Decline In Performance Research Articles

Will the COVID-19 infection affect the performance of top basketball players? A data-driven analysis

PurposeTo investigate the changes in the game performance of high-level basketball players in NBA league before and after the COVID-19 infection.MethodsAthletic statistics were collected from official database for 68 players (19 forwards, 29 guards, 20 centers; mean age 27.14 ± 3.65 years) in the NBA league for 10 games before and after infection with COVID-19. We used a the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance to examine the impact caused by COVID-19.ResultsAmong all 68 players, a statistically significant decrease in plus/minus (Z = −2.392, p = 0.017) and free throw shooting (FT% Z = −2.153, p = 0.031), occurred compared to the pre-infection with COVID-19. Among the interior players, we found a statistically significant decrease in free throw shooting FT% (Z = 2.674, p = 0.021), Plus/Minus (Z = −2.371, p = 0.018). Among centers and forwards, there was no statistically significant change.ConclusionThe impact of COVID-19 on players’ fatigue and cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance may have contributed to the decline in performance, and the impact of detraining due to isolation should not be ignored.

Abstract 4126628: Worse Cardiac Structure and Function is Associated with Decline in Multiple Domains of Cognitive Function: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Cognitive impairment is cross-sectionally associated with worse cardiac structure/function. However, limited data exist regarding cardiac structure/function and longitudinal changes in cognitive function. Objective: Determine the association of cardiac structure and function with longitudinal changes in cognitive performance in late life. Methods: Among HF- and dementia-free participants in the community-based ARIC study who attended the 5th study visit (V5; 2011-2013), underwent protocol echocardiography, and completed a neurocognitive test battery at both V5 and study Visit 6 (V6; 2015-17), we assessed associations of cardiac structure and function measures with changes in both domain-specific and global cognitive scores between V5 and V6 using multivariable linear regression. Models were initially adjusted for demographics and education level, with additional models further adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and disease at both V5 and V6. The neuropsychological test battery consisted of 10 neuropsychological tests that covered 3 domains of cognitive function: memory, executive functioning, and language. Factor scores were constructed for each cognitive domain, and their average represented a global composite score. Results: Among 2,988 included participants, mean age was 74±5 years, 60% were female, 20% reported Black race, and mean LVEF was 66±6%. Over a mean of 4.9±0.6 years (the V5 to V6 interval), raw scores declined for all neuropsychological tests. In fully adjusted models, worse diastolic function (larger LAVi) and LV remodeling (greater LV mass index) were associated with decline in executive function. Lower LVEF was associated with decline in language function, while worse LV longitudinal strain – a more sensitive measure of systolic dysfunction – was associated with decline in executive function, language function, and global cognition performance (all p<0.05; Table). Conclusion: Subclinical LV remodeling and dysfunction is associated with greater declines in cognitive function over 5 years in late life. Differential associations were observed by cognitive domains, with executive function decline most uniformly associated with impairments in cardiac structure/function.

Endurance of leg muscle strength and endurance of arm muscle strength to the ability of swimming speed 200 meters breaststroke

The lack of breaststroke swimming ability among athletes has led to a decline in breaststroke swimming performance in the Solok city swimming association. This problem is thought to be related to the low endurance of leg and arm muscles to the swimming speed of 200 meters breaststroke. This correlational study aims to reveal the contribution of leg muscle endurance, arm muscles, and the joint contribution of both to swimming speed 200 meters breaststroke in athletes coaching achievements in the Solok city swimming association. This study involved 25 swimming athletes in Solok city, with total sampling technique. Data on leg muscle strength endurance was measured through the squat jump test, arm muscle strength endurance through the push up test, and swimming speed through the 200 meter breaststroke swimming test. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple correlations with a significant level of α = 0.05, and the contribution was calculated by the formula r² x 100%. The results of data analysis showed that leg muscle strength endurance contributed 74.65%, while arm muscle strength endurance contributed 70.06%. The combination of both contributed 74.99% to the ability of 200 meters breaststroke swimming speed of athletes coaching achievements in swimming associations in Solok city.

Analyzing Multilayer Graphene Nanoribbon‐Based Via‐Interconnect Scheme: Prospects and Challenges for Monolithic 3D Integrated Circuits

This article presents a multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR)‐based single‐tier on‐chip nanoscale via‐interconnect scheme (VIS), which combines the vertical MLGNR via and horizontal MLGNR interconnect, as a prospect for monolithic 3D (M‐3D) integrated circuits (ICs). To go beyond the simplifying assumptions of perfect MLGNR and conventional skin‐effect, this study incorporates the impact of edge‐ and substrate‐induced scatterers in a realistic MLGNR and considers the 1D skin depth formula for MLGNR‐based on‐chip interconnect and via. A combined equivalent circuit model is developed to analyze the challenges induced by scatterers, skin‐effect, and crosstalk effect in perfect MLGNR VIS (P‐VIS) and realistic MLGNR VIS (R‐VIS). The results show that for width in the range of 5–30 nm, P‐VIS outperforms R‐VIS in terms of crosstalk delay. Moreover, at high frequencies ranging from 1 to 104 GHz with a width of 16 nm, R‐VIS demonstrates a performance decline of 243.18% (5.3934 × 103%) for L = 4.8 μm (1 mm), respectively, in comparison with P‐VIS. Hence, in order to leverage the potential of MLGNR‐based VIS for M‐3D ICs at high frequencies, it is imperative to integrate Li‐intercalation doping and mitigate the impact of edge and substrate scatterers in MLGNR.

Internal Encapsulation Enables Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made significant strides in efficiency, but their long‐term stability remains a challenge. While external encapsulation mitigates extrinsic degradation and lead leakage, it does not fully address performance decline due to ion migration within the perovskite devices. Therefore, an internal encapsulation layer that can selectively transport charge carriers and suppress ion migration across the interface is of great significance for achieving long‐term stability in these devices. Here, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can serve as an effective internal encapsulation layer between the perovskite film and the electron transport layer in the inverted PSCs is demonstrated. The PTFE layer can selectively transport electrons and suppress ion diffusion, resulting in a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.49% compared to 24.74% of the control devices and much better long‐term stability. Even after 1500 h of air exposure, the internal encapsulated perovskite devices can maintain 92.6% of their original PCE, outperforming the control devices at 80.4%. This approach offers a novel solution for addressing ion migration‐induced instability in perovskite devices.

The Impact of Ageing on Episodic Memory Retrieval: How Valence Influences Neural Functional Connectivity

Age-related decline in episodic memory is often linked to structural and functional changes in the brain. Here, we investigated how these alterations might affect functional connectivity during memory retrieval following exposure to emotional stimuli. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants viewed images with varying emotional valences (positive, negative, and neutral) followed by unrelated non-arousing videos and were then asked to retrieve an episodic detail from the previously shown video. We conducted Multivariate Pattern Analysis (MVPA) to identify regions with divergent responses between age groups, which then served as seeds in Seed-Based Connectivity (SBC) analyses. The results revealed an age-related decline in behavioural performance following exposure to negative stimuli but preserved performance following positive stimuli. Young adults exhibited increased functional connectivity following negative valence. Conversely, old adults displayed increased connectivity more scarcely, and only following positive valence. These findings point to an adaptive response of the impact of emotions on task performance that depends on neural adaptations related to ageing. This suggests that age-related changes in functional connectivity might underlie how emotions influence memory, highlighting the need to tailor memory support strategies in older adulthood.

Assessment of Perceived Effort Through On-Field Hydration Monitoring: A Case Analysis

This case report examines the correlation between hydration, weight variation, and perceived effort in a 43-year-old amateur athlete during a self-supported 81.5 km crossing of Death Valley, completed over 3 days with significant elevation changes. Studies have shown that a body mass loss greater than 2–3% can lead to an increased perception of effort and a decline in performance. Specifically, during passive and active heat exposures, the average body mass loss was found to be 1.4 ± 0.3% and 4.1 ± 0.7%, respectively. Salivary osmolarity has demonstrated a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 91% in diagnosing dehydration of ≥ 2%, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive indicator of hydration status. The subject monitored their own body weight, hydration (via salivary osmolarity), and perceived effort using a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Nutritional intake included isocaloric meals and nutritional bars, and hydration was managed using water and a hydroelectrolytic solution. Key bioimpedance parameters were measured to assess body composition and hydration status. A progressive decrease in body weight correlated with an increase in perceived effort (RPE score) and salivary osmolarity. Resistance (Rx) remained stable, while reactance (Xc) showed a biphasic trend and was inversely correlated with the sodium/potassium ratio (NAK). There were significant linear correlations between perceived effort and both weight loss and salivary osmolarity, indicating that salivary osmolarity is a potential early predictor of these changes. The findings highlight a linear correlation between weight loss, perceived effort, and salivary osmolarity, suggesting that monitoring salivary osmolarity would be useful for the field assessment of hydration and exertion. Further research with larger populations is necessary to validate these observations.

Numerical and experimental study of dynamic gas–liquid separator with various viscosities

The gas–liquid separation process is important in various industries, such as electric power, aerospace, and petroleum. This study introduces an innovative, dynamic gas–liquid separator (DGLS) in which a cyclonic flow pattern is induced by blade rotation. This cyclonic flow enhances the efficiency of gas and liquid phase separation while also imparting energy to facilitate the transport of the separated fluid. Numerical simulations are used to analyze the internal flow dynamics, power requirements, and separation efficiency of this DGLS. A comparison with experimental results is conducted to validate the reliability of the numerical model. The effects of liquid-phase viscosity on the internal energy consumption and separation performance of the DGLS are explored at various flow rates. The simulation results indicate that for a given viscosity, the degassing rate of the separator decreases while the liquid removal rate increases as the inlet flow rate rises. Furthermore, it is observed that higher viscosity leads to poorer separation performance, with a decrease in turbulent kinetic energy near the rotating axis and an increase in turbulence intensity near the wall. At lower flow rates, the effectiveness of liquid-phase outlet pressurization improves with increasing viscosity. However, at higher flow rates, increasing viscosity leads to a substantial decline in energy performance and a reduction in liquid-phase outlet pressurization. The increment in turbulent kinetic energy is greater than the square of the mean velocity, indicating a positive correlation between turbulence intensity and turbulent kinetic energy. These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for the prediction of flow losses within a DGLS and the efficient design of these separators, but also provide guidance for industrial applications involving high-viscosity fluids.

Enhancing mortar performance: A comparative study on particle size of recycled concrete powder and metakaolin in binary and ternary blends

The construction industry generates substantial volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW), including aggregates and fine particles classified as recycled concrete powder (RCP). This study investigates the sustainable reuse of RCP by evaluating its combined use with metakaolin (MK) as supplementary cementitious materials in both binary and ternary mixtures with Portland cement, aiming to reduce environmental impact without compromising mortar performance. The experimental program assessed two particle sizes of RCP, along with MK, and various replacement levels, which were pivotal parameters in the study. A series of binary and ternary mixtures were prepared with different proportions of RCP and MK, considering replacement levels ranging from 10 % to a maximum of 30 %, using RCP alone or in conjunction with MK. The mortars were analyzed in both fresh and hardened states, focusing on critical properties such as consistency index, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, water absorption, density, void index, and capillary water absorption. Furthermore, a microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a cement consumption efficiency index, along with CO₂ emissions data, was calculated to provide a comprehensive evaluation of performance and sustainability. The findings demonstrate that RCP with a particle size comparable to that of cement (RCP1) significantly enhances both physical and mechanical performance, particularly in ternary mixtures with MK due to its pozzolanic activity, where the silica (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃) components react to form additional hydrated products, thereby improving the properties of mortars. For instance, the ternary mixture comprising 15 % RCP1 and 15 % MK attained compressive and splitting tensile strength of 29.26 MPa and 3.36 MPa at 28 days, respectively, compared to the reference mixture, which yielded 27.96 MPa and 3.33 MPa. Conversely, larger particle sizes (RCP2) and higher replacement levels led to a decline in performance across all evaluated parameters. Ternary mixtures containing RCP1 also exhibited a higher cement consumption efficiency index and lower CO₂ emissions per MPa. Notably, the mixture with 15 % RCP1 and 15 % MK showed the most favorable indicators overall, with cement consumption and CO₂ emissions measured at 12.08 kg/m³·MPa and 10.01 kgCO₂/m³·MPa, respectively. These results suggest that the synergy between RCP1 and MK enhances particle packing and matrix density, which in turn improves the structural properties of the mortar. The incorporation of MK compensates for the limited reactivity of RCP, especially at higher replacement levels, while the utilization of RCP1 offers significant sustainability benefits by reducing Portland cement consumption. This study demonstrates that the combination of RCP and MK in ternary mixtures presents a technically viable and sustainable alternative for mortar production, optimizing cement use and reducing CO₂ emissions. The innovative application of CDW-derived RCP in construction materials represents a practical approach to promoting more sustainable practices within the industry.

Optimal cutoff score of the circular tandem walk test for determining the risk of falls in older community-dwelling individuals with type 2 diabetes

Patients with chronic diabetes may have a physical performance decline, which significantly increases the risk of falling. The study aimed to assess the validity of the Circular Tandem Walk Test (CTWT) in determining fall risk among older community-dwelling Thais with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a cross-sectional diagnostic study of 71 older participants with T2DM from various communities. The participants were divided into “faller” (who had experienced one or more fall events) and “non-faller” groups based on 6-month fall history data. They were then interviewed about their fear of falling (FOF) using a single question and the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), followed by the CTWT. Thirty-five participants reported having fallen in the past six months. Significant differences were in the fallers and non-fallers CTWT, FOF, and FES-I scores (p < 0.001). CTWT results were significantly correlated with FOF (rpb = 0.605, p < 0.001), FES-I (rho = 0.837, p < 0.001), and number of falls (rho = 0.736, p < 0.001). The study suggested that the cutoff score for CTWT is 15.2 s, with a sensitivity = 80.00, specificity = 86.11, and AUC = 0.915. This study demonstrated the validity of the CTWT for determining the risk of falls in older community-dwelling individuals with T2DM. Implementing this tool in a community setting would be helpful in the initial screening and referral of data by concerned healthcare professionals. However, further studies may be needed to explore the reliability of CTWT and ensure the appropriate clinical use of CTWT by healthcare professionals.

Perceived Negative Menstrual Cycle Symptoms, but not Changes in Estrogen or Progesterone, are Associated with Impaired Cycling Race Performance.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between menstrual cycle (MC) phase-dependent fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone and virtual cycling race performance, with a secondary aim of correlating perceived MC-related symptoms with performance.Methods: In a novel observational study design, thirty-seven female cyclists/triathletes not using any hormonal contraception completed one virtual cycling race [19.5 km time trial (TT)] per week across a one-month period (totaling four races). Participants completed MC characterization and tracking, including urinary ovulation kits, across two complete MCs. Venous blood samples were collected within 21 h of racing to determine serum 17-β-estradiol and progesterone concentrations, as well as an assessment of self-reported, perceived race-day MC and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which were all then correlated to race performance.Results: There was no relationship between race completion time and individual estradiol (r = -0.001, p = 0.992) or progesterone (r = -0.023, p = 0.833) concentrations. There was no difference between race time between MC phases (follicular/luteal, p = 0.238), whether MC bleeding or not bleeding (p = 0.619) and ovulating or not ovulating (p = 0.423). The total number of perceived MC symptoms recorded on race day was positively correlated to increased race time [r = 0.268 (95% CI 0.056 to 0.457), p = 0.014], as was the number of GI symptoms of at least "moderate" severity before the race (r = 0.233 [95% CI 0.021 to 0.425], p = 0.031), but not post-race (r = 0.022, p = 0.841).Conclusions: When implementing a novel, virtual cycling race, fluctuations in ovarian hormone concentrations across the MC do not appear to affect real-world cycling performance among trained cyclists, while perceived negative MC and GI symptoms may relate to impaired performance. Therefore, the management of negative MC and GI symptoms appears important for athletic performance enhancement or to mitigate performance decline.

Recovery practices of slovenian sport climbers

Post-exercise recovery interventions enable athletes to overcome greater training loads and thereby enhancing their performance. Post-exercise recovery strategies serve to optimize recovery, help lower performance decline and prevent overtraining. The purpose of this study was to examine the current practices and attitudes towards post-exercise recovery among Slovenian sport climbers. 339 sports climbers from Slovenia (186 males, 153 females), consisting of 330 recreational sport climbers and 9 competitive sport climbers completed an online survey which was active from February to May 2022. The most common recovery strategies among sport climbers are sleep/rest (84%) and stretching (77%). A significant proportion of sport climbers (87%) reported sleeping duration below the recommended amount of sleep. Personal opinions notably influence the choice of recovery strategies (6 out of 9 competitive sport climbers and 71% of recreational sport climbers). Our findings reveal discrepancies between individual beliefs regarding the effectiveness of specific strategies and their practical implementation. Competitive sport climbers have more individualized recovery strategies (p = 0.012) and use a greater number of recovery strategies (p = 0. 005). Even though that such recovery practices of sport climbers are often in conflict with the literature, we can conclude that sport climbers recover solidly. This data may suggest that recovery does not play a major role in sport climbing performance.

Performance Verification and Evaluation of Semi-Active Actuator System Using Quarter Car Lab Simulation with RLDA Data

This study outlines a methodology for determining the durability specifications of electronically controlled dampers by examining performance degradation observed on actual driving roads. It identifies areas of performance decline and the primary causes affecting major actuator dampers. Traditionally, the durability performance of automobile parts has been assessed by calculating damage based on load profiles. However, analyzing actual road conditions is essential because the control commands of electronically controlled suspension systems change in real time according to load conditions. Simulations based on Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA) use statistically independent representative road surfaces to assess damper deterioration performance. Following this analysis, a rig test of the damper is performed to establish the durability specifications for damper actuator products. The primary form of performance degradation observed was a change in the tensile damping force, which was more substantial than the degradation observed on the compression side. Oil leakage and cavitation were identified as significant influencing factors from a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) perspective. The study concludes that additional design research is necessary, focusing on damper oil and leakage, while also considering the control algorithm’s effects in designing electronically controlled dampers.

Gender quotas influence the appointment of women to precarious leadership positions: A signalling approach

AbstractIn this research we address the ongoing debate about the existence of the glass‐cliff phenomenon by investigating boundary conditions and mechanisms influencing its persistence and decline. Drawing on signalling theory, we hypothesize that the glass‐cliff's presence fluctuates with the clarity of signals associated with appointing women board members at various stages of quota policy implementation. In Study 1, we analyzed a dataset of 258 board appointments in German‐listed companies from 2003 to 2020. We found that women executives were more likely to be appointed following periods of declining performance during Stage 1 (pre‐quota announcement) and Stage 3 (post‐quota enforcement), but not in Stage 2 (post‐announcement, pre‐enforcement). In Study 2, an experiment with 476 respondents, we tested for changes in signal clarity as an underlying mechanism. Results indicate that signal clarity associated with appointing women following performance decline is influenced by quota policies. Signal clarity was highest during stages 1 and 3, but diminished in Stage 2. These findings support the signalling explanation for the glass‐cliff, highlighting that its occurrence is influenced by country‐level policies and emphasizing that the symbolic value of appointing women to board positions as indicators of change depends on the clarity of these signals.

Sex Differences in Response to Diet Enriched with Glutathione Precursors in the Aging Heart.

Common features of the aging heart are dysregulated metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Elevated oxidative stress is another hallmark of cardiac aging that can exacerbate each of these conditions. We hypothesize that by increasing natural antioxidant levels (glutathione), we will improve cardiac function. Twenty-one-month-old mice were fed Glycine and N-Acetyl Cysteine (GlyNAC) (glutathione precursors)-supplemented or control diets for 12 weeks. Heart function was monitored longitudinally, and the exercise performance was determined at the end of the study. We found that the GlyNAC diet was beneficial for old male but not old female mice, leading to an increase of Ndufb8 expression (a subunit of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex), and higher enzymatic activity for CPT1b and CrAT, two carnitine acyltransferases that are critical to cardiomyocyte metabolism. Although no quantifiable change of collagen turnover was detected, hearts from GlyNAC-fed old males exhibited a slight but significant enrichment in Fmod, a protein that can inhibit collagen fibril formation, possibly reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and thus improving diastolic function. Cardiac diastolic function was modestly improved in males but not females, and surprisingly GlyNAC-fed female mice showed a decline in exercise performance. In summary, our work supports the concept that aged male and female hearts are phenotypically different. These basic differences may affect the response to pharmacological and diet interventions, including antioxidants.

Unleashing the Possibilities of Play: Analyzing the positive and negative consequences of multiplayer online gaming

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of multiplayer online gaming (MOG), attracting significant attention for its potential impact on individuals and communities. While much research has focused on various aspects of MOG, there are gaps in understanding the comprehensive array of both positive and negative consequences associated with it. This research contributes significantly by employing a multi-method approach across three distinct phases. Initially, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify four positive and three negative components of multiplayer online gaming effects. In the subsequent phase, diverse regression modeling techniques in machine learning were applied to these components. Notably, both XGBoost and LightGBM algorithms demonstrated the highest accuracy, achieving 75.6% and 77.5% respectively for positive and negative components, surpassing other algorithms used. Finally, an Android-based application was employed for experimental validation, specifically targeting cognitive functions such as reaction time and multitasking. “Results indicated that multiplayer online gamers exhibited quicker visual reflexes (0.393 s) compared to non-gamers (0.525 s) and slightly better multitasking ability (6.033 s vs. 7.067 s). These findings suggest that multiplayer online gaming can positively impact cognitive skills, yet excessive engagement may lead to detrimental effects such as a decline in academic performance. This research aims to analyze the cognitive impacts of multiplayer online gaming by identifying its positive and negative effects, providing valuable insights for future researchers, parents, and gamers to promote informed decision-making and well-being.

Associations between white matter microstructure and cognitive decline in major depressive disorder versus controls in Germany: a prospective case-control cohort study

Cognitive deficits are a key source of disability in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and worsen with disease progression. Despite their clinical relevance, the underlying mechanisms of cognitive deficits remain poorly elucidated, hampering effective treatment strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in white matter microstructure might contribute to cognitive dysfunction in MDD. We aimed to investigate the complex association between changes in white matter integrity, cognitive decline, and disease course in MDD in a comprehensive longitudinal dataset. In the naturalistic, observational, prospective, case-control Marburg-Münster Affective Disorders Cohort Study, individuals aged 18-65 years and of Caucasian ancestry were recruited from local psychiatric hospitals in Münster and Marburg, Germany, and newspaper advertisements. Individuals diagnosed with MDD and individuals without any history of psychiatric disorder (ie, healthy controls) were included in this subsample analysis. Participants had diffusion-weighted imaging, a battery of neuropsychological tests, and detailed clinical data collected at baseline and at 2 years of follow-up. We used linear mixed-effect models to compare changes in cognitive performance and white matter integrity between participants with MDD and healthy controls. Diffusion-weighted imaging analyses were conducted using tract-based spatial statistics. To correct for multiple comparisons, threshold free cluster enhancement (TFCE) was used to correct α-values at the family-wise error rate (FWE; ptfce-FWE). Effect sizes were estimated by conditional, partial R2 values (sr2) following the Nakagawa and Schielzeth method to quantify explained variance. The association between changes in cognitive performance and changes in white matter integrity was analysed. Finally, we examined whether the depressive disease course between assessments predicted cognitive performance at follow-up and whether white matter integrity mediated this association. People with lived experience were not involved in the research and writing process. 881 participants were selected for our study, of whom 418 (47%) had MDD (mean age 36·8 years [SD 13·4], 274 [66%] were female, and 144 [34%] were male) and 463 (53%) were healthy controls (mean age 35·6 years [13·5], 295 [64%] were female, and 168 [36%] were male). Baseline assessments were done between Sept 11, 2014, and June 3, 2019, and after a mean follow-up of 2·20 years (SD 0·19), follow-up assessments were done between Oct 6, 2016, and May 31, 2021. Participants with MDD had lower cognitive performance than did healthy controls (p<0·0001, sr2=0·056), regardless of timepoint. Analyses of diffusion-weighted imaging indicated a significant diagnosis × time interaction with a steeper decline in white matter integrity of the superior longitudinal fasciculus over time in participants with MDD than in healthy controls (ptfce-FWE=0·026, sr2=0·002). Furthermore, cognitive decline was robustly associated with the decline in white matter integrity over time across both groups (ptfce-FWE<0·0001, sr2=0·004). In participants with MDD, changes in white matter integrity (p=0·0040, β=0·071) and adverse depressive disease course (p=0·0022, β=-0·073) independently predicted lower cognitive performance at follow-up. Alterations of white matter integrity occurred over time to a greater extent in participants with MDD than in healthy controls, and decline in white matter integrity was associated with a decline in cognitive performance across groups. Our findings emphasise the crucial role of white matter microstructure and disease progression in depression-related cognitive dysfunction, making both priority targets for future treatment development. German Research Foundation (DFG).

A novel sustainable wood-based negative air anion generator utilizing in-situ polymerization of polylactic acid to reinforce the cellulose framework

The generation of negative air ions (NAI) by furniture contributes to indoor air purification and enhances the living environment. However, commercially available furniture typically relies on surface coatings to release NAI. Over time, the degradation of these coatings leads to a significant decline in NAI release performance, presenting a persistent challenge for sustained effectiveness. Here, a novel sustainable wood-based negative air anion generator (SWNG) had been developed, utilizing a cellulose framework as the substrate. The in-situ synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) within the wood incorporated titanium dioxide (TiO2), tourmaline (TL), and cellulose acetate, firmly anchoring these materials within the wood structure. Compared to the cellulose framework alone, the NAI production of the SWNG had increased by 406.67 %. The impregnation with PLA enhanced the enduring photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and TL in this innovative wooden NAI generator. After undergoing 200 cycles of testing between −40 °C and 50 °C, it continued to sustain NAI production, demonstrating exceptional antibacterial performance. Overall, this study introduced a novel sustainable wood-based negative air ion generator as a highly stable material with sustainable properties, offering significant potential for applications in improving indoor air quality and in the domain of home construction.

Degradation of hemihydrate phosphogypsum-based backfill in underground mining: Mechanical and microstructural insights on the effects of pH and temperature of mine water

The mechanical properties of hemihydrate phosphogypsum-based backfill (HPG-backfill) are significantly influenced by the temperature and pH of mine water (MW), impacting the stability of underground mining operations. This study evaluates the effects of MW at different temperatures (20°C, 30°C, and 40°C) and pH levels (3, 5, and 7) on HPG-backfill’s mechanical strength. A comprehensive analysis, including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric (TG-DTG), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), was employed to explore degradation mechanisms. The results indicate a significant decline in the mechanical performance of HPG-backfill when exposed to MW. This degradation becomes particularly pronounced under more acidic conditions and at elevated temperatures. A polynomial relationship between strength and pH, and a linear correlation with temperature, were identified. Interaction effects between temperature and pH on 28-day strength degradation were observed, diminishing with increased temperature or decreased pH. Gray relational analysis highlights pH as a more critical factor than temperature in degradation. Strength degradation is primarily attributed to gypsum dissolution and the pressure induced by recrystallization, which leads to the formation of fatigue cracks. Additionally, acidic conditions accelerate premature crystallization, altering both the crystal morphology and the pore structure. These insights advance the understanding of HPG-backfill degradation, guiding the developing of more resilient backfill materials for extreme mining environments.

LRCN: Layer-residual Co-Attention Networks for Visual Question Answering

Visual Question Answering (VQA) is a multimodal task requiring a collaborative understanding of fine-grained visual concepts and language semantics. The key to VQA research is constructing a framework for modeling inter and intramodal information interactions between intricate modalities. Due to the superior global view and the ability to capture the relationships within multimodal information, the Transformer and its variants have become the prime choice for VQA tasks. Despite this layer-by-layer architecture enabling answer reasoning by optimizing multimodal feature information, the information may still be lost when transferred from lower to higher layers. To solve such an issue, we propose a Layer-Residual Mechanism (LRM), a plug-and-play generic approach that can reduce the computation and memory overhead to almost negligible. By adding a residual straight-through line between adjacent layers that cascades the attention block in-depth, LRM mitigates the vanishing during information transfer, stabilizes training, and endeavors to overcome performance decline in VQA models at deeper layers. To verify the effectiveness and generality of the proposed LRM, we apply it to the Encoder-Decoder structure, the Pure-Stacking structure, and a specifically designed Co-Stacking structure that can simultaneously understand textual features and visual features called Layer-residual Co-Attention Networks (LRCN). Extensive ablation studies and comparative experiments on the benchmark VQA v2 and CLEVR datasets show that LRCN significantly outperforms the original architectures, demonstrating the superior effectiveness and compatibility of LRCN.