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It is necessary to prepare for the increasing crime rate of household theft with a modern home security system that allows customers to monitor home security remotely. This can be accomplished by replacing the standard lock with a solenoid door lock, which is more difficult to duplicate and reduces the likelihood of theft when the house is unoccupied. The Authors developed a three-tiered home security system prototype that includes fingerprint, the RFID, and keypad biometric sensors. The device's finished prototype was tested ten times after it was designed. The Arduino Uno microcontroller, which also serves as the door-locking mechanism, turns on the door-lock solenoid. When authentication is successful, someone will be granted access to the door. The preliminary findings indicate that the fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor's ability to read fingerprints in 3.7 seconds on average demonstrates its effectiveness. Second, the RFID sensor detects the e-KTP, and the RFID scans the card in an average of 2.4 seconds. The third keypad contains the password for unlocking the door. After ten repetitions, the experiment input yields an average time of 3.66 seconds. Opening a door with a 3-level multi-sensor typically takes 9.8 seconds. In this study, the installation of each sensor is notified via a GSM SIM800L module, allowing customers to monitor security remotely.

Nanostructured negative electron affinity GaAs photocathodes for a polarized electron source are studied using finite difference time domain optical simulation. The structures studied are nanosquare columns, truncated nanocones, and truncated nanopyramids. Mie-type resonances in the 700–800 nm waveband, suitable for generation of polarized electrons, are identified. At resonance wavelengths, the nanostructures can absorb up to 99% of the incident light. For nanosquare columns and truncated nanocones, the maximum quantum efficiency (QE) at 780 nm obtained from simulation is 27%, whereas for simulated nanopyramids, the QE is ∼21%. The high photocathode quantum efficiency is due to the shift of Mie resonance toward the longer wavelength, leading to increased light absorption. The field profile distribution shows the excitation of dipole and quadrupole modes within the nanostructures at resonant frequencies. This leads to enhanced photoabsorption and photoelectron generation closer to emission surfaces than for a flat photocathode. The enhanced photoabsorption and reduced electron transport distance for the nanostructured photocathode enhance its QE compared to that for the flat surface wafer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-housing is a collaborative housing concept designed to foster close social bonding and sustainable communities. With the rapid population growth, urban sprawls and housing prices in Malaysia, this concept has gained traction in the housing sector as a viable housing alternative to the existing property market due to its social, economic and sustainability benefits. This paper aims to establish a set of design best practices by conducting a qualitative study on three selected Malaysian co-housing locations and design providers (DP). The methodology consists of interviews, literature reviews and case studies where data gained from the interviews are reviewed with data from the literature and case studies. The resulting analysis recommends that co-housing focus on the following design aspects: demography size, surrounding context, spatial configuration, space design, "environmental psychology theory" and sustainability considerations. This paper concludes by providing several potential co-housing issues and recommendations for enhancing the benefits of co-housing in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative to exercise in a thermoneutral environment, there is only limited evidence demonstrating that a low glycaemic index (LGI) pre-exercise meal can enhance endurance exercise performance in a hot-humid (HH) condition. Also, previous studies predominantly utilised Western-based and single food items, with minimal focus on Asian-based mixed meals. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-exercise LGI and high glycaemic index (HGI) rice-based mixed meals on endurance performance among acclimatised trained athletes in HH condition (32°C, 65% relative humidity). Twelve native-born endurance-trained male runners (age 22.0 ± 5.8 years; peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) 64.2 ± 5.5 mL.kg-1.min-1) completed two trials consisting of 45-min steady-state (SS) run at 70% V̇O2peak followed by 10 km performance run (TT10km). Three hours before exercise, participants consumed an isocaloric rice-based mixed meals containing either LGI (GI=47) or HGI (GI=80), providing 1.3 g of carbohydrate (CHO) per kg of body mass. Participants ran faster during TT10km after consuming the LGI meal compared to the HGI meal (LGI: 55.18 ± 1.22 vs. HGI: 57.03 ± 2.25 min, p = 0.010). End rectal temperature did not significantly differ between trials (LGI: 39.16 ± 0.74 vs. HGI: 38.95 ± 0.46°C, p = 0.352). Fat oxidation was higher during the SS run in the LGI compared to the HGI trial (LGI: 0.19 ± 0.05 vs. HGI: 0.13 ± 0.19 g.min-1, p = 0.001). This study demonstrated that, relative to HGI, consuming a pre-exercise LGI rice-based mixed meal enhanced endurance performance in HH environment among acclimatised trained male athletes.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically examine and summarize recent evidence on the effects of soccer-based training (SBT) on anthropometric measures in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity., Methods: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 guidelines, a thorough literature search across 7 electronic databases was conducted on October 11, 2023. The studies' methodological quality was evaluated using the QualSyst tool, followed by conducting a meta-analysis with a random-effects model, and the certainty of evidence was assessed., Results: Six studies were included, with 4 studies of strong methodological quality and 2 studies of moderate methodological quality. The results of the meta-analysis revealed SBT decreases fat mass percentage (effect size [ES] = 0.47 [small]; P = .002), with no significant effect of SBT on body mass index (ES = 0.180 [small]; P = .275), body mass (ES = 0.183 [trivial]; P = .212), fat-free mass (ES = 0.074 [trivial]; P = .635), or waist circumference (ES = 0.358 [small]; P = .053). The certainty of evidence was moderate for all outcomes., Conclusions: SBT appears to decrease fat mass percentage, without affecting body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass, or waist circumference in obese/overweight children and adolescents. These findings require further investigation given the moderate certainty of evidence., Registration: The protocol of this review was registered in the Open Science Framework database (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8P4V2).

Background: During a prolonged quarantine, there is a need to monitor aerobic fitness levels of trained individuals who are isolated with a simple fitness test that can be performed in confined space of their own homes. This study examined the reliability, validity, usefulness and sensitivity of a novel 3-min submaximal heart rate burpees test (or SubHR3-MBT) to assess and monitor changes in aerobic fitness, of trained athletes. In the SubHR3-MBT, male and female athletes performed 48 and 39 burpees respectively, within 3 min by following a constant beeping pace. The performance criterion of the SubHR3-MBT is the highest heart rate attained (or exercise HRpeak) at the end of 3-min (wherein a lower exercise HRpeak indicates a higher level of aerobic fitness)., Methods: A total of 40 male and female national athletes from various sports volunteered for the study., Results: For reliability (Part 1), the SubHR3-MBT showed good relative and excellent reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient 0.90 and coefficient of variation 2.6%, respectively. For validity (Part II), there was significant negative correlation between relative exercise HRpeak with respiratory gas-measured VO2max (r=-0.51, large; P<0.001). The test's technical error of measurement of 2.3 is slightly greater than its smallest worthwhile change of 1.5. For sensitivity (Part III), the athletes were tested twice for their SubHR3-MBT and VO2max, once at baseline and another at a followed-up test after >10 weeks. There was a significant correlation between the % change in relative exercise HRpeak with the % change in VO2max (r=-0.66, large; P<0.001)., Conclusions: The SubHR3-MBT is a reliable, valid, marginally useful test and may be able to track changes in aerobic fitness in trained athletes with moderate levels of sensitivity, in case of future isolation due to pandemic occurrence.

Background: Rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is one of the first line treatments for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Rituximab comprises most of the treatment cost for this regimen; therefore, biosimilars, such as rituximab-abbs are crucial to provide affordable care. Although rituximab-abbs was studied primarily in follicular lymphoma, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug for all indications of the reference product on the basis of extrapolation. Effectiveness and safety data surrounding the use of rituximab-abbs in DLBCL is lacking., Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rituximab-abbs and reference product rituximab as R-CHOP treatment for patients with DLBCL., Patients and Methods: This noninferiority (NI) study compared the 2-year overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and incidence of adverse events (AEs) between rituximab-abbs and its reference product (RP) in R-CHOP among adult patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL. The study inclusion period was from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. Analyses were performed on the basis of a noninferiority lower limit of 10% for OS and ORR, and an upper limit of 10% for serious AEs., Results: There were 240 patients who received RP rituximab, while 295 patients received rituximab-abbs. The cohort had a mean age of 63.7±12.2 years and 43% were female. The 2-year OS was 81.0% and 79.6% (NI p < 0.01) while the ORR was 80.0% and 69.6% (NI p < 0.01), among the rituximab-abbs and rituximab groups, respectively. The incidence of infusion reaction AEs (NI p < 0.01) and noninfusion reaction AEs (NI p < 0.01) also met noninferiority., Conclusions: We demonstrated that rituximab-abbs was noninferior to rituximab in both effectiveness and safety among patients receiving R-CHOP for DLBCL in this study. Long-term follow-up would be needed to confirm these results., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: This study examined the effects of a single all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle performed daily for 5 consecutive days per week for 6 weeks, on aerobic fitness, muscle strength and metabolic-health markers in physically active young males and females., Methods: Healthy, physically active 20-28 year olds, were randomly assigned to either experimental (EXP, N = 11) or non-training control (CON, N = 8) group. With supervision, the EXP group performed one bout of 30-s sprint-cycle daily, Mondays to Fridays over 6 weeks, while CON group continued with their usual lifestyle. The followings were measured at pre- and post-intervention: maximal aerobic power, peak torque of knee extensors and flexors at velocities 30° s -1 and 300° s -1 , resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, body fat percentage, fasting lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin levels., Results: There were no significant improvements in the EXP group for all the measured variables (all P > 0.05); except for significant interaction effects in peak torque of knee extensors at 30° s -1 (P = 0.044) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.046). Post hoc test indicate that CON group showed decline in their low-density lipo-proteins levels (P = 0.024)., Conclusion: Six weeks of one all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle per day, for 5 consecutive days per week, was ineffective in improving cardiovascular fitness, maximal strength, and most health markers in physically active young adults. The present results when combined with the previous literature suggest that there is a possibility of a minimum threshold for a number of sprint-cycle bouts needed to be performed before any form of cardio-metabolic-health benefit is accrued., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

We aimed to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting (RF) and high-intensity short-term maximal performance on elite soccer players' shooting accuracy, executive function (EF), and perceptions. Sixteen Muslim elite players fasting during Ramadan underwent assessments before (BR), during (DR), and after Ramadan (AR). Soccer-specific technical performance was evaluated using the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) before and after a 5-metre shuttle run test (5mSRT), conducted at the same time-of-day (17:00 h). Performance metrics recorded included higher distance (HD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI). RPE after a 5-min warm-up and each repetition of the 5mSRT were obtained, and the mean RPE score was calculated. Trail Making Test (TMT Parts A and B) were used after the warm-up and the 5mSRT. Perceived difficulty (PD) was assessed following the LSST. HD, TD, and FI were not affected by RF ( p  > 0.05). DR, RPE and accuracy scores in the LSST were significantly lower after the 5mSRT compared to BR (1.29 vs. 1.24 AU; 1.29 vs. 1.24, respectively). In conclusion, RF had no adverse effects on physical performance. However, when combined with high-intensity running sessions, RF may impact accuracy and PD, and these adverse effects seem to have been translated into EF.

Objective: To systematically review, summarise and appraise findings of published systematic reviews, with/without meta-analyses, examining associations between Ramadan fasting observance (RO), health-related indices and exercise test performances in athletes and physically active individuals., Design: Overview of systematic reviews with assessment of reviews' methodological quality., Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, PsycINFO and SciELO., Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies: Systematic reviews with/without meta-analyses examining associations of RO with health-related indices and exercise performances in athletes and physically active individuals., Results: Fourteen systematic reviews (seven with meta-analyses) of observational studies, with low-to-critically-low methodological quality, were included. Two reviews found associations between RO and decreased sleep duration in athletes and physically active individuals. One review suggested athletes may experience more pronounced reductions in sleep duration than physically active individuals. One review found associations between RO and impaired sleep quality in athletes and physically active individuals. RO was associated with decreased energy, carbohydrate and water intake in adult-aged athletes, but not adolescents. One review suggests RO was associated with athletes' increased feelings of fatigue and decreased vigour. No association was found between RO and athletes' lean mass or haematological indices. RO was unfavourably associated with changes in athletes' performance during high-intensity exercise testing., Conclusion: Continuance of training during RO could be associated with athletes' mood state disturbances, decreased sleep duration and performance decline during high-intensity exercise testing, while preserving lean mass. However, careful interpretation is necessary due to the low-to-critically-low methodological quality of the included reviews., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Muscle weakness is prevalent in intensive care patients. This study focused on comparing the effects of massage and range of motion (ROM) exercises on muscle strength and intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)., Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial that recruited patients (n=45) with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and divided them into three groups (ROM exercises, massage, and control). We evaluated muscle strength and ICU-AW in the arms and legs using a hand dynamometer. The Medical Research Council sum score was determined before and after the intervention., Results: The study findings were that 0%, 20%, and 100% of the participants in the ROM exercises, massage, and control groups had ICU-AW on the 7th day of ICU admission. The ROM exercise group had greater muscle strength in the hands and legs than the massage and control groups, and the massage group had greater muscle strength than the control group., Conclusions: Massage and ROM exercises could improve muscle strength and reduce ICU-AW in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU.

Objective: Fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors is a psychosocial concern that affects recovery and quality of life. They use complementary and alternative medicine to prevent the side effects of drugs and relieve anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors., Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study enrolled 280 cancer survivors referred to oncology centers and medical offices in Kerman using convenience sampling. The research tools included complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire and the fear of cancer recurrence inventory. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyze the data., Results: The study findings revealed that 78.2% of the participants used at least one type of complementary and alternative medicine in the last year; 71.8% used medicinal herbs, 19.6% used nutritional supplements, 7.5% used relaxation and meditation, 7.1% used dry cupping, and 5.7% used wet cupping. The mean score of fear of cancer recurrence was 80.72 ​± ​18.46, which was almost near the midpoint of the inventory score (84). The fear of cancer recurrence and its dimensions did not differ between users and nonusers of complementary and alternative medicine., Conclusions: Our results suggested that most of the survivors used at least one type of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year, and medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements were the most used types. Patients with cancer must be aware of the effects of different kinds of complementary and alternative medicine. A moderate level in the mean score of fear of cancer recurrence was found, and no difference was noted between users and nonusers of complementary and alternative medicine. Health managers and planners should conduct effective psychological interventions and strategies to minimize the fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Purpose: To determine whether carbohydrate mouth rinsing would improve endurance running performance of tropical natives in a warm-humid (30 °C and 70% relative humidity) environment., Method: Twelve endurance male runners [age 25 ± 3 years; peak aerobic capacity ([Formula: see text]O 2peak ) 57.6 ± 3.6 mL . kg -1 . min -1 ] completed three time-to-exhaustion (TTE) trials at ~ 70% [Formula: see text]O 2peak while swilling 25 ml of a 6% carbohydrate (CHO) or taste-matched placebo (PLA) as well as no mouth rinse performed in the control (CON) trial., Results: TTE performance was significantly longer in both CHO and PLA trials when compared with the CON trial (54.7 ± 5.4 and 53.6 ± 5.1 vs. 48.4 ± 3.6 min, respectively; p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively), but was not significantly different between CHO and PLA trials (p = 1.000). The rating of perceived exertion was not different between the CHO and PLA trials, however, was significantly affected when compared to the CON trial (p < 0.001). A similar effect was observed for perceived arousal level between the CHO and PLA trials to the CON trial. Core temperature, mean skin temperature and skin blood flow were not significantly different between the three trials (all p > 0.05). Similarly, plasma lactate and glucose as well as exercise heart rate were not influenced by the trials., Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that mouth rinsing, whether carbohydrate or placebo, provides an ergogenic benefit to running endurance when compared to CON in a heat stress environment. Nevertheless, the results do not support the notion that rinsing a carbohydrate solution provides a greater advantage as previously described among non-heat acclimated individuals within a temperate condition., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of isometric strength (IST) and plyometric training (PT) on endurance running performance. Methods: Twenty-six endurance runners (18 males and 8 females; age 36 ± 6 years, stature 1.69 ± 0.05 m body mass 61.6 ± 8.0 kg, VO 2max 50.4 ± 5.8 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) completed the countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 2.4 km run time trial (2.4kmTT), running economy test (RE) and a graded exercise test measures at baseline. They were then randomly assigned to three groups, the control (CON), PT or IST group, and completed the circuit, plyometric or isometric training, respectively, twice a week for 6 weeks, while still continuing to perform their planned running training. They then completed the same set of measures performed at baseline post-intervention. Results: Significant time x group interactions and time main effect were observed for 2.4kmTT ( P = .002, ƞ 2 p  = .45 and P < .001, ƞ 2   =0.72), maximal aerobic speed (MAS) ( P = .006, ƞ 2 p  = .39), CMJ height ( P < .001, ƞ 2 p  = .55) and IMTP relative peak force ( P = .001, ƞ 2 p  = .50) in favor of PT and IST. Significant main effect for time was observed for 2.4kmTT ( P < .001, ƞ 2 p  = .72), RE ( P = .048, ƞ 2 p  = .17), VO 2max ( P = .047, ƞ 2 p  = .18), MAS ( P < .001, ƞ 2 p  = .63), CMJ height ( P < .001, ƞ 2 p  = .51) and IMTP relative peak force ( P < .001, ƞ 2 p  = .58). Conclusion: In conclusion, both PT and IST were similarly effective at enhancing running endurance performance. However, IST resulted in greater improvement to RE.

Healthy adult Muslims who practice Ramadan fasting (RF) follow strict religious rules regarding their lifestyle. RF influences several parameters, including nutrition, hydration, and sleep habits, and can potentially reduce physical performance. It seems that RF prevents athletes from training and participating in competitions, and prevents the general community from engaging in physical exercise. This places practicing Muslim athletes at a competitive disadvantage. Therefore, the goal of this guide was to provide practical recommendations, based on expert panel consensus, for healthy athletes and their support staff on how to adopt appropriate behavioral, social, and psychological strategies to cope with the changes and constraints resulting from RF. The recommendations developed in this guide are not limited to prescribing appropriate exercise during the month of Ramadan (ie; schedule, frequency, intensity, duration, type of exercise, and training load), but cover different aspects of lifestyle such as nutrition, hydration, and sleep, and address psychosocial and cognitive aspects related to RF. These recommendations are intended for healthy individuals. Patients with chronic illnesses should refer to their doctor to ensure an eventual safe practice.

Ramadan intermittent fasting during the COVID-19 lockdown (RIFL) may present unique demands. We investigated training practices (i.e., training load and training times) of athletes, using pre-defined survey criteria/questions, during the 'first' COVID-19 lockdown, comparing RIFL to lockdown-alone (LD) in Muslim athletes. Specifically, a within-subject, survey-based study saw athletes (n = 5,529; from 110 countries/territories) training practices (comparing RIFL to LD) explored by comparative variables of: sex; age; continent; athlete classification (e.g., world-class); sport classification (e.g., endurance); athlete status (e.g., professional); and level of training knowledge and beliefs/attitudes (ranked as: good/moderate/poor). During RIFL (compared to LD), athlete perceptions (ranges presented given variety of comparative variables) of their training load decreased (46-62%), were maintained (31-48%) or increased (2-13%). Decreases (≥ 5%, p < 0.05) affected more athletes aged 30-39 years than those 18-29 years (60 vs 55%); more national than international athletes (59 vs 51%); more team sports than precision sports (59 vs 46%); more North American than European athletes (62 vs 53%); more semi-professional than professional athletes (60 vs 54%); more athletes who rated their beliefs/attitudes 'good' compared to 'poor' and 'moderate' (61 vs 54 and 53%, respectively); and more athletes with 'moderate' than 'poor' knowledge (58 vs 53%). During RIFL, athletes had different strategies for training times, with 13-29% training twice a day (i.e., afternoon and night), 12-26% at night only, and 18-36% in the afternoon only, with ranges depending on the comparative variables. Training loads and activities were altered negatively during RIFL compared to LD. It would be prudent for decision-makers responsible for RIFL athletes to develop programs to support athletes during such challenges., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright © Biology of Sport 2022.)

This study profiled the changes in running performances and collisions within a Rugby sevens tournament. Sixteen male players were equipped with global positioning system units while competing at the 2015 and 2016 Asia Rugby Sevens series held in Colombo and Hong Kong, respectively. Both tournaments consisted of 4 matches each, and were played over 2 days (i.e., 2 matches/day). Total distance (TD) covered increased in match 3 compared with matches 1 (19 ± 19%; p < 0.001) and 2 (16 ± 11%; p = 0.001), whilst a decrease in TD in match 4 compared with match 3 (8 ± 9%; p = 0.019) was observed. Distances covered within 6.1-12 km·h -1 and 12.1-14 km·h -1 speed bands were generally higher in matches 3 and/or 4 when compared with match 1 and/or 2 (p < 0.05). Frequency of entries into 14.1-18 km·h -1 speed zone was decreased in match 4 compared with match 3 (45 ± 41%; p = 0.009), whilst incidences of heavy, very heavy and severe collisions were generally higher in matches 3 or 4 compared with matches 1 or 2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, while some decrements in the final match were evident, running performance were generally maintained throughout despite the competitive and congested nature of Rugby Sevens tournaments., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest, (Copyright © Biology of Sport 2022.)

Purpose: To investigate differences in athletes' knowledge, beliefs, and training practices during COVID-19 lockdowns with reference to sport classification and sex. This work extends an initial descriptive evaluation focusing on athlete classification., Methods: Athletes (12,526; 66% male; 142 countries) completed an online survey (May-July 2020) assessing knowledge, beliefs, and practices toward training. Sports were classified as team sports (45%), endurance (20%), power/technical (10%), combat (9%), aquatic (6%), recreational (4%), racquet (3%), precision (2%), parasports (1%), and others (1%). Further analysis by sex was performed., Results: During lockdown, athletes practiced body-weight-based exercises routinely (67% females and 64% males), ranging from 50% (precision) to 78% (parasports). More sport-specific technical skills were performed in combat, parasports, and precision (∼50%) than other sports (∼35%). Most athletes (range: 50% [parasports] to 75% [endurance]) performed cardiorespiratory training (trivial sex differences). Compared to prelockdown, perceived training intensity was reduced by 29% to 41%, depending on sport (largest decline: ∼38% in team sports, unaffected by sex). Some athletes (range: 7%-49%) maintained their training intensity for strength, endurance, speed, plyometric, change-of-direction, and technical training. Athletes who previously trained ≥5 sessions per week reduced their volume (range: 18%-28%) during lockdown. The proportion of athletes (81%) training ≥60 min/session reduced by 31% to 43% during lockdown. Males and females had comparable moderate levels of training knowledge (56% vs 58%) and beliefs/attitudes (54% vs 56%)., Conclusions: Changes in athletes' training practices were sport-specific, with few or no sex differences. Team-based sports were generally more susceptible to changes than individual sports. Policy makers should provide athletes with specific training arrangements and educational resources to facilitate remote and/or home-based training during lockdown-type events.

Due to a prolonged period of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to monitor the physical condition of athletes isolated at home with a fitness tool that measures various aspects of physical fitness, which does not require any special equipment, and can be performed within a small space. This study assessed the reliability and validity of the test of performing the maximal number of burpees in 3 min (or 3-MBT) to monitor strength, power, and aerobic endurance in trained athletes. For Part I (reliability of the 3-MBT), 20 (10 male, 10 female) national athletes from various sports performed the 3-MBT on two separate test sessions. Athletes performed as many burpees as possible within 3 min and the primary performance criteria was the number of burpees completed (where a higher number reflected a better performance). The 3-MBT displayed excellent relative reliability in the athletes, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV %) of >0.92, and <3.0%, respectively. For Part II (validity of the 3-MBT), 40 (20 M, 20 F) athletes performed the 3-MBT, and the countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), isometric bench (IBP) and maximal aerobic power (VO2max) tests on separate sessions. When data of male and female athletes were pooled, there were significant correlations between relative 3-MBT and relative CMJ height (r = 0.65, large; p < 0.001), relative IMPT peak force (r = 0.50, large; p < 0.001), relative IBP peak force (r = 0.36, moderate, p = 0.02), and relative VO2max (r = 0.50, large; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the 3-MBT is a reliable and reasonably useful test and is a valid assessment of lower body power and strength, upper body strength and aerobic fitness in trained male and female athletes.

Objective: Our objective was to explore the training-related knowledge, beliefs, and practices of athletes and the influence of lockdowns in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)., Methods: Athletes (n = 12,526, comprising 13% world class, 21% international, 36% national, 24% state, and 6% recreational) completed an online survey that was available from 17 May to 5 July 2020 and explored their training behaviors (training knowledge, beliefs/attitudes, and practices), including specific questions on their training intensity, frequency, and session duration before and during lockdown (March-June 2020)., Results: Overall, 85% of athletes wanted to "maintain training," and 79% disagreed with the statement that it is "okay to not train during lockdown," with a greater prevalence for both in higher-level athletes. In total, 60% of athletes considered "coaching by correspondence (remote coaching)" to be sufficient (highest amongst world-class athletes). During lockdown, < 40% were able to maintain sport-specific training (e.g., long endurance [39%], interval training [35%], weightlifting [33%], plyometric exercise [30%]) at pre-lockdown levels (higher among world-class, international, and national athletes), with most (83%) training for "general fitness and health maintenance" during lockdown. Athletes trained alone (80%) and focused on bodyweight (65%) and cardiovascular (59%) exercise/training during lockdown. Compared with before lockdown, most athletes reported reduced training frequency (from between five and seven sessions per week to four or fewer), shorter training sessions (from ≥ 60 to < 60 min), and lower sport-specific intensity (~ 38% reduction), irrespective of athlete classification., Conclusions: COVID-19-related lockdowns saw marked reductions in athletic training specificity, intensity, frequency, and duration, with notable within-sample differences (by athlete classification). Higher classification athletes had the strongest desire to "maintain" training and the greatest opposition to "not training" during lockdowns. These higher classification athletes retained training specificity to a greater degree than others, probably because of preferential access to limited training resources. More higher classification athletes considered "coaching by correspondence" as sufficient than did lower classification athletes. These lockdown-mediated changes in training were not conducive to maintenance or progression of athletes' physical capacities and were also likely detrimental to athletes' mental health. These data can be used by policy makers, athletes, and their multidisciplinary teams to modulate their practice, with a degree of individualization, in the current and continued pandemic-related scenario. Furthermore, the data may drive training-related educational resources for athletes and their multidisciplinary teams. Such upskilling would provide athletes with evidence to inform their training modifications in response to germane situations (e.g., COVID related, injury, and illness)., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the slowest healing wounds that hurt the human body. Many studies from developed countries are concerned about materials, procedures, and equipment that accelerate the healing time. In Sweden, the diabetic foot management costs around 24965$/patient. In this review, we would evaluate the healing time of DFUs during what is considered one of the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. 1747 DFUs were studied from the main diabetic foot clinic in Damascus (2014-2019). We predicted many variables that could prolong the healing time. The cost according to these variables was also reported. The SINBAD Classification was performed to grade the severity of ulcers. We noticed that the median healing time for DFUs was 8 weeks. Almost half of these ulcers healed between 3 and 12 weeks. The time of healing for men was significantly longer than that for women. While the presence of infection doubled the median time of healing, the presence of peripheral artery disease doubled the mean of the direct health care cost. The location of the ulcer acted as another independent risk factor. In conclusion, DFUs face many barriers to heal during a crisis.The environment with resource-poor settings should be added to the traditional risk factors that delay the healing of DFUs for months or even years. More studies from disaster are as are needed to evaluate low-cost materials that could be cost effective in applying standard care of the diabetic foot., (© 2021 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc (3M) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Concurrent exercise and intermittent fasting regimens for long periods have been shown to enhance cardiometabolic health in healthy individuals. As exercise and fasting confer health benefits independently, we propose that Muslims who are fasting, especially those experiencing health and clinical challenges, continually engage in physical activity during the Ramadan month. In this opinion piece, we recommend walking football (WF) as the exercise of choice among Muslims who are fasting. WF can be played by any individual regardless of the level of fitness, skills, and age. WF has been shown to elicit cardiovascular and metabolic stress responses, which are suitable for populations with low fitness levels. Most importantly, WF has the inherent characteristics of being a fun team activity requiring social interactions among participants and, hence, likely to encourage long-term consistent and sustainable participation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Zainudin, Salle and Aziz.)

This paper investigates size effects on the mechanical response of additively manufactured lattice structures based on a commercially available polylactic acid (PLA) polymer. Initial attention is focused on investigating geometrical effects in the mechanical properties of simple beams and cubes. Following this, a number of geometrically scaled lattice structures based on the body-centered cubic design were manufactured and tested in order to highlight size effects in their compression properties and failure modes. A finite element analysis was also conducted in order to compare the predicted modes of failure with those observed experimentally. Scaling effects were observed in the compression response of the PLA cubes, with the compression strength increasing by approximately 19% over the range of scale sizes investigated. Similar size-related effects were observed in the flexural samples, where a brittle mode of failure was observed at all scale sizes. Here, the flexural strength increased by approximately 18% when passing from the quarter size sample to its full-scale counterpart. Significant size effects were observed following the compression tests on the scaled lattice structures. Here, the compression strength increased by approximately 60% over the four sample sizes, in spite of the fact that similar failure modes were observed in all samples. Finally, reasonably good agreement was observed between the predicted failure modes and those observed experimentally. However, the FE models tended to over-estimate the mechanical properties of the lattice structures, probably as a result of the fact that the models were assumed to be defect free.

In badminton, power production can be enhanced through the fundamental practice of a dynamic warm-up with resistance conditioning activity to induce a post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect. The use of heavy resistance exercise in the form of heavy weights to induce PAPE during competition is not logistically practical in the badminton arena. Thus, there is a need to investigate the use of easily available alternative preconditioning stimuli to induce a similar potentiating effect in badminton-specific performance. This study adopted a repeated-measures design of three warm-up conditions: control (CON), weighted wearable resistance (WWR), and resistance band variable resistance (BVR). Fourteen badminton players from the national training squad (11 males, 3 females, age 18 ± 1 y) completed the experimental sessions in random order. Change of direction speed (CODS) and smash velocity (SV) tests were performed at five timepoints-baseline test after the warm-up and at the end of each of the four exercise blocks of a simulated match play protocol. CODS was significantly faster under the two resistance warm-up conditions (WWR and BVR) compared to the CON condition at baseline (-0.2 s ± 0.39 and -0.2 s ± 0.46, p = 0.001 and 0.03, g = 0.47 and 0.40, respectively), but there were no differences at the other timepoints (all p > 0.05). SV was significantly faster for all the four exercise blocks than at baseline under all three warm-up conditions ( p = 0.02), but there were no differences in SV between the three warm-up conditions across all the five measured timepoints ( p = 0.15). In conclusion, implementing resistance (~10% body weight) in sport-specific plyometric exercises using WWR or BVR during warm-up routines may induce PAPE effects on the change of direction speed but not smash velocity, in well-trained badminton players, as compared with the same warm-up exercises using bodyweight (i.e., CON condition). The positive effects of CODS were, however, observed only at the start of the match and possibly lasted for up to between 5 and 10 min of match play.

Sprint-interval training (SIT) and intermittent fasting are effective independent methods in achieving clinical health outcomes. However, the impact of both modalities when performed concurrently is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 6 weeks of SIT performed in the fasted versus fed state on physiological and clinical health markers in healthy adults. Methods. Thirty recreationally-active participants were equally randomised into either the fasted (FAS; 4 males, 11 females) or the fed (FED; 6 males, 9 females) group. For all exercise sessions, FAS participants had to fast ≥10 h prior to exercising while FED participants had to consume food within 3 h to exercise. All participants underwent three sessions of SIT per week for 6 weeks. Each session consists of repeated bouts of 30-s Wingate Anaerobic cycle exercise. Pre- and post-training peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ), isokinetic leg strength, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and serum lipid levels were assessed. Results. There were no differences in baseline physiological and clinical measures between both groups (all p  > 0.05). VO 2peak improved by 6.0 ± 8.8% in the FAS group and 5.3 ± 10.6% in the FED group (both p  < 0.05), however the difference in improvement between groups was not statistically significant ( p  > 0.05). A similar pattern of results was seen for knee flexion maximum voluntary contraction at 300°·s -1 . SIT training in either fasted or fed state had no impact on insulin sensitivity (both p  > 0.05). There was significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (8.2 ± 4.2%) and mean arterial pressure (7.0 ± 3.2%) in the FAS group (both p  < 0.05) but not FED group (both p  > 0.05). Conclusion. VO 2peak and leg strength improved with SIT regardless of whether participants trained in the fasted or fed state. Chronic SIT in the fasted state may potentially reduce blood pressure to a greater extent than the same chronic SIT in the fed state., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Prevalence, morphological and molecular characterization of Anisakid larvae in smoked herring fish (Clupea harengus) from five governorates that represent Northern, Middle, and Southern Egypt which include; Menofia, Alexandrina, Qaliubiya, Sohag, and Assiut were elucidated in this study, smoked herring fish samples were collected from local markets during 2020, 384 positive (42.7%) out of 815 examined samples, the highest prevalence was observed in middle and southern Egypt (Sohag (139/230, 60.43%), and Menofiya (123/215, 57.20%), they were found to be naturally infected with Anisakis simplex larvae as free in peritoneal cavity, Based on morphological, morphometric by SEM, and molecular analyses of ITS-2 ribosomal DNA targeted gene and phylogenic analysis, these nematodes were identified as third- stage larvae of Anisakis simplex., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The service industry provides distributive services, producer services, personal services, and social services. These services largely breakdowns due to restrictions on border movements, confined travel and transportation services, a decline in international tourists' visitation, nationwide lockdowns, and maintaining social distancing in the population. Although these measures are highly needed to contain coronavirus, it decreases economic and financial activities in a country, which requires smart solutions to globally subsidize the services sector. The study used different COVID-19 measures, and its resulting impact on the services industry by using world aggregated data from 1975 through 2020. The study benefited from the Keynesian theory of aggregate demand that remains provided a solution to minimize economic shocks through stringent or liberalizing economic policies. The COVID-19 pandemic is more severe than the financial shocks of 2018 that affected almost all sectors of the globalized world, particularly the services sector, which has been severally affected by COVID-19; it is a high time to revisit economic policies to control pandemic recession. The study used quantiles regression and innovation accounting matrix to obtain ex-ante and ex-post analysis. The quantile regression estimates show that causes of death by communicable diseases, including COVID-19, mainly decline the share of services value added to the global GDP at different quantiles distribution. In contrast, word-of-mouth helps to prevent it from the transmission channel of coronavirus plague through information sharing among the general masses. The control of food prices and managing physical distancing reduces suspected coronavirus cases; however, it negatively affects the services sector's value share. The smart lockdown and sound economic activities do not decrease coronavirus cases, while they support increasing the percentage of the services sector to the global GDP. The innovation accounting matrix suggested that smart lockdown, managing physical distancing, effective price control, and sound financial activities will help to reduce coronavirus cases that will further translate into increased services value-added for the next ten years. The social distancing will exert a more considerable variance error shock to the services industry, which indicates the viability of these measures to contained novel coronavirus over a time horizon. The study used the number of proxies to the COVID-19 measures on the service sector that can be continued with real-time variables to obtain more inferences.

Abstract: Ihsan, M, Yeo, V, Tan, F, Joseph, R, Lee, M, and Aziz, AR. Running demands and activity profile of the new four-quarter match format in men's field hockey. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 512-518, 2021-This study determined the running demands of men's field hockey with regards to the revised four-quarter match format. Twenty-eight male field hockey players were equipped with global positioning system units while competing in 14 competitive international games over a 1-year period. All matches allowed for unlimited substitutions, and consisted of four 15-minute quarters (i.e., Q1-Q4). A progressive decline in total distance (TD) was observed in Q2 (2,072 ± 141 m) to Q4 (2,055 ± 212 m) compared with Q1 (2,171 ± 195 m, p < 0.05). However, the decline in TD was due to decreases in low-intensity activity (<15 km·h-1, p < 0.05), as high-intensity running (HIR; >15 km·h-1) distances were similar throughout Q1-Q4 (p = 0.263). Positional data demonstrated a similar profile, where significant decreases in TD, but not in HIR, was observed across all playing positions at some point over the 4 quarters (p < 0.05). DEF accumulated the lowest amount of TD (7,631 ± 753 m), HIR (2,257 ± 498 m), and high-intensity decelerations (60 ± 9, >-2m·s-2) compared with MID and FWD (p < 0.05). By contrast, FWD performed the highest amount of HIR (3,090 ± 565 m) and high-intensity accelerations (110 ± 9, >2 m·s-2) compared with MID and DEF (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that although there was a progressive decline in TD over the 4 quarters of match play, high-intensity running performance (i.e., HIR and high-intensity acceleration) was maintained throughout the match regardless of playing position., (Copyright © 2018 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

We investigated whether a 4-min sprint interval training (SIT) protocol had an acute effect (15 min after) on improving alertness, mood, and memory recall in female students. Sixty-three children and 131 adolescents were randomly assigned to either a SIT or control (CON) group by the class Physical Education (PE) teachers. The SIT intervention was delivered twice a week for 3 weeks. SIT participants performed three, 20-s 'all-out' effort sprints interspersed with 60-s intervals of walking while CON group sat down and rested. PE lessons were arranged such that the first two sessions were to familiarise participants with the SIT protocol leading to acute assessments conducted on the third session. On that occasion, both groups rated their alertness and mood on a single-item hedonic scale and underwent an adapted memory recall test. The same assessments were administered to both groups fifteen minutes after delivery of SIT intervention. A 4-min SIT involving three, 20 s 'all-out' effort intensity sprints did not have an acute main effect on improving alertness, mood and, memory recall in female children ( η p 2 = 0.009) and adolescents ( η p 2 = 0.012). Students' exercise adherence and feedback from PE teachers are indicatives of the potential scalability of incorporating SIT into PE programmes. Different work-to-rest ratios could be used in future studies.