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Strength assessment and comparison to normative values are an important benchmarking tool in human health and performance. However, population specific normative data are several decades old, lack information about adolescent and adult strength levels and are not representative of the strength levels of strength trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to develop contemporary strength norms for the squat, bench press, and deadlift using powerlifters competing in un-equipped, drug-tested competitions. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Retrospective data from global drug-tested, unequipped powerlifting competitions were collated with 809,986 samples (571,650 males, 238,336 females) included. Strength was assessed according to sex, United Nations age classifications, and competitive powerlifting weight class. Strength was expressed relatively (ratio of weight lifted/bodyweight) and computed for the 10th–90th percentile for each of the above categories. Relative strength was greatest for young adults (18–35 years; 90th percentile for squat [male: 2.83 × bodyweight, female: 2.26], bench press [male: 1.95, female: 1.35], deadlift [male: 3.25, female: 2.66]) before declining thereafter for all three exercises. Although lower than their younger counterparts, very old adults (> 80 years) had 90th percentile data for the squat of male: 1.72 and female: 1.01, bench press: male: 1.31 and female: 0.92, and deadlift: male: 2.30 and female: 1.68. These findings provide a comprehensive, accurate and precise representation of strength for drug-tested, unequipped powerlifters in each category and serve as a point of reference for other trained population groups. To facilitate uptake and ease of comparison, we have developed a freely available online tool (www.thestrengthinitiative.com). • Strength norms reported in practitioner textbooks are unsuitable for strength trained athletes. • Current strength norms do not account for adolescent and very old population groups. • Powerlifting athletes demonstrate relative strength values that substantially exceed previously published norms. • The norms established by this research are easily accessed and compared using the tool at www.thestrengthinitiative.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is conflicting evidence regarding whether regular running is associated with knee osteoarthritis prevalence. Previous evidence reports lower knee osteoarthritis prevalence in recreational runners compared with professionals (with a higher training volume) and controls (who have a lower training volume). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if weekly running volume is associated with knee osteoarthritis prevalence. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) were searched from earliest record to November 2021. Included studies must i) recruit participants who ran regularly and recorded weekly running volume; ii) include a control group (running <8 km per week); iii) record knee osteoarthritis prevalence (either by radiological imaging or self-reported diagnosis from a doctor or physiotherapist). Study bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Pooled effects were estimated u sing a random effects model. Odds ratios with 95% prediction and confidence intervals are reported. Nine observational case control studies with a total of 12,273 participants (1272 runners) were included in the meta-analysis. Most of the included studies were rated as having a very high (n = 2) or high (n = 3) risk of bias on the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. There was no difference in knee osteoarthritis prevalence between runners and controls (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.56 to 1.68). Runners undertaking 8–32.1 km (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.80), 32.2–48 km (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.48 to 2.31) or > 48 km per week (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.35 to 1.10) did not exhibit higher knee osteoarthritis prevalence compared with controls. It is unclear whether running volume is associated with increased knee osteoarthritis prevalence, future large-scale, high quality prospective studies are required. • It is unclear whether knee OA prevalence is increased in runners (completing any weekly volume) compared with controls. • Knee OA prevalence is not higher in subgroups completing higher weekly running volumes (compared with controls). • Effect CI's suggest those running >48 km per week could have lower knee OA prevalence compared with controls. • Pain and disability may be lower in runners (completing any weekly running volume) compared with controls. • Large scale prospective trials are needed to understand the relationship between running volume and knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of machined surfaces directly on ultra-precision turning machines yields to notable advantages, e.g. in correcting formdeviations without re-clamping. In the present work, a one-dimensional probe is moved by the machine axes to optically scan the workpiece. The integration and positioning methodology of the probe within the machine tool coordinate system as well as a measurement simulation model are presented. Simulations and experiments are conducted to identify the influence of positioning errors of the probe regarding the measurement results. The measurement error along the spindle axis, which mainly affects the measured form deviation, depends on the gradient of the geometry to be measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to verify the geometrical quality of a machined workpiece on the machine tool itself can be a crucial advantage in ultra-precision diamond turning. This paper presents a new positioning procedure for optical one-dimensional (1D) probes integrated on diamond turning machines with two horizontal linear axes and one rotational axis. A tilted flat, mounted onto the spindle, is used to determine the offsets between the probe and the spindle axis in order to minimize measurement deviations referred to probe alignment errors. An estimation of the positioning uncertainty, which can be specified to be less than 0.3 µm, is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global sustainable governance frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises are already being implemented by multiple actors. These frameworks emphasize the significance of meaningful stakeholder engagement for their effective implementation. Whilst acknowledging the shortcomings and inherent tensions of these frameworks within a neoliberal world order, we also feel it is appropriate to offer guidance in the hope of ensuring a more socially equitable implementation. We call for institutional investors and businesses to engage more with bottom-up approaches to stakeholder engagement where affected groups lead such initiatives. By doing so it would allow private sector actors to have 'meaningfully' engaged with stakeholders as opposed to merely listening. Ultimately, we contend, stakeholder engagement can lead to investment agendas to be included in people's agendas to improve their livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether five-weeks of concentric (CON) or eccentric (ECC) hamstring strength training have different effects on recovery from sprint running, eccentric strength and architecture of the biceps femoris long head (BFLH).Design: Cohort study.Methods: Thirty males (age, 22.8±4.1y; height, 180.1±6.4cm; weight, 85.2±14.6kg) were allocated into either a CON or ECC group, both performing nine sessions of resistance training. Prior to and immediately after the five-week intervention, each participant's BFLH fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA), muscle thickness (MT), peak isometric KF torque and Nordic eccentric strength were assessed. Post-intervention, participants performed two timed sprint sessions (10×80m) 48h apart. Blood samples and passive KF torques were collected before, immediately after, 24h and 48h after the first sprint session.Results: After five-weeks of strength-training, fascicles lengthened in the ECC (p<0.001; d=2.0) and shortened in the CON group (p<0.001; d=0.92), while PA decreased for the ECC (p=0.001; d=0.52) and increased in the CON group (p<0.001; d=1.69). Nordic eccentric strength improved in both ECC (p<0.001; d=1.49) and CON (p<0.001; d=0.95) groups. No between-group differences were observed in peak isometric strength (p=0.480), passive KF torques (p=0.807), sprint performance decrements between sprint sessions (p=0.317) and creatine kinase (p=0.818).Conclusions: Despite inducing significant differences in BFLH muscle architecture, there were no significant between group differences in sprint performance decrements across two sprint sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a predictive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity score for ileocolonic Crohn disease activity based on both subjective and semiautomatic MRI features.Materials and Methods: An MRI activity score (the "virtual gastrointestinal tract [VIGOR]" score) was developed from 27 validated magnetic resonance enterography datasets, including subjective radiologist observation of mural T2 signal and semiautomatic measurements of bowel wall thickness, excess volume, and dynamic contrast enhancement (initial slope of increase). A second subjective score was developed based on only radiologist observations. For validation, two observers applied both scores and three existing scores to a prospective dataset of 106 patients (59 women, median age 33) with known Crohn disease, using the endoscopic Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) as a reference standard.Results: The VIGOR score (17.1 × initial slope of increase + 0.2 × excess volume + 2.3 × mural T2) and other activity scores all had comparable correlation to the CDEIS scores (observer 1: r = 0.58 and 0.59, and observer 2: r = 0.34-0.40 and 0.43-0.51, respectively). The VIGOR score, however, improved interobserver agreement compared to the other activity scores (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.81 vs 0.44-0.59). A diagnostic accuracy of 80%-81% was seen for the VIGOR score, similar to the other scores.Conclusions: The VIGOR score achieves comparable accuracy to conventional MRI activity scores, but with significantly improved reproducibility, favoring its use for disease monitoring and therapy evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces a model for analyzing the constitution and effects of country images. The model combines well-established concepts from national identity theory and attitude theory with a model from reputation management. The model is operationalized and tested in two surveys. Results show how different cognitive and affective dimensions of the country image affect each other and how they ultimately bear on the facilitation of behavioral intentions. Lines for future inquiry in country image research are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have screened the genome of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum for gene models encoding proteins exhibiting leucine-rich repeat (LRR) structures. In order to reveal the functionality of these proteins, their amino acid sequences were scanned for known domains and for homologies to other proteins. Additionally, proteins were categorized into different LRR-families according to the variable sequence part of their LRR. This approach enabled us to group proteins with potentially similar functionality and to classify also LRR proteins where no characterized homologues in other organisms exist. Most interestingly, we were able to indentify several transmembrane LRR-proteins, which are likely to function as receptor-like molecules. However, none of them carry additional domains that are typical for mammalian or plant-like receptors. Thus, the respective signal recognition pathways seem to be substantially different in diatoms. Moreover, P. tricornutum encodes a family of secreted LRR proteins likely to function as adhesion or binding proteins as part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, intracellular LRR-only proteins were divided into proteins similar to RasGTPase activators, regulators of nuclear transport, and mitotic regulation. Our approach allowed us to draw a detailed picture of the conservation and diversification of LRR proteins in the marine diatom P. tricornutum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a gyroscope-free inertial measurement unit (IMU) that only consists of linear acceleration sensors. Only a simple matrix multiplication has to be performed in order to calculate the complete relative movement of a body. However, the precise positions and orientations of the sensors within the body frame have to be known in order to calculate the exact movement of the body. A simple and effective calibration algorithm developed in this paper can be applied to determine these parameters entirely even without any previous knowledge. Measurements on a 3D-rotation table were carried out to demonstrate the accuracy improvements after the calibration. Thereby, the RMS error of the angular rate was reduced by a factor of 2.8. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a new excess loop delay (ELD) compensated micro-electro-mechanical sigma-delta modulator (∑ΔM) incorporating a gyroscope in series with a second-order electrical bandpass filter. The bandpass filter is optimized for large ELDs and is realized in a feedforward structure. The ∑ΔM is implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) emulating continuous-time (CT) behavior in order to investigate the ELD effect. The digital setup gives also maximum flexibility in testing and characterization of different structures in a fast and efficient way. Measurements show stable modulators, with ELDs of nearly one time period of the sampled system, achieving in-band noise (IBN) below -60 dBFS. This paper demonstrates that the stability of ∑Δ modulators with large ELDs can be ensured with the new ELD compensation technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rationale and Objectives: To evaluate the performance of a prototype computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool using artificial intelligence techniques for the detection of pulmonary embolism (PE) and the possible benefit for general radiologists. Materials and Methods: Forty multidetector row computed tomography datasets (16/64- channel scanner) using 100 kVp, 100 mAs effective/slice, and 1-mm axial reformats in a low-frequency reconstruction kernel were evaluated. A total of 80 mL iodinated contrast material was injected at a flow rate of 5 mL/seconds. Primarily, six general radiologists marked any PE using a commercially available lung evaluation software with simultaneous, automatic processing by CAD in the background. An expert panel consisting of two chest radiologists analyzed all PE marks from the readers and CAD, also searching for additional finding primarily missed by both, forming the ground truth. Results: The ground truth consisted of 212 emboli. Of these, 65 (31%) were centrally and 147 (69%) were peripherally located. The readers detected 157/212 emboli (74%) leading to a sensitivity of 97% (63/65) for central and 70% (103/147) for peripheral emboli with 9 false-positive findings. CAD detected 168/212 emboli (79%), reaching a sensitivity of 74% for central (48/65) and 82%(120/147) for peripheral emboli. A total of 154 CAD candidates were considered as false positives, yielding an average of 3.85 false positives/case. Conclusions: The CAD software showed a sensitivity comparable to that of the general radiologists, but with more false positives. CAD detection of findings incremental to the radiologists suggests benefit when used as a second reader. Future versions of CAD have the potential to further increase clinical benefit by improving sensitivity and reducing false marks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many organizations struggle to meaningfully engage with their stakeholders on political, societal and environmental topics via social media. Often such discourses unravel into splintered and negative conversations, raising the question whether organizations can and should exercise some level of control and 'steering' in these conversations and, if so, how stakeholders would react to such 'top down' moderation. Existing studies lack empirical insights into the impacts of different levels of moderation in social media conversations on stakeholder attitudes. Two experimental studies were developed to test the effect of different levels of organizational moderation on stakeholder attitudes towards organizations. We show that increased levels of moderation negatively affect attitudes towards an organization, satisfaction with an organization's performance, and trust in the organization. Increased moderation also significantly undermines beliefs in the commitment of the organization to its stakeholders and control mutuality. This paper extends recent qualitative attempts to build new theory around stakeholder dialogues on social media by testing the effects of varying levels of moderation in such dialogues. • We offer an extension to recent theory on different modes of social media dialogue. • A study of the effects of different levels of moderation in social media conversations on attitudes of social media users. • Increased levels of moderation negatively affect users' attitudes towards an organization, satisfaction with an organization's performance. • When conversations are highly moderated by an organization, users show lower trust in the organization. • Increased moderation also undermines beliefs in the commitment of the organization to its stakeholders and control mutuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) is raising concerns regarding human autonomy, agency, fairness, and justice. While responsible stewardship of innovation calls for public engagement, inclusiveness, and informed discourse, AI seemingly challenges such informed discourse by way of its opacity (poor transparency, explainability, and accountability). We apply a deliberative approach to propose a framework for responsible innovation in AI. This framework foregrounds discourse principles geared to help offset these opacity challenges. To support better public governance, we consider the mutual roles and dependencies of organizations that develop and apply AI, as well as civil society actors, and investigative media in exploring pathways for responsible AI innovation. • Discussion of how AI challenges informed public discourse by way of its poor transparency, explainability, and accountability. • Proposition of a deliberative framework for responsible innovation in AI to offset these challenges. • Specification of roles of AI developers, civil society actors, and investigative media in deliberation for responsible AI innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]