Impacts of ship emissions and sea-land breeze on urban air quality using chemical characterization, source contribution and dispersion model simulation of PM at Asian seaport.

Fine particulate matter (PM) emitted from marine transportation, bulk materials handling at the docks, and dust dispersion has garnered increased attention, particularly in the interface between port and urban areas. This study explored the inter-transport of PM between Kaohsiung Harbor and neighboring Metro Kaohsiung. Chemical analyses of PM samples from four sites include water-soluble ions, metallic elements, carbons, anhydrosugars, and organic acids to establish PM's chemical fingerprints.

Chemical fingerprint and source apportionment of PM in highly polluted events of southern Taiwan.

To investigate the spatial distribution and diurnal variation of the chemical composition of PM pollution in an industrial city of southern Taiwan, 12-h PM was diurnally continuously collected simultaneously at the Kaoping Air Quality Zone (KAQZ) during one highly PM-polluted episode. Water-soluble ions, metallic elements, carbonaceous contents, dicarboxylic acids, and anhydrosugars were analyzed to characterize the chemical fingerprint of PM. Backward trajectory simulation and chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor modeling were applied to identify the potential sources of PM and their contributions.

Skill level and forearm muscle fatigue effects on ball speed in tennis serve.

This study determined the effect of skill level (ITN 3 vs. ITN 8) on the tennis serve biomechanics and analysed the impact of forearm fatigue on dominant arm mechanisms between the two groups (expert vs. non-expert tennis players).

Forearm muscle activation, ulnar nerve at the elbow and forearm fatigue in overhand sports.

This study examined the morphologic changes of the ulnar nerve in different elbow positions by ultrasonography and the effects of fatigue on forearm muscle control during overhand movements. We enrolled 12 tennis players who performed flat serves and 15 baseball pitchers who performed fastball pitching. The motion capture was conducted with 14 reflective markers attached on anatomic landmarks of the participant for tennis serve and baseball pitching data collection.

Vertical stratification of volatile organic compounds and their photochemical product formation potential in an industrial urban area.

High emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the petrochemical industry and vehicle exhaust may contribute to high ozone formation potential (OFP) and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP). In this study, the vertical profiles of VOCs were created for the southern Taiwan industrial city of Kaohsiung. Vertical air samples were collected up to 1000 m using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Comparison of Ball-And-Racket Impact Force in Two-Handed Backhand Stroke Stances for Different-Skill-Level Tennis Players.

This study compared the kinetic roles of the upper extremities in racket impact force generation between the open stance (OS) and square stance (SS) for tennis players with different skill levels in two-handed backhand strokes. Twelve male tennis players were divided into an advanced group (AG) (L3-L2 skill level) and intermediate group (IG) (L7-L6 skill level), and their data were used in a three-dimensional kinetic analysis. Their motions were captured using 21 reflective markers attached to anatomic landmarks for two-handed backhand stroke motion data collection.

The effects of forearm fatigue on baseball fastball pitching, with implications about elbow injury.

This study investigated the contribution of flexor muscles to the forearm through fatigue; therefore, the differences in forearm mechanisms on the pitching motion in fastball were analysed. Fifteen baseball pitchers were included in this study. Ultrasonographical examination of participants' ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel with the elbow extended and at 45°, 90° and 120° of flexion was carried.

Lower Extremity Muscle Activation and Kinematics of Catchers When Throwing Using Various Squatting and Throwing Postures.

This study investigated the differences in joint motions and muscle activities of the lower extremities involved in various squatting postures. The motion capture system with thirty-one reflective markers attached on participants was used for motion data collection. The electromyography system was applied over the quadriceps, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles of the pivot and stride leg.

Comparison of dominant hand range of motion among throwing types in baseball pitchers.

Previous research on baseball pitchers' wrists, elbows, and should joints contributes to our understanding of pitchers' control over delicate joint motion and ball release. However, limited research on forearm, wrist, and hand joints prevents full comprehension of the throwing mechanism. The present descriptive laboratory study quantifies angular performances of hand and wrist joints while pitching breaking balls, including fastballs, curveballs and sliders, among pitchers with different skill levels.

Comparison of segmental linear and angular momentum transfers in two-handed backhand stroke stances for different skill level tennis players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences of momentum transfer from the trunk and upper extremities to the racket between open and square stances for different skill levels players in the two-handed backhand stroke. The motion capture system with twenty-one reflective markers attached on anatomic landmarks of the subject was used for two-handed backhand stroke motion data collection. Twelve subjects were divided into an advanced group and an intermediate group based on skill level.