Total Distance Research Articles

Streamlined A* for Faster Robotic Inspections in Ports

Research on automatic port inspections using robots has been carried out in the state-owned company Indonesia Port Corporation, Semarang, Indonesia. However, increasing the efficiency of robotic inspections is critical because robots need to perform these tasks at much higher speeds than humans, while maintaining a high level of accuracy. The robot is equipped with sensors and computer vision technology to detect defects or problems that humans might miss. The aim is to increase overall inspection accuracy at a lower cost. In this research, we introduce an optimized A* path planning algorithm that incorporates the flood algorithm, node reductions process, and linear path planning optimization for an autonomous navigated port inspection robot. Our primary objective is to significantly increase the efficiency of the conventional A* algorithm in guiding robotic systems through complex paths. The proposed algorithm demonstrates exceptional efficiency in generating feasible paths, with success attributed to optimization steps that specifically target reducing node processing and enhancing route finding. The experimentation phase involves a comprehensive assessment of the algorithm using six key parameters: running time, number of nodes, number of turns, maximum turning angle, expansion nodes, and the total distances output. Through rigorous testing, the algorithm's performance is evaluated and compared against seven other current algorithms, namely A*, BestFirst, Dijkstra, BFS, DFS, Bidirectional A*, and Geometric A*. Results from the experiments reveal the algorithm's outstanding running time efficiency, surpassing all other algorithms tested. Notably, it exhibits a remarkable 6.5% improvement over the widely recognized Geometric A* algorithm.

Rivaroxaban for Patients with Intermittent Claudication

BackgroundThe combination of rivaroxaban plus aspirin compared with aspirin alone reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and limb events for high-risk patients with peripheral artery disease. It is unknown whether rivaroxaban plus aspirin improves intermittent claudication for adults with lower-risk peripheral arterial disease.MethodsIn this randomized, open-label, multicenter, 24-week clinical trial, we randomly assigned patients with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication to receive either 2.5 mg of rivaroxaban twice daily plus 100 mg of aspirin once daily or 100 mg of aspirin once daily. The primary outcome was a 24-week change in total walking distance, measured by the 6-minute walking test. The primary safety outcome was the incidence of major bleeding or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding.ResultsEighty-eight patients were randomly assigned to either rivaroxaban plus aspirin (n=46) or aspirin alone (n=42). The mean age was 67 years, and 54% were female. The total walking distance measured by 6-minute walk test improved by 89 ± 18 m (mean±standard error) in the rivaroxaban-plus-aspirin group versus 21 ± 16 m in the aspirin-alone group. This corresponded to an absolute difference of 68 ± 24 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 19 to 116 m; P=0.007) and a relative improvement over the aspirin-alone group of 327% (95% CI, 94 to 560%). No major bleeding events were observed in either group.ConclusionsIn patients with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication, 2.5 mg of rivaroxaban twice daily plus 100 mg of aspirin daily improved the total walking distance by a 6-minute walking test compared with 100 mg of aspirin daily alone. (Funded by Bayer S.A.; Clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT04853719.)

The influence of fence design on the movement patterns of eastern long‐necked turtles

AbstractFences disturb the movements of terrestrial species, altering migration patterns, limiting access to vital resources, and reducing genetic diversity. With almost 40% of the Earth's land surface converted for agriculture, farm fencing to protect crops and corral livestock is expected to stretch into the millions of kilometers. As semi‐terrestrial ectotherms, freshwater turtles are threatened by fences that limit access to resources and increase risks of desiccation, entanglement, and overheating, often resulting in death. To determine the effect of fences, we quantified the movement patterns for a population of eastern long‐necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) inhabiting an agricultural landscape near Armidale, New South Wales, Australia from November 2022 to September 2023. There was considerable variation in the distance traveled, home range size, and movement corridor selection between turtles that was not explained by the morphological factors of size, mass, or the loss of a limb (likely due to predation attempts). On average, 38% ± 4.70 ( ± SE) of turtle movements were terrestrial (overland) during their active season (spring and summer) during which they encountered fences frequently because of a complex matrix of paddocks. Fence design dictated the distance turtles traveled to locate a suitable passage point. The majority of fences allowed turtles to pass (turtle‐friendly fences, 71.4% of total fence distance) as opposed to turtle‐unfriendly fences (28.6% of total fence distance). Turtles were required to travel almost 4 times the distance to locate a suitable crossing point (a gap or fault in the fence) when they encountered an unfriendly fence (85.32 m ± 29.81) compared to a turtle‐friendly fence (25.85 m ± 3.58). Our results highlight the need for land managers to avoid small‐diameter exclusion fencing and fence designs containing chicken wire that extend to or below ground level. In settings where small‐diameter wire fencing is required, we recommend the installation of turtle gates for small terrestrial fauna or elevating bottom wires at least 50 mm above ground level to facilitate fence permeability.

Optimal Agent-Based Pickup and Delivery with Time Windows and Electric Vehicles

The traditional methods of transporting goods and people in urban areas using vehicles powered by internal combustion engines are major contributors to pollution. As a result, an increasing number of logistics companies are transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) for daily operations, replacing traditional engines. This shift opens research avenues regarding the integration of EVs into delivery workflows and how this can contribute to greener cities. This study tackles the EV routing problem, focusing on balancing battery constraints and optimizing routes. We formulated the problem as a pickup and delivery with time windows, incorporating electric energy consumption constraints, and utilized consensus mechanisms in an agent-based simulation context. Our evaluation used 15 scenarios, capturing variations in vehicle configurations, order generation rates, and battery and freight capacities. We compared two order allocation strategies: “Closest Allocation” and “Negotiation” consensus-based allocation. The results confirmed that the consensus-based strategy outperformed the “Closest Allocation” in metrics such as remaining orders, orders not handled in time, total distance traveled, total recharging cost, and total number of recharges. These findings have significant implications for urban planners, logistic companies, and policymakers, demonstrating that an agent-based simulation context for electric vehicles using consensus-based strategies can enhance delivery efficiency and promote sustainability.

Menstrual Cycle Phases and Elite Female Soccer During Training: Exercise Load Perception and External Workload Monitoring

BACKGROUND: Female soccer has grown exponentially in the last years, however studies on women soccer players are very few compared with male ones and several inconsistencies are reported in the literature for female players. Physiological hormonal fluctuations during the different moments of menstrual cycle could have important implications on soccer performance, therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of menstrual cycle phases on external and internal loads in elite women’ soccer players during an in-season training period, and to describe the internal-external training load relationship, in relation to different menstrual cycle moments. METHODS: 16 elite players from Italian soccer first division were monitored for 12 weeks. The main internal parameter (rate of perceived exertion - RPE), external variables (total time, total distance, high speed running - HSR, numbers of accelerations/decelerations) and session-RPE were collected during training sessions and analyzed trough a repeated-measures ANOVA to identify differences in the MC weeks. Menstrual cycle was monitored through daily questionnaires and was divided into four phases: menstruation week, pre-ovulation, post-ovulation, and pre-cycle. RESULTS: HSR and total distance were significantly lower during menstruation week than post-ovulation week (18318.70 ±1802.04 m vs 20358.41 ± 1639.27 m, respectively; p=0.022). A significant correlation was found in pre-cycle week between RPE and total distance (r=0.545; p=0.029), and between session-RPE with total distance (r=0.514; p=0.042) and total time (r=0.502; p=0.048). When considering the whole menstrual cycle, weak and moderate correlations were found for RPE and session-RPE with total time, total distance and HSR. CONCLUSION: Appropriate menstrual cycle monitoring is required for better interpretation of players’ response in elite women’s soccer training, given that during menstruation week, external load variables could be impaired. RPE and session-RPE values do not change statistically with changes in external variables, and their relationship showed unclear results, highlighting caution when interpreting them, and suggesting their use in combination with other parameters, especially during early follicular phase.

Electroacupuncture alleviates neuropathic pain by regulating hippocampal SP/NK1R/ARRB1 pathway.

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on pain, anxiety like behavior, and substance P(SP) /neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) /β -arrestin 1(ARRB1) pathway related protein expression in hippocampus of chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of neuropathic pain. Twenty-seven male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model and EA groups, with 9 rats in each group. The CCI model was established by ligature of the left sciatic nerve. On the 8th day following modeling, EA (2 Hz, 0.5-1.5 mA) was applied to the left "Huantiao" (GB34) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) for 30 min, once every other day for 13 times. Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT), thermal paw withdrawal threshold (TWL) and difference of the weight distribution of the hind limbs were detected before operation and at the 5th, 9th, 17th, 25th and 33rd days after operation. Open field test was used to evaluate the anxiety-like behavior of rats. The content of SP in hippocampus was determined by ELISA. The protein expression of NK1R and ARRB1 in hippocampus was detected by Western blot. Compared with the sham operation group, the MWT and TWL of the left hind limb at the 5th, 9th, 17th, 25th and 33rd days after operation, the time of entering the central area and the total distance of movement, and the content of SP in the hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01), while the difference of the weight distribution of the hind limbs at the 5th, 9th, 17th, 25th and 33rd days after operation and the protein expression of NK1R and ARRB1 were significantly increased (P<0.001, P<0.05) in the model group. After EA intervention, the MWT and TWL of the left hind limb, the time of entering the central area and the total moving distance, and the expression of SP in the hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05), while the difference in the weight distribution of the hind limbs was significantly reduced, and the expression of NK1R and ARRB1 protein in the hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.001, P<0.05) in the EA group. EA can effectively improve the pain and anxiety behaviors in CCI rats, and reverse the abnormal expression of SP, NK1R and ARRB1 proteins in the hippocampus, which may be related to its effects in regulating the SP/NK1R/ARRB1 pathway in the hippocampus.

Match physical performance profiles in professional football: a comparative analysis among players’ positions in the European five top leagues

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to profile the physical-performance related match-data of players (n = 3211) in five leagues (Bundesliga: BU, Ligue1: L1, La-Liga: LL, Premier-League: PL, and Serie-A: SA), regarding five positions: central-defender (CD), fullback (FB), central-midfielder (CM), winger (WN), and forward (FW). The physical-variables were: total-distance (TD), distance at 15–20 km·h−1 (RUNd), distance and efforts at 20–25 km·h−1 (nHSR, HSRd) and > 25 km·h−1 (nSPR, SPRd), accelerations at 1.5–3.0 m·s−2 (mACC), and > 3.0 m·s−2 (hACC), decelerations at −1.5/-3.0 m·s−2 (mDEC), and <-3 m·s−2 (hDEC), and peak-velocity (VMAX). Principal-Component (PC), Cluster and a Mixed-Model analysis were implemented. Results: 1) two PC (explained variance > 75%) grouped variables related to the amount of activity (PC1 = TD, RUNd, nHSR, HSRd,m ACC and mDEC) and intensity (PC2 = nSPR, SPRd, VMAX, hACC and hDEC); 2) CD and CM, in any league, were mainly grouped in clusters 1 and 4, respectively, while the rest FB, FW and WN, were distributed in clusters 3 and 5; 3) the SA and PL leagues, the FW, FB and WN positions and clusters 4 and 5 were profiles closest to the intensity. Knowing physical profiles could be useful both for the recruitment department of the club and for the analysts in those teams that take part in international competitions.

Identifying the electromagnetic counterparts of LISA massive black hole binaries in archival LSST data

ABSTRACT LSST will catalogue the light curves of up to 100 million quasars. Among these there can be $\sim$100 ultra-compact massive black hole (MBH) binaries, whose gravitational waves (GWs) can be detected 5–15 yr later by LISA. Here, we assume such a LISA detection occurred, and assess whether or not its electromagnetic (EM) counterpart can be identified as a periodic quasar in archival LSST data. We use the binary’s properties derived from the LISA waveform, including the evolution of its orbital frequency, its total mass, distance, and sky localization, to predict the redshift, magnitude, and historical periodicity of the quasar expected in the LSST data. We then use Monte Carlo simulations to compute the false alarm probability (FAP), i.e. the number of quasars in the LSST catalogue matching these properties by chance, based on the (extrapolated) quasar luminosity function, the cadence of LSST, and intrinsic ‘damped random walk’ quasar variability. We analyse four fiducial LISA binaries, with masses and redshifts of $(M_{\rm bin}/{\rm M_{\odot }},z) = (3\times 10^5,0.3)$, $(3\times 10^6,0.3)$, $(10^7,0.3)$, and $(10^7,1)$. While noise and aliasing due to LSST’s cadence produces false periodicities by chance, we find that the frequency chirp of the LISA source during the LSST observations washes out these noise peaks and allows the genuine source to stand out in appropriately scaled Lomb–Scargle periodograms. We find that all four fiducial binaries can be uniquely identified, with ${\rm FAP}\lt 10^{-5}$, a week or more before merger. This should enable follow-up EM observations targeting individual EM counterparts during their inspiral stage.

Association of mental health with walking capacity in patients with claudication: a cross-sectional study

Objectives The purpose of this investigation was to verify the association between mental health (MH) indicators with walking capacity in patients with PAD. Methods Two hundred and forty-six patients with PAD and claudication symptoms participated in this study. Physical function was assessed objectively with the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and subjectively using the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ). MH was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) (six questions were selected − 1, 2, 10, 16, 19, and 26). Patients were divided into tertile groups according to their composite z-score for mental health (Low MH, Middle MH, and High MH). Results The High MH group presented higher scores (p < 0.05) for the WIQ (distance = 26.8 ± 25.6, speed = 25.4 ± 17.3, and stairs = 33.6 ± 27.5), claudication onset distance (161.6 ± 83.6 m), and total walking distance (352.9 ± 79.6 m) compared to Low MH (WIQ distance = 14.8 ± 16.2, 17.7 ± 13.0, and stairs = 22.7 ± 20.7). Additionally, the High MH group presented a longer claudication onset distance (115.5 ± 70.5 m), and total walking distance in 6MWT (306.6 ± 83.2 m), and higher scores in the total walking distance compared to Middle MH (309.5 ± 93.6 m) (p < 0.05). Conclusion In patients with PAD, MH was positively associated with walking capacity. Based on these results, treatments that can improve mental health, through different mechanisms, can also positively influence the ability of these patients to walk.

Reactive tabu search and mixed-integer linear programming for multi-day assignment, scheduling, and routing problems of specialised education and home-care services

In this paper, we address the Multi-Day Assignment, Scheduling, and Routing Problem for Specialized Education and Home Care Services (SEHCS-MASRP), which involves heterogeneous employees and missions, posing a complex optimisation challenge. To tackle this, we propose a novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model that considers employee qualifications, service requirements, scheduling constraints, routing decisions, and multiple objectives across the planning horizon. Additionally, we develop two metaheuristic approaches: a Reactive Tabu Search (RTS) algorithm incorporating either a Probabilistic Greedy Heuristic (PGH) or a Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) for initial solutions and a tailored genetic algorithm (GA). The three approaches aim to minimise wasted and overtime hours, total travel distances, and the number of assignments with an unsatisfied specialty while balancing wasted hours, overtime hours, and travel distances among the employees. Gurobi uses the proposed MILP model to find the optimal solutions, which are then compared with RTS and GA results across various instance sizes based on real-life SEHCS scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of MILP, RTS, and GA. MILP achieves proven optimal solutions for smaller to large instances. For huge instances, RTS generates high-quality solutions within reasonable computing times, outperforming GA performance. Notably, RTS consistently finds solutions within 5% of optimality for most instances.

Balancing Staff Finishing Times vs. Minimizing Total Travel Distance in Home Healthcare Scheduling

Cost reduction and staff retention are important optimization objectives in home healthcare (HHC) systems. Home healthcare operators need to balance their objectives by optimizing resource use, service delivery and profits. Minimizing total travel distances to control costs is a common routing problem objective while minimizing total finishing time differences is a scheduling objective whose purpose is to enhance staff satisfaction. To optimize routing and scheduling, we propose mixed integer linear programming with a bi-objective function, which is a subset of the vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTWs). VRPTWs is a known NP-hard problem, and optimal solutions are very hard to obtain in practice. Metaheuristics offer an alternative solution to this type of problem. Our metaheuristic uses the simulated annealing algorithm and weighted sum approach to convert the problems to single-objective problems and is equipped with operators including swapping, moving, path exchange and ruin and recreate. The results show, firstly, that the algorithm can effectively find the Pareto front, and secondly, that minimizing total finishing time differences to balance the number of jobs per caretaker is an efficient way to tackle HHC scheduling. A statistical test shows that the algorithm can obtain the Pareto front with a lower number of weighted sum problems.

Research on the Anti-Fatigue Effects and Mechanisms of Arecoline in Sleep-Deprived Mice.

This research aims to estimate the anti-fatigue effects of arecoline and explore its underlying mechanisms using a murine model of central fatigue precipitated by sleep deprivation (SD). Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups: a control group, an SD-induced fatigue model group, a group that received Rhodiola Rosea capsules (2.5 mg/kg), and three arecoline groups, which were administered at low, medium, and high doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, respectively). Following 28 days of continuous administrations, the effects of arecoline on mouse fatigue-related behaviors were assessed by behavioral tests, including grip strength, rotarod performance, and weight-bearing swimming endurance. The release levels of the related biochemical markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Western blotting was employed to quantify the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), sequestosome-1 (p62), and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Arecoline administration notably enhanced grip strength, delayed the onset of fatigue as evidenced by extended latencies in rotarod tests, and increased the duration of weight-bearing swimming in mice. In the elevated plus maze, arecoline obviously decreased both the number of entries and the total distance traveled in the open arms. Arecoline markedly decreased the contents of creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the serum, while it elevated the levels of total testosterone, lactate dehydrogenase, and immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, it significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase in the gastrocnemius muscle, reduced malondialdehyde levels, augmented hippocampal SOD and CAT activity, and elevated glycogen stores in both liver and muscle tissues. Neurotransmitter levels showed significant increases, cytokine levels were markedly reduced, and the expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1, p62, and HO-1 in brain tissues were significantly upregulated. This study demonstrates that arecoline has anti-fatigue activity, and the specific mechanisms are associated with elevating glucose and lipid metabolism levels, relieving oxidative stress damage, inhibiting neuroinflammatory response, and regulating neurotransmitter levels and the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. The research provides a new direction for arecoline's potential in preventing and improving fatigue.

Surveillance Unmanned Ground Vehicle Path Planning with Path Smoothing and Vehicle Breakdown Recovery

As unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) continue to be adapted to new applications, an emerging area lacks proper guidance for global route optimization methodology. This area is surveillance. In autonomous surveillance applications, a UGV is equipped with a sensor that receives data within a specific range from the vehicle while it traverses the environment. In this paper, the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm was adapted to the UGV surveillance problem to solve for optimal paths within sub-areas. To do so, the problem was modeled as the covering salesman problem (CSP). This is one of the first applications using ACO to solve the CSP. Then, a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to schedule a fleet of UGVs to scan several sub-areas such that the total distance is minimized. Initially, these paths are infeasible because of the sharp turning angles. Thus, they are improved using two methods of path refinement (namely, the corner-cutting and Reeds–Shepp methods) such that the kinematic constraints of the vehicles are met. Several test case scenarios were developed for Goheung, South Korea, to validate the proposed methodology. The promising results presented in this article highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for UGV surveillance applications.

Training with reduced carbohydrate availability affects markers of bone resorption and formation in male academy soccer players from the English Premier League.

To test the hypothesis that training with reduced carbohydrate (CHO) availability increases bone resorption in adolescent soccer players. In a randomised crossover design, ten male players (age: 17.4 ± 0.8years) from an English Premier League academy completed an acute 90-min field-based training session (occurring between 10:30-12:00) in conditions of high (TRAIN HIGH; 1.5g.kg-1, 60g, 1.5g.kg-1 and 1.5g.kg-1 consumed at 08:00, during training, 12:30 and 13:30, respectively) or low CHO availability (TRAIN LOW; 0g.kg-1). Participants also completed a non-exercise trial (REST) under identical dietary conditions to TRAIN LOW. Venous blood samples were obtained at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30 for assessment of bone resorption (βCTX), bone formation (PINP) and calcium metabolism (PTH and ACa). External training load did not differ (all P > 0.05) between TRAIN HIGH and TRAIN LOW, as evident for total distance (5.6 ± 0.8; 5.5 ± 0.1km), average speed (81 ± 9; 85 ± 12m.min-1) and high-speed running (350 ± 239; 270 ± 89m). Area under the curve for both βCTX and PINP was significantly greater (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03) in TRAIN LOW versus TRAIN HIGH, whilst no differences in PTH or ACa (P = 0.11 and P = 0.89) were observed between all three trials. CHO restriction before, during and after an acute soccer training session increased bone (re)modelling markers in academy players. Despite acute anabolic effects of bone formation, the long-term consequence of bone resorption may impair skeletal development and increase injury risk during growth and maturation.

Ultra-long-distance migration of the common Cuckoo (&lt;i&gt;cuculus canorus&lt;/i&gt;, cuculiformes, cuculidae) from Kamchatka to Namibia

The application of high-tech methods for tracking birds, primarily satellite telemetry, has made it possible in a relatively short time to reveal real migratory routes and wintering areas for many bird species. In the Common cuckoo, whose breeding range extends over a vast territory from Portugal to Kamchatka, the migratory routes and wintering grounds have been well studied for a number of European populations, while the migration of Asian populations of this species is still not so well studied. In this work, we analyze satellite telemetry data obtained from four adult males of the Common cuckoo caught in early June 2017 during the nesting period on the Kamchatka Peninsula near the town of Yelizovo. The autumn migration of these birds started in August to early September. They crossed the Sea of Okhotsk (more than 1 000 km) and, without staying for a long time in the Khabarovsk Region, stopped in China (Sichuan, Hebei, Heilongjiang provinces), where they remained for a long time, from 32 to 52 days, moving around this country until October to November. In southern China, all three surviving males changed their SW direction of migration to almost western and flew crossing Myanmar and Bangladesh to India, where they stopped over for 24–34 days until November 10th or 29th. Then the birds crossed the Arabian Sea in 2–3 days overcoming the huge body of water of about 3 000 km in width without stop to land on the African continent (Somalia). Further migration of Kamchatka cuckoos passed through the countries of East Africa such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe, where they stayed from 2 to 11 days. Finally, all three individuals reached wintering areas in December, first in Botswana, then in Namibia. Thus, the duration of autumn migration of Kamchatka cuckoos varied from 106 to 123 days. During this time, they overcame a record distance of 17,340 km for land birds. The spring migration of two birds started on April 19th or 26th next year. They flew back using a similar route as in autumn. One individual crossed the Arabian Sea in early May, the other from May 20th to 22nd. Having reached India, one bird almost the same day arrived to Bangladesh and then to China. The other one stayed on the Hindustan Peninsula for 11 days, this being much shorter than in autumn. Unfortunately, only one male reached the nesting area in Kamchatka (May 31st). Apparently, the other one either died or lost the transmitter in China. The survived male returned to its former nesting area with high accuracy, its transmitter emitted signals until July 10th. The spring migration took the birds much less time (42 days) than in autumn (106–123 days). Thus, we recorded an ultra-long total distance of autumn and spring migration for a land bird species of almost 34,000 km from Kamchatka to Namibia and back.

Age at separation, residential mobility, and depressive symptoms among twins in late adolescence and young adulthood: a FinnTwin12 cohort study

BackgroundSeparating with close siblings and leaving the parental home at an early age represents a major life event for an adolescent (reflected by age at separation in a twin pair) and may predispose them to poor mental health. This study aims to examine the association of age at separation and residential mobility on depressive symptoms in late adolescence and young adulthood and to explore possible underlying genetic effects.MethodsResidential mobility consisted of the number and total distance of moves before age 17. Based on 3071 twins from the FinnTwin12 cohort, we used linear regression to assess the association of age at separation and residential mobility with General Behavior Inventory (GBI) scores at age 17 and in young adulthood. A higher GBI score indicated more depressive symptoms occurred. Then, the mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) was used to visualize the scores’ trajectory and test the associations, controlling for "baseline" state. Twin analyses with a bivariate cross-lagged path model were performed between the difference in GBI scores, between cotwins, and separation status for the potential genetic influence.ResultsCompared to twins separated before age 17, twins who separated later had significantly lower GBI scores at age 17 and in young adulthood. In MMRM, separation at a later age and a higher number of moves were associated with a higher GBI score in young adulthood. A small genetic effect was detected wherein GBI within-pair differences at age 17 were associated with separation status before age 22 (coefficient: 0.01).ConclusionThe study provides valid evidence about the influence of siblings and family on depressive symptoms in later adolescence and young adulthood while finding some evidence for a reverse direction effect. This suggests more caution in the interpretation of results. A strong association between residential mobility and depressive symptoms was affirmed, although further detailed research is needed.

Penentuan Rute Pengambilan Sampah Dengan Menggunakan Metode Clarke &amp; Wright Algorithm Saving Heuristic Di Perusahaan Daerah Kebersihan Untuk Wilayah Bandung Timur

Trash problem in Capital City like Bandung City is became concern problem especially by West Java Government that relocating final waste disposal site from Sarimukti located in Padalarang Bandung Barat to final waste disposal site Legoknangka located in East Bandung, but final waste disposal site Legoknangka still in under construction, so the Government of Bandung City made temporary final waste disposal site located in Gedebage on Bandung City, because the distance between final waste disposal site Sarimukti and temporary final waste disposal site are far enough so need to be an assessement for disposal trucking route especially disposal truck various Dump Truck with maximum capacity 12 m³. The purpose for this research is to know, assessment, and analyze result from formation for route with VRP model (Vehicle Routing Problem) which is one of the methods are Saving Heuristic, the main focus on this methods is a big Savings distance, so that the result of distance is the shortest route but still concern maximum truck capacity. The result of this research is change route for truck disposal in East Bandung Area become 3 trucks with total travel distance 98.945 meters or ± 35.000 meters/truck from depot/pool to final waste disposal site, with this occur a savings from total trucks, total travel distance. Where is East Bandung Area usually needs 7 Dump Trucks for service this area, with only 1 truck serve 1-2 temporary dumping ground for travel distance 40.000 meters/truck for serve from temporary dumping ground this time not included travel distance and time travelling for truck to final waste disposal site.

The Physical and Physiological Demands of Intercounty Camogie During Competitive Match-Play.

Duggan, JD, Byrne, P, Malone, S, Cooper, S-M, and Moody, J. The physical and physiological demands of intercounty camogie during competitive match-play. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e510-e520, 2024-The aim of this study was to determine the physical and physiological demands of intercounty camogie match-play between positions and halves of play. Data were collected from 28 players during 18 competitive games using global positioning systems (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors (2.4-GHz). The study demonstrated that intercounty camogie players covered a total distance (TD) (m ± SD) of 6,040 ± 628 m, relative distance (RD) of 83 ± 13 m·min-1, and maximum speed of 25 ± 1 km·h-1. Furthermore, the players covered a mean sprint distance of 214 ± 112 m and 14 ± 6 sprints. Players' mean heart rate (HRmean) and HRmax was 138 ± 23 b·min-1 and 164 ± 20 b·min-1, respectively. There were decrements between halves in TD (p < 0.01, ES = -0.45), RD (p < 0.01, ES = -0.45), maximum speed (p < 0.05, ES = -0.18), HRmax (p < 0.05, ES = -0.23), running (p < 0.01, ES = -0.34), high-speed running (p < 0.01, ES = 0.34), sprinting (p < 0.01, ES = -0.10), HRmax (p < 0.05, ES = -0.23), and HRmax % (p < 0.05, ES = -0.24). Midfielders covered a greater TD compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -0.38) and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -0.38). Full-backs covered a significantly lower RD than midfielders (p < 0.05, ES = -1.2), half-backs compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 1.14), and half-forwards compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 1.15). Full-forwards covered significantly less RD when compared with half-backs (p < 0.05, ES = -1.14), midfielders (p < 0.05, ES = -1.47), and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -1.15). The findings provide physical and physiological values on the match demands of intercounty camogie match-play.

Establishing the Locomotor Performance Profile of Elite Ladies Gaelic Football across Position and Quarters

The aim of the current investigation was to examine the locomotor performance profile of elite ladies Gaelic football (LGF) players in relation to playing position and quarters of play. Thirty (n = 30) elite LGF players (age: 24 ± 4 years, height: 169 ± 5 cm, body mass: 61 ± 4 kg) were monitored using 10 Hz GPS technology (Playertek; Catapult Sports; Australia) resulting in 145 individual samples collected over 18 competitive matches across the 2021 and 2022 LGF seasons. Locomotor performance was determined across the following variables: total distance covered (TD, m), relative distance (m·min−1), high-speed running (HSR, ≥ 4.4 m·s−1), very high-speed running (VHSR, ≥ 5.5 m·s−1), relative HSR (RHSR; m·min−1), peak velocity (m·s−1), percentage peak velocity (%PeakV), accelerations (n; ≥ 3 m·s−2), and decelerations (n; ≤ −3 m·s−2). Data were classified based on playing position and quarter of play. The greatest TD was covered by half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards, with these positions covering significantly greater distances than full-backs (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards covered the greatest high-speed distance (HSR). When running performance was analysed across quarters, a significant position by quarter interaction was observed for all running performance variables, except peak velocity and percentage peak velocity. A consistent trend for reduced locomotor performance was evident in the second and fourth quarters across all positional lines. The current data provide coaches with the position-specific locomotor requirements of LGF match-play, which can inform the design of training content for LGF players, along with match-day strategies. Given the reduction in locomotor performance observed across the match, performance staff may consider the use of nutritional interventions, rewarm-up strategies, or specific substitution policies to mitigate the decrement in locomotor performance observed across match-play.

Is Match Playing Time a Potential Tool for Managing Load in Women's Handball?

García-Sánchez, C, Navarro, RM, Nieto-Acevedo, R, and de la Rubia, A. Is match playing time a potential tool for managing load in women's handball? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of this study was to explore the external load experienced by female handball players according to the time played in official matches (≥40, <40, and ≤20 minutes) and in relation to playing positions (backs, pivots, and wings). Twenty-two female players from the Spanish second Division were monitored across 13 matches. Total distance covered, high-speed running distance (HSR), accelerations, decelerations, and PlayerLoad were collected in absolute and relative values using a local positioning system (WIMU PRO, Realtrack Systems SL, Almería, Spain). One-way ANOVA with partial eta-squared and Cohen's d were used to determine the differences between playing time groups and between playing positions. This study revealed that players with more match playing time had a higher absolute values in all external load variables (p < 0.001; very large effects), except in HSR where only wings showed higher values according to the time played (p < 0.001; very large effects). However, these differences between playing time groups disappear when the external load values were normalized according to the effective playing time (p > 0.05). In relation to playing positions, wings covered more HSR/minutes than the other playing positions regardless of the playing time (p < 0.05; large effects). In addition, backs performed more ACC/minutes than wings in the high playing time group and more than pivots in the low playing time group (p < 0.05, moderate effects). In addition, backs performed more DEC/minutes than wings in the low playing time group (p < 0.05, moderate effects). Therefore, handball coaches should consider the playing time as an effective tool to optimize the weekly load distribution.