Associations between bio‑motor ability, endocrine markers and hand‑specific anthropometrics in elite female futsal players: a pilot study

Background: The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has been calculated for individual athletes and sports, but it has not been investigated in futsal performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate any relationships between 2D:4D of the dominant and non-dominant hands and physical capacity performances, selected functional variables and hormone concentrations in elite female futsal players. Methods: Twenty-four elite female futsal players were measured for 2D:4D in the dominant (2D:4DD) and non-dominant (2D:4DND) hand. The futsal specific performance test (FSPT), hand-grip strength (HGS) and aerobic power were also assessed. In addition, selected circulatory hormones were measured (estradiol, cortisol, growth hormone and insulin like growth factor-1). Pearson’s correlation test was used to identify correlational relationships. Results: Total test-time and performance time (total time + penalty time) for the FSPT showed a significant correlation with 2D:4DD (r = 0.53, p = 0.005 and r = 0.55, p = 0.003, respectively). HGSND also displayed a significant correlation with the 2D:4DD (r = 0.59, p = 0.002). Aerobic power and time spent running on the treadmill also showed a significant relationship with 2D:4DND (both, r = 0.54, p = 0.006). Cortisol showed a significant correlation with 2D:4DD (− 0.58, p = 0.003) and 2D:4DND(− 0.52, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The measurement of 2D:4D ratio could be an important factor in determining potential performance attributes and talent identification of elite female futsal players. Further studies are needed in this area to further examine the results presented here

DEVELOPMENT OF A GAS-BASED APPLICATION FOR FIRE MODELING IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES

The major hazards with which the chemical industry is concerned are fire, explosion and toxic release. Of these three, fire is the most common. In assessing the damage potential and causes or errors which have led to these disasters, an analysis has to be done. The impacts of fires in the process industries may be predicted by the application of mathematical models. However, the applications of these models require competency in mathematics and computer programming. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop an application called the Fire Simulation Tool (FiST), which is able to study the impact of fire in the process industry. The scope of work for this project is confmed to fire cases only, which are: flash fire, jet fire, pool fire and fireball. The FiST application is developed using Visual Basic (VB) programming language with integration of GIS tools. The mathematical models of the four types of fire are simulated and the results are integrated to GIS for better visualization. The development is done by customizing MapObjects using VB. With MapObjects user can incorporate mapping capabilities in their application. The methodology of the project includes utilizing established models in order to calculate the impact of fire. The development of this software has been divided into five different stages, which are planning the application, building the graphical user interface (GUI), writing the computer programme, software validation and verification and lastly, integrating the results from the tool with GIS application to present the simulation outcome as buffer zones around the centre of the accident. The results from FiST software is verified and validated with other risk assessment softwares such as: FRED (developed by Shell Global company, 2004), BIS (developed by ThermDyne Technologies Ltd, 2003) and SCIA (developed by EI-Harbawi, 2006) and with established data. The software is capable to estimate the thermal radiation and the impacts from the fire scenarios which include the probability of frrst, second and third degree of bums for the hmnan skin. The FiST application is useful and feasible because it is user-friendly, able to function as a stand-alone application and it is compatible with all windows operating system. Furthermore, the cost of developing the software is cheap and the application incorporates the risk tolerability limit for Malaysia

DEVELOPMENT OF A GAS-BASED APPLICATION FOR FIRE MODELING IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES

The major hazards with which the chemical industry is concerned are fire, explosion and toxic release. Of these three, fire is the most common. In assessing the damage potential and causes or errors which have led to these disasters, an analysis has to be done. The impacts of fires in the process industries may be predicted by the application of mathematical models. However, the applications of these models require competency in mathematics and computer programming. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop an application called the Fire Simulation Tool (FiST), which is able to study the impact of fire in the process industry. The scope of work for this project is confmed to fire cases only, which are: flash fire, jet fire, pool fire and fireball. The FiST application is developed using Visual Basic (VB) programming language with integration of GIS tools. The mathematical models of the four types of fire are simulated and the results are integrated to GIS for better visualization. The development is done by customizing MapObjects using VB. With MapObjects user can incorporate mapping capabilities in their application. The methodology of the project includes utilizing established models in order to calculate the impact of fire. The development of this software has been divided into five different stages, which are planning the application, building the graphical user interface (GUI), writing the computer programme, software validation and verification and lastly, integrating the results from the tool with GIS application to present the simulation outcome as buffer zones around the centre of the accident. The results from FiST software is verified and validated with other risk assessment softwares such as: FRED (developed by Shell Global company, 2004), BIS (developed by ThermDyne Technologies Ltd, 2003) and SCIA (developed by EI-Harbawi, 2006) and with established data. The software is capable to estimate the thermal radiation and the impacts from the fire scenarios which include the probability of frrst, second and third degree of bums for the hmnan skin. The FiST application is useful and feasible because it is user-friendly, able to function as a stand-alone application and it is compatible with all windows operating system. Furthermore, the cost of developing the software is cheap and the application incorporates the risk tolerability limit for Malaysia

Effects of different dosages of caffeine administration on wrestling performance during a simulated tournament

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different forms of caffeine administration on physical performance during a simulated wrestling tournament. In a double-blind and randomized experiment, twelve male freestyle wrestlers competed in a simulated wrestling tournament (5 wrestling matches consisting of 2×3-min wrestling rounds) following the ingestion of: a placebo, a high-dose of caffeine (10 mg/kg), a moderate-dose caffeine (4 mg/kg), a repeated-dose caffeine (2 mg/kg before each match to a total of 10 mg/kg) or a selective caffeine administration based on performance decrement previously measured (6.16±1.58 mg/kg). The Pittsburgh Wrestling Performance Test (PWPT) was measured before each match to assess physical performance. In comparison to the placebo, the high dose of caffeine only reduced PWPT time before the first match (56.8±2.0 vs. 52.9±1.8 s; p < 0.05). The moderate dose of caffeine did not affect PWPT performance during the tournament. Both, the repeated dose and the selective administration of caffeine reduced PWPT time with respect to the placebo in the third (66.7±1.8 vs. ~63.1±1.4 s; p < 0.05) and fourth matches (72.3±2.4 vs. ~65.9±1.3 s; p < 0.05). However, only the selective dose of caffeine reduced PWPT time before the fifth match (62.7±3.0 vs. 56.3±2.0; p < 0.05). The dosage and administration of caffeine affect the ergogenic effects obtained following the ingestion of this substance. An individualized protocol to provide caffeine when physical performance is expected to be reduced might improve wrestling performance during the latter stages of a tournament

Blood Flow Restriction During Futsal Training Increases Muscle Activation and Strength

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of leg blood flow restriction (BFR) applied during a 3-a-side futsal game on strength-related parameters. Twelve male futsal players were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 6 for each group) during 10 training sessions either with or without leg BFR. Prior to and post-training sessions, participants completed a series of tests to assess anabolic hormones and leg strength. Pneumatic cuffs were initially inflated to 110% of leg systolic blood pressure and further increased by 10% after every two completed sessions. In comparison with baseline, the resting post-training levels of myostatin (p = 0.002) and IGF-1/MSTN ratio (p = 0.006) in the BFR group changed, whereas no change in the acute level of IGF-1 and myostatin after exercise was observed. Peak torque of knee extension and flexion increased in both groups (p &lt; 0.05). A trend of increased neural activation of all heads of the quadriceps was observed in both groups, however, it was statistically significant only for rectus femoris in BFR (p = 0.02). These findings indicated that the addition of BFR to normal futsal training might induce greater neuromuscular benefits by increasing muscle activation and augmenting the hormonal response

Conceptual framework for risk communication between emergency response team and management team at healthcare facilities: A Malaysian perspective

The requirement to establish a Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRMP) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) in Malaysia is stated in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. DRMP provides first responder such as ERT a standard operating procedure (SOP) when assisting evacuation and performing search and rescue. In performing such tasks, ERT requires sufficient information outline in the DRMP and other risk communication activities that are conducted by the management team. However, past fire incidents at public hospitals in Malaysia shows that the current practice of risk communication at public hospitals does not facilitate the ERT's decision-making process. This paper intends to propose a conceptual framework of risk communication that can guide the management team at public hospitals in delivering information regarding fire safety to the ERT to ensure its effectiveness. Standards on disaster risk management, public hospital's contingency plans, and past research were reviewed. This framework provides an overall idea of how the decision-making process is made among the ERT members. This shows the involvement of risk communication and risk perception that can affect the ERT's judgement and actions taken during the response phase. Findings of this paper include factors that address people's perception towards risk and elements of risk communication that should be considered to develop and improve risk communication policy. © 201

Effects of Aerobic Training on Brain Plasticity in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose of this study was to systematically review to find if aerobic exercise compared to no exercise or any other intervention affects brain plasticity among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Searches were conducted in the Scopus, SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The included studies were randomized control trials (RCTs) written in English comprising individuals with MCI that evaluated the effects of aerobic training on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), brain structures, or brain activity. The quality of trials was evaluated using the PEDro scale for RCTs. Twelve studies with medium to high quality were included, of which five studies focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (four articles reported elevation and one article reported no changes in BDNF levels following the aerobic exercise), two studies focused on brain structures (both reported increases in hippocampus volume following the aerobic exercise), and five studies focused on brain activity (four articles reported positive changes, and one article reported no changes in brain activity following the aerobic exercise). Research regarding the effects of aerobic training on brain plasticity in people with MCI is in its infancy. Still, aerobic exercise seems to be a promising therapy in people with MCI