Physical Advantages Research Articles

POST-PANDEMIC TRADE FAIR DYNAMICS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF EXHIBITORS' VIEWS ON DIGITAL AND HYBRID TRADE FAIRS

This study investigates evolving perceptions and preferences among exhibitors regarding trade fair formats, focusing on virtual, hybrid, and physical events. The aim is to understand how attitudes have shifted post-pandemic and the implications for future trade fair strategies. A longitudinal comparative analysis was conducted using survey data collected from exhibitors over two years. The analysis focused on evaluating perceptions of virtual, hybrid, and physical trade fairs, examining factors such as cost savings, technological barriers, health safety advantages, and interpersonal interactions. Findings indicate increasing recognition of cost and time-saving benefits in virtual formats. Despite technological improvements, challenges in interpersonal interactions persist. Interest in hybrid events is rising, but concerns exist about effectively combining physical and virtual advantages. Confidence in physical trade fairs is rebounding, especially among less COVID-affected exhibitors, suggesting a coexistence with virtual events rather than a complete replacement. Strategic flexibility is crucial to optimizing engagement across diverse preferences and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. The findings underscore the need for trade fair organizers to adapt their strategies to accommodate hybrid models effectively. Future research should delve deeper into specific factors influencing exhibitor satisfaction and engagement in hybrid environments, informing ongoing adaptations to the evolving trade fair landscape.

Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Kindergarten Children

Children who attend kindergarten are in the golden age for child development. During this period, children undergo significant advancements in various domains, such as physical, mental, and social development. Thus, outdoor activities are a crucial means to support development in these areas. The present literature review will examine the advantages of engaging children in outdoor activities during their kindergarten years. Our objective is to clarify the various benefits of outdoor activities for kindergarten children, including physical, cognitive, social, mental health, and sensory processing advantages.

Evaluating a Fe-Based Metallic Glass Powder as a Novel Negative Electrode Material for Applications in Ni-MH Batteries

Metallic glasses (MGs) are a type of multicomponent non-crystalline metallic alloys obtained by rapid cooling, which possess several physical, mechanical, and chemical advantages against their crystalline counterparts. In this work, an Fe-based MG is explored as a hydrogen storage material, especially, due to the evidence in previous studies about the capability of some amorphous metals to store hydrogen. The evaluation of an Fe-based MG as a novel negative electrode material for nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries was carried out through cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. A conventional LaNi5 electrode was also evaluated for comparative purposes. The electrochemical results obtained by cyclic voltammetry showed the formation of three peaks, which are associated with the formation of Fe oxides/oxyhydroxides and hydroxides. Cycling charge/discharge tests revealed activation of the MG electrode. The highest discharge capacity value was 173.88 mAh/g, but a decay in its capacity was observed after 25 cycles, contrary to the LaNi5, which presents an increment of the discharge capacity for all the current density values evaluated, reached its value maximum at 183 mAh/g. Characterization analyses performed by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy revealed the presence of corrosion products and porosity on the surface of the Fe-based MG electrodes. Overall, the Fe-based MG composition is potentially able to work as a negative electrode material, but degradation and little information about storage mechanisms means that it requires further investigation.

Particle therapy in gastrointestinal cancer-a narrative review.

Radiation therapy is one of the main pillars in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, especially esophageal and anorectal malignancies. The worldwide standard of care is yet an irradiation with photons. Though not commonly used, charged particles offer some physical advantages with a highly conformal dose distribution, which allows an even better sparing of organs at risk. In addition to dosimetric advantages, heavy-ion beams like carbon ions may offer an additional set of biological advantages. Because particle therapy is not standard of care, data are scarce-especially concerning the use in GI malignancies. The aim of this review is to provide a compact overview of the currently available literature. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for publications on particle radiotherapy in GI cancer (e.g., proton therapy in esophageal cancer, carbon ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer). Here we present a review of the current data on particle therapy with regard to esophageal, pancreatic, hepatic and anorectal malignancies. Data on particle therapy in GI cancer are scarce. Nevertheless, the current literature shows some promising results. Further clinical evidence, especially randomized trials, is crucial to augment the role of particle radiotherapy in GI cancer.

Exploring the Psychological Effects and Physical Exertion of Using Different Movement Interactions in Casual Exergames That Promote Active Microbreaks: Quasi-Experimental Study.

Prolonged sedentary behavior, such as sitting or reclining, has consistently been identified as a stand-alone risk factor for heightened cardiometabolic risk and overall mortality. Conversely, interrupting sedentary periods by incorporating short, active microbreaks has been shown to mitigate the negative effects of sedentary behavior. Casual exergames, which mix elements of casual gaming with physical activity, are one prospective intervention to reduce sedentary behavior because they require physical exertion. Casual exergames have shown promise in fostering emotional and physical advantages when played in specific circumstances. However, little research exists on how different types of movement interactions impact the psychological effects as well as the physical exertion of playing casual exergames. The primary aim of this work was to explore the psychological effects and physical exertion of playing casual exergames lasting 2 minutes. More precisely, the investigation focused on comparing upper body and full body movement interactions. In addition, the work examined variations in body positions, considering both standing and seated positions during upper body movement interactions. Two casual exergames were developed and investigated through 2 quasi-experimental studies. In study 1, we investigated how players' perceptions of control, exertion, and immersion were affected by using upper body as opposed to full body exergame controllers when playing casual exergames. In study 2, we investigated differences in positive affect, performance, enjoyment, and exertion when playing casual exergames with upper body movement interactions in seated and standing positions. Study 1 showed that perceived control was significantly higher for upper body movement interactions than for full body movement interactions (P=.04), but there were no significant differences regarding perceived exertion (P=.15) or immersion (P=.66). Study 2 showed that positive affect increased significantly for both standing (P=.003) and seated (P=.001) gameplay. The participants in the standing gameplay group showed slightly higher actual exertion; however, there were no differences between the groups in terms of positive affect, perceived exertion, enjoyment, or performance. Casual exergames controlled by upper body movement interactions in seated gameplay can produce similar psychological effects and physical exertion as upper body movement interactions in standing gameplay and full body movement interactions. Therefore, upper body and seated casual exergames should not be overlooked as a suitable microbreak activity.

Methodological aspects of training systems of junior taekwondist

The article analyzes the basis of achievements in the field of promotion of theoretical and methodological bases of sports training on the basis of taekwondo; it is necessary to organize these methodical exercises before the training of taekwondo; the necessity of the processes of natural development and adaptation to the physical advantages of young taekwondo players; the necessity of scientific equipment for the stimulus of training advantages in the minds of emotional states is shown. The specific features of the preparation of taekwondo fighters with the consideration of morphofunctional and psychophysiological features of athletes in the initial-training process are revealed. The most important aspects of taekwondo training or contribute to the optimization of the level of training of athletes are identified. Among the various directly the field of psychophysiology of sports is one of the most promising fields for the search for new approaches to the preparation of highly qualified athletes. The same observation of psychophysiological characteristics gives additional information about the functional state of the athlete for different minds of activity. One of the key nutrients is the prediction of potentially high results in a particular sport on the basis of a comprehensive study of mental and mental strengths and anatomical and physiological tasks. The methodology of SAN can be used to monitor the dynamic emotional state of the athlete, reflected in the indicators of self-esteem, activity and mood during the training period. The results of the psychological test revealed the dependence of the indicators of self-esteem, activity and mood on the indicators of physical activity. The effectiveness and efficiency in taekwondo is determined by the demonstration of high agility, the unprecedented strength of the attackers and defenders, the strength of the tactical and emotional fight. Considering that the effectiveness of taekwondo activities depends on the athlete's ability to jump, we analyze the information that is important to understand the psychophysical functions of the control of the athlete's physical position. this correction of the training process.

Book reviews: Sleep and Sport: Physical Performance, Mental Performance, Injury Prevention, and Competitive Advantage for Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers. First Edition. Editors: Michael A. Grandner & Amy B. Athey. Publisher: Academic Press, June 15, 2024. 360 pages.

Book reviews: Sleep and Sport: Physical Performance, Mental Performance, Injury Prevention, and Competitive Advantage for Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers. First Edition. Editors: Michael A. Grandner & Amy B. Athey. Publisher: Academic Press, June 15, 2024. 360 pages.

Multiple Sclerosis Imaging at 7T: Does 7T MRI Teach Us Something New in MS Imaging?

Compared with lower field strengths, 7T MRI offers unique benefits because of increased SNR and contrast, improved spectral resolution, and increased susceptibility-related dephasing. These benefits of 7T imaging could be of particular relevance for MS imaging. MS plaques have unique imaging features but can be challenging to differentiate from other white matter lesions. Examples of MS lesions at 7T are shown to highlight characteristics of MS imaging in a clinical context and the advantages of ultra-high field imaging, including as a problem-solving tool. Furthermore, examples will show how 7T imaging inform us about pathogenesis and pathophysiology underlying demyelinating plaques and MS and will highlight the potential of 7T MRI as imaging biomarker in MS.Learning Objective: To recognize imaging characteristics and characteristic diagnostic findings of MS within a clinical context, by understanding and using the physics principles and advantages of ultra-high-field 7T imaging.

Impact of physical exercise on behavioral and social features in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Background and Study Aim. Physical exercise is linked with several physical and psychological health advantages. A range of investigations has revealed the presence of a significant association between physical exercise and indicative improvements in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This systematic review aims to update the literature about the impact of physical exercise interventions on social, behavioral, and other outcomes for individuals with ASD. Materials and Methods. The study design followed the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of electronic databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Jane Publications—was performed from 2010 to December 2023. We searched for related research papers in English using keywords 'Autism Spectrum Disorder,' 'exercise,' and 'physical activity. Results. This systematic review employed a four-stage screening process, which resulted in the inclusion of 18 trial studies. The intervention period varied from three to forty-eight weeks, with a frequency of 3-7 times per week. The results demonstrated that physical exercise had a substantial positive impact on communication, social interaction, and motor skills in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Conclusions. This review supports physical exercise as a powerful tool in decreasing stereotypical behaviors, and in improving social communication and motor skills in subjects diagnosed with ASD. Regular physical exercise therapy can have a greater effect on improving the quality of life for ASD subjects.

Leisure activity participation among older adults: a review

ABSTRACT As the ageing population grows, the health and well-being of older adults have emerged as critical public concerns. Participating in leisure activities offers significant physical, mental, and social advantages for the elderly. Nonetheless, there’s a noticeable gap in the systematic analysis of these activities’ evolution over time. This bibliometric study delves into the domain of leisure activities for older adults, scrutinising scholarly articles from 1990 to 2023, indexed in SCOPUS. With an analysis of 612 English journal articles, it unveils developmental trends, pivotal themes, and unexplored areas. Highlighted research hotspots include dementia, physical activity, quality of life, life satisfaction, and health promotion, with a strategic blueprint outlining their interconnections and implications for policy and practice. This investigation not only charts the field’s landscape but also offers insightful directions for both scholarly inquiry and practical enhancements, aiming to improve the quality of life for the elderly. It concludes with discussions, managerial implications, limitations, future works, and conclusions to enrich the understanding of leisure activities’ development among older adults.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPINAL CORD INJURY: BEHAVIOUR, BARRIERS, MOTIVATIONS AND GAINS

INTRODUCTION & AIMS To attain a comprehensive understanding of physical activity (PA) behaviour in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in Australia. Investigation and analysis included volumes, guideline-adherence, barriers, motivators, and perceived benefits of PA. METHODS Methodology included quantitative and qualitative approaches. Statistical tests were used on national survey data (n=1,579) to scrutinise PA volumes and guideline-adherence. Semi-structured interviews (n=105) were used to explore barriers to PA, whilst focus groups (six groups of six people) were used to uncover motivations for, and gains of, PA. RESULTS The average PA per week was 333 (+/-318) minutes, 42% of people were sedentary, and less than half (47%) of individuals met PA-specific guidelines. Sociodemographic and injury characteristics displayed very weak capacity (2-5% variance) in predicting PA volume. Barriers pertained to cost, accessibility, pain, self-consciousness, and a perceived lack of return of investment in PA. Whilst appearance/weight management and improved health appeared initially as motivators to PA, participants reported they gained more affiliation and revitalisation through PA, and less appearance/weight management and health change than they had anticipated. Focus group analysis highlighted that the primary (and more significant) motivators and benefits of PA include independence, reclamation of identity, restitution, reduced familial burden, and mitigation of perceived hastened aging. CONCLUSION People with SCI in Australia are amongst the most sedentary in the nation, and less than half of individuals meet PA guidelines. Specific attention is needed toward females, older individuals and people injured non-traumatically. Barriers are significant and affordable and accessible services, skilful and knowledgeable clinicians, and an inclusive environment are needed to improve consumer confidence. Motivation and perceived benefits extend beyond obvious physical advantages of PA. Clinicians and scientists need to understand the psychosocial influence of PA in this sedentary population and harness this knowledge to improve participation and quality of life.

The Effect of Prenatal Yoga on Emesis Gravidarum in the First Trimester Pregnant Women

Background: Increased levels of progesterone, estrogen, and HCG (chorionic gonadotropin hormone) during the first trimester of pregnancy can produce morning sickness, also known as emesis gravidarum (nausea and vomiting). To lessen the release of hormones that induce anxiety, severe nausea, and vomiting, prenatal yoga practitioners can block the stimulation of sympathetic nerves by practicing muscle relaxation. This study aims to ascertain how prenatal yoga affects first-trimester emesis gravidarum. Method: This study used a pre-experimental design with a pretest-posttest design in one group, involving 16 mothers who had emesis gravidarum at PMB Fatimah Bandung Rejosari, Sukun, Malang. Data collection was done using the questionnaire. Results: The result was that two prenatal yoga sessions over two weeks demonstrated significant benefits. Prenatal yoga affects emesis gravidarum in the first trimester of pregnancy, as indicated by the independent t-test technique (2-tailed) of 0.000 <0.005. Discussion: Steroid hormones can slow down stomach emptying, which causes emesis gravidarum. Excessive or low cortisol levels can be brought back to normal with yoga. Yoga offers numerous mental and physical health advantages. Conclusion We can conclude that the course of treatment impacts the severity of emesis gravidarum, or nausea and vomiting, during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Physics informed machine learning based applications for the stability analysis of breakwaters

ABSTRACT One of the key aspects in designing and stability analysis of breakwater structures is predicting the stability number of their armour blocks. This study presents a novel approach called physics informed deep neural network, for the stability analysis of rubble-mound breakwaters. The present work makes two main contributions. Firstly, it proposes a method for creating hybrid combinations of theoretical models or physical models and deep neural network architectures, leveraging the advantages of both physics and data. This framework incorporates the output of physics-based simulations and observational features into a hybrid modelling setup. Secondly, the framework employs physics-based loss functions in the learning objective of these deep neural networks, which not only demonstrate lower errors on the training set but also adhere to the established physical relations. The proposed study may have the potential to address the existing limitations in this field and provide better accuracy in estimating the stability number.

The clinical roadmap in a dual-beam hadrontherapy centre: tumour-based and patient-tailored selection criteria, management of range uncertainties and oncological patient pathway

PurposeIn the present short report, we encompass the radiobiological and dosimetric advantages of particle beam radiotherapy and we illustrate the oncological pathway for patients eligible for hadrontherapy being used at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO).MethodsWith a narrative approach, we examined the clinical and practical aspects of hadrontherapy compared to traditional photon beam radiotherapy. We described the need to select patients considering the intrinsic characteristics both of the tumour and the patient. Moreover, we described the decisional oncological tree and the patient pathway by our facility.ResultsConsidering the dosimetric and radiobiological characteristics of particle beam radiotherapy, the selection of patients can not be done regardless of the intrinsic tumour and patient hallmarks. In particular, the tumour radioresistance, the patient radiosensitivity and the need to avoid post-actinic toxicities in long-term survivors should guide the clinical indication. The finite range of particles should be considered to avoid treatment uncertainties. Multidisciplinary national and international collaboration is crucial to better manage patients to treat with hadrontherapy and to create robust clinical evidence.ConclusionHadrontherapy, with its distinctive physical and biological advantages, heralds a promising era in the field of precision radiotherapy. Patients’ radiosensitivity, tumour radioresistance, and treatment uncertainties should be considered to enhance the efficacy and to ameliorate the selection of patients.

Toward a Robust Definition of Sport Sex.

Elite individual sports in which success depends on power, speed, or endurance are conventionally divided into male and female events using traditional binary definitions of sex. Male puberty creates durable physical advantages due to the 20- to 30-fold increase in circulating testosterone producing a sustained uplift in men's muscle, bone, hemoglobin, and cardiorespiratory function resulting from male puberty and sustained during men's lives. These male physical advantages provide strong justification for a separate protected category of female events allowing women to achieve the fame and fortune from success they would be denied if competing against men. Recent wider social acceptance of transgender individuals, together with the less recognized involvement of intersex individuals, challenge and threaten to defeat the sex classifications for elite individual female events. This can create unfair advantages if seeking inclusion into elite female events of unmodified male-bodied athletes with female gender identity who have gained the physical advantages of male puberty. Based on reproductive physiology, this paper proposes a working definition of sport sex based primarily on an individual's experience of male puberty and can be applied to transgender and various XY intersex conditions. Consistent with the multidimensionality of biological sex (chromosomal, genetic, hormonal, anatomical sex), this definition may be viewed as a multistrand cable whose overall strength survives when any single strand weakens or fails, rather than as a unidimensional chain whose strength is only as good as its weakest link.

The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently published a framework on fairness, inclusion, and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations. Although we appreciate the IOC's recognition of the role of sports science and medicine in policy development, we disagree with the assertion that the IOC framework is consistent with existing scientific and medical evidence and question its recommendations for implementation. Testosterone exposure during male development results in physical differences between male and female bodies; this process underpins male athletic advantage in muscle mass, strength and power, and endurance and aerobic capacity. The IOC's "no presumption of advantage" principle disregards this reality. Studies show that transgender women (male-born individuals who identify as women) with suppressed testosterone retain muscle mass, strength, and other physical advantages compared to females; male performance advantage cannot be eliminated with testosterone suppression. The IOC's concept of "meaningful competition" is flawed because fairness of category does not hinge on closely matched performances. The female category ensures fair competition for female athletes by excluding male advantages. Case-by-case testing for transgender women may lead to stigmatization and cannot be robustly managed in practice. We argue that eligibility criteria for female competition must consider male development rather than relying on current testosterone levels. Female athletes should be recognized as the key stakeholders in the consultation and decision-making processes. We urge the IOC to reevaluate the recommendations of their Framework to include a comprehensive understanding of the biological advantages of male development to ensure fairness and safety in female sports.

Socio-ecological factors of girl child marriage: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research

BackgroundChild marriage of girls is one example of human rights violations, and is increasingly recognized as a key obstacle to global public health. Given the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the motivations for child marriage, this study aimed to identify socio-ecological factors contributing to gills child marriage.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted of all English-language studies measuring causes of child marriage between 2000 and October 2022 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Poplin and Google Scholar databases. Girl child marriage is defined as a marriage under the age of 18. In this study, the CASP evaluation checklist was used to collect data. Two independent reviewers reviewed all articles.ResultsA total of 34 eligible qualitative articles were included. The most salient causes of child marriage among girls include low skills and knowledge, internal and external beliefs and motivations, and physical advantages at the individual level. Family characteristics and structure contribute to child marriage at the interpersonal level, while environmental and economic factors play a role at the community level. Social factors and cultural norms, as well as the shortcomings and weaknesses of legislation, are also contributing factors at the society level.ConclusionThe results showed that cultural beliefs supporting gender inequality and economic status were the most important causes of child marriage. These results can help policymakers and decision-makers implement strategies to reduce gender inequality to prevent child marriage.

A Dosimetric Comparative Study of Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy Versus X-ray Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Compared to photon beam, carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has both physical and biological advantages. To examine whether two-dimensional (2D) CIRT is dosimetrically superior to photon beam volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in protecting the normal tissues for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A retrospective study was conducted. Thirteen patients with stage III NSCLC treated in our center with curative CIRT and a sham photon beam VMAT treatment planning with the same normal tissue dose constraints were included for analysis. Target dose distributions and the homogeneity index (HI) within the planning target volumes were compared. Both CIRT and VMAT plans have good tumor coverage with no significant differences in D98, D95, and D50 of Planning target volume 1 (PTV1) between the two plans. The HIs between the two plans are similar. The HI of PTV2 is superior in the CIRT plan (CIRT vs. VMAT: 0.08 vs. 0.16, P < 0.05). In general, CIRT results in a lower dose of the organ-at-risk (OAR) than the photon plans. The V5, V10, V20, V30, V40, and Dmean of the contralateral lung in the CIRT plan are significantly lower than that of the photon VMAT. For the ipsilateral lung, the V5 of CIRT is significantly lower. The CIRT also had significantly lower spinal cord Dmax, esophageal Dmean and V50, V10 and V30 of bone, and V50 of the trachea and bronchial tree. Compared with photon VMAT, 2D-CIRT using the passive beam scanning technique significantly reduces the radiation dose to the OARs in curative radiotherapy of stage III NSCLC, suggesting a better protection of the normal tissues.

Surya Namaskar, Benefits in the Context of Physiological Perspective

Introduction: With the recent rise in awareness in increased understanding of the importance of physical activity in promoting overall health, greater emphasis has been placed on improving physical fitness to enhance quality of life. Asian Indians have been practicing Surya Namaskar, a part of Hatha Yoga, for hundreds of years. It is frequently employed in place of a typical workout regimen. It entails a series of asanas that are performed 12 times per cycle. Although Surya Namaskar was neither considered an asana nor a part of classical Yoga, it is now regarded as a component of current yogic practices. Before starting daily tasks, performing Surya Namaskar energizes the practitioner and gives them a fully charged day. The knowledge of energy cost and physiological responses of practicing Surya Namaskar is important and forms the basis for the recommendation of regular practice as part of any training. Based on available research, we emphasize the significance of Surya Namaskar in this review by stressing its impacts on the physiological components of the body. Methods: Different Ayurveda classics, modern classics, research papers, and journals were referred to fulfill this part. Results: With the help of research references, the evaluation outlines the practice’s physical advantages in terms of improving joint mobility, extending muscle power, and promoting vitality.

The Influence of Information Media on People's Gender Identity

Media and gender identity construction are interdependent. Media reinforce people's gender identity by perpetuating stereotypes, while also reflecting the public's demand for gender identity. This paper explores the impact of information media on people's gender cognition and the changes in gender perception under media influence. It also examines the differences between media in the past and contemporary periods, and their respective effects. For instance, before the popularization of paper information, oral language was the main medium for people. At that time, information was subject to the media, with slow transmission speed and a small influence range. In this condition, due to the superiority of the male physiological structure, there is a male-biased patriarchal gender relationship, which was first established in social production relations. The low social productivity makes the social status of men with innate physiological advantages above that of women. This fact proves that the influence of information media on people's gender cognition is huge, and society reinforces people's gender identity by emphasizing men's physical advantages. The ultimate goal of this study is to showcase the huge stereotypes created by the media in the past and the current 'improvement' situation.