A data-driven prediction model using numerical solutions is proposed for forecasting wave heights along shipping routes during hurricanes. The developed model can be used to determine the wave heights on a ship’s trajectory, considering a short time step of a ship’s operation. This research used an artificial neural network (ANN) multilayer perceptron model (ANN-based) to build a data-driven prediction model. A quadtree-adaptive model was used as the numerical simulation–based model (NUM-based). The proposed NUM-ANN model is an ANN-based prediction model that incorporates precomputed numerical solutions to determine the wave heights at sample points on the shipping line where buoy measures are absent. The NUM-ANN model is highly efficient because the input–output patterns used to formulate it can be generated in advance through numerical models. A shipping line through the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico was used for simulation. The 2005 Category 5 hurricanes Katrina and Rita were used for testing. Three buoys and three sample points on the ship trajectory were applied for modeling the wave heights. The results revealed that (1) for shipping-line buoys, the predictions made using the NUM-based and ANN-based models are satisfactorily consistent with the observed data; and (2) for the sample points, the predictions made using the NUM-ANN model are highly consistent with simulations made using the NUM-based model. Therefore, ANN-based prediction models can be regarded as reliable, and the NUM-ANN model can be effectively used in the real-time forecast of wave heights.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a popular exercise strategy in modern society, with the Tabata training method being the most popular. In the past, these training methods were mostly done without equipment, but incorporating exergaming into the training may provide a new option for muscle training. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the differences in upper limb muscle activation using an HIIT program combined with exergaming. Methods: A total of 15 healthy male participants were recruited for the study, and the differences in muscle activation were compared between push-ups and exergaming (Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure with the Ring-Con accessory) during HIIT. Prior to the tests, participants underwent pretests, including maximal voluntary contractions of various muscle groups, maximal push-up tests, and maximal movement tests using the exergaming device. The push-up and exergaming tests were conducted on separate days to avoid interference, with a warm-up period of 5 minutes on a treadmill before testing. Muscle activation in the lateral and anterior portions of the deltoid muscle, the sternal and clavicular heads of the pectoralis major muscle, and the latissimus dorsi muscle were measured during the maximal voluntary contractions and single-round tests for each exercise mode. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the variations in muscle activation observed across the 2 distinct modes of exercise, specifically push-ups and exergaming. Results: In exergaming, the number of repetitions for push-ups was significantly fewer than for single-site exercises across both exhaustive (mean 23.13, SD 6.36 vs mean 55.67, SD 17.83; P=.001; effect size [ES]: 2.43) and single-round (mean 21.93, SD 7.67 vs mean 92.40, SD 20.47; P=.001; ES: 4.56) training. Heart rate differences were not significant (all P>.05), yet exergaming led to better muscle activation in specific muscle groups, particularly the right anterior deltoid (mean 48.00%, SD 7.66% vs mean 32.84%, SD 10.27%; P=.001; ES: 1.67) and right pectoralis major (sternal head: mean 38.99%, SD 9.98% vs mean 26.90%, SD 12.97%; P=.001; ES: 1.04; clavicular head: mean 43.54%, SD 9.59% vs mean 30.09%, SD 11.59%; P=.002; ES: 1.26) during exhaustive training. In single-round training, similar patterns were observed with the anterior deltoid (mean 51.37%, SD 11.76% vs mean 35.47%, SD 12.72%; P=.002; ES: 1.30) and pectoralis major (sternal head: mean 53.27%, SD 10.79% vs mean 31.56%, SD 16.92%; P=.001; ES: 1.53; clavicular head: mean 53.75%, SD 13.01% vs mean 37.95%, SD 14.67%; P=.006; ES: 1.14). These results suggest that exergaming may be more effective for targeted muscle activation. Conclusions: In conclusion, HIIT can increase muscle activation in the upper extremities and can be incorporated into exergaming strategies to provide a fun and engaging way to exercise.

Pollution caused by marine oil spills can lead to persistent ecological disasters and severe social and economic damages. Numerical simulations are useful and essential tools for accurate decision making during emergencies and planning response actions. In this study, we applied the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) to determine current data, including seawater velocity, salinity, and temperature, and we obtained the fate and trajectory of spilled oil using OpenOil. Several probable oil slicks around Taiwan were simulated over time (12 months) and space (four spill locations in the marine area of each coastal city or county) using the model. The percentage risk under the effect of an oil spill is estimated. The risk zone of the coastal waters of Taiwan was identified based on the frequency of simulated oil slicks hitting the coast and sensitive resources. This information not only helps authorities guide the preparation of effective plans to minimise the impacts of oil spill incidents but could also be used to improve regulations related to shipping and vessel navigation in regional seas.

Background: Exercise offers substantial health benefits but can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, especially in high-intensity formats such as high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Exergaming has become an effective, enjoyable fitness tool for all ages, particularly older adults. Enzyme supplements may enhance exercise performance by improving lactate metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. Objective: This study investigates the efficacy of fruit and vegetable enzyme supplementation in modulating fatigue and enhancing aerobic capacity in older adults following HIIE through exergaming. Methods: The study recruited 16 older adult female participants and allocated them into 2 distinct groups (enzyme and placebo) based on their pretest lactate levels. This division used pairwise grouping to guarantee comparability between the groups, ensuring the integrity of the results. They engaged in HIIE using Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure, performing 8 sets of 20 seconds of maximum effort exercise interspersed with 30 seconds of rest, totaling 370 seconds of exercise. Key metrics assessed included blood lactate levels, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and training impulse. Participants in the enzyme group were administered a fruit and vegetable enzyme supplement at a dosage of 30 mL twice daily over a period of 14 days. Results: The enzyme group showed significantly lower blood lactate levels compared to the placebo group, notably after the fourth (mean 4.29, SD 0.67 vs mean 6.34, SD 1.17 mmol/L; P =.001) and eighth (mean 5.84, SD 0.63 vs mean 8.20, SD 1.15 mmol/L; P <.001) exercise sessions. This trend continued at 5 minutes (mean 6.85, SD 0.82 vs mean 8.60, SD 1.13 mmol/L; P =.003) and 10 minutes (mean 5.91, SD 1.16 vs mean 8.21, SD 1.27 mmol/L; P =.002) after exercise. Although both groups exceeded 85% of their estimated maximum heart rate during the exercise, enzyme supplementation did not markedly affect the perceived intensity or effort. Conclusions: The study indicates that fruit and vegetable enzyme supplementation can significantly reduce blood lactate levels in older adults following HIIE through exergaming. This suggests a potential role for these enzymes in modulating lactate production or clearance during and after high-intensity exercise. These findings have implications for developing targeted interventions to enhance exercise tolerance and recovery in older adults.

UNSTRUCTURED Extremely-low-volume high-intensity interval training (ELVHIIT) has become a popular exercise strategy in modern society, with the TABATA training method being the most popular. In the past, these training methods were mostly done without equipment, but incorporating exergaming into the training may provide a new option for muscle training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle activation in the upper extremities between ELVHIIT used in exergaming strategies and traditional bodyweight exercise. Fifteen healthy males were recruited for the study, and the differences in muscle activation were compared between bodyweight exercises (push-ups) and exergaming (Nintendo Switch Ring-Con) during ELVHIIT. Prior to the tests, participants underwent pre-tests, including maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of various muscle groups, maximal push-up tests, and maximal movement tests using the exergaming device. The push-up and exergaming tests were conducted on separate days to avoid interference, with a warm-up period of five minutes on a treadmill before testing. Muscle activation in the middle and anterior portions of the deltoid muscle, the sternocostal and clavicular portions of the pectoralis major muscle, and the latissimus dorsi muscle were measured during the MVC and single-round tests for each exercise mode. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences in muscle activation between the two exercise modes (push-ups and exergaming). Results: 1. The number of repetitions in the push-up exercise was significantly lower than that of the single-part exercise in the exergaming strategy, whether in the exhaustive training or single-round training; 2. There was no significant difference in heart rate between push-up exercise and exergaming strategy in both exhaustive training and single-round training, and the exergaming strategy had better muscle activation in the upper extremities for a single body part. In conclusion, ELVHIIT can increase muscle activation in the upper extremities and can be incorporated into exergaming strategies to provide a fun and engaging way to exercise.