Final Draw Research Articles

Analysis and prediction of unforced errors in men's and women's professional padel.

The aims were to I. assess the differences in unforced errors between men's and women's professional padel players, II. assess the differences in unforced errors between winners and losers of the set in professional padel players, III. analyse the evolution of unforced errors in professional padel. To do this, the unforced errors (which are provided by World Padel Tour (WPT)) were collected from 2,567 sets (1,476 men's sets and 1,091 women's sets) corresponding to matches from the final draw (round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals) of tournaments on the WPT men's and women's circuits during 2016 to 2022 seasons, which are available on the WPT YouTube channel and on the WPT TV website. The results with respect to the first aim indicate that the number of unforced errors was higher in women's padel than in men's, regardless of the set number, tournament round, season and court. With respect to the second aim, not committing unforced errors is a fundamental factor in professional padel to win the sets. Finally, regarding the third aim, the number of unforced errors decreased as the seasons progressed; therefore, to win, players should not only have to pass the ball without missing, but they might have to hit winners or generate forced errors of the opponent.

An investigation of multi-pass incremental sheet forming

This study investigates toolpath strategies of multi-pass incremental sheet forming (MSPIF) including a combination of an IN (I) pass where the tool moves inwards and downwards and an OUT (O) pass where the tool moves outward and upward. MSPIF processes (III, IIO, IOI and IOO) were investigated to form cone and dome shapes using experimental testing and finite element (FE) simulation. It was found that any IN pass after the initial IN pass, produced stepped features due to Rigid Body Translation (RBT) of the formed part, with the magnitude of the step being dependent on the both the quantity and position of the IN passes. The IOO strategy was more effective in producing a flat bottom cup (no stepped features), but due to the succession of OUT passes used, sheet thinning occurred near the centre of the formed part. A 4-stage IOOO strategy successfully increased the final maximum draw angle by 23% relative to the maximum wall angle of a single pass. The results have shown that the MSPIF approach can be used as an effective means to improve the formability in incremental sheet forming.

Fabricated magnetic adsorption – Forward osmosis membrane hybrid system for hydroponic irrigation from rich arsenic–containing heavy metal water stream

Solidification of soluble arsenic from extremely acidic water and direct use of recovery water have been the major challenges in global water management, with the urgent need for new treatment system development. Thus, magnetic adsorption – fertilizer drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) hybrid system with a novel adsorbent and fertilizer mixture to solve the drawbacks of each process was developed with the ultimate goals of metal removal and direct reuse for hydroponic irrigation. Magnetic metal-organic framework-based adsorbent (CMM) was synthesized with various promising capabilities, i.e., wide pH range efficiency, strong pH adjustment, good stability, fast adsorption (1 h), and oxidation (40 min), high capacity (175 and 126 mg/g for As(III), As(V)), strong magnetization (75 emu/g), complete separation by a magnet, excellent interference-tolerance and reusability. In the FDFO system, a massive water volume (50 times higher than the initial draw solution with suitable nutrients for hydroponics irrigation with acceptable NaCl levels was obtained for the first time up to now. However, low As(III) rejection (50%) required the FDFO process to improve more. After integrating with magnetic adsorption, nearly 100% of As was removed. The pH of feed solutions adjusted from extremely acidic to close to neutral conditions further solidified metal by precipitation and membrane separation processes, leading to almost no detection of metals in the final draw solution. Also, favorable nutrients and excellent reusability were obtained. This hybrid process would generally offer an environmentally sustainable and high efficiency for decontaminating As-containing heavy metal water for hydroponic irrigation.

The prognostic value of degree of pre- and post-treatment anemia in patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancers.

e16012 Background: Anemia is common in cancer patients and cancer-related anemia has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes in various malignancies. The degree of anemia in patients receiving chemotherapy, as a prognostic factor in gastroesophageal cancers (GE), is not well understood. There have been studies looking at clinical prognostic scores and their efficacy of predicting outcomes, of which the Gustave Roussy Immune (GRIm-Score) has been seen to be most predictive of early death in GE cancers. This study aims to compare hemoglobin (g/L) values before treatment and at multiple longitudinal timepoints during treatment as a prognostic marker of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). It also aims to identify whether various laboratory measures in the GRIm-Score, which includes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and body mass index (BMI) may hold prognostic value. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 171 patients with advanced GE cancer receiving first-line palliative-intent systemic therapy at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada from 2011 to 2021 was performed. Laboratory data were longitudinally collected across four time points: pre-chemotherapy, at first restaging scan, at disease progression and at final blood draw at last known follow up. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between change in hemoglobin from baseline, adjusted for LDH, NLR and BMI. Results: Mean hemoglobin value decreased with chemotherapy initiation at the first staging time point compared to pre-chemotherapy values by 10.82 g/L (-10.82, CI: -13.57, -8.07, p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, patients with a hemoglobin increase of 10 g/L at their final blood draw compared to pre-chemotherapy decreased their overall risk of death by 8.50% (HR 0.915, CI: 0.843-0.993, p = 0.033) as well as their PFS by 6.90% (HR 0.931, CI: 0.873-0.994, p = 0.031). On multivariable analysis, adjusting for relevant clinical factors including LDH, NLR and BMI, an increase in hemoglobin increase of 10 g/L from baseline to final was associated with better OS (HR 0.893, CI: 0.817-0.977, p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, an increase in LDH at progression bloodwork compared to baseline levels was associated with poorer OS (HR 1.002, CI: 1.001-1.003, p = 0.026) and an increase in NLR at final blood draw compared to baseline was associated with poorer OS (HR 1.02, CI: 1.012-1.028, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with metastatic GE cancers can develop treatment-associated anemia and this prognosticates a poorer overall survival. Prognostic models incorporating change in hemoglobin, LDH and NLR ratios should be considered in future clinical evaluation of metastatic GE cancers.

Forehand footwork variability in the attacking situation at elite level

The aim of the present study was to analyze the different patterns of forehand footwork in attacking situation at elite level. 498 forehand shots played during rallies and involving forward momentum of the body during the final draw of the US Open tournament held in 2019 and 2021 were analyzed. The results highlighted 6 main footwork patterns involving distinct roles for the front leg and the back leg. In conclusion, technical analysis should consider the dynamic aspect of strokes and coaches should work on the variability of footwork in player development.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among rural healthcare workers.

The objective of this longitudinal cohort study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in healthcare workers employed at healthcare settings in three rural counties in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota from May 13, 2020, through December 22, 2020. Three blood draws were performed at five clinical sites and tested for the presence of antibodies against the SARS‐CoV‐2. Serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies using a fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (FMIA), neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐pseudotyped particles (SARS‐CoV‐2pp) assay, and serum virus neutralization (SVN) assay. The seroprevalence was determined to be 1/336 (0.29%) for samples collected from 5/13/20 to 7/13/20, 5/260 (1.92%) for samples collected from 8/13/20 to 9/25/20, and 35/235 (14.89%) for samples collected from 10/16/20 to 12/22/20. Eight of the 35 (22.8%) seropositive individuals identified in the final draw did not report a previous diagnosis with COVID‐19. There was a high correlation (>90%) between the FMIA and virus neutralization assays. Each clinical site's seroprevalence was higher than the cumulative incidence for the general public in the respective county as reported by state public health agencies. As of December 2020, there was a high percentage (85%) of seronegative individuals in the study population.

Analisis kesalahan siswa dalam menyelesaikam soal cerita sistem persamaan linear dua variabel menggunakan fase newman

In learning mathematics, students often make mistakes in solving math questions, especially story questions. Solving story questions, students are required to understand the contents of the story questions and take them in the form of mathematical symbols and process them using mathematical methods until the final stage and draw conclusions. The aim of the research is to describe locations, types, and causes of VIII grade Students’ errors in solving story questions of Two-variable Linear Equality System using Newmann’s Error Analysis. Newman’s Error Analysis namely Reading error, comprehension error, transformation error, process skill error, and an encoding error.
 The result of this research says the students made many mistakes in reading the story question, transforming into a mathematic model onto the encoding stage. The types of errors that were made were: students were wrong concepts, there including wrong in modeling and students were wrong in operations, i.e. students did not use the right arithmetic operation. The cause of the errors is that the subject is bad in the concept of the variable, including being unable to read the symbols implied in the problem. Unable to transform question to math-model correctly, weak in making equivalent questions, and weak in determining calculation result rightly.
 Keywords: Error Analysis, Newmann, Two-variables Linear Equality System, and Story Question.
 

Plasma creatinine and oxidative stress biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective: To determine the associations between plasma creatinine (PCr), plasma uric acid (PUA), and urinary oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers with the ALSFRS-R at baseline and survival in a large epidemiological cohort study (ALS COSMOS) with a well-phenotyped patient population (N = 355).Methods: Fasting plasma and first void urine samples were obtained. PCr, PUA, urinary 8-oxo-deoxy guanosine (8-oxodG), and 15-F2t-isoprostane (IsoP) were analyzed at baseline, near the midpoint of follow-up, and at the final blood draw (before death or withdrawal from study). We estimated associations between these biomarkers and the ALSFRS-R at baseline and survival.Results: At baseline, PCr correlated with ALSFRS-R (Spearman r = 0.30), percent (%) FVC (r = 0.20), PUA (r = 0.37), and 8-oxodG (r = −0.13, all p < 0.05). Baseline PCr significantly predicted survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.28, p < 0.001). Time to death from baseline was shortest for those in the lowest two PCr quartiles relative to the highest two quartiles. PCr and ALSFRS-R values were significantly correlated at all three time points (baseline: r = 0.29, midpoint: r = 0.23, final: r = 0.38, all p < 0.001). PCr and PUA significantly declined over time, whereas OS biomarkers significantly increased over time.Conclusions: To date, PCr predicted survival the best, compared to PUA, 8-oxodG, and IsoP. Although PCr represents the degree of muscle mass, it may also represent complex biochemical changes in ALS. Because the field has no reliable prognostic biomarkers, the importance of PCr warrants further investigation through clinical studies in ALS.

Development of a continuous manufacturing process for self-reinforced composites using multi-step highly drawn polypropylene tapes

Despite the benefits of recycling, impact resistance, and lightweightness, polypropylene (PP) self-reinforced composites (SRCs) still suffer from a lack of research, especially in continuous manufacturing processes. Herein we report a comprehensive study, from the four-step high-ratio drawing of PP-tapes to the continuous manufacturing of SRCs. The mechanical properties of the PP-tape depend strongly on the final draw ratio with the intermediate drawing history having a negligible effect. Mechanical improvements accompany increases in melting temperature and crystallinity, and a decrease in density. PP-SRC was manufactured by continuous double-belt pressing, with optimum performance attained when processed with a 87-148-80 (°C) temperature profile. Structural integrity was not attained at lower temperatures due to poor impregnation, whereas higher temperatures degraded the mechanical properties of the PP-SRC by relaxing the highly drawn PP-tapes. Finally, an analytical approach based on micro-computed tomography, PP-tape relaxation, and rule-of-mixture calculations led to accurate predictions of experimental moduli.

STUDYING 'LIVE' CROSS-PLATFORM CIRCULATION OF IMAGES WITH A COMPUTER VISION API: AN EXPERIMENT BASED ON A SPORTS MEDIA EVENTd'Andréa, Carlos Frederico de Brito (Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil) &lt;carlosfbd@gmail.com&gt;

Considering the importance of cross-platform circulation of web contents for digital methods-oriented research, in this study we aim to expand the types of digital objects used as ‘traffic tags’ by focusing on static images as traces of online associations. We pursue this goal through a methodological experiment with Google Cloud Vision API, a computing framework for visual content analysis. Its Web Detection module pairs typical computer vision operations with Google’s search mechanism, partly performing as a more specialized batch reverse image search engine. This feature thus allows to potentially retrieve images’ spread across the web. We discuss the implications of this non-verbal methodological approach by tracking the 'live' cross-platform circulation of images shared on Twitter in the context of 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Draw ceremony, held on December 2017. Following a novel methodological protocol, we ran several iterations of Vision API processing, thus generating a time series of URLs pointing to pages in which images matching the ones being processed were found. The study analyses in depth the circulation of four popular images about the broadcasted media event, observing their ‘live’ spreading dynamics as well as the computer vision API performance. Among the findings, we point out the adoption of images as 'traffic tags' for cross-platform analysis as a promising approach to study web circulation beyond language barriers and mainstream platforms. Also, we find relevant data to discuss the specificities of the API’s algorithms and its opacity as inherent issues of the digital methods approach.

Tani’s New Home by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

Reviewed by: Tani’s New Home by Tanitoluwa Adewumi Deborah Stevenson, Editor Adewumi, Tanitoluwa Tani’s New Home; by Tanitoluwa Adewumi and Michelle Lord; illus. by Courtney Dawson. Thomas Nelson, 2020 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781400218288 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781400218332 $9.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad 6-9 yrs Tani loves his big extended family and his life in Nigeria, but when his father crossed Boko Haram, Tani, his brother, and his parents must flee first their home and then the country, making their new home in the U.S. Life in an American homeless shelter is pretty grim and Tani misses Nigeria, but he gets interested in the chess club at his school. Soon Tani’s focused on the game and beating the competition, until finally he takes the New York state championship; the news of his win brings in donations and a new place to live for his family. This picture book treatment of Tani’s real life story leading to his 2019 win covers the ground neatly and quickly, if not deeply, but audiences may have a few questions about the oppression of Boko Haram and the final draw in the match that gave Tani the championship. Digital art breaks up its somewhat bland cheer with touches of interesting texture and effective architectural rhythm in the cityscapes. It’s an account that ducks some issues, but it’s enjoyable to see underdog Tani find his feet and a serious skill in his new country. A closing note gives more information about Tani. Copyright © 2020 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Особенности статистических распределений прочностей моно- и полифиламентных ультраориентированных высокопрочных волокон сверхвысокомолекулярного полиэтилена

The patterns of the statistical distributions of tensile strength of high-strength ultraoriented mono-and multifilament fibers, consisting of several hundred single fibers of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), have been analyzed using the Weibull and Gaussian models by considering a large number of measurements (50 identical samples in each series). It has been shown that the strength distribution of the multifilament UHMWPE fibers can be described both within the normal Gaussian distribution and the standard Weibull distribution function. At the same time, the strength distribution of the UHMWPE monofilaments oriented to a final draw ratio of 120 is not subject to the normal distribution. The reasons for the revealed differences in the types of the statistical strength distributions of the mono- and multifilaments of high-strength UHMWPE during fracture are discussed.

Assessment of hematologic and corticosterone response in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at capture and after handling.

Hematology is a common tool for wildlife health assessments. Manual leukocyte counts are required in reptiles, however, disagreement between quantification methods has been observed in some chelonians. This study determined agreement between two methods of leukocyte quantification, eosinophilic leukopet, and blood film white blood cell (WBC) estimates, in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Simultaneously, we assessed the impact of handling duration on both leukocyte quantity and corticosterone levels. We collected blood at capture (<2 min from disturbance) and again before release 30-150 min later from 92 box turtles at six sites in Illinois and Tennessee. Constant and proportional error was present in the leukopet results for WBC, lymphocytes, and basophils compared to the estimate method. Both methods were in agreement for heterophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Agreement between the methods was significantly more likely at WBC counts below 23,241/µl. All hematologic parameters were significantly higher at the final blood draw compared to the initial blood draw using both WBC determination methods, except relative eosinophil and basophil counts. Corticosterone levels varied with time, with maximum concentrations reached at 54 min postcapture, followed by a rapid return to baseline levels. Corticosterone level was not significantly associated with any hematologic parameter or sex. This study provides a framework for understanding the effects of animal handling methodology and diagnostic modality when evaluating hematologic health in box turtles.

Numerical modeling of an integrated OMBR-NF hybrid system for simultaneous wastewater reclamation and brine management

The osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) is an energy-efficient wastewater purification technique that integrates a membrane bioreactor (MBR), a forward osmosis (FO) membrane, and a draw solution. The main objective of this study was to develop a hybrid model that combines an OMBR with nanofiltration (NF) for simultaneous wastewater reclamation and brine management. In this model, reverse osmosis (RO) reject brine and wastewater were used as draw and feed solutions, respectively. The results from the model suggested that a stable pure water flux of 2.10 dm/d can be obtained with a water salinity of 352.62 mg/L at an effective osmotic pressure of 11.42 bar. To further investigate the model, sensitivity analysis of five main system inputs of the hybrid OMBR-NF system was carried out. The results showed that the water flux can be improved by enhancing the mass diffusion coefficient on the draw solution side (Kd) and the salt concentration of the final draw solution (Xdi). In addition, the water flux can be improved by reducing the internal concentration polarization (ICP) effect. For instance, the water flux increased from around 1.90 to 2.33 dm/d when KICP was decreased from 0.56 to 0.36 d/dm. Lastly, it was found that Xdi was the main influence on the permeate water quality; increasing it from 20,000 to 70,000 mg/L caused the water salinity to increase from 100 to 352 mg/L. Overall, this novel hybrid system can be used to achieve better water quality and reduce environmental pollution from highly concentrated brines.

An analytics approach to the FIFA ranking procedure and the World Cup final draw

This paper analyzes the procedure used by FIFA up until 2018 to rank national football teams and define by random draw the groups for the initial phase of the World Cup finals. A predictive model is calibrated to form a reference ranking to evaluate the performance of a series of simple changes to that procedure. These proposed modifications are guided by a qualitative and statistical analysis of the FIFA ranking. We then analyze the use of this ranking to determine the groups for the World Cup finals. After enumerating a series of deficiencies in the group assignments for the 2014 World Cup, a mixed integer linear programming model is developed and used to balance the difficulty levels of the groups.

Community mobilization during biofortified orange maize feeding trials in Zambia.

In some societies, studies involving blood draws, oral vaccinations, or supplementation are surrounded by myths and disbeliefs. If not clarified, they may affect study implementation and negatively impact the outcome of well-intended studies from inadequate participation. Through participatory action research, this paper suggests how future trials could be enhanced with reference to community mobilization, drawing from the experience of two interventions in Zambian children with nutritionally enhanced, biofortified orange maize conducted by the National Food and Nutrition Commission and Tropical Diseases Research Center (Zambia), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA). The preparatory phase included site visits, signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, equipment inventory, hiring staff, and community meetings. Prior results were shared before the second intervention. After Institutional Review Boards' approval of procedures, written informed consent was obtained from caregivers. There was overwhelming community participation attributed to the demystification that the project was run by satanists prior to and during the study. Participation led to excellent compliance with 92.8 and 96.4% of subjects completing the final blood draw in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The results of the trials were successfully shared with the district officials and communities from where the study participants were drawn. The positive response by partners and communities, including information sharing, suggests that community mobilization, with the use of varied methods, is effective for full participation of the target groups in feeding trials and would be the case in similar trials if effectively carried out. Community participation in research studies may result in long-term adoption of biofortified foods.

FOOTBALL MATCH WINNING TEAM PREDICTION USING MACHINE LEARNING

Football is the first well-known tournament within the world. The Federation Internationale de Football Affiliation (FIFA) is the institution that controls and directs this tournament and facilitates all the associations around the world, at both the proficient association and nation levels. The World Cup is the most significant sports competition in the world, which is held once every four years. The national groups play regional qualifiers organized by confederations. Those qualifiers decide the 32 groups that will advance to the final competition. FIFA makes the final draw for the game by vote, and the 32 groups apportioned into eight bunches of four. The beat two groups from several gathers move into the knockout stages (i.e., circular 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the ultimate)

Preparation of a poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) copolymer using a novel tin(II) alkoxide initiator and its fiber processing for potential use as an absorbable monofilament surgical suture

ABSTRACTA poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) copolymer, P(LL-co-CL), of composition 75:25 mol% was synthesized via the bulk ring-opening copolymerization of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone using a novel bis[tin(II) monooctoate] diethylene glycol coordination-insertion initiator, OctSn-OCH2CH2OCH2CH2O-SnOct. The P(LL-co-CL) copolymer obtained was characterized by a combination of analytical techniques, namely nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, dilute-solution viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. For processing into a monofilament fiber, the copolymer was melt spun with minimal draw to give a largely amorphous and unoriented as-spun fiber. The fiber's oriented semicrystalline morphology, necessary to give the required balance of mechanical properties, was then developed via a sequence of controlled offline hot-drawing and annealing steps. Depending on the final draw ratio, the fibers obtained had tensile strengths in the region of 200–400 MPa.

Effects of sub-chronic branched chain amino acid supplementation on markers of muscle damage and performance variables following 1 week of rigorous weight training

Methods Apparently healthy resistance trained males (n = 30) were randomized to either a BCAA group or the CHO control group. Participants performed preliminary testing (T1) to derive peak quadriceps isometric torque, peak quadriceps isokinetic torque (60o and 120o per second), and a 1RM barbell back squat. The following week, the participants performed 10x5 repetitions at 80% of their 1RM barbell back squat for 3 consecutive days. During this experimental intervention antecubital blood was drawn to assess serum myoglobin concentrations, in addition a visual analog scale was utilized in order to measure subjective perceptions of muscular soreness. 48 hours following the third bout of exercise, participants performed post testing (T2) like T1 testing and donated a final blood draw.

Rethinking the FIFA World Cup™ final draw

AbstractWe critically examine a number of flaws in the current procedure for the final draw of the FIFA World Cup™: imbalance (the eight groups are not of the same competitive level), unfairness (some teams have a greater chance than others of ending up in a tough group), and uneven distribution (all the possible outcomes of the draw are not equally likely). These flaws result from the way FIFA has decided to enforce the geographic constraints that they put on the draw. We explain how, by building eight pots by level organized in an S-curve, and drawing first a continental distribution of the groups and then the teams, we can enforce the geographic constraints without sacrificing balance, fairness, and even distribution. As a result, we describe a new tractable draw procedure that produces eight balanced and geographically diverse groups, is fair to all teams, and gives equally likely outcomes.