Electron-nucleus scalar-pseudoscalar interaction in PbF: Z-vector study in the relativistic coupled-cluster framework

The scalar-pseudoscalar interaction constant of PbF in its ground state electronic configuration is calculated using the Z-vector method in the relativistic coupled-cluster framework. The precise calculated value is very important to set upper bound limit on P,T-odd scalar-pseudoscalar interaction constant, k_s, from the experimentally observed P,T-odd frequency shift. Further, the ratio of the effective electric field to the scalar-pseudoscalar interaction constant is also calculated which is required to get an independent upper bound limit of electric dipole moment of electron, d_e, and k_s and how these (d_e and k_s) are interrelated is also presented here.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure

The effects of vertical vs. horizontal plyometric training on sprinting kinetics in post peak height female student athletes

Plyometric training is a form of jump training that is a useful method to improve sprinting speed due to its propensity to improve neural efficiency, increase joint stiffness and contraction speed. While research has shown that plyometrics can improve jumping and sprinting performance, no studies have compared the effects of different types of plyometric training on sprinting speed in young females. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare different forms of plyometric training (horizontal and vertical) on sprinting performance in young females. Thirty young females from a private girls college were randomly divided into two groups and trained for seven weeks, twice a week; vertical plyometric (n=11, age 13.50 ± 0.96, peak heigh velocity-PHV: 1.60 ± 1.14), horizontal plyometric training (n=10, 13.40 ± 0.92, PHV:1.60 ± 0.93), and a physical education class as a control (n=15, age, 15.60 ± 0.31, PHV: 2.90 ± 0.55). Participants were tested for sprinting kinetics i.e. force (Fo), maximum power (Pmax), theoretical velocity (Vo), maximal velocity (Vmax), 10, 20 and 30 m split times using a radar gun over 30 m, isometric strength, vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance before and after the intervention. Both the intervention groups significantly improved all performance variables (g= 0.32- 1.30; p<0.05). The vertical group improved all kinetic variables except Fo and Pmax whereas the horizontal group improved all kinetic variables with a greater effect size g= 0.40-1.30. In comparison to the control group, the vertical group significantly improved Vo, Vmax, vertical and broad jump scores whereas the horizontal group significantly improved broad jump and 20 m split time scores (p<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that horizontal plyometric training is more effective in improving sprinting kinetics

Can complex contrast training interventions improve aerobic endurance, maximal strength, and repeated sprint ability in soccer players?:A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of complex contrast training (CT) on aerobic endurance, maximal strength, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in soccer players. After an electronic search, nine peer-reviewed articles were considered, including soccer players from junior to professional-level (age 14 – 23 years). One study was conducted during the pre-season, seven studies during the in-season, and one study during the off-season period of a competitive schedule. The studies included were of moderate to high methodological quality (PEDro scale) and incorporated CT with soccer practice. Large significant improvements (ES = 1.30; 95% CI = 0.61 – 2.00; p &lt; 0.001; I2 = 80.6%) for maximal strength, and small non-significant improvements for aerobic endurance (ES = 0.33; 95% CI = -0.19 – 0.85; p = 0.209; I2 = 0.0%) and RSA (ES = 0.32; 95% CI = -0.12 – 0.75; p = 0.156; I2 = 0.0%) were noted for CT groups when compared to active or specific-active control groups. Therefore, supplementing regular soccer training with CT induces adaptations to improve maximal strength. CT may be implemented during the pre-season and in-season to induce adaptations similar to traditional strength training (e.g., maximal strength gains), although alternative training strategies may be needed to further improve aerobic endurance and RSA. The use of CT may be applicable during different periods of the season to achieve certain goals, e.g., pre and in-season for maximal strength development, and off-season to attenuate the decline of strength or power.</p

Arsenic contaminated water remediation: A state-of-the-art review in synchrony with sustainable development goals

Arsenic (As) is a highly abundant metalloid with detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. Several research works have focused on the development and application of suitable materials capable of removing arsenic effectively from water. In this regard, nano-materials have been given considerable importance due to their unique properties. In addition to nano-materials, single, multi and doped metal oxides have also received substantial attention because of their high surface-to-volume ratio, increased magnetic properties, catalytic properties, etc. These metal oxides have been developed using several methods like solid state reaction, vapour deposition, chemical precipitation, etc. among which chemical precipitation is quite user friendly. Single and mixed metal oxides have been applied widely in arsenic removal since they usually have high arsenic adsorption capacity. Several biomaterials including biochar showed promising results in arsenic removal from water. Desorption studies showed that NaOH, KOH were effective in regenerating the adsorbents from the nanomaterials. Graphene based materials usually show very high surface area due to their open structure, thus, they are effective materials in arsenic removal from water. Water treatment using nanomaterials can be one of the sustainable solutions and in synchrony with Goal 6 in UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to ensure availability and sustainable water management and sanitation for the global population. Nevertheless, there is a significant research gap between the application of these nano-materials in laboratory settings and their real-world field conditions. Additionally, only a limited number of studies have investigated the potential effects of these nanomaterials on the environment and living organisms. However, by carefully selecting appropriate materials and conducting thorough environmental risk assessments, we can overcome these challenges and move towards successful implementation of long term arsenic remediation

The role of rotational power and mobility on throwing velocity

The ability of players to consistently throw at high velocity with accuracy is considered to be a fundamental task influencing game outcomes in sports such as baseball and cricket. Throwing requires rotational power and mobility of the upper/lower limbs (in the transverse plane) for optimal execution. A clearer understanding of this kinetic chain promises to elucidate athlete’s deficiencies and guide future practitioner programming. A screening assessment battery that can diagnose strengths and weaknesses in this kinetic chain is of paramount importance. Therefore the initial objective of this thesis was to explore and review rotational power and mobility assessments such as medicine ball throw, chop and lift, seated hip and thoracic rotation range of motion (ROM). From the literature review it was surmised that these assessments were of great utility and for the most part considered reliable, though it was acknowledged that there was a paucity of research investigating the chop and lift, and no research had quantified both relative and absolute consistency between days in professional athletes. Furthermore, the influence of rotational power and mobility on functional performance was largely unexplored. These two findings provided the focus of the experimental chapters of this thesis. Following the review of literature, the interday reliability of chop and lift among professional cricketers was investigated. The absolute and relative consistency of the assessment using loads of 15% (chop) and 12% (lift) bodyweight were quantified. The lift (CV: 7.4%-16.3%, ICC: 0.74-0.94) was found to be more reliable between days compared to the chop (CV: 9.2%-19%, ICC: 0.54-0.83). It was suggested that further research on the chop assessment be undertaken given the limitations identified in this study. The aim of the final part of this thesis was to determine the influence of rotational mobility and power variables such as hip and thoracic rotation ROM, side medicine ball throw (seated and standing), seated cricket ball throw, chop and lift on cricket ball throwing velocity. The seated cricket ball throw was found to be significantly different (12.3%) between fast and slow throwers. Additionally, it was found that bilateral thoracic rotation ROM; hip external rotation ROM on the dominant side, force and work required in the chop was significantly different between fast and slow throwers. Faster throwers in this study displayed greater force (18.4%) and work (31.2%) outputs in the chop compared to slower throwers, however slower throwers showed significantly greater ROM in the thoracic (13.4% to 16.8%) and hip region (11.8%). Substantial (not significant) anthropometrical (height and mass) differences between the groups can be attributed to the differences observed in force and work outputs in chop and seated cricket ball throwing velocity. In conclusion, greater ROM at proximal regions such as hips and thoracic may not increase throwing velocity in cricket as reduced ROM at proximal regions can be useful in transferring the momentum from the lower extremity in an explosive task such as throwing. Future research should investigate both proximal and distal region contribution and thereafter assess the influence on cricket ball throwing velocity