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Purpose: The popularity of fencing and intense sports competition has burdened adolescents with excessive training, harming their immature bodies. Traditional training methods fail to provide timely movement corrections and personalized plans, leading to ineffective exercises. This paper aims to use artificial intelligence technology to reduce ineffective exercises and alleviate the training burden. Methods: We propose an action recognition algorithm based on the characteristics of adolescent athletes. This algorithm uses multimodal input data to comprehensively extract action information. Each modality is processed by the same network structure, utilizing attention mechanisms and adaptive graph structures. A multibranch feature fusion method is used to determine the final action category. Results: We gathered the fencing footwork data set 2.0. Our model achieved 93.3% accuracy, with the highest precision at 95.8% and the highest F1-Score at 94.5% across all categories. It effectively recognized actions of adolescents with different heights and speeds, outperforming traditional methods. Conclusion: Our artificial intelligence-based training solution improves training efficiency and reduces the training burden on adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne to replace horse riding with Obstacle after the 2024 Olympic Games challenges training, testing, and recovery management in Modern Pentathlon. This commentary discusses physiological, technical, and tactical effects of rule changes in the 5 disciplines with a specific focus on the new discipline Obstacle. Modern Pentathlon requires athletes to develop specific endurance capacities relying on both the aerobic and anaerobic systems while simultaneously increasing lower- and upper-body strength capabilities. In addition, movements must be repeatedly executed in an explosive and precise manner. Running and swimming must be fast but economical. Swapping from horse riding to Obstacle will prioritize the explosive strength of the upper extremities and core while keeping high levels of endurance and precision in swimming, fencing, and shooting. Moreover, condensing the Modern Pentathlon competition to a 90-minute television-friendly format enables more competitions in the future. Athletes and coaches will thus also need to develop and maintain effective individual peri-exercise routines (before, during, and after the competition) to successfully meet the resulting tactical and physical challenges of the new format. This commentary aims to stimulate the discussion on the effect of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne's decisions to replace riding with the new Obstacle discipline and implement a more television-friendly format with a focus on physiological, technical, and tactical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) identify attentional foci (AF) and coping strategies used by young fencers during matches and (b) explore the links between these variables using a grounded-theory approach. Using a naturalistic qualitative video-assisted approach, analyses revealed the emergence of five categories of AF (movements and techniques, strategies and tactics, situation evaluation, states, and extraneous attention) and six categories of coping strategies (mastery coping, internal regulation, goal-withdrawal strategies, behavioral regulation, no regulation, and automatic regulation). The grounded theory highlighted that pleasant emotional experiences tended to be related to mastery coping, which in turn favored the orientation of the attention toward AF that appeared to be most effective in winning points (i.e., opponent, distance, plan). Conversely, unpleasant emotional experiences were consistently associated with goal-withdrawal strategies (or no regulation), which generally led to a lack of AF and lower performance. Intervention suggestions are made in relation to the results of the proposed grounded theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The International Olympic Committee recently introduced a consensus statement on recommendations for outdoor sports in the heat. However, indoor sports such as fencing whereby athletes are required to wear full body protective clothing when competing have received no recommendations. Such scenarios could cause high thermoregulatory demands particularly as competition progresses into latter rounds (direct elimination; DE). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the thermoregulatory responses of épée fencing across different phases of competition (Poule and DE). Seven well-trained fencers competed in a simulated competition comprising of seven Poule and seven DE fights. Gastrointestinal temperature (Tgast), skin temperature (Tskin), mask temperature (Tmask), heart rate (HR), thermal sensation, differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and movement characteristics were collected for all fights. There was a moderate thermoregulatory demand during Poule rounds shown by post-fight Tgast (38.1 ± 0.4°C), Tskin (34.4 ± 0.7°C), and thermal sensation ratings (6 ± 1). A greater thermoregulatory and perceptual demand observed during DE rounds evidenced by Tgast (38.7 ± 0.3°C post fight), Tskin (35.1 ± 0.7°C), thermal sensation (7 ± 1), increases in Tmask across DE rounds (~1.1°C), and RPE (~15). Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in distance covered from DE 1 to DE 7 suggests a thermoregulatory based impact on performance. This is the first study demonstrating the thermoregulatory demands of épée fencing, highlighting the need to develop heat exertion guidelines within fencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oldest known European fight book, Royal Armouries MS I.33 has puzzled scholars and sword fighting enthusiasts alike with its occasionally strange looking illustrations. This paper argues that some of them contain multiple view planes or perspectives 'folded' into one, as it also occurs elsewhere in contemporary Gothic manuscript painting. To the modern observer who has no first-hand experience of the type of sword fighting depicted, these specialised drawing conventions are difficult to identify and, consequently, to decode. By comparing ostensibly similar situations as they are illustrated in later fight books that employ different artistic means, this paper suggests a new way of looking at I.33's illustrations that could be relevant beyond the examples discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the attentional profile of fencers, comparing them to non-athletes and swimmers. Three groups of subjects were studied (N=90; Mage=21.3; SD=4.1): thirty-seven fencers (20 female, 17 male), twenty-one swimmers (10 female, 11 male); thirty-two non-athletes (16 female, 16 male). Results of the alertness test (warning condition) showed swimmers were overall faster than non-athletes. In the no-warning condition, results of the alertness test showed a significant interaction between group x gender: in particular, it was the group of female non-athletes in the condition in which the warning signal was not present who recorded higher reaction times than the other groups. In the divided attention (only in the visual task), and the go/no-go tests, the fencers showed faster reaction times than the swimmers and the non-athletes, while the latter groups did not differ from each other. In the vigilance test, only the gender factor was significant: overall, males showed greater speed than females. In conclusion, our data show that fencers, compared to swimmers and nonathletes, possess better management of visual attention and a better ability to manage situations in which a response must be inhibited, suggesting that these differences affect more selective aspects of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving prognosis of BC patients has drawn the attention of health care professionals on disease related long-term side effects and on the multiple treatments BC patients must undergo. Despite advances in procedures, surgery still has multiple detrimental effects, including pain, edema, and limited mobility. For this reason, fostering adapted physical activity (APA) and healthy lifestyle (including a balanced diet and weight management) should become an everyday purpose of healthcare professionals. Fencing may be a well-suited activity to counteract fatigue, pain, and limited arm mobility. Method and analysis: The FENICE study is a mono-center, randomized clinical trial targeting women with BC stages I-III within four weeks from BC surgery. Participants in the control arm will receive the usual recommendations based on the good clinical practice guidelines. In the study arm, participants will be treated with the usual clinical and therapeutic recommendations together with APA and correct lifestyle suggestions. Objective: The primary objective of the study is to compare whether implementation of APA and healthy lifestyle in BC patient after surgery will result in an overall improvement of physical and mental status. Conclusion: Fencing and its early application in postoperative period may represent a feasible strategy to be implemented in the rehabilitation journey of BC patients. Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol FENICE has been approved by an Italian Ethics Committee on May 2023 (R.S 100.23 5th May 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fencing, it remains unclear whether practice enhances visual‐spatial attention allocation. We explored whether this ability is improved in fencers and if it is related to attack speed and accuracy. Twelve novices (<1 year of experience) and 12 trained epee fencers (18 ± 10 years of experience) visited the laboratory twice (familiarization and testing session). They performed a covert orienting of visuospatial attention test (COVAT) on a computer and an epee test, involving 30 trials of 3 shuttles followed by fast attack phases where the fencers quickly hit a target (randomly proposed out of 8). We measured COVAT reaction time, number of successful target hits, and execution time to hit in the fencing test. We found shorter COVAT reaction time for trained fencers (332 ± 24 ms) versus novices (367 ± 32 ms; p < 0.001). The number of hits was greater for trained fencers (22 ± 3) versus novices (16 ± 3; p < 0.001). ANCOVA showed a difference in execution time at the test (823 ± 73 ms vs. 913 ± 141 ms, p = 0.035). A relationship was found between hits and execution time and between execution time and COVAT reaction time for the trained group (r = 0.62, p = 0.03 and r = 0.70, p = 0.01, respectively) but not in the novice group (r = 0.11, p = 0.72 and r = 0.45, p = 0.14, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between execution time and number of hits (ADE: p = 0.008) was not mediated by COVAT reaction time (ACME: p = 0.17). These results evidence the importance of visual‐spatial attention allocation in fencing and evidence differences between novices and trained fencers with important implications for talent development in the early career stage. Highlights: This is the first study investigating visual‐spatial attention allocation ability by comparing computer and fencing‐specific tests in trained versus novice epee fencers.Speed and accuracy at the fencing test and reaction time at the computer test were greater for trained epee fencers compared to novices.Only trained epee fencers showed a trade‐off between accuracy and speed of execution at the fencing test.This relationship was not mediated by covert‐orienting attention ability despite a correlation between speed of execution and reaction time at the computer test.These results underline the importance of attention allocation and technical abilities, which could improve independently with practice and play a role in epee fencing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecological Science is the property of Ecological Science Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of College of Basic Education Researches Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Humaniora dan Politik (JIHHP) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a highly adaptable species that have invaded many regions and cause significant damage throughout the world. Ungulate‐proof fencing is increasingly used in conjunction with other control techniques to manage wild pig populations. However, little is known about how fencing affects wild pig space use behaviors and whether any changes may be exploited to increase efficacy of control activities. Our goal was to understand how wild pigs altered their space use behaviors in response to newly constructed fencing. Specifically, we examined for changes in space use area (home range and core area), increases in overlap with conspecifics, and shifts in space use as ungulate exclusion fencing was constructed on northern Guam from February 2021 to March 2022. Wild pigs closer to the fence had decreased space use. For every 200 m nearer newly constructed fence, home ranges and core areas decreased approximately 15% and 16%, respectively. When individual wild pigs were enclosed by the fence, those animals increased their home range overlap with conspecifics by approximately 76% compared to wild pigs outside the fence. Wild pigs shifted their home ranges 3 to 9 times more during the first part of fence construction when 68% of the fence was completed compared to all other time periods, with male wild pigs shifting greater distances than females by 1.15 times. The construction of ungulate fencing led to smaller space use areas of wild pigs on both sides of the fence and intensified use of the area inside the fence by wild pigs contained within (i.e., more overlap). Management activities nearer the fence should account for decreases in home range and core area size to maximize population control efforts (i.e., more densely spaced trap sites). Enclosed wild pigs should be eradicated quickly to minimize damages to sensitive flora and fauna and decrease disease risk from intensified movement behaviors inside the fence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Sports Science & Arts - Arabic is the property of Helwan University, Faculty of Physical Education for Girls and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examines the impact of ungulate browsing on the understory dynamics of the Cansiglio Forest, the only European beech high forest in the Southern Limestone Alps. Utilizing seven pairs of fenced versus unfenced forest stands established over two decades, we assessed how fencing affects understory structure and tree regeneration. Significant differences were found in cover, height and vascular species composition in both tree regeneration and shrub layers. Fenced areas showed a significantly higher number and greater average height of young trees, supporting the hypothesis that ungulate browsing negatively impacts tree regeneration. Despite previous studies attributing the lack of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) regeneration primarily to red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) browsing, our findings did not show a significant association of this species with fenced conditions. While Rubus abundance was higher inside fenced areas, overall vascular species richness did not differ. Our results highlight the evident effects of ungulate browsing and suggest the need to consider other factors influencing forest regeneration and understory development. Future research should establish additional study replicates, balanced across diverse site and stand structure conditions, to further explore these dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human-animal conflict has been increasing day by day worldwide. This conflict gets turned into wild life menace at several times. As per survey, Monkey has been found attacking for want of food and other eatables. Based on research and survey, it was established that monkeys can hear sounds from 20Hz to 40KHz. Human can hear in between 20Hz to 20 KHz. Taking this advantage, the research article is focused for generation of noise beyond hearing range i.e. beyond 20 KHz but less than 40 KHz to develop silent electronic system. At the same time noise is heard by deterring animal such as monkey. This paper proposed a silent electronic system, which emits sound in between 25 KHz to 40 KHz at safe SPL (sound pressure level) to deter monkeys. Proposed sound spectrum is not audible to human, but monkeys can hear it very well. This spectrum is known as ultrasonic frequency sound. Proposed work is to create ultrasonic noise at safe level of monkey hearing, which can annoy or create hostile environment to only monkeys. An ultrasonic frequency generation (software based) electronic system has been designed and developed to control monkey menace. Safe SPL (sound power level) at 115dB is used. The emission frequency used is 25 KHz to 40 KHz in burst format. The system is versatile, with change in program it can target deterring any animal or wildlife applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte is the property of Centro Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Grazing exclusion is an efficient practice to restore degraded grassland ecosystems by eliminating external disturbances and improving ecosystems' self-healing capacities, which affects the ecological processes of soil-plant systems. Grassland degradation levels play a critical role in regulating these ecological processes. However, the effects of vegetation and soil states at different degradation stages on grassland ecosystem restoration are not fully understood. To better understand this, desert steppe at three levels of degradation (light, moderate, and heavy degradation) was fenced for 6 years in Inner Mongolia, China. Community characteristics were investigated, and nutrient concentrations of the soil (0–10 cm depth) and dominant plants were measured. Results: We found that grazing exclusion increased shoots' carbon (C) concentrations, C/N, and C/P, but significantly decreased shoots' nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations for Stipa breviflora and Cleistogenes songorica. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations of these two species among the three degraded desert steppes after grazing exclusion. After grazing exclusion, annual accumulation rates of aboveground C, N, and P pools in the heavily degraded area were the highest, but the aboveground nutrient pools were the lowest among the three degraded grasslands. Similarly, the annual recovery rates of community height, cover, and aboveground biomass in the heavily degraded desert steppe were the highest among the three degraded steppes after grazing exclusion. These results indicate that grazing exclusion is more effective for vegetation restoration in the heavily degraded desert steppe. The soil total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus concentrations in the moderately and heavily degraded desert steppes were significantly decreased after six years of grazing exclusion, whereas these were no changes in the lightly degraded desert steppe. Structural equation model analysis showed that the grassland degradation level mainly altered the community aboveground biomass and aboveground nutrient pool, driving the decrease in soil nutrient concentrations and accelerating nutrient transfer from soil to plant community, especially in the heavily degraded grassland. Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the importance of grassland degradation level in ecosystem restoration and provides theoretical guidance for scientific formulation of containment policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to compare and analyze whether Pilates exercise and yoga exercise help improve the performance of female fencers and prevent injury, and the dynamic balance test (LQ-YBT) and functional movement screening (FMS) test score of the elite adult female fencers were compared and analyzed as evaluation indicators. Participants were randomly classified into Pilates (n = 10) and yoga groups (n = 10), members of which took part in 50 min of exercise (5 min of warm-up, 40 min of main exercise, and 5 min of cool-down) twice weekly for eight weeks. The results obtained from this study were analyzed via independent t-test and 2-way ANOVA. The results were as follows: LQ-YBT measures (reaching distance) increased significantly for both groups, as did FMS scores (deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability). These results suggest that Pilates exercise and yoga exercise might be likely effective in improving the performance of adult female fencers and injury prevention by increasing their dynamic balance ability and functional movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecological Science is the property of Ecological Science Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: A key challenge for exporters and international marketing/purchasing managers is formulating strategic responses to deal with geopolitical disruptions during a trade war between superpowers. While past studies provide insightful analysis of the influence of changes in the institutional environment (regulatory pressures) on national and firm-level trade activities, they tend to ignore the association between inward (sourcing) or outward (export) international activities of firms during a trade war. In this study, we aim to explore various strategic options employed by third-party SME exporters in response to geopolitical disruptions, institutional pressures and constraints during a trade war. Design/methodology/approach: We adopted a qualitative methodology and applied a hermeneutical approach in collecting, analysing and theorising interview findings. We conducted interviews with 15 owners or senior managers from 12 Australian and New Zealand exporters that exported or sourced significantly from at least one party of the trade war, the USA or China, between 2018 and 2020. Findings: Our study developed a typology of fencing vs. balancing for explaining third-party SME exporters' response strategies in terms of export market and international sourcing locations during a trade war. Fencing strategy centres on location choice decisions based on a fence or a secure buffer zone. Balancing strategy focuses on leveraging opportunities outside the conflict zone, i.e. third-party countries. Our study finds that exporters' location choice decisions are influenced by a number of institutional factors during the trade war. Research limitations/implications: Firstly, our study examined only the early phase of the trade war under the "Trump" era. Future research may consider a longitudinal study design that examines exporters' responses to global political uncertainty over a longer term. Secondly, we chose Australia and New Zealand as the focal context of this study. Future research could investigate exporters from other third-party countries that have different institutional conditions during the US-China trade war. Practical implications: Firstly, an exporting firm should monitor and assess closely the wider changes in international relations between their home country's major security partner and major trading partner, and the impact of these changes on the political risks of operating in international locations. Secondly, as the trade war intensifies, the fencing option needs to be given a greater weight than the balancing option in the strategic decision making of an exporter from a third-party country. Lastly, we encourage marketers and managers to reflect on and differentiate short-term and long-term benefits in strategic market-sourcing location decisions. Originality/value: Our study makes a pioneering effort to theorise the linkages between institutional factors and the combined evaluation of export market selection and sourcing location selection choices under global political uncertainty based on the institution-based view. We present a conceptual framework highlighting the importance of institutional avoidance, embeddedness, comparative institutional advantages and multiple institutional logics for SME exporters' international location selections during the trade war. Furthermore, we combine these institutional factors into two overarching constructs namely institutional buffer and institutional pluralism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise / Türk Spor ve Egzersiz Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate physiological responses and energetic contributions during simulated epée matches in elite fencers. Methods: Ten elite male fencers participated in simulated epée (direct elimination) matches. Simulated epée matches included 3 bouts of 3 minutes each with 1-minute rests between bouts. During these sessions, physiological variables such as mean and peak heart rate, peak and mean oxygen uptake (VO2peak and VO2mean), metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak and VO2mean, and blood lactate concentrations (peak lactate concentration and delta blood lactate concentration) were measured. Furthermore, energetic contributions (oxidative [WOxi], glycolytic, and phosphagen) and time–motion variables were estimated. Results: Values of peak heart rate, mean heart rate, and WOxi (in percentages) were significantly higher in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2peak and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak were significantly higher in the first bout compared with the third bout. Values of delta blood lactate concentration and glycolytic contribution (in kilojoules and percentages) were significantly lower in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2mean and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2mean were significantly higher in the second bout compared with the third bout. Furthermore, WOxi (in kilojoules and percentage) was significantly higher in all bouts compared with phosphagen and glycolytic contributions. Low positive and negative correlations were seen between WOxi, VO2mean, sum of attacks and defense times, and the sum of time without attacks and defenses. Conclusions: Direct-elimination epée matches consist of high-intensity intermittent exercise, and the oxidative contribution is 80% to 90%. Improving aerobic conditioning may support high-intensity intermittent actions during entire epée matches in elite fencers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adapted physical activity programs have shown promising results in reducing the physical, social and psychological side effects associated with breast cancer, but the extent to which they can be effectively adopted, implemented and maintained is unclear. The aim of this study is to use the framework to guide the planning and evaluation of programs according to the 5 following keys: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to evaluate a fencing program under the French acronym RIPOSTE (Reconstruction, Image de soi, Posture, Oncologie, Santé, Thé rapie, Escrime) literally in English (Reconstruction, Self-Image, Posture, Oncology, Health, Therapy, Fencing). This program is an innovative intervention focused on improving the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer surgery patients through fencing. Methods: A convergent mixed methods pilot study was conducted to preliminary evaluate the different RE-AIM dimension of the pilot program. Twenty-four participants who have just undergone surgery for invasive breast cancer were randomly allocated in two groups: one group started immediately after their inclusion (Early RIPOSTE group) and the other started 3 months following their inclusion (Delayed RIPOSTE group). Participants answered a questionnaire at inclusion and at the end of the program on QoL, shoulder functional capacity, fatigue, anxiety-depression and physical activity. Results: RIPOSTE program was able to reach mainly young and dynamic participants, attracted by the originality of fencing and keen to improve their physical condition. Regarding effectiveness, our results suggest a trend to the improvement of QoL, shoulder functional capacity, fatigue and anxietydepression state, even without any significant differences between the Early RIPOSTE group and the Delayed RIPOSTE group. Discussions: The cooperation, exchanges and cohesion within the group greatly facilitated the adoption of the program, whereas interruptions during school vacations were the main barriers. The intervention was moderately well implemented and adherence to the protocol was suitable. Conclusion: RIPOSTE is an acceptable and effective program for involving breast cancer survivors in physical activity, that needs to be tested at a larger scale to investigate its effectiveness, but has the potential to be transferred and scaled up worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this narrative review is to create a comprehensive, innovative, and pragmatic resource to guide elite fencers and coaches in making strategic nutritional choices to enhance performance and facilitate recovery. The literature review identified only 12 articles specifically addressing the topic of nutrition for fencers. Thus, the recommendations provided in this review derive also from articles dealing with similar sports, such as martial arts, and from investigations with European elite fencers and their coaches. For elite fencers, it is suggested to consume daily 7–11 g/kg of body weight (BW) of carbohydrates and 1.5–2 g/kg of BW of proteins and allocate 25% to 30% of the total energy intake to essential fats, with a specific focus on omega-3 fatty acids. The timing of meals, ideally within one hour after exertion, plays a pivotal role in restoring glycogen reserves and preventing injuries. The intake of leucine, creatine, omega-3, collagen, and vitamins C and D is proposed as a strategy for injury recovery. It is worth acknowledging that even when personalized plans are provided, implementation can be challenging, especially during competitions and training camps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proximal hamstring complex injury (PHCI) is a common injury among professional athletes, particularly those participating in pivot contact sports. Previous studies have suggested that surgery can be effective in restoring function and allowing athletes to return to sport (RTS), but the factors influencing successful RTS have been less clear. Purpose: To assess RTS capabilities after surgical treatment of PHCI in professional athletes and to identify favorable predictors of RTS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study (2002-2022) was conducted on professional athletes who underwent surgical treatment for PHCI at a sports surgery center. The primary outcome of the study was the RTS capability, evaluated based on the rate of athletes' return to their preinjury level of competition, time delay to RTS, and quality of RTS as measured using their level of performance and progression of scores on activity scales such as the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), scale. "Maintained performance" was defined as athletes returning to the same preinjury activity level (per the TAS and UCLA scale) and perceiving themselves to have maintained their performance. Secondary outcomes covered the potential RTS predictors and complication rate. The study distinguished 2 types of PHCI: proximal hamstring tendon avulsion injury (proximal rupture with empty footprint, or having a "positive dropped ice cream sign") and complete proximal hamstring free tendon rupture (PHTR; proximal rupture without empty footprint, or having a "negative dropped ice cream sign"). Results: The study examined 64 professional athletes (mean age, 27.3 years; 82.8% male) undergoing surgery for PHCI. The RTS rate was 98.4%, with 78.1% of the athletes returning to their preinjury level of competition at 6.2 months (SD, 2.5 months). Twelve (19%) patients had returned to sport at an inferior level of competition, and 2 (3.1%) were unable to continue in their preinjury sport. Subgroup analysis revealed variation in RTS based on sport type, with the highest rate of return to preinjury performance found in athletes in handball and sports with splits (fencing, squash, and escalade; 100%) and soccer (95.2%). In the univariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 4.05; 95% CI, 1.45-11.3; P =.008), higher preinjury TAS score (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.52; P =.011), injury involving the semimembranosus (HR, 4.84; 95% CI, 2.31-10.2; P <.001) or conjoint tendon (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.55-6.25; P =.001), and PHTR (HR, 7.77; 95% CI, 3.54-17.0; P <.001) were significantly associated with a better postoperative level of competition. Multivariate analysis identified 3 favorable predictors of RTS with HRs of 2.91 (95% CI, 1.01-8.35; P =.047) for male sex, 3.86 (95% CI, 1.78-8.37; P <.001) for isolated semimembranosus injury, and 5.18 (95% CI, 2.24-12.0; P <.001) for PHTR. The complication rate was 4.7%. Conclusion: Favorable predictors of early RTS were male sex, isolated semimembranosus injury, and PHTR injuries. Registration: NCT02906865 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland management affects soil respiration (Rs, consists of heterotrophic respiration and autotrophic respiration) through soil micro-ecological processes, such as hydrothermal, plant root, organic carbon decomposition and microbial activity. Flooding, an irregular phenomenon in grasslands, may strongly regulate the response of soil respiration and its components to grassland management, but the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. We conducted a 3-year experiment by grassland management (fencing and grazing) and flooding conditions (no flooding (NF), short-term flooding (STF) and long-term flooding (LTF)) to study their effects on Rs and its components in a meadow steppe in the Hui River basin of Hulunbuir. We found differences in the patterns of Rs and its components under grassland management and flooding conditions. In 2021–2023, the temporal trends of Rs, heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and autotrophic respiration (Ra) were generally consistent, with peaks occurring on days 190–220, and the peaks of grazing were higher than that of fencing. In NF, Rs of grazed grassland was significantly higher than that of fenced grassland in 2021–2022 (p < 0.05). In STF and LTF, there was no significant difference in Rs between fenced and grazed grassland (p > 0.05). The dependence of Rs on soil temperature (ST) decreased with increasing flooding duration, and the dependence of Rs on ST of grazed grassland was higher than fenced grassland under NF and STF, but there was no difference between fenced grassland and grazed grassland under LTF. In addition, Rh was more sensitive to ST than Ra. This may be due to the different pathways of ST effects on Rs under grazing in different flooding conditions. Our study indicates that the effect of flooding on Rs is the key to the rational use of grassland under future climate change. To reduce regional carbon emissions, we recommend grazing on flooding grassland and fencing on no-flooding grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Sports Science & Arts - English is the property of Helwan University, Faculty of Physical Education for Girls and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Whether climate change or anthropogenic activities play a more pivotal role in regulating vegetation growth on the Tibetan Plateau is still controversial. A better understanding on grassland changes at a fine scale may provide important guidance for local government policy and grassland management. Using two of the most reliable satellite NDVI products (MODIS NDVI and SPOT NDVI), we evaluated the dynamic of grasslands in the Zhegucuo valley on the southern Tibetan Plateau from 2000 to 2020, and analyzed its driving factors and relative influences of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Here, the key indicators of climate change were assumed to be precipitation and temperature. The main results were: (1) the grassland NDVI in Zhegucuo valley did not reflect a significant temporal change during the last 21 years. The variation of precipitation during the early growing season (GSP) resembled that of NDVI, and the GSP was positively correlated with NDVI. At the pixel level, the partial correlation analysis showed that 37.79% of the pixels depicted a positive relationship between GSP and NDVI, while 11.32% of the pixels showed a negative relationship between temperature during the early growing season (GST) and NDVI. (2) In view of the spatial distribution, the areas mainly controlled by GSP were generally distributed in the southern part, while those affected by GST stood in the eastern part, mainly around the Zhegucuo lake where most population in Cuomei County settled down. (3) Decreasing NDVI trends were mainly occurred in alpine steppe at lower elevations rather than alpine meadow at higher elevations. (4) The residual trend (RESTREND) analysis further indicated that the anthropogenic activities played a more pivotal role in regulating the annual changes of NDVI rather than climate factors in this area. Future studies should pay more attention on climate extremes rather than the simple temporal trends. Also, the influence of human activities on alpine grassland needs to be accessed and fully considered in future sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fencing as a sport requires a combination of physical fitness, mental acuity, and strategic anticipation. This study explores the role of motor intelligence and anticipatory ability in the achievement of excellence in fencing performances. Motor intelligence includes the ability to process sensory information quickly, adapt movements to suitably, and execute precise actions. Anticipation involves the ability to predict the actions of opponents and effectively react. By analyzing the interaction between motor intelligence and anticipatory ability, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying high-level fencing performance. Perspectives from cognitive neuroscience, biomechanics, and sport psychology are integrated to comprehensively understand the cognitive-motor processes involved in fencing. Practical implications for training programs and coaching methodologies are discussed, highlighting the importance of developing motor intelligence and anticipatory skills to optimize fencing competition performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of PODIUM- Revista de Ciencia y Tecnologia en la Cultura Física is the property of Universidad de Pinar del Rio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fencing lunge is one of the most common and fundamental attacking moves in fencing. The aim of this study was to provide kinematical compare of upper extremity among elite female and male senior fencers when performing a lunge. Four female and four male members of Iran National Team were selected as research sample. The participants were filmed when performing a complete lunge with a camera of 300 Hz sampling rate to evaluate kinematical parameters. The student's -t test revealed that elite male fencers had significantly shorter reaction and movement time comparing with elite female fencers. No major differences in other kinematic parameters indicate that elite male and female fencers performed lunge in similar way. The final conclusion of this study is that the existing differences in time of lunge technique may suggest the need for alternative training strategies to prepare fencing athletes.The examination of the kinematic analysis of the upper body in male and female elite fencers demonstrated that the dissimilarity in the execution speed of the lunge technique between the two genders cannot be accounted for by kinematic changes in joint movements. The differences highlighted in this study can serve as a basis for formulating distinct training and coaching strategies, with the aim of better preparing athletes for decision making and quick movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headwater streams can constitute up to 80% of river channel length and are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures due to their high connectivity to adjacent land, large relative catchment size and low dilution capacity. In these environments, unrestricted cattle access is a potentially significant cause of water quality deterioration, resulting from increases in stream bank erosion, riparian damage and sediment deposition among others. Several studies have reported improvements in the physico‐chemical and hydromorphological conditions of streams following the elimination of cattle access; few, however, have focussed on the ecological impacts of such management practices. Here, such impacts are assessed. The study explores the short‐term effects of cattle exclusion by comparing habitat conditions, sediment deposition and instream macroinvertebrate communities upstream and downstream of cattle access points prior to, and 1 year following exclusion via fencing. The long‐term effects are also measured by reassessing a small stream catchment entirely fenced off from cattle access in 2008 under a dedicated management plan. In the short term, cattle exclusion led to a reduction in deposited sediment downstream of cattle access points and a related homogenisation of macroinvertebrate community structure between upstream and downstream of cattle access points. Increased abundances of specific indicator taxa (Ancylus fluviatilis, Glossosomatidae and Elmidae) in the fenced catchment following 9 years of exclusion highlight the long‐term ecological benefits of such mitigation practices. These findings highlight the importance of incentivised agri‐environment measures in reducing the negative impacts of cattle access to vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fencing, a sport emphasizing the equilibrium and movement control of participants, forms the focal point of inquiry in the current study. The research endeavors to assess the efficacy of a novel system designed for real-time monitoring of fencers' balance and movement control, augmented by modules incorporating visual feedback and haptic feedback, to ascertain its potential for performance enhancement. Over a span of five weeks, three distinct groups, each comprising ten fencers, underwent specific training: a control group, a cohort utilizing the system with a visual real-time feedback module, and a cohort using the system with a haptic real-time feedback module. Positive outcomes were observed across all three groups, a typical occurrence following a 5-week training regimen. However, noteworthy advancements were particularly discerned in the second group, reaching approximately 15%. In contrast, the improvements in the remaining two groups were below 5%. Statistical analyses employing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for repeated measures were applied to assess the significance of the results. Significance was solely ascertained for the second group, underscoring the efficacy of the system integrated with visual real-time feedback in yielding statistically noteworthy performance enhancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road fencing is considered one of the most effective traffic safety measures to avoid wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC). Construction errors during fence installation, intrinsic defects and other inconsistencies allow, however, for wildlife to enter the roads. WVC thus occur even at many fenced places. We analysed WVC, from fenced D10 and D11 motorways in Czechia, which took place between 2009 and 2019. We applied the spatial-temporal KDE+ method (STKDE+) in order to determine both spatial and temporal WVC hotspot patterns. We further compared the WVC temporal pattern before and after the installation of fences. Three hotspot patterns were described: hotspot disappearance (after proper design and construction of a fence), emergence of a new hotspot (at places with fence gaps or improper fence ends) and stability of a hotspot over time (non-effective fences). We found that improper design of fencing induced WVC occurrence. We further concluded that the STKDE+ method can be used to effectively determine the effectiveness of safety measures. The STKDE+ analysis revealed 32 WVC hotspots, which contained 46% of all WVC. The fence-end effect and fence gaps caused WVC in 20 and 5 cases, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Road impacts on biodiversity are increasing worldwide. Few attempts have been made to integrate multiple taxonomic groups into roadkill mitigation plans, while using remotely sensed habitat suitability and functional connectivity. Objectives: We pinpoint high-risk road locations (road planning units) for 19 woodland species from different taxonomic groups (non-flying mammals, birds, and bats) to enhance prioritisation and versatility of roadkill mitigation plans. Methods: In Southern Portugal, we collected species occurrence data, roadkill, and high-resolution satellite imageries, along 15 years. We identified remotely sensed habitat metrics, in turn weighted together with functional connectivity models and road metrics to estimate roadkill vulnerability, using random forests. The roadkill cumulative risk across species is then estimated, as well the likelihood variation within and between taxonomic groups to verify prediction consistency. Results: Remote sensing information thoroughly explained habitat suitability, identifying similar metrics within each group, and non-uniform environmental tolerance across species. Functional connectivity and habitat suitability significantly explained mortality, highlighting connected woodlands and neighbouring matrices. The roadkill cumulative risk endorses a conspicuous prioritisation of road planning units for implementing mitigation structures useful for multiple species, with high precision and low probability variation within each group. Some discrepancies in prediction consistency still emerge after group comparisons regarding bats. Conclusions: We provide novel insights for multitaxa ecological responses and roadkill evaluations, demonstrating a possible spatial prioritisation in mortality patterns from species with different traits. The identified road units support resilience and multifunctionality over long-term, enabling to assist cost-effective mitigation plans. Findings ultimately offer versatility during the mitigation planning phase throughout the identification of road sub-optimal units, and opportunity costs given their potential for different taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study explores the use of virtual fencing technology for managing livestock distribution, focusing on nursing Brangus cows. The study investigates how these animals learn to avoid restricted areas and increase their reliance on auditory cues over time. The findings support the effectiveness of virtual fencing in controlling cow spatial behavior and highlight their ability to adapt to virtual boundaries rapidly. The research also presents a safe and efficient training protocol for implementing virtual fence systems. Virtual fencing systems have emerged as a promising technology for managing the distribution of livestock in extensive grazing environments. This study provides comprehensive documentation of the learning process involving two conditional behavioral mechanisms and the documentation of efficient, effective, and safe animal training for virtual fence applications on nursing Brangus cows. Two hypotheses were examined: (1) animals would learn to avoid restricted zones by increasing their use of containment zones within a virtual fence polygon, and (2) animals would progressively receive fewer audio-electric cues over time and increasingly rely on auditory cues for behavioral modification. Data from GPS coordinates, behavioral metrics derived from the collar data, and cueing events were analyzed to evaluate these hypotheses. The results supported hypothesis 1, revealing that virtual fence activation significantly increased the time spent in containment zones and reduced time in restricted zones compared to when the virtual fence was deactivated. Concurrently, behavioral metrics mirrored these findings, with cows adjusting their daily travel distances, exploration area, and cumulative activity counts in response to the allocation of areas with different virtual fence configurations. Hypothesis 2 was also supported by the results, with a decrease in cueing events over time and increased reliance with animals on audio cueing to avert receiving the mild electric pulse. These outcomes underscore the rapid learning capabilities of groups of nursing cows in responding to virtual fence boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue induced by fencing remains scarcely investigated. We aimed to investigate both objective (neuromuscular performance fatigability) and subjective (perceived fatigue, effort, and workload) manifestations of fatigue in elite fencers following a five‐bout simulated competition. Changes in countermovement jump height, knee extensors maximal isometric torque, rate of torque development, voluntary activation, and contractile response to muscular electrical stimulation were measured in 29 elite fencers [12 epee (6 women), 11 saber (5 women), and 6 foil]. Perceived fatigue and effort were evaluated with visual analog scales, and the perceived workload with the NASA Task Load Index scale. During the competition, maximal torque and rate of torque development decreased by 1.6% (p = 0.017) and 2.4% (p < 0.001) per bout, respectively. Perceived fatigue before each bout increased (12% per bout), with similar values observed at the end of all bouts (bout × period interaction: p < 0.001). Perceived effort increased during the bouts (10% per period, p < 0.001) and during the competition (3% per bout, p = 0.011). Perceived mental demand increased during the competition (2% per bout, p = 0.024). These results suggest that elite fencers needed to increase the allocation of mental rather than physical resources to the task to counterbalance the deleterious effect of fatigue on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring native woodlands to areas where they have been lost is a key element for tackling the nature and climate crises. Natural regeneration offers the potential to achieve this cheaply and at scale, but browsing ungulates like deer can inhibit this or alter the pattern of regeneration. This issue is particularly pronounced in the Scottish Highlands, a heavily deforested region with high deer numbers.We describe the work of the 60,000 ha landscape restoration partnership, Cairngorms Connect, in speeding up natural woodland expansion. We use 30 years of regeneration monitoring to show a consistent, large‐scale expansion of native woodland, largely through natural regeneration alongside deer culling, without the use of fences. This was achieved across the partnership, despite differing management histories and land‐managing organisations (comprising two statutory agencies, one private landowner and one non‐governmental organisation).During peak periods of woodland expansion, the area of new woodland (i.e. exceeding 100 trees per hectare) increased by 1.2%, 1.7%, 2.7% and 6.0% annually in the four landholdings' regeneration zones, equating to a total of approximately 164 ha annually of new woodland.Natural regeneration is however patchy and hard to predict. Higher levels of management intervention may be needed to increase species that are rarer, more palatable or further from seed sources; we recommend long‐term field trials to inform this, such as those underway in Cairngorms Connect. Further research should develop techniques for remote sensing of woodland expansion, verified against field data and combined with the development of process‐based models to enable us to predict the outcomes of different management scenarios.Synthesis and applications. We show that collaborative deer management across multiple adjoining landholdings can achieve rapid landscape‐scale native woodland expansion with minimal need for planting or fencing. Our results show the power of monitoring regeneration directly, to inform deer management for an area. We demonstrate that by uniting over a shared vision, organisations with differing management approaches and histories can build understanding alongside landscape‐scale ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers an insightful criminological literature on stolen goods market. The existence of markets for stolen goods is not of a recent development. In recent times however, such markets have become important aspects of the network of organized crimes that have impacted negatively on both domestic and global economic development. Qualitative approach was employed to obtain information from a sample of 306 respondents comprising traders [N = 300] and 6 officers of the criminal justice system respectively. The study found that stolen goods markets favour the increasing rate of theft, pilfering, shoplifting, burglary and lone ranger crimes in the state. This study concludes that patronage of stolen goods is desirable to many because it offer cheaper alternatives to regular prices of goods in the conventional market. The study recommends formulation of policies in areas of social development, open market regulation, building public trust with law enforcement agents and community policing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century is one of the most exciting periods in the history of Hungarian sport. In the capital and in the countryside, countless clubs were founded which played a decisive role in the cultivation and dissemination of physical culture. One of these clubs was the Eperjesi Torna és Vívó Egyesület (Slovak: Prešovský telocvičný a šermovný spolok, English: Gymnastics and Fencing Club of Eperjes), which became one of the first sports clubs in the eastern part of Upper Hungary, also having a tremendous social impact. Throughout its history, the ETVE has been a staunch advocate of Hungarian identity, not only promoting sport, but also working for assimilation of ethnic minorities in the period before the First World War and against assimilation of Hungarians after 1920. Although the name of ETVE is not unknown to those interested in Hungarian sport history, the history of the club's development remains completely unexplored, and the aim of this research is to fill this gap, which also provides an opportunity to gain, through sports, insight into the life of a Hungarian community that has almost completely disappeared by now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of advance lunging in fencing from the perspective of velocity and lower limb joint angles to identify how the joint angles contribute to the peak velocity in a lunge with advance (LWA). Fourteen skilled athletes (age: 19.6 ± 0.9 years, height: 171.2 cm ± 5.2 cm, weight: 63.7 kg ± 5.3 kg, and fencing experience: 9.7 ± 3.1 years) participated by performing two types of attacking movements, and data were collected with a 3D movement analysis system. A correlation between the peak velocity of the body center of mass (CoM) in an advance lunge and several joint angle variables (rear hip peak flexion angle (r = 0.63), rear ankle peak dorsiflexion angle (r = −0.66), rear ankle range of motion (r = −0.59), and front hip peak extension angle (r = 0.54)) was revealed. In addition, the joint angle variables that significantly predicted peak CoM velocity during an LWA were the rear knee peak flexion angle (β = 0.542), rear knee peak extension angle (β = −0.537), and front knee peak extension angle (β = −0.460). Our findings suggest that the rear leg hip joint, rear leg ankle joint, and front leg hip joint may control the acceleration generated by an LWA. Furthermore, more flexion of the rear leg knee joint in the early phase of the lunge and greater extension of the rear and front leg knee joints at the end of the lunge phase may help increase peak velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) is the property of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of ROL Sport Sciences / ROL Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of ROL Sport Sciences / ROL Spor Bilimleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise / Türk Spor ve Egzersiz Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The ultimate goal of threatened plant translocations is to establish self-sustaining populations. Lessons learnt from plant translocations can inform future translocations and improve conservation outcomes via adaptive management. We assessed translocation success for 76 translocations of 50 species established as part of recovery programmes between 1998 and 2016 in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR), a biodiversity hotspot with Mediterranean-type climate. We used a series of Bayesian hierarchical models to assess translocation success as measured by plant survival, height growth, crown growth, and reproduction (flowering and fruiting). We found that fencing to prevent vertebrate herbivory improved survival, irrigating plants over the first two summer dry periods improved the likelihood of reproduction, and where the rainfall increased above the 30-year average in the two years following planting, it positively influenced survival, growth, and reproduction. We recommend that fencing to prevent herbivory should be broadly considered in threatened plant translocations, while irrigation to improve translocation success would benefit plant species in Mediterranean-type ecosystems and other dryland environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the visual activity of fencers in conditions resembling official competitions. Previous research in experimental conditions has shown that experts focus on specific areas of the torso and the armed arm to control movement initiation. Eight right-handed fencers (epee: two males, one female; foil: one male; sabre: two males, two females) participated in a simulated competition, wearing an eye tracker during one bout. The findings showed that the main fixation in foil and sabre is the upper torso, while in epee, it is the lower torso. In epee and sabre, the upper torso is viewed about 50% of the time, with three other areas also observed, while in foil, the fixation is totally directed to the upper torso. Additionally, two new areas of interest were identified: the score machine and an area involving fixations other than the opponent. The study found no direct link between visual activity and performance. The visual search strategy varies among weapons, with foil using a gaze anchor or foveal spot and epee and sabre utilizing a visual pivot due to the discipline's inherent rules. The study also emphasizes that competition-like conditions can disrupt visual activity with external stimuli, possibly affecting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates how Turkey's first two female athletes, Halet Çambel and Suat Fetgeri Aşeni, served to promote policies of a new modern woman image in the Olympic games during the early republican period. Çambel and Aşeni, Olympians in the fencing competition at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, were the most accomplished Turkish female athletes. Review of the daily newspapers and sports magazines of the period has allowed identification of the modern women's policy of the early republican period and the performance styles of the two athletes in the Olympics. The daily newspapers Tan, Ulus, Haber, Açık Söz, Akşam, Son Posta, Yeni Asır and Cumhuriyet from 1 August to 31 August 1936, as well as the periodicals of the sports magazines Top and Türk Spor Kurumu from 1 July to 30 September 1936, were reviewed for this purpose. As a result, the female Olympians appeared to receive merely coverage in sports bulletins as anticipated by the early republican era's modern women's policies. This endeavour, however, parallels the policies of the early republican period, which sought to retain a women's image that preserved their traditional identity within the nation-state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]