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Objectives. This study aimed to compare the effects of wrestling and sumo wrestling as similar combat sports activities in a training program on technical wrestling scores, wrestling performance indexes, and intrinsic motivation in youth practitioners. Materials and methods. A randomized controlled trial using a single-blinded design, and repeated measures of parallel groups (sumo-based group: EG, n = 19, aged = 12.42 ± 0.87 years; and only wrestling group: CG, n = 19, aged = 12.41 ± 0.78 years) was conducted. Three 65-minute weekly sessions for four weeks were dedicated to the interventions. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to assess the group vs. time impact analysis. Results. The findings revealed a significant interaction between the variables, whereby higher values were observed for technical wrestling scores on the attempted head and arm throw test (F1;18 = 356.2; p

Sorghum is a plant with broad adaptability, is resistant to drought, and is very suitable in marginal areas. Sorghum plants contain 7% to 17% seed composition and 83% to 93% leaf stems. At harvest, the moisture content of seeds is 20% to 30%, and the stem is around 76% to 88%. Several stages are carried out after the sorghum harvesting process, and one of them is threshing the sorghum seeds. The threshing of sorghum seeds requires a hold-on threshing machine so seeds can be threshed immediately after harvest, and the stems from sorghum plants can be chopped directly for cattle feed. This study aims to design and test the performance of a hold-on type sorghum threshing machine that can be used to thresh sorghum seeds immediately after harvesting at a grain moisture content of around 20% to 30%. The methods used include problem considerations, the preparation of structural designs, functional designs, manufacturing drawing designs, and manufacturing functional and performance testing. The results of testing the performance of the threshing machine revealed that the working capacity of the machine was affected by rod clamp rotation, the threshing cylinder, and the moisture content of sorghum seeds. The cleanliness level of sorghum seeds is above 90%, while the level of seed damage ranges from 0% to 1%.

This study aims to investigate the effect of using augmented video feedback (AVF)-verbal encouragement feedback (VEF) on the motivation and technical performance of novice cricket athletes. A true experimental method with a random control trial (RCT) design for 11 weeks was adopted in this study. 60 beginner male cricket athletes from the State University of Jakarta (Indonesia) were involved asparticipants in this research. They were divided into two groups, experimental (AVF-VEF, n = 30, 19.2 ± 1.06 years) and control (CG, n = 30,18.9 ± 1.17 years) one. Sport motivation scale-II (SMS-II) and batting, bowling, and fielding were chosen as instruments. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA conducted on motivation and technical performance tests showed a significant effect of Time (all, p

Cropping systems and crop combinations are among vital practices to improve land utilisation with the limited arable land resource. Combinations of maize with legumes are common in Cameroon, but there is a knowledge gap on locality specificity of the best cropping system and maize/legume combination for sustained production. The experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research farm, University of Buea. Different cropping systems and crop combinations were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 13 treatments replicated three times. Data collected for vigour and yield parameters, were analyzed for significance using a two-way ANOVA and treatment means compared using Tukey HSD at 5 % probability, while additional data, were analysed for land equivalent and benefit-cost ratio. The findings reveal no significant differences in the yield of maize under different cropping systems, except for maize-dwarf bean mix cropping system (MDBM), which recorded the lowest yield (3.9 t/ha), with maize soybean intercropping (MSBI), recording the highest yield (5.9 t/ha) for maize. Indeterminate legumes (cowpea and climbing beans) recorded significant results for yield (MCPI = 1.7 t/ha; MCBI = 1.8 t/ha) under intercropping system. Likewise, determinate legumes (dwarf beans and soybeans) also recorded significant results for yield (DB = 2.2 t/ha; SB = 3.5 t/ha) under mono cropping system. Land equivalent ratios for intercropping and mixed cropping systems were highest with MCBI = 1.93 and MCBM = 1.76 and the benefit-cost ratios for intercropping and mixed cropping were >1, with MSBI recording the highest ratio of 3.5, followed by MSBM = 3.3. Intercropping and mixed cropping systems and crop combinations were advantageous over monocropping as they gave better land equivalent and benefit-cost ratio. This study provides meaningful findings in bridging the knowledge gap on locality specificity of the best cropping systems and maize/legume combination, for sustained production, locally and nationally. The contribution to the sustainable development goals (SDG), are multidimensional: The enhancement of food security through improved crop yields (SDG2); the promotion of agricultural practices that mitigate environmental degradation (SDG13) and lastly, advocating for biodiversity conservation through the adoption of sustainable cropping systems (SDG15).

Abstract Background Substitutions are generally used to promote the match performance of the whole team. This study aimed to analyze the performance of substitute players and explore the performance difference among substitute players, completed players, and replaced players across each position. Methods Chinese Super Soccer League (CSL) matches in the season 2018 including 5871 individual observation from 395 professional soccer players were analyzed by establishing linear mixed models to quantify the performance difference among substitute players (SP) (n = 1,071), entire match players (EMP) (n = 3,454), and replaced players (RP) (n = 1,346), and then separately for each position (central defenders, fullbacks, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and attackers). Results The results show SP display higher high intensity distance and sprint distance significantly (p

Abstract Background The embedded participant (EP) plays a key role during a full scale/high-fidelity simulation (HFS) session. He/she is expected to guide the learner towards the achievement of the educational objectives of the scenario. However, his/her influence on learners’ performance stands undetermined and this effect remains briefly addressed in the literature. This study primarily aims to assess whether the EP could have an influence on the performance of the learner during a HFS scenario. The secondary aim was to establish an inventory of the EP practices in France. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in Lyon Claude Bernard University Health Simulation Centre (France). Anaesthesia and critical care residents in postgraduate years 1 to 5 who were scheduled for their HFS sessions during the 2016 to 2021 academic years were included. Two investigators independently evaluated the resident performance regarding both technical and non-technical skills from video recordings. In addition, a nationwide survey was sent out by email through the networks of the Francophone Healthcare Simulation Society (SoFraSimS, Société Francophone de Simulation en Santé) to collect information on EP practices in French-speaking Simulation centres. Results From a total of 344 HFS videos analysed, a cohort of 19 experienced EPs was identified. The EPs had an influence on the technical and non-technical performances of the learners. The 147 responses to the survey showed that predefined rules of EP good practice existed in only 36% of the simulation centres and 65% of respondents believed that specific EP training would be justified. Conclusion The EP can exert an influence on the performance of the learners during HFS. For acting as an EP, a great variability of practices and a lack of training are reported by professionals working in simulation centres. These results suggest that more attention must be paid to EP training and attitudes during simulation, especially if summative simulations are extensively developed.

The study assessed the technical performance and economic viability of a 200 kg capacity biomass-powered inclined bed dryer for drying maize. The dryer recorded an average air temperature of 73.54˚C in the plenum, which reduced the moisture content from 23.25% (w.b) to 13.61% (w.b) at a drying time of 2 hours 40 minutes. This resulted in a drying rate, drying efficiency, and specific energy consumption of 9.50 kg/h, 71.37%, and 25.70 MJ/kg, respectively. The germination potential of dried maize grains was 80% compared to 93% for grains assessed before drying. Stress-crack analysis revealed a lower percentage of no-cracks for dried maize (71%) than maize gains before drying (98%). There was a statistically significant difference between the dried and the undried maize grains for germination viability (p = 0.01) and stress crack analysis (p = 0.00) at α=0.05. At a drying charge of US$ 2.4 per 100 kg bag of maize, the investment cost could be regained at a pay-back period of 6 months and 15 operation days and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.27. The drying system is economically viable at net present value of US$ 1313.48 and internal rate of return of 44%. Evidently, adopting the dryer could contribute to reducing post-harvest loss of maize at the smallholder level and increase farmer's income.

Goal: This article proposes a decision model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process that allows carrying out the evaluation of alternatives in a multicriteria problem, without expert judgement. Design / Methodology / Approach: The algorithm is based on AHP. The novelty is the transformation of a performance data matrix into pairwise evaluation matrices, instead of using experts’ judgement. Results: The algorithm was applied in a defense procurement problem for the choice of a light 4x4 vehicle for amphibious operations. The results allowed ranking the 17 models based on catalog data. Limitations of the investigation: the algorithm depends on the availability of catalog data, not always available in open sources in the defense industry. Practical implications: Decision support involves several activities in Operations Management and AHP has been frequently applied to solve problems in this sector. The proposed algorithm allows performing deterministic or probabilistic evaluations, depending on the degree of uncertainty and precision involving the systems’ performance data. These assessments are composed of scenarios to facilitate decision making. Originality / Value: AHP typically uses experts for pairwise judgments. However, human judgment is subject to outcomes that involve bias and cognitive distortions. Few studies have modeled the AHP without experts, even so they used human judgment in some part of the process. The approach proposed here does not require human judgment and returns two different results, based on the database precision. This new approach gives decision makers a different perspective and can alter the final choice.

PURPOSE We aimed to examine the effects of limiting the number of ball touches on the physical and technical performances of junior football players during small-sided games (SSGs), which are widely used to improve football-specific physical and technical performances. METHODS Nineteen middle-school football players participated in the study and took a pretest for their physical and technical skills to be evaluated before the main experiment. During the SSG, to balance teams according to the players’ levels of physical fitness and skill, we selected players with the highest to lowest total scores and organized them in an ABBA order. Ten players who obtained the highest scores participated in the SSG once a week for 5 weeks under the limitation of a certain number of ball touches (one, two, three, four, or free touches). Players could only play with a set number of touches. Each SSG consisted of 4-min sets with 4-min breaks after each set on a pitch with a goal. RESULTS As the number of possible touches increased, the total distance and average speed of the players increased, and the distance ratio covered by running (over 13 km/h), but not walking or jogging, also increased. Regarding technical factors, as the number of touches a player could make increased, the number of passes decreased, whereas the rates of dribbles and defensive tackles increased. CONCLUSIONS As the number of ball touches increased during the SSG, the young players covered a greater distance with a higher speed, unlike professional players, and the frequency of skills mostly used, such as passing and dribbling during the SSG, showed different results.

This paper presents the implementation of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in Tanzania’s road transportation sector. The peculiarity of this analysis is the evaluation of the technical and economic performance of the converted gasoline and diesel engines to use compressed natural gas (CNG) as the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon. The technical performance involved vehicle mileage (MiCNG), fuel consumption (Fcons), speed drop, engine fuel enhancement (Fenh), and fuel saving, while the economic performance involved conversion cost (Cc), fuel cost saving (FCsaving), and payback (PB). Considering the conversion of gasoline vehicles, the MiCNG could reach an average of 100 to 500 km per filling, depending on the CNG cylinder size. The Fenh and fuel saving were ranging between 1.9 and 3.9 and 71 and 78%. With a proportion of 30:70 diesel-CNG fuel, the heavy-duty truck with 180 kg of CNG could reach 1300 km, saving about 440 L, which is 78.6% per roundtrip, while the medium passenger car with 15 kg of CNG could reach 350 km, presenting a fuel saving of about 75%. From an economic point of view, gasoline retrofitted NGVs cost about 50 to 200 TZS/km, yielding a fuel cost saving of up to 79% and starting to pay off between 2 and 7 months or 10,000 and 40,000 km, depending on the engine capacity. Considering dual fuel, the heavy-duty truck consumes about 496 TZS/km, saving about 62.3% of diesel fuel and starting to pay off after 2.5 months or 29,304 km. To conclude, NGV technologies have been successfully implemented in Tanzania’s road transportation sector, presenting significant fuel savings and reducing reliance on imported oil. While taking measures, this study paves a way for Tanzania and other sub-Saharan countries to promote NGV growth.

Swimming is one of the sports with great muscular effort and complex motor performance that requires coordination and harmony between the movements of the parts of the body contributing to performance that defies the limits of humans. The development of physical abilities and the improvement of technical performance can only be separated from the support of scientific theories and technology, in order to improve training methods and feedback system based on the fusion of information and data using modern sensors and information collection system. On the performance and mechanical conditions of the swimmer to help develop performance and achievement, the researchers used for this purpose a device (Triton Wear data sensor) to collect information and feedback on performance, to prepare special exercises and correct thereal-time performance of 50 m swimmers. The research was conducted on a sample of swimmers amounting to (6) young swimmers whose technical and mechanical data was extracted after wearing the sensor under the head cover of each swimmer, and the performance data was analyzed on this system, and the experiment lasted for six weeks, during which special exercises and feedback were given. Instantaneous based on the sensor data of each member of the sample, and after conducting post-tests, it was shown that the exercises and feedback based on the sensor technology, had a direct impact on the improvement of the average performance of the sample in the 50-meter freestyle race and the improvement of all biomechanical values (such as average speed, frequency and length, acceleration and instantaneous strength) This improvement indicated that data collection and nutrition Using the sensor's multi-information fusion can be applied more precisely and differently in the training of different swimming races, and can find many motor problems in sports swimmers to describe training solutions for them, both for specific parts of the body and the body as a whole. Techniques for accurately identifying this valuable information can therefore be used for quantitative biomechanical analysis. And to reach the training process.

Opta seasonal sum total statistics for 1,533 professional football players representing 88 nations around the world were analysed in order to determine where the most proficient technical football players originate from. A series of Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted and results revealed that South American players were significantly better at scoring the first goal (p = .044), scoring penalties (p = .034) and attempting shots (p = .018) than their European counterparts. Both European and South American players were revealed to be more adept at passing actions than their African, Asian or North American counterparts. Both South American and African players committed significantly more errors than their European, Asian or North American counterparts, with South American players more frequently apprehended by the referee than Asian players (p = .031), European players (p = .020) and North American players (p = .034). African players were revealed to be caught offside (p = .039) as well as have more unsuccessful ball touches (p = .001) and be dispossessed (p = .036) significantly more often than European players. It is concluded that a player’s geographical origin can impact their technical proficiency in football and this theme needs further investigation.

High feed price is a major problem in the production of beef cattle. Therefore, this study aims to determine coconut coir's technical and economic potential for beef cattle feed. This is an in vivo and in vitro study that involved 95 days trial period and 16 male Brahman crossbreed cattle weighing 134±12.1 kg. The coconut coir was fermented using buffalo rumen liquid and was termed fermented coconut coir (FCC). A randomized block design was used in this research, including four feed treatments, namely complete feed D1 using 15% FCC, D2 using 20% FCC, D3 using 25% FCC and D4 using 30% FCC. The parameters observed were technical performance (protein, dry and organic matter intake), ruminal fermentability, purine derivatives and economic performance. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test for posthoc multiple comparisons. The results showed that the intake of beef cattle feed D1, D2 and D3 was higher than D4. Furthermore, the digestibility of D1, D2 and D4 was higher than D3. The purine derivatives of D2 were the highest but not significantly different (P > 0.05) from D1 and D4. In addition, the ruminal fermentability was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Moreover, the beef cattle feed on D2 had the best economic performance. The performance results showed that ruminal fermentability, purine derivatives and economic performance of D2 (20% FCC) gave the best results but were not statistically different (P > 0.05) from other variables. Conclusively, coconut coir can be used as beef cattle feed without causing health problems.

A water distribution network in an urban area in Muscat region (the capital city of Oman) is assessed for operational performance using the widely accepted methodology proposed by the International Water Association (IWA). The technical performance of this network was assessed using global performance index methods after modifying the performance levels as per local guidelines. A total of 37 operational performance indicators for the network were selected to carry out assessment. Overall operational performance showed high scores whereas some indicators showed unacceptable performance values. The network showed very high technical performance considering nodal pressures. The lower performance for pipe velocity may be attributed to the fact that the network is currently being utilized by 70% of the population for which it was designed. The residual chlorine levels were within the acceptable range of the Public Authority for Water (PAW), showing a very good performance by virtue of water quality. This study will be useful for decision makers to assess the operational, technical and water quality performance of urban networks and take actions for improvements. HIGHLIGHTS A detailed assessment of an urban water supply network in Arabian Peninsula.; Application of IWA performance indicators in an arid region.; Synthesis of operational and technical performances of an urban water distribution system.; Developing new penalty functions using local water distribution guidelines.;

This study investigated the effects of partial and total substitutions of fossil polypropylene (PP) for recycled plastic cap equivalents in the manufacture of signage labels used by the telephone industry. Four alternative scenarios to using virgin PP were evaluated considering recycled material in flake and pellet forms based on environmental performance, degree of circularity, and technical behavior. The environmental analysis was performed by the life cycle assessment (LCA) technique, and for all impact categories evaluated, using recycled material to replace the virgin reduced adverse effects on the environment. The most significant results in this dimension, with gains of 81% in the Global Environmental Indicator, occurred when recycled PP flakes entirely replaced the fossil polymer. Once again, the highest values of the Materials Circularity Indicator (MCI) were achieved by scenarios with full recycled resin in processing the tags; however, this product must also be reused. The mechanical behavior of the tags measured technical performance, and in this case, the product made with virgin PP outperformed the recycled options except for elongation. An analysis that integrated the three dimensions into a single performance index pointed to the complete substitution of virgin material for recycled as the most balanced option.

BackgroundMental fatigue largely influences technical performance in soccer, including offensive and defensive skills. However, these effects on technical performance among the soccer players have not yet been aggregated to be assessed systematically.ObjectiveThe purpose of the review was to evaluate the impact of mental fatigue on soccer players' overall technical skills.MethodsDrawing on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost (CENTRAL and SPORTDicus), an in-depth search was conducted. PICOS established the eligibility criteria to select the studies as follows: (i) population—healthy soccer players; (ii) intervention—involving any mental-fatigue-prompted protocol; (iii) comparison—control conditions (active or passive without inducing mental fatigue); (iv) outcomes—technical performance (offensive and defensive skill); and (v) study design—randomized controlled trials.ResultsA total of eight studies were qualified for inclusion in the systematic literature review. Overall, the results indicate that mental fatigue had significant effects on technical skills, including offensive and defensive skills. Specifically, there were significant effects on errors (ES = 0.977; p < 0.001), number of tackles (ES = −0.739; p = 0.005), and the percentage of successful tackles (ES = −0.628; p = 0.022), while there were no significant effects on the number of passes (ES = 0.240; p = 0.328), the percentage of accurate passing (ES = −0.008; p = 0.985), and the number of successful passes (ES = −0.322; p = 0.217).ConclusionOverall, a significant effect of mental fatigue on the technical performance (e.g., tackles and errors) of soccer players was detected, while no significant effects on passing skills were detected. Future studies may consider investigating technical performance together with other important results (e.g., decision-making skills or internal load).Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-2-0008/, Inplasy protocol 202220008.

This paper aims to raise awareness regarding the obstacles limiting alkali-activated binders’ (AABs) application as a sustainable solution in the construction industry. Such an evaluation is essential in this industry, which has been introducing a wide range of alternatives to cement binders yet achieved limited utilisation. It has been recognised that technical, environmental, and economic performance should be investigated for the broader adoption of alternative construction materials. Based on this approach, a state-of-the-art review was conducted to identify the key factors to consider when developing AABs. It was identified that AABs’ adverse performance compared to conventional cement-based materials mainly depends on the choice of which precursors and alkali activators to employ and the regionalised practices adopted (i.e., transportation, energy sources, and data on raw materials). In light of the available literature, increasing attention to incorporating alternative alkali activators and precursors by utilising agricultural and industrial by-products and/or waste seems to be a viable option for optimising the balance between AABs’ technical, environmental, and economic performance. With regard to improving the circularity practices in this sector, employing construction and demolition waste as raw materials has been acknowledged as a feasible strategy.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the positional role and the individuality on the technical match performance in professional soccer players. From official match data of the Bundesliga season 2018/19, technical performance [short (30 m) passes, dribblings, ball possessions] of all players who played during the season were analyzed (normative data). Five playing positions (center back, full back, central midfielder, wide midfielder and forward) were distinguished. As the contextual factor tactical formation is known to influence match performance, this parameter was controlled for. Further, those players who played at minimum four games in at least two different playing positions were included in the study sample (n = 13). The technical match performance of the players was analyzed in relation to the normative data regarding the extent to which the players either adapted or maintained their performance when changing the playing position. When switching playing positions, positional role could explain 3–6% of the variance in short passes and ball possessions and 27–44% of the variance in dribblings, medium passes, and long passes. Moreover, we observed large interindividual differences in the extent to which a player changed, adapted, or maintained his performance. In detail, five players clearly adapted their technical performance when changing playing positions, while five players maintained their performance. Coaches can use these findings to better understand the technical match performance of single players and further, to estimate the impact of a change in the positional role on the technical performance of the respective player.

This article focuses on the impact of clusters on performance in five selected industries. Focused on increasing the competitiveness of regions and enterprises, clusters are currently considered one of the most essential tools of industrial policy. This includes the Czech Republic, where cluster initiatives have been systematically supported since 2004 by operational programmes. The goal of this research was to determine whether cluster organizations have a positive effect on the performance of their member enterprises in various industries. Another goal was to verify the relation between the financial and innovative performance of the member enterprises. The research was carried out on a sample of five clusters in the automotive, IT, furnituremanufacturing, packaging and machinery industries, with Data Envelopment Analysis used for this performance evaluation. The enterprises were divided into three groups: companies that are members of cluster organizations, companies that are active in the same region and industry but are not members of a cluster group, and companies from the respective industry that operate outside the region of the given cluster. The results of the study indicate that in four industries (automotive, IT, packaging, machinery), member companies of cluster organizations achieve better results than non-members or firms active in other regions. On the other hand, it was not possible to prove a positive relation between company performance and their registered industrial rights, neither from the perspective of cluster membership nor their activity in the respective industry and region.

The results of studies of the crushing process in a double toggle jaw crusher are presented. This process was carried out on six sets of crushing plates. The first three of them are used in industrial crushers – plates with a flat working surface and a triangular profile (in this work, under consideration were profiles with teeth angle γ = 90°). The fourth and fifth type refer to plates with a variable pitch t and teeth height with a triangular shape of the teeth. In the sixth solution, plates with variable pitch and width of the wedged teeth are proposed.

This study aimed to understand how the design of decision-making tasks affects youth football players’ ball control, passing performance, and external load. A total of 16 male youth football players (age: 12.94 ± 0.25 years) competed in various tasks based on the following levels of decision-making: (i) low decision-making (Low DM), which consisted of a predefined ball control and passing sequence; (ii) moderate decision-making (Mod DM), which consisted of maintaining possession in a square with four players and two balls while maintaining the same position; and (iii) high decision-making (High DM), which consisted of a 3 vs. 3 + 2 neutral players ball possession game. The study design consisted of a pre–post design (a 6 min pre-test game, a 6 min intervention, and a 6 min post-test game). The players’ ball control and passing performance were measured using the game performance evaluation tool and notational analysis, while GPS data were used to determine their physical performance. The pre–post test analysis revealed decrements in players’ ability to identify more offensive players after the Mod DM task (W = 9.50, p = 0.016), while there was an increase in their ability to receive the ball towards the space following the High DM task (t = −2.40, p = 0.016). Analysis between groups showed lower values in most ball control variables for the Low DM task compared to the Mod DM task (ball control execution, p = 0.030; appropriateness, p = 0.031; motor space, p = 0.025), while there were also lower values in the distance covered while sprinting (p = 0.042). Overall, prescriptive tasks (Low DM) that are repetitive in nature may affect players’ perceptual attunement, whereas static tasks (e.g., Mod DM) may limit their ability to locate players in more offensive positions. Moreover, game-based situations (High DM) seem to acutely enhance players’ performance, possibly due to contextual dependency. Overall, coaches should carefully consider the type of practice structure when designing tasks that aim to improve players’ technical skills in youth football.

As an asphalt modifier, waste battery powder (WBP) has been proven to be possible. This paper studies the modification effect of WBP on asphalt. The Flight Test Instrumentation Requirements (FITR) of WBP, Dynamic Shear Rheology (DSR) test, and Full Section Fracture Energy Test (FSFET) of asphalt are carried out. The high-temperature rheological properties and low-temperature properties of WBP modified asphalt are analyzed. The high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance and water stability of WBP modified asphalt mixture are tested. The research results show that the modification of asphalt by WBP is essentially physical modification but the mixing of WBP has a certain enhancement effect on the bond energy of the methylene group, which is helpful to improve the technical performance of modified asphalt. The proportion of elastic components in asphalt can be significantly increased by adding WBP, thus enhancing the deformation resistance of asphalt under high-temperature conditions. The dynamic shear modulus of 10% waste battery powder is about 1.5–2.0 times that of 0% waste battery powder. The mixing of WBP reduces the proportion of viscous components in asphalt which is unfavorable to the crack resistance under low temperatures. The greater the amount of WBP, the smaller the fracture energy density, the content of WBP is 6% and 10%, the fracture energy density is about 60–80% and 40–60% of the original asphalt, and the low temperature cracking resistance of asphalt decreases. The modification effect of WBP on asphalt is much lower than that of SBS.

Renewable energy resources are currently being developed by Indonesia. The government is also targeting an energy mix of 23% to achieve renewable energy by 2025. One of the renewable energies is Solar Photovoltaic Generation System. On the other hand, an industrial area is an area filled with factories that are large enough so that it has great potential to develop Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic with the advantage of reducing land investment costs without reducing the operational function of the factory. The purpose of this research is to simulate the technical and economic performance of a 200kWP Solar Photovoltaic On grid on the rooftop of a factory building using Helioscope software in an industrial area in West Java. The simulation result shows that the average values for Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Electrical Energy Production, and Performance Ratio (PR) in one year are 138.2 kWh/m2, 21,977 kWh, and 78.06%. Meanwhile, the total Electrical Energy Production in one year is 263,723.6 kWh. The total investment value of the 200kWP Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic On grid on the factory building is 2,457,850,800 IDR. Based on the economic feasibility study, it can be concluded that the 200kWP Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic On grid on the factory building rooftop is economically feasible as long as the interest rates is less than 12.71% (Internal Rate of Return / IRR).

The article provides an analytical overview of previously created engines, those in operational service and engines being developed for unmanned military-purpose aerial vehicles. The current state of the engine fleet, modern problems of development and production of domestic engines are described. It is shown that modern unmanned military-purpose aerial vehicles use a variety of types of power plants, for which their main technical characteristics, design and layout schemes are given. Some projects carried out under the program of import substitution are disclosed. The results of work conducted at the Department of Aircraft Engines of the Air Force Academy named after Professor N.E. Zhukovsky and Y.A. Gagarin are presented. The article outlines critical technologies for creating full-size gas turbine engines for the most complex and expensive class of heavy unmanned combat air vehicles with a take-off weight of more than 10 tons, designed to solve a wide range of tasks, including strategic ones. On the basis of the analysis of the existing unmanned systems conclusions were drawn as to the choice of the type of engine depending on their take-off weight. The basic directions of further development of power plants for one of the most dynamically developing branches of aviation unmanned air vehicles - were forecast.

The purpose of this study is to explore 2015-2016 technical performance of Ethiopian male soccer national team in reference to African best national team (Algeria) based on the FIFA world national team rank. In this study cross-sectional research design was employed to explore the technical performance of national team. Video of Ten matches played by a Ethiopian (five-match) and Algeria(five- match) for African cup qualification and CECAFA tournaments were sampled from available match footage. Technical performance variables analysis included: Tackle, clearance Interception passes, pass accuracy, crosses, cross accuracy, corner, shot, shot accuracy and goal and players were categorized into three as defence, midfield, and striker based on their position. To this end data were statistically analysed by descriptive statistics, one sample t test and one-way ANOVA and significant is set at p lt;0.05. The result of this research shows that Ethiopian national team technical performance is significantly behind the Algeria national team on passes, pass accuracy, crosses, cross accuracy, corner, shot, shot accuracy and goal whereas in clearance and Interception inversely Ethiopia is better. Except for crosses in all other technical performances, there is a significant difference among playing position. The finding of this study showed the technical performance of Ethiopian national team is significantly behind African best national team and also on most technical performances there is significant difference among playing position. Therefore coaches can use this information for establishing technical performance profile of the national team and in designing the training program.

An important issue for suppliers, producers, and retailers who want to compete in a competitive environment is continuous performance improvement in a dynamic supply chain. Literature review on supply chain puts more emphasis on quantitative factors than other factors. In this research, we focus on quantitative factors which affect competitive advantages creation and investigation. Our goal is to examine the qualitative factors which affect the supply chain management (e.g. supply chain uncertainty, plant location, and manufacturing practices) based on performance evaluation models and at last we give some solutions to improve the performance. Questionnaire was used to collect data and regression statistical method to examine the research hypothesis. According to the results, plant location, supply chain uncertainty and manufacturing practices factors influenced petrochemical industry supply chain performance.

In Ghana, smallholder maize farmers continue to serve as the primary contributor to maize production. These farmers, however, still face challenges of access to appropriate, effective, and efficient drying systems. They continue to depend on open sun drying, which leads to high post-harvest losses. In this study, a 500 kg portable column dryer with a biomass burner heat source was evaluated using maize. Indicators such as drying rate, drying efficiency, and moisture extraction rate were used to assess its technical performance. The economic performance of the drying system was appraised using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Payback Period (PBP). The results showed that the moisture content of maize was reduced from 22.3% to 13.4 ± 2.6% in 5 h at an average drying rate of 1.81%/h and drying efficiency of 64.7%. Utilization of the column dryer for the provision of drying services in a maize-growing community over a 10-year utilization period proved viable with an NPV and IRR of $1633 and 71%, respectively, PBP of less than two years, and BCR of 2.82. Adoption of such low-capacity mobile grain dryers in sub-Saharan Africa would be beneficial in providing timely drying services and improve the socio-economic status of smallholder maize farmers in the region.

Herein, the effects of the contents of emulsified asphalt, waterborne epoxy resin emulsion, and curing agent on the permeability, bond shear strength, water stability, and aging resistance of epoxy-emulsified asphalt were studied. A formulation of epoxy-emulsified asphalt as a fog-sealing adhesive material was recommended, and a comparison between the fabricated adhesive material and a traditional Chinese fog-sealing adhesive material was conducted to verify the technical performance of the new material. In addition, the strength formation mechanism of the epoxy-emulsified asphalt was revealed via microcosmic analysis. Results show that the curing agent content mainly affects the permeability of epoxy-emulsified asphalt, and the emulsified asphalt content significantly affects the bond shear strength, water stability, and aging resistance. Moreover, the ratio of waterborne epoxy resin emulsion to the curing agent (epoxy ratio) has a certain effect on the bond shear strength. In the recommended formulation (a high-permeability and high-bonding fog-sealing adhesive material, which can be referred to simply as HPBFA), emulsified asphalt accounts for 80% of the total mass of the mixture, and the epoxy ratio is 2:1–3:1. It can improve air permeability, bond shear strength, water stability and aging resistance. The HPBFA-cured material exhibits a continuous three-dimensional network structure, hydrophobic surface, and large contact angle. Furthermore, the initial thermal weight loss temperature of the HPBFA-cured material is significantly higher than the environmental aging temperature. Additionally, the maximum temperature decomposition range is 0–160 °C, indicating improved strength, wear resistance, permeability, and aging resistance of the material.

Abstract In this study, the live performance and costs of broiler production was examined and cost analysis were assessed in the Balıkesir, Bolu and Sakarya Provinces, which are the most important broiler-producing regions of Turkey. Annual (years 2012-2013) production data of 125 broiler farms were analyzed. Farms were scaled according to the irrearing capacities as small (1-10,000 broilers), medium (10,001-30,000) and large (30,001 and above). Cost and performance differences among farm scales and research centers were tested by one-way analysis of variance. Average live weight (LW), livability (LA), slaughter age (SA), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and production efficiency factor (PEF) values were calculated as 2.436 ± 0.006 kg; 93.502 ± 0.133%; 42.293 ± 0.079 days; 1.805 ± 0.004 kg; 298.802 ± 1.298, respectively. Feed and chicks accounted for 80.3% of the total cost per kg live weight (TLWC). There were no statistical differences among farm scales and provinces in terms of technical indicators and production performance (p>0.05). Farm size affected the TLWC (p

Over the past decade there has been a growing interest in the potential benefits related to the productive use of rural piped water around the homestead. However, there is limited empirical research on the extent to which, and conditions under which, this activity occurs. Using data obtained from a comprehensive study of 47 rural piped water systems in Senegal, this paper reveals the extent of piped-water-based productive activity occurring and identifies important system-level variables associated with this activity. Three-quarters (74%) of the households surveyed depend on water for their livelihoods with around one-half (54%) relying on piped water. High levels of piped-water-based productive activity were found to be associated with shorter distances from a community to a city or paved road (i.e. markets), more capable water system operators and water committees, and communities that contributed to the construction of the piped water system. Further, access to electricity was associated with higher productive incomes from water-based productive activities, highlighting the role that non-water-related inputs have on the extent of productive activities undertaken. Finally, an analysis of the technical performance of piped water systems found no statistically significant association between high vs. low levels of productive activity and system performance; however, a positive relationship was found between system performance and the percentage of households engaged in productive activities.

Introduction: Futsal has been expanding worldwide. In the game the central objective is the goal, because its amount determines the outcome of the match. Therefore, it is important to study the determinants of goal and meet influential variables in its obtaining, as the place and time that it occurs, the move sources, the technical performance or how other variables can contribute to the planning of the training of the teams. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of goals and associated factors in women's futsal Championship matches of Rio Grande do Sul State in 2011. Materials and methods: It was analyzed 12 matches of Universidade Católica de Pelotas (UCPel) in the State Championship, women's Futsal in 2011. Through video and the score sheet it were analyzed variables associated with the marking of goals, among them, the time of occurrence (first or second), the influence of the row goalkeeper, technical performance of the team at the time of the goal and the court sector that led to the goal. Results: Over the games there were 28 goals scored in favor and 63 against the UCPel. The largest number occurred in the final 10 minutes of the matches and originated in the opposite area. The influence of the row goalkeeper was small and only in the final moments. Technical performance aspects such as disarmament and missed passes have correlation with goals scored and conceded. Conclusion: It is suggested to emphasize the training in techniques and tactics similar to those actions that happen in the final minutes and reorganize defensive systems used to protect your area, because it is within it that occur more goals.

Based on an analysis of the cold regeneration mechanism of emulsified asphalt, the emulsified asphalt binders and cement were applied to prepare the cold recycled mixtures, and the main technical performances of the designed mixtures were evaluated, including high-temperature stability, water stability, and fatigue characteristics. A high content of 65% recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) material was used with some new aggregates and mineral powders, and the optimal emulsified asphalt binder and cement dosages were determined as 2.9% and 1.5% respectively. The technical performance test results show that: (1) The well-designed emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixtures have good high-temperature stability and water stability, and can meet the requirements of the road base layer and the lower layer. (2) When the stress level is lower, the fatigue performance of mixtures with lower emulsified asphalt binder dosage and lower cement content is better, but when the stress level is higher, the high dosage of emulsified asphalt binder is more favorable, while the cement content has little effect on the fatigue property. (3) The emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixtures have relatively poor fatigue resistance, and their fatigue life is significantly lower than that of the hot mixed asphalt mixtures.

This paper focuses on investigations encompassing comparative assessment of gas turbine cycle options. More specifically, investigation was carried out of technical performance of turboshaft engine cycles based on existing simple cycle (SC) and its projected modified cycles for civil helicopter application. Technically, thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, and power output are of paramount importance to the overall performance of gas turbine engines. In course of carrying out this research, turbomatch software established at Cranfield University based on gas turbine theory was applied to conduct simulation of a simple cycle (baseline) two-spool helicopter turboshaft engine model with free power turbine. Similarly, some modified gas turbine cycle configurations incorporating unconventional components, such as engine cycle with low pressure compressor (LPC) zero-staged, recuperated engine cycle, and intercooled/recuperated (ICR) engine cycle, were also simulated. In doing so, design point (DP) and off-design point (OD) performances of the engine models were established. The percentage changes in performance parameters of the modified cycle engines over the simple cycle were evaluated and it was found that to a large extent, the modified engine cycles with unconventional components exhibit better performances in terms of thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption than the traditional simple cycle engine. This research made use of public domain open source references.

By 2020, Dutch dairy chains envisage to be self-sufficient with regard to energy used by dairy farms and dairy processors. This would require dairy farms to produce 25 PJ per year, possibly by a combination of wind, solar and biogas. This paper focuses on biogas. To evaluate the project’s viability we estimated the expected technical and financial performance of 4 types of business models, i.e. “CHP-farm”, “CHP-large”, “green gas” and “central upgrading of green gas”. Data stem from among others 23 biogas plants in the Netherlands. Anticipating that CHP-models and green gas models occur with a likelihood of 40% and 60% respectively, the total number of biogas plants would amount to 232 (1% of dairy farms), including a total of 5 million tons of manure per year (14% of all cattle manure in the Netherlands) and annual government subsidies of Euro 295 million. Aggregated annual profits are expected to be positive, but over the project’s total life time there is an expected deficit of Euro 262. For this to change costs of feedstocks or digestate disposal costs would for instance have to go down. Also fully switching to green gas models dampens the deficit. Results are used in current stakeholders debates on the organization of an “energy neutral dairy chain” in the Netherlands. Further analyses incorporating uncertainty around key technical and economic parameters including financial impacts of CO2-reductions are underway.

Background and purpose of study : analysis of IRAN premier league soccer players’ technical performance in season 2012-2013, using a computerized match analysis system (Borhan Mobin Development Management Co, IRAN). Material and methods: in this study, data were obtained from 120 players, who performed in competitions 90 minutes. The players were classified into 3 positional roles: defenders, midfielders and forwards. Technical performance variables analysis included: total passes, total successful passes, pass accuracy, total shots; total shots to target, shot accuracy, ball interception and ball losses. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Tukey post hoc test. Results : The findings of this study showed that players performed about 45 passes per competition. Midfielders and defenders had significantly higher number of passes than forwards. Pass accuracy was about 67% and there were no significant differences between positional roles. Also, the players performed about 0.8 shots per competition, forwards and midfielders had significantly higher number of shots than defenders. Shot accuracy was about 31%; midfielders and forwards had significantly higher shot accuracy than defenders. Forwards showed significantly lower ball interception and higher ball losses than other positions. Conclusion : The result of this study showed that there were significant differences between some technical actions in positional roles. Therefore, coaches can use this information for individualization of training according to playing positions and for optimization of training in the amateur game.

Este artigo examina as implicações da acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas para o aprimoramento da performance técnica em duas empresas de telefonia celular no Brasil. O estudo adotou uma perspectiva abrangente para capacidade tecnológica que vai além dos seus elementos convencionais, tais como sistemas técnico-físicos e capital humano, para captar a dimensão organizacional da capacidade tecnológica. Neste artigo examina-se atividade tecnológica - aquilo que a empresa é capaz de fazer tecnologicamente de maneira independente - como expressão da capacidade tecnológica. Para operacionalizar tal perspectiva, faz-se uso de uma métrica sistemática, compreensiva e calibrada para medir capacidade tecnológica na indústria de telefonia celular. A métrica identifica tipos e níveis de capacidades para três funções tecnológicas: (i) gestão de projetos; (ii) serviços; e (iii) equipamentos. O artigo faz uso de vários indicadores de performance técnica em nível das empresas estudadas (1993-200). Este estudo baseia-se em evidências empíricas de primeira-mão coletadas por meio de múltiplas técnicas durante extensivo trabalho de campo. A maneira e a velocidade de acumulação de capacidade tecnológica jogaram um papel crucial no incremento da performance técnica das empresas. O estudo sugere que, em um ambiente de competição acirrada, onde a qualidade dos serviços ao usuário é uma condição crucial para sua permanência no mercado, as empresas são obrigadas a desenvolver capacidades tecnológica a uma velocidade rápida para garantirem a melhoria de sua performance técnica - e a sua própria sobrevivência.