Effect of a Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Solution on Fluid Balance and Performance at a Thermoneutral Environment in International-Level Fencers

© 2019 by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.Chryssanthopoulos, C, Tsolakis, C, Bottoms, L, Toubekis, A, Zacharogiannis, E, Pafili, Z, and Maridaki, M. Effect of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on fluid balance and performance at a thermoneutral environment in international-level fencers. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 152-161, 2020-The purpose of the study was to examine a possible effect of a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) solution on fluid balance and performance in fencing at a thermoneutral environment. Sixteen fencers performed two 120-minute training sessions separated by 7-14 days under similar environmental conditions (temperature: 20.3° C and humidity: 45-47%). Each session consisted of 60-minute conditioning exercises followed by 10 bouts of 3 minutes against the same opponent with 3-minute interval between each bout. Participants ingested at regular intervals either a 6% CHO-E solution or an artificially sweetened water (PL) in a counterbalanced order. No difference was observed between conditions in the heart rate responses, perceived exertion, changes in plasma volume, urine specific gravity, number of bouts won or lost, or points for and against. Considerable variability was observed in body mass changes that revealed significant differences at the time level (i.e., pre- vs. post-exercise) (F1,15 = 9.31, p = 0.008, η = 0.38), whereas no difference was found between conditions (i.e., CHO-E vs. PL) (F1,15 = 0.43, p = 0.52, η = 0.03) and conditions × time interaction (F1,15 = 3.57, p = 0.078, η = 0.19). Fluid loss was not significantly different between conditions (p = 0.08, d = 0.47). The blood glucose level was higher (p < 0.01) after exercise in CHO-E, whereas the blood lactate level was similar between conditions. In conclusion, the CHO-E solution was as effective as the artificially sweetened water in terms of fluid balance and fencing performance at a thermoneutral environment. Because of large individual variability, fencers should monitor their fluid intake and body fluid loss in training and competition.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Laser scan measurement of the niche and virtual 3D representation of the small Buddha in Bamiyan

Five years after the destruction of the Giant Buddhas in Bamiyan, the consolidation and emergency stabilization works have progressed so far that a high resolution laser scan measurement could be performed at the site of the Small Buddha in Bamiyan. The present condition of the heavily damaged Buddha niche was documented as well as the geometry and damages of the caves at the bottom back side of the niche in which the detonations took place. A 3D textured model was derived from the measurements of the niche and cliff wall and a 3D surface model of the original figure was generated from historic contour line drawings. This virtual model of the Small Buddha figure was successfully integrated into the 3D textured model obtained from the measurements on site. The result has been processed for presentation in an immersive 3D virtual environment (CAVE) at the Virtual Reality Centre at RWTH Aachen University as a communication model for ongoing activities and future actions on the site

Conditions for ignition of the volume discharge in the systems of gas electrofiltration

Досліджено вплив конструкції електродних систем та швидкості газового потоку на умови запалювання та підтримки стабільного об'ємного розряду в системах електрофільтрації газів. Встановлено, що для отримання об'ємного розряду, який за- ймає весь міжелектродний об'єм, необхідне застосування електродної системи типу «щітка» з симетричним розташуванням осаджувальних електродів. Напруга запалювання й інтенсивного світіння такого розряду 55–60 кВ при частоті проходження імпульсів від 1 до 3 кГц. Для недопущення виникнення контракції мінімальна частота проходження імпульсів повинна бути пропорційна швидкості потоку газу і обернено пропорційна довжині каналу прокачування газу.The influence of the design of electrode systems and the speed of the gas flow on the conditions of ignition and maintenance of a stable volumetric discharge in the systems of electrofiltration of gases is studied. It is established that to obtain a volume discharge, which occupies the entire interelectrode volume, it is necessary to use an electrode system of the "brush" type with a symmetrical arrangement of the precipitation electrodes. The voltage of ignition and intensive luminescence of such a discharge is 55-60 kV at a repetition rate of 1 to 3 kHz. It became possible to generate the total plasma volume up to 10 L using this electrode system. The mean electric power consumed for sustaining the stable voluminous discharge in this volume was 0.8 W. The research of the effect of gasdynamic processes on the stability of the voluminous discharge revealed that the gas flow velocity not exceeding 20 m/s produces no effect on the ignition and sustaining of a stable discharge. To prevent the occurrence of contraction, the minimum pulse repetition rate should be proportional to the gas flow rate and inversely proportional to the length of the gas flow channel

Impact of Active Recovery and Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Blood-Flow and Blood Lactate Removal in Healthy People

This study aimed to determine whether an active recovery with added whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) can increase blood flow and lead to blood lactate removal after intense exercise. Thirty-five healthy individuals (23.1 +/- 4.6 years) were randomly assigned to: (a) an experimental group using active recovery together with the WB-EMS (n = 18) or (b) a control group using the same active recovery protocol with the suit with no-stimulation (CON, n = 17). Participants performed a maximal graded exercise test followed by an active recovery protocol (walking at 40% of their maximum aerobic velocity). During the recovery, participants in WB-EMS and CON received continuous stimulation at 7 Hz or no stimulation, respectively. Heart rate, blood lactate concentrations, pain/discomfort, and hemodynamic measurements were recorded before and after the test, and repeated immediately after and at min 30 and 60. The between-group analysis showed a substantially greater Peak blood velocity (-0.27 [-0.68; 0.14]) in WB-EMS compared to CON. The pain/discomfort levels were also lower in WB-EMS compared with CON (0.66 [-0.12; 1.45]). Non-significant differences in participants' blood lactate were observed in WB-EMS compared with CON both immediately; at 30and 60 min. Our findings suggest that increased local blood flow induced by WB-EMS may have contributed to greater lactate removal from active muscles and blood lactate clearance. WB-EMS may be an effective means of increasing muscle blood flow after a maximal graded exercise test and could result in improved recovery

Кризис экономики роста как системы: причины и следствия

Актуальность данной работы продиктована кризисным состоянием современной модели экономики. В основе этой модели лежат постулаты о необходимости постоянного роста экономики, который обеспечивается за счет конечного потребления. В обеспечение же реализации такой модели положены монетарные подходы и методы стимулирования потребительского спроса как основного драйвера экономического роста. Венцом данной модели стала долговая экономика потребления обществ индивидуалистов, не имеющих системы традиционных ценностей, а ориентирующихся на иллюзорные временные цели краткосрочного периода. Так, эгоцентрическая модель экономики заняла главенствующее положение по отношению к экологической модели экономики, обнажив массу системообразующих противоречий. Будущее оказалось под угрозой… Целью данной работы является анализ исходных причин этих противоречий, факторов возникновения кризисных явлений и угроз, с которыми столкнулось человечество на современном этапе развития, а также возможных альтернатив устранения этих противоречий и угроз. The relevance of this work is dictated by a critical state of the modern model of the economy. The basis of this model is construed by postulates about the need for sustained economic growth, which is provided by end-use. Monetary approaches and methods of consumer demand stimulation as a main incentive of economic growth guarantee the model implementation. On the top of this model there is a debt consumer economy of a society of individualists who do not have a system of traditional values, but instead have illusory short-term goals. Thus, an egocentric model of the economy has taken a dominant position in relation to an ecological economic model, revealing a lot of systemic contradictions. The future was under threat... The aim of this work is the analysis of the causes of these conflicts, the factors of crisis phenomena, the threats, which mankind faced at this stage of development, and the possible ways of elimination of the contradictions and threats as well. Methods: comparative analysis and synthesis of theoretical fundamental economic sources and assumptions, practical research and personal experience of various Russian and foreign scientists and business practitioners, the results, observations and conclusions arising from the personal experience of the author and his own theoretical research and inventions, and analysis of statistical data

Comparison of recovery strategies on maximal force-generating capacity and electromyographic activity level of the knee extensor muscles

Context: With regard to intermittent training exercise, the effects of the mode of recovery on subsequent performance are equivocal. Objective: To compare the effects of 3 types of recovery intervention on peak torque (PT) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the knee extensor muscles after fatiguing isokinetic intermittent concentric exercise. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Eight elite judo players (age = 18.4 ± 1.4 years, height = 180 ± 3 cm, mass = 77.0 ± 4.2 kg). Intervention(s): Participants completed 3 randomized sessions within 7 days. Each session consisted of 5 sets of 10 concentric knee extensions at 80% PT at 120°/s, with 3 minutes of recovery between sets. Recovery interventions were passive, active, and electromyostimulation. The PT and maximal EMG activity were recorded simultaneously while participants performed isokinetic dynamometer trials before and 3 minutes after the resistance exercise. Main Outcome Measure(s): The PT and maximal EMG activity from the knee extensors were quantified at isokinetic velocities of 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s, with 5 repetitions at each velocity. Results: The reduction in PT observed after electromyostimulation was less than that seen after passive (

The Culture Dataspace (Datenraum Kultur) – a Data-Sovereign Open-Source Digital Infrastructure based on the Eclipse Dataspace Components (EDC) Framework

The Datenraum Kultur (Culture Dataspace) project represents a strategic data infrastructure initiative within the EU Digital Strategy framework, designed to transform data sharing in the cultural, media, and creative industries, pioneering innovative approaches to create new digital services while respecting intellectual property rights. As a flagship project in Germany&rsquo;s National Digital Strategy, it aims to develop foundational infrastructure for the future data economy. The project focuses on a B2B data exchange model that aims to accelerate value-added digital service development. It is characterized by three key architectural principles: (1) data sovereignty, ensuring content owners maintain control over their digital assets; (2) decentralized architecture, facilitating direct content transfer between stakeholders without centralized routing; and (3) collaborative ecosystem development, for negotiated content exchange within trusted networks. Beyond economic considerations, Datenraum Kultur addresses a societal need for culture in the digital age, highlighting trustworthy relationships among actors, ultimately strengthening the competitiveness and relevance of the cultural sector while maintaining participant autonomy in an increasingly data-driven landscape

Editorial: Physiological and biomechanical determinants of swimming performance—volume 2

The objective of this Research Topic was to develop and strengthen evidence of training and swimming performance to increase scientific knowledge in the area, considering that understanding the biomechanical, physiological, and neuromuscular determinants of swimming performance is still challenging. This way, 13 manuscripts have been reviewed and approved for this research topic (volume II). We can categorize the 13 manuscripts into three major areas of swimming research: physiology and prescription; biomechanics; performance assessment and prediction. Furthermore, we highlight that 10 of the manuscripts were carried out with the participation of at least two research institutions, often from different countries, which may demonstrate the need for international interchange and exchange of ideas and methodologies across researchers and laboratories.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The influence of the coaches’ demographics on young swimmers’ performance and technical determinants

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the coaches’ demographics (academic degree and/or coaching level and/or coaching experience) and young swimmers’ performance and technical ability. The sample was composed by 151 young swimmers (75 boys and 76 girls: 13.02 1.19 years old, 49.97 8.77 kg of body mass, 1.60 0.08 m of height, 1.66 0.09 m of arm span), from seven different clubs. Seven coaches (one per club) were responsible for the training monitoring. Performance and a set of biomechanical variables related to swim technique and efficiency were assessed. The swimmers’ performance was enhanced according to the increase in the coaches’ academic degree (1: 75.51 10.02 s; 2: 74.55 9.56 s; 3: 73.62 7.64 s), coaching level (1: 76.79 11.27 s; 2: 75.06 9.31 s; 3: 73.65 8.43 s), and training experience ( 5-y training experience: 75.44 9.57 s; >5- y training experience: 74.60 9.54 s). Hierarchical linear modeling retained all coaches’ demographics characteristics as main predictors (being the academic degree the highest: estimate = -1.51, 95% confidence interval = -0.94 to -2.08, p = 0.014). Hence, it seems that an increase in the demographics of the coaches appears to provide them with a training perspective more directed to the efficiency of swimming. This also led to a higher performance enhancementThis work was supported by the National Funds (FCT – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) under the project UIDB/DTP/04045/2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio