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Improving monthly precipitation forecasting with GRU-LSTM model in Turkey /
No full textProtecting lives and property in Turkey requires reliable precipitation forecasts due to the country's susceptibility to extreme weather events like heavy precipitation, flash floods, and typhoons. On the other hand, Predictions enable officials to implement preventive actions and alert the community. Hence, researching forecasting precipitation in Turkey is essential. This research uses two combined deep learning hybrid models of Convolutional Neural Network, Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Units-Long Short-Term Memory (GRU-LSTM) to predict the monthly precipitation of Istanbul and Konya between 2000 to 2023. From the research results, it can be concluded that the GRU-LSTM model is generally better than the CNN-LSTM model in monthly forecasting
The effect of peripheral magnetic stimulation on functional mobility and morphology in cerebral palsy with spastic diplegia: a randomized controlled trial /
No full textPeripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) is commonly used for neurological conditions, but its effectiveness in enhancing functional mobility and morphology in children with spastic diplegia remains underexplored. This study assessed the impact of PMS with physical therapy (PT) versus PT alone on mobility and morphology in spastic diplegia. Forty-five children with spastic diplegia (mean age 12.7 ± 3.8 years) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: PMS + PT, PT, or control, with fifteen children in each group. The training was conducted thrice weekly for eight weeks, included muscle morphology assessments, the 30 s sit-to-stand test (30sSTS), functional reach test (FRT), 10 m walk test (10MWT), and 6 min walk test (6MWT). The study revealed increased left quadricep and calf muscle thickness following PMS + PT (d = 0.19, 0.39, respectively; all p < 0.05). Improvement in 30sSTS was observed after both PMS + PT (d = 0.56) and PT (d = 1.43). FRT demonstrated increases following both PMS + PT and PT interventions (d = 1.52, 0.93, respectively). Furthermore, improvements were observed in 10MWT following PMS + PT and PT interventions (d = 1.20, 0.78), while PT increased the 6MWT (d = 0.82). The control group showed declines in 10MWT and 6MWT. The treatment significantly impacted FRT, 10MWT, and 6MWT in spastic diplegia. While PMS may not enhance physical capacities beyond PT alone, it may improve FRT and 10MWT outcomes
The concept of digital education 4.0 in the context of global transformation: innovative approaches.
No full textThe article explores innovative approaches to the development of of digital education 4.0 in the context of global transformation. The purpose of the article is to conceptualize digital education 4.0 in the context of global transformation and identifying its innovative approaches The objectives of the study are to: 1) to reveal the theoretical basis of the concept of digital education 4.0 in the context of prospects and challenges of development; 2) to identify innovative approaches to digital education 4.0 in the context of technological breakthroughs; 3) to analyze the development of digital education in Ukraine to analyze the development of digital education in Ukraine; 4) to substantiate the main trends in the development of of the 4.0 concept in the context of global digitalization. The research methodology requires a comprehensive methodological approach that includes an analysis of modern technologies, pedagogical methods and educational strategies based on the systemic, structural, structural-functional, cross-cultural method. The key trends are analyzed, including personalized learning based on artificial intelligence. based on artificial intelligence, the introduction of virtual and augmented reality, gamification of the educational process, the use of blockchain technologies in certification of knowledge, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the learning environment. Special attention is paid to technological breakthroughs such as generative artificial intelligence, biometric technologies, and the integration of digital tools into smart cities. Prospects for the development of digital education, its impact on modern society, and challenges related to digital inequality, security, and ethics of using the latest technologies are identified. Digital Education 4.0 is changing the traditional education system, making it more flexible, accessible, and efficient. The concept of Education 4.0 is evolving due to the rapid development of the Internet and intelligent terminal devices, when human civilization has moved from the era of “machine-industrial civilization” to the era of “information intelligence civilization”. As a result of these processes, education has moved from the 3.0 era to the 4.0 era. The concept of “Education 4.0” is evolving due to the rapid development of the Internet and intelligent terminal devices, when human civilization has moved from the era of “machine-industrial civilization” to the era of “information intelligence civilization”, and education has moved from the era of 3.0 to the era of 4.0. The formation of the concept of digital education 4.0 is an integral part of the modern educational process. The integration of the latest technologies into education ensures its quality, accessibility and efficiency, preparing young people for the challenges of the digital age
Schroth metodo veiksmingumo palyginimas su kitomis nechirurginėmis idiopatinės skoliozės intervencijomis: sisteminė literatūros apžvalga.
No full textBackground: Idiopathic scoliosis(IS) is a three-dimensional complex spinal deformity that affects spinal alignment, posture, as well as musculoskeletal function, affecting 2 4% of the world globally. Traditional interventions such as bracing as well as surgery, but the Schroth Method, which is a conservative physiotherapy approach, has gained recognition for managing scoliosis by improving respiratory function, pain relief, spinal curvature, and quality of life. Objective: It evaluates the efficacy of the Schroth method with other non-surgical interventions for idiopathic scoliosis. It compares Schroth therapy with other non-surgical interventions, such as bracing, general physiotherapy, and yoga-based approaches, to determine its impact on Cobb angle reduction, pain management, and postural correction. Methods: This systematic literature search was conducted across databases and these include Pub Med, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria helps to select studies, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies by evaluating the Schroth Method’s effectiveness. Data extraction as well as bias assessment followed PRISMA guidelines. Results: The results highlight that Schroth therapy reduces the Cobb angle significantly as well as enhances postural stability, improves respiratory function, along with reducing pain. Psychological benefits for example improved self-image along with betterment in quality of life were also observed. Combining Schroth therapy with bracing or balance training yielded superior outcomes. Variations in study design as well as patient adherence pose limitations. Conclusion: The Schroth Method effectively improves spinal alignment and functional outcomes in idiopathic scoliosis. Compared to other non-surgical treatments, it requires more research through long-term RCTs to confirm sustained efficacy and standardize protocols
Injuries in mixed martial arts after adoption of the unified rules of MMA: a systematic review /
No full textBackground: The existing literature on injuries in mixed martial arts (MMA) is sparse and lacks a summarized review of injuries in the sport after the adoption of the new rule set in 2009. Purpose: To assess the injury characteristics in terms of injury rates and types in MMA after the adoption of the Unified Rules of MMA (URM) by the Association of Boxing Commissions and compare them with preadoption trends. Study design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Under PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, primary literature in English examining injuries in MMA after URM adoption was scanned in Medline, Embase, and PubMed from the inception of these databases until December 27, 2023. Reports providing relevant information on injury rates and characteristics, with data solely on MMA athletes rather than in a combination of athletes from other combat sports, were reviewed and analyzed. In total, 191 reports were identified after the initial search. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize injury rates, types, and locations, as well as variations across subgroups. Results: A total of 43 reports were included in the analysis. The reports varied widely in design, injury definitions, and data collection methods. Post-URM competition injury rates ranged from 23.6 to 54.5 injuries per 100 athlete-exposures (AEs), with soft tissue injuries (lacerations/abrasions/contusions) being the most common type of injury (20.7%-56.9% of all injuries). The most common location of injury was the head and neck area (29.5%-75.9% of all injuries). Concussion rates varied from 14.7 to 16.1 per 100 AEs, and heavier fighters experienced more knockouts and technical knockouts. There is some evidence suggesting higher injury rates among professional fighters. Conclusion: The review demonstrated that the most common injuries reported in MMA athletes are soft tissue injuries including lacerations, abrasions, and contusion mainly in the head and neck area. Professional athletes seem to have higher injury rates than amateur athletes, while heavier weight fighters sustain more knockouts and technical knockouts. Current injury rates and types seem to remain similar to those before the adoption of the URM. Analysis of current literature emphasizes a lack of standardized definitions, data on training injuries, and female injuries, which are required to fully evaluate injury characteristics in MMA and ensure the long-term well-being of those participating in the sport
Exercise-induced extracellular vesicles delay tumor development by igniting inflammation in an immunologically cold triple-negative breast cancer mouse model /
No full textBackground Preclinical studies demonstrate that exercise reduces tumor incidence and growth. Rapid release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) during exercise suggests their potential role as mediators of exercise-induced systemic effects and physiological adaptation. This study investigated the impact of exercise-induced plasma EVs on tumor growth and immune tumor microenvironment in murine models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): EO771 (a C57BL/6-derived TNBC cell line) and 4T1 (a BALB/c-derived TNBC cell line). Methods Size exclusion chromatography was used to isolate exercise-induced EVs from plasma of healthy female mice (BALB/c and C56BL/6, n = 30 per strain) that underwent ten 30-min moderate-intensity treadmill running sessions over 2 weeks. Nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of EVs in the samples. Tumor-bearing mice (n = 72 per strain) were administered with exercise-induced EVs before or/and after tumor implantation. Local and systemic immune responses were assessed using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results Administration of exercise-induced EVs, particularly before tumor implantation, significantly suppressed tumor growth and reduced tumor burden in both TNBC models. In EO771, endpoint tumor volumes were 278–330 mm³ in treated groups compared to 799 mm³ in untreated (p < 0.0001), while in 4T1, treated groups showed volumes of 287–564 mm³ vs. 696 mm³ in untreated (p = 0.0002). Notable differences in tumor-infiltrating lymphoid and myeloid cell subpopulations indicated immunomodulatory effects of exercise-induced EVs, particularly in the 4T1 model, where their continuous administration significantly increased intratumoral cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) T lymphocyte proportion (5.77% vs. 0.90% in untreated, p < 0.0001). Similarly, in the EO771 model, exercise-induced EVs administered before tumor implantation led to a marked rise in intratumoral CD8 T lymphocytes (2.24% vs. 1.08% in untreated, p = 0.0181). Conclusion Our findings indicate that exercise-induced EV treatment elicits a pro-inflammatory antitumor immune response, suggesting a shift of immunologically cold TNBC tumors towards a more inflamed phenotype associated with better outcomes. Our study supports the further investigation of EVs as modulators of antitumor immunity and their potential utility in enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy
Impact of preoperative pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: A sub-analysis of a randomized clinical trial /
No full textIntroduction To assess the impact of preoperative pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength on urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Material and methods A total of 127 men who underwent surgical treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer in a tertiary university hospital were included in a sub-analysis. PFM strength (cmH2 O) and endurance (s) were measured using a perineometer on the day before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. UI volume was measured using an 8-hour pad test. The primary outcome was continence, defined as 0–5 grams of urine during the 8-hour pad test at 6 months post-RP. The association between baseline PFM strength and continence was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, receiveroperating characteristic analysis, and logistic regression analysis. Results At 6 months post-RP, 45 of 127 (35.4%) men were continent. UI showed a strong negative (r = –0.7; p <0.001) association with preoperative PFM strength and a medium negative (r = –0.55; p <0.001) association with PFM endurance. PFM strength (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, p <0.0001), PFM endurance (OR 1.6, p <0.0001), and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (OR = 0.87, p = 0.03) were the most significant predictors of continence in the univariate regression analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only PFM strength remained a significant predictor (OR = 1.13, p <0.001) of UI. The thresholds for PFM endurance and strength were 9.6 seconds and 98.9 cmH2 O, respectively. Conclusions Preoperative PFM strength and endurance demonstrated significant associations with postoperative UI. Objectively measured preoperative PFM conditions could help identify patients at increased risk of UI after RP
A study on the priorities of Lithuanian sports fans in choosing sports content online.
No full textLife without the internet is unimaginable in today's world. According to Statista (2024), as many as 5.45 billion people worldwide use the internet, accounting for two-thirds of the global population. The vast majority of organizations today use the internet to maintain connections with consumers, build, and nurture their brand image (Špučys & Ūsas, 2023). Online content is also one of the most crucial elements in the sports industry. The growing consumption of sports content online provides sports marketing professionals with opportunities to use it as a key component of their marketing strategy. In this era of social media and modern digital platforms, online sports consumption plays a vital role in the continued success of sports franchises. Sports managers must understand the key consumer priorities and motivational factors influencing the choice of sports content to develop effective marketing and management strategies (Kim & Mao, 2021). Consumer behavior is influenced by information search, choice evaluation, and emotional connection. The consumption of sports content online is driven by digitalization, team attachment, and the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) effect. Relevant and constantly updated content is essential for user engagement. Consumers choose sports content based on its quality, emotional connection, technological solutions, and marketing strategies. The key factors are relevance, reliability, ease of access, and a sense of community. The technical aspect of the content must be of the highest quality. Lithuanian sports fans primarily choose reliable, well-known, engaging, and relevant sources. The most commonly preferred types of content include analyses, interviews with prominent sports figures, match reports, and podcasts hosted by their favorite presenters. The key motivations for consuming sports content are curiosity, relevance, and the desire to deepen their knowledge of sports and broaden their perspectives. Specialized sports news websites and social media platforms serve as the primary channels for content consumption. Expanding coverage of lower-tier sports leagues and improving the technical quality of content could further enhance user satisfaction
The evaluation of the traveller as a consumer of a tourism service.
No full textResearch problem: The case of the traveler as a service user in Lithuania is not assessed. The purpose of the work - evaluate the traveler as a consumer of the tourism service. Work tasks: 1. To analyse the main differences between tourists, sightseers and travellers, their motives for travelling and their needs for tourism services; 2. Discuss what internal and external factors influence travellers' choices and emotional experiences during their trips; 3. Identify the main objectives, motives and criteria for travellers to choose a trip. Research methods: 1. Analysis of scientific literature 2. Statistical analysis 3. Questionnaire survey The most important results of the study: 1. A consumer of tourism services is a person who uses a tourism service for the purposes of recreation, entertainment, personal development and learning about other cultures. Travellers differ in terms of how long they travel, their motives and preferences, such as: the tourist looking for a quality experience, the sightseer focusing on cost-effective day trips, and the traveller looking to relax and experience something new. 2. A traveller is a person who travels for a variety of reasons, such as: new experiences, relaxation, escape from routine, learning about another culture. Their choices are influenced by the opinions of their relatives, social networks and emotions. Travellers' behaviour often changes as a result of emerging technologies, new trends or demographic factors. 3. The results of the study showed that travellers are most interested in relaxation, new experiences and new cultures when travelling. Women value the emotional aspect more, while men are more inclined towards extreme experiences on the road. Older travellers tend to value tranquillity, while younger travellers are looking for different challenges. Those with higher levels of education are more likely to travel for leisure, while those with lower levels of education are more likely to travel according to others' wishes
Psichinio nuovargimo poveikis informacijos išsaugojimui.
No full textBackground: Cognitive fatigue results from prolonged mental exertion, affecting information learning, memory consolidation, and retention. It impairs attention, slows cognitive processing, and disrupts neural mechanisms essential for encoding and retrieving information. Understanding its effects on short-term and long-term memory is crucial for enhancing learning efficiency, improving cognitive performance, and developing strategies to mitigate fatigue-related impairments. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of cognitive fatigue on information learning and memory retention, examining its effects on motor, visual, and auditory information storage over different timeframes. Methods: A randomized controlled study is conducted with two groups of healthy adults (aged 19-35): a control group (without cognitive fatigue) and an experimental group (undergoing a 2-hour Go/No-Go cognitive fatigue test). Participants are complete cognitive assessments, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Code Substitution Learning (CDS), and Code Substitution Delayed (CDD) tests. Motor learning tasks performed using the DPA-1 movement analyzer. Retests is conducted 24 hours and 7 days post-training to evaluate memory retention and recovery. Results: For motor learning retention in a stable task, fatigued participants showed improved reaction time after 7 days, indicating no long-term negative effects, whereas the control group exhibited significant improvements in time to maximal speed (p = 0.026), suggesting better performance with rest. For a variable motor task, the experimental group experienced a significant decrease in average speed after 7 days (p 0.05). Conclusion: 1. In the stable motor control task, no long-term negative effect of fatigue on motor skill retention was observed in the experimental group; however, the control group demonstrated improvement over time. 2. In the variable motor control task, fatigue negatively affected the average speed across 7 days in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed improvements in both speed and accuracy after 24 hours. 3. Visual and auditory memory performance did not show significant changes in either group, suggesting no notable effect of fatigue on these memory domains