Search Results (122)

Objectives: Shoulder injury prevalence appears to be the highest among all injuries in CrossFit (CF) athletes. Nevertheless, there is no evidence deriving from prospective studies to explain this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to document shoulder injury incidence in CF participants over a 12-month period and prospectively investigate the risk factors associated with their demographic, epidemiological, and functional characteristics. Methods: The sample comprised 109 CF athletes in various levels. Participants’ data were collected during the baseline assessment, using a specially designed questionnaire, as well as active range of motion, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and sport-specific tests. Non-parametric statistical tests and inferential statistics were employed, and in addition, linear and regression models were created. Logistic regression models incorporating the study’s continuous predictors to classify injury occurrence in CF athletes were developed and evaluated using the Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) as the performance metric. Results: A shoulder injury incidence rate of 0.79 per 1000 training hours was recorded. Olympic weightlifting (45%) and gymnastics (35%) exercises were associated with shoulder injury occurrence. The most frequent injury concerned rotator cuff tendons (45%), including lesions and tendinopathies, exhibiting various severity levels. None of the examined variables individually showed a statistically significant correlation with shoulder injuries. Conclusions: This is the first study that has investigated prospectively shoulder injuries in CrossFit, creating a realistic profile of these athletes. Despite the broad spectrum of collected data, the traditional statistical approach failed to identify shoulder injury predictors. This indicates the necessity to explore this topic using more sophisticated techniques, such as advanced machine learning approaches. Full article

The enduring manufacturing goals are increasingly shifting toward ultra-precision manufacturing and micro-nano fabrication, driven by the demand for sophisticated products. Unconventional machining processes such as electrochemical jet machining (ECJM), electrical discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical machining (ECM), abrasive water jet machining (AWJM), and laser beam machining (LBM) have been widely adopted as feasible alternatives to traditional methods, enabling the production of high-quality engineering components with specific characteristics. ECJM, a non-contact machining technology, employs electrodes on the nozzle and workpiece to establish an electrical circuit via the jet. As a prominent special machining technology, ECJM has demonstrated significant advantages, such as rapid, non-thermal, and stress-free machining capabilities, in past research. This review is dedicated to outline the research progress of ECJM, focusing on its fundamental concepts, material processing capabilities, technological advancements, and its variants (e.g., ultrasonic-, laser-, abrasive-, and magnetism-assisted ECJM) along with their applications. Special attention is given to the application of ECJM in the semiconductor and biomedical fields, where the demand for ultra-precision components is most pronounced. Furthermore, this review explores recent innovations in process optimization, significantly boosting machining efficiency and quality. This review not only provides a snapshot of the current status of ECJM technology, but also discusses the current challenges and possible future improvements of the technology. Full article

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by pervasive emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Affecting over 1% of the general population, BPD carries significant morbidity, frequent hospitalizations, and an increased risk of suicide. Although specialized psychotherapeutic approaches have shown efficacy, their impact is often constrained by availability, lengthy treatment durations, moderate effect sizes, and high dropout rates. Pharmacological treatments for BPD remain inadequate and are usually accompanied by adverse side effects. Objective: This narrative review seeks to explore the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a safe, cost-effective, and accessible neuromodulation intervention aimed at alleviating core BPD symptoms—namely, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity—while also addressing common comorbidities and opportunities for integration with existing therapeutic modalities. Methods: We conducted a narrative literature synthesis in accordance with the SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) guidelines. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was performed using keywords related to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and BPD, identifying five published randomized controlled trials on the topic. To provide a broader perspective, we also included studies from related fields examining mechanisms of action, safety and tolerability, cost-effectiveness, stimulation parameters, and clinical outcomes relevant to BPD. Results: Conventional tDCS protocols—typically involving 1–2 mA currents for 20–30 min—have demonstrated an excellent safety profile, resulting in only minimal and transient side effects without any risk of overdose or misuse, which is a key advantage for populations at high risk of suicidality. With moderately priced devices and the feasibility of home-based administration, tDCS provides a substantially more affordable alternative to both long-term pharmacotherapy and intensive psychotherapy. Neurobiologically, tDCS modulates the excitability of the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and enhances fronto-limbic connectivity, thereby strengthening top-down regulatory control over emotion and behavior. Pilot randomized controlled trials report moderate effect sizes for improvements in emotional regulation, inhibitory control, and rejection sensitivity, along with ancillary gains in executive functioning and reductions in depressive and substance-use symptoms when stimulating the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Conclusions: tDCS stimulation emerges as a safe and scalable adjunctive treatment for BPD, leveraging targeted neuromodulation to address core features and common comorbidities like depression. However, variability in current protocols and the scarcity of well-powered randomized trials underscore the pressing need for standardized methodologies, longer-term follow-up, and individualized stimulation strategies to establish enduring clinical benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human-driven selection has shaped modern horse breeds into highly specialized athletes, particularly in racing. Arabian horses, renowned for their endurance, provide an excellent model for studying molecular adaptations to exercise. This study aimed to identify genes commonly influenced by physical exertion in the gluteus medius muscle and whole blood of Arabian horses during their first year of race training. Methods: RNA sequencing of sixteen pure-breed Arabian horses was used to analyze transcriptomic changes at three key training stages. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified to explore their role in endurance and metabolic adaptation. Results: Seven genes—RCHY1, PIH1D1, IVD, FABP3, ANKRD2, USP13, and CRYAB—were consistently deregulated across tissues and training periods. These genes are involved in muscle remodeling, metabolism, oxidative stress response, and protein turnover. ANKRD2 was associated with mechanosensing and muscle adaptation, FABP3 with fatty acid metabolism, and USP13 with ubiquitination-related pathways crucial for muscle recovery and energy regulation. The transcriptomic overlap between muscle and blood suggests potential systemic biomarkers for athletic performance and endurance. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of multi-tissue transcriptomic profiling in understanding exercise-induced molecular adaptations. The identified genes warrant further investigation as potential molecular markers for monitoring training progression and athletic potential in endurance horses. This study contributes to the growing field of equine sports genetics and may offer translational insights into human sports performance. Full article

The rate of oxygen consumption, which is measured as the volume of oxygen consumed per mass per minute (VO₂) mL/kg/min, is a critical metric for evaluating cardiovascular health, metabolic status, and respiratory function. Specifically, VO₂ is a powerful prognostic predictor of survival in patients with heart failure (HF) because it provides an indirect assessment of a patient’s ability to increase cardiac output (CO). In addition, VO₂ measurements, particularly VO₂ max, are significant because they provide a reliable indicator of your cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. However, traditional VO₂ assessment requires bulky, breath-by-breath gas analysis systems, limiting frequent and continuous monitoring to specialized settings. This study presents a novel wrist-worn multiwavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) device and machine learning algorithm designed to estimate VO₂ continuously. Unlike conventional wearables that rely on static formulas for VO₂ max estimation, our algorithm leverages the data from the PPG wearable and uses the Beer–Lambert Law with inputs from five wavelengths (670 nm, 770 nm, 810 nm, 850 nm, and 950 nm), incorporating the isosbestic point at 810 nm to differentiate oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin. A validation study was conducted with eight subjects using a modified Bruce protocol, comparing the PPG-based estimates to the gold-standard Parvo Medics gas analysis system. The results demonstrated a mean absolute error of 1.66 mL/kg/min and an R² of 0.94. By providing precise, individualized VO₂ estimates using direct tissue oxygenation data, this wearable solution offers significant clinical and practical advantages over traditional methods, making continuous and accurate cardiovascular assessment readily available beyond clinical environments. Full article

The intense rising of machine learning in the previous years, bolstered by post-COVID-19 digitalization, left some of us pondering upon the transparency practices involving projects sourced from European Union funds. This study focuses on the European Union research clusters and trends in the ecosystem of higher education institutions (HEIs). The manually curated dataset of bibliometric data from 2020 to 2024 was analyzed in steps, from the traditional bibliometric indicators to natural language processing and collaboration networks. Centrality metrics, including degree, betweenness, closeness, and eigenvector centrality, and a three-way-intersection of community detection algorithms were computed to quantify the influence and the connectivity of institutions in different communities in the collaborative research networks. In the EU context, results indicate that institutions such as Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, the University of Cordoba, and Maastricht University frequently occupy central positions, echoing their role as local or regional hubs. At the global level, prominent North American and UK-based universities (e.g., University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Imperial College London) also remain influential, standing as a witness to their enduring influence in transcontinental research. Clustering outputs further confirmed that biomedical and engineering-oriented lines of inquiry often dominated these networks. While multiple mid-ranked institutions do appear at the periphery, the data highly implies that large-scale initiatives gravitate toward well-established players. Although the recognized centers provide specialized expertise and resources, smaller universities typically rely on a limited number of niche alliances. Full article

Background: A rapid intervention team is a broad category of special teams used by police and emergency respondents to cover various needs. It is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of people in emergencies, minimising the risk of harm and maximising the chances of survival. Objective: This study aimed (i) to identify the fitness profiles and levels of POs from the EIR of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command (COMETLIS, PSP, Portugal), considering age classes; (ii) to directly compare the observed fitness profiles to previous research and normative data; and (iii) to compare the fitness profile of POs from the EIR with cadets from the Police Academy. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included the participation of 121 male POs from the EIR of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command (Portugal) and 92 male cadets from the Police Academy (Lisbon, Portugal). The assessment protocol sequence involved the collection of biosocial data (age classes: ≤29 years; 30–39 years; 40–49 years), a body size assessment, and a fitness assessment (horizontal jump, handgrip strength, 60 s sit-ups and 20 m shuttle run). Results: (i) In the ≤29 years age class, POs performed better in all fitness tests (highlighting that the age class had a statistically significant effect on performance in the horizontal jump, sit-ups, 20 m shuttle run, and predicted VO₂max), and they showed significantly better performance than cadets in handgrip (left, right, and sum), and significantly worse performance in sit-ups and predicted VO₂max. (ii) In the 30–39 years age class, POs had significantly worse performance than cadets in the horizontal jump, sit-ups, 20 m shuttle run, and predicted VO₂max, even after controlling for age. Conclusions: (i) The fitness performance decreased as the age class became older; (ii) the handgrip strength and cardiovascular capacity attributes were between the standard and excellent levels according to the ACSM guidelines for the general population; (iii) POs from the EIR were stronger than cadets in terms of handgrip strength but weaker in terms of lower limb power, abdominal muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity; and (iv) the differences observed between POs from the EIR and cadets in the 30–39 years age class emphasise the importance of physical training after the training period and throughout professional life. Full article

Carbohydrate supplementation is a common practice among endurance athletes participating in long-distance competitions. However, glycogen storage regulation, in-competition blood glucose levels, and their relationship with athletic performance are influenced by multiple factors. This review summarizes the recent research progress on carbohydrate supplementation, addressing its applications in the pre-, during-, and post-competition phases. It explores variables that influence the effectiveness of carbohydrate supplementation and provides a summary of strategies, based on six key aspects: carbohydrate properties, multi-nutrient interactions, gastrointestinal function, individual differences (such as age and gender), environmental conditions, and psychological factors. The combination of different types, ratios, and concentrations of carbohydrates has been demonstrated to enhance the efficiency of carbohydrate digestion and absorption. The synergistic combination of protein, sodium, and caffeine intake demonstrates enhanced efficacy in carbohydrate supplementation strategies. Gastrointestinal tolerance training for carbohydrate supplementation has been identified as an effective measure to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort during high-dose carbohydrate intake. The adjustment of the carbohydrate-to-fat ratio and the type of carbohydrate intake has been found to mitigate the impact of gender and menstrual cycles on glycogen storage and substrate utilization. Modifying the timing of glycogen storage and regulating the concentration and temperature of carbohydrate solutions during competition have been demonstrated to facilitate coping with the elevated energy expenditure and metabolic substrate shift from fat to carbohydrates, triggered by a combination of environmental and psychological factors, including special environmental and climatic conditions (e.g., high altitude, high temperature, high humidity, and cold) and emotional states (e.g., pre-competition stress and anxiety during the competition). To achieve precise carbohydrate supplementation for athletes in major events under various competitive environments, it is necessary to quantitatively assess the effects of carbohydrate supplementation, supported by mechanistic studies. This can be achieved by utilizing wearable devices to monitor the entire competition, coupled with data collection technologies, such as high-throughput profiling. Furthermore, emerging data analytics techniques, such as machine learning and causal inference, should be leveraged to refine supplementation strategies. Full article

The TRAF family of molecules are intracellular signaling adaptors that regulate various signaling pathways. These pathways are not only mediated by the TNFR superfamily and the Toll-like receptor/IL-1 receptor superfamily but also by unconventional cytokine receptors like IL-6 and IL-17 receptors. Overactive immune responses caused by TRAF signaling following the activation of these receptors frequently result in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and autoinflammatory syndromes. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the signaling processes controlled by TRAFs, which have a significant influence on the determination of cell fate (life or death) and the functioning, specialization, and endurance of cells in the innate and adaptive immune systems. Our data indicate that the dysregulation of cellular expression and/or signaling of TRAFs leads to the excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hence promoting abnormal activation of immune cells. The objective of our investigation was to comprehend the function of these molecules in SARS-CoV-2 infection both prior to and during SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Our results demonstrate a clear inactivation of the TRAF5 and TRAF6 genes when infection occurs after immunization, in contrast to infection without prior vaccination. This can bolster the belief that immunization is essential while also demonstrating the involvement of these molecules in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Full article

Considering the principles of green and low-carbon development, practitioners strive to continuously improve propeller performance as a primary goal for propeller-powered aircraft. Specially, medium and high-altitude UAVs require propellers that possess sufficient thrust and high efficiency across the entire flight envelope to improve the UAV’s endurance and mission capability. However, given the constraints imposed by flight altitude, speed, and power system capacity, attaining optimal matching of rotational speed and torque for fixed-pitch propellers across different operating scenarios remains a significant challenge. To ensure optimal aerodynamic performance across diverse design points, variable pitch technology is adopted, and a multi-objective propeller optimization design method is proposed that adapts to the varying pitch angle strategy. Based on the standard strip analysis, with different profile chord lengths and twist angle distributions of the propeller blade as the control parameters, we establish a multi-objective propeller aerodynamic shape optimization model using a genetic optimization algorithm. The newly designed electrically variable pitch propeller, employing this method, exhibits good aerodynamic performance throughout the flight envelope. Its design has been validated through high-precision CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing, achieving a cruising efficiency of up to 84.5%. The results show that the propeller performance calculation has good consistency with the test and can meet the requirements of unmanned aircraft. Full article

The valuation of neuroblastoma research heterogeneity at African country level is unspecified. Therefore, the study assesses the heterogeneity of neuroblastoma research in 54 African countries and develops recommendations for national cancer-control plans. Metadata of peer-reviewed scientific publications allied to African neuroblastoma research were retrieved from the Web of Science™ Core Collection Database for bibliometric analysis. Comprehensive science mapping analysis and statistical analyses were performed with bibliometric online platform² and GraphPad Prism v. 10.2.3. This study revealed that African countries focused the neuroblastoma research publications mainly on the sustainable development goal of good health and well-being. The dominating research area in Africa is oncology followed by pharmacology. Only 26 of 54 African countries were accountable for total neuroblastoma research in Africa, with South Africa and Egypt contributing 61% of the whole continent’s neuroblastoma research. Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, and Nigeria are the five most active African countries, and they are funded by different funding agencies internationally and domestically. The collected analysed data of this study draws special attention to heterogeneity and enduring upward correlating trajectory of Africa’s neuroblastoma publication numbers, their citations, acquired funds, and countries’ cooperation. Furthermore, this heterogeneity finding flags the necessity of developing a comprehensive strategic plan and implementation to cultivate neuroblastoma research as a fundamental part of each African country’s national cancer control plans. Full article

This study aims to assess, through individual performance, the influence of supply chain managerial competency of logistics managers on company logistics performance, taking into account the moderating effects of education and work experience. Using an empirical survey of Vietnamese developing nation logistics companies, this study applied the PLS-SEM approach for data analysis including assessments of mediation and moderation. The sample comprised 272 valid replies from a structured survey aimed at managerial personnel. The findings demonstrate that the competencies of logistics managers substantially improve individual performance, hence mediating the favorable correlation between management competencies and organizational logistics performance. The results indicate that both education and experience enhance these linkages at both individual and organizational levels. This study advances the application of RBV theory by highlighting human capital as an essential, distinctive resource that, when augmented by education and experience, enhances organizational performance. Nevertheless, this study’s shortcomings encompass a concentration on the Vietnamese logistics sector, indicating the need for future research across various businesses and geographical settings. These observations highlight the necessity for specialized education and training programs to develop managerial competencies for enduring organizational effectiveness. Full article

The capacity of biological self-healing concrete (BSHC) to repair cracks relies on the sustained viability and metabolic function of bacteria embedded within the concrete. BSHC structures face significant risk in cold climates due to low temperatures and freeze–thaw (FT) cycles, during which freezing water can generate internal pressure that damages bacterial cells and diminishes their activity. A special feature of this study is the incorporation of bacterial spores within expanded clay aggregates, tested under varying environmental conditions. The viability of bacterial spores was measured under cold and freeze–thaw cycles by counting colony-forming units, and a specific methodology was developed to assess the efficiency of self-healing under rain-simulated conditions. It was demonstrated that bacteria embedded in concrete could endure fluctuations in low temperatures and freeze–thaw cycles, compromising approximately 50% of viable spores. Also, it was found that water immersion during concrete curing can trigger early germination, decreasing viable spore counts by nearly tenfold. Ultimately, it was demonstrated that the healing of cracks in BSHC components is influenced by the conditions under which the specimens are incubated. The results suggest that BSHC can be employed in cold climate areas, given that suitable curing conditions and adequate bacterial protection within the concrete are ensured. Full article

Background: Subjective rating scales of perceived exertion are often used to quantify effort levels during various endurance exercises, particularly submaximal tasks. The aim of the current study was to determine whether predictive conclusions can be drawn from perceived exertion levels surveyed at the start of defined submaximal endurance tasks. Methods: In this study, healthy participants performed a 10-min endurance task at 50% of their upper body weight, targeting either the back muscles (n = 47, 24 women) or abdominal muscles (n = 32, 17 women). At the end of each minute, participants were asked to rate their perceived exertion (RPE) using the 14-points Borg Scale. Based on their initial and final RPE levels, and for each muscle group separately, participants were divided into subgroups reflecting low (good start/good end) and high (bad start/bad end) strain levels. These values were then compared over the duration of the exercise. Comparisons of RPE levels between subgroups were made using the Mann-Whitney U-test for independent samples, with Bonferroni-Holm correction to account for multiple comparisons. Results: Overall, strain levels increased throughout the duration of the exercise. For the abdominal muscles, the difference between the two RPE groups remained constant over time: participants with good start/end ratings consistently showed different strain levels from those with bad start/end ratings, regardless of whether the grouping was based on initial or final exertion levels. In contrast, for the back muscles, the initial grouping showed a crossover in strain values: by the end of the task, participants in the good start group tended to report higher strain than those in the bad start group. No differences were found in initial RPE values when the grouping was based on final exertion levels. Conclusions: For endurance tasks involving the abdominal muscles, initial strain levels have strong predictive value, whereas this is not the case for the back muscles. Because back muscles are frequently loaded, continuous monitoring of RPE levels is necessary to prevent unexpected task failure, as initial RPE values are not predictive. In contrast, RPE values of 11 or higher on the 14-points Borg scale predict complete exhaustion or even premature task failure with high certainty for abdominal muscle exercises, while lower RPE levels indicate that exercise intensity can be increased. Full article

Objective: To construct and validate a physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players. Methods: Utilizing the Delphi method to establish a comprehensive evaluation system, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to calculate the influence weights of various indicators. The validity of the comprehensive evaluation system was verified using testing methods. Results: After three rounds of expert selection, the physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players includes three primary indicators, nine secondary indicators, and twenty-one tertiary indicators. Among the primary indicators, specialized physical fitness holds a significant weight in the evaluation with a value of 0.651, whereas body morphology has a smaller weight of 0.077. Among the secondary indicators, specialized agility, strength, and endurance have higher weights of 0.223, 0.217, and 0.210, respectively. Among the tertiary indicators, four-corner ball touch, 400 m × 5 shuttle run, smash-and-rush, and vertical jump height hold higher weights of 0.119, 0.114, 0.104, and 0.096, respectively. The results after randomly selecting ten elite male singles badminton players and applying the evaluation index system demonstrated that this system has high feasibility and validity. It can not only comprehensively assess the physical fitness of athletes but also provide significant practical guidance for enhancing their competitive performance. Conclusions: The evaluation system and weight assignments constructed in this study can scientifically and comprehensively reflect the physical fitness status of athletes. It can guide coaches in formulating targeted training plans and optimizing training outcomes. Full article