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Blockchain has emerged as a disruptive technology with potential applications in various industries. Although the proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain systems have worked so successfully, the mining pools in PoW-based blockchain systems have certain drawbacks: high-power expenditure, mining competition and fault. It is essential to implement the power-saving and evaluate the performance of the mining pool with these characteristics in PoW-based blockchain systems. In this paper, we consider a queueing system with sleep–wakeup, working breakdown and impatient strategies that are suitable to express well power-saving, fault and mining competition in the mining process. By using a z-transform approach, the closed-form expressions about various performance measures such as the mean number of blocks and the mean confirmation time of block are obtained. Furthermore, we analyze the power consumption by constructing the linear function based on the performance measures and analyze the improvement of power-saving by comparing the power consumption of a queueing model without various strategies. In order to mitigate the negative effect stemming from the mining competition, we formulate the Nash bargaining game to induce the cooperation and obtain the Nash solution and the corresponding mining pool's optimal computation power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of cognitive demand measures in controlled laboratory settings is well-documented; however, limited research has directly established their stability under real-life and high-stakes conditions, such as operating automated technology on actual highways. Partially automated vehicles have advanced to become an everyday mode of transportation, and research on driving these advanced vehicles requires reliable tools for evaluating the cognitive demand on motorists to sustain optimal engagement in the driving process. This study examined the reliability of five cognitive demand measures, while participants operated partially automated vehicles on real roads across four occasions. Seventy-one participants (aged 18–64 years) drove on actual highways while their heart rate, heart rate variability, electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power, and behavioral performance on the Detection Response Task were measured simultaneously. Findings revealed that EEG alpha power had excellent test–retest reliability, heart rate and its variability were good, and Detection Response Task reaction time and hit-rate had moderate reliabilities. Thus, the current study addresses concerns regarding the reliability of these measures in assessing cognitive demand in real-world automation research, as acceptable test–retest reliabilities were found across all measures for drivers across occasions. Despite the high reliability of each measure, low intercorrelations among measures were observed, and internal consistency was better when cognitive demand was estimated as a multi-factorial construct. This suggests that they tap into different aspects of cognitive demand while operating automation in real life. The findings highlight that a combination of psychophysiological and behavioral methods can reliably capture multi-faceted cognitive demand in real-world automation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strength training (ST) primarily enhances physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength, power, speed) and bone density in female soccer players. Less information is available on the injury preventive effects of ST in female athletes. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week in-season ST on measures of physical fitness and injury occurrence in young elite female soccer players. Methods: Thirty elite female soccer players (15.4 ± 1.9 years; maturity offset + 2.3 ± 1.1 years) participated in this study, and were randomly assigned to a strength training group (STG, n = 14) or an active control (CG, n = 16) group. ST lasted twelve weeks and included full body muscle strengthening exercises using primarily weight machines at progressive intensities ranging between 40 and 85% of the one-repetition-maximum (1-RM). The CG practiced a traditional soccer training program. Overall, training volumes of the two groups were similar with a training load (rating of perceived exertion × time) of 1158.4 ± 67.7 arbitrary unity (AU) for the STG and 1188.8 ± 44.1 AU for the CG. Pre and post training, the following physical fitness tests were applied: dynamic muscle strength (relative [to body mass] and absolute 1-RM bench/leg press, lat-pull down), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], five-jump-test [5JT]), linear-sprint speed (5-m, 10-m, 30-m), change-of-direction speed (T-test with and without ball), sport-specific performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Level1 [YYIRTL1], and repeated shuttle sprint ability [RSSA]). The injury rate per 1000-h exposure was monitored throughout the soccer season. Results: No significant baseline differences were observed between groups. Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found for absolute (p < 0.001, d = 2.59) and relative 1-RM bench press (p < 0.001, d = 2.39), absolute 1-RM lat-pull down (p < 0.001, d = 1.68), and relative 1-RM leg press (p < 0.001, d = 1.72). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for CMJ (p = 0.005, d = 1.27), RSSAmean (p = 0.007, d = 0.81), and RSSAtotal (p < 0.001, d = 1.90). Post-hoc tests indicated that the STG group demonstrated greater improvements in all tested variables compared to CG (1.2 < d < 2.5). However, no significant interaction effects were noted for measures of linear sprint speed and YYIRTL1 performance. Additionally, non-contact injuries during the season were significantly lower (p = 0.003, d = 1.31) in the STG (0.48/1000 h of exposure) than the CG (2.62/1000 h of exposure). Conclusions: Twelve weeks of an in-season ST resulted in larger physical fitness improvements and fewer injuries compared with an active control in elite young female soccer players. Accordingly, ST should be systematically applied in female soccer to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Key Finding: This study showed that the incorporation of 12 weeks of strength training with two weekly sessions during the soccer season improves anthropometric and body composition characteristics as well as measures of physical fitness in adolescent elite female soccer players. Strength training reduces the incidence of non-contact injuries in young female soccer players. The usage of strength training machines is safe in elite young female soccer players with no previous experience in weightlifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to high-threat encounters that elicit physiological stress responses that impact health, performance, and safety. Therefore, self-regulation using evidence-based approaches is a priority in police research and practice. This paper describes a five-module heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) protocol that is part of a larger resilience program (the International Performance Resilience and Efficiency Program – iPREP) established in 2014. Supported by 10 years of user-informed research and development, our methods are tailored to address occupational stressors and the practical realities of training and resource availability in operational settings. Building on existing clinical methods that comprise five to six weekly sessions and up to 40-min of daily practice, our iPREP HRVB protocol is typically delivered in a condensed format across 2–3 days and is seamlessly integrated with reality-based training scenarios commonly employed in policing. By combining best practices in clinical HRVB with police-specific pedagogical frameworks, officers receive accelerated and job-relevant training to adaptively modulate autonomic responses to acute and chronic stress. Efficacy of the iPREP HRVB protocol is supported by several research studies of various methodological designs (i.e., randomized control trial, longitudinal cohort) that demonstrate immediate and sustained improvements in police performance and physiological health outcomes. We conclude with a critical appraisal of the available empirical evidence contrasting common and emerging breathing techniques proposed for use in operational policing contexts. The critical appraisal guide is intended to serve as a resource for law enforcement agencies, governing bodies, and operators when choosing appropriate and effective self-regulation training approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ski-orienteering, which combines cross-country skiing with orienteering, dates back to the late 1800s, with the first World Championships in 1975. While researchers have explored the physiological and biomechanical determinants of success in cross-country skiing and orienteering separately in detail, scientific knowledge concerning ski-orienteering remains limited. Based on the information that is presently available together with interviews with elite ski-orienteers, we explore here for the first time the historical development, physiological, biomechanical, and psychological demands, certain training strategies, and future prospects and challenges associated with this sport, including its potential to become an Olympic event. A demanding endurance sport (with racing times of 12–120 min), ski-orienteering requires both considerable aerobic and anaerobic capacity, as well as well-trained upper and lower body muscles. In addition, ski-orienteering demands advanced skiing technique on various types of terrain, with frequent changes between sub-techniques, on both wide and narrow tracks and with numerous turns on downhill terrain. Moreover, success in this sport requires accurate and rapid orienteering—the ability to navigate a complex network of ski tracks with numerous intersections/crossings in a manner designed to pass the multiple control points in the order indicated on the map as rapidly as possible, i.e., advanced spatial cognition and highly developed navigational skills. Thus, ski-orienteering requires training designed to improve both relevant physiological characteristics and orienteering skills, which should become the focus of future interdisciplinary research on this complex sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Uphill ski mountaineering performance appears to be related to metabolic cost of locomotion and skiers' weight. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of slight variations in equipment weight on metabolic and mechanical work (MW) of ski mountaineering, at race pace. Methods: Thirteen male ski mountaineers were asked to ski on a treadmill at 25% slope and 80% of their maximal aerobic speed. They completed four 5-min bouts with additional weights of 0 kg (control), 0.2 kg, 0.4 kg, and 0.6 kg added to each ski boot in a blind mode and random order. Ski mountaineering energy cost (EC) was determined by gas exchange measurements, while MW was determined from the changes in the mechanical energy of body centre of mass (COM), body segments and equipment. Results: EC and total MW were significantly (all p < 0.001) and largely (η2 = 0.712 and η2 = 0.704, respectively) increased for every 0.2 kg of mass added, by around 2% and 1%, respectively. The increase in the MW was related to a significant increase in the work needed to lift the weight against gravity and to the increased work done to move the segments of the lower body with respect to COM. Conclusion: The present investigation shows that even small increments in racing gear weight are associated with an increase in ski mountaineering EC, possibly leading to a consequent decreased performance on uphill terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dynamic world of sports, understanding the intricate relationship between achievement motivation and performance is crucial for fostering athletes' growth and success. This study delves into the realm of judo athletes in Baguio City, Philippines, aiming to unravel the nuanced connections between achievement motivation, gender differences, and belt divisions. This study adopts a descriptive-correlational research design to investigate the nuanced relationship between achievement motivation and performance among judo athletes in Baguio City, Philippines. The research focuses on 80 judo athletes across prominent institutions in Baguio City, including Saint Louis University, the University of the Cordilleras, the University of Baguio, and the Young Men's Christian Association. Utilizing a meticulously crafted survey form, the study explores the achievement motivation levels of athletes, incorporating expert opinions and pilot-testing to ensure validity and reliability. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's r, are applied to scrutinize the hypotheses. The findings of the study reveal significant distinctions in achievement motivation levels among judo athletes based on their belt divisions. Moreover, male judo athletes demonstrate a substantial performance advantage over their female counterparts, particularly in terms of competition outcomes. Additionally, a noteworthy gender-based difference is identified in the medal tally, indicating a distinct performance pattern between male and female judo athletes. The study introduces a novel perspective by specifically examining gender-based differences in achievement motivation and performance in judo. The incorporation of belt divisions as a factor influencing motivation levels adds granularity to existing literature. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of achievement motivation and performance, shedding light on the impact of both gender and belt divisions within the context of judo in Baguio City, Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the variations on vertical jump and sprint performance during the first weeks of a futsal season. Methods: Eleven elite futsal players, competing in Spain's 1st division over the season 2019–2020, performed two countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a force platform and a sprint test of 10-m at three different timepoints: before the pre-season; immediately after the pre-season; and early in-season. A one-way repeated measure ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise comparisons and effect sizes (ESs) were used. Results: Non-significant and trivial changes were observed in CMJ height (p = 0.830; ES = 0.12) among the three timepoints. However, significant and moderate positive changes among seasons were found in specific CMJ kinetic variables such as: modified reactive strength index (p = 0.011; ES = 0.60), eccentric (Ecc) peak force (p = 0.011; ES = 0.65), Ecc deceleration rate of force development (p = 0.008; ES = 0.60), Ecc duration (p = 0.040; ES = 0.89), and concentric (p = 0.030; ES = 0.45) and landing peak force (p = 0.012; ES = 0.68). A significant time interaction was observed in sprint performance (p = 0.038; ES = 0.58); however, non-significant and small-moderate changes were detected in sprint time when compared among periods. Conclusion: In conclusion, CMJ kinetic variables should be incorporated and analyzed alongside more standard measures (CMJ height) to monitor performance in elite futsal players, as changes of substantial magnitude were observed in phase-specific metrics during the pre-season and the initial stages of the competitive calendar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3D inspection process based on the use of optical sensors is more widely used for industrial applications, due to their great ability to scan the entire surface in a short time. Laser-plane sensors mounted on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are commonly used for high-precision inspection. However, measurement quality is affected by the sensor path, defined primarily by the sensor orientation and position. Executing the scan path on the machine is time-consuming, and potential collision problems can occur. In this context, the aim of this paper is to develop a 3D scan simulation tool to evaluate a given scan path in terms of visibility and quality. Scanning quality is first investigated and evaluated experimentally depending on the configurations of the laser-plane sensor relative to the part geometry. The developed simulator is therefore based on the qualification results. The principle of the simulator is formulated by functions expressing visibility and quality conditions relative to scanning distance and angle. The path simulator is set up by visualizing the two conditions on facets of the part surface, and the quality is then estimated through the corresponding function. A case study is presented to illustrate the proposed simulation tool for scanning a test part defined by its CAD model with a given sensor path. The results are compared to real scans obtained from the sensor. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed simulation tool for predicting and estimating measurement quality. The outcome of the presented research in this paper has to be used as a predictive tool to evaluate scan paths in order to scan industrial parts with the required quality. Its integration into CMMs enables accurate anticipation of scanning results, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately monitoring one’s learning processes during self-regulated learning depends on using the right cues, one of which could be perceived mental effort. A meta-analysis by Baars et al. (2020) found a negative association between mental effort and monitoring judgments (r = -.35), suggesting that the amount of mental effort experienced during a learning task is usually negatively correlated with learners’ perception of learning. However, it is unclear how monitoring judgments and perceptions of mental effort relate to learning outcomes. To examine if perceived mental effort is a diagnostic cue for learning outcomes, and whether monitoring judgments mediate this relationship, we employed a meta-analytic structural equation model. Results indicated a negative, moderate association between perceived mental effort and monitoring judgments (β = -.19), a positive, large association between monitoring judgments and learning outcomes (β =.29), and a negative, moderate indirect association between perceived mental effort and learning outcomes (β = -.05), which was mediated by monitoring judgments. Our subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant differences across moderators potentially due to the limited number of studies included per moderator category. Findings suggest that when learners perceive higher levels of mental effort, they exhibit lower learning (confidence) judgments, which relates to lower actual learning outcomes. Thus, learners seem to use perceived mental effort as a cue to judge their learning while perceived mental effort only indirectly relates to actual learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite global efforts to improve paediatric clinical trials, significant delays continue in paediatric drug approvals. Collaboration between research networks is needed to address these delays. This paper is a first step to promote interoperability between paediatric networks from different jurisdictions by comparing drivers for, and content of, metrics about clinical trial conduct. Methods: Three paediatric networks, Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children, the Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network and conect4children, have each developed metrics to address delays and create efficiencies. We identified the methodology by which each network identified metrics, described the metrics of each network, and mapped consistency to come to consensus about core metrics that networks could share. Results: Metric selection was driven by site quality improvement in one network (11 metrics), by network performance in one network (13 metrics), and by both in one network (five metrics). The domains of metrics were research capacity/capability, site identification/feasibility, trial start-up, and recruitment/enrolment. The network driven by site quality improvement did not have indicators for capacity/capability or identification/feasibility. Fifteen metrics for trial start up and conduct were identified. Metrics related to site approvals were found in all three networks. The themes for metrics can inform the development of 'shared' metrics. Conclusion: We found disparity in drivers, methodology and metrics. Tackling this disparity will result in a unified approach to addressing delays in paediatric drug approvals. Collaborative work to define inter-operable metrics globally is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determines how untreated recycled concrete aggregates (URA), thermally treated recycled concrete aggregates (TRA), and recycled concrete aggregates developed through an integrated thermomechanical treatment process (TmRA) perform in concrete relative to each other. A concrete composed of 100% recycled aggregates (RCA) with Portland pozzolana cement has been successfully developed in the present study. The compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture energy, and modulus of elasticity of TmRC is observed higher than URC by 18.62%, 8.20%, 40.72%, 24.18%, and 54.99%, and those TRC by 7.54%, 28.57%, 29.78%, 24.12%, and 34.35%, respectively. The split tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture energy, and modulus of elasticity of these concretes are strongly correlated with their compressive strength. TmRC material properties match NAC, standard requirements, and reported values closely. URC and TRC chloride-ion penetrations are around 3.51- and 2.42-times greater than TmRC. Among these concretes, only TmRC meets corrosion protection requirements like NAC. The abrasion resistance of TmRC is observed 52.03% greater than URC and 43.07% greater than that of TRC. TmRC has substantially lower sorptivity compared to URC and TRC and is close to NAC. TmRC has around 32.65% and 16.67% less weight loss in drying than URC and TRC, respectively. URC and TRC have around 1.99- and 1.82-times less abrasion resistance than TmRC. An optimal reduced adhered-mortar volume, the minimized porosity and microcracks, dense and uniform surface texture, strengthened interfacial transition zones leads the performance of TmRA superior to URA and TRA, and close to or superior to parent aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Team cohesion is critical in driving successful outcomes for teams in collaborative learning settings. It shapes team behaviour, fostering shared perceptions, group synchrony and a common goal-oriented approach. This affinity becomes evident in dynamic interactions, offering insights into team behaviour through interaction data analysis. Interpreting interaction data proves complex, hampering our understanding and insights into shared team perceptions and task cohesion development. This paper used temporal motif analysis to examine the changes in team members' cohesive perceptions and behaviours, including task cohesion, performance outcomes, engagement and group synchrony. Trace data from an online work-integrated learning environment captured learning behaviours, while responses to a questionnaire at different stages of a study program captured task cohesion and cohesive perceptions. The findings reveal teams with strong task cohesion and high performance tend to share similar cohesive perceptions driven by interdependent interactions. Conversely, teams with different cohesion perceptions have lower interaction interdependence and poorer performance. Through analysing team interaction data, this study uncovered key insights to promote positive adjustments aligning team perceptions, enhancing collaborative learning and offering support for improved performance, engagement and synchrony among teams, ultimately benefiting learning outcomes and the cultivation of skills and competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the digital transformation, organizations have incorporated technologies in all areas of the company, creating digital business ecosystems. These in turn, with the tools that compose it, influence the satisfaction of stakeholders and business performance. The objective of this research is to know how the digital business ecosystem affects customer and employee satisfaction and whether this satisfaction has an impact on business performance. To achieve this objective, a model is proposed to which a PLS technique is applied to a sample of 1319 Spanish SMEs. The results of this innovative study show, on the one hand, a positive relationship of the digital business ecosystem with the satisfaction of both stakeholders, and, on the other hand, and as the main contribution of this study, it has been found that employee satisfaction positively influences business performance. This research offers a novel model capable of relating how the satisfaction of both customers and employees in a digital environment improves business performance. It also contributes to the literature by widening the field of study and overcomes a new gap for SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explored the influence of dietary supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris dried powder (CV) with zinc-oxide-nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and/or selenium-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on broilers’ growth, antioxidant capacity, immune status, histological responses, and gene expression of some related genes. Several 200 one-day-old Cobb-500 male chicks were distributed into 5 groups with four replicates each. In the 1st group, birds were fed the basal diet (BD). In the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups, birds received the BD supplemented with CV only, CV + ZnO-NPs, CV + Se-NPs, and CV + ZnO-NPs + Se-NPs, respectively. The CV dried powder, ZnO-NPs, and Se-NPs were added to the BD at a rate of 1 g, 40 mg, and 0.3 mg/kg diet, respectively. After 6 weeks of feeding, increases in final body weights (P < 0.05), body weight gain (P < 0.05), and feed intake (P < 0.05) were linked with improvements in FCR (P < 0.05) and intestinal morphometric indices (P < 0.05), and marked up-regulations of MYOS (P < 0.05), GHR (P < 0.05), and IGF (P < 0.05) genes were established. Additionally, distinct increases in antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD (P < 0.05), and GPX (P < 0.05) with increases in the mRNA copies of their genes were measured. Moreover, slight improvement in immunity indices, WBCs count (P > 0.05), and phagocytic and lysozyme activities (P > 0.05) were found. However, distinct increases in phagocytic index (P < 0.05) and up-regulations of IL-1β and TNF, and down-regulation of IL-10 mRNA levels were reported (P < 0.05). These findings were prominent in the case of the separate supplementation of CV with ZnO-NPs or Se-NPs confirming the synergistic mechanisms of CV with ZnO-NPs or Se-NPs. Thus, the synergetic supplementation of CV with ZnO-NPs, or Se-NPs in the broiler’s diet could augment their growth and antioxidant response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative age effects (RAE) refer to a skewed distribution with an overrepresentation of athletes born close to the selection date. The prevalence of RAE has been repeatedly demonstrated in youth swimming. Additionally, being more mature within an age group is associated with consistent selection advantages. The present study aims to determine (1) the prevalence and magnitude of RAE in youth swimming and (2) the relation to anthropometry and biological maturity status. The study included 650 swimmers (male n = 273, age 11.00 ± 1.27 years; female n = 377, age 11.00 ± 1.25 years). The dates of birth were split into four birth quartiles (Q). The maturity status was assessed using equations to estimate the age of peak height velocity (APHV). χ2 tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analyses. The χ2 tests have shown significant RAE with medium effect sizes (ES; p < 0.001, 0.18 < V < 0.20) for male and female athletes. Also, the results have shown significant RAE with medium effect sizes (ES; p < 0.001, 0.18 < V < 0.20). ANOVA has not revealed significant differences regarding body height, body mass, and APHV between the four birth quartiles for both sexes, except for body mass in female athletes (p = 0.037). The findings indicate that maturity status and anthropometry influence RAE in youth swimming. It can be assumed that relatively younger swimmers can counteract their disadvantage only by similar anthropometric and maturity-related characteristics to the relatively older swimmers, which significantly impacts talent identification and development of swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the multiple object tracking (MOT) performance of athletes vs. non-athletes and expert athletes vs. novice athletes by systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the literature. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases for articles published until July 2024. Healthy people were included, specifically classified as athletes and non-athletes, or experts and novices. Potential sources of heterogeneity were selected using a random-effects model. Moderator analyses were also performed. A total of 23 studies were included in this review. Regarding the overall effect, athletes were significantly better at MOT tasks than non-athletes, and experts performed better than novices. Subgroup analyses showed that expert athletes had a significantly larger effect than novices, and that the type of sport significantly moderated the difference in MOT performance between the two groups. Meta-regression revealed that the number of targets and duration of tracking moderated the differences in performance between experts and novices, but did not affect the differences between athletes and non-athletes. This meta-analysis provides evidence of performance advantages for athletes compared with nonathletes, and experts compared with novices in MOT tasks. Moreover, the two effects were moderated by different factors; therefore, future studies should classify participants more specifically according to sports levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In contrast with Advanced Footwear Technology-AFT running shoes for long-distance, little is known about AFT sprint spikes on performance and acceleration parameters. However, their use has become widespread since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and knowledge of their effects would seem to be an essential starting point before any clinical or socio-economic considerations. Objectives: Our objectives were to determine intra- and inter-subject sprinting performance modifications with Nike® AFT spikes (NAS) compared to standard spiked-shoes (SS). Methods: Healthy regional to national sprint athletes (n = 21, ≥ 750 pts World Athletics) performed 16 repetitions of 30-m sprints with either the NAS or SS condition during a single session, based on the multiple N-of-1 method, with pairwise randomisation and double-blind procedure. Time on 30-m sprints (Stalker radar), force-velocity profile (F0, V0, Vmax, Pmax, RF, DRF and FVP slope), and confounding factors (wind and shoe mass) were measured. Statistical analyses included a mixed linear regression model for group analyses, and randomisation test inversion and non-overlap-of-all-pair (NAP) methods for intra-individual analysis. Results: NAS improved 30-m time by a mean of − 0.02 s (SMD = 0.4, p = 0.014), with no interaction with any confounding factors. Significant changes were seen in velocity (Vmax : SMD = 0.9, p < 0.001; V0: SMD = 0.7, p < 0.001) and the horizontal ratio of force (RFmax: SMD = 0.5, p = 0.043), with no changes observed in force production. Whatever the footwear, one unit of positive wind (+ 1 m.s− 1) improved performance by − 0.03 s (p < 0.001). At an individual level, four athletes improved (NAP ≥ 0.69), and one had a statistical decrease in performance. Changes in F-V profiles were largely individual. Conclusions: A positive effect on sprint acceleration characteristics was observed when using Nike® AFT spikes, due to an increase in velocity and the horizontal ratio of force. A major variability in inter-individual response justifies single-case experimental designs for research on the topic. Trial Registration Number: NCT05881148. Key Points: •Compared to AFT long-distance running shoes, little is known about trademarked AFT spikes on performance and acceleration parameters. •The use of Nike® AFT spikes in regional-to-national sprinters resulted in a slight improvement (less than that of a + 1 m.s− 1 wind) in short sprint performance, with a large effect on maximal velocity which could raise the question of muscle strain injuries. •Trials addressing the question of AFT spikes' effect on max velocity endurance should be designed. The significant rate of non-responders highlights the importance of single-case experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the impact of influential ESG factors on risk, focusing on debt risk and liquidity risk. The influence on a sample of companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange belonging to the NYSE index is analyzed over a 10-year period, 2012–2021. The quantitative framework covers a multitude of indicators regarding debt, liquidity, corporate governance, the environment, CEO characteristics, performance, and other variables, and the research methodology uses the method of least squares to highlight their impact, using regression models with fixed and random effects, both linear and nonlinear. By estimating regression models, the empirical results confirm the hypotheses found in the existing knowledge stage that debt risk and liquidity risk are significantly influenced by asset profitability, the CEO duality significantly influences debt, while CEO gender diversity has a negative influence on corporate risk, specifically debt and liquidity risk. Additionally, it is shown that the emergence of COVID-19 brings significant changes to company autonomy and their financial performance, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively influenced corporate risk through restrictions, economic uncertainty, and the amplification of risks. These research results are crucial for practitioners by the necessity of integrating ESG criteria into the risk assessment process and decision-making. Furthermore, concerning policy decision-makers, they help promote sustainability and a responsible approach. Therefore, ESG factors can impact companies' financial performance and influence how they are perceived by investors. By understanding and correctly evaluating these ESG factors, one can identify and manage risks more efficiently, achieve better long-term returns, make appropriate decisions, and promote sustainability in the business environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of a resistance training (RT) period at terrestrial (HH) and normobaric hypoxia (NH) on both muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength development with respect to the same training in normoxia (N). Thirty-three strength-trained males were assigned to N (FiO2 = 20.9%), HH (2,320 m asl) or NH (FiO2 = 15.9%). The participants completed an 8-week RT program (3 sessions/week) of a full body routine. Muscle thickness of the lower limb and 1RM in back squat were assessed before and after the training program. Blood markers of stress, inflammation (IL-6) and muscle growth (% active mTOR, myostatin and miRNA-206) were measured before and after the first and last session of the program. Findings revealed all groups improved 1RM, though this was most enhanced by RT in NH (p = 0.026). According to the moderate to large excess of the exercise-induced stress response (lactate and Ca2+) in HH and N, results only displayed increases in muscle thickness in these two conditions over NH (ES > 1.22). Compared with the rest of the environmental conditions, small to large increments in % active mTOR were only found in HH, and IL-6, myostatin and miR-206 in NH throughout the training period. In conclusion, the results do not support the expected additional benefit of RT under hypoxia compared to N on muscle growth, although it seems to favour gains in strength. The greater muscle growth achieved in HH over NH confirms the impact of the type of hypoxia on the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between various design approaches of AgentSpeak code for Jason Beliefs-Desires-Intentions (BDI) agents and their performance in a simulated automotive collision avoidance scenario. Also explored was how the approaches affected software maintainability, assessed through coupling, cohesion, and cyclomatic complexity. We then compared each agent's performance, specifically their reasoning cycle duration and their responsiveness. Our findings revealed that agents with looser coupling and higher cohesion are more responsive to stimuli, implying that more maintainable AgentSpeak code can result in better performing agents. Performance was inversely related to cyclomatic complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare external and internal training load markers during resistance training (RT) in normoxia (N), intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (HH), and intermittent normobaric hypoxia (NH). Methods: Thirty-three volunteers were assigned an 8-week RT program in either N (690 m, n = 10), HH (2320 m, n = 10), or NH (inspired fraction of oxygen = 15.9%; ~ 2320 m, n = 13). The RT program (3x/week) consisted of six exercises, with three sets of six to 12 repetitions at ~ 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with the first session of each week used for analysis. 1RM in back squat and bench press was used to evaluate muscle strength before and after the program. External load was assessed by the volume load relative to body mass (RVL, kg·kg−1). Internal load was assessed by the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR). Results: Smaller relative improvements were found for the back squat in the N group (11.5 ± 8.8%) when compared to the NH group (22.2 ± 8.2%, P = 0.01) and the HH group (22 ± 8.1%, P = 0.02). All groups showed similar RVL, HR responses and RPE across the program (P˃0.05). However, reduced HR recovery values, calculated as the difference between the highest HR value (HRpeak) and the resting heart rate after a two min rest, were seen in the N and NH groups across the program (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that 8 weeks of intermittent RT in hypoxic environments could maximize time-efficiency when aiming to improve strength levels in back squat without evoking higher levels of physiological stress. Performing RT at hypobaric hypoxia may improve the cardiorespiratory response, which in turn could speed recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This interdisciplinary paper brings together scholarship from the fields of education, psychology, sociology and performance to shed light on three pedagogy and learning strategies to support learners recontextualise knowledge between higher education and work contexts. These strategies include offering multiple different types of performance activities and modes of engagement with different types of people (learners/experts, different cultures, ages, etc.). Secondly, it provides spaces to fail and enables testing of personal strategies with limited risk. Finally, it supports students in connecting ideas and experiences from the past, across educational experiences of different performance practices and into wider contexts such as professional work. The research, which is a pilot, recognises the ways in which these strategies align with and operationalise Guile's (2010) concept of recontextualisation, offering pedagogues tools to support learning in a similar way in which the concept of scaffolding might be seen to operationalise Vygotsky's notion of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This pilot study uses semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis approach with five graduates from an undergraduate drama degree programme in London. We recognise drama as a practical degree subject and as such consider our findings as generalisable to wider practical fields and disciplines, such as engineering and nursing education, and as having international relevance. The work offers a novel approach to conceptualising and evaluating the ways in which students deploy taught knowledge beyond the classroom, in work. It offers and augments arguments around the ways in which students bridge practice and learning from within the HEI and beyond it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancement of the cooling and heating capabilities of an air conditioning unit (ACU) coupled with a thermal energy storage system of dual phase change materials (PCM) is investigated. The dual PCM, namely SP24E and SP11_gel, are coupled with the ACU outdoor device (condenser/evaporator) during the summer/winter seasons, respectively. Moreover, ACU performance assisted with dual-PCM heat exchanger is compared with a single heat exchanger of SP24E in summer and single heat exchanger of SP11_gel in winter at different PCM capsulation structures (aligned and staggered cylinders). The system dynamic mathematical model is computationally solved using ANSYS software and experimentally validated. Results affirm that charging/discharging periods are minimal for the dual-PCM system and slower for PCM inline cylinder layouts than staggered ones. Inline design yields greater ACU average power savings. In summer, higher inlet air temperature to the PCM system reduces PCM discharging time and ACU power savings, with the opposite effect during winter. ACU COP with PCMs is improved by around 80 % in summer and 40 % in winter, respectively, compared to ACU without PCMs. The maximum average power saving over 4 h of ACU working in summer by single and dual-PCM systems is 21.4 % and 11.8 %, respectively, whereas the results in winter are 18.5 % and 12.8 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the response capabilities, in a public healthcare system otolaryngology job competition examination, of ChatGPT 3.5 and an internet-connected GPT-4 engine (Microsoft Copilot) with the real scores of otolaryngology specialists as the control group. In September 2023, 135 questions divided into theoretical and practical parts were input into ChatGPT 3.5 and an internet-connected GPT-4. The accuracy of AI responses was compared with the official results from otolaryngologists who took the exam, and statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 14.2. Copilot (GPT-4) outperformed ChatGPT 3.5. Copilot achieved a score of 88.5 points, while ChatGPT scored 60 points. Both AIs had discrepancies in their incorrect answers. Despite ChatGPT's proficiency, Copilot displayed superior performance, ranking as the second-best score among the 108 otolaryngologists who took the exam, while ChatGPT was placed 83rd. A chat powered by GPT-4 with internet access (Copilot) demonstrates superior performance in responding to multiple-choice medical questions compared to ChatGPT 3.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-energy–density fuel exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (exo-THDCPD) has high density and calorific value, which has the potential to be used as an extended-range fuel to improve the maneuverability and endurance of ground vehicle equipment. The present experiment aimed to investigate the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of different exo-THDCPD/diesel blends to explore the feasibility of its application in diesel engine. The test fuels were prepared on volume basis and named as follows: ED5, ED10, ED15, ED20 and ED25. The tests were carried out on a six-cylinder, four-stroke, naturally aspirated and direct injection diesel engine. It was observed that the blends had higher brake thermal efficiency, torque compared to pure diesel, while lower brake specific fuel consumption. Combustion analysis indicated that exo-THDCPD/diesel blends had longer ignition delay, shorter combustion duration, higher in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate, suggesting improved combustion. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation in maximum in-cylinder pressure and the coefficient of variation in indicated mean effective pressure increased as exo-THDCPD ratios increased, but all the values were no more than 5%, indicating a relatively stable combustion. In terms of exhaust emissions, nitrogen oxide, unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions increased significantly with exo-THDCPD/diesel blends compared to pure diesel, while soot emissions decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ESA's PLATO mission aims the detection and characterization of terrestrial planets around solar-type stars as well as the study of host star properties. The noise-to-signal ratio (NSR) is the main performance parameter of the PLATO instrument, which consists of 24 Normal Cameras and 2 Fast Cameras. In order to justify, verify and breakdown NSR-relevant requirements the software simulator PINE was developed. PINE models the signal pathway from a target star to the digital output of a camera based on physical models and considers the major noise contributors. In this paper, the simulator's coarse mode is introduced which allows fast performance analyses on instrument level. The added value of PINE is illustrated by exemplary applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often fail to notice unexpected objects and events when they are performing an attention-demanding task, a phenomenon known as inattentionalblindness. We might expect individual differences in cognitive ability or personality to predict who will and will not notice unexpected objects given that people vary in their ability to perform attention-demanding tasks. We conducted a comprehensive literature search for empirical inattentional blindness reports and identified 38 records that included individual difference measures and met our inclusion criteria. From those, we extracted individual difference effect sizes for 31 records which included a total of 74 distinct, between-groups samples with at least one codable individual difference measure. We conducted separate meta-analyses of the relationship between noticing/missing an unexpected object and scores on each of the 14 cognitive and 19 personality measures in this dataset. We also aggregated across personality measures reflecting positive/negative affectivity or openness/absorption and cognitive measures of interference, attention breadth, and memory. Collectively, these meta-analyses provided little evidence that individual differences in ability or personality predict noticing of an unexpected object. A robustness analysis that excluded samples with extremely low numbers of people who noticed or missed produced similar results. For most measures, the number of samples and the total sample sizes were small, and larger studies are needed to examine individual differences in inattentional blindness more systematically. However, the results are consistent with the idea that noticing of unexpected objects or events differs from deliberate attentional control tasks in that it is not reliably predicted by individual differences in cognitive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was designed to evaluate the advantages of using multi-strain probiotics feed (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) (PRO) and alpha-monolaurin (AML) on laying performance, criteria of egg quality, blood parameters, and yolk fatty acids' profile in laying hens. One hundred forty of Bovans brown laying hens at 45 weeks old (25th week of egg production) were randomly allocated into four groups, with seven replicates of five birds each in a complete randomized design. The first group was fed a basal diet without feed additives (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, and fourth groups received diets containing 1 g PRO, 1 g AML, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML/kg diet, respectively. No significant impacts of PRO, AML, or their mixture on body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), or egg weight. Egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were enhanced by 1 g PRO/kg and /or 1 g AML/kg supplementation in laying hen diets. Furthermore, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, and yolk color were statistically higher by PRO and AML supplementation at 55 weeks. However, oviduct, infundibulum, and uterus weights were significantly decreased by 1 g PRO or/and 1 g AML. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were decreased by PRO and AML supplementation. In conclusion, it seems that dietary inclusion with 1 g PRO/kg, 1 g of AML/kg, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML improved egg production, egg mass, FCR, and yolk fatty acids profile and lowered total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline wastewater is regarded as a challenge for wastewater treatment plants because high-salinity conditions negatively affect on traditional biological technologies. Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has gained attention as a promising technology for saline wastewater treatment because of its compact structure and the ability to withstand toxic loadings. Therefore, this study investigated the salt-resistance performance, sludge properties and microbial community of AGS under low-salinity and high-salinity conditions, with the saline concentrations ranging from 0 to 50 g/L. The results showed that AGS could withstand long-term saline stresses, and the maximum salinity reached 50 g/L within 113 d. Under salinities of 10, 30, and 50 g/L, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were 90.3%, 88.0% and 78.0%, respectively. AGS also its maintained strength and aggregation at salinities of 10 and 30 g/L. Overproduction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by non-halophilic bacteria that enhanced sludge aggregation. The compact structure that ensured the microorganisms bioactivity helped to remove organic matters under salinities of 10 and 30 g/L. At a salinity of 50 g/L, moderately halophilic bacteria, including Salinicola, Thioclava, Idiomarina and Albirhodobacter, prevailed in the reactor. The dominant microbial communities shifted to moderately halophilic bacteria, which could maintain aerobic granular stabilization and remove organic matters under 50 g/L salinity. These results in this study provide a further explanation for the long-term operation of AGS for treating saline wastewater at different salinities. It is hoped that this work could bring some clues for the mystery of salt-resistance mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in environmental temperature led to economic losses in the poultry industry, urging the use of feed supplements to mitigate the negative effects on chick's welfare and performance. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of marine microalgae (Nannochloropsis Oculata, N. Oculata) additive on commercial Brown Lohmann laying hen's performance, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status under hot environmental conditions. One hundred and eighty birds (34 weeks old with an initial body weight of 1885 ± 23.5 g) were used till 47 weeks. The birds were divided into three equal groups (birds in each group were distributed into four equal replicates 15 hens/ replicate). The 1st group was the control (CON) and was fed the basal diet, while the 2nd (TR1) and 3rd (TR2) groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0% of N. Oculata, respectively. The results showed that total protein and globulin concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in treated groups compared with the control group, whereas, albumin concentration increased (P < 0.05) in TR2 compared to the control group. The concentration of ALT and AST decreased in hens fed N. Oculata. Supplementing with N. Oculata reduced serum cholesterol and creatinine concentrations, while glucose concentration increased (P < 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control group. Serum calcium, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Triiodothyronine (T3), and progesterone increased (P < 0.05) in hens fed N. Oculata. N. Oculata supplement improved production performance through a positive effect on egg number, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate. In addition, the overall mean of shell thickness increased (P < 0.05) in hens fed N. Oculata. It can be concluded that the supplementation of 1.0% N. Oculata to the laying hens' diet enhanced productive performance, serum constituents, and antioxidant status under hot environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the academic context, students often expect to perform significantly better on an upcoming exam when compared to their actual performance. Unfortunately, students who are least accurate in their performance predictions are also the most at risk of being underprepared compared to their peers. Thus, efforts to enhance accuracy in performance predictions would benefit the student population that is most at risk of academic shortcomings and failure. Two studies examined whether incentives improve accuracy of academic performance predictions. In Study 1, 126 students in a 200-level undergraduate course provided estimates of how well they would perform on an upcoming exam. Two weeks later, the same students were randomly assigned to receive a reward incentive, punishment incentive, or no incentive for accuracy in performance predictions and their exam performance estimates were reassessed then compared to their actual scores on an exam completed one week later. In Study 2, 144 students from multiple 300-level courses provided performance predictions for an upcoming exam that were then compared to their actual exam scores for accuracy. For a subsequent exam, the same students were randomly assigned to varying levels of reward incentives (no incentive, modest incentive, large incentive) for prediction accuracy and their performance estimates were examined and compared to actual performance on a second exam. Findings from both studies indicated performance estimates are malleable and with the appropriate incentives, accuracy in predictions may be improved and contribute to better actual performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in the efficiency of lead-based halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), exceeding 25%, have raised concerns about their toxicity and suitability for mass commercialization. As a result, tin-based PSCs have emerged as attractive alternatives. Among diverse types of tin-based PSCs, organic–inorganic metal halide materials, particularly FASnI3 stands out for high efficiency, remarkable stability, low-cost, and straightforward solution-based fabrication process. In this work, we modelled the performance of FASnI3 PSCs with four different hole transporting materials (Spiro-OMeTAD, Cu2O, CuI, and CuSCN) using SCAPS-1D program. Compared to the initial structure of Ag/Spiro-OMeTAD/FASnI3/TiO2/FTO, analysis on current–voltage and quantum efficiency characteristics identified Cu2O as an ideal hole transport material. Optimizing device output involved exploring the thickness of the FASnI3 layer, defect density states, light reflection/transmission at the back and front metal contacts, effects of metal work function, and operational temperature. Maximum performance and high stability have been achieved, where an open-circuit voltage of 1.16 V, and a high short-circuit current density of 31.70 mA/cm2 were obtained. Further study on charge carriers capture cross-section demonstrated a PCE of 32.47% and FF of 88.53% at a selected capture cross-section of electrons and holes of 1022 cm2. This work aims to guide researchers for building and manufacturing perovskite solar cells that are more stable with moderate thickness, more effective, and economically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work tackles the performance and energy consumption analysis of a legacy scientific application, the VASP (Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package), an application commonly used by physicists and chemists for modeling materials at the atomic scale. Many of these scientific applications have been implemented in Fortran, where energy metrics instrumentation is not straightforward. We obtained performance figures (execution time and energy consumption) by instrumenting the source code using EML. This energy measurement library has been modified to introduce Fortran interfaces for these metrics. The analysis was carried out using different matrix algebra libraries, parallelization techniques, and hardware platforms, emphasizing on the MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA parallel implementations of the algorithms used in VASP. We employ various material specifications (atomic structures) and molecular sizes of a silicon-based crystal to create a set of benchmarks for these specifications, leading to some recommendations for final users regarding performance improvements. The proposed benchmarking technique assists the user in selecting the right combination of problem size, compilers, and parallelization options available in VASP. For a given system platform, the user will be able to determine not only the architecture to use (GPU or multicore processors), but also the appropriate library and parallelization according to the atomic structure and molecular size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource optimization, timely data capture, and efficient unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations are of utmost importance for mission success. Latency, bandwidth constraints, and scalability problems are the problems that conventional centralized processing architectures encounter. In addition, optimizing for robust communication between ground stations and UAVs while protecting data privacy and security is a daunting task in and of itself. Employing edge computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence-driven decision-making, and dynamic task offloading mechanisms, this research proposes the dynamic task offloading edge-aware optimization framework (DTOE-AOF) for UAV operations optimization. Edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms integrate to decrease latency, increase mission efficiency, and conserve onboard resources. This system dynamically assigns computing duties to edge nodes and UAVs according to proximity, available resources, and the urgency of the tasks. Reduced latency, increased mission efficiency, and onboard resource conservation result from dynamic task offloading edge-aware implementation framework (DTOE-AIF)'s integration of AI algorithms with edge computing. DTOE-AOF is useful in many fields, such as precision agriculture, emergency management, infrastructure inspection, and monitoring. UAVs powered by AI and outfitted with DTOE-AOF can swiftly survey the damage, find survivors, and launch rescue missions. By comparing DTOE-AOF to conventional centralized methods, thorough simulation research confirms that it improves mission efficiency, response time, and resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental constraints associated with fossil fuels have driven researchers to find a novel, potential and environmentally benign alternative fuel. Biodiesel, vegetable oil, and alcohol have gained rapid momentum thanks to their renewable nature and comparable energy contents in recent years. Accordingly, a Ternary fuel blend is prepared comprising three fuels namely diesel, biodiesel, and pentanol. Waste cooking oil was identified as the source for biodiesel and Pentanol was chosen among various alcohol alternatives due to improved energy density, reduced toxicity. These are endorsed to the enhancement in surface area-volume ratio of nano additives which boosts the catalytic combustion activity and also causing lesser fuel to take part in combustion for maintaining a constant engine speed. The experimentation is done with ternaryfuel blends with varying pentanol and biodiesel concentrations of diesel, biodiesel and pentanol). Upon experimentation, it was observed that, ternary fuel blend 'TF' comprising 70% diesel, 20% biodiesel and 10% pentanol, yielded best performance and was used for doping of Alumina oxide (Al2O3) nano additives. The Al2O3 nanoparticles were doped with ternary blends at fractions of 10 ppm, 20 ppm, and 30 ppm. It was observed that 20 ppm Al2O3 nanoparticle blended TF blend improved BTE and lowered BSFC by about 12.01% and 22.57% respectively. The performance tremendously along with lowered the CO emission by 49.21%, HC emission by 18.91% and smoke opacity by 9.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, experimental engine tests were conducted to investigate the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a diesel engine using a fuel blend composed of diesel, biodiesel, and fusel oil. In the study, which was carried out by using fuels obtained from different wastes together in a diesel engine. Seven different fuels were prepared for experiments by adding waste cooking oil (30% and 50%) and fusel oil (5% and 10%) by volume to commercial diesel fuel. The tests were carried out on the Lombardini LDW 1003 engine, a three-cylinder diesel engine, at four different engine loads (10, 20, 30, and 40 Nm), and a constant speed (2000 rpm). The experimental results revealed that the use of WCO generally led to increased NOx emissions which generally decreased with the fusel oil addition to the fuel mixture. Considering diesel fuel as a reference at maximum load conditions, there was a 12.63% increase in NOx emissions with 50% WCO. A 2.45% decrease in NOx emissions was achieved by adding 10% fusel oil. Furthermore, HC emissions decreased with the addition of both fusel oil and WCO at all load levels. When diesel fuel is taken as a reference at maximum load conditions, a 90% reduction in HC emissions was achieved by adding 50% WCO, and a 50% reduction in HC emissions was achieved by adding 10% fusel oil. Additionally, when diesel fuel is taken as a reference at maximum load condition, it was observed that a 0.05% increase in the maximum cylinder pressure value with the addition of 50% WCO and a 2.09% increase in the maximum cylinder pressure value with the addition of 10% fusel oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have explored the effect of differing heat and relative humidity (RH) environments on the performance of multiple anaerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Still, its impact on physiological responses and performance following aerobic HIIT has not been well studied. This study examined the effects of differing RH environments on physiological responses and performance in college football players following HIIT. Twelve college football completed HIIT under four different environmental conditions: (1) 25 °C/20% RH (Control group); (2) 35 °C/20% RH (H20 group); (3) 35 °C/40% RH (H40 group); (4) 35 °C/80% RH (H80 group). The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), lactate, tympanic temperature (TT), skin temperature (TS), thermal sensation (TS), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded continuously throughout the exercise. The heart rate variability (HRV): including root mean squared differences of the standard deviation (RMSSD)、standard deviation differences of the standard deviation (SDNN)、high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), squat jump height (SJH), cycling time to exhaustion (TTE), and sweat rate (SR) were monitored pre-exercise and post-exercise. The HR, MAP, lactate, TT, Ts, TS, and RPE in the 4 groups showed a trend of rapid increase, then decreased gradually. There was no significant difference in HR, MAP, TT, or RPE between the 4 groups at the same time point (p > 0.05), in addition to this, when compared to the C group, the lactate, Ts, TS in the other 3 groups significant differences were observed at the corresponding time points (p < 0.05). The RMSSD, SDNN, HF, and LF levels in the 4 groups before exercise were not significantly different. The RMSSD and HF in the H40 and H80 groups were significantly decreased and other HRV indicators showed no significant difference after exercise. In sports performance measurement, the SJH and TTE were significantly decreased, but there was no significant difference in the 4 groups. The SR was no significant difference in the 4 groups after exercise. In conclusion, heat and humidity environments elicited generally greater physiological effects compared with the normal environment but did not affect sports performance in college football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education is defined as the incorporation of ICTs into teaching and learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom. Despite widely studied, there is still no consensus on how it affects student performance. However, before evaluating this, it is crucial to identify which factors impact students' use of ICT for educational purposes. This understanding can help educational institutions to effectively implement ICT, potentially improving student results. Thus, adapting the conceptual framework proposed by Biagi and Loi (2013) and using the 2018 database of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and a decision tree classification model developed based on CRISP-DM framework, we aim to determine which socio-demographic factors influence students' use of ICT for educational purposes. First, we categorized students according to their use of ICT for educational purposes in two situations: during lessons and outside lessons. Then, we developed a decision tree model to distinguish these categories and find patterns in each group. The model was able to accurately distinguish different levels of ICT adoption and demonstrate that ICT use for entertainment and ICT access at school and at home are among the most influential variables to predict ICT use for educational purposes. Moreover, the model showed that variables related to teaching best practices of Internet utilization at school are not significant predictors of such use. Some results were found to be country-specific, leading to the recommendation that each country adapts the measures to improve ICT use according to its context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is a gas that produces zero carbon emissions when used in energy storage systems. Hence, there is increasing interest for the application of ammonia as fuel in various energy storage devices, specifically solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), as it has the potential to be efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, compared to other fuel cells, SOFCs fed with ammonia offer various benefits such as such as sustainability and safety. This review compares and contrasts the opportunities and challenges of ammonia fuel cell technologies and helps to analyze their working principles. The main goal of this review is to investigate the viability of an "all-protonic" fuel cell using ammonia fuel while also highlighting the key challenges and limitations of implementing such technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of treadmill slope on ground reaction forces and local muscle oxygenation as putative limiting factors of peak oxygen uptake in graded maximal incremental running tests. Thirteen trained male runners completed five maximal incremental running tests on treadmill at − 15%, − 7.5%, 0%, 7.5% and 15% slopes while cardiorespiratory and local muscle oxygenation responses as well as ground reaction forces were continuously recorded. Blood lactate concentration and isometric knee extensor torque were measured before and after each test. Results: Peak oxygen uptake was lower at − 15% slope compared to all other conditions (from − 10 to − 17% lower, p < 0.001), with no difference between − 7.5 and + 15% slope. Maximal heart rate and ventilation values were reached in all conditions. The negative external mechanical work increased from steep uphill to steep downhill slopes (from 6 to 92% of total external work) but was not correlated with the peak oxygen uptake reduction. Local muscle oxygenation remained higher in − 15% slope compared to level running (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Similar peak oxygen uptake can be reached in downhill running up to − 7.5% slope. At more severe downhill slopes (i.e., − 15%), greater negative muscle work and limited local muscle deoxygenation occurred, even in subjects familiarized to downhill running, presumably preventing the achievement of similar to other condition's peak oxygen uptake. Key Points: Trained male runners can reach like level running V̇O2peak at moderate but not at severe negative slope. Negative external mechanical work increases with increasing negative slope. At maximal intensity Vastus Lateralis muscle oxygenation is higher in steep negative slope. Knee extensor isometric muscle torque is preserved after maximal level and uphill running, but reduced after downhill running, despite lower blood lactate. Progressive reduction of V̇O2 at maximal effort with increasing negative slope might be related to the metabolic consequences of increased lower limb negative external work (i.e., eccentric muscle actions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, alcohol-based draw solute (DS), i.e., alcohol with water, is one of the trending research topics in forward osmosis (FO) because of its performance and ease of regeneration. Nevertheless, the higher reverse solute flux (RSF) of the alcohol-based DS hinders its commercialization in water and wastewater treatment applications. This research aims to minimize the RSF of the alcohol-based DS in FO by investigating the possibility of using alcohol-alcohol-based draw solutes for the first time. Three alcohol-alcohol-based draw solutions, namely, (1) E70 + IPA30 (ethanol: 70% + isopropanol: 30%), (2) E40 + IPA60 (ethanol: 40% + isopropanol: 60%), and (3) E10 + IPA90 (ethanol: 10% + isopropanol: 90%), were prepared and the properties (including osmolality, shear stress, and viscosity) of the DS were first investigated followed by the parametric investigation (concerning temperature and concentration). The results were further analyzed with the fixed-point iterative method in MATLAB to obtain the performance parameters. Results reveal that the E10 + IPA90 mixture yields a lower RSF of 40.62 g/m2/h and specific reverse solute flux of 3.78 g/L with a considerably good water flux and recovery percentage of 11.47 LMH and 26.29%, respectively, as compared to other DS E70 + IPA30 and E40 + IPA60 at 25 °C. Thus, E10 + IPA90 is recommended as a potential candidate to be used as a DS in FO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the critical realm of modern computer cluster management. It focuses on the effect that the increasing heterogeneity of the clusters has on the workload managers. The proposed schedulers consider node properties instead of job properties to make decisions, which is something not currently done by mainstream scheduling algorithms. In order to increase the knowledge in this topic, this paper proposes two novel algorithms whose main task is to choose the best compute nodes to schedule the incoming jobs. To this effect, they exclusively take into account the properties of the nodes, instead of the common trend of considering the properties of the jobs. The experimental results show that these algorithms outperform well-known heuristic algorithms found in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lateral humeral condyle nonunion in children is a rare condition. The treatment protocol for nonunion of lateral humeral condyle remains controversial due to the potential complication. This study reports long-term functional outcomes of the nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle fracture. In addition, we identified the prognostic factors for nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle fracture. Methods: We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study of nonunion of lateral humeral condyle between January 1995 and December 2022. The patient's preoperative demographic information was reviewed. Potential risk factors of poor functional outcome, such as age, duration from initial injury, and fracture displacement, were retrieved. Functional outcomes at the latest follow-up visit were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Multivariable linear regression was deployed to evaluate the association of potential risk factors with the functional outcome. Results: A total of 63 patients from eight medical centers were included, of which 60 were surgically treated. Patients' average age was 7.3 years old, with a mean follow-up duration of seven years. All nonunion cases were successfully treated, resulting in a normalized humeroulnar angle. The rate of AVN was 16.7%. All patients reported excellent range of motion and MEPS at the latest follow-up. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that Fracture displacement (β = -0.88, 95% CI -1.55 to -0.22, p = 0.010) and duration from initial injury (β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.17 to -0.02, p = 0.010) were statistically significant factors influencing functional outcome of lateral humeral condyle nonunion. Conclusions: Initial fracture displacement and duration from the initial injury are statistically significantly associated with elbow function in lateral humeral condyle nonunion. However, the effect size for these factors is relatively small and does not reach clinical significance. Despite this, the functional outcome is excellent in all patients, with an average follow-up duration of seven years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of prolonged intermittent cycling exercise on peak power output (PPO) and 6-min time-trial (6 min-TT) performance in elite and professional road cyclists. Moreover, the study aimed to determine whether changes in performance in the fatigued state could be predicted from substrate utilization during exercise and laboratory measures obtained in a fresh state. Methods: Twelve cyclists (age: 23 years [21;25]; body mass: 71.5 kg [66.7;76.8]; height: 181 cm [178;185]; V ˙ O2peak: 73.6 ml kg−1 min−1 [71.2;76.0]) completed a graded submaximal cycling test to determine lactate threshold (LT1), gross efficiency (GE), and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) as well as power output during a maximal 6 min-TT (MPO6 min) in a fresh condition. On a separate day, the cyclists completed a 4-h intermittent cycling protocol with a high CHO intake (100 g h−1). Substrate utilization and PPO was measured hourly during the protocol, which was followed by another 6 min-TT. Results: MPO6 min and PPO was reduced by 10% [4;15] and 6% [0;6], respectively, after the cycling protocol. These reductions were accompanied by reductions in the anaerobic energy contribution and V ˙ O2peak, whereas the average V ˙ O2 during the 6 min-TT was unchanged. Correlation analyses showed no strong associations between reductions in MPO6 min and PPO and laboratory measures (i.e., LT1, GE, MFO, V ˙ O2peak) obtained in the fresh condition. Additionally, fat oxidation rates during the cycling protocol were not related to changes in neither PPO nor MPO6 min. Conclusion: PPO and MPO6 min were reduced following prolonged intermittent cycling, but the magnitude of these reductions could not be predicted from laboratory measures obtained in the fresh condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accurately measuring sweat sodium concentration ([Na+]) in the field is advantageous for coaches, scientists, and dieticians looking to tailor hydration strategies. The MX3 hydration testing system is a new portable analyser that uses pre-calibrated biosensors to measure sweat [Na+]. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the MX3 hydration testing system. Methods: Thirty-one (11 females) recreationally active participants completed one experimental trial. During this trial, participants exercised at a self-selected pace for 45 min in a warm environment (31.5 ± 0.8 °C, 63.2 ± 1.3% relative humidity). Sweat samples were collected from three measurement sites using absorbent patches. The samples were then analysed for sweat [Na+] using both the MX3 hydration testing system and the Horiba LAQUAtwin-NA-11. The reliability of the MX3 hydration testing system was determined following two measurements of the same sweat sample. Results: The mean difference between measurements was 0.1 mmoL·L−1 (95% limits of agreement (LoA): − 9.2, 9.4). The analyser demonstrated a coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.6% and the standard error of measurement was 3.3 mmoL·L−1. When compared to the Horiba LAQUAtwin-NA-11, there was a mean difference of − 1.7 mmoL·L−1 (95% LoA: − 0.25 X ¯ , 0.25 X ¯ ) and the CV was 9.8%. Conclusion: The MX3 hydration testing system demonstrated very good single-trial reliability, moderate agreement and a very good CV relative to the Horiba LAQUAtwin-Na-11. To further validate its performance, the MX3 hydration testing system should be compared with analytical techniques known for superior reliability and validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most popular models that provide computer resources today is cloud computing. Today's dynamic and successful platforms are created to take advantage of various resources available from service providers. Ensuring the performance and availability of such resources and services is a crucial problem. Any software system may be subject to faults that might propagate to cause failures. Such faults with the potential of contributing to failures are critical because they impair performance and result in a delayed reaction, which is regarded as a dependability problem. To ensure that critical faults can be discovered as soon as possible, the impact of such faults on the system must be tested. The performance and dependability of cloud-native systems are examined in this empirical study using fault injection, one of the chaos engineering techniques. The study explores the impacts and results of injecting various delay times into two cloud-native applications with diverse user numbers. The performance of the applications with various numbers of users is measured in relation to these delays, which accordingly reflects measuring the dependability of those systems. Firstly, the systems' architecture were identified, and serverless with two Lambda functions and containerised microservices applications were chosen, which depend on utilising and incorporating cloud-native services. Secondly, faults are injected in order to quantify performance attributes such as throughput and latency. The results of several controlled experiments carried out in real-world cloud environments provide exploratory empirical data, which promoted comparisons and statistical analysis that we utilised to identify the behaviour of the application while experiencing stress. Typical results from this investigation include an overall reduction in performance that is embodied in an increase in latency with injecting delays. However, a remarkable result is noticed at a particular delay in which defects and availability problems appear out of nowhere. These findings assist in highlighting the value of using chaos engineering in general and fault injection in particular to assess the dependability of cloud-native applications and to find unpredicted failures that could arise quickly from defects that aren't supposed to spread and result in dependability issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess children's physical function and subjective knee status 1 and 3 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It was hypothesised that there was no difference between the operated and normal legs in relation to physical strength and function, that there was <‐2 mm side‐to‐side difference in knee laxity, and that the subjective knee function was better 3 years after ACL reconstruction compared to 1 year after. Methods: Children (<16 years of age) who had an ACL reconstruction had follow‐up with physical function tests (four hop tests and strength measurement in a power rig [PR]), anterior knee laxity (measured using a Rolimeter) and patient‐reported outcome measures (Pedi‐International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]‐Child) 1 and 3 years postoperatively. Changes from 1‐ to 3‐year follow‐up were evaluated with a paired t test. Results: Out of 148 ACL reconstructed children, 60 had all measures. The four hop tests and the PR all yielded a Limb Symmetry Index >90% at both follow‐ups. There was a significant improvement from 1‐ to 3‐year follow‐up in two‐hop tests (6 m on time and crossover hop). Side‐to‐side knee laxity was >2 mm in four children at 1‐ and 3‐year tests. Pedi‐IKDC scores increased, and KOOS‐Child improved significantly from 1 to 3 years in two of the five domains: 'Sport' and 'Quality of life', but scores were lower than in a cohort of normal children. Conclusion: The children had good objective physical function 1 and 3 years after ACL reconstruction. However, scores from the KOOS‐Child sport‐specific function and quality of life domains were lower than in normal children. Level of evidence: Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) are typical refractory organic compounds, having high biological toxicity. These compounds are a type of pervasive pollutants that can be present in polluted soil, air, and various types of waterways, such as groundwater, rivers, and lakes, posing a significant threat to the ecological environment and human health. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are an effective strategy for the degradation of bio-refractory compounds. BESs improve the waste treatment efficiency through the application of weak electrical stimulation. This review discusses the processes of BESs configurations and degradation performances in different environmental media including wastewater, soil, waste gas and groundwater. In addition, the degradation mechanisms and performance-enhancing additives are summarized. The future challenges and perspectives on the development of BES for COCs removal are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textual data are increasingly used to predict firm performance, however extracting useful signals towards serving this goal with a continuously growing repository of financial reports and documents is challenging, even by the state-of-the-art machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) techniques. We propose a novel approach to automatically create a word list from SEC filings (10-K and 8-K reports) using advanced deep learning and NLP techniques and compare their performance against the widely used Loughran–McDonald sentiment dictionaries. We additionally analyze a corpus of 8-K and 10-K documents to evaluate their relative informativeness for firm performance prediction. Since 8-K filings provide corporate updates along a fiscal year, we compare their content against changes in 10-Ks between consecutive years to assess the incremental value of information provided in these regulatory filings. Information effectiveness is examined by predicting six key financial indicators for a set of US banks using ridge regression. Our results positively support sentiment dictionaries expansion by automatically extracting meaning from text and highlight the benefits obtainable from utilizing update filings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]