Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Pelvic floor muscle training can cure or alleviate stress urinary incontinence. This study aimed to evaluate maximum voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscle in sportswomen and verify the association with leg stiffness and muscle power, both maximal and submaximal. Methods: The sample consisted of 41 sportswomen between 18 and 42 years of age. Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured by the manometer. The sportswomen were instructed to perform 3 maximum voluntary contractions of the perineum, held for 3 seconds. Maximal and submaximal leg stiffness and muscle power were measured with a force platform, in two conditions: 1st condition was the sub-maximal, double leg hop test, which was performed allowing sportswomen to self-select their preferred frequency and 2nd condition was the maximal double leg hop test, which was performed asking athletes to maximize hop height and minimize contact time on the top of the force platform for 6 consecutive hops. Findings: Maximal and submaximal leg stiffness values increase with increasing age, weight, height, and body mass index, showing positive and significant (p <0.05) or close correlations. There are strong positive correlations between maximal and submaximal leg stiffness (r = 0.759) and between maximal and submaximal muscle power. Maximum voluntary contractions values decrease with increasing leg stiffness: the correlation is significant with maximal leg stiffness. Interpretation: Maximum voluntary contractions values decrease with increasing leg stiffness and increase with increasing muscle power values. If the training program aims to increase muscle power, it may also increase maximum voluntary contractions.

Abstract
Citizen engagement in building user-curated narratives of complex or long-lasting news stories has been the key foundation of the design and implementation of the Acropolis virtual environment. Previous user studies have shown, by positive evidence, that this goal can be pragmatically achieved, but the challenge now lies in assessing: a) the extent to which an environment like Acropolis can be used to empower citizens; and b) whether and how the tool could be used to support the work of professional curators. Findings from a focus group study highlighted the tool's potential to engage citizens with news, the usefulness of the environment to build virtual memories, and the convenience of using Acropolis to support professional journalistic work.

Abstract
We report the first findings of an empirical study aimed at investigating how COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the work practices and lifestyles of digital nomads (DN). To do this, we analyzed messages, questions and comments posted by digital nomads in a specific online discussion community of the Reddit social network. Preliminary findings indicate COVID-19 as an opportunity to test DN lifestyle by aspiring digital nomads who want to plan their careers and also present evidence of an overload of online channels for actual DNs. On the other hand, we found that much of the literature on digital nomadism is fragmented and scattered through different disciplines and perspectives, with a strong focus on digital nomads' lifestyles. In order to obtain a holistic and unified understanding of digital nomads, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to further conceptualize the phenomenon under study.

Abstract
Driver distraction is a major problem nowadays, contributing to many deaths, injuries, and economic losses. Despite the effort that has been made to minimize these impacts, considering the technological evolution, distraction at the wheel has tended to increase. Not only tech-related tasks but every task that captures a driver's attention has impacts on road safety. Moreover, driver behavior and characteristics are known to be heterogeneous, leading to a distinct driving performance, which is a challenge in the road safety perspective. This study aimed to capture the effects of drivers' personal aspects and habits on their distraction behavior. Following a within-subjects approach, a convenience sample of 50 drivers was exposed to three unexpected events reproduced in a driving simulator. Drivers' reactions were evaluated through three distinct models: a Lognormal Model to make analyze the visual distraction, a Binary Logit Model to explore the adopted type of reaction, and a Parametric Survival Model to study the reaction times. The research outcomes revealed that drivers' behavior and perceived workload were distinct when they were engaged in specific secondary tasks and for distinct drivers' personal attributes and habits. Age and type of distraction showed statistical significance regarding the visual behavior. Moreover, reaction times were consistently related to gender, BMI, sleep patterns, speed, habits while driving, and type of distraction. The habit of engaging in secondary tasks while driving resulted in a cumulative better performance.