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Maximal strength is considered a fundamental aspect of athletic performance across a wide range of sports and is also needed for a range of activities of daily life. Yet, compared to males there are fewer publications examining females, with most showing similar coefficients of correlation between dynamic strength and different athletic performances. In both, males and females, results are biased by mostly small sample sizes (sample bias) leading to a fluctuation around the true correlation coefficient of the entire population. This crosssectional analysis involving 1544 participants employed multivariate and correlative analyses to clarify the importance of maximum strength in the parallel back squats on the jump performance controlling for variables such as type of sport, sex, age, and performance level. The analysis revealed two principal components that reflect distinct types of variability within the dataset: the first, primarily associated with performance capabilities, accounts for 58.45% of the variance, while the second, emphasizing demographic differences, accounts for a considerably lower variance of 25.08%. The correlation analyses in this study identified maximal strength as a significant factor influencing jumping performance, accounting for 48-53% of the variance in jump height. The analysis presents a saturation curve, with potential diminishing returns at higher strength levels. Age and sex had little to no effect on overall correlation coefficients. The overall correlation coefficients and the analyses for the subgroups (by sport and performance level) can differ considerably, which can be explained (mathematically) by the artificial formation of clusters, homogeneous subject groups, or small sample sizes.

Maintaining sufficient muscle strength is fundamental to prevent a decline in basic physical functions such as gait, and is therefore a prerequisite for a healthy independent life in older people. However, the relationship between gait parameters and the strength of single muscle groups is reported with inconclusive results. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of strength of nine single muscle groups of lower and upper leg muscles as well as handgrip strength for gait parameters in older adults. Sixty-nine independently living older adults participated in the study. Maximum ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion, knee flexion and extension, as well as hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension strength, were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Additionally, hand grip strength measured via a hand dynamometer was obtained. Walking gait parameters were recorded with a 3D motion capture system on an instrumented treadmill. The relationships between multiple strength and gait variables were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the predictive ability of muscle strength (normalized to body weight) for gait speed, stride time, stance time, stride length and step width. Multiple significant weak to moderate positive ([r = 0.343, p = 0.047]–[r = 0.538, p = 0.002]) and negative ([r = −0.340, p = 0.046]–[r = 0.593, p = 0.001]) correlations that were unequally distributed between both sexes were detected. Significant regression models explained ([r2 = 16.6%, p = 0.015]–[r2 = 44.3 %, p = 0.003]) and ([r2 = 21.8%, p = 0.022]–[r2 = 36.1%, p = 0.044]) of the gait parameter variations for men and women, respectively. The results suggest a sex-specific relevance of single muscle groups for all gait parameters. This may be attributed to anatomical differences and it is important to prevent strength-related changes in gait parameters.

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a custom-blend formulation that does not require vibration or compaction before curing because it readily flows in every corner of a mould or formwork. Compared to conventional cement-based concrete, the workability of fresh SCC is defined by high filling capacity, obstruction-passing capability, and resistance to aggregate separation. Moreover, hardened SCC provides better mechanical properties which are required in earth retaining systems, retrofitting constructions, and column formworks. Experimental tests suggest that SCC mixed with rice husk ash (RHA) provides good compaction and high flowability with improved compressive strength and durability as it hardens. This present work highlights the implementation of mix proportions modified for RHA-SCC, combining fresh and hardened RHA-SCC properties in one nomogram adapted from Monteiro et al.’s study. The nomogram is developed using experimental data from 15 mixture designs of RHA-SCC. The adapted method is rooted on three classical ideas―Abram’s law for cured SCC, Lyse’s law for pre-hardened SCC, and Molinari’s law for cement-like contents. Results are compared to different strength-based mix-design studies with cement- and cement-like materials to discuss further the advantages and limitations of the present mix-design development. Also, a durability test via seawater immersion of the 28-day cured samples is done to determine the mass loss and relative strength after 30 cycles. This study aims to further improve the adapted method by comparing it to various mix designs, evaluating the long-term durability of RHA-SCC samples, and achieving adequate mechanical properties with low water demand. Lastly, the partial substitution of RHA produces a sustainable SCC and contributes to the circular economy.

Discrete burnable poisons like the Wet Annular Burnable Absorber and Pyrex have been used in PWR core to improve core power distribution and provide more negative moderator temperature coefficient. The burnable absorber in the burnable poison rods burns fast and is completely gone after one cycle exposure in the core. Traditionally, the burnable poison rods are designed to be part of the fuel assembly. They are burned together with the fuel in the first loading cycle and discharged after one cycle. In recent years, different insertion scenarios of the burnable poison rods have been introduced in the PWR plants operation to improve the fuel performance, for instance, fresh burnable poison rods are inserted into a burned assembly; burned burnable poison rods stay in the original assembly or are replaced in a different assembly. A Generic Insert Methodology [1] was developed in Westinghouse and implemented in NEXUS/ANC9 code system. With this new methodology, ANC9 is able to follow the assembly history and model all types of absorber insert components for all kinds of insertion scenarios. An extensive methods validation and qualification effort has been completed by modeling different insertion cases. This paper provides details of the qualification cases along with the analysis of the results.

Some controversy exists as to the most efficacious method of training to achieve enhanced levels of sport performance. Controversy concerning the efficacy of periodization and especially block periodization (BP) likely stems from the use of poorly or untrained subjects versus trained who may differ in their responses to a stimulus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of training status on performance outcomes resulting from 11 weeks of BP training. Fifteen males were recruited for this study and placed into strong (age = 24.3 ± 1.9 years., body mass (BM) = 87.7 ± 8.7 kg, squat: body mass = 1.96 ± 0.16), moderate (age = 25.3 ± 2.7 years., body mass = 100.2 ± 15.5 kg, squat: body mass = 1.46 ± 0.14), or weak (age = 23.2 ± 3.9 yrs., body mass = 83.5 ± 17.1 kg, squat: body mass = 1.17 ± 0.07) groups based on relative strength. Testing was completed at baseline, and after each block which consisted of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat, 0 kg static jump (SJ), 0 kg countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 kg SJ, and 20 kg CMJ. Absolute and relative strength were strongly correlated with rates of improvement for absolute strength, relative strength, 0 kg, and 20 kg vertical jumps. All subjects substantially improved back squat (p < 0.001), relative back squat (p < 0.001) with large–very large effect sizes between groups for percent change favoring the weak group over the moderate and strong group for all performance variables. All subjects showed statistically significant improvements in 0 kg SJ (p < 0.001), 0 kg CMJ (p < 0.001), 20 kg SJ (p = 0.002), and 20 kg CMJ (p < 0.001). Statistically significant between group differences were noted for both 20 kg SJ (p = 0.01) and 20 kg CMJ (p = 0.043) with the strong group statistically greater jump heights than the weak group. The results of this study indicate BP training is effective in improving strength and explosive ability. Additionally, training status may substantially alter the response to a resistance training program.

The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between absolute and relative lower extremity strength and the efficiency of gymnastics vault performance. Thirty healthy, physically active male students (age: 20.84 ± 0.99 years; height: 179.46 ± 5.91 cm; body weight: 73.88 ± 6.43 kg) from the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education participated in the study. Absolute lower extremity strength was assessed by measuring the maximum load lifted (in kg) during a back squat (1RM). Relative lower extremity strength was calculated by dividing the estimated 1RM back squat by the participant's body weight (1RM/BW). Two types of vaults—the squat through (ST) and the front handspring (FHS)—were used to evaluate vault performance efficiency. Three criterion variables were applied: (d1) distance from the springboard in front of the vault, (d2) distance of landing beyond the vault, (d1 - d2) the difference between d1 and d2, and (pt) overall vault performance rating. The results showed statistically significant and strong correlations between both absolute and relative lower extremity strength and the variables measuring vault performance efficiency. The strongest correlations were observed for (d1), followed by (d2), (pt), and (d1 - d2). These findings can serve as guidelines for developing both absolute and relative lower extremity strength, which may lead to improved performance in gymnastics vaults. Namen te raziskave je bil preučiti razmerje med največjo in sorazmerno močjo spodnjih okončin ter učinkovitostjo izvajanja telovadnega preskoka. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 30 zdravih, telesno dejavnih študentov (starost: 20,84 ± 0,99 let; višina: 179,46 ± 5,91 cm; telesna teža: 73,88 ± 6,43 kg) Fakultete za šport in telesno vzgojo. Največja moč spodnjih okončin je bila ocenjena z merjenjem največje dvignjene obremenitve (v kg) iz čepa (1RM). Sorazmerna moč spodnjih okončin je bila izračunana tako, da se ocenjeni zadnji čep 1RM deli s telesno maso udeleženca (1RM/BW). Dve vrsti preskoka: skrčka(ST) in premet naprej (FHS) – sta bila uporabljena za oceno učinkovitosti izvedbe skoka. Uporabljene so bile tri kriterijske spremenljivke: (d1) razdalja odskočne deske od preskoka, (d2) razdalja doskoka za preskokom, (d1 - d2) razlika med d1 in d2 ter (pt) splošna ocena uspešnosti preskoka. Rezultati so pokazali statistično pomembne in močne povezave med največjo in sorazmerno močjo spodnjih okončin ter spremenljivkami, ki merijo učinkovitost izvedbe skoka. Najmočnejše povezave so opazili pri (d1), sledijo (d2), (pt) in (d1 - d2). Te ugotovitve lahko služijo kot smernice za razvoj obeh vrst moči spodnjih okončin, kar lahko vodi do izboljšane uspešnosti v preskokih.

The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between unilateral leg strength, associated asymmetries and the injuries suffered by sub-elite Rugby League (RL) players in one competitive season. A prospective cohort design was used. Unilateral leg strength was measured using the rear foot elevated split squat five repetition maximum test. Injuries were recorded using the Orchard classification system and were used to quantify relative risk (RR), mean severity, burden, player availability and survival time. No measures of leg strength were related to RR, relative leg strength was found to have a significant, but not meaningful correlation with total time lost to lower body injury, lower body injury burden and lower body injury survival time. The data from the current study indicates a possible positive effect of increasing relative leg strength for injury outcomes in sub-elite RL players. This supports a heuristic that multi-joint lower body strength training for RL players has a potential dual effect of enhancing physical performance and reducing injury time loss, with minimal risk of harm. •First study to examine unilateral leg strength and asymmetry for injuries in UK sub-elite Rugby League.•A comprehensive analysis and novel approach of analysing injury.•Injuries were not related to either absolute unilateral leg strength or asymmetry between legs.•Increasing relative strength showing possible benefits and limited probability of harm.

Nimphius, S, McGuigan, MR, and Newton, RU. Relationship between strength, power, speed and change of direction performance of female softball players. J Strength Cond Res 24(4)885-895, 2010-The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the cross-sectional relationship of strength, power, and performance variables in trained female athletes and (b) determine if the relationship between these variables changes over the course of a season. Ten female softball players (age = 18.1 ± 1.6 years, height = 166.5 ± 8.9 cm, and weight = 72.4 ± 10.8 kg) from a state Australian Institute of Sport softball team were tested for maximal lower body strength (one repetition maximum [1RM]), peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV), and peak power (PP) during jump squats unloaded and loaded, unloaded countermovement vertical jump height (VJH) 1 base and 2 base sprint performance and change of direction performance on dominant and nondominant sides. The testing sessions occurred pre, mid, and post a 20-week training period. Relationship between body weight (BW), relative strength (1RM/BW), VJH, relative PP, relative PF, PV, speed, and change of direction variables were assessed by Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient at each testing session. Significant relationships were found across all time points with BW, speed, and change of direction measures (r = 0.70-0.93) and relative strength and measures of speed and change of direction ability (r = −0.73−0.85). There were no significant relationships between VJH and any measure of performance at any time point. In conclusion, BW and relative strength have strong to very strong correlations with speed and change of direction ability, and these correlations remain consistent over the course of the season. However, it seems as if many relationships vary with time, and their relationships should therefore be investigated longitudinally to better determine if these cross-sectional relationships truly reflect a deterministic relationship.

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractInvestor sentiment influences financial markets beyond fundamental factors. Understanding the extent of this influence on market returns is crucial for stakeholders to make informed decisions. The study analyzed the impact of investor sentiment on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The investor sentiment index, constructed by extracting sentiments from Times of India business news articles, is used to create the first index, the Financial Index (FinDex), using FinBERT (Financial Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers). The Composite Investor Sentiment Index (CISI), which consists of FinDex and selected sentiment proxy variables, is finally constructed using Principal Component Analysis. This study has analyzed the impact of CISI on selected market indices. Results indicated that stock market returns significantly influence investor sentiment. The broad market index explains 39.12% of the variations in CISI. In the sectoral indices, the percentage of variations explained by the sectoral market index is more than 40% for auto, realty, and pharma. Investor sentiment also influences stock market returns, but comparatively, the influence is minimal. Thus, sentiment lags behind stock returns rather than driving them. Bidirectional causal relation exists in the case of the auto, public sector bank, and realty sectors (p-value < 0.10). CISI can be used by investors to refine their asset allocation strategies, ensuring better market timing and reducing exposure to irrational market swings. It can also be used as an early warning system for systematic risk in financial markets.

In the context of heightened oil price volatility, mastering technical trading strategies is essential for informed investment and sound decision making. This study explores the effectiveness of contrarian technical trading strategies in the Brent crude oil market, aiming to enhance returns in the face of persistent market fluctuations. Utilizing historical price data, this research formulates trading rules based on overbought and oversold signals derived from the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Stochastic Oscillator Indicator (SOI). It assesses their performance through a range of Average Holding Period Return (AHPR) metrics, emphasizing the 250-day AHPR as a proxy for one-year returns. The findings show that RSI-based strategies, especially those using a threshold of 25, are most effective in oversold conditions, achieving peak profitability of over 40% in Quarter 2. The conclusions highlight the importance of parameter flexibility, strategic timing, and responsiveness to market dynamics in optimizing the contrarian strategy performance. The implications suggest investors and managers can refine strategies by accounting for behavioral biases, market timing, and flexible parameters, while enhancing big data analytics in technical trading.