Performance Test Research Articles

Gait Features in Different Environments Contributing to Participation in Outdoor Activities in Old Age (GaitAge): Protocol for an Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

The ability to walk is a key issue for independent old age. Optimizing older peoples' opportunities for an autonomous and active life and reducing health disparities requires a better understanding of how to support independent mobility in older people. With increasing age, changes in gait parameters such as step length and cadence are common and have been shown to increase the risk of mobility decline. However, gait assessments are typically based on laboratory measures, even though walking in a laboratory environment may be significantly different from walking in outdoor environments. This project will study alterations in biomechanical features of gait by comparing walking on a treadmill in a laboratory, level outdoor, and hilly outdoor environments. In addition, we will study the possible contribution of changes in gait between these environments to outdoor mobility among older people. Participants of the study were recruited through senior organizations of Central Finland and the University of the Third Age, Jyväskylä. Inclusion criteria were community-dwelling, aged 70 years and older, able to walk at least 1 km without assistive devices, able to communicate, and living in central Finland. Exclusion criteria were the use of mobility devices, severe sensory deficit (vision and hearing), memory impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination ≤23), and neurological conditions (eg, stroke, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis). The study protocol included 2 research visits. First, indoor measurements were conducted, including interviews (participation, health, and demographics), physical performance tests (short physical performance battery and Timed Up and Go), and motion analysis on a treadmill in the laboratory (3D Vicon and next-generation inertial measurement units [NGIMUs]). Second, outdoor walking tests were conducted, including walking on level (sports track) and hilly (uphill and downhill) terrain, while movement was monitored via NGIMUs, pressure insoles, heart rate, and video data. A total of 40 people (n=26, 65% women; mean age 76.3, SD 5.45 years) met the inclusion criteria and took part in the study. Data collection took place between May and September 2022. The first result is expected to be published in the spring of 2024. This multidisciplinary study will provide new scientific knowledge about how gait biomechanics are altered in varied environments, and how this influences opportunities to participate in outdoor activities for older people. RR1-10.2196/52898.

Safety and efficacy of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of patients with aging frailty: a phase I/II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold a great promise for cell-based therapy in the field of regenerative medicine. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous infusion of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (HUC-MSCs) in patients with aging frailty.MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants diagnosed with aging frailty were randomly assigned to receive intravenous administrations of HUC-MSCs or placebo. All of serious adverse events and AEs were monitored to evaluate the safety of treatment during the 6-month follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was alteration of physical component scores (PCS) of SF-36 qualities of life at 6 months. The secondary outcomes including physical performance tests and pro-inflammatory cytokines, were also observed and compared at each follow-up visits. All evaluations were performed at 1 week, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months following the first intravenous infusion of HUC-MSCs.ResultsIn the MSCs group, significant improvements in PCS of SF-36 were observed from first post-treatment visit and sustained throughout the follow-up period, with greater changes compared to the placebo group (p = 0.042). EQ-VAS scores of MSCs group improved significantly at 2 month (p = 0.023) and continued until the end of the 6-month visit (p = 0.002) in comparison to the placebo group. The timed up and go (TUG) physical performance test revealed significant group difference and showed continual enhancements over 6 months (p < 0.05). MSC transplantation improved the function of 4-m walking test (4MWT) compared with the placebo group with a decrease of 2.05 s at 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.21). The measurement of grip strength revealed group difference with MSCs group demonstrating better performance, particularly at 6 months (p = 0.002). Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17) exhibited declines in MSCs group at 6 months compared to the placebo group (p = 0.034 and 0.033, respectively). There was no difference of incidence of AEs between the two groups.ConclusionIntravenous transplantation of HUC-MSCs is a safe and effective therapeutic approach on aging frailty. The positive outcomes observed in improving quality of life, physical performance, and reducing chronic inflammation, suggest that HUC-MSC therapy may be a promising potential treatment option for aging frailty.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrial.gov; NCT04314011; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04314011.

Development of a Freeze Resistant Heat Pipe with Water as Working Fluid for Automotive Applications

Abstract In this paper, we present a heat pipe with ethylene glycol and water as working fluid that can prevent any damage to the copper container on exposure to cyclic freezing and thaw. Different mass concentrations of water and ethylene glycol have been tested for freeze protection of heat pipes in this research. Experimental investigations have shown that 3.5% by mass concentration of ethylene glycol with water is able to sustain the cyclic freezing and avoid any damage to the copper pipe. For this research the freezing and heating cycle is set to operate between -40°C to 90°C. Heat pipes used for testing in this research are 6mm in diameter and 150mm long with copper fibre spiral wick. Thermal performance tests have been carried out on these heat pipes with charging ratio of working fluid varying between 10%-30% by volume. It is observed that the thermal resistance of heat pipe with working fluid charging ratio in range of 10%-25% by volume varies from 0.6°C/W-0.2°C/W for the rate of heat transfer of 10W-50W. While the charging ratios beyond 25% have shown the higher thermal resistance in the range (0.8-1.0°C/W) for similar rate of heat transfer. Accelerated life tests are performed on these heat pipes for up to 500 hours and have not shown any signs of degradation in its thermal performance.

Development and Working Test of Microcontroller-based Automatic Seedling Tools for Hydroponic Systems

The purpose of this study is to design a tool that is able to monitor moisture and light automatically and knowing the performance of lettuce seeding tools that are able to monitor moisture and light automatically, this research is descriptive research using the type of Research and Development (R &amp;; D) research with the Waterfall method. The variables controlled are light and moisture using soil moisture sensors and grow light. The automatic seedling tool modification process consists of 3 stages including making mechanical components, electronic comments, and functional checking and product testing. The data obtained from the sensor readings will be displayed through the LCD screen on the control box. The results showed that the seedling tool can monitor moisture when the moisture is below 60%, the pump will be on and when the moisture is above 60%, the pump will be off, and the light produced with grow light will turn on at 06.00 to 18.00 pm every day. Researchers recommend adding moisture to every shelf, growing lights or LED sensor lights, and fans for further research based on their findings. As a consideration and reference resource addressing the current science on the manufacture and performance test of seedling tools that are able to monitor moisture and light automatically. incorporating the most recent ideas and information on creating and evaluating seedling equipment with automatic light and moisture monitoring. It is anticipated that this researcher will serve as a seeding industry reference.

Effects of sema activity on static and dynamic balances and performance

ABSTRACT Balance involves interpreting sensory impulses and coordinated movements to maintain posture. While activities like ballet improve balance, little is known about Sema’s impact. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rhythmic Sema activity on both static and dynamic balance, as well as the performance of whirling dervishes (semazens). Thirty whirling dervishes (29.67 ± 8.02 years) with a minimum of 3 years of experience, and 30 individuals without prior Sema activity experience (28.53 ± 6.56 years) were included. Static balance and dynamic balance were assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Performance evaluations included vertical jumping, standing long jump, and single-leg hop tests. It was observed that the whirling dervishes performed better, particularly in terms of single-leg on a foam surface static balance (BESS). However, dynamic balance scores (SEBT), with the exception of the anterior and posterior directions and composite values, were better in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes of performance tests. The findings suggest that Sema activity may yield positive effects primarily on static balance rather than dynamic balance.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Electrodeposition of Mn-Doped NiCo2O4 for Enhanced Photodegradation of Methyl Red, Hydrogen Production, and Supercapacitor Applications

This paper presents a novel ultrasonic-assisted electrodeposition process of Mn-doped NiCo2O4 onto a commercial nickel foam in a neutral electroplating bath (pH = 7.0) under an ultrasonic power of 1.2 V and 100 W. Different sample properties were studied based on their crystallinity through X-ray diffraction (XRD), morphology was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photodegradation was studied through ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry. Based on the XRD results, the dominant crystallite phase obtained was shown to be a pure single NiCo2O4 phase. The optical properties of the photocatalytic film showed a range of energy band gaps between 1.72 and 1.73 eV from the absorption spectrum. The surface hydroxyl groups on the catalytic surface of the Mn-doped NiCo2O4 thin films showed significant improvements in removing methyl red via photodegradation, achieving 88% degradation in 60 min, which was approximately 1.6 times higher than that of pure NiCo2O4 thin films. The maximum hydrogen rate of the composite films under 100 mW/cm2 illumination was 38 μmol/cm2 with a +3.5 V external potential. The electrochemical performance test also showed a high capacity retention rate (96% after 5000 charge–discharge cycles), high capacity (260 Fg−1), and low intrinsic resistance (0.8 Ω). This work concludes that the Mn-doped NiCo2O4 hybrid with oxygen-poor conditions (oxygen vacancies) is a promising composite electrode candidate for methyl red removal, hydrogen evolution, and high-performance hybrid supercapacitor applications.

Validity and reliability of the VXSport (Omni) device on basketball movement parameters

The use of inertial devices in sport have become increasingly common. The aim of this study was to examine the within-day validity and reliability of a relatively new inertial measurement unit at measuring basketball movement parameters. Eighteen well-trained basketball players completed several individual performance tests including linear running and change of directions, acceleration, and decelerations, jumping and impacts to measure the validity and reliability of the microtechnology. The players also completed a specific test called the Basketball Exercise Simulation Test (BEST) to investigate whether the microtechnology could accurately detect more dynamic movements. Pearsons’s correlations were determined linking assessments of the practical measures taken from the inertial measurement unit to criterion measures. Testing revealed good validity between the microtechnology and criterion measures with the 20 m run test at various velocities (6 km.h-1, 12 km.h-1, 18 km.h-1, 24 km.h-1, maximal speed km.h-1 (mean bias &lt;5%). However, total distance, body collisions, accelerations and decelerations showed lower validity (mean bias &gt;10%). Total distance, number of sprints, number of sprints &gt;15 km.h-1, number of decelerations &gt;3m.s-2, number of accelerations and decelerations showed very large to nearly perfect reliability (ICC = 0.88 – 0.99). Whereas, relative distance (m.min-1), maximal speed (km.h-1), total number of accelerations (&gt;3 m.s-2), total number of jumps, average heart rate showed high reliability (ICC 0.77 – 0.87). These results demonstrate the units were able to accurately detect most basketball movement patterns correctly with good repeatability.

Course genres classification of music e-learning platform based on deep learning big data intelligent processing algorithm

At present, the growth trend of digital music information is showing an exponential form. Various songs can be classified according to their unique genres and styles, forming various “genres”. So, how to effectively manage the massive amount of music data has become a problem that needs to be solved to promote the balanced development of different types and genres of music. On this basis, this article adopts deep learning technology to study the classification methods of music genres oriented towards big data. Firstly, this article studies LSTM based on long and short term memory networks and compares its advantages and disadvantages with convolutional neural network CNN. Secondly, this article calculates the drift patterns of big data intelligent processing algorithms and conducts relevant performance tests on big data intelligent processing algorithms to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. Finally, this article addresses the problems in current music genre classification research by introducing Mel filters into the extraction of sound features to further improve the efficiency and speed of the model. And deep learning technology is adopted to construct a music genre classification model based on big data intelligent analysis, further promoting the effective improvement of music genre classification effectiveness.

Performance test of clean-coastal-water composite sentinel 2A image for shallow water bathymetry mapping

The “clean-coastal-water time-series composite” image preprocessing algorithm is one of the alternatives for obtaining minimal atmospheric disturbance satellite images for data inputs in Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB). However, the performance of time-series composite images for shallow water bathymetric mapping needs to be assessed, considering the presence of pixel and band dispersion during the composite image construction process. This research aims to study the result of a clean-coastal-water time-series composite Sentinel-2 by using cloud computing preprocessing as input data for SDB in shallow waters, compare the results of SDB from a Sentinel-2 single date image and from the clean-coastal-water time-series composite image using a random forest regressor (RFR) algorithm in terms of accuracy and spatial distribution of the bathymetry, and evaluate the performance and quality of bathymetric maps obtained from a single date image and clean-coastal-water time-series composite Sentinel-2 images based on International Hydrographic Organization standards (IHO). The results show that not all time-series composite processes can produce clean images of interference from clouds, sunglints, bad waters, and pixel wave breaks. The acquisition time range affects the quality of the time-series composite image. The SDB RFR model can handle the complex relationship between the in situ water depth variable and the surface reflectance value of a clean-coastal-water time-series composite image that has pixel and band dispersion. Overall, the SDB RFR model was successfully used to predict bathymetry in shallow waters with accuracy that meets the IHO standard CATZOC requirements, with RMSE and MAE values of less than 0.5 m as well as TVU confidence level values of more than 95% at a depth of 0–5 m resulting from each - respectively clean-coastal-water time-series composite images in shallow waters around Morotai Island.

Study of the changes in the microstructures and properties of grease using ball milling to simulate a bearing shear zone on grease

The effects of shear degradation on the microstructures and properties of grease were investigated using a planetary ball mill to simulate a bearing shear zone on grease. The microstructure, cone penetration, colloidal stability, rheological properties noise properties, water washout characteristics and low-temperature torque of lithium grease were characterized. The microstructure of the initial lithium grease is a three-dimensional network structure formed by the uniform fibers. The entanglement level is high. As the ball milling shear time increases, the network structure of lithium grease is destroyed and the fibers are sheared to become short. Eventually all of them become short fibers. The performance test of lithium grease reveal that the cone penetration increases, colloidal stability, structural strength, noise properties, water washout characteristics of lithium grease gradually decreased with the increase of ball milling shear time. Additionally, the low-temperature starting torque and running torque of the grease gradually decrease. This phenomenon occurs due to changes in the microstructure of lithium grease. The shear degradation of lithium grease was mainly divided into two stages: the rapid stage was the destruction of the thickener network structure and the fibers being shortened by shearing. The slow stage was the process in which short fibers were sheared into shorter fibers.

Study on Integrated Evaluation and Development Strategy of Pedestrian Protection in 2024 Edition of C-NCAP

This paper discusses the comprehensive assessment of pedestrian protection in the 2024 edition of China-New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) and its development strategies. The assessment plan has been adjusted according to the actual conditions of Chinese road traffic and vehicle characteristics, emphasizing comprehensive testing of vehicle safety performance. Improvement in structural crash safety significantly enhances a vehicle's ability to protect occupants in collision accidents and reduces injury risks. This article particularly focuses on pedestrian protection assessment and proposes a series of development strategies by integrating AEB VRU system testing with head and leg testing. These strategies aim to further enhance the level of pedestrian protection provided by vehicles and contribute to overall traffic safety improvement.

Impaired Standing Balance in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment After a Severe Fall.

Introduction Fall-related sequelae as well as balance and gait impairments are more pronounced in older adults, who are cognitively impaired (OACI) compared to older adults who are cognitively healthy (OACH). Evidence is scarce about differences in standing balance and gait in OACH and OACI after a fall, even though these are major risks for recurrent falls. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate early impairments in gait and balance, by adding Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to a functional performance test in OACH and OACI after a severe fall with presentation to the emergency department (ED) and immediate discharge. Methods The study sample was stratified into participants with and without probable cognitive impairment using the result of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score (maximum of 30 points). The cutoff for probable cognitive impairment was set at ≤ 24. Standing balance and gait parameters were measured using three IMUs in n=69 OACH (72.0 ± 8.2 years) and n=76 OACI (78.7 ± 8.1 years). Data were collected at participants' homes as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment in the "SeFallED" study within four weeks after presentation to the ED after a severe fall (German Clinical Trials Register ID: 00025949). ANCOVA was used for statistical analysis, adjusted for age. Results The data indicated significantly more sway for OACI compared to OACH during balance tasks, whereas no differences in gait behavior were found. In detail, differences in standing balance were revealed for mean velocity (m/s) during parallel stance with eyes open (ηp2=0.190, p<0.001) and eyes closed on a balance cushion (ηp2=0.059, p=0.029), as well as during tandem stance (ηp2=0.034, p=0.044) between OACI and OACH. Further differences between the two groups were detected for path length (m/s2) during parallel stance with eyes open (ηp2=0.144, p<0.001) and eyes closed (ηp2=0.044, p<0.027) and for range (m/s2) during tandem (ηp2=0.036, p=0.036) and parallel stance with eyes closed (ηp2= 0.045, p=0.032). Conclusion Even though both groups have experienced a severe fall with presentation to the ED in the preceding 4 weeks, balance control among OACI indicated a higher fall risk than among OACH. Therefore, effective secondary falls prevention efforts have to be established, particularly for OACI.

Analysis and verification of vibration isolation performance of engine mount based on low-frequency approximation method

At present, most of the turbofan engine use the articulated link mount to connect the engine to the wing. The mechanical modeling, analysis and experimental research of articulated link mount are important means in the development of engine mount. In this paper, multibody dynamics method is used to establish the dynamic theory equation for a certain type of turbofan engine mount, and the low-frequency approximation method of the MNF file is proposed, which greatly improves the calculation speed on the basis of ensuring the calculation accuracy. In addition, a full-scale engine mounting system vibration isolation performance test platform was developed, and the vibration isolation efficiency of a certain type of engine mount at the high and low pressure rotor frequency was obtained. The results show that the simulation and test results agree well, the error is within 15% at the low-frequency, and 5% at the high-frequency. This work provides theoretical method and test evaluation means for the design and improvement of large passenger aircraft engine installation devices.

A novel organic-inorganic two-dimensional filler for composite coating with excellent mechanical and high-pressure CO2 anti-corrosion performance

organic-inorganic composite fillers were successfully prepared by a simple one-pot film-like coating of poly (α-cyanoethyl acrylate) (PECA) on mica. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were used to analyze the structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the organic-inorganic composite filler and pure mica in detail. The organic-inorganic composite filler was added to epoxy resin to prepare a composite coating with long-lasting anti-corrosion and wear-resistance properties. The composite coating was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), high-pressure CO2 corrosion tests, friction performance tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and adhesion performance tests. The mechanical test results showed that the average wear quality of the EP/P30&M(8/2) composite coating prepared with the modified filler was reduced to 65.7 % of that of the EP/MICA(8/2) coating. The addition of the modified filler to the coating substantially improved the wear resistance and crosslinking of the composite coating, reduced the porosity, increased the density, and effectively improved the overall performance of the composite coating. The results of high-pressure CO2 corrosion tests in harsh environments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the composite coating had excellent barrier capacity. After high-pressure CO2 corrosion tests, the EP/P20&M(9/1) composite coating still has a high impedance modulus value of 6.348 × 1010 Ω/cm2 at 0.01 Hz, which is 5 orders of magnitude higher than that of the pure epoxy coating, and showsed excellent long-lasting corrosion resistance in EIS tests. This study provides new ideas for the industrial application of mica and the preparation of long-lasting anti-corrosion coatings.

Multiwalled-Carbon-Nanotube-Modified Li2ZnTi3O8 as Anode with Improved Cycling Stability and Rate Capability for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Due to its better electronic conductivity and larger lithium intercalation capacity, a multiwalled-carbon-nanotube (MWCNT)-modified Li2ZnTi3O8 (LZTO) has significant potential for use as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. The rapid and affordable ball-mill-aided solid state approach is used to synthesize LZTO with MWCNT-modified Li2ZnTi3O8 (LZTO@MWCNTs). Electrochemical performance tests of the anode material were carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge measurement, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CV experiments reveal that the LZTO@MWCNT electrode has a lower anodic and cathodic peak potential difference (0.184 V) than the LZTO electrode (0.211 V) and LZTO@MWCNT electrode has better electrochemical reversibility than that of pristine electrode after five cycles utilizing the same procedure. LZTO@ MWCNTs anode material has a higher charge-discharge capacity than LZTO anode material at 0.1–5 C rates. After 100 cycles, the initial discharge capacities of LZTO@MWCNT electrode are 227 and 142 mAh g−1 at the 1C–5C rate, respectively, whereas the initial discharge capacities of LZTO electrode are only144 and 28 mAh g−1 in the same condition. The charge transfer and SEI resistance of the LZTO anode are 19.31 and 62.74 ohms, respectively, after 30 cycles at 1C, according to the EIS data. Additionally, the values for the LZTO@MWCNTs anode are 7.93 and 12.06 ohms for charge transfer and SEI resistance, respectively.

Analysis of Physical Properties of Grey water from Residential Buildings

One way to conserve water is to find a safe way to use it further than formerly. Grey water recycling is now accepted as sustainable result to the general increase of the fresh water demand. Grey water refers to water that has formerly been used in some way but which can be reused or reclaimed in order to conserve fresh water. It's considered fairly simple to treat slate water to make it safe for public use because of lower situations of pollutants. The treatment of slate water from domestic structures is a critical process for sustainable water operation. This study outlines a comprehensive methodology, beginning with a thorough feasibility assessment, including considerations of available space, original regulations, and propinquity to water exercise points. Analysis of on- point slate water characteristics informs the design of an effective treatment system, incorporating source separation, pre-filtration, natural treatment, filtration, disinfection ,storehouse ,and distribution .Construction emphasizes flawless integration with being structure, and performance testing ensures system optimization. Clear operating procedures, regular monitoring, and compliance reviews contribute to ongoing success. Community education enterprise play a vital part in promoting responsible water operation. This holistic approach, combining specialized effectiveness, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, demonstrates a sustainable model for slate water treatment in domestic settings.

Identifying Characteristic Fire Properties with Stationary and Non-Stationary Fire Alarm Systems.

The article reviews issues associated with the operation of stationary and non-stationary electronic fire alarm systems (FASs). These systems are employed for the fire protection of selected buildings (stationary) or to monitor vast areas, e.g., forests, airports, logistics hubs, etc. (non-stationary). An FAS is operated under various environmental conditions, indoor and outdoor, favourable or unfavourable to the operation process. Therefore, an FAS has to exhibit a reliable structure in terms of power supply and operation. To this end, the paper discusses a representative FAS monitoring a facility and presents basic tactical and technical assumptions for a non-stationary system. The authors reviewed fire detection methods in terms of fire characteristic values (FCVs) impacting detector sensors. Another part of the article focuses on false alarm causes. Assumptions behind the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with visible-range cameras (e.g., Aviotec) and thermal imaging were presented for non-stationary FASs. The FAS operation process model was defined and a computer simulation related to its operation was conducted. Analysing the FAS operation process in the form of models and graphs, and the conducted computer simulation enabled conclusions to be drawn. They may be applied for the design, ongoing maintenance and operation of an FAS. As part of the paper, the authors conducted a reliability analysis of a selected FAS based on the original performance tests of an actual system in operation. They formulated basic technical and tactical requirements applicable to stationary and mobile FASs detecting the so-called vast fires.

A comparative study of 8-week complex training and resistance training on athletic performance of amateur futsal players.

Background: Despite the acknowledged importance of resistance training (RT) in enhancing physical performance in futsal players., the comparative effectiveness of RT and complex training (CT) on both physical and technical performance in futsal players remains underexplored. This study aimed to compare the effects of RT vs. CT on physical and technical performance in amateur futsal players. Method: Players from two amateur futsal teams were assigned to RT (one team of 16 players; 18years) and CT (one team of 16 players; 18 years) to perform an 8-week intervention with two weekly sessions. The RT performed the squat and deadlift (6 sets of 6-10 repetitions at 75%-85% one-repetition maximum (1RM), while the CT performed the squat + squat jump and deadlift + high pull (3 sets of 4-6 + 10-12 repetitions at 75%-85% 1RM). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Futsal Special Performance Test (FSPT), repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint decrement (Sdec), sprint times at 10-m (T10), 10-20-m (T10-20), and 20-m (T20), 1RM back squat (1RM BS), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and countermovement jump (CMJ). Results: At baseline, no significant differences between groups were observed for any variable analyzed (p > 0.05). After 8weeks, there were significant differences between CT vs. RT on FSPT (-10.8% vs. -3.4%; p < 0.05), T10 (-5.2% vs. -0.1%; p < 0.05), IMTP (7.8% vs. 5.1%; p < 0.05), and CMJ (10.2% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.05). On the other hand, no significant differences between CT vs. RT were observed for RSA (-2.0% vs. -1.2%; p > 0.05), Sdec (-7.6% vs. -3.5%; p > 0.05), T10-20 (-0.9% vs. -0.9%; p > 0.05), T20 (-1.8% vs. -1.7%; p > 0.05), and 1RM BS (5.7% vs. 4.5%; p > 0.05) after the training program. Both groups significantly improved FSPT, T20, 1RM BS, and IMTP, while only CT significantly improved RSA, Sdec, T10, and CMJ. Conclusion: The results suggest that CT may be valuable for improving specific performance parameters in amateur futsal players, with some advantages over RT in enhancing strength and power. These findings support tailored training protocols for futsal players to optimize performance.

FATE: A Flexible FPGA-Based Automatic Test Equipment for Digital ICs

The limits of chip technology are constantly being pushed with the continuous development of integrated circuit manufacturing processes and equipment. Currently, chips contain several billion, and even tens of billions, of transistors, making chip testing increasingly challenging. The verification of very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) requires testing on specialized automatic test equipment (ATE), but their cost and size significantly limit their applicability. The current FPGA-based ATE is limited in its scalability and support for few test channels and short test vector lengths. As a result, it is only suitable for testing specific chips in small-scale circuits and cannot be used to test VLSI. This paper proposes a low-cost hardware and software solution for testing digital integrated circuits based on design for testability (DFT) on chips, which enables the functional and performance test of the chip. The solution proposed can effectively use the resources within the FPGA to provide additional test channels. Furthermore, the round-robin data transmission mode can also support test vectors of any length and it can satisfy different types of chip test projects through the dynamic configuration of each test channel. The experiment successfully tested a digital signal processor (DSP) chip with 72 scan test pins (theoretically supporting 160 test pins). Compared to our previous work, the work in this paper increases the number of test channels by four times while reducing resource utilization per channel by 37.5%, demonstrating good scalability and versatility.

Ozone Exposure Limits Cardiorespiratory Function During Maximal Cycling Exercise in Endurance Athletes.

Ground-level ozone (O3) is a potent air pollutant well recognized to acutely induce adverse respiratory symptoms and impairments in pulmonary function. However, it is unclear how the hyperpnea of exercise may modulate these effects, and the subsequent consequences on exercise performance. We tested the hypothesis that pulmonary function and exercise capability would be diminished, and symptom development would be increased during peak real-world levels of O3 exposure compared to room air. Twenty aerobically trained participants [13M, 7F; maximal O2 uptake (O2max), 64.1 ± 7.0 mL·kg-1·min-1)] completed a three-visit double-blinded, randomized crossover trial. Following a screening visit, participants were exposed to 170 ppb O3 or room air (<10 ppb O3) on separate visits during exercise trials, consisting of a 25-minute moderate intensity warmup, 30-minute heavy intensity bout, and a subsequent time-to-exhaustion (TTE) performance test. No differences in O2 uptake or ventilation were observed during submaximal exercise between conditions. During the TTE test, we observed significantly lower end-exercise O2 uptake (-3.2 ± 4.3%, p=0.004), minute ventilation (-3.2 ± 6.5%, p=0.043), tidal volume (-3.6 ± 5.1%, p=0.008), and a trend towards lower exercise duration in O3 compared to room air(-10.8 ± 26.5%, p=0.092). As decreases in O2 uptake and alterations in respiratory pattern were also present at matched time segments between conditions, a limitation of oxygen transport seems likely during maximal exercise. A more comprehensive understanding of the direct mechanisms that limit oxygen transport during exercise in high-pollutant concentrations is key for mitigating performance changes.