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Background and Study Aim. The physical demands of the winger position in elite handball require a unique combination of upper body speed and lower body strength. Therefore, identifying the optimal relationship between these two physical characteristics could improve performance for players in this role. This study aims to analyze the relationship between upper body speed capacity and lower body strength in elite handball players specializing in the winger position. Material and Methods. The study included 16 elite handball players specializing in the winger position from various teams in the National Handball League (Liga Zimbrilor). Four of these players were members of the Dinamo Bucharest team. Tests for evaluating the explosive strength of the lower limbs included the Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Counter Movement Jump with Free Arms (CMJb), and the maximum strength test (1RM) in squats. Specific technical training tests included triangular movement, a 30-meter sprint, and long-distance handball throws, focusing on speed and execution technique. Data analysis was conducted using KyPlot 6.0 software. Statistical indicators included median, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and non-parametric Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. The results show no statistically significant differences in lower limb strength between high-performance handball players (HPHP) and those specialized in the winger position (PSW) across various jump and squat tests (p > 0.05). The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test approached statistical significance (p = 0.084), while the CMJ with free arms (CMJb) and squat strength test did not show significant differences (p = 0.231 and p = 0.789, respectively). In the specific fitness tests, no significant differences were observed in the Triangle Movement test (p = 0.826), the 30-meter sprint (p = 0.404), or the handball throw test (p = 0.147). Correlation analysis indicated that squats and CMJb had positive correlations with improved performance in speed and distance tests, while CMJ showed a negative correlation with technical performance in agility tests. Conclusions. The findings suggest that lower limb strength and technical fitness are similar between elite handball players, regardless of specialization. This supports a unified training approach across player roles. However, targeted exercises like squats and CMJb may enhance specific performance aspects. These exercises improve dynamic strength and stability, which can benefit wingers' technical execution and speed.

Background and Study Aim. The increasing reliance on technology for daily activities has led to a significant reduction in physical activity, especially among university students. This trend is driven by a desire to avoid perceived "stress" and to achieve goals more easily. As a result, there has been a rise in the number of overweight students. The sedentary lifestyle associated with excessive technology use poses a serious threat to students' health. It leads to unfavorable changes in body composition. The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between body composition and the living environment among female students, specifically examining differences between those from rural and urban areas. Material and Methods. A total of 144 first-year female students from non-sports faculties participated in this study, including 66 from rural areas and 78 from urban areas. The research logistics involved the use of the Tanita BC 1000 Body Composition Analyzer and GMON software. The following body composition parameters were measured: weight, BMI, fat level (expressed in % and kg), bone mass, body water (%), and metabolic age. Additionally, the height of the subjects was measured to calculate the body mass index. Results. The analysis reveals that although urban students are, on average, older than their rural counterparts (22.6 years vs. 19.7 years, z = 3.50, p < 0.001), there are no significant differences between the groups in terms of height (z = 0.47, p > 0.05), weight (z = 0.31, p > 0.05), or BMI (z = 0.35, p > 0.05). The greatest consistency in measurements was observed in height among rural students, while the most variability was found in fat mass. The largest discrepancy between the groups was in weight, with rural students generally being heavier. Conclusions. The results of this study show that the living environment does not have a significant impact on body composition dynamics. Both rural and urban groups displayed nearly identical average values for most indicators. This suggests that other factors may have a stronger influence on body composition.

”Gross domestic product” is the main indicator for evaluating the economic growth of a country, reflecting the final result of the production activity of resident production units. ”Net investment” shows how money is allocated to economic growth. Net investments are found in various expenses (for construction, installation and assembly works, for the purchase of machinery, means of transport, other expenses intended for the creation of new fixed assets, etc.). The increase or decrease of the Gross Domestic Product is directly related to the volume of investments made. In this article, the analysis of the correlation between these two indicators is carried out in Romania, in the period 2008-2022, using the results of this analysis to make a forecast for the year 2023.

Background and Study Aim. Dancesport significantly contributes to segmental coordination development in 6-8-year-old children through rhythmic movements and interaction with dance partner. The study aimed to investigate the impact of dancesport on segmental coordination development in children aged 6 to 8. Material and Methods. The study involved a group of 14 children aged 6 to 8 from the National Children's Palace in Bucharest. Research was conducted from February to June 2023. Segmental coordination assessment for upper limbs was done using Witty SEM, with 16 impulses of the smart semaphores (Lap L1-16) at 4 difficulty levels. Parameters measured: visual reaction time for each Lap (seconds), Lap mean (seconds), and total time (seconds). During the study period, a program with dancesport elements (Standard and Latino styles) was implemented for 36 hours, 2 hours per week. Comparative analysis between difficulty levels was done using ANOVA test, Single Factor Analysis of Variance, and Paired Comparison for Means. Statistical significance was set at p

Background and Study Aim. It is increasingly important to know the influence of age characteristics on the development of motor skills necessary for gymnastics. Currently, this influence is taken into consideration in the training of young female gymnasts. This study aims to determine the anthropometric indices impact on static and dynamic balance parameters in young female gymnasts. Material and Methods. A group of 24 young gymnasts, from the Arad Municipal Sports Club of Romania, participated in this study. The athletes, aged 6-10 years, were divided into two groups: G1 (6-8 years, n=17) and G2 (9-10 years, n=7). Anthropometric indices were measured by means of Tanita scale. The following indices were monitored: Height (cm), Weight (kg), FATP (%), FATM (kg), FFM (kg), BMI (kg/m2). Balance was evaluated with the Sensamove MiniBoard platform. There were used tests as follows: Static Bipedal Balance (SBB), Lateral Bipedal Balance (LBB) and Vertical Bipedal Balance (VBB). Measured parameters: performance (%); front and back inside (LBB, %); left and right inside (VBB, %); front and back avg. deviation (grade); left and right avg. deviation (degrees). The influence of anthropometric indices on balance parameters was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. The comparative analysis between groups highlights: average age; relation between weight and height; values of body composition indices. The comparative analysis shows better performances by 2.23% in G1 at SBB and values smaller by 0.35 degrees at average vertical deviations. LBB has better performances in G1 by 10.05% and higher values by 1.79% at keeping inside the vertical space. There is a smaller difference between Confidence Limit of Mean (CLM). As for VBB, the performances are better by 0.41% in G2, keeping inside the space to the left in G1 and to the right in G2. The correlation analysis regarding SB reveals 20% strong connections, 83.3% positive connections with performance and 45.8% negative ones with average deviations in G1. The following were noticed in G2: lack of strong connections, 33.3% positive connections and 25% negative influences. In terms of LBB, G1 has no strong connections, but it has 72.2% positive connections and 45.8% negative connections. G2 is characterized as follows: 7.1% strong connections, absence of positive connections, 75% - negative connections. VBB presents the following values in G1: 28.6% - strong connections and 45.8% - negative connections. G2 has 9.5% - strong connections, 94.4% - positive connections and 75% - negative ones. Conclusions. By determining the anthropometric indices, the age characteristics of female gymnasts were highlighted. The comparative analysis results of balance parameters reveal better performances and lower values at the average vertical and lateral deviations. Comparing the relationships between anthropometric indices and balance parameters reveals strong connections. It also shows the weight of positive and negative connections with performance, keeping inside the space and value of average deviations. These data can serve as methodological recommendations in future studies.

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to identify a feasible way to support the ethical use of AI in universities based on identifying how the AI software application ChatGPT is used in education at higher education institutions and with students in different majors. Study design/methodology/approach: The research methodology consisted of the following stages: (1) a survey based on a questionnaire designed considering the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework to collect students’ opinions on the use of AI ChatGPT; (2) The results of the survey were used to design the materials of the AI Transmedia Campaign, but also to identify the best distribution channels of them; (3) After implementing the AI Transmedia Campaign, a feedback survey was developed, ascertaining the effectiveness of the approach to create an ethical behaviour towards the AI software application in general, and on AI ChatGPT, in particular. Findings: Research shows a gap in regulating the ethical use of AI applications in higher education. Thus, the AI Transmedia Campaign has been well received and appreciated by all categories of students. Originality/value: The research is international and was carried out in higher education institutions in Romania, Greece, and Slovenia (the size of the research sample, 2942, proves the scope of the study). The research results have demonstrated and characterised the students’ behaviour (the cognitive response and the intention to use) towards the use of AI ChatGPT and the utility of the AI Transmedia Campaign realised in the context of the implementation of the RespectNET project (2021-1-IT02-KA220-HED-000027578, https://respectnet.eu/).

Background and Study Aim. Technical training in football plays an important part in scoring goals. Precise movements can become the key to victory in a match. Among the principal factors determining the accuracy of shooting or kicking the ball is balance. The study aims to determine the influence of dynamic balance on technical training in U13 football. Material and Methods. A group of 26 football players from Otopeni Sports Club (Romania), aged 12-13 years, in the U13 category, participated in this study. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Sensamove MiniBoard platform with tests including: Lateral bipedal balance (LBB), Vertical bipedal balance (VBB), and Vertical unipedal balance for both right (VBRL) and left (VBLL) legs. Technical training was evaluated using tests recommended by the Romanian Football Federation: instep kick from 9 m (Test 1, points), outside kick in 30 sec. (Test 2, points), and 20 m long pass (Test 3, points). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between dynamic balance (lateral and vertical bipedal, and vertical unipedal for both legs) and technical training in U13 footballers. Results. The analysis of the comparative results between LBB and VBB variables reveals better performances by 9.2% at VBB. There are lower values of the vertical deviations mean by 2.9 degrees forward at LBB and by -2.8 degrees backward. The mean of lateral deviations is lower by -2.7 degrees to the left at VBB and by 3.3 degrees to the right. The comparative results between VBRL and VBLL variables show better performances by 0.3% at VBRL. The values of the vertical deviations mean are lower by 0.5 degrees forward at VBRL and 0.3 degrees backward. The mean of the lateral deviations (left-right) have equal values. Analyzing the performances obtained in technical tests highlights 22.2% (estimated maximum score) at instep kick, 62.5% (individual maximum value) at outside kick and 34.5% (estimated maximum value) at 20 m long pass. The influence of dynamic balance on technical training shows 60.7% positive connections and 39.3% negative ones between LBB and VBB variables. As for VBRL and VBLL variables, there are 67.9% positive connections and 32.1% negative connections between them. Conclusions. The weighting of values at performance and maintaining in space was highlighted. The mean of front-back and left-right deviations in bipedal and unipedal balance has lower values. The technical performances obtained were compared with the estimated maximum score and the individual maximum value. An increased number of positive connections to balance performance variables and of negative connections to the mean of deviations was noticed. This fact contributed to determining the degree of influence on the investigated variables. The findings can serve as a recommendation for future research.

Background and Study Aim. The scientific research activity at the level of academic studies aims to acquire fundamental basic and deontological knowledge. The purpose of the study was to determine the progress of the scientific research approach in the field of Physical Education and Sport Science. Material and Methods. This scientific approach was carried out in the ”Research methodology” discipline, in the bachelor’s degree for the Physical Education and Sport (PES) specialization, Sport and Motor Performance (SMP) and in the master’s degree - Sport Performance (SP). The research participants were 104 students of the Physical Education and Sport department of the University of Pitești: 82 in bachelor’s degree (48 at PES, 34 at SMP) and 22 in master’s degree (PS). The didactic activity was conducted offline and online; the monitoring was performed by means of the university e-learning platform. The research results were centralized using digital technologies. The continuous evaluation of the performance criteria was made in accordance with the requirements of the subject matter program and the instructions on the credit system and class book filling. The requirements of the activity in seminar were 3 reports, respecting the path of the work assignments. Report no. 1 – method of bibliographic study (Google academic); Report no. 2 –sociological survey (survey method, questionnaire, Google forms) and Report no. 3 –experimental research (personal contributions, scientific argumentation). Results. The results of knowledge evaluation in bachelor’s degree reveal 3.3% better level at PES; the other indicators have a better level of success in SMP (p>0.05); the master’s degree highlights 15.25% better activity in the seminar, involvement of 82.3% in the elective and mandatory activity and 87.75% success in the final evaluation. Regarding the weight of sports disciplines in achievement of the scientific approach: 65% improved the title of the assignments (an evolution of the titles) and 35% kept the same title, but with different content. At the master’s degree, everyone respected the requirements of the discipline. Conclusions. The scientific research approach was carried out by methodologically going through the stages of addressing the work assignments within the bibliographic study, sociological survey analysis and scientific argumentation. The theoretical knowledge was applied in accordance with the current specialized literature, the analysis of the opinions of the specialists and the use of the personal experience in the applied and development scientific research.

Introduction Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its early detection can be achieved with a CT scan. Two large randomised trials proved the efficacy of low-dose CT (LDCT)-based lung cancer screening (LCS) in high-risk populations. The decrease in specific mortality is 20%–25%.Nonetheless, implementing LCS on a large scale faces obstacles due to the low number of thoracic radiologists and CT scans available for the eligible population and the high frequency of false-positive screening results and the long period of indeterminacy of nodules that can reach up to 24 months, which is a source of prolonged anxiety and multiple costly examinations with possible side effects.Deep learning, an artificial intelligence solution has shown promising results in retrospective trials detecting lung nodules and characterising them. However, until now no prospective studies have demonstrated their importance in a real-life setting.Methods and analysis This open-label randomised controlled study focuses on LCS for patients aged 50–80 years, who smoked more than 20 pack-years, whether active or quit smoking less than 15 years ago. Its objective is to determine whether assisting a multidisciplinary team (MDT) with a 3D convolutional network-based analysis of screening chest CT scans accelerates the definitive classification of nodules into malignant or benign. 2722 patients will be included with the aim to demonstrate a 3-month reduction in the delay between lung nodule detection and its definitive classification into benign or malignant.Ethics and dissemination The sponsor of this study is the University Hospital of Nice. The study was approved for France by the ethical committee CPP (Comités de Protection des Personnes) Sud-Ouest et outre-mer III (No. 2022-A01543-40) and the Agence Nationale du Medicament et des produits de Santé (Ministry of Health) in December 2023. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conference presentations.Trial registration number NCT05704920.

Autologous micrografting technology (AMT®) involves the use of autologous micrografts to stimulate/enhance the repair of damaged tissue. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the AMT® procedure in patients with early stages of knee osteoarthritis. Briefly, the AMT® procedure involved extraction of auricular cartilage, disaggregation using the Rigeneracons® SRT in 4.0 mL of saline solution, and injection of the disaggregated micrografts into the external femorotibial compartment area of the affected knee. Ten patients (4 men, 6 women; age range: 37–84 years) were included in the study. In all patients, there was a steady improvement in knee instability, pain, swelling, mechanical locking, stair climbing, and squatting at 1- and 6-months post-procedure. Improvement in mobility was observed as early as 3 weeks post-procedure in 2 patients. Significant improvements were seen in mean scores of all five subscales of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS [KOOS symptoms, KOOS pain, KOOS ADL, KOOS sport and recreation, and KOOS quality-of-life]) between pre-procedure and 1- and 6-months post-procedure (all p ≤ 0.05). Autologous auricular cartilage micrografts obtained by AMT® procedure (using Rigenera® technology) is an effective and safe protocol in the treatment of early stage knee osteoarthritis. These encouraging findings need to be validated in a larger patient population and in a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

The paper proposes the study of dry friction by means of a short eccentric rotor. The rotor was designed and realised in the laboratory. In an ideal frictionless situation, a rotor actuated by gravity will have an angular velocity which increases indefinitely. The analytical model assumes dry friction in the bushing of the rotor and the main result reveals that the angular velocity either stabilizes around a certain value or drops to zero. Two situations of friction were considered for the theoretical model: first only dynamic friction and secondly, both static and dynamic friction are present. The analytical model of the dynamics of the rotor presents the advantage that it can be applied for diverse friction cases, from dry friction to complex dry friction and wet friction. Experimental tests were carried out on the designed and constructed device; they are in very good agreement with the results of the theoretical model.

An increasing number of scientific papers has been written on the topic of resilience. It explains the way individuals and regions face to shocks and stressors. It focuses on farmers' resilience and food security. The main shocks related to food insecurity are weather variability, volatility, and agricultural assets. We assume that the level of assets plays a role in assessing the risk level of individuals' exposure to shocks and stressors. The case of Romania is discussed, using statistical data concerning land, machineries and livestock, as main agricultural assets. The data have been analyzed using simple regression model. The results show medium influences of the agricultural assets on food supply. Significant influences have registered in macro region four: West and South-West, for land, machineries and swine. The results can be used in political frameworks and strategies and to widening the knowledge in the field of farmers' resilience.

Data visualization is associated with Business Intelligence and acts as the main base of data understanding for the decision making. The techniques and application used to apply the data visualization can be expensive or difficult to understand in accordance with the business targets. In this context, the present paper has the objective to demonstrate the possibility of applying an open source software (Python 3) for several types of data visualization. The method uses different data representation techniques, such as histograms, scatters, correlations, 3D surfaces, etc. Analyzed data refers to human resources evaluation, as the management can analyze and understand how data such as: satisfaction level of the employee, the average monthly hours worked, project number that the employee participated in, and time spent by company for employee care. The results delivered several types of representations that offer conclusions about the positioning of evaluated human resources in conjunction with other data.

The presence of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants in the aquatic environment is generally related to anthropogenic activities such as domestic, industrial and hospital wastewater discharges and landfills. Special attention should be paid to the contamination of surface waters, as they are partly used for drinking water supply, since they directly collect partly untreated wastewater from wastewater treatment plant. Within this paper, the identification, quantification and distribution of pharmaceutical micropollutants, from different complex environmental matrices, respectively: surface water, sediment and biota in the river basins of Arges-Vedea, Buzau-Ialomita and Dobrogea-Litoral and of the Danube River, were achieved. Also, preliminary investigations were carried out regarding the contamination of lakes with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) the metropolitan area of the municipality of Bucharest. Among the pharmaceutical micropollutants identified in the Arges-Vedea river basin, the most frequently detected was paracetamol with a frequency of 69% and antibiotics with a frequency of 65.52%, in the Dobrogea-Litoral basin paracetamol was detected with a frequency of 74.2% and antibiotics with a frequency of 54.84%, while antibiotics were identified in all surface water samples and paracetamol with a frequency of 80% in the Buzau-Ialomita river basin. Considering the contamination of sediments with pharmaceutical residues, these were identified in all studied areas and in biota samples (fish) up to 18.21 ng/g were detected. The preliminary identification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from Lakes Plumbuita, Carol, Morii, Alexandru Ioan Cuza (IOR), Herastrau and Tei indicated the frequent presence of several items, such as paracetamol, tinidazole, carbamazepine, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin, and caffeine.

In this study, the potential of soil contamination with heavy metals was evaluated, respectively Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, in the area of the temporary municipal solid waste landfill located in the city of Botosani, Romania. The presence of heavy metals in the investigated area decreased in the sequence (mg/kg): Mn (860) > Zn (93.6) > Ni (48.9) > Cu (30.2) > Pb (20.1) > Cd (0.76), registering a slight increase in the southern part of the deposit as a result of the direction of rainwater flow. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil in the vicinity of the temporary municipal waste landfill were similar to background levels for agricultural soils in Romania. The quantification of heavy metals in the soil did not show exceedances of the reference concentrations and no environmental pollution with heavy metals was identified.

It is widely recognized that there is a decline in match running performance (MRP) towards the end of matches. To clarify whether it is primarily a consequence of fatigue, pacing or situational influences, this study aimed to examine MRP across 15-min match periods for players on different playing positions. Players’ MRP (n = 244) were examined from the UEFA Champions League matches (n = 20) using a semiautomatic optical tracking system. Linear mixed models for repeated measures were adjusted to analyze MRP over the six 15-min match periods while controlling the influence of situational factors. No effects of match outcome, match location, team, and opponent quality on total distance (TD) and high-intensity running (HIR) for players in all playing positions were found (F = 0.03–2.75; all p > 0.05). Significant differences in TD (F = 17.57–53.01; η2 = 0.39–0.52, all large effect sizes) and HIR (F = 3.67–7.64; η2 = 0.05–0.19, small to medium effect sizes) among six 15-minute match periods were found for players in all playing positions. In addition, players in all playing positions covered less TD (d = 1.41–2.15, large to very large effect sizes) and HIR (d = 0.16–0.6, trivial to medium effect sizes) in the last compared to the first 15-min match period. No differences in TD and HIR between the last two match periods in the second half were observed. This study confirmed that soccer players reduce MRP towards the end of matches, and suggest that the decline of MPR in highest-level soccer may be a consequence of pacing strategies.