Pursuit Of Optimal Performance Research Articles

AI-driven critical parameter optimization of sustainable self-compacting geopolymer concrete

This study aims to optimize the critical parameters of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) with a primary focus on enhancing compressive strength. Optimization of SCGC holds significant importance within the context of sustainable development. To implement the research, a comprehensive database was meticulously compiled by integrating data from published literature, with Fly ash and GGBFS serving as essential binders. Prior to the development of a robust machine learning model, the database underwent careful preprocessing to ensure data quality. In pursuit of optimal performance, three machine learning model's (base model) hyperparameters were diligently fine-tuned employing effective spotted hyena metaheuristic optimization technique. A hybrid model was developed using three base models and a meta-learner. The hybrid model outperformed other models owing to better accuracy and generalizability. Leveraging quasi-Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, this study effectively identified temperature, Na2SiO3/NaOH, NaOH molarity, and percentage of superplasticizer as critical parameters with the highest impact on compressive strength. Optimization involved adjusting the temperature (25–90 °C), Na2SiO3/NaOH concentration (8–16 M), molarity (1.5–4), and superplasticizer amount (2–10%). The optimization of these crucial parameters was effectively executed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This study introduces a novel integrated approach within RSM, deviating from conventional quadratic or polynomial models for interaction characterization. The optimized parameters were consistent across cases involving fly ash, GGBFS, and a blend of both binders, except for temperature, which varied based on the binder type. The optimized mix parameters are used for experimental validation of results obtained through AI-driven analysis and observed to provide an expected result of compressive strength in the range of 39–43 MPa.

Exploring Gender-Neutral Self-Confidence Levels in Adventure Sports Participants: A Comparative Study

This study aimed to assess and compare the levels of self-confidence among male and female athletes participating in Cross-Country Mountaineering (CCM) and Skiing (SK) activities. A total of 40 subject were selected from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) Himachal Pradesh, with equal representation from each gender within both CCM and SK categories. Self-confidence levels were measured using the SCI-RG questionnaire, and statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA. The results revealed a significant gender-based difference in self-confidence levels, with males exhibiting higher self-confidence than females. These findings support existing research on gender disparities in sports-related self-confidence and suggest that various sociocultural, psychological, and sport-specific factors may contribute to these differences. Future investigations should further explore these factors to enhance support for athletes in both CCM and SK, irrespective of their gender, in their pursuit of optimal performance and personal growth.

Transcultural Adaptation and Psychometric Support for a Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Flow State Scale (FSS-2).

The flow experience in sports is a construct of great interest to recreational and competitive athletes, coaches, and psychologists in pursuit of optimal performance. As there are no validated instruments for evaluating flow in the Brazilian Portuguese language, we evaluated the psychometric properties of a Brazilian version of the Flow State Scale (FSS-2) through three steps. Initially, four translators and five sports psychology specialists adapted the FSS-2 content for the Brazilian Portuguese language. Second, 371 athletes of both sexes who were engaged in group and individual sport modalities and who participated in national university sports competitions from 24 states responded to the adapted version of the FSS-2. Third, an independent sample of 34 athletes from Paraná responded to both the adapted FSS-2 and the dispositional flow scale (DFS-2) to permit analysis of the external validity and temporal stability of the adapted FSS-2. We found that the Brazilian version of the FSS-2 contains clear and pertinent items with a good content validity coefficient (CVC = 0.94) and satisfactory internal consistency (α > 0.88/CC > 0.80). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the adapted 36-item model presented adequate fit [X2 (558) = 1258.85; X2/df = 2.256; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92; non-normed fit index (NNFI) = 0.90; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.91; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06 (0.05-0.06); (RMSEA <0.05) =.001] with all first order factors (challenge-skills balance, action-attention fusion, clear goals, feedback, intense concentration, control, loss of self-awareness, time transformation, and autotelic experience). External validity (r > 0.344) and temporal stability (0.53 < intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) < 0.86) were satisfactory. We conclude that the Brazilian version of FSS-2 is adequate to evaluate flow states experienced by Brazilian athletes following a sports competition.

A Review of the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Personalized Sports Nutrition.

The gut microbiome is a key factor in determining inter-individual variability in response to diet. Thus, far, research in this area has focused on metabolic health outcomes such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, understanding the role of the gut microbiome in determining response to diet may also lead to improved personalization of sports nutrition for athletic performance. The gut microbiome has been shown to modify the effect of both diet and exercise, making it relevant to the athlete's pursuit of optimal performance. This area of research can benefit from recent developments in the general field of personalized nutrition and has the potential to expand our knowledge of the nexus between the gut microbiome, lifestyle, and individual physiology.

Pacing and Decision Making in Sport and Exercise: The Roles of Perception and Action in the Regulation of Exercise Intensity

In pursuit of optimal performance, athletes and physical exercisers alike have to make decisions about how and when to invest their energy. The process of pacing has been associated with the goal-directed regulation of exercise intensity across an exercise bout. The current review explores divergent views on understanding underlying mechanisms of decision making in pacing. Current pacing literature provides a wide range of aspects that might be involved in the determination of an athlete's pacing strategy, but lacks in explaining how perception and action are coupled in establishing behaviour. In contrast, decision-making literature rooted in the understanding that perception and action are coupled provides refreshing perspectives on explaining the mechanisms that underlie natural interactive behaviour. Contrary to the assumption of behaviour that is managed by a higher-order governor that passively constructs internal representations of the world, an ecological approach is considered. According to this approach, knowledge is rooted in the direct experience of meaningful environmental objects and events in individual environmental processes. To assist a neuropsychological explanation of decision making in exercise regulation, the relevance of the affordance competition hypothesis is explored. By considering pacing as a behavioural expression of continuous decision making, new insights on underlying mechanisms in pacing and optimal performance can be developed.