Kaya University

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is widely practiced in combat sports, yet comparative data across sports and sexes are limited. This study aimed to compare RWL patterns, methods, and associated physical and psychological difficulties by sport and sex among elite Korean combat sports athletes. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 414 elite athletes from taekwondo, judo, wrestling, and boxing. Body mass was recorded before RWL, at the official weigh-in, and prior to competition. RWL practices, sources of information, and physical and psychological difficulties were assessed using validated questionnaires. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were performed separately for male and female athletes. Athletes engaged in RWL for an average of 6.53 days, losing 5.49% of body mass and regaining approximately 95% before competition. RWL duration did not differ by sport or sex. However, significant sport-specific differences were observed in absolute and relative weight loss and weight regain, with judo and wrestling athletes showing greater weight loss and wrestlers exhibiting the highest regain. No significant differences were found among sports in RWL methods, sources of information, or reported physical and psychological difficulties. Athletes predominantly relied on coaches and peers and commonly reported fatigue, dizziness, irritability, and impaired concentration. While RWL duration is similar across sports and sexes, the magnitude of weight loss and regain varies according to sport-specific regulations. Despite these differences, RWL methods and associated difficulties are consistent, emphasizing the need for evidence-based weight management and greater involvement of health professionals.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the effect of arch support taping on both subjective and objective assessments in elite adolescent taekwondo athletes with flexible flat feet. The study included 52 taekwondo athletes aged 16 years and older who were undergoing intensive training in South Korea in 2024. We used paired sample t-tests to compare changes in tarsal descent and balance with and without arch support taping. The foot function assessment scales were compared using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows version 27.0, with statistical significance set at α=0.05. The use of arch support taping in elite taekwondo athletes with flexible flatfoot resulted in a significant increase in the height of the medial longitudinal arch, as assessed objectively (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the overall stability index, the anterior-posteriorstability index, or the medial-lateral stability index during dynamic and static balance tests (p>0.05; overall). Additionally, we observed a significant improvement in the foot functional assessment score, which is a subjective assessment (p<0.001). Arch support taping has a positive effect on taekwondo athletes with flexible flat feet in their subjective assessments; however, it does not seem to influence objective assessments. This suggests that utilizing ALDT during competition may significantly improve athletes’ subjective factors, though it may not significantly affect objective factors such as dynamic and static balance.

Automatic clothing labelling in the e-commerce industry is an emerging field where deep learning techniques are proving invaluable. This research explores the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for classifying and categorizing clothing items. The study employs a modular ResNet-based approach, trained on the DeepFashion and Fashion Product Images datasets, to create specialized models for various attributes such as category, colour, gender, and additional clothing features. The models demonstrate strong performance, with accuracies ranging from 82% to 95%, indicating their potential for improving automated product recognition in e-commerce.

ABSTRACT Back ground Trophic feeding generally refers to providing small quantities of enteral feeding soon after birth. As a result this study is aimed to assess time to initiation of TF and its predictors among preterm neonate in Tigray region. Method A prospective, institutional-based follow-up study was conducted on 193 preterm neonates admitted to the Neonatal intensive care unit, with participants’ selected using systematic random sampling from a group of public hospitals. Data collection period was from December 20, 2024 to February 30, 2025. Data was entered into Epi data version 4.7 and then exported to STATA version 14 for cleaning and analysis. To compare survival curves, Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test was used, bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used, all statistical tests was considered significant at a p-value of <0.05. Result A total of 193 neonates were followed for 8382 person-hours of risk time and 173 (89.6%) of neonates were initiated trophic feeding. The incidence rate of initiating trophic feeding was 2 per 100 person hours’ observations with a median time of 45 hours (95% CI: 42-56). Birth weight <1500 gram (AHR: 0.16,95% CI:0.075-0.35), APGAR score at first minute < 7 (AHR: 0.46,95% CI:0.26-0.76),APGAR score at fifth minute < 7 (AHR: 0.38,95%CI :0.21-0.68,, having respiratory distress syndrome (AHR: 0.41,95% CI:0.25-0.66, and absence of Kangaroo mother care (AHR: 0.41,95% CI:0.21-0.77), were statistically Significant associated factors for the delay of initiation of trophic feeding. Conclusion In this study, a significant delay in the initiation time of trophic feeding and several predictors were identified. Therefore, health institutions should work on these predictors to shorten the initiation time and reduce complications associated with the delay.

This paper proposes an optimal control-based rendezvous strategy for fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR). The goal is precisely tracking a moving target while maintaining flight stability and avoiding predefined restricted areas. The controller optimally adjusts UAVs flight parameters to minimize trajectory errors and enhance robustness against environmental disturbances. A penalty-based method is integrated to prevent UAVs from entering restricted areas while ensuring smooth trajectory adaptation. The proposed approach has been tested in MATLAB simulations under multiple scenarios, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving stable and efficient rendezvous maneuvers. The results confirm that LQR-based control and adaptive penalty mechanisms offer a practical solution for fixed-wing UAV operations in constrained environments.

Aims To evaluate attendance rates, daily therapy engagement, parents’ perceptions regarding feasibility, acceptability, family-centeredness, and individualized outcomes of a collaborative telehealth-based physical therapy intervention for children with disabilities. Method Mixed-method design involving 15 families and 17 children with disabilities (range age 4–90 months). Parents recorded time spent on home activities. Family-centeredness was assessed using the Measure of Processes of Care-20-item (MPOC-20). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) were used to measure individualized outcomes. Interviews were conducted on families’ perceptions of the telehealth service. Results Parents attended an average of 8.29 out of 9 scheduled telehealth sessions and spent an average of 1.32 (±0.58) hours per day on therapy activities. Parents rated the services as family-centered “to a fairly great extent” or “to a great extent”. On average, children achieved individualized goals. Parents identified therapists’ collaborative behaviors and information sharing as facilitators, beliefs about their abilities and technical issues as barriers, and empowerment and active engagement as benefits of the telehealth sessions. Conclusion The family-professional collaborative telehealth physical therapy was perceived by parents as acceptable and feasible to address their children needs. Children achieved individualized goals and participating families actively engaged in the intervention process.

As society rapidly ages, older adults are becoming an important national issue. Health is a multidimensional concept and both objective and subjective health must be managed. This study investigated factors that influence the subjective and objective health of older adults. This study analyzed the data of 9391 people aged ≥65 years using raw data from a 2020 survey of senior citizens. The relationships among the characteristics of older adults, such as demographic variables, lifestyle, external activities, environment, physical function, depression, cognition, activities of daily living, satisfaction with life and health, perceived health level, and number of diseases, were investigated. Older adults who drink and do not exercise generally have good objective health but poor subjective health. Older adults who mainly engage in external activities tend to have poor subjective health despite good objective health. The factors affecting subjective health in older adults were depression, cognition, physical factors, activities of daily living, and satisfaction. This study identified the differences between subjective and objective health based on the characteristics of older adults. As many variables affecting the health of older adults have been identified, these basic data will help prepare various programs to promote a healthy life for older adults.

This study is focused on optimizing the production facility of Burta Enerji Yatirim A.S. (BE), a growing company in the renewable energy sector that is known for its pellet production. The project used advanced simulation software, FlexSim, to improve the efficiency of pellet production and the effectiveness of its logistics capacity to customers. Through detailed simulations, the research replicated complex real-life processes in a controlled and cost-effective simulated environment, allowing for a thorough examination of the facility's operational dynamics. The analysis identified significant bottlenecks, interruptions in workflow, and issues in capacity utilization, pinpointing the critical factors that influence overall system performance. By evaluating a range of production configurations, the research established optimal workflow management strategies aimed at maximizing production throughput. Furthermore, this study explored how strategic adjustments in the production line setup and logistics could significantly reduce operational costs and improve customer satisfaction, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable business model. This paper presents a detailed narrative on the use of simulation techniques to refine production and logistics operations, enhancing operational efficiency and service quality in the renewable energy industry.