Assessment of Changes in Executive Functions and Attention of Cadets as a Result of Military Parachute Jumping.

Objectives: This study analyzed the effects of parachute jump stress on the executive functions and attention of cadets. Executive functions, which includes processes such as attentional control and cognitive flexibility, are crucial for soldiers, especially in situations requiring rapid decision-making. Parachute jumping, as an intense stressor, mobilizes cognitive resources, which can lead to short-term improvements in executive functions.

Analysis of the Deterioration Mechanisms of Tools in the Process of Forging Elements for the Automotive Industry from Nickel-Chromium Steel in Order to Select a Wear-Limiting Coating.

This paper provides a detailed analysis of the operation of representative forging tools (in the context of using various surface engineering techniques) used in the process of the hot forging of nickel-chromium steel elements. The influence of the microstructure and hardness of the material on the durability of the tools is also discussed, which is important for understanding the mechanisms of their wear. The research showed that the standard tools used in the process (only after nitriding) as a reference point worked for the shortest period, making an average of about 1400 forgings.

Metastatic breast cancer patients' preferences for exercise programs: a latent class analysis using data from a survey in five European countries.

Purpose: We aimed to identify metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients' preferences for exercise programs and identify patients' characteristics associated with these preferences, to facilitate implementation of exercise programs for MBC patients.

Methods: We used data from a multinational cross-sectional survey conducted among MBC patients. Patients reported their preferred exercise frequency, intensity, type, session duration, and supervision mode.

Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors Participating in Early-Phase Clinical Trials.

Purpose: Financial toxicity (FT) adversely influences patient quality of life and is a barrier to clinical trial enrollment. Early-phase clinical trials (EPCTs) recruit patients who may have high baseline FT and require additional visits and procedures, potentially increasing FT.

Methods: In this prospective survey study, we sought to assess FT at baseline and after 2 months among patients with advanced solid malignancies participating in EPCTs.

Amplifying Cognitive Functions in Amateur Esports Athletes: The Impact of Short-Term Virtual Reality Training on Reaction Time, Motor Time, and Eye-Hand Coordination.

Objectives: Electronic sports (esports) have grown into a major competitive field in today's digital landscape, attracting the interest of established companies and evolving into a fast-growing industry. Cognitive function, including reaction time, motor time, and eye-hand coordination, plays a crucial role in e-athlete performance. This study aims to examine the impact of VR training on these cognitive functions in amateur e-athletes.

Gene Polymorphisms, Smoking Behaviour, and Personality Traits: A Haplotype Case-Control Study.

The factors influencing the development and maintenance of nicotine dependence are numerous and complex. Recent studies indicate that smokers exhibit distinct genetic predispositions to nicotine dependence. We aimed to analyse (1) the association between rs2551038 and cigarette smoking, (2) the association of between the rs3864236-rs2526303-rs2551038 haplotype and cigarette smoking, and (3) the personality traits measured by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory in cigarette users and never-smokers.

Changes in concentration performance and alternating attention after short-term virtual reality training in E-athletes: a pilot study.

In the dynamic landscape of e-sports, where intense competitive gaming demands high cognitive abilities, concentration performance and alternating attention play a pivotal role. E-sports encompass diverse genres, each requiring specific cognitive functions. Maintaining unwavering focus is crucial, as split-second decisions can determine victory.

The effect of EEG neurofeedback on lowering the stress reaction level depending on various stressors on the biochemical, muscular and psychomotor sphere: A preliminary randomized study.

Background: The human body is exposed to stressors on a daily basis. Short-term exposure to a particular stressor can cause the release of inflammatory markers - including c-reactive protein (CRP). EEG neurofeedback is a noninvasive form of therapy that aims to improve brain function.

The Gene rs2526303 Polymorphism and Its Association with Personality Traits in Cigarette Smokers.

The development of a substance use disorder (SUD) is a multifaceted process influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has suggested the potential involvement of the gene in various aspects of plasticity, mood regulation, anxiety-like behaviour, and stress-coping mechanisms. Moreover, personality traits are also recognised to be instrumental in developing substance dependency.

Possibilities of Increasing the Durability of Punches Used in the Forging Process in Closed Dies of Valve Forgings by Using Alternative Materials from Tool Steels and Sintered Carbides.

This study refers to an analysis of the durability of forging tools applied in the second operation of producing a valve forging from the chromium-nickel steel, NC3015. Due to the extreme working conditions of the tools, caused by cyclic thermo-mechanical loads, the average durability of tools made from tool steel WLV (1.2365) equals about 1500 forgings.

Possibilities of Increasing the Durability of Dies Used in the Extrusion Process of Valve Forgings from Chrome-Nickel Steel by Using Alternative Materials from Hot-Work Tool Steels.

This study refers to an analysis of the dies used in the first operation of producing a valve forging from chromium-nickel steel NC3015. The analyzed process of manufacturing forgings of exhaust valves is realized in the co-extrusion technology, followed by forging in closed dies. This type of technology is difficult to master, mainly due to the increased adhesion of the charge material to the tool substrate as well as the complex conditions of the tools' operations, which are caused by the cyclic thermo-mechanical loads and also the hard tribological conditions.

Analysis of the Methylation Level of the Dopamine Transporter Gene in Patients Addicted to Stimulants, Taking into Account an Analysis of Personality Traits.

Drug addiction is a chronic biochemical drug use disorder that affects the human brain and behavior and leads to the uncontrolled use of legal or illicit drugs. It has been shown that three factors are involved in the development of addiction: genetic factors, a diverse environment, and the effect of medication on gene expression. The comprehensive approach and holistic analysis of the problem are due to the multigenic and multifactorial nature of addiction.

Association between polymorphism rs6295 of serotonin receptor gene and personality traits among athletes of combat sport.

(5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A) and its polymorphic variants are highly important for athletes in different aspects, allowing us to hypothesize their biological influences. Hence, to investigate at least part of the relationship mentioned in the case literature, it was decided to study the association of the selected polymorphism with personality traits measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The participants consisted of 250 mixed martial arts (combat sport) athletes and 209 healthy male participants (control group).

Perspectives of patients with metastatic breast cancer on physical exercise programs: results from a survey in five European countries.

Background: To successfully implement exercise programs for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), services and patient education should consider patients' knowledge, preferences, values, and goals. Hence, gaining insight into their perspectives on exercise and exercise programming is important.

Method: In this cross-sectional survey, we recruited patients with MBC from the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Sweden.

Metallographic Evaluation of Increased Susceptibility to Intermediate Embrittlement of Engine Valve Forgings Made of NCF 3015 High Nickel and Chromium Steel.

This paper focused on determining the increased tendency of cracking after the die forging process of high nickel and chromium steel. The increase in carbon content in austenitic nickel-chromium steel promoted the tendency of valve forgings to forging intergranular crack on the valve head. Attention was paid to issues related to the chemical composition of the material to be considered when hot forming nickel-chromium steel components.

Structural Features of Fatigue Crack Propagation of a Forging Die Made of Chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium Tool Steel on Its Durability.

The paper presents the results of tests on a die insert made of non-standardised chrome-molybdenum-vanadium tool steel used during pre-forging, the life of which was 6000 forgings, while the average life for such tools is 8000 forgings. It was withdrawn from production due to intensive wear and premature breakage. In order to determine the causes of increased tool wear, a comprehensive analysis was carried out, including 3D scanning of the working surface; numerical simulations, with particular emphasis on cracking (according to the C-L criterion); and fractographic and microstructural tests.

Association of the rs3864283 Polymorphism Located in the Gene with Cigarette Use and Personality Traits.

Nicotine is the major reinforcing component of tobacco and it is believed that the pharmacological effects of nicotine motivate the initiation and maintenance of a smoking habit. HINT1 appears to play a role in the modulation of the effects of drug abuse. Hence, the aim of this study was the analysis of the association between the rs3864283 polymorphism of the gene and cigarette use; the analysis of personality traits assessed by the means of the NEO-FFI Inventory; the analysis of anxiety measured by the STAI questionnaire; and the analysis of the interactions between the rs3864283 and both personality traits and anxiety.

PERSPECTIVEs on supervised exercise programs in people with metastatic breast cancer- a qualitative study in four European countries.

Purpose: Supervised exercise is a potentially promising supportive care intervention for people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but research on the patients' perspective is limited. The aim of the current focus group study was to gain an in-depth understanding of MBC patients' perceived barriers, facilitators, and preferences for supervised exercise programs.

Methods: Eleven online focus groups with, in total, 44 MBC patients were conducted in four European countries (Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden).

DNA Methylation of the Dopamine Transporter Gene-Bliss Seekers in the Light of Epigenetics.

DNA methylation (leading to gene silencing) is one of the best-studied epigenetic mechanisms. It is also essential in regulating the dynamics of dopamine release in the synaptic cleft. This regulation relates to the expression of the dopamine transporter gene ().

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Visuospatial Memory Stimulation Using Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Cancer Patients-Pilot Study.

The prevalence of Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI) in cancer patients necessitates the search for methods to help stimulate cognitive function. An innovative and repeatedly used method in oncology departments is virtual reality (VR). To date, no one has used VR for head and neck cancer patients in an attempt to stimulate their working memory.

Comparative Analysis of the Wear of NC11LV and Hardox 600 Steel Used in Tools for Extrusion of Clay Strands in the Process of Producing Ceramic Roof Tiles.

This article presents the results of a comparative analysis performed with respect to the wear of tools used for the extrusion of a clay strand (for ceramic roof tile) made from two materials: steel NC11LV and steel Hardox 600. The aim of the studies was to determine the causes and mechanisms of wear as well as to evaluate the possibility of choosing the optimal material, mostly in respect to its resistance to intensive wear as well as an increase in the operation time. The results of the conducted investigations included: an analysis of the technology, thermovision measurements of the forming process, a macroscopic analysis combined with 3D scanning of the worn tools, ball-on-disc tests of the sliding wear resistance and hardness measurements.

Factors Influencing the Executive Functions of Male and Female Cadets.

Executive functions (EFs) are related to human abilities that allow individuals to achieve planned goals, contribute to creativity and the analysis of new ideas, and allow for adaptation to new situations in daily life. Thorough analyses of the factors affecting EFs can aid in the development of appropriate training programs for various social and professional groups, including the military. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the EFs of cadets (18 women and 108 men) studying at a military academy in Poland after the first and second terms of military training, and to investigate gender differences in the level of EFs, shooting performance (SP), and components of physical fitness (PF).

Low levels of discriminant validity between self-report measures of self-esteem, shame, and self-criticism: Implications for the measurement of self-evaluation and creation of the Negative Self-Evaluation Scale.

This article examined the discriminant and convergent validity of commonly used self-report measures of self-criticism, self-esteem, and shame. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using multiple self-report measures of each construct showed low levels of discriminant validity between self-reported self-esteem, shame, and self-criticism and instead demonstrated correspondingly high levels of shared variance. However, bifactor analyses on the items across each measure suggested that self-report measures of self-esteem, shame, and self-criticism may contain distinct characteristics that are underrepresented in current measures of each construct.