Asociación entre la composición corporal y el rendimiento en 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test en futbolistas profesionales adultas de Chile / Association between Body Composition and Performance in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test in Adult Female Professional Soccer Players in Chile

Resumen Antecedentes: La participación de las mujeres en el fútbol se ha incrementado exponencialmente en los últimos años, por lo que integrar antecedentes basados en la evidencia en esta población, permite una mejor compresión y análisis del desempeño deportivo de atletas femeninas. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de asociación entre los indicadores de composición corporal y el rendimiento en test 30-15 IFT en futbolistas mujeres de primera división. Métodos: Participaron 29 jugadoras profesionales de un equipo de primera división de Chile. Se evaluó el test 30-15, se analizó la velocidad final alcanzada (VIFT) y se estimó el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx). La composición corporal (CC) fue estimada a través de antropometría y se analizó la talla, masa corporal, índice de masa corporal (IMC), masa adiposa absoluta (MA) y relativa (PMA), masa muscular absoluta (MM) y relativa (PMM) y sumatoria de 6 pliegues (S6P). Para analizar el nivel de asociación, se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r) con un alfa de 0.05. Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones negativas débiles entre MA con VIFT (r = -0.384 y p = 0.04) y VO2máx (r = -0.375 y p = 0.45); correlaciones negativas moderadas entre S6P con VIFT (r = -0.476 y p = 0.009) y VO2máx (r=0.454 y p=0.013); correlaciones negativas moderadas entre IMC con VIFT (r = 0.401 y p = 0.031) y VO2máx (r = -0.379 y p = 0.043). No se hallaron correlaciones entre MM y PMM con VIFT o VO2máx. Conclusión: Es posible concluir que el rendimiento en el 30-15IFT presenta asociación con la composición corporal, específicamente con la MA, S6P e IMC en las jugadoras evaluadas.

Abstract Background: The participation of women in football has increased exponentially in recent years, so integrating evidence-based background in this population allows a better understanding and analysis of the sporting performance of female athletes. Objective: Determine the level of association between body composition indicators and performance in the 30-15 IFT test in first division female football players. Methods: 29 professional female players from a first division team in Chile participated. The 30-15 test was evaluated, the final velocity achieved (VIFT) was analyzed, and the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2máx) was estimated. Body composition (CC) was estimated through anthropometry and height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), absolute (AM) and relative (RM) adipose mass, absolute (MM) and relative (RMM) muscle mass, and 6-fold sum (S6P) were analyzed. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) with an alpha of 0.05 was used to analyze the level of association. Results: Weak negative correlations were found between MA with VIFT (r = -0.384 and p = 0.04) and VO2máx (r = -0.375 and p = 0.45); moderate negative correlations between S6P with VIFT (r = -0.476 and p = 0.009) and VO2máx (r = 0.454 and p = 0.013); moderate negative correlations between BMI with VIFT (r = 0.401 and p = 0.031) and VO2máx (r = -0.379 and p = 0.043). No correlations were found between MM and PMM with VIFT or VO2máx. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that performance in the 30-15IFT is associated with body composition, specifically with MA, S6P, and BMI in players evaluated.

Feedback received and role performance: The mediating role of engagement and the moderating role of authentic living

This research aims to identify the moderating role of authentic living in the relationship between feedback received and role performance, mediated by work engagement. The data were based on a convenience sample of Brazilian workers from public and private organizations (N = 1,244). The significant interaction between the feedback and authentic living allowed us to understand that the main effects of feedback on performance take place in individuals with high authentic living. When individuals are more authentic, the information they receive about their performance more strongly affects the motivational process at work itself. This study highlights the positive relationship between work and personal resources, as well as the work engagement and performance on the other, thus contributing to increase the feedback the organizations receive about performance, as well as to create environments that facilitate authenticity.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar o papel moderador da vivência autêntica na relação do feedback recebido com o desempenho de papéis, mediado pelo engajamento no trabalho. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de uma amostra por conveniência de trabalhadores brasileiros provenientes de organizações públicas e privadas (N = 1.244). A interação significativa entre o feedback e a vivência autêntica permitiu compreender que os maiores efeitos do feedback sobre o desempenho acontecem em indivíduos com elevada vivência autêntica. Quando os indivíduos são mais autênticos, as informações que os mesmos recebem sobre o desempenho afetará mais fortemente o próprio processo motivacional no trabalho. Este estudo fornece evidências da relação positiva entre os recursos do trabalho e pessoais com o engajamento e o desempenho no trabalho, contribuindo, assim, para um aumento, por parte das organizações, do feedback recebido sobre o desempenho, bem como a criação de ambientes facilitadores de autenticidade.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar el papel moderador de la experiencia auténtica en la relación entre la retroalimentación recibida y el desempeño de roles, mediada por el compromiso laboral. Los datos se obtuvieron de una muestra por conveniencia de trabajadores brasileños de organizaciones públicas y privadas (N = 1244). La interacción significativa entre la retroalimentación y la experiencia auténtica permitió comprender que los mayores efectos de la retroalimentación sobre el desempeño ocurren en individuos con alta experiencia auténtica. Cuando los individuos son más auténticos, la información que reciben sobre el desempeño afectará más fuertemente su propio proceso motivacional en el trabajo. Este estudio proporciona evidencia de la relación positiva entre el trabajo y los recursos personales con el compromiso y el desempeño en el trabajo, de esta forma contribuyen al aumento, por parte de las organizaciones, de la retroalimentación recibida sobre el desempeño, así como a la creación de entornos propicios de autenticidad.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on lung function parameter in swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on lung function parameters (MIP, MEP, FEV1, and FVC) between both elite and non-elite swimmers. Methods: We searched for controlled clinical trials (CCT) and prospective longitudinal studies (PLS) in elite and non-elite swimmers following an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocol with a standardized device, published between 2012 and 2023. The databases used in the search were PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar. The primary outcome assessed was the impact of IMT on lung function parameters, including MIP, MEP, FEV1, and FVC. Results: We selected 13 articles involving 277 subjects aged 11-21 years, with 61.4% being male, and 84.6% being elite swimmers. The most commonly used IMT device was the PowerBreathe®, prescribed for 3-12 weeks, 1-2 sessions per day, 3-6 times per week, with 30 repetitions, starting at 50% of MIP and progressing up to 80%. The meta-analysis showed that IMT was associated with a higher MIP (MD = 29.35 cmH2O, 95% CI: 13.04-45.65 cmH2O, p < 0.01) without affecting FEV1 and FVC. Conclusion: The swimmers that used IMT improved muscle strength, specifically MIP, without changes in MEP, FEV1, and FVC.

Trade-offs between selection of crude protein and tannins in growing lambs.

Tannins are phenolic compounds that provide benefits to ruminants due to their protein-binding affinities and antioxidant properties. However, tannins may also have negative orosensorial and postingestive effects that decrease feed intake. This study explored how lambs trade off the ingestion of crude protein (CP) with the ingestion of potentially beneficial and toxic condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, and the ensuing impacts on diet digestibility, animal performance, and blood parameters. Thirty-two lambs were housed in individual pens for 8 wk and had access to 2 isoenergetic diets that varied in the concentration of CP (High-high in protein [HP] or Low-least preferred [LP]) and the presence of a mix of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (4% DM). Animals were assigned to 4 treatment groups (N = 8 lambs/group) and received a simultaneous offer of: HP and LP (Control); HP and LP + tannins (HP - LP+); HP+ tannins and LP (HP + LP-); and both HP and LP with tannins (HP + LP+). All lambs preferred HP over LP and they avoided tannins in the diets (P < 0.001). Dry matter and CP intake were the lowest in HP + LP- (P < 0.0001), and DMD did not differ between Control and the other groups (P > 0.05), but it was greater for HP - LP + (P < 0.0001). CP digestibility was greater for groups without tannins in HP (P < 0.0001), but average daily gain (ADG) did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). No differences between Control and HP + LP + were found in plasma antioxidant activity, total phenolic concentration, or haptoglobin concentration (P > 0.05). Intake of tannins was HP + LP+ > HP + LP- > HP - LP + (P < 0.0001), and fecal excretion of nitrogen (N) was HP + LP+ > HP - LP+ = HP + LP- > Control (P < 0.05). In addition, intake of tannins with both diets reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration relative to Control (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. In summary, lambs prioritized the selection of HP over LP, regardless of the presence of a tannin extract in either or both diets. Nevertheless, lambs modulated their tannin consumption as a function of the specific diet where the tannin extract was added, with increasing levels of intake as tannins were present in just LP, then in just HP, and finally in both diets. Dietary tannins did not constrain ADG and resulted in a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. Such shifts have been found to result in reduced production of environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates.

Tannins are plant chemicals that can provide benefits to ruminants due to their antioxidant activity and positive effects on nutrient uptake. However, tannins could also promote negative (i.e., toxic) effects on herbivores. This study explored how lambs build their diets when offered between 2 diets that varied in protein concentration (low or high), both with and without tannins (4%) and the ensuing consequences on diet digestibility, animal performance, and some blood parameters indicative of antioxidant activity and inflammation. All lambs preferred the high-over the low-protein diet, regardless of the inclusion of tannins in the diets. Digestibility of dry matter did not differ between lambs that had diet choices with or without tannins, and body weight gains were not different across all treatments. No differences were found among dietary treatment groups in blood antioxidant activity or indicators of inflammation. Tannin intake promoted a shift in the fate of nitrogen excretion from urine to feces, suggesting reductions in environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates. Thus, tannins did not promote negative impacts on animal performance with potential concomitant beneficial effects on the environment.

Educational spaces: The relation between school infrastructure and learning outcomes.

This article examines the relationship between school infrastructure and academic performance in Ecuador. The objective of this research is to identify which types of infrastructure are associated with better student outcomes in elementary schools. The study employs data from the 2019 UNESCO standardized test, ERCE-2019, for Ecuadorian primary schools. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between various types of school infrastructure and student achievement. Such infrastructure includes art and music installations, on-site nursing facilities, and basic service connections, especially in rural areas. Significant correlations between educational outcomes and large-scale infrastructure investments are either not observed or are inconsistently evidenced. These results challenge the heavy focus on prominent educational infrastructure projects in Ecuador, suggesting an opportunity to reorient educational spending to enhance outcomes cost-effectively. These research findings may apply not only to Ecuador but potentially to the broader Latin American context.

Low handgrip strength is associated with falls after the age of 50: findings from the Brazilian longitudinal study of aging (ELSI-Brazil).

AIM: This study examined the association of low handgrip strength (HGS) for falls in middle-aged adults and older adults every half-decade of life. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the public data from the first wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). The participants were allocated into seven age groups 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and ≥ 80 years. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the odds ratio (OR) of low HGS to the falls regardless of confounding variables such as sex, balance, gait speed, and total number of health conditions. RESULTS: A total of 8,112 participants aged 50-105 years (median = 62.0 years): 3,490 males (median = 60.0 years) and 4,622 females (median = 63.0 years) attended the study. Altogether, 21.5% of participants experienced at least one fall. HGS gradually decreases over each half-decade of life. In addition, low HGS presented a significative OR (p < 0.05) for falls for age groups, until 80 s, even when considering confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Low HGS is associated with falls in middle-aged adults over their 50 s and remained a strong measure of falls across each subsequent half-decade of life, until 80 s.

Physical fitness profile of military lifeguards.

Introduction: Throughout a lifeguard's career, regardless of age, the physical demands of performing a water rescue are likely to remain constant. Objectives: To establish a physical fitness profile by age group of a sample composed of professional beach lifeguards who regularly engage in physical activity. Methods: One hundred and seventy-two lifeguards were initially recruited for this study. Data from 99 male lifeguards were provided for analysis. Anthropometric measurements, lower limb strength, and handgrip measurements were taken at the initial visit. During a second visit, running tests were performed on sand. All testing procedures followed the same predefined sequence for all individuals. Results: One-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni or Kruskal-Wallis adjusted analysis was performed to assess differences between age groups depending on the exact variable. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. There were statistically significant differences in all power and velocity performance parameters as well as body fat percentage with better results found in the younger age groups (20-29;30-39) compared to an older age group (40-49). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups for handgrip strength. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate significant differences in physical fitness between different age groups. The authors suggest that the squat jump, countermovement jump, 20-meter linear sprint test, zigzag change-of-direction test, and running anaerobic sprint test assessment should be used as screening tools for fitness.

Introdução: Ao longo da vida profissional de um guarda-vidas, independentemente da idade, as exigências físicas impostas durante um salvamento provavelmente se manterão constantes. Objetivos: Estabelecer um perfil de aptidão física de uma amostra composta por guarda-vidas profissionais praticantes de atividade física regular. Métodos: Cento e setenta e dois salva-vidas foram inicialmente recrutados para este estudo. Dados de 99 indivíduos foram utilizados para análise. Medidas antropométricas foram obtidas durante a primeira visita, assim como a análise da potência de membros inferiores e da força de preensão manual. Testes de velocidade e mudança de direção foram realizados em uma segunda visita. A testagem seguiu a mesma ordem predefinida para todos os indivíduos. Resultados: Uma análise de variância com post-hoc de Bonferroni ou o teste de Kruskal-Wallis com comparações por pares ajustada foi utilizado para comparação entre grupos, a depender da variável. O nível de significância adotado foi de ≤ 0,05. Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as faixas etárias para todos os testes de potência e velocidade, bem como no percentual de gordura corporal, com melhores resultados encontrados nas faixas etárias mais jovens (20-29 e 30-39 anos quando comparados ao grupo 40-49). No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação à força de preensão manual. Conclusões: Os resultados indicam diferenças estatisticamente significativas na aptidão física de guarda-vidas entre as diferentes faixas etárias. É sugerido que o salto vertical, sem e com contramovimento, o teste de 20 metros, o teste de corrida anaeróbica e o teste em zigue-zague sejam implementados como ferramenta para triagem da aptidão física.

Effects of Training With Different Hang-Power-Clean Intensities on the Maximum Dynamic Strength, Vertical Jump, and Sprint Performance of Female Handball Players.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of 7 weeks of training with different hang-power-clean (HPC) intensities on the maximum dynamic strength, vertical jump, and sprint performance of female handball players. METHODS: Professional handball athletes with at least 1 year of HPC experience volunteered to participate. The athletes were balanced by position and randomly assigned to a group with HPC at 90% (HPC90%) or 50% (HPC50%) of HPC 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The training volume was equalized between groups. Pretraining and posttraining assessments included 1RM HPC, jump height in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint speeds at 5, 20, and 30 m. RESULTS: From pretraining to posttraining, both groups significantly increased (P ≤ .05) 1RM HPC, although a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. HPC90% and HPC50% did not induce significant changes (P > .05) in the SJ and CMJ height, although for the SJ, a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. Both groups induced a significant improvement (P ≤ .05) in 5-, 20-, and 30-m sprint speeds, although for all speeds, small to moderate effect sizes were observed in favor of HPC90%. CONCLUSIONS: Both training groups induced significant improvements in 1RM HPC and sprint speeds, whereas no significant changes were observed in vertical jumps. In addition, based mainly on the effect sizes, the HPC90% group was more effective for increasing 1RM HPC, SJ, and sprint speeds than the HPC50% group.

Association between dynapenic obesity phenotypes and physical performance in middle-age and older women living in community.

Background: Dynapenic obesity (DO) is the coexistence of excess adipose tissue/body weight and low muscle strength. This condition is associated with an increased risk of suffering from various chronic diseases and physical deterioration in older people. Aim: To analyze the association between DO phenotypes and physical performance in middle-aged women living in the community. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on middle-aged and older women (≥50 years) residing in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Dynapenia was diagnosticated by a handgrip strength (HGS) < 16 kg; obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their dynapenia and obesity status: non-dynapenic/non-obesity (ND/NO), obesity/non-dynapenic (O/ND), dynapenic/non-obesity (D/NO) and dynapenic/obesity (D/O). Physical performance was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results: A total of 171 women were assessed. The median (IQR) age of the sample was 72.0 (17.0) years. Obesity and dynapenia were 35% (n = 60) and 57.8% (n = 99) of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of ND/NO was 25.1% (n = 43), O/ND 17% (n = 29), D/NO 39.8% (n = 68) and DO 18.1% (n = 31). The mean SPPB total score was 6.5 ± 3.2. Participants of D/NO and DO groups presented significantly lower mean SPPB scores (p < 0.001) compared to those of NO/ND and O/ND groups. Conclusion: Women with DO and D/NO exhibited significantly lower SPPB scores, indicating poorer physical performance. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating a comprehensive assessment of muscle strength and obesity in middle-aged and older women.

Insights of dietary electrolyte balance in broilers raised under natural heat stress conditions.

1. Dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) has been used to minimise problems in broiler chickens raised in warm climates. However, there is a need to determine the most appropriate DEB levels in these animals2. This study evaluated the influence of five DEB levels (110, 175, 240, 305 and 370 mEq/kg) on water intake (WI), zootechnical performance (feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio), tibiotarsus bone variables (fresh bone weight, dry bone weight, bone length, mineral matter, Seedor index and bone strength) and intestinal histomorphometry (villus height (VH) and width (VW), crypt height (CH) and width (CW), internal and external muscularis) on broilers in two developmental phases (1-21 and 22-42 d of age). Additionally, the haematological profile (blood count and serum biochemistry), carcass yield, cuts and abdominal fat were assessed.3. Applying 370 mEq/kg DEB increased WI, VW in the jejunum and ileum and number of haemocytes at 21 d, while WI and VW in the duodenum and ileum at 42 d. In contrast, 110 mEq/kg increased chlorine concentrations at 21 d and leukocyte and heterophil numbers at 42 d.4. In summary, the 370 mEq/kg level was the most appropriate for broiler homoeostasis raised under natural heat stress, as the best results were found on WI and VW variables. Therefore, this DEB level was recommended in broilers aged 21 or 42 d.

Effects of the Birthplace Altitude and Training Volume on Hematological Characteristics in Youth and Junior Male Colombian Cyclists.

PURPOSE: The long-term development of talent in endurance sports is a topic of interest. Among various factors, the importance of total hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) and the potential benefits of being an altitude-native athlete remain unclear, particularly in young categories. This study aimed to investigate the impact of altitude and training content on hematological characteristics by comparing young male cyclists age 15-16 and 17-18 years who were born and trained at a moderate altitude (ie, greater than or equal to 2500 m; MA) and cyclists who were born and trained at low altitude (below 1000 m; LA). METHODS: tHbmass (in grams and grams per kilogram), measured by using the optimized carbon monoxide rebreathing method during an incremental test on a cycle ergometer; hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin concentration; and erythrocyte, blood, and plasma volume were measured in youth male cyclists age 15-16 years and junior cyclists age 17-18 years who were born and trained at MA versus LA. All variables were analyzed with a 2-way (age [youth cyclist vs junior cyclist] × altitude level [MA vs LA]) analysis of variance with subsequent Tuckey post hoc test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Some altitude-induced benefits were reported in cyclists at age 15-16 years in the MA group with higher values in hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin concentration, and tHbmass (grams per kilogram) (P < .05) than their LA counterparts. This was also observed at age 17-18 years (P < .001), except for tHbmass, wherein no significant difference was found between MA and LA groups. In contrast, plasma volume was lower in MA than LA junior cyclists. NEW FINDINGS: (1) The altitude of birth and residence could generate an advantage in tHbmass in young male cyclists age 15-16 and 17-18 years who train at MA compared with cyclists who are born and train at LA. (2) Altitude-induced benefits in physiological variables (hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin concentration, tHbmass in g·kg-1) were reported in cyclists at age 15-16 years and partially at age 17-18 years. In contrast, plasma volume was lower in MA than in LA junior cyclists. This may impact the strategies for identifying and developing talent in cycling.

Productive performance and carcass characteristics of castrated and non-castrated Beefalo-Nellore beef cattle finished in a feedlot or kept on pasture.

Beefalo is a fertile hybrid descendant of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and American buffalo (Bison bison). Crossbred (¾Beefalo»Nellore) beef cattle raised and finished in a feedlot or on pasture were evaluated for the effect of two ages (8 and 13 months) at castration on nutrient intake, performance, and carcass characteristics. In the feedlot, they received a total diet with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 55:45, and those kept on Brachiaria decumbens pastures were supplemented at 0.8% of body weight (BW) with the same concentrate based on corn and soybean meal (17.8% CP and 73% TDN). Thirty-six crossbred (¾ Beefalo » Nellore) beef cattle with 209.2 ± 14.6 kg BW were used, which at weaning, at 8 months of age, were randomly divided into two groups, one of them destined to the feedlot system and the other group to the supplementation system on pasture. In each system (feedlot and pasture) the following treatments were distributed: castration at 8 months (at weaning, C8), castration at 13 months (C13), and non-castrated (NC), with six animals per treatment by system. All animals were slaughtered at 18 months of age. There was no significant interaction between the systems and castration ages for all variables studied. The averages of slaughter weight of feedlot animals were 475.6; 494.3 and 510.7 kg; and finished in pasture were 424.3; 428.0 and 418.7 kg for C8, C13, and NC treatments, respectively. The average subcutaneous fat thickness of the feedlot steers were 4.5, 3.5, and 1.3 mm, and for pasture-finished steers were 2.4, 1.6, and 1.8 mm for C8, C13, and NC treatments, respectively. Non-castrated animals have greater performance and carcass characteristics than castrated animals independent of the finished system. Animals non-castrated finished on Brachiaria grass pastures and slaughtered at 18 months of age require more intensive feeding management or even greater age at slaughter to obtain an ideal carcass finishing despite castration.

The effect of different weaning strategies on piglet growth, feed intake and gut health.

The present study evaluated the effects of weaning strategy on piglet growth performance, onset of feed intake, and intestinal health. A total of 254 crossbred piglets were used and the experimental period lasted 45 days. The piglets were assigned to the fallowing treatments: early strategic weaning (ESW, n = 85), piglets weaned at 16 days of age and transferred to the pre-nursery unit; strategic segregated weaning (SSW, n = 85), piglets weaned at 21 days of age and kept in the farrowing crate until 24 days of age; and conventional weaning (CW, n = 84), piglet weaned at 24 days of age and transferred directly to the nursery unity; this experimental group was used as a control. Piglets from all treatments were transferred to the nursery unit at 24 days of age. For the nursery phase three periods of evaluation was considered: nursery phase I (0-7 d), nursery phase II (7-14 d), and nursery phase III (14-21 days). Piglets from the ESW and CW had greater (P < 0.001) ADG in the lactation period 16-21 days. The BW at 24 day of age was higher (P < 0.001) for piglets in the ESW and CW groups. In the nursery phase I, the ESW group had higher (P = 0.003) daily feed intake. Piglets from the ESW group had higher (P = 0.004) BW at the end of the experimental period. The ESW and SSW groups had a higher percentage of piglets (88% and 92%, respectively; P < 0,001) consuming feed in the first 24 h after transference to the nursery facility. When the total experimental period is considered, a reduction (P < 0.001) in the incidence of diarrhea was observed for ESW piglets. Overall, there was no effect of weaning strategy on intestinal permeability. In conclusion, the results of our study showed that the Segregated Strategic Weaning management can be used to mitigate the deleterious effects of early weaning.

Environmental factors and management practices associated with beef cattle carcass quality in the mid-west of Brazil.

The "Precoce MS" program, established by the Brazilian government in Mato Grosso do Sul in 2017, aims to encourage beef producers to harvest animals at younger ages to enhance carcass quality. About 40% of the beef produced in the state now comes from this program, which offers tax refunds ranging from 49% to 67% based on carcass classification and production system. Despite the program success, with participants delivering younger animals (with a maximum of 4 incisors), there remains significant variability in carcass quality. This paper investigates management practices and environmental factors affecting farm performance regarding carcass quality. Data from all animals harvested between the beginning of 2017 and the end of 2018 were analyzed, totaling 1,107 million animals from 1,470 farms. Farm performance was assessed based on the percentage of animals achieving grades "AAA" and "AA." Each batch of harvested cattle from each farm was categorized into two groups: high farm performance (HFP, with more than 50% of animals classified as "AAA" or "AA") and low farm performance (LFP, with less than 50% classified as such). A predictive logistic model was developed to forecast farm performance (FP) using 14 continuous and 15 discrete pre-selected variables. The most effective model, obtained through backward stepwise variable selection, had an R 2 of 0.18, accuracy of 71.5%, and AUC of 0.715. Key predictors included animal category, production system type, carcass weight, individual identification, traceability system, presence of a feed plant, location, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the 12-mo average before harvest. Developing predictive models of carcass quality by integrating data from commercial farms with other sources of information (animal, production system, and environment) can improve our understanding of production systems, optimize resource allocation, and advance sustainable animal production. Additionally, they offer valuable insights for designing and implementing better sectorial, social, and environmental policies by public administrations, not only in Brazil but also in other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Digital Transformation and Its Relationship to the Job Performance of Employees at a Private University in Peru.

Background: Private universities in Peru still need to implement digital transformation models to enhance the job performance of faculty and staff, achieving consistent improvement in the performance levels of university teachers by deploying technological and didactic tools for students. Therefore, the study aims to determine the relationship between digital transformation and the job performance of employees at a Private University. Methods: The research approach was quantitative, employing a non-experimental, longitudinal correlational design. The technique used was a survey, applied to a sample of 104 employees (school heads, faculty, and a director) from the university on a national level from a total population of 144. Results: Descriptive results reveal that the university has regularly adopted tools related to digital transformation. In particular, it has efficiently employed agile technologies, Big Data, and various technological means, benefiting 90% (52% and 38%) of the staff. The study also showed a high positive correlation (0.92>0.7) between digital transformation and the job performance of staff at the Private University, confirming that there is a significant connection between the variables studied. Conclusions: Therefore, creating an innovative culture across all hierarchical levels and identifying key technologies that add value to the learning flow can meet the needs of an increasingly demanding society.

Error in jump height estimation using the flight time method: simulation of the effect of ankle position between takeoff and landing.

During vertical jump evaluations in which jump height is estimated from flight time (FT), the jumper must maintain the same body posture between vertical takeoff and landing. As maintaining identical posture is rare during takeoff and landing between different jump attempts and in different individuals, we simulated the effect of changes in ankle position from takeoff to landing in vertical jumping to determine the range of errors that might occur in real-life scenarios. Our simulations account for changes in center of mass position during takeoff and landing, changes in ankle position, different subject statures (1.44-1.98 m), and poor to above-average jump heights. Our results show that using FT to estimate jump height without controlling for ankle position (allowing dorsiflexion) during the landing phase of the vertical jump can overestimate jump height by 18% in individuals of average stature and performing an average 30 cm jump or may overestimate by ≤60% for tall individuals performing a poor 10 cm jump, which is common for individuals jumping with added load. Nevertheless, as assessing jump heights based on FT is common practice, we offer a correction equation that can be used to reduce error, improving jump height measurement validity using the FT method allowing between-subject fair comparisons.

Can EWGSOP2 and SDOC Definitions of Sarcopenia Identify Functional Muscle Quality?

Objectives: To compare the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) in identifying muscle quality indexes (MQI) and lower limb muscle performance in older women aged ≥ 65. Methods: Participants meeting EWGSOP2 and SDOC criteria were classified into the sarcopenia group (GS); others were placed in the non-sarcopenia group (GNS). Using an isokinetic dynamometer, we assessed peak torque (PT), maximal work (MW), and power (POW) of lower limbs. MQI was calculated as the ratio of muscle performance to appendicular lean mass, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and lean tissue mass of the right lower limb (LTM). Results: We included 96 older women. In both SDOC (n=37) and EWGSOP2 (n=48) sarcopenia groups, muscle performance and BMI-adjusted MQI were significantly lower. Sarcopenia (SDOC) was significantly associated with all lower limb muscle performance and MQI variables [adjusted model by age and race: MQIPOW/LTM OR = 0.67 (95% CI 0.52; 0.85); MQIPT/LTM OR = 0.76 (95% CI 0.64; 0.89)]. Conclusions: Older women diagnosed with sarcopenia by EWGSOP2 and SDOC criteria showed significant declines in muscle function and quality. The SDOC definition discriminated muscle contraction quality components in older individuals with and without sarcopenia.

Blood Lactate Steady State during Interval Training: New Perspectives on Something Already Known.

The purpose of this study was to confirm that blood lactate concentrations can be maintained at moderate to high steady state values during an entire interval training (IT) session (repetitions + rest). Forty-eight trained swimmers and track athletes performed four IT protocols consisting of 6-10 bouts between 1 and 3-min at ~5-10 mmol/L blood lactate concentrations with a passive recovery of 60 to 180-sec. Performance times were measured at every bout, while blood lactate concentrations and heart rate during recovery every other bout. One-way ANOVA was performed for comparisons and r-squared for the effect size (ES). Performance times were stable throughout each IT protocol (75 ± 8 and 77 ± 5-sec [swimmers and track athletes]; 67 ± 3-sec [swimmers]; 64 ± 3-sec [swimmers]; and 135 ± 6-sec [swimmers]). Despite some minor differences (p<0.05; ES, 0.28 to 0.37, large), blood lactate concentrations were maintained stable at moderate to high values during each IT protocol (5.85 ± 1.47 mmol/L; 5.64 ± 1.03 mmol/L; 9.29 ± 1.07 mmol/L; and 9.44 ± 1.12 mmol/L). HR decreased significantly from the beginning to the end of recovery (p<0.05; ES, 0.93 to 0.96, large). In conclusion, moderate to high blood lactate steady state concentrations can be sustained for ~20 to 60-min during an entire IT session (repetitions + rest) at a stable performance. This approach can optimize performance by stimulating the metabolic demands and the pace strategy during the middle section of endurance competitive events.