Mental Fatigue and Basketball Performance: A Systematic Review

Mental fatigue (MF) is a psycho-biological state that impairs sports-related performances. Recently, it has been proved that MF can affect basketball performance. However, a systematic overview detailing the influences of MF on basketball performance is still lacking. This study aims to investigate the effects of MF on the physical, technical, tactical, and cognitive performance of basketball. We used the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopes, and CKNI for articles published up to 31 May 2021. The articles included in this study were projected to test whether MF influences basketball athlete performance. Only experimental design studies were selected, and the control condition was without MF. Finally, seven articles fit the inclusion criteria. The results imply that MF impairs the technical aspects of basketball (free throws, three-point shots, and total turnover) and the players' cognitive [take-the-first (TTF) heuristics and decision-making] performance, which results in athletes not using their techniques skillfully and being unable to make practical decisions during critical points in the game. In addition to that, the influences of MF on physical and tactical performance have not been studied. Further studies should look into comprehensive research on the influences of MF on basketball performance, especially on a player's physical and tactical performance.Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/] [INPLASY2021100017].

Status of the Design of an Annihilation Detector to Observe Neutron-Antineutron Conversions at the European Spallation Source

The goal of the HIBEAM/NNBAR program is to search for baryon number violation via the conversion or oscillation of neutrons into sterile neutrons and/or antineutrons at the European Spallation Source. A key experimental component of the program is the construction of an annihilation detector to directly observe the production of an antineutron following the oscillation. Design studies for the annihilation detector are presented. The predicted response of the detector models are studied using Geant4 simulations made with Monte Carlo simulations of the annihilation signal topology and cosmic ray backgrounds. Particle identification and sensitive discriminating observables, such as invariant mass and sphericity, are shown.

Two Design Options for Compact Linear Accelerators for High Flux Neutron Source

We describe and compare two optimized design options of RF linear accelerators with different resonant frequencies at 162.5 MHz (f0) and 325 MHz (2∙f0). The RFQ + DTL linacs have been designed to provide 13 MeV acceleration to a proton beam for achieving a fast neutron yield of not lower than 1013 n/s via 9Be(p, n)9B reaction in pulsed-mode operation. Our design studies show that none of the two options is better than the other, but that the choice of operating frequency will mainly be determined by the accelerator length and RF cost consideration. This study can serve as a basis for the design of an initial stage of a new high brilliance Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS), aiming to use neutron scattering techniques for studying material properties in fundamental physics, materials science, nuclear energy, as well as for industries and societal challenges.

A Systematic Study on TRIZ to Prepare the Innovation of 3DPVS

Regarding the innovation of biomimetic cell culture scaffold, 3DPVS, namely 3D printed vibratory scaffold, has been proposed as a present-to-future novel product. It currently stands at the stage of conceptual development. Design studies on 3DPVS Concept Generation show high value, and one essential part inside this could dwell at establishing design methodological knowledge that has innovation merits. TRIZ with its tools has proven value on creation and design innovativeness while they have not yet been utilized for scaffold design at mature level. In this paper, we attempt to study and explore the design aspects of TRIZ and its most relevant tools on the context of 3DPVS, as well as preliminarily indicating a TRIZ-based methodology, which could tailor the design aspects of 3DPVS. It also, to some extent, fills a gap in scaffold engineering and TRIZ literature and provides a comprehensive overview of a timely topic.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND WAYS OF DUMP CARS UPGRADING FOR INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT

The article deals with the models of dump cars, which form the basis of a modern fleet of industrial railway transport. The design features of dump cars used for transportation and automated unloading of coal ore, soil, sand, gravel and other similar goods at domestic industrial enterprises are presented. Models of modern dump cars of domestic production for industrial railway transport, which were created and put into serial production during the last ten years, are given. The main existing requirements to design and manufacture of dump cars are determined. The results of comparative analysis of technical characteristics of dump cars of the last generation up to modern models of dump cars showed that one of the main advantages of the latter is to improve the strength and reliability of individual components and systems. The main focus of design upgrading of modern models of dump cars of domestic production for industrial railway transport is determined. The technical requirements for dump cars of the next generation, which are planned to be created and introduced into serial production in 2022-2026 for operation on the railway tracks of industrial enterprises, are proposed. Technical requirements are based on the results of the design studies of the present-day dump cars for industrial applications, review of technical and design documentation for these cars, and also the analysis of requirements and wishes of customers. The necessity for relevant research and development works of dump cars of the new generation for industrial railway transport is substantiated. The materials of the article will contribute to the construction of new models of dump cars for industrial railway transport and total upgrading of existing models, as well as improving the efficiency of their operation. Key words: dump car, maintenance interval, strength, industrial railway transport, service life.

A Systematic Review of Permeable Pavements and Their Unbound Material Properties in Comparison to Traditional Subbase Materials

This paper is a literature review focused on permeable pavements and especially the permeable subbase material. Run-off water from the surface is traditionally let through a drainage system, and the roads are kept dry. Due to climate changes, heavy precipitation and high-intensity rainfalls are putting pressure on the infrastructure. Traditionally, water in subbase materials reduces the resilient E-moduli and the lifespan of the pavement design. Studies show that increasing saturation reduces the bearing capacity of a traditional subbase material. Unbound materials with highly grained fines and high moisture content have higher tendency to show reduced resilient E-moduli. One study was found where the E-moduli of five different coarse grained aggregates used in permeable pavements were examined through a triaxial test. It was found that the E-moduli varied from 110–371 MPa. Other studies examining the E-moduli of permeable subbases based on moisture content were not found. However, this paper discusses different experiences regarding the bearing capacity of traditional vs. permeable subbase materials. It also covers a discussion and an analysis of missing research areas that needs to be investigated for further knowledge about the usage of permeable pavements in areas with a risk of flooding.

MARINE REQUIREMENTS ELUCIDATION AND THE NATURE OF PRELIMINARY SHIP DESIGN

In 2003 the author produced a paper, entitled “Marine Design – Requirements Elucidation rather than Requirements Engineering”, for the 8th International Marine Design Conference. This was intended to follow on from van Griethuysen’s 2000 IMDC paper “Marine Design – Can Systems Engineering Cope?”, while drawing on the author’s recent experience in, firstly, directing and then being the MoD Future Surface Combatant (FSC) IPT Team Leader in the concept phase for that programme, where the intentions of Smart Procurement were applied. Since leaving the MoD in 2000, the author’s academic endeavours, at UCL, have both refined the ideas in the 2003 paper and, through a diverse range of ship design studies, provided further substantial evidence in favour of that paper’s argument. The current paper was originally presented to the first Institution conference on systems engineering. This is a revised version in the light of the discussion at that conference on the applicability of systems engineering practice to initial ship design and presents the arguments of both papers to a wider audience. The current paper looks at the origins of the concept of Requirements Engineering, within systems engineering, when specifically applied to naval engineering acquisition practice. This is contrasted with consideration of the actual nature of the initial design of physically large and complex systems, typified by modern naval vessels. This is followed by drawing specific insights from a series of design studies undertaken by the UCL Design Research Centre, under the direction of the author. These diverse and wide ranging initial design studies can be seen as examples of the sophistication of Requirements Elucidation, exemplifying how systems engineering practice can be applied to the critical early stages of naval ship design. The paper concludes by looking at the characteristics of the initial or concept design process by seeing Requirements Elucidation, as the strategy to tackle the inherently “wicked problem” of determining what is really wanted of a naval vessel and what can be afforded.