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Sport-specific variability in the energy cost of constant speed running
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Metabolic power is essential for assessing the physical demands of team sports. Accurately determining the energy cost of constant speed running (EC), is crucial for refining these. EC depends on factors like running velocity and V̇Omax and varies between athlete groups due to training adaptations and sport-specific body characteristics. To ensure accurate energy expenditure, EC should be individually determined based on the specific team sport, improving player monitoring, recovery, and load management.
An experimental cohort study collected data from 339 incremental treadmill tests in elite team sports athletes: 11 male handball players, 120 male soccer players, 23 male and 185 female field hockey players. Athletes performed a treadmill protocol to exhaustion while O-uptake, CO-output, respiratory exchange ratio and ventilation were measured breath-by-breath. Data processing verified steady-state conditions. Net EC was calculated as energy expenditure above rest divided by velocity. Sport, speed, sex and V̇O were defined as fixed effect variables.
Our random intercept and slope model with all predictors performed best. Handball players had the highest EC (estimated total mean) with 4.04 J/kg/m (CI95%) 3.88, 4.20), field hockey players with 3.95 J/kg/m (CI95%) 3.90, 4.00) and soccer players with 3.79 J/kg/m (CI95%) 3.73, 3.85). For the whole group, EC showed a curvilinear dependence on speed: increasing with speed up to ~3.5 m/s and then remaining relatively constant at higher velocities. However, grouping athletes by similar treadmill performance, EC remained constant across speeds.
Our data show multiple predictors must be considered to determine an appropriate EC₀ for each athlete. Although EC₀ remains stable across velocities for individuals, it varies significantly between sports and V̇Omax levels, highlighting the need for individualized assessment. Calculating EC per athlete may improve energy cost estimations, enhance the metabolic power approach and allow for more accurate analysis of metabolic data based on positional tracking
From floor plans to building knowledge
No full textDie Dissertation entwickelt Verfahren zur automatisierten semantischen Analyse bestehender Gebäudepläne, um fehlende digitale Gebäudemodelle für Sanierung, Betrieb und Umbau zu erstellen. Sie untersucht Deep-Learning-Methoden zur Extraktion relevanter Informationen und zeigt, wie diese in kollaborativen Workflows nutzbar strukturiert werden können. Dazu werden zwei Dienste vorgestellt: eine auf YOLOv7 und PARSeq basierende Pipeline zur robusten Texterkennung auch in niedrig aufgelösten Plänen sowie eine Symbolerkennungspipeline zur Lokalisierung von Brandschutzausrüstung und deren Integration in ein BIM-Modell. Mit der Drawing Analysis Ontology (DAnO) wird zudem ein Schema zur Speicherung der extrahierten Daten in Wissensgraphen etabliert. Die Arbeit adressiert verbleibende Herausforderungen wie handschriftlichen Text, variierende Zeichnungsstandards und die Abhängigkeit von Dokumentqualität und betont die Notwendigkeit menschlicher Prüfung und offener Kollaborationspraktiken.The dissertation develops methods for the automated semantic analysis of existing building plans in order to create missing digital building models for renovation, operation, and maintenance. It investigates deep learning methods for extracting relevant information and shows how this information can be structured in a way that is useful in collaborative workflows. To this end, two services are presented: a pipeline based on YOLOv7 and PARSeq for robust text recognition even in low-resolution plans, and a symbol recognition pipeline for locating fire protection equipment and integrating it into a BIM model. The Drawing Analysis Ontology (DAnO) also establishes a schema for storing the extracted data in knowledge graphs. The work addresses remaining challenges such as handwritten text, varying drawing standards, and dependence on document quality, and emphasizes the need for human oversight and advanced collaboration practices
Long-term impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on small and large airways in pwCF aged 6 years
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While studies have consistently reported improvements in lung function during elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) therapy for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), individual response predictors remain poorly understood, and there is limited real-world data relating to children aged 6–11 years.
Lung function data from the German CF registry 2020–24 were analysed before and up to 24 months after ETI therapy initiation in adults, adolescents and children aged ≥6 years. Data were stratified for percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1) increase during therapy (5%), underlying mutation, and pretreatment disease severity.
Data from 2375 pwCF were analysed. After starting ETI, ppFEV1 increased most in adolescents with baseline ppFEV1 >40–60% (median increase 16.8–20.2%); the corresponding increase in adults with the same initial lung function was 11.2–11.5%. After an initial increase, ppFEV1 remained stable for 24 months in all age groups. No predictors for greater improvement (>5% ppFEV1 gain) were identified but pwCF with normal ppFEV1 before ETI therapy had smaller increases during treatment. Forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75) increased to a similar extent in children and adolescents (+13%) and adults (+9.5%).
Our real-world data showed significant improvements in lung function, including large and small airways, during 24 months’ ETI therapy in pwCF aged ≥6 years. Notable improvements, particularly in small airways, were observed even in children and adolescents with normal ppFEV1 before ETI. These findings underscore the importance of early ETI therapy initiation to prevent irreversible lung damage
How positive peace might enhance the success and adequacy of climate change adaptation in the global south
No full textClimate change adaptation aims to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts across various sectors. Current adaptation efforts appear inadequate as they do not address deep-rooted structural barriers such as inequality, exclusion, and weak governance. This limitation hinders the long-term sustainability of these adaptation efforts. This systematic review draws on Johan Galtung’s concept of positive peace, which encompasses equity, justice, and inclusion. It seeks to explore how integrating these principles into adaptation efforts might enhance their effectiveness and sufficiency. The article employed a systematic literature review method based on the PRISMA approach to evaluate scholarly and policy-focused research on the intersection of positive peace and climate adaptation. Several databases were utilized, including Scopus and Web of Science. Searches used key terms such as "climate adaptation" and "successful". The inclusion criteria emphasized studies addressing adaptation beyond mere technical solutions and those considering justice, governance, and long-term sustainability. Galtung’s peace framework served as an interpretive lens. The findings from this study indicate that while positive peace concepts are not always explicitly utilized in adaptation literature, core elements — such as distributive, procedural, and recognitional justice—often appear as critical to successful outcomes. Additionally, climate adaptation practices that intentionally incorporate these principles tend to be more resilient, community-driven, and responsive to climate risks. A grounded demonstration of this finding is illustrated with a case from the Solomon Islands, showing how integrating peacebuilding approaches into community-based adaptation may enhance both resilience and social cohesion. Consequently, the paper proposes a conceptual framework linking positive peace dimensions with the criteria of adaptation success and adequacy. Integrating positive peace into climate adaptation may offer a pathway for addressing systemic barriers, especially in non-conflict settings. Furthermore, it could redefine adaptation from reactive risk management to proactive justice-centered planning. However, more research is necessary, as beyond this systematic review and a few case studies, empirical evidence remains scarce. Adaptation activities are often undocumented or assessed without justice metrics. Although empirical testing is needed, the study underscores that integrating positive peace may help deliver more sustainable outcomes in highly vulnerable regions
AIMing for survival
No full text Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, remains a major cause of mortality worldwide. Identifying reliable biomarkers for prognosis and treatment is urgently needed. This study investigates the role of the Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophages (AIM), also known as CD5L, as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in sepsis.
We measured free and total AIM concentrations in 90 septic patients enrolled in SepsisDataNet.NRW cohort (German Clinical Trial Registry No. DRKS00018871; http://www.sepsisdatanet.nrw). Blood samples were collected on days 1, 4, and 8, and AIM levels were quantified using ELISA. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were performed to assess the association between AIM levels and 30-day survival. Western blot analysis was performed to detect AIM in human serum IgM and in the IgM-enriched intravenous immunoglobulin IVIG preparation Pentaglobin®.
High total AIM concentrations (>85 ng/ml) were significantly associated with improved 30-day survival on day 1 (HR: 3.131, 95% CI: 1.629-6.019, p = 0.009), 4 (HR: 2.525, 95% CI: 1.198-5.322, p = 0.0042), and day 8 (HR: 2.317, 95% CI: 0.8565-6.266, p = 0.0457). Free AIM showed a significant association with survival only on day 8 (HR: 2.374, 95% CI: 0.8721-6.461, p = 0.0393).
Total AIM concentration is a significant predictor of a 30-day survival in sepsis, supporting its potential use as a prognostic biomarker. Our findings also suggest that AIM may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immune-modulating therapies, including IgM-enriched intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs)
The reassuring absence of acute stress effects on IQ test performance
No full textAcute stress impairs executive functions, and these higher-order cognitive processes are often positively associated with intelligence. Even though intelligence is generally stable over time, performance in an intelligence test can be influenced by a variety of factors, including psychological processes like motivation or attention. For instance, test anxiety has been shown to correlate with individual differences in intelligence test performance, and theoretical accounts exist for causality in both directions. However, the potential impact of acute stress before or during an intelligence test remains elusive. Here, in a research context, we investigated the effects of test anxiety and acute stress as well as their interaction on performance in the short version of the Intelligence Structure Test 2000 in its German version (I-S-T 2000 R). Forty male participants completed two sessions scheduled 28 days apart, with the order counterbalanced across participants. In both sessions, participants underwent either the socially evaluated cold-pressor test (SECPT) or a non-stressful control procedure, followed by administration of I-S-T 2000 R (parallelized versions on both days). The SECPT is a widely used laboratory paradigm that elicits a stress response through the combination of psychosocial and physical components. Trait test anxiety scores were obtained via the German Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI-G). Stress induction was successful as indicated by physiological and subjective markers, including salivary cortisol concentrations. We applied linear mixed models to investigate the effects of acute stress (elicited by our stress manipulation) and test anxiety on the intelligence quotient (IQ). The analysis revealed that neither factor had a significant effect, nor was there a significant interaction between them. Consistent with these findings, Bayesian analyses provided evidence supporting the absence of these effects. Notably, IQ scores increased significantly from the first to the second testing day. These results suggest that neither test anxiety nor stress is significantly impacting intelligence test performance. However, improvements due to repeated testing call for caution, both in scientific and clinical settings
CT predicts intraprocedural hemodynamics with computational fluid dynamics in TMVR-ineligible patients undergoing M-TEER
No full text Hemodynamic outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) are difficult to predict. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is frequently used in biomedical engineering to simulate blood flow patterns under various conditions.
We developed a standardized workflow for individualized CFD analyses to predict postinterventional mitral valve gradients and residual regurgitation following TEER.
Twenty patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) from two high-volume centers underwent full-cycle cardiac computed tomography before intervention. Based on the specific valve morphology, individualized CFD simulations were performed to calculate MR volumes prior to intervention and estimate hemodynamics after M-TEER.
CFD analyses (mean age 80 4 years, 55% male) showed excellent correlation between baseline proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA)-based MR volumes, median 40 ml [interquartile range (IQR): 30–49 ml], and CFD-based calculation, median 30 ml (IQR: 27–54 ml; = 0.917; < 0.001), as well as between baseline effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) assessed in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and CFD-measured EROA ( = 0.869; < 0.001). After device implantation, the correlation between intraprocedural TEE-measured and CFD-estimated residual MR ( = 0.949; < 0.001) and EROA ( = 0.841; < 0.001) remained robust. Median postinterventional diastolic pressure gradient (TEE) was 2.8 mmHg (IQR: 1.7–4.0), which closely correlated with the CFD-estimated gradient of 1.4 mmHg (IQR: 2.3–4.5, = 0.905; < 0.001).
This is the first study to use a standardized CFD workflow for MR evaluation in patients undergoing TEER. In the future, CFD-based analyses may serve as a key diagnostic tool for procedural planning of TEER
Strukturierte Übersicht von Trainingsinterventionen zur Steigerung der Schlagkraft und Schlaggeschwindigkeit im Kampfsport
No full textDie vorliegende Bachelorarbeit untersucht den Forschungsstand zu Trainingsinterventionen zur Steigerung von Schlagkraft und Schlaggeschwindigkeit in Schlagkampfsportarten. Dabei werden der aktuelle Forschungsstand dargestellt, praxisrelevante Trainingsempfehlungen abgeleitet und methodische Auffälligkeiten diskutiert. Die Arbeit orientiert sich methodisch an den PRISMA-ScRLeitlinien und basiert auf einer strukturierten Literaturrecherche sowie einer qualitativen, deskriptiven Analyse. Die insgesamt acht identifizierten Interventionsstudien untersuchten verschiedene Krafttrainingsansätze sowie rumpf- und schlagspezifische Trainingsformen. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass verschiedene Trainingsansätze die Zielparameter steigern können. Aufgrund der geringen und heterogenen Studienlage besitzen die Ergebnisse überwiegend explorativen Charakter und erlauben keine allgemeingültigen Schlussfolgerungen
Stability of the D0 Chi () and C14 laves phases in the -phase of chemically complex CoNi-base superalloys
No full textThe phases of CoNi-base superalloys are disordered solid solutions whose chemical complexity is similar to that of medium-entropy alloys. This study aims to investigate how compositional variations affect their thermal stability. As a starting point, the composition ( in at.%) of a precipitation hardened /’ CoNi-base superalloy (ERBOCo-1), determined by atom probe tomography, was prepared as a bulk alloy. Nine alloys were then derived from this composition. First, four derivatives were designed by reducing the concentrations of one of the major elements (Co,Ni,Cr,W) by ∼5 at.% and compensating by increasing the concentrations of the other major elements, while keeping the contents of the minor elements (Al,Ti,Si,Ta,Hf) constant. In another set of five alloys, the compositions of the reference alloy and the first four derivatives were simplified to quaternary or ternary alloys of the Cr-Co-Ni-W system so that the ratios between the major elements remained the same. The alloys were cast, homogenized, cold-worked, and annealed for up to 1500 h followed by microstructural and chemical investigations. The results provide a better understanding of the effect of individual elements on the stability of geometrically and topologically close-packed phases (C14 laves and G) in CoNi-base medium-entropy alloys. The phase proved to be the most common secondary phase, which stability and compositional range are strongly underestimated in some current thermodynamic databases (e.g. TCNI10). Therefore, the present study provides new data that may help in their further development for CoNi-base superalloys and medium-entropy alloys