Analysis and relationship between the anthropometric and somatotype characteristics and cardiovascular capacity in amateur mountain runners: a pilot study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometrical and cardiovascular characteristics of short course trail runners and analyze the associations, if any, between both anthropometric and cardiovascular features of amateur trail runners. Material and method: Anthropometrical evaluation and an incremental maximum test with 10% of grade on a treadmill were performed on a group of 10 short distance amateur trail runners. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between the body max index (BMI) and the speed at VT1 (Vel VT1) (r = -0,95, p < 0,001), or the time to reach VT1 (r = -0,91, p = 0,002) and between the body fat percentage and the respiratory exchange ratio at VT2 (r = -0,80, p = 0,016) or the time to reach VT2 (r = -0,83, p = 0,01). Calf circumference was also found to be positively associated with oxygen consumption at VT1 (r = 0,74, p = 0,037), at VT2 (r = 0,90, p = 0,002) and with the maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0,85, p = 0,007). Conclusions: Results indicate that both body fat percentage and calf circumference could be related to the performance on an incremental test protocol with inclination in amateur trail runners.

Interventions to control nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a modelling study

Background Emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants requires more efficient control measures to limit nosocomial transmission and maintain healthcare capacities during pandemic waves. Yet the relative importance of different strategies is unknown. Methods We developed an agent-based model and compared the impact of personal protective equipment (PPE), screening of healthcare workers (HCWs), contact tracing of symptomatic HCWs and restricting HCWs from working in multiple units (HCW cohorting) on nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The model was fit on hospital data from the first wave in the Netherlands (February until August 2020) and assumed that HCWs used 90% effective PPE in COVID-19 wards and self-isolated at home for 7 days immediately upon symptom onset. Intervention effects on the effective reproduction number (RE), HCW absenteeism and the proportion of infected individuals among tested individuals (positivity rate) were estimated for a more transmissible variant. Results Introduction of a variant with 56% higher transmissibility increased — all other variables kept constant — RE from 0.4 to 0.65 (+ 63%) and nosocomial transmissions by 303%, mainly because of more transmissions caused by pre-symptomatic patients and HCWs. Compared to baseline, PPE use in all hospital wards (assuming 90% effectiveness) reduced RE by 85% and absenteeism by 57%. Screening HCWs every 3 days with perfect test sensitivity reduced RE by 67%, yielding a maximum test positivity rate of 5%. Screening HCWs every 3 or 7 days assuming time-varying test sensitivities reduced RE by 9% and 3%, respectively. Contact tracing reduced RE by at least 32% and achieved higher test positivity rates than screening interventions. HCW cohorting reduced RE by 5%. Sensitivity analyses show that our findings do not change significantly for 70% PPE effectiveness. For low PPE effectiveness of 50%, PPE use in all wards is less effective than screening every 3 days with perfect sensitivity but still more effective than all other interventions. Conclusions In response to the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants, PPE use in all hospital wards might still be most effective in preventing nosocomial transmission. Regular screening and contact tracing of HCWs are also effective interventions but critically depend on the sensitivity of the diagnostic test used.

Penggunaan Text Modeling Untuk Identifikasi Kesalahan Penulisan Kata Pada Teks Pidato Bupati Banggai Sulawesi Tengah

Typing errors or typography are errors made when typing a document or text, typing errors can occur due to mechanical failure or slipping of the hand or finger. Generally, typing errors are something that often occurs when someone is typing and is considered normal, but this typing error in some contexts can change the meaning of the word or even the meaning of the sentence itself, This causes the need for correction again after someone has finished typing, but the correction process is mostly still manually so the results of the correction depend on how carefully someone makes corrections and how many documents will be corrected. Therefore we need a system that can make corrections quickly and accurately, the correction process can be done by various methods, one of which is using the text modeling method. In this study, the test data used 10 documents of the Banggai Regent's important speech, Central Sulawesi. The text modeling method can be combined with other supporting methods such as word2vec, where word2vec will be used as a recommendation for corrected words. This study creates a system that can correct word errors in important speech documents of the Banggai Regent, Central Sulawesi by using text modeling and Word2Vec methods, the results obtained from the system that has been made are the system has good performance and gets maximum test results

Effects of Power and Ballistic Training on Table Tennis Players’ Electromyography Changes

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of ballistic and power training on table tennis players’ electromyography (EMG) changes. Thirty male table tennis players, who were able to perform top spin strikes properly, were randomly assigned to three groups: power training (PT; n = 10); ballistic training (BT; n = 10); and no training (CON = control group; n = 10). PT and BT were performed 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Before and after training programs, a one-repetition maximum test (1RM) and the EMG activity of all the subjects’ upper/lower body muscles while performing top spin strokes were analyzed. After training, significant interactions (group × time) were observed in increasing 1RM strength in upper/lower muscles (p < 0.05). However, neither training type had any significant effect on muscle EMG activity. These findings suggest that there should not necessarily be any significant change in the EMG signal after BT and PT despite the increase in muscle strength.

Gender Differences in Physical Fitness Characteristics in Professional Padel Players

The aims of the present study were to examine the fitness characteristics of professional padel players and to determine differences in physical performance regarding players’ gender. Thirty professional padel players (men: n = 15, age = 27.4 ± 6.8 years, height = 177.9 ± 4.0 cm; women: n = 15, age = 30.0 ± 4.2 years, height = 166.6 ± 4.8 cm) completed a 4-day evaluation process, including: isometric handgrip strength, sit and reach, 10 × 5 shuttle test, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), Abalakov test, one-repetition maximum test (bench press, leg extension, leg curl, lat pulldowns, overhead press, and shoulder press), anthropometry and VO2 max tests. The men players had higher values in terms of weight, height, one maximum repetition, jump tests (CMJ and ABK) and VO2 max test than the women (p < 0.005). By contrast, the women had higher values for fat mass (p = 0.005; ES: 2.49). The values from this multifaceted test battery can be a useful guide for coaches regarding players’ development in future evaluations and monitoring.

Effects of Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Aerobic and Muscular Endurance in Young Adults Men

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of citrulline malate (CIT) supplementation on aerobic and muscular endurance in young adult males. Eighteen young adult men (age: 21.5 ± 2.7 years) were randomized into two groups (Citrulline malate - CIT and Placebo - PLA; N = 9/group ) and received the respective supplements for 7 days. The CIT group was supplemented with 6 g CIT + 6 g dextrose (total: 12 g), while the PLA group received the same amount (12 g) of dextrose. At the pre- and post-supplementation, the following variables were analyzed: aerobic (maximal treadmill test, Tmax) and muscle (repetitions maximum test, Rmax) endurance tests, as well as mean and maximum heart rate (HR) in Tmax and ratings of perceived exertion (PSE) in Rmax. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were found between CIT and PLA groups in time until exhaustion in Tmax, total repetitions in Rmax, maximal HR and PSE from pre- to post-supplementation. The mean HR was statistically lower (P < 0.05) in the CIT group compared to the PLA in the Tmax. In conclusion, supplementation of CIT (6 g / day) does not improve aerobic and muscular endurance, as well as maximal HR or PSE in healthy young adults, despite reducing the mean HR during the maximal incremental test. Keywords: Endurance Training. Dietary Supplements. Physical Functional Performance. Citrulline. Nitric Oxide. ResumoO objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de citrulina malato (CIT) sobre a resistência aeróbica e muscular em homens adultos jovens. Em um desenho experimental randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado com placebo, dezoito homens adultos jovens (idade: 21,5 ± 2,7 anos) foram randomizados em dois grupos (Citrulina malato – CIT e Placebo – PLA; N = 9/grupo) e receberam os respectivos suplementos por um período de 7 dias. O grupo CIT foi suplementado com 6 g de CIT + 6 g de dextrose (total: 12 g), enquanto o grupo PLA recebeu a mesma quantidade (12 g) de dextrose. Nos momentos pré e pós suplementação as seguintes variáveis foram analisadas: resistência aeróbia (teste incremental máximo em esteira rolante, Tmáx) e muscular (teste de repetições máximas, Rmáx), bem como a frequência cardíaca (FC) média e máxima no Tmáx e a análise da percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) no Rmáx. Nenhuma diferença significante (P > 0,05) foi encontrada entre os grupos CIT e PLA no tempo até a exaustão no Tmáx, total de repetições no Rmáx, FC máxima e PSE do momento pré para o pós suplementação. A FC média foi estatisticamente (P < 0,05) menor no grupo CIT comparado ao PLA no Tmáx. Em conclusão, a suplementação de CIT (6 g/dia) não melhora a resistência aeróbica e muscular, bem como a FC máxima ou PSE em adultos jovens saudáveis, apesar de reduzir a FC média durante o teste incremental máximo. Palavras-chave: Treino Aeróbico. Suplementos Nutricionais. Desempenho Físico Funcional. Citrulina. Óxido Nítrico.

Interventions to control nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a modelling study

BackgroundEmergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants requires more efficient control measures to limit nosocomial transmission and maintain healthcare capacities during pandemic waves. Yet, the relative importance of different strategies is unknown.MethodsWe developed an agent-based model and compared the impact of personal protective equipment (PPE), screening of healthcare workers (HCWs), contact tracing of symptomatic HCWs, and restricting HCWs from working in multiple units (HCW cohorting) on nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The model was fit on hospital data from the first wave in the Netherlands (February until August 2020) and assumed that HCWs used 90% effective PPE in COVID-19 wards and self-isolated at home for seven days immediately upon symptom onset. Intervention effects on the effective reproduction number (RE), HCW absenteeism and the proportion of infected individuals among tested individuals (positivity rate) were estimated for a more transmissible variant.ResultsIntroduction of a variant with 56% higher transmissibility increased – all other variables kept constant – RE from 0.4 to 0.65 (+63%) and nosocomial transmissions by 303%, mainly because of more transmissions caused by pre-symptomatic patients and HCWs. Compared to baseline, PPE use in all hospital wards (assuming 90% effectiveness) reduced RE by 85% and absenteeism by 57%. Screening HCWs every three days with perfect test sensitivity reduced RE by 67%, yielding a maximum test positivity rate of 5%. Screening HCWs every three or seven days assuming time-varying test sensitivities reduced RE by 9% and 3%, respectively. Contact tracing reduced RE by at least 32% and achieved higher test positivity rates than screening interventions. HCW cohorting reduced RE by 5%. Sensitivity analyses for 50% and 70% effectiveness of PPE use did not change interpretation.ConclusionsIn response to the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants, PPE use in all hospital wards might still be most effective in preventing nosocomial transmission. Regular screening and contact tracing of HCWs are also effective interventions, but critically depend on the sensitivity of the diagnostic test used.

Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of a Flexible Rotor Supported by a Flexure Pivot Tilting Pad Journal Bearing in Comparison to a Fixed Profile Journal Bearing with Experimental Verification

In this paper, an efficient numerical method consisting of the real mode component mode synthesis (CMS) model reduction, shooting method with parallel computing, and Floquet analysis was developed for nonlinear rotordynamics analysis of a flexible rotor supported by a 4-lobe flexure pivot tilting pad journal bearing (FPTPJB) in load-on-pad (LOP) and load-between-pad (LBP) orientations in comparison to a fixed profile journal bearing (JB) of the same pad geometry. The method used the rotor's finite elements and bearing forces obtained from directly solving the Reynolds equation to determine the limit cycles and Hopf bifurcation types. For the investigated rotor and bearing parameters, the numerical results indicated that the onset speed of instability (OSI) of FPTPJB is considerably higher than that of JB of the same orientation. Also, FPTPJB in LOP orientation yielded higher OSI than the LBP one, whereas the OSI of JB in LOP orientation was substantially higher than the LBP counterpart. Nonlinear calculation results indicated that all bearing types and orientations gave subcritical Hopf bifurcation. The FPTPJB in LOP orientation produced the largest stable operating region, whereas the JB in LBP configuration yield the smallest one. The experiment showed subcritical Hopf bifurcation occurred at speed close to the calculated OSI in all cases except FPTPJB in LOP orientation that the OSI is higher than the maximum test rig speed. The whirling orbit had the same frequency as the first critical speed and precessed in the direction of shaft rotation.