The first ultra-high resolution Digital Terrain Model of the shallow-water sector around Lipari Island (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Very high resolution bathymetric map obtained through multibeam echosounders data are crucial to generate accurate Digital Terrain Models from which the morphological setting of active volcanic areas can be analyzed in detail. Here we show and discuss the main results from the first multibeam bathymetric survey performed in shallow-waters around the island of Lipari, the largest and the most densely populated of the Aeolian Islands (southern Italy). Data have been collected in the depth range of 0.1-150 m and complete the already existent high-resolution multibeam bathymetry realized between 100 and 1300 m water depth. The new ultrahigh resolution bathymetric maps at 0.1-0.5 m provide new insights on the shallow seafloor of Lipari, allowing to detail a large spectrum of volcanic, erosive-depositional and anthropic features. Moreover, the presented data allow outlining the recent morphological evolution of the shallow coastal sector of this active volcanic island, indicating the presence of potential geo-hazard factors in shallow waters

The Influence of Physical Education on Self-Efficacy in Overweight Schoolgirls: A 12-Week Training Program

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the impact of a 12- week physical education (PE) program on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls. We randomly assigned 60 overweight schoolgirls (15–17 years) to either an experimental moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise (∼90 min, three times a week) group (n = 30) or a control group (CG) (n = 30) that received non-specific regular PE lessons with activities chosen by the curricular teacher mainly focused on team games and sports skills that aimed to achieve general psycho-physical wellness (∼90 min, three times a week). To assess the starting level of students and significant changes reached, at baseline and after training, a battery of standardized assessment motor tests and a psychometric scale (generalized self-efficacy scale, GES) were administered. At the end of the intervention, the experimental group reported a considerable decrease in body mass index (BMI) and a large improvement in self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in the CG. The results suggested that the 12-week moderate to a vigorous aerobic exercise program is an effective weight loss intervention and a vehicle to promote a range of outcomes important to the qualitative growth of adolescents. In fact, it could provide a positive and significant impact on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls

Ratio of maximum hamstring torque to maximum quadriceps torque in professional basketball and soccer players

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the differences between football players and basketball players in the mean absolute values of maximum torque flexors and extensors, ratio of maximum hamstring torque to maximum quadriceps torque dominant (DOM) non-dominant (ND) leg and differences in bilateral imbalance of flexor muscles and knee extensors. Material and methods: The research included a sample of 39 professional athletes. The first subsample included 19 professional basketball players while the second subsample included 20 professional soccer players. Results: Based on the results of the torques of the extensors in the knee joint of the DOM and ND legs, it was established that there is no statistically significant difference between basketball players and football players. However, a statistically significant difference was found in the torque flexors of the knee joint DOM (p≤0.01) and ND (p≤0.00) of the leg between basketball players and football players. On the other hand, the results of the research indicate that the difference between basketball players and football players in the ratio of Hamstrings peak torque to Quadriceps peak torque was recorded only in the ND leg (p≤0.02), while the difference in the DOM leg is not statistically significant. The results of our study indicate that basketball players have a higher percentage of imbalances compared to football players, especially in m. hamstrings. Conclusion: This study provides normative data on populations specific to soccer and basketball, but does not provide evidence of the ability of the isokinetic assessment of lower extremity muscle strength to predict injuries to football players and basketball players

Multibeam bathymetry of Lipari island

Very high resolution bathymetric map obtained through multibeam echo-sounders data are crucial to generate accurate Digital Elevation Terrain Models from which the morphological setting of active volcanic areas can be analyzed in detail. Here we show and discuss the main results from the first multibeam bathymetric survey performed in shallow-waters around the Island of Lipari, the largest and the most densely populated of the Aeolian islands (Southern Italy). Data have been collected in the depth range of 0.1-150 m and complete the already existent high-resolution multibeam bathymetry realized between 100 and 1300 m water depth. The new ultra-high resolution bathymetric maps at 0.1-0.5 m provide new insights on the shallow seafloor of Lipari, allowing to detail a large spectrum of volcanic, erosive-depositional and anthropic features. Moreover, the presented data allow outlining the recent morphological evolution of the shallow coastal sector of this active volcanic island, indicating the presence of potential geo-hazard factors in shallow waters

The role of parental involvement in youth sport experience: perceived and desired behavior by male soccer players

Parents play a key role in the youth sports educational experience. They are responsible for the introduction of their children to physical or sporting education and their involvement has been associated with sport participation in early stages. The aims of this cross-sectional study were, first, to assess the perceived and desired parental involvement by children and, secondly, to exam-ine their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with any specific behavior. 80 male soccer players filled the Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire (PISQ) before or after a training session in presence of a coach. PISQ results revealed excessive active involvement and pressure, insufficient praise and understanding and satisfactory directive behavior from children’s parents. Our findings suggest that excessive parental involvement can cause pressure on children who would prefer parental participation characterized by praise and understanding. A balance between a supporting involvement without putting too much pressure is needed by the parents. To prevent burnout and dropout and to facilitate future practice, parents should be counseled (possibly by a sport educator) on how to positively support their children concerning their sport experience

Flatfoot in children: anatomy of decision making

Concern about a child’s foot posture is a common reason for frequent consultations for an array of health care professionals; sports medicine specialists are often the first to recognize and advise on foot pathology. In the decision making process, it is essential to distinguish between the different types of flatfoot deformity: paediatric or adult, congenital or acquired, flexible or rigid. Although flatfoot in children is a common finding, evidence for the techniques of the reliable and reproducible assessment of the foot posture is scant. This general review presents the factors involved in the forming and supporting of the foot arches, discusses the protocols useful in the evaluation of the foot posture, and indicates how to differentiate between flatfoot cases needing treatment and cases that need only reassurance