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Keywords = technical–tactical indicators

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14 pages, 595 KiB  
Review
Modern Handball: A Dynamic System, Orderly Chaotic
by Sebastián Espoz-Lazo and Claudio Hinojosa-Torres
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073541 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 520
Abstract
(1) Background: Handball is conceptualized as a complex dynamic system characterized by emergent behaviors, non-linearity, attractors, and self-organization, influenced by players’ interactions, environmental conditions, and tactical elements. This perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptive strategies, and modern teaching methods like Non-linear Pedagogy [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Handball is conceptualized as a complex dynamic system characterized by emergent behaviors, non-linearity, attractors, and self-organization, influenced by players’ interactions, environmental conditions, and tactical elements. This perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptive strategies, and modern teaching methods like Non-linear Pedagogy for improving technical-tactical behaviors, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to deepen its understanding. Thus, this narrative review aims to explore how modern theories and approaches can be integrated to provide a deeper understanding of handball’s complexity from a broad and multidisciplinary perspective. (2) Methods: A narrative review approach was employed to integrate key concepts such as chaos theory, self-organization, and non-linear pedagogy as they apply to the game’s technical-tactical dynamics. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review to identify how emergent perceptual and social interactions influence collective performance. (3) Results: Findings indicate that team performance is not solely dependent on individual skills but on their capacity for synchronization, adaptation, and self-organization in response to competitive demands. Communication and internal cohesion emerged as critical factors for adjustment and autonomous decision-making, framed within Luhmann’s social systems theory. (4) Conclusions: The conclusions suggest that training methodologies should incorporate non-linear approaches that promote self-organization, adaptability, and player autonomy. This multidisciplinary perspective offers a deeper understanding of handball and highlights its applicability to other team sports, maximizing performance through an integrative analysis of social, philosophical, and communicative components. Full article
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12 pages, 1049 KiB  
Article
Technical, Tactical, and Time–Motion Match Profiles of the Forwards, Midfielders, and Defenders of a Men’s Football Serie A Team
by Rocco Perrotta, Alexandru Nicolae Ungureanu, Domenico Cherubini, Paolo Riccardo Brustio and Corrado Lupo
Sports 2025, 13(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13020028 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
The present study aimed to verify the (1) differences between players’ roles in relation to technical and tactical and time–motion indicators, and the (2) relationships between individual time–motion and technical and tactical indicators for each role in a men’s Italian football Serie A [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to verify the (1) differences between players’ roles in relation to technical and tactical and time–motion indicators, and the (2) relationships between individual time–motion and technical and tactical indicators for each role in a men’s Italian football Serie A team. A total of 227 performances were analyzed (28 players: 8 forwards, FWs; 11 midfielders, MDs; 9 defenders, DFs). Technical and tactical indicators, such as ball possession (played balls, successful passes, successful playing patterns, lost balls, ball possession time), offensive play (total and successful dribbles, crosses, assists), and shooting (total shots, shots on target) were obtained by means of Panini Digital (DigitalSoccer Project S.r.l). In addition, a time–motion analysis included the total distance, distances covered at intensities of 16.0–19.8 km/h, 19.8–25.2 km/h, and over 25.2 km/h, the average recovery time between metabolic power peaks, and burst occurrence, the latter of which was performed by means of a 18 Hz GPS device (GPexe Pro2 system tool) worn by the players. Results showed role-specific differences: MDs covered more distance, while DFs had better ball possession. MDs and DFs had more successful playing patterns, and MDs and FWs performed more dribbles and shots. Strong correlations (p < 0.01, ρ > 0.8) were found between bursts and assists for FWs, high-intensity running and ball possession for MDs, and distance, dribbling, and shots for DFs. These findings highlight the importance of individual and tailored training programs to optimize role-specific performance demands. Full article
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12 pages, 479 KiB  
Article
The Limited Impact of Running Performance on Football Success in the Turkish Super League
by Spyridon Plakias, Sotiris Tasoulis, Angelos E. Kyranoudis, Christos Kokkotis and Serafeim Moustakidis
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020637 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Given that performance in football depends on tactical, technical, physical, and mental skills, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in running performance between winning and non-winning teams in the Turkish League, taking into account the influence of [...] Read more.
Given that performance in football depends on tactical, technical, physical, and mental skills, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in running performance between winning and non-winning teams in the Turkish League, taking into account the influence of game location and the comparative quality of the team and its opponents. Utilizing a dataset from the 2021–2022 season provided by InStat Fitness, an optical tracking technology platform certified by FIFA, the analysis included 185 matches after adjusting for matches with red card incidents. The research employed both two-way ANCOVA and binary logistic regression analyses to explore the relationships between running performance (categorized into four intensity zones) and match results, considering factors such as match location and teams’ strength. The results of the two-way ANCOVAs indicate that running performance metrics, specifically the distances covered at different intensities, even in cases where statistically significant differences are observed, have small practical significance (partial eta squared ≤ 0.03 in all cases). Conversely, as shown by the binary logistic regression, home advantage triples the probability of winning (p < 0.001, Exp(B) = 3.119), while the increase in probability caused by team quality (p < 0.001, Exp(B) = 1.085) and the decrease caused by opponent quality (p < 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.911) are also significant. The conclusions highlight that running performance metrics are not decisive predictors of match outcomes in professional football. This suggests the importance of integrating tactical, technical, and psychological factors into team preparation and performance analysis. This study underscores the need for future research to adopt dynamic methods that reflect the game’s fluid nature and to explore these relationships across various leagues and seasons to enhance the generalizability of the findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance in Sports and Training)
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14 pages, 856 KiB  
Article
Technical and Tactical Performance in Women’s Singles Pickleball: A Notational Analysis of Key Match Indicators
by Iván Prieto-Lage, Xoana Reguera-López-de-la-Osa, Christopher Vázquez-Estévez and Alfonso Gutiérrez-Santiago
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010020 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Background: Pickleball has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, yet studies exploring its specific characteristics are scarce. This investigation provides a detailed notational analysis of women’s singles pickleball, evaluating the technical and tactical performance indicators in the game. Method: An observational methodology was [...] Read more.
Background: Pickleball has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, yet studies exploring its specific characteristics are scarce. This investigation provides a detailed notational analysis of women’s singles pickleball, evaluating the technical and tactical performance indicators in the game. Method: An observational methodology was used to analyze all points from five PPA Tour tournaments. The matches were recorded and coded using LINCE PLUS software, version 2.1.0, with a category system designed for this sport. A descriptive analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS version 25.0, and Theme 6.0 Edu software was used to detect gameplay patterns. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings indicate that serving players have a slight advantage, winning 55.1% of points. Most of the points were resolved through unforced errors, accounting for 63.7% of the total, primarily from forehand strokes in short rallies and backhand strokes in medium rallies. The most frequent hitting zones for point termination were near the non-volley zone (35.8%) and behind the baseline (38.6%). Conclusions: This study provides a deeper understanding of performance in women’s pickleball, highlighting technical and tactical patterns that offer guidelines for optimizing strategies and techniques in the sport. Full article
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20 pages, 14392 KiB  
Article
Online Estimation of the Mounting Angle and the Lever Arm for a Low-Cost Embedded Integrated Navigation Module
by Qinghai Wang, Peihui Yan, Jinguang Jiang, Dongpeng Xie, Yuying Li, Qiyuan Zheng, Hongbin Tan and Jiaji Wu
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(16), 3064; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16163064 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3918
Abstract
Multi-source fusion constitutes a research focus in the navigation domain. This article focuses on the online estimation of the mounting angles between the body frame and vehicle frame within low-cost embedded vehicle navigation modules and the lever arm between the global satellite navigation [...] Read more.
Multi-source fusion constitutes a research focus in the navigation domain. This article focuses on the online estimation of the mounting angles between the body frame and vehicle frame within low-cost embedded vehicle navigation modules and the lever arm between the global satellite navigation system (GNSS) antenna/odometer and the inertial measurement unit (IMU). An online mounting angle error estimation algorithm, using odometers and IMU speeds, has been developed to estimate the angle errors while vehicles are in motion. At the same time, an online estimation algorithm model for the GNSS antenna lever arm and odometer lever arm was constructed. These two types of lever arms are used as the estimated states, and then Kalman filters are used to estimate them. The algorithm can simultaneously estimate the IMU mounting angle error, GNSS antenna arm, and odometer arm online. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that the lever arm estimation algorithm presented herein is effective for tactical and MEMS-level inertial navigation, with an estimation error of less than 2 cm. Meanwhile, the proposed online estimation of the mounting angle algorithm has an accuracy comparable to that of the post-processing algorithm. After making up the mounting angle and lever arm, we found that the position and speed precision of the multi-source fusion navigation systems were significantly improved. The results indicate that the proposed online estimation of mounting angle error and lever arm algorithm are effective and may promote the practical and widespread application of integrated navigation systems in vehicles. It solves the shortcomings of traditional methods, including the cumbersome and inaccurate manual measurement of the lever arm. It provides a technical solution for developing a more accurate and convenient low-cost vehicle navigation module. Full article
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12 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting the Running Performance of Soccer Teams in the Turkish Super League
by Spyridon Plakias and Yiannis Michailidis
Sports 2024, 12(7), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12070196 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4512
Abstract
Performance analysis in sports is a rapidly evolving field, where academics and applied performance analysts work together to improve coaches’ decision making through the use of performance indicators (PIs). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting running performance (RP) [...] Read more.
Performance analysis in sports is a rapidly evolving field, where academics and applied performance analysts work together to improve coaches’ decision making through the use of performance indicators (PIs). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting running performance (RP) in soccer teams, focusing on low (LI), medium (MI), and high-speed distances (HI) and the number of high-speed runs (NHI). Data were collected from 185 matches in the Turkish first division’s 2021–2022 season using InStat Fitness’s optical tracking technology. Four linear mixed-model analyses were conducted on the RP metrics with fixed factors, including location, team quality, opponent quality, ball possession, high-press, counterattacks, number of central defenders, and number of central forwards. The findings indicate that high-press and opponent team quality affect MI (d = 0.311, d = 0.214) and HI (d = 0.303, d = 0.207); team quality influences MI (d = 0.632); location and counterattacks impact HI (d = 0.228, d = 0.450); high-press and the number of central defenders affects NHI (d = 0.404, d = 0.319); and ball possession affects LI (d = 0.287). The number of central forwards did not influence any RP metrics. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing RP in soccer, highlighting the complex interactions between formations and physical, technical–tactical, and contextual variables. Understanding these dynamics can help coaches and analysts optimize team performance and strategic decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
9 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
The Effects of the Use of Plyometric Exercises with and without the Ball in the Development of Explosive Strength in Volleyball
by Giovanni Esposito, Gaetano Altavilla, Giuseppe Giardullo, Rosario Ceruso and Tiziana D’Isanto
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030126 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
Volleyball primarily focuses on technical and tactical training with a ball. However, there is growing interest in integrating fitness training into volleyball practice, particularly to enhance explosive strength through plyometric methods, but there is a lack of a direct scientific comparison between training [...] Read more.
Volleyball primarily focuses on technical and tactical training with a ball. However, there is growing interest in integrating fitness training into volleyball practice, particularly to enhance explosive strength through plyometric methods, but there is a lack of a direct scientific comparison between training with and without the ball. This study aimed to compare the effects of two training protocols on volleyball players. One protocol combined plyometric exercises with technical gestures (wall drills) using the ball, while the other protocol excluded the ball during plyometric exercises. Twenty male volleyball players (aged 18.6 ± 0.3 years, height 189.8 ± 2.2 cm, weight 79.4 ± 1.6 kg) were divided into experimental (with ball) and control (without ball) groups. The analysis of the results highlights significant improvements in both the squat jumps (SJs) and the countermovement jumps with arm swing (CMJas) for both groups. While there were no significant differences between the groups for SJ, significant differences emerged in CMJas, indicating varied training effects. Specifically, the interaction effect was significant (p = 0.004), demonstrating a meaningful distinction in performance improvements between the two groups. The effect size of the interaction is moderate (ηp2 = 0.37, 95% CI: 0; 0.91). These results suggest that incorporating a ball into plyometric training can be beneficial for developing explosive strength in a different way, thereby improving performance due to the motivational stimulus provided. However, given the specificity of the sample and the training protocols used, further studies are needed to confirm these results and evaluate their applicability to a larger sample of volleyball players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Performance through Sports at All Ages 3.0)
12 pages, 2316 KiB  
Article
Technical and Physical Load Variables at Different Positions in U18 Semi-Professional Soccer Players: Differences between the First and Second Half
by José Carlos Barbero-Álvarez, Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda, Filipe Manuel Clemente and Francisco Tomás González-Fernández
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5811; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135811 - 3 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1260
Abstract
Among the many factors that can affect men’s soccer performance, technical and tactical actions can obscure relevant game data, even affecting specialists in both the programming and design of training tasks. We aimed to evaluate the technical and physical load variables of different [...] Read more.
Among the many factors that can affect men’s soccer performance, technical and tactical actions can obscure relevant game data, even affecting specialists in both the programming and design of training tasks. We aimed to evaluate the technical and physical load variables of different positions in U18 semi-professional soccer players and observe the differences between the first and second halves during 10 matches of the 2021/2022 Spanish Football U18 National League Championship. A total of 246 match records (10 matches) were collected from the 2021/2022 Spanish Football U18 National League Championship. Two teams participated, with a total of 49 athletes. Our study’s results indicate that, concerning technical performance, no significant differences between halves were found for goalkeepers, wingers, and forwards. However, significant declines were observed in the number of ball contacts, different actions per time, and possessions per time among central defenders, lateral defenders, and central midfielders. Regarding the observed physical load demands, it was noted that in outfield players, there was a significant decline in total distances covered at different speed thresholds, as well as a decrease in the number and distance of acceleration measures, most of which were lower in the second halves compared to the first, irrespective of playing positions. This study contributes to enhancing our understanding of the multifaceted dynamics of soccer performance and provides valuable insights for coaches, players, and researchers aiming to optimize player performance. Full article
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15 pages, 4424 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Options in Hydatid Hepatic Cyst Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Three Surgical Approaches
by Alin Mihetiu, Dan Bratu, Bogdan Neamtu, Dan Sabau and Alexandra Sandu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(13), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14131399 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2293
Abstract
Hydatid disease is endemic in certain geographical areas where animal breeding is common, frequently challenging the medical services in these regions. Hydatid cysts most often affect the liver, with damage to other organs accounting for around one-third of the total cases. The alternative [...] Read more.
Hydatid disease is endemic in certain geographical areas where animal breeding is common, frequently challenging the medical services in these regions. Hydatid cysts most often affect the liver, with damage to other organs accounting for around one-third of the total cases. The alternative to interventional or pharmacological approaches is surgical treatment, available in variants such as laparoscopy, laparoscopy with special instruments for hydatid disease, or open surgery. This article aims to analyze the outcomes of these three types of surgical approaches, considering preoperative indications, operative techniques and efficiency, and immediate and long-term postoperative results. A total of 149 patients from two different surgical units were analyzed over a period of seven years. It was observed that males were more affected by this pathology (53.02%), with the majority of patients coming from rural areas (62.42%). The distribution by surgical procedure type showed that 50.34% were operated on using open surgery, 33.56% by means of a laparoscopic approach with the usual instruments, and 16.11% by means of a laparoscopic approach with special instruments. The laparoscopic procedure with special instruments presented a lower rate of conversion to open surgery compared to the usual laparoscopic approach (p = 0.014). The analysis of the average operative duration revealed statistically significant differences between the three types of surgical techniques (p < 0.05), noting that interventions with specialized instruments had the shortest duration, while open surgery had the longest operative time (72.5 ± 27.23 min vs. 154 ± 52.04 min). In terms of intraoperative complications, they were documented in 8.34% of cases for the group operated on with special instruments, in 12.24% of cases for the standard laparoscopy group, and in 16% of cases for the open surgery group. Maximal cystectomy was the preferred method for resolving these cysts using minimally invasive surgery (p < 0.001), while Lagrot pericystectomy was preferred in the open approach (p < 0.001). The most frequent postoperative complication was biliary fistula (24.16%), encountered in varying percentages across each technique but without significant statistical difference (p > 0.05). Open surgery was associated with a longer length of hospitalization compared to minimally invasive procedures (p < 0.05), a higher number of late postoperative complications (p = 0.002), and a significantly higher number of recurrences (p < 0.001) compared to the other two techniques. The present study highlights the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery for hydatid cysts as a safe alternative with fewer complications and superior results compared to open surgery. Additionally, it provides a comparative analysis of these surgical approaches (special instruments, standard laparoscopy, and open surgery) to hydatid disease for the first time. Under the circumstances where pharmacological treatment is recommended as a supportive measure before and after procedures, and using medication alone as the primary treatment option shows only modest efficacy, there is a necessity to consider invasive treatment methods. Percutaneous procedures represent the least invasive form of treatment, yielding results comparable to surgery in terms of efficacy. However, their effectiveness is influenced by factors such as the cyst’s stage of development, its location, and the challenges in achieving complete intra-procedural isolation. Laparoscopy, particularly when using specialized instruments tailored to the tactical and technical demands of managing hydatid disease, serves to address the limitations of percutaneous methods. Open surgery’s role is increasingly restricted, primarily serving as a fallback option in laparoscopic procedures or in cases complicated by hydatid disease. In conclusion, despite the rising popularity of percutaneous methods, surgery remains a viable therapeutic option for treating hydatid disease. Minimally invasive surgical interventions are increasingly versatile and yield comparable outcomes, further solidifying the role of surgery in its management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)
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34 pages, 1965 KiB  
Article
Portfolio Optimization with Sector Return Prediction Models
by Wolfgang Bessler and Dominik Wolff
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(6), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17060254 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3472
Abstract
We analyze return predictability for U.S. sectors based on fundamental, macroeconomic, and technical indicators and analyze whether return predictions improve tactical asset allocation decisions. We study the out-of-sample predictive power of individual variables for forecasting sector returns and analyze multivariate predictive regression models, [...] Read more.
We analyze return predictability for U.S. sectors based on fundamental, macroeconomic, and technical indicators and analyze whether return predictions improve tactical asset allocation decisions. We study the out-of-sample predictive power of individual variables for forecasting sector returns and analyze multivariate predictive regression models, including OLS, regularized regressions, principal component regressions, the three-pass regression filter, and forecast combinations. Using an out-of-sample Black–Litterman portfolio optimization framework and employing predicted returns as investors’ ‘views’, we evaluate the benefits of sector return forecasts for investors. We find that portfolio optimization with sector return prediction models significantly outperforms portfolios using historical averages as well as passive benchmark portfolios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Portfolio Selection and Risk Analytics)
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10 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Correlations of Aerobic Capacity with External and Internal Load of Young Football Players during Small-Sided Games
by Yiannis Michailidis
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072258 - 1 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2478
Abstract
Aerobic capacity plays a crucial role in football performance, making it a focal point in training processes. Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in football training, but the relationship between aerobic capacity and running performance during SSGs remains unclear. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Aerobic capacity plays a crucial role in football performance, making it a focal point in training processes. Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in football training, but the relationship between aerobic capacity and running performance during SSGs remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running performance in youth football players in SSGs (4:4, 3:3, 2:2, 1:1) with three different pitch sizes per player (150, 100, 75 m2/player). Sixteen male U15 football players participated in the study. Players underwent the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1, and their VO2max was estimated based on their performance. Subsequently, players participated in SSGs wearing GPS devices to measure internal and external load. Pearson or Spearman correlation was applied for statistical analysis depending on the normal distribution of the data. The results reveal that, for 4:4 and 3:3 relationships, larger pitches led to a greater impact of aerobic capacity (total distance (TD): 4:4, 150 m2/pl, r = 0.715, p = 0.002; 100 m2/pl, r = 0.656, p = 0.006; 75 m2/pl, r = 0.586, p = 0.017). In the 2:2 relationship, the opposite was observed, with more correlations appearing on smaller pitches (TD: 2:2, 100 m2/pl, r = 0.581, p = 0.018; 75 m2/pl, r = 0.747, p < 0.001). In the 1:1 relationship, correlations with VO2max, total distance, and speed were observed only on the larger pitch. In conclusion, the aerobic capacity of young football players can influence running performance indicators in SSGs. Therefore, aerobic capacity could serve as a criterion for team composition, making SSGs more competitive. Additionally, the variation in correlations in the 2:2 relationship and their limited presence in the 1:1 relationship may be attributed to technical–tactical factors, such as increased ball contacts and one-on-one situations typically occurring in smaller setups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Movement Monitoring Using Wearable Sensor Technology)
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27 pages, 542 KiB  
Systematic Review
Cyber Threat Intelligence on Blockchain: A Systematic Literature Review
by Dimitrios Chatziamanetoglou and Konstantinos Rantos
Computers 2024, 13(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13030060 - 26 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6366
Abstract
Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) has become increasingly important in safeguarding organizations against cyber threats. However, managing, storing, analyzing, and sharing vast and sensitive threat intelligence data is a challenge. Blockchain technology, with its robust and tamper-resistant properties, offers a promising solution to address [...] Read more.
Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) has become increasingly important in safeguarding organizations against cyber threats. However, managing, storing, analyzing, and sharing vast and sensitive threat intelligence data is a challenge. Blockchain technology, with its robust and tamper-resistant properties, offers a promising solution to address these challenges. This systematic literature review explores the recent advancements and emerging trends at the intersection of CTI and blockchain technology. We reviewed research papers published during the last 5 years to investigate the various proposals, methodologies, models, and implementations related to the distributed ledger technology and how this technology can be used to collect, store, analyze, and share CTI in a secured and controlled manner, as well as how this combination can further support additional dimensions such as quality assurance, reputation, and trust. Our findings highlight the focus of the CTI and blockchain convergence on the dissemination phase in the CTI lifecycle, reflecting a substantial emphasis on optimizing the efficacy of communication and sharing mechanisms, based on an equitable emphasis on both permissioned, private blockchains and permissionless, public blockchains, addressing the diverse requirements and preferences within the CTI community. The analysis reveals a focus towards the tactical and technical dimensions of CTI, compared to the operational and strategic CTI levels, indicating an emphasis on more technical-oriented utilization within the domain of blockchain technology. The technological landscape supporting CTI and blockchain integration emerges as multifaceted, featuring pivotal roles played by smart contracts, machine learning, federated learning, consensus algorithms, IPFS, deep learning, and encryption. This integration of diverse technologies contributes to the robustness and adaptability of the proposed frameworks. Moreover, our exploration unveils the overarching significance of trust and privacy as predominant themes, underscoring their pivotal roles in shaping the landscape within our research realm. Additionally, our study addresses the maturity assessment of these integrated systems. The approach taken in evaluating maturity levels, distributed across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, reveals an average balance, indicating that research efforts span from early to mid-stages of maturity in implementation. This study signifies the ongoing evolution and maturation of research endeavors within the dynamic intersection of CTI and blockchain technology, identifies trends, and also highlights research gaps that can potentially be addressed by future research on the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue BLockchain Enabled Sustainable Smart Cities (BLESS 2022))
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11 pages, 858 KiB  
Article
Effect of COVID-19 on Key Performance Indicators of Spanish Professional Soccer League
by José Fernández-Cortés, Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona, David Mancha-Triguero, Javier García-Rubio and Sergio J. Ibáñez
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010035 - 21 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2378
Abstract
The unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis severely disrupted global sports in 2020, prompting lengthy suspensions followed by resumed competitions under abnormal behind-closed-doors conditions without fans. These disruptions necessitated tactical adaptations by coaches and teams, attempting to still achieve successful outcomes. This study investigates the [...] Read more.
The unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis severely disrupted global sports in 2020, prompting lengthy suspensions followed by resumed competitions under abnormal behind-closed-doors conditions without fans. These disruptions necessitated tactical adaptations by coaches and teams, attempting to still achieve successful outcomes. This study investigates the pandemic’s impacts on performance metrics and indicators within Spanish professional soccer. Utilizing systematic notational analysis, 760 match cases from the 2019–2020 La Liga season were examined, comprising 27 matchdays from the pre-COVID context and 11 after resumption. Multivariate tests identified significant pre/post differences and interactions for various technical indicators including shots, cards, corners, and offside calls. The pandemic was associated with a reduction from 12 to just 5 identifiable playing styles, suggestive of increased conservatism featuring more passive play, limited attacking depth, and horizontal ball movement. Such tactical changes appear provoked by condensed fixture scheduling post-lockdown, the lack of supportive crowds, and compromised player fitness/recovery. By quantifying these COVID-precipitated changes, the analysis provides tangible evidence for coaches to make informed adjustments in training and preparation for functioning effectively in disrupted environments. The findings emphasize that versatility and flexibility will be vital to optimize performance during times of unprecedented uncertainty. Full article
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12 pages, 777 KiB  
Article
Effects of a 6-Week Agility Training Program on Emotional Intelligence and Attention Levels in Adolescent Tennis Players
by Walid Selmi, Achraf Hammami, Raouf Hammami, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Ryland Morgans and Jozef Simenko
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031070 - 26 Jan 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2402
Abstract
Tennis can be a mentally challenging sport, and emotional intelligence (EI) contributes significantly to an athlete’s psychological well-being. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of a combined Change of Direction (CoD) and reactive agility (RA) intervention program on emotional intelligence [...] Read more.
Tennis can be a mentally challenging sport, and emotional intelligence (EI) contributes significantly to an athlete’s psychological well-being. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of a combined Change of Direction (CoD) and reactive agility (RA) intervention program on emotional intelligence (EI) in pubertal tennis players. A total of 28 youth tennis players, aged 11 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP-G, n = 15, 13 boys [age = 13.34 ± 0.98 years, maturity offset (MO) = −0.19 ± 0.96], and 2 girls [age = 12.77 ± 0.23 years, MO = 0.78 ± 0.04]) or a control group (CON-G, n = 13, 8 boys [age = 13.37 ± 0.75 years, MO = 0.00 ± 0.71], and 5 girls [age = 13.50 ± 0.92 years, MO = 1.41 ± 1.07]). The EXP-G performed combined CoD and RA training across the 6-week intervention period. The CON-G continued with the normal five 20 min regular tennis-specific training sessions per week, including technical and tactical drills and a small-sided games format. The overall training volume was similar between groups. Pre- and post-training, Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC, [EC TOTAL: global score of emotional competence level; EC INTRA: score of intra-personal emotional competence; EC INTER: score of inter-personal emotional competence]) and d2 attention tests were assessed. The present study employed an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test covariance to assess between-group differences (EXP-G vs. CON-G) at the post-test phase, utilizing baseline values as covariates. Noteworthy outcomes were observed, indicating statistically significant and substantial between-group disparities at post-test for various measures. Specifically, these differences were evident in the attention domain (effect size, d = 1.08 [Large], p = 0.001), the EC TOTAL test (effect size, d = 0.70 [Medium], p = 0.017), the EC INTA (effect size, d = 1.35 [Large], p = 0.001), and the EC INTER (effect size, d = 0.83 [Large], p = 0.009) tests. Due to the importance of agility training for overall competitive performance in tennis, our results suggest that young players should perform such training programs as part of conditioning training if the goal is to improve emotional intelligence and mental well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Exercise Performance)
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12 pages, 1070 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Technical–Tactical Actions in High-Level Table Tennis Players: Differences between Sexes
by Francisco Pradas de la Fuente, Miguel Ángel Ortega-Zayas, Víctor Toro-Román and Alejandro Moreno-Azze
Sports 2023, 11(11), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11110225 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3260
Abstract
Table tennis is a sport played at a high speed; therefore, the technical–tactical variables are very important. The objective of the research is to analyze the technical and tactical characteristics of high-level TT players according to sex. A total of 48 high-level players [...] Read more.
Table tennis is a sport played at a high speed; therefore, the technical–tactical variables are very important. The objective of the research is to analyze the technical and tactical characteristics of high-level TT players according to sex. A total of 48 high-level players (24 women and 24 men) participated in the present study. The investigation was carried out during two championships. The matches were recorded and subsequently analyzed by notational analysis. The results indicate that women stroke the ball more times during the rallies. In the men’s competition, the forehand technique predominates over the backhand technique. The flip was the most used in the male sex (p < 0.05). At the tactical level, more winning actions were performed in the men’s competition than in the women’s, both with the forehand and backhand game. Men performed more losing technical actions when using the forehand and backhand flips. The pivot footwork tactical action was higher in the men’s competition. The analysis of the technical–tactical actions highlighted important differences between the sexes. The predominant losing techniques among players are forehand and backhand flip. Female players use more defensive strokes, while male players use more offensive strokes, in particular the flip technique. The potential biomechanical progress of the male player characterized by a larger wingspan biotype could facilitate a better technical–tactical performance. The results obtained are of interest to improve the performance of the players as they must train at a technical–tactical level differently depending on the sex and style of play. Full article
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