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Internationalization in higher education is essential, and although active learning methodologies are increasing and allow students to develop transversal skills, most still have a very local scope. In this context, the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) methodology is an interesting approach to benefit the students' development. It consists of an online program that involves creating multicultural teams to develop a specific learning project. Although this methodology is expanding, its use in physiology is still scarce. This paper aims to show an example of applying COIL methodology in physiology topics to enhance higher-education students' innovation and business skills. Our example project developed a sports-assessment service concept focused on physiology and biomechanics assessments. The program involved teams from Brazil, Germany, and Spain, comprising undergraduate and master students. Over 7 weeks, these teams, mentored by professors and researchers, engaged in workshops covering COIL methodology, business model design, executive summary planning, economic analyses, and communication techniques. Key outcomes included learning new concepts, developing soft skills, building confidence in innovative solution proposals, and experiencing diverse cultures. Challenges faced were language barriers, scheduling, task complexity, and logistical issues. This experience confirms the effectiveness of incorporating programs using COIL methodology into educational curriculums. Doing so exposes physiology students to innovation, entrepreneurship, and business creation while strengthening their professional connections and opening up postgraduation opportunities.

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with aggregation of misfolded α-synuclein and other proteins, including tau. We designed a cross-sectional study to quantify the brain binding of [11C]PBB3 (a ligand known to bind to misfolded tau and possibly α-synuclein) as a proxy of misfolded protein aggregation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) subjects with and without cognitive impairment and healthy controls (HC). In this cross-sectional study, nineteen cognitively normal PD subjects (CN-PD), thirteen cognitively impaired PD subjects (CI-PD) and ten HC underwent [11C]PBB3 PET. A subset of the PD subjects also underwent PET imaging with [11C](+)DTBZ to assess dopaminergic denervation and [11C]PBR28 to assess neuroinflammation. Compared to HC, PD subjects showed higher [11C]PBB3 binding in the posterior putamen but not the substantia nigra. There was no relationship across subjects between [11C]PBB3 and [11C]PBR28 binding in nigrostriatal regions. [11C]PBB3 binding was increased in the anterior cingulate in CI-PD compared to CN-PD and HC, and there was an inverse correlation between cognitive scores and [11C]PBB3 binding in this region across all PD subjects. Our results support a primary role of abnormal protein deposition localized to the posterior putamen in PD. This suggests that striatal axonal terminals are preferentially involved in the pathophysiology of PD. Furthermore, our findings suggest that anterior cingulate pathology might represent a significant in vivo marker of cognitive impairment in PD, in agreement with previous neuropathological studies.

Dentro de los juegos de pelota a mano encontramos la pelota valenciana, un deporte tradicional valenciano (España). Éste se compone de varias modalidades, pudiéndose destacar la modalidad profesional del raspall. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la estructura temporal y cuantificar los gestos técnicos de 18 pelotaris profesionales masculinos a lo largo de 8 partidas del ‘XXXVIII Liga de raspall 2021-2022’ utilizando el software LINCE PLUS. Los resultados indicaron que no existen diferencias significativas entre las duraciones de los juegos y los descansos entre juegos/puntos. La posición del jugador tuvo un efecto significativo sobre el tipo de golpeo realizado (X224= 1191.2; p

Ambitious and competitive, the aerospace industry continuously demonstrates to be one of the leading engineering sectors either at exigence and new technologies development. As lightning the weight of aircrafts is one of the main targets, the spotlight is usually on material research by which new ones may be produced to pursue this aim and still offer the necessary performances. The combination of the properties of titanium and other materials as reinforcements provides really interesting results as titanium matrix composite materials, also known as TMCs. Various samples of titanium matrix composite materials with different reinforcements have been under study to determine the influence of the reinforcements and their respective proportions on the properties of the material. These samples composed of grade 1 commercially-pure titanium as matrix and B4C, TixAly and TixSiy as reinforcements, have been manufactured through powder metallurgy in the same conditions of temperature and pressure via Inductive Hot Pressing (IHP). A total of eight composite materials have been arranged in several different groups to confront their compositions. Thus, this analysis reports results for the influence of the powder size of the matrix and the ceramic reinforcement, the effect of varying the volumetric composition of B4C, and the selection of different intermetallic reinforcements. These tests and the obtained information serve for a project in which the main goal is to determine which compositions of the studied composite materials reach a high enough specific stiffness for a suitable application in the aerospace industry.

Abstract Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD) is believed to have a heterogeneous pathophysiology, but molecular disease subtypes have not been identified. Here, we show that iPD can be stratified according to the severity of neuronal respiratory complex I (CI) deficiency, and identify two emerging disease subtypes with distinct molecular and clinical profiles. The CI deficient (CI-PD) subtype accounts for approximately a fourth of all cases, and is characterized by anatomically widespread neuronal CI deficiency, a distinct cell type-specific gene expression profile, increased load of neuronal mtDNA deletions, and a predilection for non-tremor dominant motor phenotypes. In contrast, the non-CI deficient (nCI-PD) subtype exhibits no evidence of mitochondrial impairment outside the dopaminergic substantia nigra and has a predilection for a tremor dominant phenotype. These findings constitute a step towards resolving the biological heterogeneity of iPD with implications for both mechanistic understanding and treatment strategies.

The First-Person Shooter is a very popular genre in electronic sports (esports), where there are different aiming techniques such as Aim Flicking and Aim Tracking. Although the mouse grip is suggested as one of the most important factors in gaming performance, there is a lack of evidence on this topic. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the performances of three types of mouse grips (palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip) in two different tasks (flicking and tracking tasks) by analyzing kinematic and scoring variables. Twenty-two participants performed the tasks on a computer with the same monitor and mouse, each using their preferred grip: palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip. The aim400kg was used to perform the tasks, and a camera system (Optitrack’s Flex 3) was used to capture the mouse movement. The results from the flicking task indicated significant differences in the minimum cursor trajectory, with higher values observed in the claw grip compared to both the palm and fingertip grips. However, no significant differences were observed in the tracking task in terms of velocity, acceleration, or hand movement. Moreover, only high correlations were observed in the flicking task between Score and Reaction Time (r = −0.911) and between Score and Total Distance (r = 0.724). In conclusion, the mouse grip does not affect the Aim Flicking or Aim Tracking task performance. This study has revealed interesting results related to performance, including correlations between the Score, Reaction Time, and Total Distance in flicking tasks.

Additive manufacturing techniques offer significant advantages for creating complex components efficiently, saving both time and materials. This makes them particularly appealing for producing parts from intricate alloys, such as Hastelloy C-22. One such technique, plasma metal deposition, uses plasma on powdered material to build up layers. The novelty of this work is to analyze and determine whether there is a correlation between the particle size and the final behaviour of specimens produced via additive manufacturing. To achieve this, four powders with an identical chemical composition but different granulometries were employed. Additionally, some of the samples underwent thermal treatment (progressive heating at 10 °C/min until 1120 °C, maintained for 20 min, followed by rapid air cooling). Four walls were constructed, and after mechanical, tribological, and microstructural characterization, it was determined that the influence of the thermal treatment remained consistent, regardless of particle size. It was observed that the particle size slightly affected the final properties: the finer the powder, the lower the ultimate tensile strength values. Furthermore, it was evident that the thermal treatment substantially affected the microstructure and wear behavior of all the specimens, regardless of their initial particle size.

Abstract Running pacing has become a focus of interest over recent years due to its relationship with performance, however, it is still unknown the consistency of each race in different editions. The aim of this study is to analyze the consistency of pacing profile in three consecutive editions of three marathon races. A database of 282,808 runners, compiled from three different races (Chicago, London, and Tokyo Marathon) and three editions (2017, 2018, and 2019) was analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their time performance in the marathon, every 30 min from 2:30 h to sub-6 h. The relative speed of each section for each runner was calculated as a percentage of the average speed for the entire race. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of relative speed at the different pacing section, taking into account the runner time categories, was excellent over the three marathon editions (ICC > 0.93). The artificial intelligence model showed an accuracy of 86.8% to classify the runners' data in three marathons, suggesting a consistency between editions with identifiable differences between races. In conclusion, although some differences have been observed between editions in certain sections and marathon runner categories, excellent consistency of the pacing profile was observed. The study of pacing profile in a specific marathon can, therefore, be helpful for runners, coaches and marathon organizers for planning the race and improving its organization.

Sprinting on bends demands biomechanical adjustments compared with straight‐line sprinting that results in asymmetrical force production in the lower extremities. This study aimed to assess acceleration impacts in the lower extremity and impact transmission when sprinting on bend versus straight lanes. Eight experienced sprinters (age 16.3 ± 1.7 years, mass 58.5 ± 11.4 kg, and height 1.72 ± 0.10 m), specializing in the 100, 200, and 400 m events, ran two bouts of 60 m lane heats at maximum speed on the straight lane and bend lanes one and eight (with radii of 37 and 45.10 m, respectively) of a standard 400 m track. Accelerometers on the tibias and head recorded acceleration impacts. Results revealed higher impact magnitudes in the outside leg during bend sprints compared with the inside leg (p < 0.05). Additionally, bend lanes exhibited higher impact magnitudes compared with the straight lane (p < 0.05). Asymmetrical acceleration impacts were observed during bend sprints, with greater asymmetry compared to straight sprints. However, the distribution of impact forces between the legs did not appear to be influenced by lane radius. This suggests that the specific biomechanical demands of bend sprinting differ significantly from those of straight sprinting. These findings emphasize the need for coaches to account for increased asymmetry and distinct impact patterns when training athletes for bend sprints compared to straight‐line sprints. Highlights: Compared with straight‐line sprinting, bend sprinting requires biomechanical adaptations leading to asymmetrical force production in the lower extremities.Results showed higher impact magnitudes in the outside leg during bend sprints compared with the inside leg, highlighting asymmetrical acceleration impacts.Lane radius did not influence impact distribution, emphasizing the biomechanical nuances of bend sprinting and the heightened asymmetry compared with straight‐line sprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Regarding titanium matrix composites (TMCs), their properties strongly depend on the reinforcement material employed for their manufacturing; this may lead to a multitude of investigations on TMCs. Considering the diverse typology of the reinforcement, six types of ceramic particles were tested in this investigation: B4C, SiB6, TiB2, TiC, TiN, and BN. In order to compare their behaviour and their own influence on the properties of the TMCs, the same ratio was employed in the starting materials, 30% volume. Among the techniques for developing TMCs, a significant number of authors propose Powder Metallurgy as a favourable route. In this framework, the novel Rapid Sinter Pressing technique was employed to perform the present study, due to its flexibility, repeatability, and reproducibility, as well as short-run cycle times. The processing temperature (930 °C) was set with the intention of evaluating how the reinforcements behave differently depending on their reactivity with the Ti matrix. In this regard, the main objective of the research was to carry out a comparison on the behaviour of seven TMCs fabricated with similar operational parameters via RSP.

Mitochondrial dysfunction happens in both idiopathic (iPD) and LRRK2-related Parkinson's disease (LRRK2-PD). Nonetheless, previous studies suggested that a different type of mitochondrial pathology underlies the neurodegeneration in these two disorders. To further explore this hypothesis, we developed a novel multiplex digital PCR assay that allows the absolute quantification of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) copy number and deletion ratio directly in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by simultaneously measuring two opposed regions of the mtDNA circular molecule, one of them in the commonly deleted major arc. The results confirmed that the content of cf-mtDNA in CSF was statistically significantly different between iPD and LRRK2-PD patients. Moreover, we found high cf-mtDNA deletion levels in CSF from patients with iPD, but not LRRK2-PD. The high cf-mtDNA deletion frequency in iPD was validated in an independent cohort. These results indicated that the content and deletion ratio of cf-mtDNA may differentiate iPD from LRRK2-PD, and provides further evidence of the different mitochondrial pathophysiology between these two forms of the disease.

Ladle slag, a byproduct of steel manufacturing, exhibits inherent reactivity and undergoes hydration when exposed to water. Nevertheless, these reaction byproducts often remain metastable, leading to microstructural alterations when incorporated into cementitious materials, thereby limiting the recycling potential of ladle slag. This study explores the fire insulating capacity and the physical, mechanical, and leaching characteristics of gypsum-based materials with substantial quantities of ladle slag in instead of gypsum. The mechanical strength of the specimens declines as the ladle slag content increases. Nevertheless, the percentage decrease in compressive strength at various temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C) is less pronounced when higher amounts of ladle slag are used. Fire-resistant properties, assessed using the EN 1363-1 standards, diminish with increasing slag proportions; although the inclusion of ladle slag introduces certain endothermic processes that positively affect the fire insulating capacity, resulting in a 20% reduction when 60%wt of slag is employed. Notably, no gas emissions were observed during the fire test, indicating the absence of environmental hazards. In conclusion, ladle slag does not pose a leaching threat to the environment, making it a viable and sustainable alternative to gypsum in gypsum-based materials.

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

The First-Person Shooter is a very popular genre in electronic sports (esports), where there are different aiming techniques such as Aim Flicking and Aim Tracking. Although the mouse grip is suggested as one of the most important factors in gaming performance, there is a lack of evidence on this topic. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the performances of three types of mouse grips (palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip) in two different tasks (flicking and tracking tasks) by analyzing kinematic and scoring variables. Twenty-two participants performed the tasks on a computer with the same monitor and mouse, each using their preferred grip: palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip. The aim400kg was used to perform the tasks, and a camera system (Optitrack's Flex 3) was used to capture the mouse movement. The results from the flicking task indicated significant differences in the minimum cursor trajectory, with higher values observed in the claw grip compared to both the palm and fingertip grips. However, no significant differences were observed in the tracking task in terms of velocity, acceleration, or hand movement. Moreover, only high correlations were observed in the flicking task between Score and Reaction Time (r = −0.911) and between Score and Total Distance (r = 0.724). In conclusion, the mouse grip does not affect the Aim Flicking or Aim Tracking task performance. This study has revealed interesting results related to performance, including correlations between the Score, Reaction Time, and Total Distance in flicking tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hamstring extensibility has been defined as a factor to diminished dynamic stability and therefore increased risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of hamstring tightness and fatigue on dynamic stability and agility. Nineteen participants were divided between the normal extensibility group (NEG) (n = 9, 82.2° ± 12.4°) and hamstrings tightness group (HTG) (n = 10, 64° ± 4.9°) using the passive straight leg raise test. To analyse dynamic stability and agility, they performed the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) and Dynamic Postural Stability Index (DPSI), and hexagon agility test, respectively, before and after a fatigue protocol. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences among conditions: NEG vs. HTG, and rested vs. fatigued. HTG showed a significantly lower reach in the anterior direction in the mSEBT in pre- and post-fatigue than NEG. Participants in the NEG showed poor stability after landing in the mediolateral direction on DPSI post-fatigue. No significant changes were found in agility related with the group nor fatigue state. Participants with hamstring extensibility reduction has no differences in dynamic stability after landing nor agility after fatigue test, but significantly affects reaching distances during one-leg balance. As a conclusion, a reduction in range of motion in HTG was observed, but no other effects were observed on performance and dynamic stability after a local fatigue protocol depending on hamstring extensibility.

In cycling, a wide range of ergogenic foods with a variety of flavours, shapes, and textures are available. The timing of their consumption and their correct oral processing can influence the performance of athletes. Furthermore, the differences in the texture of energy bars could result in differences in the chewing required. Nonetheless, research in this area is still scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse how the consumption of two energy bars with different textures (viscous versus hard) influenced the variables of oral processing, pedalling intensity, and the perception of satisfaction among cyclists. Ten cyclists performed two 15 min sections on a cycle ergometer at a moderate intensity (120–130 W) and consumed one of the two energy bars at random in each of the sections. The results showed that a shorter chewing duration and a fewer number of chews were required to consume the softer bar (p < 0.05, ES > 0.7). However, no differences among the cyclists were observed in the intensity of pedalling or perception of satisfaction. Nevertheless, participants were able to distinguish between the two different textures while pedalling. In conclusion, the texture of energy bars altered the oral processing of cyclists but did not affect pedalling intensity or perception of satisfaction.