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Purpose: The monitoring of training loads and quantification of physical performance are common practices in youth soccer academies to support coaches in prescribing and programming training for individuals. The interaction between training load and physical performance is unknown during a preseason period in youth soccer players. The current study assessed changes in training load and physical assessments across a 4-week preseason period. The relationship between physical performance and match playing time in youth male soccer players was also investigated. Methods: The training loads of 25 professional youth academy male soccer players were monitored throughout a 4-week preseason period. Assessments of power, agility, speed, and aerobic capacity were undertaken in the first training session. Session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) and well-being questionnaires were collected during all training sessions and preseason matches. Playing time during subsequent competitive matches was recorded. Results: T test and 30-m-sprint assessments, conducted on the first day of preseason, were predictors of sRPE throughout preseason (t test χ2/df = 2.895, poor adjustment; 30-m sprint χ2/df = 1.608, good adjustment). YoYo Test performance was related with changes in perceived fatigue (χ2/df = 0.534, very good adjustment). Faster players reported higher values of sRPE, and players with higher aerobic capacity reported higher levels of fatigue across preseason. Well-being, perceived fatigue and soreness, and sRPE decreased across preseason. Greater match durations were related to higher levels of fatigue during preseason (P <.05). Conclusion: The current study highlights the relationship between training load, physical assessments, and playing time. Coaches and practitioners can use physical test data at the start of preseason as an indication of players that report higher sRPE, perceived fatigue, and reduced well-being across preseason, supporting decisions around individualized training prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography combined with low-dose computed tomography (PET/CT) can be used at diagnosis to identify myeloma-defining events and also provides prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT visual IMPeTUs (Italian myeloma criteria for PET Use)-based parameters and/or total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) in a single-center population of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) eligible for transplantation. Methods Patients with MM who underwent a baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT were retrospectively selected from a large internal database of the University Hospital of Liege (Liege, Belgium). Initially, all PET/CT images were visually analyzed using IMPeTUs criteria, followed by delineation of TMTV using a semi-automatic lesion delineation workflow, including [18F]FDG-positive MM focal lesions (FL) with an absolute SUV threshold set at 4.0. In a first step, to ensure PET/CT scans accurate reporting, the agreement between two nuclear medicine physicians with distinct experience was assessed. In the second step, univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the prognostic significance of [18F]FDG PET/CT parameters on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. Results A total of 40 patients with NDMM were included in the study. The observers agreement in the analysis [18F]FDG PET/CT images was substantial for the presence of spine FL, extra spine FL, at least one fracture and paramedullary disease (Cohen’s kappa 0.79, 0.87, 0.75 and 0.64, respectively). For the presence of skull FL and extramedullary disease the agreement was moderate (Cohen’s kappa 0.56 and 0.53, respectively). Among [18F]FDG PET/CT parameters, a high number of delineated volumes of interest (VOI) using the SUV4.0 threshold was the only independent prognostic factor associated with PFS [HR (95% CI): 1.03 (1.004–1.05), P = 0.019] while a high number of FL (n > 10; F group 4) was the only independent prognostic factor associated with OS [HR (95% CI): 19.10 (1.90–191.95), P = 0.01]. Conclusion Our work confirms the reproducibility IMPeTUs criteria. Furthermore, it demonstrates that a high number of FL (n > 10; IMPeTUs F group 4), reflecting a high [18F]FDG-avid tumor burden, is an independent prognostic factor for OS. The prognostic value of the TMTV delineated using a SUV4.0 threshold was not significant. Nevertheless, the count of delineated [18F]FDG-avid lesions VOI using a SUV4.0 threshold was an independent prognostic factor for PFS.

Abstract Background A significant proportion of children and adolescents experience back pain. However, a comprehensive systematic review on the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions is lacking. Objectives To evaluate benefits and harms of rehabilitation interventions for non-specific low back pain (LBP) or thoracic spine pain in the pediatric population. Methods Seven bibliographic electronic databases were searched from inception to June 16, 2023. Moreover, reference lists of relevant studies and systematic reviews, three targeted websites, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched. Paired reviewers independently conducted screening, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data related to study characteristics, methodology, subjects, and results. Certainty of evidence was evaluated based on the GRADE approach. Results We screened 8461 citations and 307 full-text articles. Ten quantitative studies (i.e., 8 RCTs, 2 non-randomized clinical trials) and one qualitative study were included. With very low to moderate certainty evidence, in adolescents with LBP, spinal manipulation (1–2 sessions/week over 12 weeks, 1 RCT) plus exercise may be associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing clinically important pain reduction versus exercise alone; and group-based exercise over 8 weeks (2 RCTs and 1 non-randomized trial) may reduce pain intensity. The qualitative study found information provided via education/advice and compliance of treatment were related to effective treatment. No economic studies or studies examining thoracic spine pain were identified. Conclusions Spinal manipulation and group-based exercise may be beneficial in reducing LBP intensity in adolescents. Education should be provided as part of a care program. The overall evidence is sparse. Methodologically rigorous studies are needed. Trial registration CRD42019135009 (PROSPERO)

Shellfish aquaculture world production is constantly growing due to the increase in demand for seafood and reached over 18 million tons in 2022. The suitable management of the shell waste is one of the main environmental challenging issues as most of this waste is sent to landfills with emanation of foul odors, pathogens proliferation and reduction of available space. However, the conversion of this biowaste to new value-added materials could provide significant environmental and economic benefits. Clam shell waste was the starting material for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (CSHAP) applied as an adsorbent for Hg2+ removal from aqueous solutions. Adsorption experiments were performed in batch using simulated wastewaters prepared from HgCl2 to investigate the effects of contact time and initial Hg2+ concentration on the removal process. Mineralogical composition, morphological features and elemental composition of CSHAP before and after the experiments were investigated by XRPD, SEM-EDS and FTIR analysis. The concentrations of Hg2+ and Ca2+ in the solutions were analyzed by ICP-AES. The adsorption kinetics of Hg2+ was simulated with the pseudo-first-order rate model, the pseudo-second order model and the intraparticle diffusion model. The results of the kinetics study showed that the Hg2+ adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and reached equilibrium within 40 min. The Langmuir model fitted the experimental results better than the Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevic isotherm models, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 65.8 mg/g which is generally higher than other waste-derived adsorbents used for the removal of Hg2+ ions from water. The removal mechanism includes rapid surface complexation on CSHAP grains, followed by a slow incorporation of the Hg2+ ions in the crystalline structure. The results of this study could contribute to delineate a new research direction for a more sustainable management of clam shell biowaste.

We report here the results of a multi-analytical approach to characterize twelve Roman coins dating from the third century B.C. to fifth century A.D. that were found in the surroundings of Rome and for which the year of minting is determined by numismatic analysis. The coins were studied using SEM-EDS, EMPA, XRD, and FTIR techniques, enabling semi-quantitative and quantitative determinations of the chemical and mineralogical composition of the alloys and corrosion products. SEM-EDS analyses highlighted the occurrence of corrosion products on the surfaces and wide chemical variations due to selective enrichment or depletions of the alloying metals. The EMP analyses showed that three of the twelve coins are made of copper (1), one is a copper–tin alloy (2), five are copper–tin–lead alloys with elements in different proportions (3), two are copper–lead alloys (4), and another one is a subaerata coin (5). In addition, the physical parameters of the coins, i.e., density, weight, and diameters, were measured to have an overall characterization.

Background Little is known about lived experience of synchronous telehealth in patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Objective We conducted a rapid systematic review to answer: (1) what are the lived experiences and/or perspectives of people with MSK disorders receiving non-pharmacological interventions delivered through synchronous telehealth; and (2) what clinical implications can be inferred from qualitative studies focusing on lived experiences for how telehealth is delivered in the management of MSK disorders? Data sources A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar from June 2010 to July 2023. Eligible qualitative and mixed methods studies capturing lived experiences of adults with MSK disorders receiving non-pharmacological interventions via synchronous telehealth were included. Study methods Systematic rapid review conducted according to WHO guidelines. Titles and abstracts screened by reviewers independently, eligible studies critically appraised, and data was extracted. Themes summarized using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) used to assess confidence in synthesis findings. Results We identified 9782 references, screened 8029, and critically appraised 22, and included 17 studies. There is evidence to suggest that the experience of telehealth prior to and during the pandemic was shaped by (1) patient perception of telehealth, (2) existing relationships with practitioners, (3) availability and accessibility of telehealth technologies, and (4) perceptions about the importance of the role of the physical exam in assessing and treating MSK disorders. Conclusion The five identified implications could be used to inform future research, policy, and strategy development.

This prospective, community-based, active surveillance study aimed to report the incidence of moderate, severe, and serious adverse events (AEs) after chiropractic (n = 100) / physiotherapist (n = 50) visit in offices throughout North America between October-2015 and December-2017. Three content-validated questionnaires were used to collect AE information: two completed by the patient (pre-treatment [T0] and 2-7 days post-treatment [T2]) and one completed by the provider immediately post-treatment [T1]. Any new or worsened symptom was considered an AE and further classified as mild, moderate, severe or serious. From the 42 participating providers (31 chiropractors; 11 physiotherapists), 3819 patient visits had complete T0 and T1 assessments. The patients were on average 50±18 years of age and 62.5% females. Neck/back pain was the most common presenting condition (70.0%) with 24.3% of patients reporting no condition/preventative care. From the patients visits with a complete T2 assessment (n = 2136 patient visits, 55.9%), 21.3% reported an AE, of which: 7.9% were mild, 6.2% moderate, 3.7% severe, 1.5% serious, and 2.0% had missing severity rating. The most common symptoms reported with moderate or higher severity were discomfort/pain, stiffness, difficulty walking and headache. This study provides valuable information for patients and providers regarding incidence and severity of AEs following patient visits in multiple community-based professions. These findings can be used to inform patients of what AEs may occur and future research opportunities can focus on mitigating common AEs.

Introduction: The effectiveness of post-surgical rehabilitation following lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery is unclear. Research question: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of rehabilitation interventions initiated within three months post-surgery for adults treated surgically for LDH. Material and methods: This systematic review searched seven databases from inception to November 2023. Independent reviewers screened studies, assessed and extracted data, and rated the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Results: This systematic review retrieved 20,531 citations and included 25 randomized controlled trials. The high certainty evidence suggests that adding Pilates exercise to routine care and cognitive behavioral therapy may improve function immediately post-intervention (1 RCT), and that adding whole-body magnetic therapy to exercise, pharmacological and aquatic therapy may reduce low back pain intensity (1 RCT) immediately post-intervention. Compared to placebo, pregabalin did not reduce low back pain or leg pain intensity (1 RCT) (moderate to high certainty evidence). We found no differences between: 1) behavioral graded activity vs. physiotherapy (1 RCT); 2) exercise and education vs. neck massage or watchful waiting (1 RCT); 3) exercise, education, and in-hospital usual care vs. in-hospital usual care (1 RCT); 4) functional or staged exercise vs. usual post-surgical care including exercise (2 RCTs); and 5) supervised exercise with education vs. education (1 RCT). No studies assessed adverse events. Discussion and conclusion: Evidence on effective and safe post-surgical rehabilitation interventions is sparse. This review identified two interventions with potential short-term benefits (Pilates exercises, whole-body magnetic therapy) but safety is unclear, and one with an iatrogenic effect (pregabalin).

Abstract Background Chiropractors use a variety of therapeutic interventions in clinical practice. How the selection of interventions differs across musculoskeletal regions or with different patient and provider characteristics is currently unclear. This study aimed to describe how frequently different interventions are used for patients presenting for chiropractic care, and patient and provider characteristics associated with intervention selection. Methods Data were obtained from the Chiropractic Observation and Analysis STudy (COAST) and Ontario (O-COAST) studies: practice-based, cross-sectional studies in Victoria, Australia (2010–2012) and Ontario, Canada (2014–2015). Chiropractors recorded data on patient diagnosis and intervention selection from up to 100 consecutive patient visits. The frequency of interventions selected overall and for each diagnostic category (e.g., different musculoskeletal regions) were descriptively analysed. Univariable multi-level logistic regression (provider and patient as grouping factors), stratified by diagnostic category, was used to assess the association between patient/provider variables and intervention selection. Results Ninety-four chiropractors, representative of chiropractors in Victoria and Ontario for age, sex, and years in practice, participated. Data were collected on 7,966 patient visits (6419 unique patients), including 10,731 individual diagnoses (mean age: 43.7 (SD: 20.7), 57.8% female). Differences in patient characteristics and intervention selection were observed between chiropractors practicing in Australia and Canada. Overall, manipulation was the most common intervention, selected in 63% (95%CI:62–63) of encounters. However, for musculoskeletal conditions presenting in the extremities only, soft tissue therapies were more commonly used (65%, 95%CI:62–68). Manipulation was less likely to be performed if the patient was female (OR:0.74, 95%CI:0.65–0.84), older (OR:0.79, 95%CI:0.77–0.82), presenting for an initial visit (OR:0.73, 95%CI:0.56–0.95) or new complaint (OR:0.82, 95%CI:0.71–0.95), had one or more comorbidities (OR:0.63, 95%CI:0.54–0.72), or was underweight (OR:0.47, 95%CI:0.35–0.63), or obese (OR:0.69, 95%CI:0.58–0.81). Chiropractors with more than five years clinical experience were less likely to provide advice/education (OR:0.37, 95%CI:0.16–0.87) and exercises (OR:0.17, 95%CI:0.06–0.44). Conclusion In more than 10,000 diagnostic encounters, manipulation was the most common therapeutic intervention for spine-related problems, whereas soft tissue therapies were more common for extremity problems. Different patient and provider characteristics were associated with intervention selection. These data may be used to support further research on appropriate selection of interventions for common musculoskeletal complaints.

Objectives Developing a research agenda is one method to facilitate broad research planning and prioritise research within a discipline. Despite profession-specific agendas, none have specifically addressed the research needs of the specialty of sports chiropractic. This study determined consensus on research priorities to inform a global sports chiropractic research agenda.Methods A Delphi consensus methodology was used to integrate expert opinions. Clinicians, academics and leaders from the international sports chiropractic specialty were recruited using purposive sampling to participate in (1) a Delphi panel involving three voting rounds to determine consensus on research priorities and (2) a priority importance ranking of the items that reached consensus.Results We identified and contacted 141 participants, with response rates for rounds 1, 2 and 3, of 44%, 31% and 34%, respectively. From the original 149 research priorities, 66 reached consensus in round 1, 63 in round 2 and 45 items in round 3. Research priorities reaching consensus were collapsed by removing redundancies, and priority ranking identified 20 research priorities, 11 related to collaboration and 6 to research themes.Conclusions The top-ranked items for research priorities, research themes and collaborations included the effects of interventions on performance, recovery and return to play; clinical research in sport; and collaborations with researchers in chiropractic educational institutions, respectively.Implications The prioritisation of research items can be evaluated by key stakeholders (including athletes) and implemented to develop the first international research agenda for sports chiropractic.

Abstract Background There is a paucity of research assessing cultural competency among Canadian chiropractors. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) measure cultural competency among Canadian chiropractors, (2) understand chiropractors’ perspectives of challenges and attitudes regarding the delivery of chiropractic services to equity-seeking communities, and (3) assess contextual factors associated with cultural competency. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of members of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) (May–July 2021). The survey instrument consisted of 57 questions related to demographics, cultural competency, perceptions about health disparities, and challenges in delivery of rehabilitation. Cultural competency was measured using the Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity and Cultural Competence Behaviours subscales of the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument. We conducted a multivariate linear regression to assess factors that may be associated with cultural competency. Results A total of 3143 CCA members responded (response rate of 41%). Mean scores for the Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity subscale were 5.8/7 (95% CI 5.7; 5.8) and 4.2/7 (95% CI 4.1; 4.2) for the Cultural Competence Behaviour subscale. Most chiropractors (72–78%) reported observing important cultural health disparities across various care-related outcomes. Cost of services and language were identified as barriers to providing care to equity-seeking communities. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity scores were weakly associated with gender (men), years of clinical practice, cultural health disparities, the statement “I think some people have an agenda to look for discrimination even where it does not exist (DEI attitudes),” race (Caucasian), and prior DEI training, (R2 = 0.15, p

The pigments used by artists since ancient times play an important role in historical, artistic, and cultural investigations. They allow the acquisition of useful information for the study of human and technological development. This research aims at differentiating the various sources of azurite exploited in antiquity, based on the study of minor and trace elements. Azurite is one of the most important blue pigments in art history, widely used during the Middle Age and Renaissance. However, very few studies investigated the provenance of the pigment, so today it is still not possible to clearly identify the sources of azurite exploited in the past. This study is based on the analysis of several samples of azurite belonging to the MUST collection (Museum of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) and coming from different historical localities: UK, Italy, Germany, France, Romania and Slovakia (both representative of the resources within the ancient Kingdom of Hungary), Greece and Russia. The samples were analysed by electron microscopy (EMPA and SEM-EDX) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), with the aim of detecting chemical features that are specific to the different azurite ore deposits.Among the trace elements analysed, Zn, As, Sn, Ca and Sr prove the most suitable for discriminating the origin of the samples, as well as rare earth elements. In particular, Ce and Eu anomalies are suggested as markers for the German and Hungarian localities.

Abstract Background Little is known about the diversity of the chiropractic profession with respect to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and community of practice. This knowledge is important as profession representation of key equity seeking groups may impact quality of care and access for vulnerable communities. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to explore the diversity of the chiropractic profession in Canada. Methods All registered members of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (N = 7721) were invited to participate in a web-based survey between May and June 2021. Survey questions explored diversity with respect to personal demographics (age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, language) and practice characteristics (community setting, practice type). Where possible, survey data was compared to data from the 2016 Census of the Canadian population. Results We received a total of 3143 survey responses (response rate—41%). The average age of our sample was 44.7 years (standard deviation 12.7). Forty-five percent were female with the same proportion (45.2%) self-identifying as women. Ninety-one percent of the sample self-identified as heterosexual. With respect to race, 80% of respondents were Caucasian. Seventy percent of chiropractors in our sample identified with Canadian ancestry and 29% with European ancestry. In comparison to the Canadian population, some visible minorities were underrepresented. The greatest discrepancy between the Canadian population and our sample was in the proportion of Black and Indigenous chiropractors. With respect to ethnicity, chiropractors identifying themselves with Canadian ancestry were overrepresented in our sample compared to others, specifically those with North American Indigenous and South, Central and Latin American ancestry. Sixty-one percent of chiropractors practiced in major cities and most work in interdisciplinary clinics (42% Complementary and Alternative Medicine and 33% rehabilitation). Conclusions This study provides an initial description of diversity within the chiropractic profession in Canada. Women represent less than 50% of the profession nationally. Overall, there is little racial and ethnic diversity in the chiropractic profession compared to the Canadian population, with Black and Indigenous peoples being underrepresented. Future work should focus strategies to foster the development of a more diverse chiropractic workforce.

Examines writings of Pope John Paul II on the international migration phenomenon. Suggests that the Pope's teaching offers a Christian interpretation of migration, ethnicity, and the economic and political causes for the displacement of people and that just and humane solutions to the problems of immigrants may be found in his message. (Author/MJL)

Abstract Background Diagnostic imaging is useful for assessing low back pain (LBP) when a clinician suspects a specific underlying pathology. Evidence-based imaging guidelines assist clinicians in appropriately determining the need for imaging when assessing LBP. A previous study reported high adherence to three clinical guidelines, with utilization rate of 12.3% in imaging of LBP patients attending a chiropractic teaching clinic. A new imaging guideline for spinal disorders has been published and used in teaching. Thus, the aims of our study were to assess the adherence to the new guideline and X-ray utilization in new episodes of LBP. Methods We conducted a historical clinical cohort study using patient electronic health record audits at seven teaching clinics over a period of 20 months. Records of patients who were at least 18 years of age, presented with a new onset of LBP, and consented to data collection were included. Abstracted data included patient demographics, the number and type of red flags, and the decision to image. Rate of guideline adherence (proportion of those not recommended for imaging, given no red flags) and rate of image utilization were descriptively analyzed. Results We included 498 patients in this study. At least 81% of included patients had one or more red flags reported. The most commonly reported individual red flag was age ≥ 50 (43.8%) followed by pain at rest (15.7%). In those referred for imaging, age ≥ 50 (93.3%) was the most frequently reported red flag. No red flag(s) were identified in 93 patient records, and none were referred for imaging of their LBP, yielding an adherence rate of 100% (95% CI 96, 100%). A total of 17 of 498 patients were recommended for imaging for their low back pain, resulting in an imaging utilization rate of 3.4% (95% CI 1.8, 5.0%). Conclusion The imaging utilization rate was 3.4%, lower than 12.3% previously reported at a chiropractic teaching clinic. None without red flags were referred for imaging, yielding a 100%, adherence rate to current LBP imaging guidelines. Future research should consider currency of guideline, accuracy of red flags and factors influencing clinicians’ decision, when assessing imaging adherence rates.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to develop a list of performance indicators to assess the status of the chiropractic profession in Canada. Method We conducted a 4-round modified Delphi technique (March 2018–January 2020) to reach consensus among experts and stakeholders on key status indicators for the chiropractic profession using online questionnaires. During the first round, experts suggested indicators for preidentified themes. Through the following two rounds, the importance and feasibility of each indicator was rated on an 11-point Likert scale, and their related potential sources of data identified. In the final round, provincial stakeholders were recruited to rate the importance of the indicators within the 90th percentile and identified those most important to their organisation. Results The first round generated 307 preliminary indicators of which 42 were selected for the remaining rounds, and eleven were preferentially selected by most of the provincial stakeholders. Experts agreed the feasibility of all indicators was high, and that data could be collected through a combination of data obtained from professional liability insurance records and survey(s) of the general population, patients, and chiropractors. Conclusions A set of performance indicators to assess the status of the Canadian chiropractic profession emerged from a scientific and stakeholder consensus.

Este trabalho aborda a questão da apre(e)ndizagem da escrita pelo sujeito-criança que chega à escola e é convidado pelo(a) professor(a) a marcar o papel. Partindo da compreensão de escrita como uma experiência singular e que está à prova do inconsciente, o artigo está estruturado em três seções: i) em “Da relação pais-bebê à relação pais-criança-escola”, buscamos elucidar o caminho da constituição do sujeito que chega ao chão da escola já marcado por ser objeto de desejo do Outro, imerso na história do seu psiquismo, simbolismos e vínculos afetivos; ii) em “A criança e o chão da escola: escrevendo no papel as marcas inscritas no inconsciente”, desvelamos o caminho dessas marcas mnêmicas, (re)pensando o lugar que a construção da escrita pode ter para a criança no espaço de aprendizagem; e iii) em “A criança, o adulto e a escrita como efeito da posição do sujeito na linguagem: reflexões a partir (e para além) do chão da escola”, trazemos o debate sobre o discurso social atribuído à escola, um discurso sustentado pela crença de que a aprendizagem da escrita oportuniza ao sujeito pertencente ao mundo da palavra e da linguagem acesso aos achados da ciência e às possibilidades de comunicação e inserção no laço social, apontando que a escrita é efeito da posição do sujeito na linguagem.

In the present political and cultural climate, the richer countries tend toward restricting admission of refugees and asylum seekers, toward limiting the rights of immigrants, tolerating xenophobic manifestations and evading [...]

Despite the archaeological importance of Aqua Virgo, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 BC and still functioning nowadays, there is a lack of information about the mortars coming from the inner duct. This work aims to investigate the mortars from Aqua Virgo and Aqueduct Y, an unidentified aqueduct running under the first one in the La Rinascente area (between Via del Nazareno and Via dei Due Macelli, Rome, IT) through Optical Microscopy (OM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The aim is to understand which materials guarantee such longevity and differentiate between different intervention phases. Local natural materials with pozzolanic behaviour—in particular, Pozzolane Rosse—and ceramic fragments are widely employed, mixed or not, for the realisation of the hydraulic mortars under investigation, independently of the intervention phase. Of particular interest is the discovery of an amorphous binder composed of Si, Al, Ca, K and Mg in some samples characterised by the absence of calcite.

How much are refugees worth in a society of mass communication? The dramatic image of swollen-bellied babies with running noses covered with flies in the merciless heat of the Somali [...]

This article addresses the establishment of an intervention strategy to improve the physical fitness of Cuban university students, from the training process. It includes actions to maintain a healthy lifestyle based on the self-concept and conscious self -regulation of each individual. The objective was to propose an intervention strategy that contributes to the solution of the existing limitations, both in the methodological order and in the instrumental plane, and promotes the evaluation of the presence of systematic physical activity in the formation of habits and lifestyles health in Cuban university students. Among the theoretical methods used are the historical-logical, the analytical-synthetic and the induction-deduction. Empirical methods such as documentary review, statistics and survey were used. In data collection, measurement and descriptive statistics were used for information processing. The implementation of the strategy used students from the University of Informatics Sciences as a sample. As a result, the design of an intervention strategy that incorporates the systematic practice of physical activity and provides direct benefits in the quality of the university graduate is achieved.