Time Zones Research Articles

EFFECTS OF PRE-MATCH TRAVEL AND TRAINING ON PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL MATCHES

INTRODUCTION & AIMS International footballers (soccer) are regularly required to travel directly from club to national team with only a few days to recover and prepare for matches. The combined stress of travel and training loads may therefore influence match performance. This research aims to examine the relationship of pre-match travel and in-camp training on ensuing physical and technical match performance of footballers competing for a national team. METHODS Match running and technical performance data were obtained from 68 national team footballers competing in international matches (n=108). Match performance data was aligned with confirmed travel durations, time zone change, travel direction, and the time between arrival and kick-off for travel into the match. Additionally, in-camp training loads for GPS for the 3 days prior to national team matches were also collated. Linear mixed models assessed relationships between travel and training measures with physical and technical match performance outcomes. RESULTS Travel variables explained little variance in outcomes (R2=0.02-0.16). Travelling eastward was associated with an increase in total (p=0.042) and very high-speed distance (p=0.030) in matches and a 5% decrease in pass accuracy (p=0.012). Greater time zone difference was associated with increased match decelerations (p=0.027), while arriving earlier for matches was associated with decreased total tackles (p=0.041). Increases in training high-speed distance were associated with increases in match high-speed distance (p=0.004) and number of decelerations (p<0.001). An increase in training total distance was associated with a decrease in match decelerations (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Pre-match travel appeared to have minimal effects on physical and technical performance in this national team, especially given most players arrived at least 40h prior to matches. Training loads prior to matches may have some relationship with match running performance and thus readiness to train should be a priority for athletes arriving in national team camps.

How H R Practices can be optimized for effective management of remote and virtual team in IT industry

exploring ways to enhance HR practices for the efficient administration of IT sector remote and virtual teams Analysing methods for efficient virtual team management, HR optimised the rise of remote work. Topics covered include technology developments, globalisation, shifting labour demographics, pandemics, and corporate cost savings as drivers of remote work's ascent. Issues with communication, trust-building, time zone differences, accountability, and productivity are some of the difficulties discussed in the article as they pertain to virtual team management and remote work. Future trends in remote work, including hybrid work models, the gig economy, and artificial intelligence, are also covered in the article. It also discusses methods for managing virtual teams effectively, ways to collaborate, and case studies of successful remote work implementation. In light of the fact that remote work is constantly changing the way organisations function, manage teams, and collaborate, the conclusion stresses the need of constant adaptation and learning. Key Words Remote IT team management: HR practices, challenges, strategies, future trends

A Comparison of 06:00 AM Versus 09:00 AM Serum Cortisol as a Basal Morning Cortisol in Guwahati, Assam: A Pilot Study.

Cortisol secretion is regulated by circadian rhythm, which is influenced by zeitgebers like light. In India, the entire country operates under a single time zone, Indian Standard Time, which may not align with the local sunrise timing across different regions. This study aimed to compare the basal serum cortisol levels between 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM in Guwahati, Assam, where sunrise occurs earlier compared with the western part of the country. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 in a tertiary care hospital in Guwahati. Serum cortisol samples were collected at 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM from 25 healthy adult participants once in winter and again in summer. Descriptive statistics and paired Student's t-tests were used. The mean serum cortisol levels at 06:00 AM in winter, summer and overall were 13.2, 13.4 and 13.3 μg/dL, respectively. At 09:00 AM, the mean serum cortisol levels in winter, summer and overall were 8.2, 7.7 and 8.0 μg/dL, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM cortisol levels in both winter and summer (P <0.001). This study highlights the importance of considering the influence of earlier sunrise on circadian rhythm, cortisol secretion and sampling protocols. Recognising the impact of earlier sunrise on cortisol secretion and adapting sampling protocols accordingly to align with the local sunrise can provide a more accurate assessment of basal cortisol levels and help avoid potential misinterpretation and diagnostic challenges associated with low values.

Market Access and Retail Investment Performance

ABSTRACT We examine the effects of stock market access, and in particular trading hours, on retail investment performance. Using discontinuities around time zone borders, we find that plausibly exogenous decreases in waking trading hours are associated with meaningful increases in retail investors’ capital gains, as reported on tax returns for the U.S. population. Our results indicate that limiting trading hours curbs active retail trading, leading to improvements in portfolio performance. Our findings identify one negative effect of decreasing barriers to entry for retail investors in trading markets. JEL Classifications: M41; M48; G40; G51.

Nonlinear and nonseparable structural functions in regression discontinuity designs with a continuous treatment

Many empirical examples of regression discontinuity (RD) designs concern a continuous treatment variable, but the theoretical aspects of such models are less studied. This study examines the identification and estimation of the structural function in fuzzy RD designs with a continuous treatment variable. The structural function fully describes the causal impact of the treatment on the outcome. We show that the nonlinear and nonseparable structural function can be nonparametrically identified at the RD cutoff under shape restrictions, including monotonicity and smoothness conditions. Based on the nonparametric identification equation, we propose a three-step semiparametric estimation procedure and establish the asymptotic normality of the estimator. The semiparametric estimator achieves the same convergence rate as in the case of a binary treatment variable. As an application of the method, we estimate the causal effect of sleep time on health status by using the discontinuity in natural light timing at time zone boundaries.

Using forensic intelligence as a model for determining future toxicology methods: TBI forensic toxicology and forensic drug chemistry nitazene identification.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) serves all 95 counties of Tennessee, but the data included in this article are primarily focused in Upper East and East Tennessee (the parts of the state included in the eastern time zone). The forensic chemistry (seized drug) unit of the TBI began reporting nitazene analogues in late 2019. The primary analogues found in forensic chemistry cases were isotonitazene and metonitazene. After discussion and review of reporting statistics, the forensic toxicology unit began to monitor for these compounds in toxicology samples by using ion characteristics with the nitazene analogues. Between March 2021 and December 2023, TBI toxicology received 49,639 cases statewide. Of those, 20,105 (40.5%) received toxicology testing. Approximately 95% of TBI toxicology cases are related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/motor vehicle-related incidents. Fatal overdoses and cases from the medical examiner office comprise <5% of TBI toxicology caseload. The toxicology section utilizes the SCIEX 3200 Qtrap with a SCIEX Exion LC AC autosampler system to monitor multiple reaction monitoring transition of nitazene analogues. The ion monitoring for two nitazene analogues, isotonitazene and metonitazene, started in March 2021. Ion monitoring should not be construed as a confirmed result but rather as an indication that a drug may be present. A comparison of this data from the forensic toxicology and forensic chemistry units revealed the rise of new drugs that required a more in-depth review to understand the magnitude and scope. This article is also intended to encourage collaboration between forensic toxicology and forensic chemistry (seized drug) units.

0180 Crew Sleep During a 36-day Arctic Transit: Preliminary Results

Abstract Introduction Extreme environmental conditions (e.g., natural light conditions, time zone transitions), and specific operational conditions (e.g., ship motion due to ice breaking) combined with a variety of other occupational stressors (including shift work, psychological stress, and performing physically strenuous activities), poses unique challenges when conducting polar operations. The overarching aim of this project is to assess the unique challenges sailors experience when operating in polar regions in order to identify performance-limiting factors derived from operating an icebreaker in extreme latitudes. This abstract shows preliminary results of crewmember sleep. Methods A naturalistic longitudinal approach assessed 53 of the ship’s crewmembers (median age of 29yrs; 71.7% males; 66.0% enlisted) while performing their normal duties during a 36-day transit from Kodiak, AK (8/26/23) to Tromsø, Norway (1/10/23). Participants wore ŌURA rings and completed weekly questionnaires throughout the study. Mixed effects analysis was used to assess the effect of age, occupational group, time underway, and watchstanding status on variables of interest. Results are presented as mean◻standard deviation. Results Over the entire data collection period, participants’ sleep duration was 6.81◻0.57 hrs/day with 68.9% sleeping &amp;lt; 7 hrs/day and 8.89% sleeping &amp;lt; 6 hrs/day. All participants napped at least once; 68.1% napped at least once every 4 days. Self-report sleep regularity index (SRI; lower numbers translate to poorer sleep) was 73.1◻5.80 for watchstanders, 83.8◻6.19 for non-watchstanders, and 78.3◻5.16 for crewmembers with a hybrid work schedule. Age was associated with decreased heart rate variability (p=0.006), increased percentage of light sleep (p&amp;lt; 0.001), decreased percentage of deep sleep (p&amp;lt; 0.001), and increased percentage of REM sleep (p=0.021). Officers and watchstanders had a lower percentage of REM sleep compared to enlisted (p=0.030) and non-watchstanders (p=0.025) respectively. Also, over the course of the underway the percentage of light sleep increased and the percentage of deep sleep decreased. Specifically, compared to Week 1, Week 3 had a higher percentage of light sleep (p=0.027), and a lower percentage of deep sleep (p=0.019). Conclusion Results showed that Arctic operations can affect crew sleep. Crew members slept less than the daily recommended 7+ hr/day sleep duration. Their sleep was also related to age, watchstanding status, and time underway. Support (if any)

Thermal Characterization and Preclinical Feasibility Verification of an Accessible, Carbon Dioxide-Based Cryotherapy System.

To investigate the potential of an affordable cryotherapy device for the accessible treatment of breast cancer, the performance of a novel carbon dioxide-based device was evaluated through both benchtop testing and an in vivo canine model. This novel device was quantitatively compared to a commercial device that utilizes argon gas as the cryogen. The thermal behavior of each device was characterized through calorimetry and by measuring the temperature profiles of iceballs generated in tissue phantoms. A 45 min treatment in a tissue phantom from the carbon dioxide device produced a 1.67 ± 0.06 cm diameter lethal isotherm that was equivalent to a 7 min treatment from the commercial argon-based device, which produced a 1.53 ± 0.15 cm diameter lethal isotherm. An in vivo treatment was performed with the carbon dioxide-based device in one spontaneously occurring canine mammary mass with two standard 10 min freezes. Following cryotherapy, this mass was surgically resected and analyzed for necrosis margins via histopathology. The histopathology margin of necrosis from the in vivo treatment with the carbon dioxide device at 14 days post-cryoablation was 1.57 cm. While carbon dioxide gas has historically been considered an impractical cryogen due to its low working pressure and high boiling point, this study shows that carbon dioxide-based cryotherapy may be equivalent to conventional argon-based cryotherapy in size of the ablation zone in a standard treatment time. The feasibility of the carbon dioxide device demonstrated in this study is an important step towards bringing accessible breast cancer treatment to women in low-resource settings.

Liquid Vortex Formation in a Swirling Container Considering Fractional Time Derivative of Caputo

This paper applies fractional calculus to a practical example in fluid mechanics, illustrating its impact beyond traditional integer order calculus. We focus on the classic problem of a rigid body rotating within a uniformly rotating container, which generates a liquid vortex from an undisturbed initial state. Our aim is to compare the time evolutions of the physical system in fractional and integer order models by examining the torque transmission from the rotating body to the surrounding liquid. This is achieved through closed-form, time-developing solutions expressed in terms of Mittag–Leffler and Bessel functions. Analysis reveals that the rotational velocity and, consequently, the vortex structure of the liquid are influenced by three distinct time zones that differ between integer and noninteger models. Anomalous diffusion, favoring noninteger fractions, dominates at early times but gradually gives way to the integer derivative model behavior as time progresses through a transitional regime. Our derived vortex formula clearly demonstrates how the liquid vortex is regulated in time for each considered fractional model.

The shift in sports viewing: scale development and validation for mediated sports consumption motivation

ABSTRACT Research question Mediated sports, the alternative consumption formats that substitute live stadium or arena experiences, are on the rise and have become a prevalent means of consuming sport. This study developed a comprehensive scale to capture fans’ motivation behind mediated sport consumption from the theoretical lens of self-determination theory. Research methods We achieved this objective through a series of studies: a free thought-listing survey, expert panels, an exploratory study based on a sample of 549 sport consumers, and a confirmatory study based on a new sample of 335 sport consumers. Results and findings The final scale consists of 21 items that measure seven motives: Convenience, Sociability, Emotional Hedge, Programming, Ownership, Team Identification, and Security. Findings revealed that mediated sport consumption demonstrated distinct motives integral to satisfying the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Implications This study expands our understanding of mediated sport consumption behavior through the perspectives of Self-determination Theory. Sport fans tend to take advantage of various platforms and time zones and access many sporting events with fewer constraints. We suggest that mediated sport consumption that enhances a sense of choice or personal value provides a higher satisfaction of sport fans’ psychological needs.

Knowledge Graph Analysis for Chronic Diseases Nursing based on Visualization Technology and Literature Big Data

The use of knowledge graph analysis for chronic disease nursing based on visualization technology and literature big data is an unexplored area of research in this field of study. To uncover research hotspots and developmental trends in the field of chronic disease nursing, and to provide a scholarly reference, we employed mathematical and statistical methods along with CiteSpace literature visualization analysis software for quantitative analysis of extensive literature data from the Web of Science Core Collection. We examined aspects such as publication trends, journals, author collaborations, research institutions, national and regional distributions, keyword co-occurrence, clustering, time zones, emergence, literature co-citations, and more. These analyses identified the current hotspots and future directions for research. Notably, scholars' interest in chronic disease nursing exhibited a consistent upward trajectory. In particular, the field of artificial intelligence technology application in nursing yielded $3,610$ published papers in $141$ journals with more than or equal to $10$ published papers on the topic, accounting for $58.41 \%$ of the total number of published papers in this field of study. Furthermore, the top three publishers were the “Journal of Clinical Nursing,” “Journal of Advanced Nursing,” and “BMC Health Services Research.” Among authors, Hu, Frank B., Willett, Walter C., and Rimm, Eric B., ranked as the top three, and 12 authors had more than 10 publications. The most active research institutions included Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Brigham &amp; Women’s Hospital, University of California System, University of London, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Sydney, and the University of Toronto. The United States, Australia, England, China, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Germany emerged as the leading countries in terms of research output, while emerging hotspots encompassed topics such as incidence, rheumatoid arthritis, qualitative research, burnout, kidney transplantation, critical illness, COVID-19, Sars-COV-2, public health, and the well-being of medical staff. These findings present valuable insights for prospective research endeavors.

Designing an Internet of Things solution for monitoring vital signs

The object of study is the process of monitoring vital signs using an automated system based on an Internet of Things (IoT) solution. The study investigates and analyses the best existing solutions for continuous monitoring of human health. The research is important in the context of a possible pandemic and general health monitoring. An IoT model of a solution for monitoring and analyzing vital signs in patients is proposed. The project involves the creation of hardware and software for tracking vital signs. The interaction of the two parts will ensure that the main task is to obtain the result and analyze the indicators of vital functions of the human body. The hardware is implemented using devices for scanning data on heart rate, temperature, saturation, and the ability to track electrocardiograms. It is possible to transmit data on the state of the body. The position of the sensors attached to the body is taken into account in case they come off. The device itself should be placed on the human body in the area of the front chest wall, wrists, and ankles. The device is also programmed to respond to sudden changes in these values. The software implementation is based on a web-based interface. The design of the final solutions for the interaction between the local and intermediate server was implemented using Django and Python. The ability to administer the intermediate server of the client's time zone was written using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The use of the IoT solution allows monitoring the indicators of vital functions of the body and their analysis. A scheme of information exchange in the system for monitoring health indicators has been built.

Spatiotemporal light exposure modeling for environmental circadian misalignment and solar jetlag.

Light exposure is the most powerful resetting signal for circadian rhythms. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a high-resolution geospatial light exposure model that measures environmental circadian misalignment (or solar jetlag) as the mismatch between the social clock and sun clock, which occurs from geographic variation in light exposure leading to delayed circadian phase from relatively less morning light exposure and greater evening light exposure with increasing westward position within a time zone. The light exposure model (30 m2 spatial resolution) incorporated geospatial data across the United States on time zones, elevation (using Google Earth Engine), sunrise time, and sunset time to estimate solar jetlag scores (higher values indicate higher environmental circadian misalignment). The validation study compared the light exposure model in 2022, which was linked with geocoded residential addresses of n = 20 participants in Boston, MA (eastern time zone position) and Seattle, WA (western time zone position) using a geographic information system, with illuminance values captured from wearable LYS light sensors and with sun times from the Solar Calculator. Western versus eastern positions within a time zone were associated with higher solar jetlag scores from the light exposure model (P < 0.01) and relatively larger differences in sunset time measured using light sensors (social clock) and the Solar Calculator (sun clock) (P = 0.04). We developed and validated a geospatial light exposure model, enabling high spatiotemporal resolution and comprehensive characterization of geographic variation in light exposure potentially impacting circadian phase in epidemiologic studies.

Separately measuring home‐field advantage for offenses and defenses: A panel‐data study of constituent channels within collegiate American football

Separately measuring home‐field advantage for offenses and defenses: A panel‐data study of constituent channels within collegiate American football

Effective Delivery Management in Geographically Dispersed Teams: Overcoming Challenges in Salesforce Projects

In the era of digital transformation, Salesforce has emerged as a leading platform for customer relationship management (CRM), enabling businesses to streamline their operations and enhance customer engagement. However, the management of Salesforce projects in geographically dispersed teams presents unique challenges that can impact delivery effectiveness. This paper explores the complexities associated with delivering Salesforce projects when team members are located in different regions and proposes strategies to overcome these challenges. Geographically dispersed teams often encounter issues related to communication, coordination, and cultural differences. Communication barriers, such as time zone differences and language variations, can lead to misunderstandings and delays in project execution. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interactions can hinder effective collaboration and team cohesion. Cultural differences may also affect team dynamics, impacting productivity and decision-making processes. To address these challenges, the paper emphasizes the importance of implementing robust communication strategies. Establishing clear communication protocols, utilizing collaboration tools, and setting up regular virtual meetings are crucial for maintaining alignment among team members. Leveraging technology such as video conferencing, project management software, and instant messaging platforms can bridge the gap caused by geographical distances, facilitating real-time updates and seamless information sharing.

International students' perspectives on the genetic counseling application process.

Between 2018 and 2023, one percent of matched applicants to North American genetic counseling graduate programs (GCGPs) have been international applicants (IAs). The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in the GCGP application processes in 2020, most notably the incorporation of virtual interviews and GRE waivers, which uniquely impacted IAs. Twelve international genetic counseling (GC) students who matriculated into a U.S.-based GCGP in 2021 or 2022 participated in this qualitative study (42% of the total enrolled) to understand their application experience. Cost, location of the program, and rapport during interviews were the most important factors identified by IAs to apply to and rank the GCGPs. Shadowing and volunteer experiences relevant to GC were cited as important for applicants to learn about a genetic counseling career, but many had challenges finding opportunities in their home countries. Unique logistical challenges in taking the GRE, transcript evaluation services, and standardized English proficiency tests were described. Although virtual interviews offered the same experience as domestic applicants, the time difference was a major challenge, requiring IAs to interview through the night, creating additional stressors. Nine of 12 were re-applicants and shared that engaging with GCGPs early in the process was beneficial for improving applications and, at times, requesting waivers for transcript evaluation requirements and considering unique volunteering experiences. Participants suggested GCGPs can address barriers by providing more specific information on their websites as it pertains to IAs, and contact information for the international student office. Improving awareness of the applicants' backgrounds, home country experiences, and time zone differences would provide IAs with a more equitable application experience. Addressing these barriers could help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion allowing for more IAs and the growth of the genetic counseling profession.

Evaluation of Queue System Management Implementation at XYZ Supermarket in Lampung

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Queuing system management (QSM) can help improve operational efficiency, reduce customer waiting time, a node from human resource management (HRM) based on the effectiveness of HR performance, and optimize employees as HR in improving customer service. This research was conducted with the aim of knowing the mplementing queuing results of system management in one of the Supermarkets in Lampung Province and knowing the optimal number of cashier lines in the QSM. Research conducted on the research object, namely XYZ Supermarket, is recorded every one-hour interval. This research was conducted for 14 days, working hours from 09.00-21.00 Western Indonesian Time zone. The population in this study is all consumers whose population is unlimited. The sample used is consumers who enter the XYZ Supermarket QSM. The study purpose was to optimize the QSM with Ws less than 3 minutes and Ls less than 4 people in accordance with the SOP. This research method uses the multi-channel single-phase model with system time and systems number. The analysis results in this study can be concluded that the performance of the queuing system implemented with the number of cashiers (M) of 2 cashiers at 09.00-09.59, 12.00-12.59, and 19.00-19.59. It makes optimal QSM with Ws less than 3 minutes, and Ls less than 4 people.

Using Innovative Tools and Lean Writing Workflow Processes to Accelerate Regulatory Document Writing

Lean writing workflow processes can streamline development of complex documents, including protocols and other regulatory submissions. This paper outlines standard development timelines and describes useful lean writing workflow methods and tools to reduce protocol development timelines without sacrificing document quality. We present the results of a survey completed by 75 Medical writers (MW) that reveal the strategies used during document preparation and use real case scenarios (protocol development) that illustrate how innovative tools and approaches can be efficiently used to create a lean writing workflow process. Software tools (e.g., proofreading assistance, citation manager, collaborative authoring and reviewing) were widely accepted and used during protocol development according to the MWs surveyed. Most of the surveyed writers (62%) hypothesized a reduction in production time by about 25%. Efficient collaborative work across different time zones had a marked impact on shortening timelines while maintaining production of high-quality documents. Real case scenarios were used to illustrate how innovative tools and approaches can positively impact timelines and efficiently create a lean writing workflow process regardless of therapeutic area. The real case scenarios showed that protocol development time can be decreased by about 26% without compromising the quality of the document. This shows that software tools, templates, checklists, and collaborative writing were more impactful than hypothesized by the MWs included in the survey. With clear workflow processes, roles, and responsibilities backed by innovative software applications, template guidelines, and collaborative work processes, MWs can overcome common development challenges and improve their lean regulatory writing skills.

Participants’ perceptions of video-enhanced dialogic assessment as reflective practice in international teacher education

ABSTRACT Initial teacher education in England is characterised by lesson observation and assessment of teaching evidence against criterion-referenced teachers’ standards. In UK-based international teacher training, these situated practices are more challenging because of staff and trainees working in different time zones. In 2020, COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented assessors visiting trainees in international schools. Assessment therefore moved to a video-enhanced dialogic assessment process (VEDA), incorporating video-enhanced lesson observation and feedback, along with a dialogic online interview and evaluation of a digital portfolio of evidence. A first cycle of action research carried out in parallel to the change in provision gathered participants’ perceptions from recordings. These are themed around the way that technology supported reflection during assessment, and the holistic nature of this approach. Findings suggest that video-enhanced dialogic assessment allows for a deep and authentic assessment experience, and is a better fit as a reflective pedagogy for assessing teachers than the pre-pandemic approach.

Investigation of the effect of circadian rhythm on the performances of NBA teams

ABSTRACT Professional athletes competing in the NBA are frequently exposed to time-zone-shifting travels. These time zone changes may cause circadian rhythm (CR) phase shifts and these shifts affect sportive performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CR phase shifts on the performance of NBA teams. 25016 regular season games across 21 consecutive seasons were included in the CR phase shift calculations. To examine the CR phase shift effect on team performance, teams were divided into three groups regarding Coordinated Universal Time (UTC): the same internal UTC as the local UTC (LS); the internal UTC ahead of the local UTC (LA); and the internal UTC behind the local UTC (LB). With a different approach, teams were divided into another three categories: the same internal UTC as its opponent’s internal UTC (OS); the internal UTC ahead of its opponent’s internal UTC (OA); and the internal UTC behind its opponent’s internal UTC (OB). 24985 game data were used to compare these groups in terms of 25 variables. Statistical analyses were conducted separately for home and away teams. For home games, it was found that LA and OA are the most and LB is the least successful group in winning and scoring performances. For away games, it was determined that LS is the most advantageous group with the best winning percentage. These results revealed that teams from more west may have a CR advantage in regular season home games. However, it is thought that the performance of away teams depends more on travel fatigue than CR phase shifts.