bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Concepto de guerra justa a través de los tiempos
Authors: Ferrari Puerta Alberto José
Published: September 2022

En este artículo se pretende analizar cómo ha evolucionado el concepto de “guerra justa” a través de los tiempos. Así, comienza con el estudio de la noción de guerra justa en Roma, particularmente en la obra de Cicerón, para posteriormente adentrarse en el desarrollo del concepto en el cristianismo romano y medieval y en la religión islámica. A continuación, se examina la evolución del concepto en la Edad Moderna, de la mano de los juristas neoescolásticos de la Escuela de Salamanca y de Hugo Grocio, considerado por muchos el primer teórico del Derecho Internacional. Después el artículo ahonda en las concepciones de la legitimidad de la guerra que se encuentran en la obra iusfilosófica de Hegel, para centrarse a continuación en el estudio de la guerra justa a la luz del marxismo-leninismo, a través de las obras de Marx, Lenin y Mao-Tse-Tung. Respecto del siglo XX, se exponen las concepciones dispares acerca del fenómeno bélico de los grandes iuspublicistas Hans Kelsen y Carl Schmitt, partidarios, respectivamente, de la necesidad de evitar la guerra a través del Derecho y de la inevitabilidad de la misma. Por último, el artículo analiza la regulación actual del uso de la fuerza armada en el marco de las Naciones Unidas, concluyendo con una valoración crítica de la cuestión.
Reconstrucción del Tejido Social en los Marcos de Emergencia Humanitaria: el rol Contemporáneo de la Familia
Authors: Ávila Hernandez Flor María , Martin Fiorino Víctor , Córdova Jaimes Édgar
Published: September 2022

El principal objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la actual crisis política institucional en algunos países de América Latina, que precipitan un cambio o la reconstrucción del tejido social hacia un nuevo orden institucional, con el fin de incidir en las conciencias colectivas. Se examina la reconstrucción del cuerpo nacional como condición previa a la transición democrática que se viene gestando en estos países. Se concluye la necesidad de dicha transición con procesos de amnistía, reconciliación nacional, reconstrucción del tejido social y reparación de las víctimas de violaciones de derechos humanos, con una gran concertación de todos los actores y la sociedad civil, en especial la familia.
Rheological thixotropy and pasting properties of food thickening gums orienting at improving food holding rate
Authors: Fan Yuhe , Zhang Lixun , Wang Xingyuan , Wang Keyi , Wang Lan , Wang Zhenhan , Xue Feng , Zhu Jinghui , Wang Chao
Published: September 2022

The viscosity characteristic is an important factor affecting the holding rate of the meal-assisting instrument. The effects of shear rheological properties, thixotropy, and pasting properties of xanthan gum (XG), guar gum (GG), and thorn bean gum (TBG) in deionized water, berry juice (BJ), and nut lotus root starch (NLRS) were investigated using a rotational viscometer and a water bath, respectively. The results indicated that all samples exhibited non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior, the flow behavior index (n) was less than 0.5 indicating strong pseudoplasticity, the consistency index (K) decreased sequentially from TBG, GG, to XG, and there was a significant difference between yield stress and concentration (P < 0.05). The hysteresis loop area (∆S) decreases sequentially from NLRS, BJ, to DIW, and the activation energy (

E

a

{E}_{{\rm{a}}}

) decreases significantly with the increase in concentration (P < 0.05). This study has a reference value for improving the holding rate of sticky meals.
Estimating the Effect of Distance on the Migration of Higher Education Candidates
Authors: Lourenço Diogo , Sá Carla
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we use a gravity approach to study the impact of distance on desired migratory flows of candidates to undergraduate courses in Portugal. We employ a large administrative database that includes the entire population of candidates to public HE institutions in Portugal from 2008 to 2019. We document, in line with the literature, that distance is a significant deterrent to mobility, with flows showing an average elasticity to distance between −2 and −1, a value that tends to decay as distance increases. We find that flows are particularly sensitive when distance is measured by travel time. We show, however, that the deterrence effect is not homogeneous. Among other results, we identify and measure important differences across fields of education. Finally, we illustrate how using different probability density functions can be of service in finding the most appropriate gravity model specification.
Discovery of exercise-related genes and pathway analysis based on comparative genomes of Mongolian originated Abaga and Wushen horse
Authors: Pan Jing , Purev Chimge , Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Zhipeng , Wang Feng , Wendoule Nashun , Qi Guichun , Liu Yongbin , Zhou Huanmin
Published: September 2022

The Mongolian horses have excellent endurance and stress resistance to adapt to the cold and harsh plateau conditions. Intraspecific genetic diversity is mainly embodied in various genetic advantages of different branches of the Mongolian horse. Since people pay progressive attention to the athletic performance of horse, we expect to guide the exercise-oriented breeding of horses through genomics research. We obtained the clean data of 630,535,376,400 bp through the entire genome second-generation sequencing for the whole blood of four Abaga horses and ten Wushen horses. Based on the data analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism, we severally detected that 479 and 943 positively selected genes, particularly exercise related, were mainly enriched on equine chromosome 4 in Abaga horses and Wushen horses, which implied that chromosome 4 may be associated with the evolution of the Mongolian horse and athletic performance. Four hundred and forty genes of positive selection were enriched in 12 exercise-related pathways and narrowed in 21 exercise-related genes in Abaga horse, which were distinguished from Wushen horse. So, we speculated that the Abaga horse may have oriented genes for the motorial mechanism and 21 exercise-related genes also provided a molecular genetic basis for exercise-directed breeding of the Mongolian horse.
Mass data processing and multidimensional database management based on deep learning
Authors: Shen Haijie , Li Yangyuan , Tian Xinzhi , Chen Xiaofan , Li Caihong , Bian Qian , Wang Zhenduo , Wang Weihua
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things, the requirements for massive data processing technology are getting higher and higher. Traditional computer data processing capabilities can no longer deliver fast, simple, and efficient data analysis and processing for today’s massive data processing due to the real-time, massive, polymorphic, and heterogeneous characteristics of Internet of Things data. Mass heterogeneous data of different types of subsystems in the Internet of Things need to be processed and stored uniformly, so the mass data processing method is required to be able to integrate multiple different networks, multiple data sources, and heterogeneous mass data and be able to perform processing on these data. Therefore, this article proposes massive data processing and multidimensional database management based on deep learning to meet the needs of contemporary society for massive data processing. This article has deeply studied the basic technical methods of massive data processing, including MapReduce technology, parallel data technology, database technology based on distributed memory databases, and distributed real-time database technology based on cloud computing technology, and constructed a massive data fusion algorithm based on deep learning. The model and the multidimensional online analytical processing model of the multidimensional database based on deep learning analyze the performance, scalability, load balancing, data query, and other aspects of the multidimensional database based on deep learning. It is concluded that the accuracy of multidimensional database query data is as high as 100%, and the accuracy of the average data query time is only 0.0053 s, which is much lower than the general database query time.
Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant and anticancer activities of various Unani drugs
Authors: Mannan Mohd Nazir , Kuna Lahari , Chakraborty Alokananda , Zakir Mohammad , Fatima Syeda Hajra , Minhajuddin Ahmed , Kazmi Munawwar Husain , Ahmad Tasleem
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To analyze the phytochemicals, antioxidant, and anticancer activities on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line using aqueous, hydro-ethanol, and methanol extracts of different Unani drugs, e.g., Halela Siyah, Aftimoon, Bisfayej, Ustukhudoos, and Kutki.

Methods

The qualitative examination (alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins), anticancer activity, and an antioxidant assay of the three different extracts were done by MTT assay and DPPH assay, respectively, using different Unani drugs.

Results

The qualitative examination confirmed the substantive presence of phytochemical constituents in all the extracts of these drugs. The Methanolic extract of Halela Siyah had the highest DPPH scavenging activity (91%), while Bisfayej had the lowest (58%). Similarly, the hydro-ethanolic extract showed approximately identical activity for Halela Siyah (89%), Aftimoon (88%), Bisfayej (84%), Kutki (82%), and Ustukhudoos (81%). The aqueous extracts of Halela Siyah (88%) had the highest DPPH scavenging activity, whereas Bisfayej (73%) had the lowest. The methanolic extract of Aftimoon demonstrated the greatest anticancer activity (IC50 – 108), while Aftimoon showed the least activity (IC50 – 316). Halela Siyah (IC50 – 175) and Aftimoon (IC50 – 178) showed substantially the same activity in aqueous extracts. Ustukhudoos hydro-ethanol extracts had the highest (IC50 – 130) activity, whereas Aftimoon had the lowest (IC50 – 204).

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings evaluated the presence of phytochemicals, good antioxidant activity, and anticancer activity in different extracts of drugs used in this study. The study shows these drugs have potential anticancer activity against breast cancer in MCF-7 cell lines.
A metabolic blueprint of COVID-19 and long-term vaccine efficacy
Authors: Berber Engin , Sumbria Deepak , Kokkaya Serkan
Published: September 2022

Viruses are obligatory protein-coated units and often utilize the metabolic functions of the cells they infect. Viruses hijack cellular metabolic functions and cause consequences that can range from minor to devastating, as we have all witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For understanding the virus-driven pathogenesis and its implications on the host, the cellular metabolism needs to be elucidated. How SARS-CoV-2 triggers metabolic functions and rewires the metabolism remains unidentified but the implications of the metabolic patterns are under investigation by several researchers. In this review, we have described the SARS-CoV-2-mediated metabolic alterations from in vitro studies to metabolic changes reported in victims of COVID-19. We have also discussed potential therapeutic targets to diminish the viral infection and suppress the inflammatory response, with respect to evidenced studies based on COVID-19 research. Finally, we aimed to explain how we could extend vaccine-induced immunity in people by targeting the immunometabolism.
Critical educational linguistics
Authors: Pennycook Alastair
Published: September 2022

In the first paper inaugurating this journal, Bernard Spolsky makes a case forcriticaleducational linguistics. Reviewing both the critical tradition going back to the Frankfurt School and many of the strands of work that can be seen as part of critical applied linguistics, he concludes that there is an important role for critical educational linguistics as long as it follows in the liberal tradition and avoids so-called wokeism. He also argues that a great deal of work in support of language diversity and bilingualism has in any case been in this critical tradition, and that the addition of the term may not add much to what has gone before. Building on this proposal for critical educational linguistics, this paper raises concerns about basing a critical educational linguistic project on liberal foundations, invoking ideas such as ‘wokeism,’ or assuming a long history of critical work in mainstream educational linguistics. The paper concludes by suggesting alternative foundations for critical educational linguistics.
“We have that strong R, you know”: the enregisterment of a distinctive use of rhotics in Santomean Portuguese
Authors: Bouchard Marie-Eve
Published: September 2022

This study examines how the use of rhotics in Santomean Portuguese is becoming enregistered as a feature that marks Santomeans’ national identity. It is based on ethnographic fieldwork and semistructured interviews with Santomeans living on São Tomé Island and in Portugal. The qualitative analysis of the data reveals the process that leads to the use and awareness of the rhotic feature among Santomeans. This increasing awareness is analysed in terms of orders of indexicality. The author suggests that awareness of this rhotic feature among Santomeans is contingent on having contact with Portuguese speakers of non-Santomean origin, as they only become aware of their distinctive use of rhotics when they are in contact with speakers of another variety of Portuguese on the island, in the diaspora, or online. Also, even if this feature is perceived negatively by many, it remains available for identity-driven use to express a connection to São Tomé and Príncipe.
The predictive roles of enjoyment, anxiety, willingness to communicate on students’ performance in English public speaking classes
Authors: Peng Jian-E , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2022

Despite the extensive research on willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC), foreign language anxiety (FLA), and foreign language enjoyment (FLE), few studies have tested the roles of these variables in predicting L2 learning outcomes. This line of inquiry is imperative, especially because the importance of L2 WTC primarily lies in its presumable role in enhancing L2 learning. This study examines how FLA, FLE, and L2 WTC predict English public speaking performance. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire that contained closed-ended and open-ended items to 132 Chinese university students who took an English public speaking course. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that FLE was the single significant predictor of L2 WTC and public speaking performance. Participants’ responses revealed a range of major categories underlying classroom episodes when they felt most enjoyable, most anxious, and most willing to communicate. Implications for future research and pedagogical practice are finally addressed.
We Gotta Have It: Black and Brown ideologies on solidarity
Authors: Sankofa S. Divine , Muñoz Natalie , Philippe Deanna , Genao Soribel , Rodríguez Cristóbal
Published: September 2022

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the disparities of healthcare for Black and Brown communities, the tragic and senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Rashard Brooks took place before we were halfway into 2020. Furthermore, while Black deaths at the hands of police are the highest rate compared to all groups, Latinos follow right behind at almost twice the rate compared to Whites, which highlight how both Black and Brown communities face the same crisis and oppression, and both face the greater need for solidarity. Reflecting on a recent historical period of our socio-political culture, this article endeavors to expose how the media’s influence has amplified the need to reignite a rallying cry of race and identities across the globe. Utilizing our educational backgrounds and classroom experiences, we examine what can be learned by amplifying the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy and solidarity through the lens of Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It series on Netflix. We specifically explore the oneness of Black and Brown people and highlight how solidarity is key for upliftment and well-being.
Nonlinear numerical simulation of dynamic response of pile site and pile foundation under earthquake
Authors: Liang Wenwen , Leng Lingye , Tian Hao , Tian Xiao
Published: September 2022

To study the influence of the nonlinear connection of pile and soil on the dynamic response characteristics of the pile foundation, this article proposes to study the dynamic response of the bridge pile foundation to the slope by combining the centrifugal shaking table test and OPENSEES open source finite element program. This article introduces the pressure-dependent multiyield surface model based on confining pressure. Through the inverse calculation of the similarity ratio of the centrifuge model test, the OPENSEES two-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of the pile group in the slope section can be established. The centrifuge shaking table test is to input the preset seismic wave horizontally at the bottom of the model box. The form of seismic wave is El Centro wave verification of two-dimensional finite element model of the pile group in slope section under earthquake. The reliability of the model is verified by comparing the test and calculated values of dynamic response (residual horizontal displacement and final bending moment) of the pile body under five different peak acceleration seismic wave loading conditions. In the dynamic response experiment of slope pile foundation, in the embedded part below the bedrock surface, the residual horizontal displacement of each pile body is zero. Constrained by the cap beam and tie beam, the displacement of the free section of the pile group at these two positions is basically the same. Through comprehensive analysis, the displacement of P1 and P2 piles is basically the same. The calculated value of the final bending moment of P1 and P2 piles shows the same change trend as the test value, and the test value is slightly larger than the calculated value. The relative errors of the maximum final bending moment of P1 pile under each loading condition are 7.4, 7.8, 12.6, 3.9, and 9.6%, respectively, and the relative errors of P2 pile are 4.6, 3.6, 12.5, 13.6, and 11.5%, respectively. The analysis relative error is caused by the elastic element used in the calculation of the pile body, which is different from the mechanical behavior of the simulated pile body material in the test. Dynamic response of slope site according to the existing centrifuge test results can be seen that the deformation at the slope shoulder of slope site is the most obvious under the earthquake. The inclined interface of soft and hard rock and soil layer will aggravate the dynamic response of the overburden layer on the slope, weakening its ability of seismic energy consumption.
Basic mechanical and fatigue properties of rubber materials and components for railway vehicles: A literature survey
Authors: Kang Wei , Liu Jiefu , Xiong Wei , You Tianyu , Wang Xinxin , Zeng Kexin , Deng Yingao , Guo Zichao , Yuan Ke
Published: September 2022

Rubber material is widely used in railway vehicles due to its superior damping performance. The testing methods, fatigue, and aging theories of rubber materials are of great significance to improve the design, manufacture, and application of rubber components for railway vehicles. This work systematically introduces the constitutive theory, mechanical testing standards, and testing methods of rubber materials. Then, the aging mechanism is described and the research progress of rubber fatigue properties is reviewed from the perspectives of fatigue crack initiation and fatigue crack propagation. Moreover, the reinforcement methods of rubber materials are presented. Finally, according to the working conditions of rubber components in railway vehicle, the technical difficulties and future research trends of fatigue characteristics analysis of rubber materials and components are pointed out.
Can acute high-altitude sickness be predicted in advance?
Authors: Guo Yan , Liu Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Shi Zhongshan , Zhang Menglan , Chen Jie
Published: September 2022

In high-altitude environments, the oxygen and air density are decreased, and the temperature and humidity are low. When individuals enter high-altitude areas, they are prone to suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS) because they cannot tolerate hypoxia. Headache, fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal reactions are the main symptoms of AMS. When these symptoms cannot be effectively alleviated, they can progress to life-threatening high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema. If the risk of AMS can be effectively assessed before people enter high-altitude areas, then the high-risk population can be promptly discouraged from entering the area, or drug intervention can be established in advance to prevent AMS occurrence and avoid serious outcomes. This article reviews recent studies related to the early-warning biological indicators of AMS to provide a new perspective on the prevention of AMS.
Effects of Differing Foam Rolling Periods on Training Volume and Myoelectric Responses of Lower-Body Muscles
Authors: Santana Haroldo Gualter , Paz Gabriel Andrade , Willardson Jeffrey M. , Farias Déborah de Araújo , Miranda Humberto
Published: September 2022

Santana, HG, Paz, GA, Willardson, JM, de Araújo Farias, D, and Miranda, H. Effects of differing foam rolling periods on training volume and myoelectric responses of lower-body muscles. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3311–3318, 2022—Foam rolling (FR) is a practice that has increased in popularity before and after resistance training. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of different foam rolling periods for the lower body muscles on subsequent performance, myoelectric activity and rating of perceived exertion in trained men. Fourteen men (26.2 ± 3.2 years, 178 ± 0.04 cm, 82.2 ± 10 kg and body mass index 25.9 ± 3.3kg/m−2) volunteered for this study. Four repetition maximum (4-RM) loads were determined for hexagonal bar deadlift and 45°-angled leg press during test and retest sessions over two nonconsecutive days. The experimental conditions included a traditional protocol (TP) with no prior foam rolling, and four other conditions that involved FR applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae for one set of 30 sec (P1), two sets of 30 sec (P2), three sets of 30 sec (P3), or four sets of 30 sec (P4).The resistance training consisted of five sets with 4-RM loads. The number of repetitions completed, the myoelectric activity of lower limbs were recorded, as well as the rating of perceived exertion for each protocol. There were no differences between the protocols in the total repetitions for the hexagonal bar deadlift and 45° angled leg press exercises. Similar results between protocols were also noted for muscle activity and rated perceived exertion (RPE). Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that the FR didn't provide effects on performance, myoelectric activity and rating of perceived exertion responses during high intensity resistance performance for lower limb exercises.
Kinanthropometric Characteristic Comparisons of NCAA Division I Offensive and Defensive Linemen Spanning 8 Decades
Authors: Jacobson Bert H. , Dawes Jay , Smith Doug , Johnson Quincy
Published: September 2022

Jacobson, BH, Dawes, J, Smith, D, and Johnson, Q. Kinanthropometric characteristic comparisons of NCAA Division I offensive and defensive linemen spanning eight decades. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3404–3408, 2022—College football players have gained body mass, stature, and speed since the inception of the game. Of particular note is the body mass gain of NCAA Division I offensive linemen (OL) and defensive linemen (DL). The primary purpose of this study was to compare body mass and stature of OL and DL for each decade since 1950 and to subsequently compare speed using more recently available NFL Combine data to determine if the rates of gain have been consistent or is waning. Ten universities were randomly chosen from the “Power Five” conferences based on the prominence of their football programs. Recorded data included players' body mass, stature, and available 40 yd times. For each team, 8 OL and 8 DL were chosen, totaling 80 OL and 80 DL. Results indicated that body mass increased significantly (p < 0.05) for both OL and DL (57.9 and 54.4%, respectively). However, the rate of weight gain for either OL or DL was not linear. Both OL and DL consistently increased in height from 1950 with OL and DL increasing 12.7 cm (5.0 in) and 11.4 cm (4.7 in), respectively. In addition, 40 yd times have improved over the 3 available decades (2000–2020). The 2020 times were significantly faster than the 2000 for both OL and DL. These findings may have profound implications related to player safety. The overall increases in body mass of linemen in combination with greater speed may result in have devastating consequences to the human body in a contact/collision sport such as football. Indeed, new rules are being considered to reduce debilitating injures.
Adaptations to a Concurrent Exercise Training Program in Inactive Aging Women
Authors: Wadsworth Danielle D. , Rodriguez-Hernandez Mynor , Huffman Lorena S. , McDonald James R. , Spring Katherine E. , Pascoe David D.
Published: September 2022

Wadsworth, DD, Rodriguez-Hernandez, M, Huffman, LS, McDonald, JR, Spring, KE, and Pascoe, DD. Adaptations to a concurrent exercise training program in inactive aging women. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3217–3223, 2022—This study assessed the effect of a 10-week, sprint interval concurrent exercise training program on body composition and muscular strength in aging women. Sixty-five inactive women (age, 40–64 years) were randomized into 2 sprint interval exercise programs, 0% incline and 6% incline. Sprint interval training was performed to achieve 95% of each subject's age-predicted maximal heart rate for a series of 40 seconds of work followed by 20 seconds of passive recovery. An undulating resistance training protocol, composed of 30 sessions, was performed by each group throughout the study. Dual-energy X-ray absorption scans were assessed body composition, and 1 repetition maximum was performed to assess muscular strength. Subjects in both groups significantly reduced fat mass by approximately 0.35 kg (p = 0.002), and visceral adipose tissue by 0.05 kg (p = 0.032). There were significant increases in lean body mass by approximately 0.50 kg (p = 0.005), lower-body muscular strength by approximately 46.83 kg (p < 0.001), and upper-body muscular strength by approximately 11.68 kg (p < 0.001). No significant between-groups interactions were observed. A sprint interval training concurrent exercise training program is an effective strategy to improve body composition and muscular strength in inactive, aging women. Muscular strength improvements resulting from this intervention are particularly important because muscular strength losses are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality.
The Effects of Sprint Interval Training on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hall Andy J. , Aspe Rodrigo R. , Craig Thomas P. , Kavaliauskas Mykolas , Babraj John , Swinton Paul A.
Published: September 2022

Hall, AJ, Aspe, RR, Craig, TP, Kavaliauskas, M, Babraj, J, and Swinton, PA. The effects of sprint interval training on physical performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 457–481, 2023—The present study aimed to synthesize findings from published research and through meta-analysis quantify the effect of sprint interval training (SIT) and potential moderators on physical performance outcomes (categorized as aerobic, anaerobic, mixed aerobic-anaerobic, or muscular force) with healthy adults, in addition to assessing the methodological quality of included studies and the existence of small study effects. Fifty-five studies were included (50% moderate methodological quality, 42% low methodological quality), with 58% comprising an intervention duration of ≤4 weeks and an array of different training protocols. Bayesian’s meta-analysis of standardized mean differences (SMD) identified a medium effect of improved physical performance with SIT (ES0.5 = 0.52; 95% credible intervals [CrI]: 0.42–0.62). Moderator analyses identified overlap between outcome types with the largest effects estimated for anaerobic outcomes (ES0.5 = 0.61; 95% CrI: 0.48–0.75). Moderator effects were identified for intervention duration, sprint length, and number of sprints performed per session, with larger effects obtained for greater values of each moderator. A substantive number of very large effect sizes (41 SMDs > 2) were identified with additional evidence of extensive small study effects. This meta-analysis demonstrates that short-term SIT interventions are effective for developing moderate improvements in physical performance outcomes. However, extensive small study effects, likely influenced by researchers analyzing many outcomes, suggest potential overestimation of reported effects. Future research should analyze fewer a priori selected outcomes and investigate models to progress SIT interventions for longer-term performance improvements.
Validity of Gymnastics-Specific Assessment of Neuromuscular Function of Shoulder Flexor and Extensor Muscles to Predict Performance in Gymnastics Skills
Authors: Milosis Dimitrios C.
Published: September 2022

Milosis, DC. Validity of gymnastics-specific assessment of neuromuscular function of shoulder flexor and extensor muscles to predict performance in gymnastics skills. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 652–660, 2023—This study examined the relationships between gymnastics-specific laboratory measurements of neuromuscular function of the shoulder flexor and extensor muscles and performance in specific gymnastics skills. Fifteen highly competitive male gymnasts and 18 male students (age 20.41 ± 2.51 years, body mass 69.7 ± 7.07 kg; mean ± SD) participated voluntarily. The electromyogram (EMG) was used to assess muscle activation of 3 flexor and 3 extensor shoulder muscles during isometric (45, 90, and 135°) and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric 60, 180, and 300°/s) flexion-extension of the shoulder. Peak torque (PT), neuromuscular efficiency (NME: torque to EMG ratio), and antagonist coactivation index (CI) were evaluated. Furthermore, performance in specific gymnastics skills was evaluated. The results supported the ecological validity of the measurements. Specifically, significant correlations emerged between the shoulders' neuromuscular function parameters and the performance in the gymnastics skills (PT: r = 0.798, p < 0.001, NME: r = 0.576, p < 0.001, CI: r = −0.351, p < 0.05). In addition, according to the results of the regression analysis, neuromuscular function of the shoulder flexor and extensor muscles predicted gymnastics performance. Specifically, the model that was produced significantly predicted the dependent variable (performance in specific gymnastics skills) in all steps and explained a total variance of 64.4% (p < 0.001). Based on beta coefficients, PT had the higher contribution to the prediction of performance. The insight gained on these relationships could help coaches to plan the training of their gymnasts and to monitor the longitudinal changes in neuromuscular function of shoulder muscles induced by training more effectively.
Oral Contraceptives and Female Rowers' Skeletal Health
Authors: Redinger Allen L. , Baker Breanne S.
Published: September 2022

Redinger, AL and Baker, BS. Oral contraceptives and female rowers' skeletal health. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 669–677, 2023—Previous studies suggest that women using oral contraceptives (OC) experience fewer skeletal benefits from exercise compared with non-OC users. These findings may be especially important for athletes competing in weight-supported sports with a high prevalence of low bone mineral density and fracture, such as rowing. The purpose of this study was to examine skeletal health and bone injuries in collegiate female rowers. Forty-nine National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female rowers completed general health, menstrual history, and bone physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) surveys. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans were used to assess bone content, density, and geometry. Contraceptive (OC users n = 14, non-OC users n = 35) and self-reported stress fracture (SFx n = 11, None n = 38) groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance and independent t-tests. Additionally, effect sizes (d) were calculated and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Oral contraceptive users had reduced lumbar spine areal bone mineral density after adjustment for Total BPAQ (d = 0.58; p = 0.041) compared with non-OC users, but all other total body and site-specific DXA measures of bone mineral content and density were similar between contraceptive and injury groups. When comparing bone geometry of the 4, 38, and 66% tibiae using pQCT, no significant differences were found after adjustment for either contraceptive or injury group (all p > 0.060). Our findings suggest that OC usage was not associated with reduced skeletal health in competitive female rowers as evidenced by all Z-scores being above −2.0 and similar bone indices of mineralized content, density, geometry, and estimated strength between the groups.
Preexercise High-Fat Meal Following Carbohydrate Loading Attenuates Glycogen Utilization During Endurance Exercise in Male Recreational Runners
Authors: Iwayama Kaito , Tanabe Yoko , Yajima Katsuhiko , Tanji Fumiya , Onishi Takahiro , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: September 2022

Iwayama, K, Tanabe, Y, Yajima, K, Tanji, F, Onishi, T, and Takahashi, H. Preexercise high-fat meal following carbohydrate loading attenuates glycogen utilization during endurance exercise in male recreational runners. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 661–668, 2023—This study aimed to investigate whether one preexercise high-fat meal can increase glycogen conservation during endurance exercise, as compared with one preexercise high-carbohydrate meal. Ten young male recreational runners (22.0 ± 0.6 years; 171.3 ± 0.9 cm; 58.3 ± 1.9 kg; maximal oxygen uptake [V̇o
2max], 62.0 ± 1.6 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed 2 exercise trials after high-carbohydrate loading: eating a high-carbohydrate (CHO; 7% protein, 13% fat, 80% carbohydrate) meal or eating a high-fat (FAT; 7% protein, 42% fat, 52% carbohydrate) meal 3.5 hours before exercise. The order of the 2 trials was randomized, and the interval between trials was at least 1 week. The experimental exercise consisted of running on a treadmill for 60 minutes at 95% of each subject's lactate threshold. Muscle and liver glycogen content were assessed using noninvasive carbon magnetic resonance spectroscopy before the experimental meal as well as before and after exercise; respiratory gases were measured continuously during exercise. The respiratory exchange ratio during exercise was statistically lower in the FAT trial than in the CHO trial (p < 0.01). In addition, muscle (p < 0.05) and liver (p < 0.05) glycogen utilization during exercise was less in the FAT trial than in the CHO trial. Therefore, one high-fat meal following carbohydrate loading reduced muscle and liver glycogen use during the 60-minute exercise. These results suggest that this dietary approach may be applied as a strategy to optimize energy utilization during endurance exercise.
Differentiating Stroke and Movement Accelerometer Profiles to Improve Prescription of Tennis Training Drills
Authors: Perri Thomas , Reid Machar , Murphy Alistair , Howle Kieran , Duffield Rob
Published: September 2022

Perri, T, Reid, M, Murphy, A, Howle, K, and Duffield, R. Differentiating stroke and movement accelerometer profiles to improve prescription of tennis training drills. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 646–651, 2023—This study compared the movement- and stroke-related accelerometer profiles and stroke counts between common on-court tennis training drills. Ten, junior-elite, male tennis players wore a cervical-mounted global positioning systems, with in-built accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer during hard court training sessions (n = 189). Individual training drills were classified into 8 categories based on previous research descriptions. Manufacturer software calculated total player load (tPL), while a prototype algorithm detected forehand (FH), backhands (BH), and serves and then calculated a stroke player load (sPL) from individual strokes. Movement player load (mPL) was calculated as the difference between tPL and sPL. Drill categories were compared for relative (.min−1) tPL, sPL, mPL, and stroke counts via a 1-way analysis of variance with effect sizes (Cohen's d) and 95% confidence intervals. Highest tPL.min−1 existed in accuracy and recovery or defensive drills (p < 0.05), with lowest tPL·min−1 values observed in match-play simulation (p < 0.05). For sPL·min−1, accuracy drills elicited greater values compared with all other drill types (p < 0.05), partly via greater FH-sPL·min−1 (p < 0.05), with lowest sPL·min−1 existing for match-play (p < 0.05). Accuracy, open, and recovery or defensive drills result in greater BH-sPL·min−1 and BH.min−1 (p < 0.05). Serve-sPL·min−1 is highest in technical and match-play drills (p < 0.05). Higher mPL·min−1 existed in accuracy, recovery or defensive, 2v1 net, open, and 2v1 baseline (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mPL·min−1 in points drills was greater than technical and match-play simulation drills (p < 0.05). Higher hitting-based accelerometer loads (sPL·min−1) exist in accuracy drills, whereas technical and match-play drills show the lowest movement demands (mPL·min−1). These findings can aid individual drill prescription for targeting movement or hitting load.
Jump Height and Hip Power Decrease During Cognitive Loading Regardless of Sex: Implications for Sport Performance Metrics
Authors: Shumski Eric J. , Lempke Landon B. , Johnson Rachel S. , Oh Jeonghoon , Schmidt Julianne D. , Lynall Robert C.
Published: September 2022

Shumski, EJ, Lempke, LB, Johnson, RS, Oh, J, Schmidt, JD, and Lynall, RC. Jump height and hip power decrease during cognitive loading regardless of sex: implications for sport performance metrics. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 793–798, 2023—Sex and cognitive loading separately influence jumping performance. However, it is unknown how cognitive loading influences jump performance and how sex and cognitive loading interact. The purpose of our study was to determine if an interaction existed between sex and cognitive loading for the dependent variables jump height, ground contact time, reactive strength index, vertical stiffness, impulse, and lower extremity joint power during a double limb drop vertical jump. Twenty-one male (23.2 ± 2.5 years, 180.8 ± 8.4 cm, 80.4 ± 10.2 kg) and 20 female (21.7 ± 1.0 years, 163.7 ± 8.2 cm, 61.2 ± 9.4 kg) physically active individuals participated. Subjects jumped from a 30 cm box placed 50% of their height away from 2 force plates under single-task and dual-task (serial 6s or 7s) conditions. Separate 2 × 2 analyses of variance were used for all dependent variables (α = 0.05) with Bonferroni post hoc mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There were no significant interactions for any outcomes (p ≥ 0.190). Condition main effects demonstrated subjects jumped significantly higher (1.84 cm, 95% CI = 0.68–3.01, d = 0.26, p = 0.003) and with greater hip power (0.29 Watts·BW−1·HT−1, 95% CI = 0.04–0.54, d = 0.21, p = 0.025) during single task compared with dual task. Sex main effects revealed males jumped higher (9.88 cm, 95% CI = 7.00–12.77, d = 2.17, p < 0.001), with greater reactive strength index (0.29, 95% CI = 0.17–0.41, d = 1.52, p < 0.001), greater ankle power (3.70 Watts·BW−1·HT−1, 95% CI = 2.26–5.13, d = 1.64, p < 0.001), and greater knee power (5.00 Watts·BW−1·HT−1, 95% CI = 3.25–6.75, d = 1.82, p < 0.001) compared with females. Jump performance is influenced by sex and dual-task conditions but not their interaction. To optimize jumping performance, testing should be completed without distractions (single task) to decrease cognitive loading.
Gradual Advance of Sleep-Wake Schedules Before an Eastward Flight and Phase Adjustment After Flight in Elite Cross-Country Mountain Bikers: Effects on Sleep and Performance
Authors: Garbellotto Lucas , Petit Elisabeth , Brunet Emmanuel , Guirronnet Sandrine , Clolus Yvan , Gillet Valérie , Bourdin Hubert , Mougin Fabienne
Published: September 2022

Garbellotto, L, Petit, E, Brunet, E, Guirronnet, S, Clolus, Y, Gillet, V, Bourdin, H, and Mougin, F. Gradual advance of sleep-wake schedules before an eastward flight and phase adjustment after flight in elite cross-country mountain bikers: effects on sleep and performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 872–880, 2023—Strategies, for alleviating jet lag, specifically targeted to competitive athletes have never been studied, in ecological conditions. This study aimed to assess the effects of a phase advance before a 7-hour eastward flight followed by a strategy of resynchronization at destination on sleep and physical performance in professional mountain bikers. Six athletes participated in this study divided into 4 periods: (i) baseline (usual sleep-wake rhythm); (ii) phase advance (advance sleep-wake schedules of 3 hours for 6 days); (iii) travel (flight: Paris-Tokyo); and (iv) phase adjustment (resynchronization of sleep-wake schedules). Melatonin pills and light therapy were administrated during the phase advance and phase adjustment. Sleep was recorded by polysomnography and actigraphy, core body temperature (CBT) rhythm was assessed by ingestible capsules, and physical performances were tested by the Wingate and 5-minute maximal exercise tests. Results showed that bedtime was advanced by 2.9 hours at the end of the phase advance (p ≤ 0.01) with a batyphase of CBT advanced by 2.5 hours (p = 0.07). Bedtime was similar at destination compared with baseline. Total sleep time and sleep composition were unchanged at the end of the phase advance or at destination, compared with baseline. Physical performances were maintained after phase advance and at destination. The phase advance enabled to preshift part of the time zones without disturbing sleep and physical performances and contributed to preserving them once at destination. A phase advance before eastward travel represents an effective strategy to counter harmful effects of jet lag.
Large Permeameter for Continuing Erosion Filter Tests
Authors: Li Maoxin , Tham Emily , Sasitharan Sasi , Fannin Jonathan , Foster Mark , Yan Li
Published: September 2022

The Continuing Erosion Filter (CEF) test and criteria were developed by Foster and Fell to assess severities of internal erosion of an existing embankment dam whose filter does not satisfy modern filter design criteria developed by Sherard and Dunnigan. Those criteria were developed from laboratory tests on materials that may not be directly applicable to the widely graded filter materials. To address this issue, a large diameter (300 mm) rigid-wall permeameter was constructed to assess the internal erosion of zoned embankment dams constructed of widely graded filter materials. The large permeameter allows for testing of embankment dam fill materials up to a maximum particle size of 37.5 mm. A commissioning test program was conducted to verify the test equipment and testing methodology used in this study. Two CEF test results from the test program are reported in this paper to demonstrate the novel features of the permeameter cell design and its test setup. These features include a split-cell design for ergonomic function, real-time outflow rate measurement, inflow and filter specimen water pressure measurements, and erosion loss measurement. A wet method to estimate erosion loss was proposed as an alternative to the traditional oven-drying method.
Sustained Activity of Hippocampal Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons Supports Trace Eyeblink Conditioning in Mice
Authors: Li Rongrong , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Jie , Zhang Haibo , Chen Hui , Hu Zhian , Yao Zhongxiang , Chen Hao , Hu Bo
Published: September 2022

Although recent studies have revealed an involvement of hippocampal interneurons in learning the association among time-separated events, its underlying cellular mechanisms remained not fully clarified. Here, we combined multichannel recording and optogenetics to elucidate how the hippocampal parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV-INs) support associative learning. To address this issue, we trained the mice (both sexes) to learn hippocampus-dependent trace eyeblink conditioning (tEBC) in which they associated a light flash conditioned stimulus (CS) with a corneal air puff unconditioned stimuli (US) separated by a 250 ms time interval. We found that the hippocampal PV-INs exhibited learning-associated sustained activity at the early stage of tEBC acquisition. Moreover, the PV-IN sustained activity was positively correlated with the occurrence of conditioned eyeblink responses at the early learning stage. Suppression of the PV-IN sustained activity impaired the acquisition of tEBC, whereas the PV-IN activity suppression had no effect on the acquisition of delay eyeblink conditioning, a hippocampus-independent learning task. Learning-associated augmentation in the excitatory pyramidal cell-to-PVIN drive may contribute to the formation of PV-IN sustained activity. Suppression of the PV-IN sustained activity disrupted hippocampal gamma but not theta band oscillation during the CS-US interval period. Gamma frequency (40 Hz) activation of the PV-INs during the CS-US interval period facilitated the acquisition of tEBC. Our current findings highlight the involvement of hippocampal PV-INs in tEBC acquisition and reveal insights into the PV-IN activity kinetics which are of key importance for the hippocampal involvement in associative learning.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe cellular mechanisms underlying associative learning have not been fully clarified. Previous studies focused on the involvement of hippocampal pyramidal cells in associative learning, whereas the activity and function of hippocampal interneurons were largely neglected. We herein demonstrated the hippocampal PV-INs exhibited learning-associated sustained activity, which was required for the acquisition of tEBC. Furthermore, we showed evidence that the PV-IN sustained activity might have arisen from the learning-associated augmentation in excitatory pyramidal cell-to-PVIN drive and contributed to learning-associated augmentation in gamma band oscillation during tEBC acquisition. Our findings provide more mechanistic understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the hippocampal involvement in associative learning.
Joining the Spring Revolution or Charting Their Own Path?
Authors: Vrieze Paul
Published: September 2022

This article examines Myanmar ethnic minorities’ diverse responses to the 2021 military coup. The coup prompted widespread mobilization for a national alliance that aims to replace the junta with a federal democracy. For minority actors this resistance could offer a unique opportunity to advance their demands for political autonomy, yet their responses diverged. Some joined the alliance; others declined, or accepted junta offers. Based on original interviews, this analysis unpacks the positions of ethnic rebels, civil society organizations, and parties. It suggests rebels’ strategies were influenced by their relations with civil society and military strength. Most ethnic parties avoided resistance, as they feared junta retaliation and distrusted the ousted National League for Democracy. Ethnic civil society organizations played a key coordinating role during alliance formation, enabled by its campaign experience and networks. The article’s insights into interethnic cooperation and minorities’ varied situations can benefit international actors seeking resolutions of Myanmar’s post-coup conflict.