Search

The color exhibited by tungsten trioxide (WO3) can be associated with both its stoichiometry and crystallinity. Correlation between the color exhibited by WO3 powders and their purity and crystalline properties is reported in this paper. The WO3 powders were deposited by evaporation of tungsten trioxide from the surface of a tungsten filament. The WO3 powders exhibited three different shades of blue: navy, royal, and sky. The color of the WO3 powders changed to white after thermal treatment at 500 °C for 30 min in an ambient atmosphere. Raman analyses showed that transition from amorphous to crystalline WO3 started when the powders exhibited navy-blue color and ended when WO3 powders exhibited a white color. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed particle agglomeration characteristics in all WO3 powders, even after they were thermally treated. The mechanism of deposition of WO3 from the tungsten filament was suggested to be governed by thermal evaporation of tungsten trioxide from the surface of the oxidized tungsten filament.

The p-n junction is the fundamental form of an electronic semiconductor device. A p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction diode was formed by using thermal evaporation and thermal oxidation techniques. Cupric oxide (CuO) films of 300 µm in thickness were obtained by thermal oxidation of Cu foils. Zinc oxide (ZnO) films of 30 µm in thickness were prepared in two process steps: firstly, thermal evaporation of Zn at atmospheric pressure, and then thermal oxidation to Zn films. The p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction diode was formed by performing the steps of ZnO deposition on the surface of the CuO films, and completed by deposition of silver electrical contacts on the top and on the bottom sides of the heterostructure. Structural, morphological, and electrical properties of CuO and ZnO were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Uv–Vis DRS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Hall effect techniques. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements were performed to the p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction diode. Structural characterization to CuO confirmed that pure, crystalline and (111) textured films can be obtained by thermal oxidation of Cu. ZnO films showed a polycrystalline structure without preferred orientation. The band gap of CuO and ZnO were 1.51 and 3.21 eV, respectively. Cross-sectional SEM and TEM images confirmed the formation of the p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction diode. Hall measurements confirmed the p-type conductivity of CuO and the n-type conductivity of ZnO. Also, the carrier concentration and Hall mobility of CuO films were 9.54 × 1012 cm−3 and 267 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. ZnO films exhibited a carrier concentration and Hall mobility of 3.69 × 1012 cm−3 and 22.18 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. The I-V measurement showed that the p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction exhibits a low turn-on voltage of about 0.8 V and a breakdown voltage of about 38 V. Electrical parameter such as rectification ratio and ideality factor were also calculated. An energy band-diagram of the CuO/ZnO heterojunction was proposed, where a built-in voltage of 0.57 eV was observed.

Objetivos: Determinar los cambios que se producen en la condición física a lo largo de dos años de seguimiento en octogenarios y comprobar si un estilo de vida sedentario modifica estas variaciones. Metodología: La condición física de 182 sujetos (48 hombres, 134 mujeres) con una media de edad de 82,3 ± 2,3 años se evaluó mediante 8 test (adaptados de las baterías "Senior Fitness Test" y "Eurofit"). Se realizó un análisis de medidas repetidas entre los dos periodos de evaluación y para ver las diferencias de condición física entre los sujetos considerados sedentarios (permanecían sentados > 4 horas/día) y no sedentarios (permanecían sentados < 4 horas/día) Resultados: Entre las dos evaluaciones encontramos un descenso significativo en los test de agilidad (p < 0,05), velocidad (p < 0,01) y resistencia (p < 0,01) y un ligero aumento de la fuerza de brazos en los sujetos que permanecían sentados < 4 horas/día (p < 0,05). Aquellos que permanecían sentados > 4 horas/día sufrieron un descenso de la agilidad (p < 0,05). Se produjo una pérdida de velocidad y resistencia tanto en sedentarios como en no sedentarios (p < 0,05). Conclusión: En dos años de seguimiento, se producen cambios negativos en el nivel de condición física en personas octogenarias. Periodos prolongados de sedestación se traducen en una pérdida de agilidad. La velocidad de la marcha y resistencia parecen ser los componentes de la condición física más afectados por el proceso de envejecimiento en este grupo poblacional y su pérdida no viene determinada por las horas diarias de sedestación.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la utilidad de diferentes test de condición física para detectar el riesgo de sufrir obesidad sarcopénica (OS) en octogenarios. Métodos: 306 sujetos (76 hombres, 230 mujeres) con una media de edad de 82,5 ± 2,3 años, del total de la muestra del Proyecto Multi-céntrico EXERNET cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La composición corporal se evaluó en todos los sujetos mediante impedancia bioeléctrica. Se crearon 4 grupos basados en el porcentaje de masa grasa y masa muscular: 1) normal, 2) elevada masa grasa, 3) baja masa muscular y 4) OS. La condición física fue evaluada utilizando 8 test diferentes adaptados de las baterías "Senior Fitness Test" y "Eurofit" (batería EXERNET). La probabilidad de padecer OS en función del nivel de condición física se estudió mediante regresión logística. Resultados: Entre las pruebas de condición física estudiadas, los test que mejor predecían el riesgo de sufrir OS fueron la falta de fuerza de piernas, fuerza de brazos, agilidad, velocidad y equilibrio en hombres; 95% CI [(0,6060,957); (0,496-0,882); (1,116-3,636); (1,060-1,825); (0,913-1,002); todos p < 0,05, excepto el test de equilibrio (p = 0,07)] y los test de equilibrio y agilidad en las mujeres; 95% CI [(0,928-1,002); (0,983-1,408), (ambos p = 0,07)]. Conclusión: Niveles adecuados de condición física se asocian a una menor probabilidad de sufrir OS. Algunos test sencillos de condición física podrían ser útiles para la detección de la OS en los casos en los que no se disponga de los métodos de evaluación corporal requeridos para su diagnóstico.

ResuemnEl objetivo del estudio fue analizar la influencia de la tecnología de las fotocélulas en el registro de tiempo y su fiabilidad durante de carreras de velocidad de corta distancia. Participaron 25 estudiantes (20.5±0.5 años; 1.78±0.02 m; 77.5±1.8 kg) que fueron evaluados en 3 días (2 de familiarización y 1 de test). Se registraron aleatoriamente 3 carreras de aceleración y 3 velocidad lanzada, cronometradas simultáneamente a los 5, 10 y 15 m por dos sistemas de fotocélulas DSD Laser System®: haz simple y doble haz. El tipo de fotocélulas utilizadas influyó en el tiempo de carrera (F=11.92 y p 0.80) a los 10 y 5 m, respectivamente. En la carrera lanzada ambos sistemas midieron prácticamente igual (diferencias de ~0.005 s), obteniendo registros fiables a los 15 y 10 m, respectivamente. En conclusión, en carreras de aceleración la distancia mínima a registrar con haz simple debe ser de 10 m, y de 5 m con haz doble, mientras que en carreras lanzadas deberían utilizarse unas distancias mínimas de 15 y 10 m, respectivamente. Futuros estudios deberían analizar la distancia óptima a la primera fotocélula en las carreras de aceleración, para aumentar la fiabilidad de la medición y facilitar la comparación entre registros de diferentes estudios.AbstractThe purpose was to analyze the influence of the timing gates’ technology on both running time performance and its reliability during short sprint distances. Twenty-five physical students participated (20.5±0.5 yr; 1.78±0.02 m; 77.5±1.8 kg), whose were evaluated during 3 separate days (2 familiarization sessions and 1 testing session). Three standing-start and 3 flying-start runs were randomized and simultaneously registered at 5, 10 and 15 m by two timing gates DSD Laser System®: single- and dual-beam. The type of timing gates affected the performance (F=11.92 y p0.80) at the distances of 10 and 5 m, respectively. During the flying-start runs, both systems obtained a very similar registry (differences of ~0.005 s), and the reliability was acceptable at the distances of 15 and 10 m, respectively. In conclusion, during the standing-start runs the minimum distance to registry the performance with a single-beam system should be 10 m, and 5 m with a dual-beam system. During the flying-start runs these distances should be 15 and 10 m, respectively. Further studies should analyze the optimal distance to the first timing gate during the standing-start runs, in order to improve the reliability and to compare the performances which were obtained in different studies.

Researchers have related the manufacturing technique of plasters and stucco in the Maya area with their period of production but not with their architectural function. In this paper, we establish a relationship between those three features (manufacturing technique, age, and architectural function) in the plasters of the Maya site of Dzibanché in southern Quintana Roo. Dzibanché has abundant remains of stuccos and plasters found mainly in three buildings (Plaza Pom, Pequeña Acrópolis, and Structure 2). We used thin sections, SEM and XRD, and archaeomagnetic dating processes. The pictorial layer of Structure 2 was the earliest (AD 274–316 and the stuccoes and plasters of the other two buildings were dated to the Middle Classic (AD 422–531), but we obtained different archaeomagnetic dates for the red pigment layers found in the buildings of the Pequeña Acrópolis and thus we were able to determine their chronological order of construction. The raw materials and proportions were carefully chosen to fulfil the mechanical necessities of the architectonic function: different proportions were found in plasters of floors, in the external walls, and inside the buildings; differences between earlier and later plasters were also detected.

BackgroundThe elderly EXERNET multi-centre study aims to collect normative anthropometric data for old functionally independent adults living in Spain.PurposeTo describe the standardization process and reliability of the anthropometric measurements carried out in the pilot study and during the final workshop, examining both intra- and inter-rater errors for measurements.Materials and methodsA total of 98 elderly from five different regions participated in the intra-rater error assessment, and 10 different seniors living in the city of Toledo (Spain) participated in the inter-rater assessment. We examined both intra- and inter-rater errors for heights and circumferences.ResultsFor height, intra-rater technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were smaller than 0.25 cm. For circumferences and knee height, TEMs were smaller than 1 cm, except for waist circumference in the city of Cáceres. Reliability for heights and circumferences was greater than 98% in all cases. Inter-rater TEMs were 0.61 cm for height, 0.75 cm for knee-height and ranged between 2.70 and 3.09 cm for the circumferences measured. Inter-rater reliabilities for anthropometric measurements were always higher than 90%.ConclusionThe harmonization process, including the workshop and pilot study, guarantee the quality of the anthropometric measurements in the elderly EXERNET multi-centre study. High reliability and low TEM may be expected when assessing anthropometry in elderly population.

Resumen Ante los impactos adversos del cambio climático, este estudio analiza el caso del desplazamiento de la comunidad de “El Bosque” en Tabasco, donde convergen múltiples vulnerabilidades. No obstante, este artículo hace énfasis en la vulnerabilidad institucional, identificada como un obstáculo que impide la adaptación y la resiliencia para evitar o reducir los movimientos poblacionales, siendo a su vez un factor que interviene en la transgresión de los derechos humanos de los afectados. En este contexto, el enfoque se centra en las deficiencias institucionales que tienen que ver con la atención del desplazamiento climático interno, su proceso de reubicación y la garantía del derecho humano a la vivienda, un derecho ventana que, adecuadamente protegido, bien podría prevenir las condiciones que provocan la movilidad humana y, en su caso, garantizar a las personas afectadas su reubicación efectiva y digna.

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad que afecta a millones de personas hoy en día, presentando una gama de complicaciones, tanto crónicas como agudas. Una de las más importantes debido a la severidad del cuadro y complejidad del tratamiento es la cetoacidosis diabética (CAD). Dicho cuadro se puede llegar a dar tanto en pacientes conocidos diabéticos, como en pacientes que debutan con su enfermedad mediante una CAD; frecuentemente originada por un factor desencadenante. Dichos factores originan un desbalance en los requerimientos metabólicos del organismo ocasionando un desplazamiento hormonal que culmina en una deficiencia de insulina y un aumento de las hormonas contrarreguladoras. Es de primordial importancia reconocer la CAD la cual se va a presentar por la siguiente triada: a) hiperglucemia >300 mg/dl, b) acidosis metabólica con pH < 7.3, HCO3

La promoción de nuevos emprendimientos es uno de los pilares básicos y eje estratégico para generar inclusión social, oportunidades laborales, innovación, desarrollo económico y social en las economías latinoamericanas; siendo para muchos jóvenes latinoamericanos la única opción de obtener un ingreso decente. Los niveles de desempleo juvenil en el año 2020, en gran parte de las economías de la región, superan el 20%, por lo que resulta urgente identificar alternativas de generación de empleo, que permitan mejorar la calidad de vida de la población en general y de los jóvenes en particular. El análisis se basa en la revisión documental de las fuentes técnico científico relacionadas con desempleo juvenil y el emprendimiento como alternativa al fenómeno; especialmente con datos de los reportes recientes (entre los años 2018 al 2021). El desempleo en la población joven es un problema generalizado que afecta a los países de la región latinoamericana, lo cual se asentó con la pandemia del COVID-19. El emprendimiento es una herramienta clave para atender directamente la problemática del desempleo y los creados por personas jóvenes están generando fuentes de empleo en los países latinoamericanos.

En el ejercicio de la medicina es de vital importancia conocer y manejar de manera eficaz la vía aérea de un paciente, todo esto debido a la preponderancia que posee y posible desenlace fatal ante un compromiso crítico del mismo. En ocasiones dependiendo del deterioro y la condición del paciente se amerita de un manejo invasivo de dicha vía aérea, motivo por el cual se han creado técnicas y procedimientos estandarizados para un abordaje adecuado, como lo es la secuencia rápida de intubación. Dicha estrategia a realizar en un paciente crítico consta de una serie de pasos, en los cuales se desarrolla cada uno desde los previos a la inducción más la colocación de un bloqueador neuromuscular, a la posicionamiento del tubo endotraqueal y a ciertos cuidados posteriores del mismo. Se ha demostrado que mediante el conocimiento detallado de dicho método aunado al expertise por parte del clínico, aumenta la probabilidad de éxito en dicho abordaje invasivo de la vía aérea.

Se define como paciente politraumatizado a todo aquel paciente que presenta dos o más lesiones traumáticas graves, que conllevan a disfunción orgánica y compromiso hemodinámico llegando a comprometer la vida. A nivel mundial constituye un problema grave de salud pública, siendo la principal causa de muerte en personas menores de 45 años en todo el mundo. Dentro de las principales etiologías de muerte en el paciente politraumatizado destacan las lesiones a nivel del sistema nervioso central y las hemorragias. Tiene una mortalidad con una distribución trimodal; inmediata, precoz y tardía. La mayoría de estas muertes tienen un origen accidental, siendo los accidentes de tráfico y los accidentes laborales las causas más frecuentes. Los índices de severidad en trauma son una serie de escalas para evaluar alteraciones anatómicas y/o fisiológicas y de esta manera poder establecer prioridad de atención a los pacientes con lesiones más graves y al mismo tiempo calcular la probabilidad de supervivencia del paciente así como su pronóstico, contribuyendo significativamente en la organización del manejo del paciente politraumatizado.

La Asociación Internacional para el Estudio del Dolor, define el dolor como una experiencia sensorial y emocional desagradable, asociada a un daño tisular real o potencial. A nivel mundial es considerado un problema de salud pública importante, siendo una de las principales causas de atención médica en los centros de salud tanto públicos como privados. Además repercute directamente sobre la calidad de vida de la persona que lo padece, principalmente en los ámbitos laboral, social y económico. El dolor desempeña una función biológica actuando como mecanismo de defensa del organismo. Se estima que aproximadamente un 60% de la población ha presentado dolor al menos una vez en su vida. El dolor puede categorizarse según distintos criterios de acuerdo a las características que presente dentro de las que destacan; el tiempo de duración clasificándolo en agudo o crónico, fisiopatológicamente en nociceptivo o neuropático y por localización en somático o visceral. El proceso neuronal del dolor tiene una alta complejidad y va a depender según cada individuo. Además es fundamental la participación de nocireceptores, que son los receptores encargados de transmitir el estímulo doloroso hasta la médula espinal, posteriormente al tálamo y finalmente al sistema nervioso central, específicamente a la corteza somatosensorial. Existen cuatro fenómenos que participan en el proceso nociceptivo los cuales son: transducción, transmisión, modulación y percepción. Para el manejo del dolor existen diferentes opciones terapéuticas que se pueden dividir en farmacológicas y no farmacológicas. La estrategia no farmacológica de mayor relevancia es la fisioterapia, mientras que las medidas farmacológicas están basadas en la escala analgésica de la OMS.

Purpose: To assess the relationship and prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with poor final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after surgical repair of open globe injuries (OGI) in adults.Design: Retrospective analysis of data from an ongoing prospective cohort of consecutive patients.Methods: In a tertiary university hospital, 197 eyes of 197 patients were included between 2013 and 2017. NLR and PLR were obtained from pre-operative blood tests to analyze its relationship with poor final BCVA.Results: Severe visual impairment (SVI) was defined as ≤20/200, and was observed in 96 (48.7%) patients after surgical repair of OGI. SVI patients had higher NLR (7.4 ± 6.6 vs. 4.0 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), and PLR (167 ± 92 vs. 139 ± 64; p = 0.021) than non-SVI. NLR ≥ 3.47 and PLR ≥ 112.2 were the best cut-off values for SVI, were univariate risk factors for SVI, and had sensitivity: 69.0, 71.4, and specificity: 63.6, 44.8, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only OTS, athalamia, and hyphema remained as risk factors. NLR had significant correlation with ocular trauma score (OTS) (r = −0.389, p < 0.001) and final BCVA (r = 0.345, p < 0.001).Limitations: Simultaneous trauma in other parts of the body that could influence the laboratory findings.Conclusion: Patients with SVI after a repaired OGI had increased pre-operative NLR and PLR levels. High NLR and PLR are risk factors for SVI in univariate analysis. It is confirmed that low OTS is a risk factor for SVI. High NLR and PLR could be used as a prognostic tool to identify patients at higher risk for SVI after repair of OGI.

As a cultural institution, the press plays a fundamental role in documenting and forging the public image of migrants. This paper analyzes two thematic axes in the post 9/11 narrative of the New York Times on migration. The image that was created during the year following the terrorist attacks presents on the one hand the Mexican migrant as a potential terrorist and on the other hand migration as a global problem. It is fundamental to problematize the rhetoric about contemporary migration by inserting it in the ideological roots that defined that moment and in the historical framework of the Mexico-United States relationship. The media rhetoric post 9/11 contributed to the emergence of a new international agenda by globalizing this representation.

El presente trabajo aborda, por un lado, las competencias que requieren los estudiantes y futuros profesionales y, por otro, las habilidades tecnológicas que el individuo requiere para trabajar en un contexto competitivo y cambiante. En ese sentido surge el concepto de e-competencias o competencias tecnológicas: ciertas habilidades requeridas por jóvenes y futuros profesionales que les permiten responder a las exigencias de un entorno competitivo en un mundo global. El autoaprendizaje, el contacto a distancia y las redes sociales son algunas de ellas. El trabajo concluye con una reflexión acerca de las competencias requeridas para el siglo xxi, la manera en que el sector educativo puede y debe contribuir a la generación de dichas competencias, y los retos para el análisis de fenómenos globales de aprendizaje y desempeño.

Animal grease wastes were successfully used in the transesterification reaction as an alternative raw material for biodiesel production. Transesterification reactions were performed using an enzymatic catalysis with two commercial lipases N435 and RM IM. N435 was the most efficient in a solvent free system as well as in the system with terbuthanol. In both systems the excess of ethanol turned out to be beneficial for the reaction obtaining conversions of 80% in 48 hours and 65% in 24 hours.

PurposeRecreational and competitive slalom waterskiing is increasingly popular among individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), particularly for those with paraplegia using sit-skis. A key component of slalom skiing is the deep-water start (DWS), yet little is known about the physiological and physical demands of this activity when the athlete is seated. This study aims to fill this gap by focusing on the training requirements for a seated slalom athlete.Materials and methodsFocusing on a young male athlete with paraplegia, this case study evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of traditional (TDWS) and alternative (ADWS) DWS techniques during seated slalom waterskiing sessions. It assesses internal training load (TL) through heart rate (HR) zones and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), alongside pre- and post-session handgrip strength measurements to gauge peripheral muscle fatigue.Results and conclusionsPerforming the ADWS, achieving a full success rate, proved more effective but slightly more time-consuming than TDWS, which had limited success. HR during DWS maneuvers ranged from 63.2 to 81.3% of maximal HR, with most sessions occurring below the ventilatory threshold, thus perceived as hard effort. A moderate yet non-significant correlation was found between HR and sRPE-based TL. A significant reduction in handgrip strength post-session underscores the activity’s demands. These insights illuminate the technical, physiological, and physical challenges in mastering DWS for seated slalom athletes with SCI, providing valuable guidance for the development of tailored training programs and techniques in this sport.

Background: Classification of athletes in cerebral palsy (CP) football is a key action that aims to promote the participation of all players by minimizing the impact of their physical disabilities on the outcome of the competition by establishing sports classes. As such, a new research line has been included in the classification process at an international level; that is, the analysis of locomotor demands during competition helps classifiers to understand the para-footballers’ profile. Therefore, the main aim of this systematic review was to summarize the physical and physiological responses of players with CP in different sport classes during competition. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web Of Science databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines using the PICOS strategy. Results: Six studies meeting inclusion criteria analyzing physical (i.e., total distances, distances at different speeds, high-intensity and short-term actions, change of directions, etc.) and physiological (heart rate (HR), time spent at different zones of maximum HR, etc.) responses. Findings revealed that para-footballers with CP and minimal impairment impact covered greater total and distance above 23.04 km·h−1 and achieved higher maximum speeds during match-play. Notably, no significant differences in physiological responses were observed based on classification. Conclusions: The research suggests that para-footballers with CP and lower physical impairment may exhibit enhanced performance in terms of distance covered and speed during gameplay, highlighting their potential competence in the sport. In addition, the limited number of studies examining the physiological response of para-footballers prevents conclusive results and differentiating between classification groups.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week short-term training program, comprising repeated sprints or running-based high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), on the aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance of sub-elite basketball referees. Twenty male referees participated in supervised training sessions twice a week. They were randomly assigned to either the RSA-based group (RSAG) or the running-based HIIT group (HIITG). The RSAG conducted 3–4 sets of 8 × 20-m all-out sprints, while the HIITG performed 2–3 sets of 6 × 20-s runs at 90% of their maximal velocity achieved in the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15IFT). Referees underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill, the 30–15IFT, and an RSA test before and after the training program. Both groups showed significant improvement (~3%) in the fastest (22.6 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.7 and 22.0 ±1.9 vs. 22.4 ± 1.7 km·h−1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) and mean (21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 22.4 ± 1.4 and 21.3 ± 1.8 vs. 21.7 ± 1.6 km·h−1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) sprint velocity of the RSA test (p < 0.05). Moreover, positive changes (p < 0.05) were observed in the 30–15IFT maximal velocity (18.6 ± 1.1 vs. 19.3 ± 1.0 and 19.4 ± 0.9 vs. 20.5 ± 0.9 km·h−1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively). In conclusion, an 8-week training intervention using either RSA or running-based HIIT led to similar improvements in referees’ RSA performance and specific aerobic fitness measures. These findings could assist in devising tailored training programs for basketball referees.

This study analyzes the inter- and intra-differences in external load across the microcycle in professional female soccer players. External load during four consecutive microcycles (i.e., M1, M2, M3, and M4) and training sessions (i.e., MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1) and a match day (i.e., MD) were registered in seventeen female professional soccer players (age: 26.3 ± 4.6 years; height: 166.3 ± 6.1 cm; body mass: 59.8 ± 6.8 kg; and body mass index: 21.6 ± 1.7 kg·m-2) who belonged to the same team in Spanish first division. A 10-Hz GPS that integrated a 100-Hz triaxial accelerometer was used to register external load. The results showed lower decelerations in M2 compared to M1 and M3 (p < 0.05), lower high-intensity distance (>16.0 km·h-1) in M3 vs. M2, and greater relative sprint distance (>21.0 km·min-1) in M4 vs. M1 and M3 (p < 0.05). MD-3 registered the highest load for all variables (p < 0.05). Forwards (FWs) performed (p < 0.05) significantly more sprints (meters and number > 21.0 km·h-1) than central midfielders (CMs) and central defenders (CDs) in MD-2 and MD. Both, fitness and conditioning staff should pay special attention to the external loads for each playing position in training sessions to optimize the training process.

This study analyzes the inter- and intra-differences in external load across the microcycle in professional female soccer players. External load during four consecutive microcycles (i.e., M1, M2, M3, and M4) and training sessions (i.e., MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1) and a match day (i.e., MD) were registered in seventeen female professional soccer players (age: 26.3 ± 4.6 years; height: 166.3 ± 6.1 cm; body mass: 59.8 ± 6.8 kg; and body mass index: 21.6 ± 1.7 kg·m-2) who belonged to the same team in Spanish first division. A 10-Hz GPS that integrated a 100-Hz triaxial accelerometer was used to register external load. The results showed lower decelerations in M2 compared to M1 and M3 (p < 0.05), lower high-intensity distance (>16.0 km·h-1) in M3 vs. M2, and greater relative sprint distance (>21.0 km·min-1) in M4 vs. M1 and M3 (p < 0.05). MD-3 registered the highest load for all variables (p < 0.05). Forwards (FWs) performed (p < 0.05) significantly more sprints (meters and number > 21.0 km·h-1) than central midfielders (CMs) and central defenders (CDs) in MD-2 and MD. Both, fitness and conditioning staff should pay special attention to the external loads for each playing position in training sessions to optimize the training process.

PurposeScant research exists regarding the effects of playing Boccia as a rehabilitation strategy for people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. This study is aimed at identifying the feasibility and effects of playing Boccia on the upper limb impairments of people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders.Materials and MethodsSeven people played Boccia three times per week for 20 weeks as part of the rehabilitation process, while other seven kept up with their usual rehabilitation schedule. Attrition, adherence, adverse effects, participation and completion rate were registered to assess feasibility. The effects of the program on grip, pinch strength and upper-limb active range of motion were assessed by means of a dynamometer and a goniometer.Results and ConclusionsThe program was feasible, although no effects were observed after its completion on variables assessed, except for hand flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion. In a group of people with severe disability due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders, playing Boccia as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was shown to be a feasible therapy. However, practicing this game did not lead to significant improvements in upper limb impairments, except for wrist flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion.

Background: Physical fitness levels and the amount of accumulated adipose tissue (fatness) relate to current and future individuals’ heath status. Nevertheless, the interrelationships of their combined patterns with polypharmacy and the types of medications consumed have not been sufficiently investigated. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in six Spanish regions between 2008 and 2009 with a sample of older community-dwelling adults (≥65 years old) without dementia or cancer. Fitness was measured with one-leg balance and senior fitness tests, as well as by measuring weight and fat mass with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of five or more medications. An analysis of variance was performed for comparisons between the physical fitness and fatness patterns and the medication consumed. Results: A total of 1709 elders were included in the study (72.1 ± 5.2 years). The two unfit patterns were those with the highest drug consumption. The High-Fat–Unfit pattern was the one that had the most significant consumption and had the highest percentage of polymedicated subjects. The Low-Fat–Fit pattern had a significantly lower percentage of people that did not consume any medications. The highest percentages of drug consumption in 7 of the 10 groups that were included were concentrated in the two unfit patterns. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of fitness in older adults, as it is at least as important as the avoidance of accumulation of excess fat with respect to the consumption of a smaller number of medicines.

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido comparar el efecto de tres calentamientos diferentes (calentamiento aeróbico de baja intensidad, estiramiento estático y estiramiento dinámico) sobre el salto horizontal y la capacidad de repetir esprint con cambios de dirección. Diecisiete practicantes de deportes de equipo de 20.8±1.1 años realizaron 3 tipos de calentamiento (10 min): ejercicio aeróbico sin estiramiento (CAE), con estiramiento estático (CAES) y con estiramiento dinámico (CAED). Se estudió el efecto agudo de cada calentamiento sobre el rendimiento en una prueba de salto horizontal (SH) y un test de repetición de esprint con cambio de dirección (RSCOD). No se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p>0,05) en ninguna de las variables en función del calentamiento realizado. El tamaño del efecto (TE) indicó que probablemente el RSCODmejor sea más sensible al CAE que al CAES (TE: 0,52) y al CAED (TE: 0,44). El escaso efecto de los estiramientos estáticos sobre el rendimiento en SH y RSCOD puede ser debido a la dosis, la intensidad y el tiempo de recuperación empleado. Los estiramientos dinámicos no mejoraron el rendimiento en SH y RSCOD. Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of three different warm-ups (low intensity aerobic warm-up, static stretching and dynamic stretching) on the horizontal jump and repeated sprint ability with changes of direction. Seventeen players of team sports whose age was 20.8±1.1 years old performed three types of warm up (10 minutes): aerobic exercise without stretching (WU), with static stretching (WUSS) and with dynamic stretching (WUDS). The acute effect of each warming over performance was studied in a test of horizontal jump (HJ) and repeat sprint test with change of direction (RSCD). No significant differences were obtained (p>0.05) in any of the variables studied according to the warming developed. The effect size (ES) indicated that probably RSCDbest was more sensitive to WU than WUDS (ES: 0.52) and WUDS (ES: 0.44). The limited effect of static stretching on SH and RSCOD may be due to the dose, intensity and recovery time. The dynamic stretching did not improve performance in HJ and RSCD.

To better understand the detraining effects in soccer, the purpose of the study was to analyse if performance level of soccer players modulate repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and intermittent endurance changes during 2-weeks of detraining (i.e., in-season break). Seventeen professional and sixteen young elite soccer players of two different teams performed, before and after 2-weeks of detraining, the RSA test and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (YYIR1). Before detraining, professional players perform better (p < 0.05) RSA best time (RSAbest) than young players. A decrease (p < 0.05) in RSAbest, RSA total time (RSAtotal) and mean time (RSAmean) performance was observed in both teams, without changes in RSA fatigue index (Sdec). No significant changes in distance covered during YYIR1 was observed in any team. Before detraining, faster players from both teams (FG) (following the median split technique, soccer players with RSAbest ≤ 3.95 s) performed better (p < 0.01) in RSAtotal, RSAmean and RSAbest, but worse (p < 0.01) in Sdec. Although FG and the slower players (SG, RSAbest > 3.95 s) showed a worse (p < 0.05) RSAtotal, RSAbest and RSAmean performance after detraining (ES = 1.5, 1.4 and 2.9; ES = 0.6, 1.2 and 0.6; for FG and SG, respectively), the deterioration was greater in the FG for RSAbest (p < 0.05) and RSAtotal (ES = 1.46). After detraining, FG improved (p < 0.05) Sdec performance. In conclusion, a 2-week in-season break (detraining) period induced a worse RSA, with no effect on intermittent endurance in professional and elite young soccer players, with greater detrimental effects on RSAtotal and RSAbest in FG. In addition, Sdec does not seem to be sensitive to changes in RSA after a 2-week in-season break.

El trabajo de pretemporada persigue mejorar el rendimiento del futbolista tanto en lo referente a la habilidad para realizar esfuerzos máximos como a su capacidad aeróbica y de recuperación. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar durante una pretemporada los efectos de 2 programas de entrenamiento interválicos con series de diferente duración en la habilidad de repetir sprints (RSA). Diecinueve jugadores de fútbol con valores medios ± SD de 20,9 ± 1,6 años de edad; 68,8 ± 5,1 Kg de peso; 176,1 ± 5,1 cm de altura; y 9,6 ± 2,4% de grasa corporal fueron asignados al azar al grupo de Speed Endurance Training (SET) para realizar 2x10 min con 10, 15 y 20 s al 100% con 30, 45 y 60 s de recuperación (n = 9), o al grupo High Interval Training (HIT) para realizar 4x4 min al 95% FCmax (n = 10). Un test RSA de 8x30 m con 25 s de recuperación activa fue realizado antes y después de la intervención (10 sesiones de entrenamiento) junto con un Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 en la evaluación inicial. Tanto SET como HIT ven incrementado su rendimiento de forma significativa (p < 0,05) en RSAmejor (3,12% y 3,59% respectivamente) y muy significativamente (p < 0,01) en RSAmedia (3,00% y 3,91%) y RSAtotal (3,12% y 4,08%), pero sin cambios significativos en los índices de fatiga (Sdec y Change). Estos resultados demuestran que tanto la intervención SET como HIT se han mostrado útiles para aumentar el rendimiento en algunas de las variables determinantes en el test RSA, durante el periodo de pretemporada.

Fundamento: Se ha descrito que la salud y el rendimiento laboral del personal dedicado a la extinción de los incendios forestales se ven perjudicados principalmente por el monóxido de carbono (CO). El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido analizar la exposición al CO a la que se ve sometido el personal especialista en la extinción de los incendios. Métodos: Durante 58 incendios reales se monitorizó en 44 sujetos la exposición al CO a la que se vieron sometidos. También se analizó la concentración ponderada para una jornada de 8h (VA-ED). Todos los incendios fueron divididos en función del tipo de trabajo realizado (ataque directo, indirecto y combinado) y del combustible presente (pasto, matorral, bajo arbolado y mixto). Las variables analizadas fueron estudiadas mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis, se usó el test de Mann-Whitney para establecer las diferencias entre medias. Resultados: La concentración media de CO en los incendios fue de 18,4±1,7 ppm, lo que supuso una VA-ED de 7,0±1,0 ppm. Las mayores exposiciones al CO se analizaron en los ataques combinados (20,4±2,3 ppm) seguidas de las obtenidas en los ataques directos (17,5±2,7 ppm) e indirectos (10,6±5,4 ppm). Únicamente se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p

Triathlon is a combined endurance sport, which includes back-to-back swimming, cycling and running, always in that order and with total time measurements including the transition between events. According to the rules, sprint distance is always the shortest, and the one in which there are most events (0.750 km, 20 km, 5 km). Determining performance factors is a must in order to optimize training in any sports event; however, the various distances in this sport lead to different analyses. The purpose of this paper is to determine the performance factors in sprint distance triathlon, by reviewing the data supplied by the literature. In the cycling event, the performance factors are greatly dependent on whether drafting is permitted or not. In our study, the main factors have been found to be: raising the anaerobic threshold to the highest percentage with respect to the individual’s VO2max, producing and eliminating high lactate values, and developing a good specific technique for crawl swimming.

Introduction. The effectiveness of using the heart rate (HR) as an indicator of exercise intensity to monitor basketball training has been the subject of intense investigation. However, recent new regulations and a trend towards a more conditional game have prompted a need to revise field study procedures and demanded the increased specialization of game positions. Objectives. Five preseason matches played by a Profesional men’s Spanish league team LEB (Club Baloncesto León) were analyzed in terms of the HR response recorded in the four game quarters. Materials and Methods. Heart rates were recorded using Polar Team® monitors in a group of 8 players, whose playing positions were point guard (n=2), forward (n=3) or center (n=3). We recorded maxima (HRmax) and means (HRmean) for each player and also expressed rates as percentages of the individual maximum HR recorded in the 5 games (%HRmax and %HRmean). Results. For the point guards, forwards and centers, respectively, HRmax (in beats•min) were 186±11.7, 176±8.3 and 177±7.7; and HRmean (beats•min-1) were 163±14.3, 151±10.3 and 155±9.4. While similar HRmax were observed in each quarter, significant differences were detected between the %HRmax values for the point guards versus the forwards or centers. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that point guards show the highest HR and forwards the lowest. HRmax and %HRmax values were high during the first quarter and continued to increase during the game, peaking in the final quarter.