization could lead to milestone societal, pro-health, environmental, and economic benefits. Full article

Rugby Union is a high-impact sport with considerable injury risk, especially in emerging rugby settings where structured physical preparation may be limited. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and injury incidence among Rugby Union players in Brazil, providing insights to inform strength and conditioning strategies. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024 using a digital questionnaire that captured demographic data, sports participation history, and detailed information about injuries sustained in 2022 and 2023. A total of 236 players participated (58.9% male; mean age = 29.4 ± 7.5 years), with males averaging 29.6 ± 7.7 years and females 29.1 ± 7.5 years. Overall, 183 injuries were reported. Most injuries occurred during matches (73.3%) and were contact-related (82.1%), with the shoulder/clavicle and knee being the most affected regions. Ligament injuries (27.3%), dislocations (15.3%), and fractures (16.4%) were the most prevalent types. Female players had a distinct injury pattern, with a greater proportion of non-contact mechanisms. Significant associations were found between injury occurrence and sex (p = 0.012), playing modality (p < 0.001), injury type (p = 0.013), and recovery time (p = 0.006). These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored strength and conditioning interventions focused on injury prevention and athletic preparedness. Such programs should address sport-specific demands, promote neuromuscular resilience, and be accessible across competitive levels to improve performance and minimize injury-related setbacks. Full article

This study analyses the physical performance variables involved in different training tasks aimed at replicating the worst-case scenarios (WCSs) observed during official matches in professional football, with a focus on playing positions and occurrences within a 1 min period. Data were collected from 188 training sessions and 42 matches of a Spanish Second Division team during the 2021/2022 season. All data were reported on a per-player basis. GPS tracking devices were used to record physical variables such as total distance, high-speed running (HSR), sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). Players were grouped according to their match positions: central defenders, wide players, midfielders and forwards. The results showed that none of the training tasks fully replicated the physical demands of match play. However, task TYPEs 11 (Large-Sided Games) and 9 (small-sided games with orientation and transition) were the closest to match demands, particularly in terms of accelerations and decelerations. Although differences were observed across all variables, the most pronounced discrepancies were observed in sprint and HSR variables, where training tasksfailed to reach 60% of match demands. These findings highlight the need to design more specific drills that simulate the intensity of WCS, allowing for more accurate weekly training load planning. This study offers valuable contributions for optimising performance and reducing injury risk in professional footballers during the competitive period. Full article

Basketball referees play a crucial role in game management, yet the physical and physiological demands placed on them during a game remain understudied. This study analyzed the workload of 35 group 1 referees during a U-18 Spanish championship, examining the effects of refereeing technique (two referees vs. three referees) and competition sex (male vs. female) across game quarters. Physical and physiological demands were measured using inertial devices and heart rate monitors during 37 matches (18 men’s and 19 women’s). The results revealed that 2-referee teams experienced significantly greater physical demands, covering approximately 25% more total distance and demonstrating higher values in high-intensity running compared to 3-referee teams. Female competition elicited higher demands in specific variables, particularly in the distance covered above 16 km/h and average speed. Analysis across quarters showed distinct temporal patterns, with the first and third quarters presenting the highest demands, especially for 2-referee teams. These findings suggest that basketball referees’ physical preparation should be tailored to the officiating technique and competition sex, with a particular emphasis on developing specific conditioning programs for the 2-referee technique and implementing targeted recovery strategies between quarters to maintain optimal performance throughout the game. Full article

Background: Pre-season training is critical for developing tolerance to high physical demands in professional soccer, and nitric oxide (NO) precursors such as dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻) and citrulline malate (CM) can support performance and recovery during this demanding phase. This study aimed to examine the effects of a four-week supplementation protocol combining 500 mg of NO₃⁻ from amaranth extract and 8 g of CM (NIT + CM) on external training load and post-match recovery in professional female soccer players during pre-season. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 34 female soccer players who received either the NIT + CM product or a placebo for four weeks during pre-season. Global positioning system (GPS)-derived external load was recorded throughout the intervention. Performance tests—a countermovement jump (CMJ) test and the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT)—and blood sampling for plasma NO₃⁻ and nitrite (NO₂⁻) concentrations were conducted at baseline and the day after a competitive match. Results: The supplementation with NIT + CM increased maximal speed (Vmax) throughout training and match play. During post-match testing, the NIT + CM group exhibited a significantly smaller decline in mean (P_mean) and minimum (P_min) power during the WAnT, along with reduced power loss in both the first (0–15 s) and second (15–30 s) intervals. Plasma NO₃⁻ concentrations significantly increased from baseline in the NIT + CM group and remained elevated 24 h after the final dose, confirming sustained systemic exposure. Conclusions: Chronic NIT + CM supplementation may enhance Vmax and help preserve anaerobic performance the day after a match. These effects could reflect improved tolerance to high training loads and sustained NO₃⁻ availability during recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cooling strategies are critical for optimizing athlete recovery and performance in team sports, yet practical, accessible solutions remain underexplored. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cool vest during a 15 min recovery period following 45 min of simulated soccer match play on core and skin temperature regulation. Methods: Forty-seven physically active males completed an exercise protocol replicating the physiological demands of a soccer half-match. Participants were randomized into an experimental group using a cool vest during recovery (IG, n = 24) or a control group (CG, n = 23) without cooling intervention. Results: Compared to CG, IG exhibited small but significant reductions in skin temperature (31.46 ± 0.67 °C vs. 32.40 ± 1.04 °C; ES = −0.24, 95% CI: −0.40 to −0.08; p = 0.003) and tympanic temperature (35.99 ± 0.45 °C vs. 36.54 ± 0.66 °C; ES = −0.43, 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.18; p < 0.001) 10 min post-exercise. These differences intensified to small and moderate effects at 15 min post-exercise for skin (31.07 ± 0.67 °C vs. 32.51 ± 0.91 °C; ES = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.21; p < 0.001) and tympanic temperatures (35.70 ± 0.42 °C vs. 36.65 ± 0.58 °C; ES = −0.71, 95% CI: −0.96 to −0.46; p < 0.001), respectively, with IG maintaining consistently lower values. No temperature changes were observed in CG. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a 15 min cool vest application during halftime effectively reduces core and skin temperatures, compared to passive recovery. This supports its utility as a practical, low-cost strategy for thermoregulatory management in soccer, warranting further investigation into its long-term performance benefits. Full article

Rural tourism plays a crucial role in promoting industrial revitalization in mountainous regions. Drawing inspiration from the site selection mechanisms of nature reserves, this study constructs a gap analysis framework tailored to rural tourism destinations, aiming to provide technical support for their spatial layout and systematic planning. By integrating a potential evaluation system based on tourism resources, market demand, and synergistic factors, the study identifies rural tourism priority zones and proposes a development typology and spatial optimization strategy across five provinces in Southwest China. The findings reveal: (1) First- and second-priority zones are primarily located in the core and periphery of provincial capitals and prefecture-level cities, while third-priority zones are concentrated in resource-rich areas of Yunnan and Guizhou and market-oriented areas of Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guangxi. (2) The Chengdu Plain emerges as the core region for rural tourism development, with hotspots clustered around Chengdu, northern and western Guizhou, central Chongqing, eastern Guangxi, and northwestern Yunnan, whereas cold spots are mainly situated in the western Sichuan Plateau and the Leshan–Liangshan–Zhaotong–Panzhihua–Chuxiong–Pu’er belt. (3) The alignment between tourism resources and rural tourism destinations is highest in Yunnan and Guizhou, while Chongqing exhibits the strongest match between destinations and tourism market potential and synergistic development conditions. Overall, 79.35% of rural tourism destinations in the region are situated within identified priority zones, with Chongqing, Guizhou, and Sichuan exhibiting the highest proportions. Based on the spatial mismatch between potential and existing destinations, the study delineates four development types—maintenance and enhancement, supplementation and upgrading, expansion, and reserve development—and offers regionally tailored planning recommendations. The proposed framework provides a replicable approach for spatial planning of rural tourism destinations in complex mountainous settings. Full article

This study aimed to compare the external peak physical demands (PDs) of under-19-year-old (U19) and professional male football players according to playing position. Positional data derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking during 15 matches in the 2023/24 season for both groups were analyzed. The following variables were measured: total distance, high-intensity running distance, sprint distance, acceleration count, and high-intensity actions. A linear mixed-effects model was employed, with category and playing position included as fixed effects to compare these metrics at the player level. The results revealed only a few significant differences in physical demands between the U19 and professional players. Notably, central defenders and central midfielders exhibited lower performance in HSR distance compared to other positions, with the professional players registering higher values than their U19 counterparts. However, no significant differences were observed for total and relative sprint distances, the number of accelerations, high intensity and relative sprint running efforts. These findings highlight the overall similarity in physical demands between U19 players and professional players, suggesting that elite youth athletes may be adequately prepared to meet the physical challenges of professional competition, with the exception of HSR distance. These conclusions have practical implications for coaches and performance staff, supporting the development of position-specific training programs, optimizing workload management through GPS monitoring, improving microcycle planning, and enhancing injury prevention strategies. Full article

Over the past 20 years, the use of the global positioning system (GPS) in football has become widespread. This technology has facilitated the tracking of external load both during training sessions and matches. Creating an external load profile for each playing position within specific formations can assist the coaching staff in shaping the training load of the microcycle according to the demands of each position. The purpose of this study was to create the running performance profile for high-level young football players based on their playing position in the 1-4-2-3-1 formation and to investigate potential differences between positions. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the players’ running performance across the two halves of the match. The study involved 22 Under-19 players from the academy of a professional football team. Only matches where the team used the 1-4-2-3-1 formation were analyzed (10 matches). The playing positions were categorized as: Central Defensive Fielders (CDFs), Central Midfielders (CMFs), Forwards (FWDs), Wide Defensive Fielders (WDFs), and Wide Midfielders (WMFs). Player movement was tracked using GPS devices and categorized into four velocity zones: (Zone 1: 3.6–10.8 km/h, Zone 2: 10.9–18.0 km/h, Zone 3: 18.1–25.2 km/h, Zone 4: >25.2 km/h). Depending on whether normality was present in our data, either a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or a Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted. A subsequent analysis was performed to compare the performance between the first and second halves of the match, using either the independent samples t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed that CMF players covered the greatest total distance and had the highest movement velocity (distance/min) compared to all other positions (p = 0.001). In high-speed running (>18 km/h), CMF again covered the greatest distance, followed by WDF. In sprinting, CDF covered the shortest distance and reached the lowest maximum speed (p = 0.001). CMF performed the most accelerations and decelerations across all positions (p = 0.001). As for the entire team, total distance, movement rate, and the number of accelerations and decelerations decreased in the second half. All players except the WDF also showed a decrease in total distance, while midfielders experienced a notable drop in sprint distance. In conclusion, this study underscores the positional specificity of physical demands in elite football and the systematic decline in physical output as matches progress. While all positions demonstrated some level of second-half performance deterioration, midfielders experienced the most significant decreases in both volume and intensity-related metrics. These insights offer valuable implications for position-specific physical condition, recovery planning, and substitution strategies, helping to optimize performance and manage player load in elite football environments. It should be reiterated that the results of the present study apply exclusively to the 1-4-2-3-1 formation. Full article

This study aimed to compare in-match physical and technical requirements of cerebral palsy (CP) football players across different national and international competitive contexts. A total of 79 male outfield players participated in 62 official matches across 3 competitive phases of the Spanish National CP Football League (Regular Phase, Consolation Phase, and Playoffs) and the IFCPF World Cup. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) were used to record locomotor and technical variables during each match. A subset of 10 players was tracked across all phases. Physical demands were normalized per minute of play and analyzed using one-way and repeated-measures ANOVAs. Results revealed that physical requirements during the World Cup were up to three times higher than during national-level matches, with significantly greater maximum velocities, high-intensity distances, and frequencies of accelerations and decelerations (p < 0.001, ηp² > 0.40). Playoffs also imposed significantly greater physical requirements compared to Regular and Consolation Phases. International matches showed a markedly higher number of ball contacts, indicating increased technical involvement. These patterns were consistent in both the full sample and the longitudinal subsample, suggesting that competitive level—rather than player characteristics alone— strongly modulates physical output during the competition. These findings underscore the need for context-specific training and load management strategies to prepare athletes for the elevated demands of high-level CP football competition. Full article

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) in urban parks, as a vital component of urban ecosystem services (ES), are increasingly recognized as an important tool for advancing urban sustainability and implementing nature-based solutions (NbS). The supply–demand relationship of CES in urban parks is strongly shaped by sociocultural and spatial geographic factors, playing a crucial role in optimizing urban landscape structures and enhancing residents’ well-being. However, current research generally lacks adaptive evaluation frameworks and quantitative methods, particularly for cities with significant spatial and cultural diversity. To address this gap, this study examines the central district of Lhasa as a case study to develop a CES supply–demand evaluation framework suitable for plateau river valley cities. The study adopts the spatial integration analysis method to establish an indicator system centered on “recreational potential–recreational opportunities” and “social needs–material needs,” mapping the spatial distribution and matching characteristics of supply and demand at the community scale. The results reveal that: (1) in terms of supply–demand balance, 25.67% of communities experience undersupply, predominantly in the old city cluster, while 16.22% experience oversupply, mainly in key development zones, indicating a notable supply–demand imbalance; (2) in terms of supply–demand coupling coordination, 55.11% and 38.14% of communities are in declining and transitional stages, respectively. These communities are primarily distributed in near-mountainous and peripheral urban areas. Based on these findings, four urban landscape optimization strategies are proposed: culturally driven urban park development, demand-oriented park planning, expanding countryside parks along mountain ridges, and revitalizing existing parks. These results provide theoretical support and decision-making guidance for optimizing urban park green space systems in plateau river valley cities. Full article

The high-hydrolysis reactivity cement clinker powder in cement plays a major role in cement’s cementation, while low-hydrolysis reactivity mineral admixture powders, such as slag, m mainly serve as a filler. Through optimizing the particle matching of cement clinker powder and slag powder, the mechanical properties of cement can be enhanced. In this study, clinker and slag with differing levels of fineness were obtained by separate grinding, and the particle gradation of clinker powder and slag powder in the cement was optimized. Fine clinker particles were mixed with coarse slag particles to systematically explore their effects on the rheology of cement paste, the formation of hydration products, the evolution of the pore structure, and the material’s mechanical properties. Through experimental tests and microscopic analysis, the mechanism whereby particle gradation is regulated by separate grinding was revealed. The findings of the study are as follows: with the same amount of cinder, finer clinker requires a higher water content of standard consistency. The addition of coarse cinder effectively reduces the standard-consistency water requirement of the blended cement. Fine grinding of coal cinder fails to enhance cement strength effectively but markedly raises the standard-consistency water demand. Thus, the specific surface area of coal cinder should be maintained at approximately 210 m²/kg. Full article

Background: In volleyball, upper limb dimensions, handgrip strength (HGS), and baropodometric parameters are critical for executing offensive and defensive actions during the match. These movements demand not only physical precision but also carry a significant risk of injury, varying by playing position. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the differences in specific upper limb anthropometric characteristics, HGS, and selected baropodometric variables among U-23 male volleyball players concerning playing position. Methods: The sample consisted of 92 U-23 male players who prepared for the U-23 Men’s Volleyball National Championship 2022 (20.39 (1.74) years, 184 (8.46) cm, 75.52 (10.20) kg). Playing positions analyzed were setters (n = 12), outside (n = 18), opposites (n = 19), middle blockers (n = 16), and liberos (n = 12). Results: player position differences in HGS and several anthropometric upper limb variables were observed. Middle blockers, outsides, and opposites exhibited superior anthropometric traits in most of the measurements compared to liberos and setters (p < 0.05). Differences in baropodometric parameters were only found between feet and their zones when the entire sample was evaluated. Finally, regression analysis identified dominant hand breadth (β = 3.42, 95%CI [0.43, 6.40], upper arm muscle area (β = 0.157, 95%CI [0.02, 0.29]), and wrist diameter (β = 3.59, IC 95% [0.49, 6.68]) as associated variables of HGS. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of positional profiling in volleyball, revealing key physical traits linked to performance. The observed differences are likely attributable to the specific role and physical demands inherent to each playing position. These findings can guide targeted training and injury prevention strategies to enhance performance. Full article

The rapid emergence of the platform economy has accelerated the practice of embedded innovation, with ecosystem partner selection serving as a critical first step in platform enterprises’ innovation collaborations and playing a key role in enhancing innovation efficiency and outcomes. Based on the theory of embedded innovation, this study identifies the core innovation demands of platform enterprises at distinct stages. It then employs QFD to quantify decision indicator weights for ecosystem partner selection. By integrating Prospect Theory with Field Theory, this study develops both a decision evaluation model and an optimization model to achieve the optimal screening of ecosystem partners. Specifically, this study contributes in the following ways: (1) It constructs an embedded innovation direction selection model to uncover the evolving innovation demands at each stage. Within the QFD framework, we map these demands onto selection evaluation indicators, assess their importance via the maximum entropy principle, and determine indicator weights through a correlation matrix. (2) It proposes a Prospect Theory-based TOPSIS evaluation model, incorporating decision-makers’ psychological preferences to mitigate bias arising from singular or excessive risk attitudes. This model ranks potential partners according to their closeness to an ideal solution. Finally, (3) it designs a Field Theory-based optimization model that accounts for the platform enterprise’s perspective, partner-matching rationality, and continuity of interaction. This model emphasizes the complementarity and synergy of innovation resources to enhance cooperation fit and strategic alignment between the platform and its partners. Finally, this study conducts an empirical analysis on platform enterprise XM and validates the model’s feasibility and stability through sensitivity testing and comparative analyses. This study enriches the understanding of ecosystem partner selection within platform ecosystems by advancing methods for quantifying partner demands and refining the selection of evaluation indicators. It also deepens the depiction of non-rational characteristics in behavioral decision-making and elucidates the mechanisms underlying the ongoing interactions between platform enterprises and their ecosystem partners. These theoretical contributions not only extend the scope of research on platform ecosystems and embedded innovation but also provide feasible approaches for platform enterprises to improve partner governance and foster collaborative innovation in dynamic and complex environments. Ultimately, the findings offer strong support for enhancing innovation performance and building sustainable competitive advantages. Full article