Transversal Design Research Articles

The Exact Linear Turán Number of the Sail

A hypergraph is linear if any two of its edges intersect in at most one vertex. The sail (or $3$-fan) $F^3$ is the $3$-uniform linear hypergraph consisting of $3$ edges $f_1, f_2, f_3$ pairwise intersecting in the same vertex $v$ and an additional edge $g$ intersecting each $f_i$ in a vertex different from $v$. The linear Turán number $\mathrm{ex}_{\mathrm{lin}}(n, F^3)$ is the maximum number of edges in a $3$-uniform linear hypergraph on $n$ vertices that does not contain a copy of $F^3$.
 Füredi and Gyárfás proved that if $n = 3k$, then $\mathrm{ex}_{\mathrm{lin}}(n, F^3) = k^2$ and the only extremal hypergraphs in this case are transversal designs. They also showed that if $n = 3k+2$, then $\mathrm{ex}_{\mathrm{lin}}(n, F^3) = k^2+k$, and the only extremal hypergraphs are truncated designs (which are obtained from a transversal design on $3k+3$ vertices with $3$ groups by removing one vertex and all the hyperedges containing it) along with three other small hypergraphs. However, the case when $n =3k+1$ was left open.
 In this paper, we solve this remaining case by proving that $\mathrm{ex}_{\mathrm{lin}}(n, F^3) = k^2+1$ if $n = 3k+1$, answering a question of Füredi and Gyárfás. We also characterize all the extremal hypergraphs. The difficulty of this case is due to the fact that these extremal examples are rather non-standard. In particular, they are not derived from transversal designs like in the other cases.

Management of Pedagogical Supervision and Teacher Performance in the Teaching of English in Peru

This research was done to determine the relationship between supervision and teacher practice in an English teaching center with a high student population in Lima Perú. This is a quantitative approach basic type study with a non-experimental transversal design where 5 and 7 point Likert-type-scale questionnaires were used to provide data that was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. A non-probabilistic sample of intention or convenience was used to select the respondents. 210 teachers from different branches in Lima were selected to respond to the questionnaires. A descriptive analysis of the statistics was used to interpret the results on the supervisors functions and the teacher performance level in each one of the study areas after the supervisory service had been offered. To contrast the data for the hypothesis test to determine the relationship between supervision and teaching performance (content knowledge of the discipline, teaching skills, contextual knowledge, learner-focus teaching, professionalism), the Spearman correlation coefficient was used. A direct, meaningful and high correlation level was found. The results of the current study will benefit other English language centers management to implement changes and improvements to the supervision service that will result in better teaching performance and student achievement.

Mentimeter and data on college student engagement in mathematics learning.

The data were found by means of the Google Drive form shared with 162 students of the Professional School of Engineering of a private university and 55 students of the Professional School of Education in the speciality of Mathematics and Physics of a public university. The purpose was to detect the perceptions of the form and the way they are interacting with the use of the Mentimeter tool in the teaching-learning process in the subjects of Complementary Mathematics and Mathematics during the semester of 2020. For the effect, it was directed with the transversal descriptive design of surveys, finding that the Mentimeter tool allows promoting the participation of university students in the learning of Mathematics in the following components: experience of use of the tool during learning, in the argumentative speech of mathematical contents and writing texts within the tool. In addition, it has a great influence in arousing emotions, interactions, enjoyment, socialization and immediate reinforcement by the group members and the teacher by way of feedback.

Best practices in the use of mobile learning by university teachers of Didactics Language-Literature

The use of mobile learning is becoming increasingly widespread among university teachers, thanks to its many benefits. Moreover, its application is associated with good teaching practices. The aim of this study is to analyse the development of good teaching practices in the use of m-learning by university teachers from the Department of Didactics of Language and Literature, as well as to identify the factors that influence the development of best practices. The research method developed is based on a transversal design. 110 teachers from the Department of Language and Literature Didactics participated in the study. The instrument used is the scale of Analysis of M-learning practices at the University (APMU). The results show that more than half of the teachers use the teaching method based on mobile learning. It can be concluded that in the development of best practices, gender is not influential, but age and teaching experience are. In addition, personal concern and experience in the use of mobile devices by teachers is a key factor in the appropriate development of the m-learning method.

Family functioning and coping strategies in families of people with visual impairment

This article attempts to determine the relationship that exists between family functioning and the family coping strategies used by families of people with visual impairment while responding to this non-normative life event. The method used was a transversal correlational design that is part of a PhD research study called “An Analytical Model of Functional Relationships of the Fatalistic Attitude, Family Life Quality and Its Incidence in Functioning, Coping and Vital Events in Families of People With Visual Impairment.” The instruments F-COPES (Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale) and FACES-III (Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scale) were applied, and among the findings, it was established that there exist meaningful relationships between cohesion and internal strategies used by the families to face visual impairment. This report also establishes new perspectives for practitioners regarding the guidelines for rehabilitation practices and public policy designs for inclusion.

Use of the Vertical Profunda Artery Perforator Flap to Capture the Dominant Perforator: A Cadaver Dissection and Imaging Study.

While the originally described transverse profunda artery perforator (tPAP) flap is designed to capture the first profunda perforator, our group hypothesized the dominant perforator may not always be captured in this configuration. This study maps the location of dominant profunda perforators using imaging and cadaveric dissections to determine the probability of capturing dominant perforators with the transverse flap design versus the vertical PAP (vPAP) variant. Fifty preoperative magnetic resonance angiogram or computed tomographic angiogram scans (100 total extremities) were examined from autologous breast reconstruction patients between 2015 and 2019. Profunda perforator characteristics that were examined included the distance from the pubic tubercle to the infragluteal fold (IGF), the distance of the perforators from the IGF, distance posterior to the gracilis, the diameter of the perforator at fascial exit, and total number of perforators present. Profunda perforator dissection was performed in 18 cadaveric extremities. Analysis included mean distance from pubic tubercle, distance posterior to the gracilis, diameter at fascial exit, and total number of perforators. In imaging analysis, the mean distance from the IGF to the fascial exit of all dominant perforators was 7.04 cm. The mean diameter of the dominant perforator at the fascial exit was 2.61 mm. Twenty-six thighs (26%) demonstrated dominant perforators that exited the fascia greater than 8 cm below the IGF. In cadaver dissections, the mean distance from the pubic tubercle to the fascial exit of all the dominant perforators was 10.17 cm. Nine cadaver specimens (50%) demonstrated perforators that exited the fascia greater than 8 cm below the estimated IGF. The dominant perforator can often be missed in the traditional tPAP design. The vPAP incorporates multiple perforators with a long pedicle, excellent vessel diameter, and favorable donor-site.

P–499 infertility impact on perceived quality of life and sexual satisfaction in Spanish women with primary and secondary infertility

Abstract Study question Are there any differences relating to the perceived quality of life (QoL) and sexual satisfaction among infertile women? Summary answer There were no differences between women who already had a baby and those who did not relating to the perceived QoL and sexual satisfaction. What is known already Infertility is a medical disease with a high social component with a 16% prevalence. There have been many investigations regarding to the physical part of the infertility but the sexual and marital satisfaction has not been as intensively investigated. The importance of the psychological counseling in fertility treatments has already been proven, but the significance of sexual satisfaction on individual’s perception on QoL has not been as deeply studied. Study design, size, duration A transversal descriptive study was done. 313 heterosexual married women with fertility problems were recruited in collaboration with the Spanish patient association “Red Nacional de Infértiles”. The Fertility quality of life tool (FertiQoL) was selected to measure the perceived QoL and the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) was chosen to study the degree of sexual satisfaction. The data collection was made between January and February 2020 and all the information was gathered online. Participants/materials, setting, methods 313 women filled the questionnaire which had 4 different modules: A sociodemographic module (sex, age, studies, time trying to conceive, moment of treatment and offspring), two modules for each measurement instrument and a last module in which they could write their personal experiences regarding to the infertility journey. ANOVA and t-Student statistical analyses were done to compare the different independent variables. To see if FertiQoL could explain the sexual satisfaction a regression analysis was made. Main results and the role of chance To achieve 95% power (α = 0.05) and an effect size of 0.25, a minimum sample size of 210 was needed and a sample of 313 women was recruited. There were no statistical differences between women with previous offspring and those who did not in neither of the FertiQoL subscales (Emotional: 7,4 ± 3,884 vs. 7,34 ± 4,235; Mind/Body: 9,65 ± 5,098 vs. 8,66 ± 4,979; Relational: 16,88 ± 4,807 vs. 16,3 ± 4,956; Social: 10,52 ± 5,02 vs. 10,1 ± 4,801; Tolerability: 5,91 ± 4,114 vs. 6,65 ± 3,357; Environment: 12,71 ± 5,02 vs. 11,42 ± 4,963) nor in the ISS questionnaire (47,48 ± 6,488 vs. 47,22 ± 7,35). Regarding to the power of the FertiQoL instrument and the perceived QoL to predict the sexual satisfaction, the regression model showed that the sexual satisfaction could be explained in 26,3% of the cases by the relational and mind/body subscales of the FertiQol tool. This model showed the inherent relationship between marital and personal wellbeing in order to obtain a better sexual satisfaction. Limitations, reasons for caution As the study had a transversal design, no cause-effect relationships could be done. It would be desirable to establish a longitudinal study in order to determine a more accurate relationship between the studied variables. Wider implications of the findings: This study showed that the impact of infertility in women with secondary infertility diagnose could be at least as high as in women with primary infertility diagnose. FertiQoL would be a reasonable instrument to estimate the sexual satisfaction of infertile women. Sexology should be part of the infertility counselling programs. Trial registration number Not applicable

Academic Procrastination and the Stress of University Students of Electronic Engineering from the Callao Region

The purpose of the study is to establish correspondence between procrastination and academic stress in students of the School of Electronic Engineering of a public university in the Callao Region. The research was developed under the positivist approach, quantitative methodology, and basic type, non-experimental and transversal design. The sample consisted of 205 students calculated by simple random probabilistic sampling. Two questionnaire s were applied to evaluate procrastination and stress which were validated by Cronbach alpha with values of .853 and .943 respectively. The results confirm the correspondence between procrastination and academic stress in students (Spearman's Rho,841). The work concludes that greater dilatory behavior, indecisions, lack of punctuality and lack of planning will tend to increase levels of academic stress.

Teachers' perceptions of digital competence at the lifelong learning stage

In recent years, the educational landscape has been in a period of constant change due to the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). As a result, training in digital competence has become one of the challenges to be met by the teaching staff, in order to incorporate these skills into their professional practice. As a result of this, the present work aimed to analyse the level of digital competence presented by a sample of 140 teachers of the Lifelong Learning stage in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain). To this end, a transversal methodological design of a quantitative nature was advocated, based on the configuration of an ad hoc questionnaire developed from the European conceptual frameworks on teaching digital competence. The results showed that the level shown by teachers is low, especially in terms of creation, information literacy and problem solving, although they did show optimal skills in communication and collaboration of digital content. The findings also determined the importance of factors such as age, teacher training and school type in further developing this compendium of skills.

Finding the Optimal Size of Permanent Magnets for a Transverse Magnetic Flux Generator with a Disk Rotor

Based on the analysis of the transverse flux machine designs, they were found to have a relative design simplicity and a high-power density. The purpose of this work is to determine the optimal height of a permanent magnet and to define its effect on the induced EMF value in the stator coils and the cogging torque, as well as to define the picture of the magnetic flux leakage between the stator poles. To achieve these goals, the 3D model of a low speed generator was studied. The electromagnetic analysis was carried out using a modern software, which allows us to determine the magnetic field distribution in the 3D, as well as the induced EMF value and the rotor cogging torque. The criterion for the optimal calculation is the highest EMF value at the minimum value of the rotor cogging torque. The parameters of the permanent magnets, such as the width and length, remained unchanged, whereas, the height varied from 1 to 8 mm at a 1-mm step. The corresponding dependencies are obtained for each height. The most significant result of the work is the conclusion that the height of the permanent magnet should not exceed the 3-mm value. The significance of the obtained results is that the used methodology allowed finding the optimal height of the permanent magnet, since a further increase in its height leads to no growth in the EMF value, but rather significantly enhances the negative effect from the rotor cogging torque. In addition, the simulation results were supported experimentally.

Transverse Joint Design of Small–Medium-Span Fully Precast Steel–UHPC Lightweight Composite Bridge

Abstract Joints are always the key issue of the precast bridge structures for accelerated construction. In this paper, the transverse joint of a fully precast steel–UHPC lightweight composite bridg...

Serum electrolytes and renal alterations in HIV-seropositive Mexican subjects.

To examine potential risk factors associated with biochemical alterations in renal function in a population diagnosed with HIV/AIDS undergoing antiretroviral treatment.This is an observational, transversal, and relational design study that included 179 HIV-seropositive subjects. Glucose serum, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, creatine, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and electrolytes levels were determined for each individual. Renal function was evaluated through the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), using the CKD-EPI equation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Univariate model significant variables, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.CKD prevalence in patients was 7.3%, with comorbidities of 7.8% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 7.3% for arterial hypertension, and 35.2% for dyslipidemia. Additionally, both hypernatremia and hypophosphatemia were detected in 57% (n = 102) of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression suggested that CD4+ T cell count < 200 (P = .02; OR 0.2; CI 95% 0.08–0.8) was associated to hyponatremia; similarly, detectable viral load was associated to hypokalemia (P = .02; OR 5.1; CI 95% 1.2–21.3), hypocalcemia (P = .01; OR 4.1; CI 95% 1.3–12.3), and hypermagnesemia (OR 3.9; CI 95% 1.1–13.6). Patient age was associated to both hypophosphatemia (P = .01; OR 2.4; CI 95% 1.1–5.0) and hypermagnesemia (P = .01; OR 2.8; IC 95% 1.1–7.0), and high creatinine levels were associated to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor treatment (P = .001; OR 42.5; CI 95% 2.2–806.9). Lastly, high BUN levels were associated to age (P = .03; OR 3.8; CI 95% 1.0–14.4), while GFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 was associated to dyslipidemia (P = .02; OR 2.2; CI 95% 1.1–4.5).CD4+ T cell and viral load were the main factors associated with renal biochemical alterations.

Validación del Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire kids (CERQ-k) en niños mexicanos

La regulación emocional es un proceso esencial en la vida diaria de las personas, quienes utilizan diferentes estrategias, acciones encaminadas al logro de objetivos, o habilidades, capacidad para llevar a cabo con éxito determinada actividad, para modificar tanto el curso, como la intensidad, duración y expresión de las diferentes emociones. Es durante la infancia en donde se aprende cómo reaccionar ante un evento emocional, una regulación emocional deficiente en esta etapa de la vida se ha relacionado con problemas de ansiedad social, depresión, tristeza, miedo y enojo, así como un bajo rendimiento académico. Disponer de estrategias adecuadas puede apoyar a niños y niñas a mantener la calma y reevaluar la situación problemática que están viviendo, pueden llegar a resignificar un evento para cambiar su efecto emocional; dicha habilidad les permitiría disminuir los efectos negativos e incrementar su bagaje de respuestas ante una problemática. Método: Se utilizó un diseño transversal, cuantitativo, con alcance descriptivo y con una muestra intencional. Se tuvieron 600 participantes con edad entre 9 y 11 años (M = 10.0; DE = 0.81), 49% eran niños y 51% niñas. Se utilizó el Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-k) de Garnefski, Rieffe, Jellesma Terwogt y Kraaij (2007) y la Escala para Ansiedad para Niños de Spence (SCAS) validada para niños mexicanos por Hernández-Guzmán, Bermúdez-Ornelas, Spence, Gonzalez, Martínez-Guerrero, Aguilar y Gallegos (2003). Para analizar y verificar las dimensiones subyacentes al instrumento, los reactivos fueron sometidos primero a un análisis factorial exploratorio y posteriormente a uno confirmatorio. Resultados: Del análisis factorial exploratorio se obtuvieron cinco factores: Autoculpa, Rumiación, Culpar a otros, Reenfocarse en los planes y Reevaluación positiva. Con una varianza total explicada de 49.97%, un alfa de Cronbach total de .82, conservando 19 de los 35 reactivos originales. Los índices Chi2 con valor p&lt;.05, GFI &gt; .95, CFI &gt; .90, RMSEA &lt; .08 y el índice RMR &lt; .05 denotan un adecuado ajuste entre el modelo teórico y los datos analizados en este modelo. Los resultados encontrados en conjunto con los observados en las comparaciones de los indicadores Chi2 y CFI permiten concluir que la estructura del instrumento es equivalente para los niños y niñas de la muestra en el número de dimensiones, en los reactivos que componen cada dimensión, en las covarianzas entre las dimensiones y en los residuales de las variables observadas. Discusión: La infancia es una etapa en que niñas y niños aprenden como se realiza la expresión de las emociones en su contexto cultural es por ello por lo que contar con instrumentos confiables son un gran soporte para proponer estrategas de intervención que los puedan apoyar en la consolidación de aquellas que los apoyan de manera eficiente y dejar de utilizar las que no los apoyan a resolver las situaciones complejas que se les presentan.

Baremación de agilidad con estudiantes bogotanos

Las pruebas de agilidad son frecuentemente aplicadas para clasificar a los individuos en determinado nivel, también para reconocer capacidades como la coordinación, la velocidad y la fuerza de los sujetos aparentemente sanos. Sin embargo, actualmente hay carencia de baremación para la población colombiana, por la falta de un parámetro confiable para evaluarla. Por esta razón, se estableció un baremo a partir de una prueba de agilidad aplicada en jóvenes aparentemente sanos y físicamente activos, estudiantes de la Universidad Santo Tomás (Sede Campus) de la ciudad de Bogotá, y se identificó la incidencia del IMC sobre esta. Se realizó un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, de alcance descriptivo y diseño transversal. La muestra fue seleccionada de forma aleatoria; se aplicó un consentimiento informado, una historia clínica y una prueba denominada 10 × 5. Los tiempos obtenidos para la primera medición oscilaron en un rango de 17’’ 54-37’’ 57 (DS ± 2,34) y para la segunda medición, en rangos de tiempo entre 16’’ 62 y 30’’ 80 (DS ± 2,14). Como conclusión, fue necesario un tamaño muestral mayor y hacer énfasis en la rigurosidad de la aplicación y la medición de la prueba. El IMC es significativo para el desarrollo de la prueba, específicamente por el componente talla, no por el peso. Los sujetos deben considerar el entrenamiento y mantenimiento de la agilidad, para denotar mejoras en esta.

Neural Network for Vocational Guidance Based on The Applicant's Profile For Admission To A Study Program

The vocational orientation tests are currently oriented to established principles and methods, where the applicant identifies his competencies to choose his professional career, the model of university accreditation in its standard 18 reference on the admission to the program of studies and that must be in accordance with the profile of income raised by each program of studies. Artificial intelligence has become necessary through its techniques in the solution of some problems of human behavior simulated through electronic and digital media, so the objective of this research was to develop a neural network based on vocational guidance from the profile of income to ensure that the applicant knows his competencies towards a study program. For this case, it is considered the knowledge, skills and attitudes raised by the program of studies. This neural network considered in 3 incoming axons, 6 hidden layers and one outgoing axon, each nucleus considers sigmoidal activation functions while, for the backpropagation algorithm, functional derivatives of second level have been used, obtaining results with an accuracy of 0.996 correlation with respect to the real data and a constant variance between the tests of 0.01, guaranteeing its use to automate01, guaranteeing its use for automation. Data collection has been done through surveys based on a transversal non-experimental research design and using the applied correlational research level.

Dimensiones de la personalidad y procrastinación académica en estudiantes de cursos online de una universidad peruana

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre las dimensiones de la personalidad y procrastinación académica, además de describir los niveles de procrastinación según edad y sexo en estudiantes de cursos online de una universidad peruana de la ciudad de Tarapoto, 2020. El tipo de investigación fue de diseño no experimental transversal de tipo correlacional, de muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, la muestra estuvo conformada por 240 estudiantes universitarios cuyas edades oscilaban entre 16 a 40 años (66.3% mujeres y 33.7% varones; edad media = 20.66). Los instrumentos utilizados fue la escala de procrastinación académica (EPA) y el Big Five Inventory-15P (BFI-15P). Los resultados revelaron una correlación inversa significativa entre las dimensiones de la personalidad y procrastinación académica; responsabilidad (rho= -0.590; p &lt; .001), amabilidad (rho= -0.457; p &lt; .000), extraversión (rho= -0.226; p&lt;.000) y apertura (rho= -355; p&lt;.000); quiere decir que a mayor responsabilidad, amabilidad, extraversión y apertura menor será la procrastinación académica o viceversa. Caso contrario sucede con la dimensión neuroticismo que presenta una significativa correlación directa (rho= 0.166; p &lt; .000), de modo que a mayor neuroticismo, mayor procrastinación académica.

Wideband transverse electromagnetic cell design and its application in frequency selective surface measurement

An open transverse electromagnetic cell (TEM cell) that covers L-band, S-band, and C-band is proposed in this paper. According to impedance matching theory analysis, the characteristic impedance of coaxial connector and microstrip with air as substrate are considered, which are combined with a taper gradient section to realize the function of TEM cell. The proposed TEM cell was modeled and simulated in CST Microwave Studio. Through full-wave simulation, the proposed TEM cell demonstrates a wideband transmission characteristic, S11 less than −10 dB from 1 to 8 GHz, which is relatively rare among the designs that have been reported. The test flow and data post-processing method are given. To verify the effectiveness of the test method, an example of measuring a classical square slot frequency selective surface that their resonance frequency is 3.7 GHz is designed and simulated in the TEM cell. To verify the simulated results, a prototype is fabricated and measured with the proposed TEM cell. The experimental result demonstrates a good agreement with the simulated result, which indicates that the designed TEM cell has good test performance.

Evaluation of stress, burnout and hair cortisol levels in health workers at a University Hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

In the critical context of COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers are on the front line, participating directly in the care, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with COVID-19. This exposes them to a higher risk of developing chronic stress, psychological distress, and any other mental health symptoms. Objectiveto evaluate stress and burnout in a health workers population and, in addition, to measure hair cortisol concentration as a current biomarker of stress. Materials and methods234 health workers from Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín”, Buenos Aires University, were included in this study. In this population hair samples were obtained from the posterior vertex as close to the scalp as possible and the individuals completed the following surveys: perceived stress, social support, burnout scale, life event scale, and sociodemographic data. Hair cortisol was measured by an automated chemiluminescent method. The studied population was divided into three groups considering those individuals below the healthy reference sample range (< 40 pg/mg hair), within the healthy reference range (40–128 pg/mg hair) and above the reference range (> 128 pg/mg hair). This study used a transversal and observational design. ResultsOur results show that 40% of the studied population presented hair cortisol values outside of the healthy reference range. In the whole studied population, a direct correlation was found between hair cortisol concentration and perceived stress as well as between hair cortisol concentration and the emotional exhaustion component of burnout (r = 0.142, p = 0.030; r = 0.143, p = 0.029, respectively). 12% of the studied population showed Burnout (52% doctors and residents, 19% nurses, 19% administrative personnel). Higher values in hair cortisol levels were found in the group with burnout versus individuals without burnout (p = 0.034). Finally, a mediation analysis was performed, finding that depersonalization is a mediating variable in the relationship between self-perceived stress and hair cortisol level (F = 4.86, p = 0.0086; indirect effect IC: 0.0987-1.8840). ConclusionThis is the first study in which a stress biomarker such as hair cortisol is evaluated in this population and in this context. Healthcare workers are subjected to increased levels of stress and burnout. High depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and decreased personal sense of accomplishment characterize this population. It is the responsibility of the health authorities to implement strategies to manage this psychological emergency.

"Oh, My God! My Season Is Over!" COVID-19 and Regulation of the Psychological Response in Spanish High-Performance Athletes.

Background: In an unprecedented situation of interruption of the sporting dynamics, the world of sport is going through a series of adaptations necessary to continue functioning despite coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). More than ever, athletes are facing a different challenge, a source of discomfort and uncertainty, and one that absolutely alters not only sports calendars, but also trajectories, progressions, and approaches to sports life. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the levels of psychological vulnerability that may have been generated in the athletes, because of the coexistence with dysfunctional responses during the COVID-19 experience, and which directly influence the decrease of their mental health.Methods: With a descriptive and transversal design, the study aims to identify the state of the dysfunctional psychological response of a sample of Spanish athletes (N = 284). The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), Toronto-20 (alexithymia), and Distress Tolerance Scale questionnaires were administered to a sample of high-level Spanish athletes in Olympic programs.Results: The results suggest that the analyzed athletes indicate high levels of dysfunctional response (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression, and alexithymia) when their tolerance is low. In addition, the variables show less relational strength, when the capacity of tolerance to distress is worse and age is lower. At the same time, the greater the anxiety and uncertainty are, leading to more catastrophic and negative thoughts, the younger the athletes are.Conclusions: It is clear that both age and tolerance to distress are considered adequate protective factors for psychological vulnerability in general and for associated dysfunctional responses in particular. Moreover, the psychological resources offered by more experienced athletes are also a guarantee of protection against negativity and catastrophism.

A scalable post-quantum hash-based group signature

We present a construction for hash-based one-time group signature schemes, and develop a traceable post-quantum multi-time group signature upon it. A group signature scheme allows group members to anonymously sign a message on behalf of the entire group. The signatures are unforgeable, and the scheme enables authorized openers to trace the signature back to the original signer when needed. Our construction utilizes three nested layers to build the group signature scheme. The first layer performs the key-management task; it deploys a transversal design to assign keys to the group members and the openers, establishing anonymity and providing the construction with traceability. The second layer utilizes sets of hash values, hash pools, to build the group public verification key and to connect group members together. The final layer uses a post-quantum hash-based signature scheme, that adds unforgeability to our construction. We extend our scheme to multi-time signatures using Merkle trees and show that this process maintains the scalability property of Merkle-based signatures, while it supports the group members signing any number of messages.