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Summary: Obesity is the primary risk factor for the development of obstructive sleep apnea, and physical inactivity plays an important role. However, most studies have either only evaluated physical activity subjectively or objectively in obstructive sleep apnea. The objectives of this study were: (i) to assess the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea severity (both apnea–hypopnea index and desaturation parameters) and both objectively and subjectively measured physical activity after adjustment for anthropometry and body composition parameters; and (ii) to assess the relationship between objective and subjective physical activity parameters and whether obstructive sleep apnea severity has a modulatory effect on this relationship. Fifty‐four subjects (age 47.7 ± 15.0 years, 46% males) were categorized into groups according to obstructive sleep apnea severity: no obstructive sleep apnea; mild obstructive sleep apnea; and moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea. All subjects were evaluated with subjective and objective physical activity, anthropometric and body composition measurements, and 3‐night self‐applied polysomnography. A one‐way ANOVA was used to evaluate the differences between the three obstructive sleep apnea severity groups and multiple linear regression to predict obstructive sleep apnea severity. Differences in subjectively reported sitting time (p ≤ 0.004) were found between participants with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea, and those with either mild or no obstructive sleep apnea (p = 0.004). Age, body mass index and neck circumference explained 63.3% of the variance in the apnea–hypopnea index, and age, body mass index and visceral adiposity explained 67.8% of the variance in desaturation parameters. The results showed that the person's physical activity does not affect obstructive sleep apnea severity. A weak correlation was found between objective and subjective physical activity measures, which could be relevant for healthcare staff encouraging patients with obstructive sleep apnea to increase their physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern handball, one of the important performance indicators is the effectiveness of the attack, especially the running-in of wingers as line players which has not been explored adequately. The purpose of the study was to analyze the movements of wingers in the organized attack when they run in. Fifty-eight matches were analyzed from the 2022 EHF European Men’s Handball Championship. A total of 491 attacks were recorded and 45 variables were analyzed in which wingers ran in as second pivots and the outcome was a throw. For the statistical analysis, descriptive and inductive statistics were used. The results showed that the average time of the running-in was 12.11 ± 9.28 s, the left wing ran in more often (60.1%) and wingers tended to move outside the defense formation (72.5%). Wingers ran in without the ball in possession (81.1%), moved toward defenders 2 and 5 and stood next to defenders, and occasionally blocked, slid or left their position. The defense’s central zone was preferred by players to make a throw. Correspondence analysis showed that wingers finally returned to their initial position regardless of the evolution of the attack. Their role was to block a specific defender or disorganize the defense, for one defender to be isolated so that one attacking player could execute a shot from the central area. Conclusively, wingers play an important role, especially in run-in actions, at the completion of an attack, and in the final throw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chest x-ray images are one of the most commonly performed imaging tests, providing crucial clinical information about structures like the heart, lungs, ribs, bones, and blood vessels. In this context, image segmentation is a critical stage as it aims to separate significant parts of an image. However, manual image segmentation presents serious difficulties that can be tackled using deep learning-based methods, such as U-Net. Furthermore, attention mechanisms have attracted the interest of the machine-learning community and can bring improvements in medical image segmentation. This research aims to assess the impact of attention-based mechanisms for segmenting different organs in chest X-ray images, like heart, lungs, clavicles and ribs, over the well-known U-Net architecture as a baseline. We study five U-Net encoder variations, replacing the U-Net encoder with ResNet 18, 34 and 50, Swin Transformer and a simple residual structure comprised of a single ResNet-50 prior to each U-Net encoder layer. In the original U-Net, the skip layers are identity layers connecting each encoder block with its corresponding decoder one. Here, we replace these layers with different attention mechanisms: spatial attention, full spatial attention, double spatial attention, multiple spatial attention, spatial cross-attention and Swin spatial cross-attention. Each encoder variation and attention mechanism was evaluated from scratch and on a pre-trained scenario, independently for lungs, ribs, heart and clavicles. ResNet-UNet-18 achieves up to 0.96 and 0.53 of average overlapping with hand-segmented masks of lungs and clavicles, respectively. The best encoder for rib and heart segmentation was Residual U-Net, with 0.88 and 0.83 overlapping, respectively. Furthermore, for attention mechanisms, the most suitable were selected according to overlapping with hand-segmented masks as Spatial Attention U-Net for lungs (0.96), Three-Head Attention for ribs (0.88), Full Spatial Attention for the heart (0.82) and Spatial Cross-Attention for clavicles (0.54). Encoder variations and attention mechanism have a positive impact over a U-Net for segmentation of lungs, ribs, heart and clavicles from scratch, without transfer learning. Moreover, the encoder and the attention mechanism are not universal for segmenting different organs in chest X-ray images. While organs share the same backbone architecture (lungs and clavicles), the most appropriate attention mechanisms for each organ are all different, achieving up to 0.99 of overlapping in lung segmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A search engine is a critical component in the success of eCommerce. Searching for a particular product can be frustrating when users want specific product features that cannot be easily represented by a simple text search or catalog filter. Due to the advances in artificial intelligence and deep learning, content-based visual search engines are included in eCommerce search bars. A visual search is instantaneous, just take a picture and search; and it is fully expressive of image details. However, visual search in eCommerce still undergoes a large semantic gap. Traditionally, visual search models are trained in a supervised manner with large collections of images that do not represent well the semantic of a target eCommerce catalog. Therefore, we propose VETE (Visual Embedding modulated by TExt) to boost visual embeddings in eCommerce leveraging textual information of products in the target catalog. with real eCommerce data. Our proposal improves the baseline visual space for global and fine-grained categories in real-world eCommerce data. We achieved an average improvement of 3.48% for catalog-like queries, and 3.70% for noisy ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance profiles of teams performance highlight areas of weaknesses and strengths for coaches to inform their decision-making on how to spend their limited training time with athletes. This study used a stepwise discriminative analysis approach comparing one successful team’s (TEAM) performances through five consecutive seasons against a) other top four teams (TOP4) and b) teams with a final rank between 5th and eight (LOW) in a semi-professional league. The predictive model created was used to set forth a performance profile for the selected team. A total of 95 matches of the TEAM’s matches from the last five seasons are in the analysis. The objective was to create a performance profile with relevant performance indicators selected based on the discriminant analysis results of the selected TEAM and discuss its practical applicability. For matches against other TOP4 teams, the predictive model created consisted of three variables; legal stops, blocked shots and 9 m shots, classifying 72.6% correctly. The LOW ranked teams model had six variables and correctly classified 94.4% of cases (assists, blocked shots, legal stops, the goalkeeper saved shots, 2-minute exclusion, and shot efficiency). The selected variables are presented in Table 4, with medians and a 95% confidence interval of the median as a team performance profile. The profile provides the coaches with two models containing values that can serve as a reference for this team’s performance. The profile of this TEAM’s performances during the last five seasons generally aligns with the variables associated with success in other studies in female handball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle childhood and early adolescence have received disproportionately low levels of scientific attention relative to other life stages, especially as related to nutrition and health. This is partly due to the justified emphasis on the first 1000 days of life, and the idea that early deficits and consequences may not be fully reversible. In addition, these stages of life may superficially appear less "eventful" than infancy or late adolescence. Finally, there has been historical ambiguity and inconsistency in terminology, depending on whether viewing "childhood" through physiologic, social, legal, or other lenses. Nevertheless, this age bracket, which encompasses most of the primary education and basic schooling years for most individuals, is marked by significant changes, inflection points, and sexually driven divergence in somatic and brain growth and development trajectories. These constitute transformative changes, and thus middle childhood and early adolescence represents a major and last opportunity to influence long-term health and productivity. This review highlights the specificities of growth and development in school age, with a focus on middle childhood and early adolescence (5 years–15 years of age, for the purposes of this review), the role of nutrition, the short- and long-term consequences of inadequate nutrition, and the current global status of nutrition in this age group. Adequate attention and emphasis on nutrition in the school-age years is critical: (a) for maintaining an adequate course of somatic and cognitive development, (b) for taking advantage of this last major opportunity to correct deficits of undernutrition and "catch-up" to normal life course development, and (c) for addressing the nutritional inadequacies and mitigating the longer-term consequences of overnutrition. This review summarizes and provides a rationale for prioritizing nutrition in school-age children, and for the need to revisit priorities and focus on this part of the life cycle to maximize individuals' potential and their contribution to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indications of laterall biases favouring left-handers have been found in various sports; especially interactive sports where the athletes have limited time to react to incoming objects. The aim of this study was therefore to explore whether any lateral biases exist in handball by examining 7-meter shots. A total of 6846 7-meter throws from 240 7-meter shooters across four seasons in the semi-professional Icelandic elite handball division (male and female) were analyzed. Out of the 240 7-meter shooters, of which 151 were male and 89 were female, 22% were left-handed (22% of the males and 20% of the females). The left-handed 7-meter shooters took a disproportionate number of the 7-meter shots, with left-handed shooters performing 29% of the 7-meter shots (27% in the male league and 33% in the female league). The results of a Bayesian two-level analysis indicated that left-handedness is not associated with greater success from the 7-meter line at the semi-professional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol drinking is an important health-related problem and one of the major risk factors for a wide array of non-communicable diseases, while there is a lack of studies investigating environment-specific associations between sports participation and alcohol drinking in adolescence. This study prospectively investigated the relationship between sports factors (i.e., participation in sports and competitive achievement), with the prevalence of harmful alcohol drinking (HD), and HD initiation in 14-to-16 years old adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 641, 337 females, 43% living in rural community). Participants were tested over 4-time points divided by approximately 6 months, from the beginning of high school to the end of the second grade. Variables included gender, factors related to sport participation, a community of residence (urban or rural), and outcome: alcohol consumption was assessed by the AUDIT questionnaire. Results evidenced that the prevalence of HD increased over the study period from 6 to 19%, with no significant differences between urban and rural youth. Logistic regression for HD as criterion evidenced adolescents who participated in sports and then quit as being at particular risk for drinking alcohol at the study baseline. Sports factors were not correlated with HD initiation in the period between 14 and 16 years of age. It seems that the problem of alcohol drinking should be preventively targeted in all youth, irrespective of living environment. Although sports participation was not evidenced as being a factor of influence on HD initiation, results highlight the necessity of developing targeted preventive campaigns against alcohol drinking for adolescents who quit sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging clinical evidence indicates the potential gastrointestinal (GI) benefits of milk containing only A2 β-casein, but data from randomized controlled trials is sparse among pediatric populations. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of growing-up milk (GUM) containing only A2 β-casein on GI tolerance in toddlers. Methods: A total of 387 toddlers aged 12–36 months were recruited in Beijing, China, and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to consume one of two commercially available A2 GUMs (combined in the analysis as A2 GUM) or continue their current feeding regimen of conventional milk for 14 days. The primary outcome was the total Gut Comfort Score (GCS) (range: 10–60; higher values indicate greater GI distress) derived from a 10-item (score range: 1–6 per item) parent-reported questionnaire, reflecting GI tolerance. Results: The GCS (mean ± SD) was comparable between the A2 GUM and conventional milk groups on day 7 (14.7 ± 5.0 vs. 15.0 ± 6.1, p = 0.54) and day 14 (14.0 ± 4.5 vs. 14.3 ± 5.5, p = 0.51). Parents reported less constipation in those consuming A2 GUM vs. conventional milk on day 14 (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9, p = 0.020). Among 124 participants with minor GI distress at baseline (GCS ≥ 17, top tertile range 17–35), GCS was significantly lower in those consuming A2 GUM on day 7 (18.2 ± 5.1 vs. 21.2 ± 6.8, p = 0.004) and day 14 (17.1 ± 5.3 vs. 19.6 ± 6.3, p = 0.026), as were individual GI symptoms (all p < 0.05). In the toddlers without GI issues at baseline (GCS < 17), a low GCS was maintained throughout the study period after switching to A2 GUM (mean values range 10–13). Conclusions: Growing-up milk containing only A2 β-casein were well-tolerated and associated with lower parent-reported constipation scores after two weeks when compared to conventional milks. In healthy toddlers with minor GI distress, A2 GUM improved overall digestive comfort and GI-related symptoms within one week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sketch-based image retrieval is demanding interest in the computer vision community due to its relevance in the visual perception system and its potential application in a wide diversity of industries. In the literature, we observe significant advances when the models are evaluated in public datasets. However, when assessed in real environments, the performance drops drastically. The big problem is that the SOTA SBIR models follow a supervised regimen, strongly depending on a considerable amount of labeled sketch-photo pairs, which is unfeasible in real contexts. Therefore, we propose SBIR-BYOL, an extension of the well-known BYOL, to work in a bimodal scenario for sketch-based image retrieval. To this end, we also propose a two-stage self-supervised training methodology, exploiting existing sketch-photo pairs and contour-photo pairs generated from photographs of a target catalog. We demonstrate the benefits of our model for the eCommerce environments, where searching is a critical component. Here, our self-supervised SBIR model shows an increase of over 60 % of mAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Highest-level soccer players reduce match running performance towards the end of matches, with TD being greater reduced than HIR. As players do not reduce their MRP in the latest stages of the second half, and that influence of situational factors was not observed, it seems that the decline of match running performance in highest-level soccer may not be a consequence of fatigue or situational factors but of pacing strategies. It is widely recognized that there is a decline in match running performance (MRP) towards the end of matches. To clarify whether it is primarily a consequence of fatigue, pacing or situational influences, this study aimed to examine MRP across 15-min match periods for players on different playing positions. Players' MRP (n = 244) were examined from the UEFA Champions League matches (n = 20) using a semiautomatic optical tracking system. Linear mixed models for repeated measures were adjusted to analyze MRP over the six 15-min match periods while controlling the influence of situational factors. No effects of match outcome, match location, team, and opponent quality on total distance (TD) and high-intensity running (HIR) for players in all playing positions were found (F = 0.03–2.75; all p > 0.05). Significant differences in TD (F = 17.57–53.01; η2 = 0.39–0.52, all large effect sizes) and HIR (F = 3.67–7.64; η2 = 0.05–0.19, small to medium effect sizes) among six 15-minute match periods were found for players in all playing positions. In addition, players in all playing positions covered less TD (d = 1.41–2.15, large to very large effect sizes) and HIR (d = 0.16–0.6, trivial to medium effect sizes) in the last compared to the first 15-min match period. No differences in TD and HIR between the last two match periods in the second half were observed. This study confirmed that soccer players reduce MRP towards the end of matches, and suggest that the decline of MPR in highest-level soccer may be a consequence of pacing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to analyze handball game-related statistics in balanced games (0-2 goal difference at minute 50) in the final 10 minutes regarding the final outcome of winning or losing. i) Analyse statistical differences between winners and losers in male and female top Icelandic handball leagues and ii) calculate a discriminating model for performance variables for both male and female top Icelandic handball leagues. The game-related statistics from the final 10 minutes of 127 games from two seasons (85 male and 42 female) with a goal difference of two or fewer at minute 50 were analyzed. The internal consistency and reliability ranged from good to excellent for the games of both sexes. Differences between winning or losing for each sex were determined using the unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and Cohens d for effect sizes was calculated. The results for males include four variables with large effect sizes and six with significant differences. The discriminatory model selected technical fouls and goalkeeper blocked shots from 9 m to classify 40.4% correctly (Wilks' lambda 0.005, and canonical correlation of 0.997). For females, findings align with previous research underscoring the importance of 9 m shots at goal at this level. However, they differ somewhat from full game statistics at the elite level with no difference in red cards and 7 m shots. Coaches should pay particular attention in tactical preparation to shots outside 9 m - both offensively and defensively in balanced games in the final 10 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to severe health consequences such as hypertension, daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular disease. Nearly a billion people are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea with a substantial economic burden. However, the current diagnostic parameter of obstructive sleep apnea, the apnea–hypopnea index, correlates poorly with related comorbidities and symptoms. Obstructive sleep apnea severity is measured by counting respiratory events, while other physiologically relevant consequences are ignored. Furthermore, as the clinical methods for analysing polysomnographic signals are outdated, laborious, and expensive, most patients with obstructive sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. Therefore, more personalised diagnostic approaches are urgently needed. The Sleep Revolution, funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, aims to tackle these shortcomings by developing machine learning tools to better estimate obstructive sleep apnea severity and phenotypes. This allows for improved personalised treatment options, including increased patient participation. Also, implementing these tools will alleviate the costs and increase the availability of sleep studies by decreasing manual scoring labour. Finally, the project aims to design a digital platform that functions as a bridge between researchers, patients, and clinicians, with an electronic sleep diary, objective cognitive tests, and questionnaires in a mobile application. These ambitious goals will be achieved through extensive collaboration between 39 centres, including expertise from sleep medicine, computer science, and industry and by utilising tens of thousands of retrospectively and prospectively collected sleep recordings. With the commitment of the European Sleep Research Society and Assembly of National Sleep Societies, the Sleep Revolution has the unique possibility to create new standardised guidelines for sleep medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Establishing energy requirements in infants and young children is important in developing age-appropriate diet recommendations but most published guidelines for energy requirements have 1 or more limitations related to the data underlying the calculations. Objective To develop a comprehensive set of daily energy requirements for infants and young children aged 0–24 mo meeting the ideals of worldwide applicability to all healthy children based on the use of the doubly labeled water (DLW) technique to measure total energy expenditure (TEE), the use of recent, international growth charts, and calculation of values across a wide range of body weight. Methods Daily estimated energy requirements (EERs) were calculated in 1-mo increments from 0 to 24 mo for boys, girls, and combined, using as inputs the following: 1) TEE measured using the DLW technique, 2) energy deposition estimates from the Institute of Medicine, and 3) body weight values from the 25th to 75th percentiles from the 2006 WHO growth charts. EERs were combined for age groups 0 to <6, 6–8, 9–11, and 12–24 mo by averaging EERs from individual months. The EER calculations were supported by a systematic literature review and a meta-regression of existing studies. Results Energy requirements naturally increase with age and are slightly higher in boys than in girls. The EERs derived in this study are similar to those in other recent international efforts. Conclusions This updated set of EERs for infants and young children expand and improve upon the methodology used to establish previous published guidelines. These estimates have multiple potential uses including planning age-appropriate menus for the complementary feeding period, the development of foods that are more precisely targeted to the needs of infants and children at particular ages, and establishing macronutrient requirements within specific age groups based on a percentage of energy, such as dietary fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 2 physical exercise programs carried out during working hours in an office work environment on health-related parameters of employees. Material and Methods: The participants included 47 healthy office worker volunteers (aged 45±11.95 years, 27% males) who formed 3 groups: circuit training (CT), brisk walk (BW), and control (C) groups. The interventions lasted 12 weeks with a weekly frequency of three 30-minute sessions in the middle of the workday. All employees were evaluated with a multicomponent battery test which included: anthropometric and body composition measurements, a cardiorespiratory fitness test, lipid profile, blood pressure, and mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). Basic descriptive statistics were calculated. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to summarize changes in the variables studied after the application of the physical exercise programs. Results: Generally, both exercise programs (CT and BW) maintained the body weight and body mass index while reducing body fat mass (a group × time interaction; 4.864 = F = 6.524, 0.001 = p = 0.015), although the CT intervention also showed relevant (inter-group) reductions in the waist-hip ratio (F = 11.311, p = 0.007) and increased skeletal muscle mass (F = 15.062, p = 0.003). Both exercise programs (CT and BW) improved the cardiorespiratory fitness test scores (a group × time interaction; F = 18.054, p < 0.001). There were no changes in the lipid profile or blood pressure after the interventions, but there was an improvement in mental health (4.760 = F = 8.087, 0.008 = p = 0.037). Conclusions: The findings suggest that both types of programs could be implemented in the employees' daily routine in order to improve their overall health. Nevertheless, studies with larger samples are necessary before the conclusions can be generalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 2 physical exercise programs carried out during working hours in an office work environment on health-related parameters of employees.Material and Methods: The participants included 47 healthy office worker volunteers (aged 45±11.95 years, 27% males) who formed 3 groups: circuit training (CT), brisk walk (BW), and control (C) groups. The interventions lasted 12 weeks with a weekly frequency of three 30-minute sessions in the middle of the workday. All employees were evaluated with a multicomponent battery test which included: anthropometric and body composition measurements, a cardiorespiratory fitness test, lipid profile, blood pressure, and mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). Basic descriptive statistics were calculated. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to summarize changes in the variables studied after the application of the physical exercise programs.Results: Generally, both exercise programs (CT and BW) maintained the body weight and body mass index while reducing body fat mass (a group × time interaction; 4.864 ≤ F ≤ 6.524, 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.015), although the CT intervention also showed relevant (inter-group) reductions in the waist-hip ratio (F = 11.311, p = 0.007) and increased skeletal muscle mass (F = 15.062, p = 0.003). Both exercise programs (CT and BW) improved the cardiorespiratory fitness test scores (a group × time interaction; F = 18.054, p < 0.001). There were no changes in the lipid profile or blood pressure after the interventions, but there was an improvement in mental health (4.760 ≤ F ≤ 8.087, 0.008 ≤ p ≤ 0.037).Conclusions: The findings suggest that both types of programs could be implemented in the employees' daily routine in order to improve their overall health. Nevertheless, studies with larger samples are necessary before the conclusions can be generalized. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(1):39-51. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handball (team handball) is a multifactorial sport. The aims of this study were (i) to analyse anthropometric variables, conditioning abilities, and handball skills in club handball players according to age and sex, and (ii) to develop multivariate models explaining club handball performance from a multidimensional perspective. Two hundred and twenty six handball players (age 16.9 ± 4.0 years, 54% males) participated in the study. The players belonged to under-14, under-16, under-19, and A teams. They were evaluated with a battery of 18 tests covering kinanthropometry, conditioning abilities, and handball skills. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to investigate differences between teams, and a t-test for differences between the sexes. For each team, a discriminant analysis was performed to determine differences between performance levels. The results showed little differences between the U19 and A teams in any of the variables studied in either men or women, and that the lowest values corresponded to the U14 team. The differences according to sex were clear in the kinanthropometric and conditioning variables, but much less so in handball skills. The eight multivariate models that were constructed classified successfully from 48.5 to 100% of the sample using at most three variables (except for the women's A team whose model selected six variables). Conditioning variables were most discriminating in men, and handball skills in women. This would seem to reflect the different performance profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (i) to determine whether there is a relationship between the relative age effect (RAE) and the final classification of the teams, player's positions, number of goals scored, and shooting effectiveness, and (ii) to determine whether there are differences in the number of goals scored and shooting effectiveness depending on the final classification and player's positions. The study subjects were 380 players who took part in the 2018 Women's Youth World Handball Championship. The independent variables were the relative age effect and the number of goals and shooting effectiveness of each type of shot. The dependent variables were the player's position and the team's final classification. To investigate the relationship between the RAE and the team's final classification, player's position, goals scored, and shooting effectiveness, contingency tables were drawn up and subjected to a chi-squared test. The dependence of the differences in goals and shooting effectiveness on the team's final classification and the player's position was studied by means of an ANOVA with a Tukey post hoc test. For the sample overall, there was no RAE, only an association between the classification and the year of birth, with more players born in the senior year in the teams ranked from 1st to 8th place than in those classified from 9th to 24th place. The teams classified from 1st to 4th had more significant numbers of several variables. There were differences in goals and shooting effectiveness, depending on the player's position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (i) to compare water polo game-related statistics by match outcome (winning and losing teams) after the application of the new rules, and (ii) to develop a classification tree model explaining the performance in elite men's water polo. Forty-eight matches that were played in the 18th FINA World Championships were analysed. The dependent variable was match outcome and the independent variables were the game-related statistics. To determine the differences between the winning and losing teams, a parametric (paired-sample t-test) or non-parametric (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) test was applied, depending on whether or not the variable satisfied normality. The effect sizes (ES) of the differences were calculated. In order to determine which variables best predict the final outcome, a decision tree was constructed. This was a tree based on the supervised learning method called QUEST (Quick, Unbiased, Efficient, Statistical Tree). Ten variables differentiated between winning and losing teams (ES ≥ 0.80): four were related to the effectiveness of throwing, three to the effectiveness of the goalkeeper, and three to other actions. The decision tree correctly classified 83.9% of the teams with the variables GB shots, actions goals, time-outs, and steals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's football has been far less studied than men's. This work's objectives were to: (1) analyze the differences in psychological skills, mental toughness (MT), and anxiety in women football players according to their level (national team, first division, and second division); and (2) predict those three levels (using a multivariate model) according to the players' psychological skills, mental toughness, and anxiety. One hundred and forty‐two Icelandic women football players (23.5 ± 3.5 years) participated in the study. They were classified into three groups according to their level: national team, and first and second divisions. Three questionnaires were used: the Test of Performance Strategies Questionnaire, the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the Sport Anxiety Scale‐2 questionnaire. A one‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction was used to examine differences between teams. Applying a classification tree analysis, the participants were classified into three groups according to their level. There were few differences between the three groups in psychological skills, but in mental toughness and anxiety the national team had the highest and lowest values respectively, and the first and second division players differed in relaxation in competition (TOPS), total score and confidence (SMTQ), and worry (SAS‐2). The classification tree correctly classified 54.9% of the sample with the variables total score (SMTQ) and activation in practice (TOPS). Therefore, given the relevance that psychological attributes appear to have for women football players' performance, it would seem indispensable to incorporate the figure of the sports psychologist into national and club teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's objectives were to (i) to compare beach handball game-related statistics by match outcome (winning and losing teams) and (ii) to develop a multivariate model explaining the performance in elite men's beach handball. Seventy-two matches of the VIII Men's Beach Handball World Championship held in Kazan (Russia) in 2018 were analysed. The dependent variable was match outcome (winning and losing teams), and the independent variables were the game-related statistics. A paired sample t-test was used to examine differences between teams. The effect sizes of the differences were calculated. The data were subjected to a multivariate analysis in the form of a regression and classification tree. The game statistics with the greatest effect size (ES≥0.88) and which differentiated the winning and losing teams were the team's overall valuation and total points. The classification and regression tree model correctly classified 94.5% of the records on the basis of eight variables distributed over 20 nodes: overall valuation, goalkeeper blocked spin-shots, goalkeeper received spin-shots, goalkeeper received one-pointer, spin-shot goals, specialist goals, blocks, technical fouls. Coaches could apply these results to seek better performance in the goalkeeper position and in two-pointer goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training is a complex process that depends, among other factors, on the intensity and volume of training. Th e objective of this study was to analyse the volume of training in several sports as a function of sex and age. Th e study sample consisted of 302 sportspersons (men, n=132; women, n=170) who participated in the 16th Games of the Small States of Europe (1st to 6th June 2015) in representing nine countries. Th e subjects practised the following sports: artistic gymnastics, athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, golf, judo, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball, and were classifi ed by sex, sport, and age (younger: ≤20 years; intermediate: from 21 to 30 years; older: ≥31 years). Th ey responded to fi ve questions about their training volume and the annual number of competitions in which they participated. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to establish diff erences by sex, sport, and age group. Th ree-way ANOVAs (sex [men, women] x age [3 levels: younger, intermediate, older] x sport [11 sports]) were performed to determine any relationships between the variables. Neither interactions between the groups nor diff erences depending on sex were found in the training volumes, but the older the sportsperson, the lower the training volume (days per week, and total time per week). Th e sports with the greatest training volumes were artistic gymnastics and swimming, while those with the most competitions per year were basketball and volleyball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were (i) to know the effects of an exercise program on a group of people with depression and anxiety and (ii) to compare theses effects with a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral group therapy (TCBGT). The participants were 15 people with depression and/or anxiety symptoms. The participants followed an exercise program. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with validated questionnaires. An exercise program can be used as a treatment option for people with depression and/or anxiety with good results in comparison with TCBGT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were (a) to analyze anthropometric, physical fitness, and throwing speed in women elite handball players of different ages and (b) to develop a multivariate model explaining handball performance from a multidimensional perspective. Eighty women handball players (18.2 ± 4.0 years in age) from national team selections participated in the study. The players belonged to A Team, under-19, under-17, and under-15 national teams. All were evaluated by basic anthropometry, physical fitness tests, and handball throwing speed. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to establish the differences between teams with a Bonferroni post hoc test. For each team, a discriminant analysis was performed to determine the predictor variables of performance. Pearson's simple correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the variables. The results of this particular study showed that (a) between the A Team and the U19 team, there were only differences in mass, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and yo-yo test, (b) the A Team and U19 predictive models correctly classified 76 and 90% of the samples, respectively, with the variables involved being mass and body mass index (A Team) and 30-m sprint and 7-m throwing speed (U19 team), and (c) the 7- and 9-m throwing speeds were correlated with each other and with stature, mass, CMJ, and medicine ball throw (0.367 ≤ r ≤ 0.533; 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05). These results could help improve coaches' knowledge of elite female teams, in particular, in the country where the study was conducted and in others of similar characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the author discusses various reports within the issue on topics including fouls, sports training, and the importance of training to athletes.

Sports performance analysis has been a growing field of study in the last decade. However, the number of studies in handball is small. The aims of this present study were (i) to compare handball game-related statistics by the match outcome (winning and losing teams) and (ii) to identify characteristics that discriminated performance in elite women’s handball. The game-related statistics of the 236 matches played in the last four Olympic Games (Athens, Greece, 2004; Beijing, China, 2008; London, United Kingdom, 2012; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2016) were analysed. Differences between match outcomes (winning or losing teams) were determined using the chi-squared statistic, also calculating the effect sizes of the differences. A discriminant analysis was then performed applying the sample-splitting method according to match outcomes. The results showed the differences between winning and losing teams were red cards and assists. Also, the discriminant analysis selected five variables (shots, goalkeeper-blocked shots, technical fouls, steals, and goalkeeper-blocked fast-break shots) that classified correctly 83% of matches. The selected variables included offensive and defensive predictors. Coaches and players can use these results as a reference against which to assess their performance and plan training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obese children are usually less active than their normal-weight counterparts, although the reasons for this remain unclear. The objective of the present study was to determine how a long-term program (3 years of intervention and 6 months of follow-up detraining) of physical exercise with or without a low calorie diet influenced sedentary obese children's intention to be physically active. The participants were 27 children, ages from 8 to 11 years, who formed two groups according to the program that they followed. One group followed an exercise program (three 90-min sessions per week), and the other this same exercise program together with a hypocaloric diet. The intention to be physically active was assessed via the Measurement of Intention to be Physically Active (MIFA) questionnaire. The subjects' scores at different times of the program (baseline, Year 3, and detraining) were compared using a repeated-measures ANOVA, and a post-hoc Tukey's test was applied to confirm the differences. After both the intervention and detraining, both groups showed greater intention to be physically active. This suggests the suitability of long-term physical exercise to generate greater intention to be physically active and thus establish healthy life habits including increased levels of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rule changes on game-related statistics in men's water polo matches. A total of 856 men's matches played in all Olympic Games and World Championship since 1936 was analysed. The game-related statistics considered were: total goals, winners' goals, losers' goals, goals per minute, goals difference, relationship difference goals and total goals, and relationship difference goals and winners' goals. The rule changes were grouped by structural (game and period) and functional changes (possession time, exclusion time, timing, minimum distance to take a direct shot). Differences between rule changes were determined using a one-way ANOVA. In general, the changes in water polo rules were shown to have an effect on the final result of the matches. There were differences in each rule change of duration (increased total goals and winners' goals), period (increased total goals and winners' goals), possession time (increased losers' goals), timing (increased total, winners', losers', and decreased % goals and total goals) and fouls (increased total goals and losers' goals). The analysis in game-related statistics through the rule changes could be used to evaluate their effects and/or justify future modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between race-start wall contact time and final performance for each sex as a function of classification and anti-slip start-device use (with or without) in backstroke events of international competitions. Twenty-one international competitions covering a 10-year period (2006–2015) were analysed, retrospectively. The data corresponded to the competition histories of 1723 swimmers. For the contact-time data of each event (50-m, 100-m and 200-m), two-way ANOVAs (sex × classification and sex × start device use) were performed. The Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to compare means, and Pearson’s simple correlation coefficient to determine possible correlations between wall contact times and final performance. The results showed the men to have shorter wall contact times than the women in the 50-m and 100-m events, and that, for the women medallists, their wall contact times were positively correlated with final performance in all events except the 200-m swim without the start device. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Embedded systems control and monitor a great deal of our reality. While some "classic" features are intrinsically necessary, such as low power consumption, rugged operating ranges, fast response and low cost, these systems have evolved in the last few years to emphasize connectivity functions, thus contributing to the Internet of Things paradigm. A myriad of sensing/computing devices are being attached to everyday objects, each able to send and receive data and to act as a unique node in the Internet. Apart from the obvious necessity to process at least some data at the edge (to increase security and reduce power consumption and latency), a major breakthrough will arguably come when such devices are endowed with some level of autonomous "intelligence". Intelligent computing aims to solve problems for which no efficient exact algorithm can exist or for which we cannot conceive an exact algorithm. Central to such intelligence is Computer Vision (CV), i.e., extracting meaning from images and video. While not everything needs CV, visual information is the richest source of information about the real world: people, places and things. The possibilities of embedded CV are endless if we consider new applications and technologies, such as deep learning, drones, home robotics, intelligent surveillance, intelligent toys, wearable cameras, etc. This paper describes the Eyes of Things (EoT) platform, a versatile computer vision platform tackling those challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray screening systems have been used to safeguard environments in which access control is of paramount importance. Security checkpoints have been placed at the entrances to many public places to detect prohibited items, such as handguns and explosives. Generally, human operators are in charge of these tasks as automated recognition in baggage inspection is still far from perfect. Research and development on X-ray testing is, however, exploring new approaches based on computer vision that can be used to aid human operators. This paper attempts to make a contribution to the field of object recognition in X-ray testing by evaluating different computer vision strategies that have been proposed in the last years. We tested ten approaches. They are based on bag of words, sparse representations, deep learning, and classic pattern recognition schemes among others. For each method, we: 1) present a brief explanation; 2) show experimental results on the same database; and 3) provide concluding remarks discussing pros and cons of each method. In order to make fair comparisons, we define a common experimental protocol based on training, validation, and testing data (selected from the public \mathbb GDX ray database). The effectiveness of each method was tested in the recognition of three different threat objects: 1) handguns; 2) shuriken (ninja stars); and 3) razor blades. In our experiments, the highest recognition rate was achieved by methods based on visual vocabularies and deep features with more than 95% of accuracy. We strongly believe that it is possible to design an automated aid for the human inspection task using these computer vision algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interventions targeting parenting focused modifiable factors to prevent obesity and promote healthy growth in the first 1000 days of life are needed. Scale-up of interventions to global populations is necessary to reverse trends in weight status among infants and toddlers, and large scale dissemination will require understanding of effective strategies. Utilizing nutrition education theories, this paper describes the design of a digital-based nutrition guidance system targeted to first-time mothers to prevent obesity during the first two years. The multicomponent system consists of scientifically substantiated content, tools, and telephone-based professional support delivered in an anticipatory and sequential manner via the internet, email, and text messages, focusing on educational modules addressing the modifiable factors associated with childhood obesity. Digital delivery formats leverage consumer media trends and provide the opportunity for scale-up, unavailable to previous interventions reliant on resource heavy clinic and home-based counseling. Designed initially for use in the United States, this system’s core features are applicable to all contexts and constitute an approach fostering healthy growth, not just obesity prevention. The multicomponent features, combined with a global concern for optimal growth and positive trends in mobile internet use, represent this system’s future potential to affect change in nutrition practice in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that summarizes evidence on the effectiveness of exercise on functional aerobic capacity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. It reviews seven databases of English language studies, in which the criteria for inclusion were identified by 12 randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies. It is also suggested that proper intensity of aerobic and aquatic exercises improved upper and lower limb physical performance of fibromyalgia patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between relay exchange block time and final performance in 4 × 100-m and 4 × 200-m freestyle and 4 × 100-m medley relays as a function of sex (men and women) and classification (medallists and non-medallists) in international competitions. Nineteen international competitions covering a 13-year period (2000–2012) were analysed retrospectively. The data corresponded to a total of 827 team relay histories (407 men, 420 women). Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were performed to determine any differences by sex, classification, and event. Similarly, the relationship between the exchange block times and final performance was examined by means of a Pearson correlation analysis. In the three events, the men’s exchange block times were shorter than those of the women (η2 = 0.049–0.109;P < 0.001). The exchange block time was especially relevant for the women’s relay medallists in the 4 × 100-m freestyle (r = 0.306,P = 0.021) and 4 × 100-m medley (r = 0.385,P = 0.011), while for men the relationship was clearer for the non-medallists. These results suggest that the exchange block time should be considered as one of the performance parameters of swimming relay starts, and thus should be included explicitly as part of training. In particular, the coach could design training targeted at standardising an optimal exchange block time equal to or less than that expected for other teams in the competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of aerobic exercise c interventions on reducing insulin resistance markers in obese children and/or adolescents. A secondary outcome was change 0 in percentage of body fat. Methods: A computerized search was made from seven databases: CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, 'S EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Science Citation Index. The analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials 1 that examined the effect of aerobic exercise on insulin resistance markers in obese youth. Two independent reviewers o screened studies and extracted data. Effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and the heterogeneity Ü5 of the studies was estimated using Cochran's Q-statistic. Results: Nine studies were selected for meta-analysis as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n = 367). Aerobic exercise ¿¡ interventions resulted in decreases in fasting glucose (ES= --0.39; low heterogeneity) and insulin (ES= --0.40; low heterogeneity) and in percentage of body fat (ES= --0.35; low heterogeneity). These improvements were specifically accentuated in adolescents (only in fasting insulin), or through programs lasting more than 12 weeks, three sessions per week, and over 60 min of aerobic exercise per session. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides insights into the effectiveness of aerobic exercise interventions on insulin resistance markers in the obese youth population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to determine the volume of training of young national and international level swimmers, how it evolves and its relationship with performance. The sample comprised of 202 swimmers (11 to 18 years old), selected by the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation. The volumes of pool and dry-land training were evaluated together with the swimmer's performance during the season (LEN score). In general, there was a progression in pool training volume from the youngest swimmers (males 13 to 14 years; females 11 to 12 years), to the next age category (males 15 to 16 years; females 13 to 14 years). Training volume was related to performance only for the youngest swimmers, the possible reason being that, after this age, intensity is the most relevant aspect of the training load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest exhaustive survey of dietary patterns in infants from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) in North America documents and quantifies current trends in infant feeding. These include higher than generally recommended energy, protein, and saturated fat intakes. The majority of infants are bottle fed at some point in their first year of life, and their weaning diet often includes low intakes of fruits and vegetables, with high starchy, rather than green or yellow, vegetables. Early introduction of solids, use of cow's milk prior to 1 year of age, and high juice intake in the first 2 years - all less desirable diet practices - are improving, but are still prevalent. More preschoolers are likely to get sweets or sweetened beverages than a serving of fruit or a vegetable on a given day. These food intake patterns mimic the adult American diet and are associated with an increased risk of obesity in childhood and later life. But more importantly, these patterns appear to be set as early as 18 months of age, and by 20 months of age, they mimic the adult diet. Despite increase in total energy intake, and greater variety of foods, the basic characteristics of macronutrient intake distribution and food group contribution of energy to the diet before 2 years of age remain remarkably stable and similar to the family table. Obesity prevention needs to include specific targets in terms of breastfeeding and adequate formula feeding, as well as appropriate introduction of weaning foods with goals of changing the inadequate patterns documented in the FITS. These interventions will also require addressing parent and caregiver behaviors, including attending to hunger satiety cues (responsive feeding), and shaping early food preferences. This needs to be done starting at birth, in the first months of life. Early intervention offers a unique and potentially efficacious opportunity to shape the future dietary patterns of the next generation. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to follow-up the stability of young talented swimmers' performance and its biomechanical determinant factors (i.e., anthropometrics, kinematics, hydrodynamics and efficiency) during a competitive season. Thirty three (15 boys and 18 girls) young swimmers (overall: 11.81 ± 0.75 years old and Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation) were evaluated. Performance, anthropometrics, hydrodynamics, kinematics and efficiency variables were assessed at three moments during a competitive season. Performance had a significant improvement (with minimum effect size) and a moderate-very high stability throughout the season. In the anthropometrics domain all variables increased significantly (ranging from without to minimum effect size) between moments and had a moderate-very high stability. Hydrodynamics presented no variations between all moments and had a low-very high stability throughout the season. In the kinematics domain, there were no variations between moment one and three, except for an increase in stroke frequency (without size effect). Speed fluctuation remained constant, with no significant variations. All kinematic variables had a low-very high stability. Efficiency variables did not present variations between moment one and three and had a low-moderate stability. Overall, young swimmers showed a minimum improvement in performance and in anthropometric factors; and a moderate stability of performance and its determinant factors (i.e., anthropometrics, hydrodynamics, kinematics and efficiency) during the competitive season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which was conducted to investigate differences and discriminatory power of water polo game-related statistics in men in international championships and their relationship with competition. Researchers evaluated statistics from 230 matches. They found that game-related statistics were able to discriminate athletic performance in all phases of water polo competition.

This study compared volleyball game-related statistics by outcome (winners and losers of sets) and set number (total, initial, and last) to identify characteristics that discriminated game performance. Game-related statistics from 314 sets (44 matches) played by teams of male 14- to 15-year-olds in a regional volleyball championship were analysed (2011). Differences between contexts (winning or losing teams) and "set number" (total, initial, and last) were assessed. A discriminant analysis was then performed according to outcome (winners and losers of sets) and "set number" (total, initial, and last). The results showed differences (winning or losing sets) in several variables of Complexes I (attack point and error reception) and II (serve and aces). Game-related statistics which discriminate performance in the sets index the serve, positive reception, and attack point. The predictors of performance at these ages when players are still learning could help coaches plan their training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which over the course of 12 years investigated the pacing strategies of male and female swimmers in 200 and 400 meter individual medleys in international swimming competitions. Researchers evaluated 821 male swimmers and 822 female swimmers. They found that men applied a positive pacing strategy in medley events and the women applied a negative pacing strategy.