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The data we present are part of the CUARENTAGRI project, which involves all archipelagos of the Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde). The project aims to: i) identify and evaluate the risks associated with the introduction of new arthropod pests; ii) study the population dynamics of selected arthropod pest species currently responsible for the damage of key target crops and iii) develop monitoring systems, based on prediction and/or population dynamics of the crop pests, creating warnings and a phytosanitary prevention system. In this contribution, we compile data for three Azorean Islands (Terceira, São Jorge and São Miguel Islands), where pheromone-baited traps were placed in pastures, potato fields and several orchards’ types (apples, banana, chestnuts, olives, orange and strawberry), during three consecutive years (2020, 2021 and 2022).A total of 114,827 specimens of insects (Arthropoda, Insecta) were collected, belonging to four orders, six families and ten recorded pest species. A total of eight species are considered introduced (Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar, 1824), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873), Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758), Cydia splendana (Hübner, 1799) and Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916); n = 84,986 specimens) and two native non-endemic (Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval, 1833); n = 17,465 specimens). This study intended to contribute to a better knowledge of the arthropods pests that can affect the Azorean crops and will serve as a baseline for future monitoring actions, pest risk assessments and prevention systems.

(1) Background: Among the myriad of injuries affecting football players, hamstring strains have emerged as a persistent and debilitating concern, underscoring the need for novel approaches to reduce strain rates. The current study aims to analyze the impact of improved running technique on reducing hamstring injuries in football players. (2) Methods: Twenty-two male < 19 years old footballers were randomly assigned to an intervention and a control groups (n = 14 vs. 8), the former performing a running technique program of six weeks. Three-dimensional kinematics, using a markerless motion capture system, assessed linear and angular variables during touchdown and toe-off instants to evaluate pre- and post-intervention. Independent and repeated measure t-tests and effect size calculations were employed. (3) Results: A decrease in hip flexion and thorax external rotation during the touchdown (−2.39° and −2.02°, p ≤ 0.05) and a decrease in pelvic external rotation and an increase in stride length (−3.22° and 0.06 m, p ≤ 0.05) during toe-off for the players that engaged in the running technique development was observed. (4) Conclusions: These findings emphasize the significant impact of improved running technique and sprint mechanics, suggesting a potential decrease in the risk of hamstring injuries during high-speed running in football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to assess (i) the load–velocity relationship during the box squat exercise in women survivors of breast cancer, (ii) which velocity variable (mean velocity [MV], mean propulsive velocity [MPV], or peak velocity [PV]) shows stronger relationship with the relative load (%1RM), and (iii) which regression model (linear [LA] or polynomic [PA]) provides a greater fit for predicting the velocities associated with each %1RM. Nineteen women survivors of breast cancer (age: 53.2 ± 6.9 years, weight: 70.9 ± 13.1 kg, and height: 163.5 ± 7.4 cm) completed an incremental load test up to one‐repetition maximum in the box squat exercise. The MV, MPV, and the PV were measured during the concentric phase of each repetition with a linear velocity transducer. These measurements were analyzed by regression models using LA and PA. Strong correlations of MV with %1RM (R2 = 0.903/0.904; the standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 0.05 m.s−1 by LA/PA) and MPV (R2 = 0.900; SEE = 0.06 m.s−1 by LA and PA) were observed. In contrast, PV showed a weaker association with %1RM (R2 = 0.704; SEE = 0.15 m.s−1 by LA and PA). The MV and MPV of 1RM was 0.22 ± 0.04 m·s−1, whereas the PV at 1RM was 0.63 ± 0.18 m.s−1. These findings suggest that the use of MV to prescribe relative loads during resistance training, as well as LA and PA regression models, accurately predicted velocities for each %1RM. Assessing and prescribing resistance exercises during breast cancer rehabilitation can be facilitated through the monitoring of movement velocity. Highlights: Movement velocity allows to precisely determine the relative load during the box squat exercise without submitting the patient to excessive mechanical and metabolic stress.From a practical perspective, we suggest using the mean velocity and a linear adjustment.This approach could provide an advantage over traditional assessment methods, enabling the efficient evaluation and prescription of resistance training intensity in exercise rehabilitation programs for women survivors of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future beyond fifth-generation (B5G) and sixth-generation (6G) communication systems require a higher quality of service (QoS) along with meeting multiple objectives and traffic demands. Consequently, new multi-antenna technologies and massive multiple-input-multiple-output (mMIMO) architectures have been proposed in recent years. This paper delves into the foundational concepts that form the basis for the design of two potential future mMIMO network topologies: cell-free (CF) network and its successor, the radio stripe (RS) system. Key aspects of the mMIMO and CF network concepts are addressed, along with a practical sequential implementation based on RSs. This exploration encompasses intricate details of the channel estimation (CE) phase, as well as the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmission and reception phases. We then focus on analyzing optimization concepts that underpin resource allocation (RA) algorithms, specifically those applied in UL power allocation and access point selection (APS) schemes in both CF and RS networks. This comprehensive understanding serves as a robust foundation for addressing the challenges inherent in achieving the conflicting B5G and 6G major key performance indicators (KPIs), such as enhancements on spectral efficiency (SE), power efficiency (PE), and computational complexity or load balance (LB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dancers require many specific dance skills of a ballistic nature. The design of supplementary training to improve the strength of the lower limbs and jump height is a relevant area of research. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the effect of plyometric training versus combined training on countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and sauté in first position (sauté) height and (2) to observe whether changes in CMJ and SJ were associated with changes in sauté in female and male dancers. Eighty-one classical professional ballet dancers (41 women and 40 men, age = 22.9 [3.7] y, body mass = 59.7 [8.6] kg, height = 167.4 [7.3] cm) were divided into a control group and 2 experimental groups: plyometric training and combined training. All groups followed their common routine of training regarding classes and rehearsal practice, whereas the experimental groups added 2 sessions (1 h per session) for 9 weeks of supplementary training. Significant increases (medium to large effect size) in CMJ, SJ, and sauté height were found in the pretest versus posttest comparisons for both experimental groups. Significant, very large correlations were found between the magnitude of improvement in sauté and the magnitude of improvement in CMJ and SJ. Plyometric and combined training programs are effective ways to improve jumping ability in professional dancers. The improvement in CMJ and SJ has a good transference on sauté 'performance. These findings support the use of traditional training methods to improve jump height in specific and nonspecific ballet jumping ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sprint kinematics have been linked to hamstring injury and performance. This study aimed to examine if a specific 6-week multimodal intervention, combining lumbopelvic control and unning technique exercises, induced changes in pelvis and lower-limb kinematics at maximal speed and improved sprint performance. Methods: Healthy amateur athletes were assigned to a control or intervention group (IG). A sprint test with 3-dimensional kinematic measurements was performed before (PRE) and after (POST) 6 weeks of training. The IG program included 3 weekly sessions integrating coaching, strength and conditioning, and physical therapy approaches (eg, manual therapy, mobility, lumbopelvic control, strength and sprint "front-side mechanics"-oriented drills). Results: Analyses of variance showed no between-group differences at PRE. At POST, intragroup analyses showed PRE–POST differences for the pelvic (sagittal and frontal planes) and thigh kinematics and improved sprint performance (split times) for the IG only. Specifically, IG showed (1) a lower anterior pelvic tilt during the late swing phase, (2) greater pelvic obliquity on the free-leg side during the early swing phase, (3) higher vertical position of the front-leg knee, (4) an increase in thigh angular velocity and thigh retraction velocity, (5) lower between-knees distance at initial contact, and (6) a shorter ground contact duration. The intergroup analysis revealed disparate effects (possibly to very likely) in the most relevant variables investigated. Conclusion: The 6-week multimodal training program induced clear pelvic and lower-limb kinematic changes during maximal speed sprinting. These alterations may collectively be associated with reduced risk of muscle strain and were concomitant with significant sprint performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ballet dancers are required to achieve performance feats such as exciting and dramatic elevations. Dancers with a greater jump height can perform a wider range of skills during their flight time and implement more specific technical skills related to the aesthetic components of a dance choreography. New findings suggest the relationship between force and velocity mechanical capabilities (F-V profile) as an important variable for jumping performance. A new field method based on several series of loaded vertical jumps provides information on the theoretical maximal force, theoretical maximal velocity, theoretical maximal power, and the imbalance between force and velocity (F-VIMB). The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of 9 wk of individualized F-V profile-based training during countermovement jumps (CMJs) in female ballet dancers. Methods: CMJ and mechanical outputs of 46 dancers (age = 18.9 [1.1] y, body mass = 54.8 [6.1] kg, height = 163.7 [8.4] cm) were estimated in a pre–post intervention. The control group (10 participants) continued with the standardized training regimen (no resistance training), whereas the experimental group (36 participants) performed 2 sessions over 9 wk of a training plan based on their F-V profile. Results: The experimental group presented significant differences with large effect sizes in CMJ height (29.3 [3.2] cm vs 33.5 [3.72] cm), theoretical maximal force (24.1 [2.2] N/kg vs 29.9 [2.8] N/kg), and theoretical maximal velocity (4 [0.6] m/s vs 3.2 [0.5] m/s). Significant differences with a very large effect size were found in F-VIMB (43.8% [15.3%] vs 24.9% [8.7%]). Conclusion: A training program addressing F-VIMB is an effective way to improve CMJ height in female ballet dancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paddling stroke rate (SR) is one of the key determinants of flat water kayak performance. The aim of this study was to analyse the way in which the kayak paddler changes the duration of the water and aerial phases due to the increase in stroke rate. Ten elite kayak paddlers (five males and five females) were analysed performing 200 m on-water trials in an individual kayak (K1), at four different stroke rates (60, 80, 100 strokes per minute and race pace). The duration of the water and aerial phases, SR and impulse were computed based on the data collected using the FPaddle system. Results corroborate the importance of reaching higher SR to increase kayak velocity (r = 0.904, p < 0.001). Both water and aerial phase durations correlated negatively with SR (r = −0.929, p < 0.001; R = −0.909, p < 0.001, respectively). However, with the first, the correlation was linear (r2 = 0.883), and for the second, the trend of relationship was curvilinear (r2 = 0.893). Due to differences in correlation, the results suggest that at high SR (above 120 strokes per minute) to continue increasing SR it will be more productive to reduce the duration of the water phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two top-level (10"04 and 10"13 in 100-m dash) and 2 sub-elite (10"97 and 11"44 in 100-m dash) male sprinters completed, after a standardised warm-up, various jump, sprint and weightlifting exercises in two consecutive days at the start of pre-season. Before and 30 s after the tests, the [La−] were measured with a portable lactate analyser. The top-level sprinters exhibited much larger [La−] than the sub-elite sprinters (< 5 mmol·L-1) after all the exercise tests. The maximum values recorded were 20.4 mmol·L-1 after the 20-m sprint tests for Athlete 1, and 22.4 mmol·L-1 after CMJ testing for Athlete 2. The greater Δ% were recorded after CMJ testing for Athlete 1 (from 1.9 to 13.6 mmol·L-1), and after the power clean test for Athlete 2 (from 1.4 to 17.6 mmol·L-1). These results suggest a different metabolic response to very short efforts (≤3 s) in top-level track and field sprinters. These findings reinforce the need to include lactate assessments, during training and evaluation sessions, to better understand the acute and chronic adaptations to training of sprinters of different levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]