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Wildland firefighting implies high physical and psychological demands for the personnel involved. Therefore, good physical fitness can help increase the work efficiency of wildland firefighters (WFFs) and safeguard their health. High-intensity circuit training (HICT) could be a good alternative to improve the physical condition of WFFs since it stands out for its functionality and economy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of HICT on the WFFs’ physical fitness. The study involved 9 WFFs (8 males and 1 female; 29.8 ± 2.8 years; 175.6 ± 6.7 cm) who completed a training program and 9 WFF candidates (8 males and 1 female; 24.7 ± 6.6 yr, 176.5 ± 7.0 cm) as a control group. WFFs performed an 8-week HICT program (two weekly training sessions). The training sessions lasted approximately 45 min and were performed at an intensity >80% of maximal heart rate and RPE values >7.5. At the beginning and the end of the intervention, subjects’ physical fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular resistance and explosive strength) was assessed through different tests. After completing the training program, WFFs had significantly increased (p < 0.05) the speed at which the ventilatory thresholds were determined (12.4 ± 13.9 and 5.7 ± 7.3% for the ventilatory and respiratory compensation thresholds, respectively) and also their abdominal (31.2 ± 17.2%), lumbar (34.1 ± 13.5%) and upper limb (13.3 ± 16.0%) strength. Moreover, improvements (p < 0.05) in the explosive strength of legs (7.1 ± 5.8%) and performance in a specific physical employment test (12.2 ± 6.1%) were observed. In conclusion, the results of this study show that an 8-week high-intensity circuit training program could be an effective and safe method to improve WFFs’ physical fitness and performance.

The aim of the study was to analyze the goals scored pattern in elite female soccer players. All goals (330) scored in the first half of the Spanish female national league (Iberdrola League) were analyzed using the Nacsport Scout Plus 6.0 New Assistant for Coach Sport SL software. The frequency, place and starting situation, position goal action, type and style of play, type of set play and action prior to goal score with a combination of space of the goal and scoring zones were analyzed. The periods with the greatest amount of goals were the last one of each half (18.2% and 26.1% respectively), and the teams that scored the first goal won 71% of matches. Open play, positional and first touch are the predominant actions prior to achieving a goal in elite female soccer players. It is also important to pay attention to the high number of steals in the center zone of the own side while designing defensive strategies. The relationship between the space of the goal and scoring zones shown that the majority of the close shoots enter throw the low part of the goal. These findings could be used for coaches to propose defensive strategies in female soccer players.

Research shows that ageing is modifiable or modulable, attending to external modifications and lifestyle factors: physical activity has a unique contribution to functional health and energy balance. Extensive research shows Tai Chi (TC) produced a major physical condition. To determine the impact of lifestyle on functional capacity, comparing the impact of continued long-life practice. 113 individuals (±71.53 years old): (a) PTC (n = 27); senior competitors, life-long training; (b) TC (n = 27); ±4 years; (c) Keep-Fit (KF n = 36); ±4 years; and the control group (d) sedentary individuals (SI n = 23). Five tests from the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) were used to assess the physical condition. The TC group showed significantly better results than the KF group: 30-s chair stand (23.22 ± 3.08 * rep vs. 17.17 ± 2.96 rep), chair sit-and-reach (2.19 ± 4.85 * cm vs. −1.93 ± 5.46 cm) and back scratch (1.02 ± 4.46 * cm vs. −2.43 ± 5.78 cm). The TCP group showed better results than the TC group: 30-s chair stand (27.70 ± 4.98 * rep vs. 23.22 ± 3.08 rep), 30-s arm curl (30.22 ± 4.36 * rep vs. 23.48 ± 3.42 rep), chair sit-and-reach (13.07 ± 4.00 * cm vs. 2.19 ± 4.85 cm) and back scratch (5.48 ± 3.51 * cm vs. 1.02 ± 4.46 cm). Among the different activities analysed, TC showed better results in SFT tests; in particular considering the long-life training of this martial art.

This study aimed to assess current perceptions of heat stress, heat strain, acclimatisation and recovery practices in wildland fire suppression. A total of 1459 wildfire and structural firefighters, all involved in wildland fire suppression, completed an 18-question survey. Most participants (81.3%) reported heat strain as one of the main risks faced during wildland firefighting. Thermal strain is considered an important risk for health and safety in wildland firefighting. The best-valued heat strain mitigation strategies were those traditionally recommended in wildland fire suppression: (i) an adequate work/rest ratio (79.0%), (ii) acclimatisation (71.6%), (iii) enhancing body ventilation by opening protective clothing or removing helmets or gloves (63.5%), and (iv) drinking water and food supplementation (52.1%). Despite these results, only 22% of the participants reported carrying out acclimatisation in the workplace. The vast majority of the respondents (87.4%) consider active cooling strategies (i.e., ice slurry ingestion, ice vests, etc.) impractical in combating heat strain during wildfire suppression. We identified a gap between knowledge about heat strain, its mitigation strategies and the level of actual implementation of these practices in the workplace. Our results highlight the need to improve heat strain management and implement operational directives for acclimatisation and active cooling interventions.

Background Physical fitness and body composition are important health indicators; nevertheless, their combined pattern interrelationships and their association with mortality are poorly investigated. Methods This longitudinal study is part of the Spanish EXERNET-Elder project. Person-months of follow-up were calculated from the interview date, performed between June 2008 and November 2009, until the date of death or censoring on March 2018 (whichever came first). In order to be included, participants had to fulfill the following criteria: (a) be older than 65 years, (b) live independently at home, (c) not suffer dementia and/or cancer, and (d) have a body mass index above 18.5. Body fat and weight were assessed by a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness and the one-leg static balance tests. The Spanish Death Index was consulted for the death’s identification. Cluster analysis was performed to identify Fat–Fit patterns and traditional cut-points and percentiles to create the Fat–Fit groups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of death in clustered Fat–Fit patterns and in traditional Fat–Fit groups. Results A total of 2299 older adults (76.8% of women) were included with a baseline mean age of 71.9 ± 5.2 years. A total of 196 deaths (8.7% of the sample) were identified during the 8 years of follow-up. Four clustered Fat–Fit patterns (Low fat–Fit, Medium fat–Fit, High fat–Unfit, and Low fat–Unfit) and 9 traditional Fat–Fit groups emerged. Using the Low fat–Fit pattern as the reference, significantly increased mortality was noted in High fat–Unfit (HR: 1.68, CI: 1.06–2.66) and Low fat–Unfit (HR: 2.01, CI: 1.28–3.16) groups. All the traditional Fit groups showed lower mortality risk when compared to the reference group (obese–unfit group). Conclusion Physical fitness is a determinant factor in terms of survival in community-dwelling older adults, independently of adiposity levels.

En este trabajo se presenta una metodología económica y relativamente rápida para obtener Hap a partir de escamas de pescado tratadas térmicamente a 500 °C. Al ser caracterizada por microscopia electrónica de barrido y difracción de rayos X, indica que la Hap está constituida por partículas micrométricas, con alto grado de pureza y cristalinidad. Asimismo, al ser irradiada con radiación gamma, la Hap proveniente de escamas de pescado presenta una respuesta termoluminiscente cuya intensidad se incrementa de manera lineal con la dosis de radiación recibida. En un análisis complementario, se observa que la sensibilidad termoluminiscente de esta Hap puede ser incrementada si es tratada a 700 y 900 °C. Esta característica puede ser utilizada con fines dosimétricos para cuantificar campos de radiación ionizante en diferentes áreas donde se utilizan las radiaciones con fines pacíficos, tales como los aplicados en el área médica, en la conservación de alimentos, esterilización de productos farmacéuticos y modificación de materiales.

Rodríguez-Fernández, A, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Nakamura, FY, Rodríguez-Marroyo, JA, and Villa-Vicente, JG. Relationship between repeated sprint ability, aerobic capacity, intermittent endurance, and heart rate recovery in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3406-3413, 2019-To investigate the relationship between repeated sprint ability (RSA) and several aerobic and anaerobic-related soccer-performance indicators, 45 youth soccer players (age 16.8 ± 0.1 years) were classified into "high" (HAF) or "low" aerobic fitness (LAF) (VO2max ≥ or60 ml·kg·min, respectively) and completed an RSA test measuring best (RSAbest), mean (RSAmean), total sprint time (RSAtotal), and percent sprint decrement (Sdec). A laboratory VO2max test (LabTest) together with anaerobic threshold (VT) and peak speed was measured (vLabTest). In addition, a 20-m multistage shuttle run test (MSRT) and a soccer-specific test (TIVRE-Soccer test-TST) were completed. Heart rate (HR) and HR recovery (HRR) were measured during all tests. High aerobic fitness presented greater (p ≤ 0.05) performance in LabTest, MSRT and TST, at maximal effort, at VT, as well as faster HRR. RSA was similar between HAF and LAF. Contrary to HAF, LAF showed negative correlation between vLabTest with RSAmean (r = -0.6, p = 0.000) and Sdec (r = -0.4, p = 0.044). Also, LAF showed negative correlation between TST end speed (vTST) and RSAmean (r = -0.5, p = 0.005) and Sdec (r = -0.5, p = 0.003). In LAF, RSA was strongly correlated with locomotor factors (e.g., vTST; VT) in both laboratory and field tests. Athletes with high total HRR (12.5%) in TST presented better (p ≤ 0.05) Sdec in the RSA test. The multiple regression revealed that the LAF vLabTest explained 44.9, 40.0, and 13.5% of the variance in RSAbest, RSAmean, and Sdec, respectively. Practitioners may consider these findings to optimize youth athletes' assessment and preparation processes.

The aim of this study was to analyze dietary intake and body composition in a group of elite-level competitive rhythmic gymnasts from Spain. We undertook body composition and nutritional analysis of 30 elite gymnasts, divided into two groups by age: pre-teen (9–12 years) (n = 17) and teen (13–18 years) (n = 13). Measures of height, weight, and bioimpedance were used to calculate body mass index and percent body fat. Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed based on 7-day food records. The two groups had similar percentages of total body fat (pre-teen: 13.99 ± 3.83% vs. teen: 14.33 ± 5.57%, p &gt, 0.05). The energy availability values for pre-teens were above the recommended values (&gt, 40 kcal/FFM/day) 69.38 ± 14.47 kcal/FFM/day, while those for the teens were much lower (34.7 ± 7.5 kcal/FFM/day). The distribution of the daily energy intake across the macronutrients indicates that both groups ingested less than the recommended level of carbohydrates and more than the recommended level of fat. Very low intakes of calcium and vitamin D among other micronutrients were also noted. The main finding is that teenage gymnasts do not consume as much energy as they need each day, which explains their weight and development. Moreover, they are at a high risk of developing low energy availability that could negatively impact their performance and future health.

The Pack Test (PT) is a widely used test to establish readiness for work in wildland firefighting. It is common to perform this test dressed in regular exercise clothing. However, wildland firefighters (WFF) have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during their deployments, which increases the physiological strain and reduces their work capacity. This study aimed to analyse the impact of full PPE on PT performance. Nine male professional WFF performed in random order a PT walking at the fastest possible self-pace wearing two different clothing configurations: (i) traditional short sports gear (SG) and (ii) the PPE currently used by Spanish WFF. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion and lap time were recorded during the PT. In addition, oxygen uptake (VO2) was estimated through the individual VO2–HR relationship previously obtained during a graded exercise test. There was a significant decrease in the PT performance (i.e., completion time) (~12%, p &lt, 0.05) in PPE. The physiological demands with this configuration were significantly higher (~10%, p &lt, 0.05). WFF spent ~13 min above the anaerobic threshold in PPE vs. ~4 min in SG. A multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that PT performance variation might be explained by the maximal aerobic velocity (84.5%) in PPE and the VO2max (75.9%) in SG. In conclusion, wearing complete PPE increases WFF’s physiological strain, which translates into a significant PT performance reduction. Performing the test walking at the fastest possible self-pace wearing the PPE would better reflect the high-intensity effort periods reported in real scenarios.

With aging, bone density is reduced, increasing the risk of suffering osteoporosis and fractures. Increasing physical activity (PA) may have preventive effects. However, until now, no studies have considered movement behaviors with compositional data or its association to bone mass and structure measured by peripheral computed tomography (pQCT). Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate these associations and to describe movement behavior distribution in older adults with previous falls and fractures and other related risk parameters, taking into account many nutritional and metabolic confounders. In the current study, 70 participants above 65 years old (51 females) from the city of Zaragoza were evaluated for the EXERNET-Elder 3.0 project. Bone mass and structure were assessed with pQCT, and PA patterns were objectively measured by accelerometry. Prevalence of fear of falling, risk of falling, and history of falls and fractures were asked through the questionnaire. Analyses were performed using a compositional data approach. Whole-movement distribution patterns were associated with cortical thickness. In regard to other movement behaviors, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) showed positive association with cortical thickness and total true bone mineral density (BMD) at 38% (all p &lt, 0.05). In addition, less light PA (LPA) and MVPA were observed in those participants with previous fractures and fear of falling, whereas those at risk of falling and those with previous falls showed higher levels of PA. Our results showed positive associations between higher levels of MVPA and volumetric bone. The different movement patterns observed in the groups with a history of having suffered falls or fractures and other risk outcomes suggest that different exercise interventions should be designed in these populations in order to improve bone and prevent the risk of osteoporosis and subsequent fractures.

La malformación vascular más común del tracto digestivo son las angiodisplasias gastrointestinales. Se caracterizan por una dilatación venocapilar con elevada fragilidad vascular, estado patológico que deriva en sangrados gastrointestinales. La prevalencia aumenta en pacientes de edad avanzada y pluripatológicos, lo que condiciona el tratamiento y pronóstico de las angiodisplasias./nEl objetivo es evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento de las angiodisplasias con análogos de somatostatina, siendo estos el Octreótido y el Lanreótido (fuera de ficha técnica para la indicación), en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual. Además, se tratará de relacionar la respuesta terapéutica con la localización de las lesiones, comorbilidades, reingresos, transfusiones sanguíneas y prescripción de anticoagulantes. /nSe llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo con datos obtenidos de pacientes tratados en el Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León. Tras el análisis estadístico de los datos, se concluyó que no existen diferencias significativas entre los fármacos. Tampoco se encontró asociación significativa del éxito con las localizaciones de las angiodisplasias, ni con las comorbilidades coexistentes, ni con la toma de anticoagulantes. Sólo tratamientos de larga duración (> 11 meses) se relacionan con indicadores objetivos de éxito, como la reducción del número de transfusiones y de reingresos. The most common vascular malformation of the digestive tract are gastrointestinal angiodysplasias. They are characterized by a venocapillary dilation with high vascular fragility, a pathological state that results in gastrointestinal bleeding. The prevalence increases in elderly and multi-pathological patients, which conditions the treatment and prognosis of angiodysplasias./nThe objective is to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment of angiodysplasias with somatostatin analogues, being these Octreotide and Lanreotide (outside of the technical data sheet for the indication), under conditions of usual clinical practice. In addition, we will try to relate the therapeutic response with the location of the lesions, comorbidities, readmissions, blood transfusions and prescription of anticoagulants. /nA retrospective observational study was carried out with data obtained from patients treated at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León. After the statistical analysis of the data, it was concluded that there are no significant differences between the drugs. There was also no significant association of success with the locations of the angiodysplasias, nor with the coexisting comorbidities, nor with the taking of anticoagulants. Only long-term treatments (> 11 months) are related to objective indicators of success, such as reducing the number of transfusions and re-admissions.

We report the growth of In0.145Ga0.855As0.132Sb0.868 layers on GaSb(100) substrates by the liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) technique using the ramp-cooling method. We achieved a near-lattice-matched epitaxial growth with a lattice mismatch of between the quaternary layer and GaSb(100) substrate due to optimal growth parameters. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (AC-STEM) confirmed the high crystalline quality of the quaternary layer and the low lattice mismatch in the heterostructure, without the presence of linear or planar defects. Also, the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) technique evidenced a uniform distribution of the atomic elements along the quaternary layer and an abrupt interface between the In0.145Ga0.855As0.132Sb0.868 layer and the GaSb substrate. Plasmon-phonon interactions were observed by Raman spectroscopy indicating that the crystalline quality increases at greater depth in the sample with respect to the surface. The quaternary layer presented a uniform and flat morphology, and luminescence emission attributed to the recombination of bound exciton states at 641 meV. The structural, chemical, and optical properties of the In0.145Ga0.855As0.132Sb0.868 layer demonstrated that it could be auspicious material for infrared range optoelectronic applications. Likewise, the LPE technique successfully shows that it should be used to grow near-lattice-matched heterostructures.

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., This research was funded by the Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales—IMSERSO (104/07), University of Zaragoza (UZ 2008-BIO-01), Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad—IMSERSO (147/11), Centro Universitario de la Defensa de Zaragoza (UZCUD2016-BIO 01 and UZCUD2017-BIO-01), Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Red EXERNET DEP2005-00046), Biomedical Research Networking Center on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Biomedical Research Networking Center on Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), FEDER funds from the European Union (CB16/10/00477), and the 4IE+ project (0499_4IE_PLUS_4_E) funded by the Interreg V-A España-Portugal (POCTEP) 2014–2020 program. In addition, D. N. received a grant from “Gobierno de Aragón” (DGAIIU/1/20).

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of muscle power and adiposity on all-cause mortality risk and to evaluate the ‘fat but powerful’ (F+P) (or ‘fat but fit’) paradox in older adults.MethodsA total of 2563 older adults (65‒91 years old) from the EXERNET multicentre study were included. Adiposity (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (BF%) and fat index), allometric and relative power (sit-to-stand muscle power test) and various covariates (age, sex, hypertension, smoking status and walking and sitting times per day) were registered at baseline. All-cause mortality was recorded during a median follow-up of 8.9 years. Participants were classified into four groups: lean and powerful (L+P), F+P, lean but weak and fat and weak (F+W). Cox proportional hazard regression models and adjusted HRs were calculated.ResultsAccording to BMI and waist circumference, all-cause mortality risk was reduced in the F+P (HR=0.55 and 0.63, p=0.044 and 0.049, respectively) and L+P (HR=0.57 and 0.58, p=0.043 and 0.025, respectively) groups. According to BF%, all-cause mortality decreased in the L+P group (HR=0.53; p=0.021), and a trend for a reduction was reported in the F+P group (HR=0.57; p=0.060). According to fat index, a survival benefit was only noted in the L+P group (HR=0.50; p=0.049). Higher levels of relative power reduced all-cause mortality risk among older people (HR=0.63 and 0.53, p=0.006 and 0.011, respectively).ConclusionPowerful older people exhibited a reduced 9-year all-cause mortality regardless of BMI, waist circumference and BF%. Obesity according to fat index blunted the survival benefits of being powerful.

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of muscle power and adiposity on all-cause mortality risk and to evaluate the ‘fat but powerful’ (or ‘fat but fit’) paradox in older adults.MethodsA total of 2563 older adults (65‒91 years old) from the EXERNET Multi-center study were included. Adiposity (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (BF%) and fat index), allometric and relative power (sit-to-stand muscle power test) and various covariates (age, sex, hypertension, smoking status, and walking and sitting times per day) were registered at baseline. All-cause mortality was recorded during a median follow-up of 8.9 years. Participants were classified into four groups: lean and powerful (L+P), fat but powerful (F+P), lean but weak (L+W) and fat and weak (F+W). Cox proportional hazard regression models and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated.ResultsAccording to BMI and waist circumference, all-cause mortality risk was reduced in the F+P (HR=0.55 and 0.63, respectively; p≤0.049) and L+P (HR=0.57 and 0.58, respectively; p≤0.043) groups. According to BF%, all-cause mortality decreased in the L+P group (HR=0.53; p=0.021), and a trend for a reduction was reported in the F+P group (HR=0.57; p=0.060). According to fat index, a survival benefit was only noted in the L+P group (HR=0.50; p=0.049). Higher levels of relative power reduced all-cause mortality risk among older people (HR=0.63 and 0.53, respectively; p≤0.011).ConclusionPowerful older people exhibited a reduced 9-year all-cause mortality regardless of BMI, waist circumference and BF%. Obesity according to fat index blunted the survival benefits of being powerful.

The aim of this study was to explore the differences among between adherence to physical activity (PA) and sociodemographic variables, body composition, and physical fitness levels in older adults (>65 years). A number of 2712 participants (2086 female; 76.92%) ranging from 65 to 92 years, participated in the study. Stages of change (SoC) for PA from the transtheoretical model of change (TTM), together with different sociodemographic variables, physical fitness tests (Senior Fitness Test), and waist and hip circumferences were evaluated. Significant differences were found in age, gender, educational level, current income, physical fitness test, and body composition (all of them, p < 0.05), according to the different SoC. Greater adherence to PA practice (action and maintenance stages) was related to better academic level, higher economic income, the male gender, better results in the physical fitness test, and healthier anthropometrics perimeters. Future research is needed to identify the relationship between these variables longitudinally.

The aims of the present study were (1) to describe the changes in physical fitness during an 8 year follow-up in a large sample of Spanish adults aged 65 or over that are initially engaged in organized physical activity (OPA), (2) to compare fitness changes according to different age groups (65 to 69 vs. 70 to 74 vs. &ge, 75 years-old), (3) to evaluate the independent and combined effects of changes in OPA engagement and sitting time (ST) on physical fitness. A total of 642 (147 males) non-institutionalized over 65 years-old participants completed the EXERNET battery fitness tests and completed a validated questionnaire from which information regarding OPA and ST were collected. All participants completed evaluations in 2008&ndash, 2009 and in 2016&ndash, 2017. An impairment of fitness-related variables happens after 65 years of age in both males and females, with the older participants (&ge, 75), showing the largest decreases. Males who continued performing OPA demonstrated lower decreases in balance, leg flexibility and agility when compared to those who stopped performing OPA during the follow-up. Females who continued performing OPA demonstrated lower decreases of all variables except for balance when compared to those who stopped performing OPA during the follow-up.

Recreational and competitive slalom waterskiing is popular among those with spinal cord injuries. People with paraplegia can practice on the slalom course using a sit-ski. A slalom run consists of a boat towing the sit-skier through a set of buoys and normally begins with a deep-water start. Despite its popularity, very little is known about the physiological aspects of the sit-skier's preparation. We examined the internal training load (TL) experienced by a sit-skier with paraplegia while learning and improving the slalom deep-water starts, executed with both the traditional technique and an alternative method. The TL was determined by means of heart rate (HR) and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) methods. The percentage of maximal heart rate values ranged from from 63.2% to 81.3% during deep-water starts. Training sessions were performed most of the time below the ventilatory threshold and tended to be qualitatively described as hard. A moderate but non-significant correlation existed between HR and sRPE-based methods. We also found a significant decrement in handgrip strength after practice. These findings indicate that the intensity of training experienced by our sit-skier was moderate in terms of physiological internal load during an adaptive slalom waterskiing training program.

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.

This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the Elderly EXERNET Physical Activity Questionnaire (EEPAQ) in a sample of Spanish elderly population. A sample of 73 elderly successfully completed the EEPAQ and wore an accelerometer over 7 consecutive days. Test-retest reliability of the EEPAQ was assessed by having the participants answer the EEPAQ twice within 14 days. Criterion validity was assessed for the questionnaire against the accelerometer, as the gold standard. Results indicated that EEPAQ had adequate reliability measured by Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (walking ICC=0.88; sitting ICC=0.68; household activities ICC=0.97), and good validity against the accelerometer. Walking had a significant (p

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.

Older adults spend most of their waking hours performing sedentary activities. The influence of these lifestyle patterns on the physical fitness (PF) levels of this population has not yet been sufficiently investigated.The aim of the study was to examine whether sedentary behavior (SB) (h•d-1sitting) is associated with PF, and specifically to analyze whether sitting4 h•d-1 is associated with higher risk of having lower levels of fitness in seniors.EXERNET multi-center study.A representative sample of 3136 non-institutionalized elderly (aged 72.2±5.3 years), from 6 Regions of Spain were included in the study.PF was assessed using 8 different tests from the EXERNET battery. Lifestyle patterns were collected using a validated questionnaire. ANOVA was used to compare the groups according to the hours of sitting. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the association between the SB and low levels of fitness.For both genders, those who spent sitting4 h•d-1 had lower levels of balance, agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p0.001). Sedentary men also had less strength of lower extremities (p0.05), whereas, sedentary women were less flexible in the lower extremities (p0.001). More than 4 h•d-1 sitting was associated, in men, to higher odds for having low strength (lower extremities), agility, flexibility (lower extremities) and aerobic endurance (p0.05); and in women, to higher risk of low balance, strength (lower and upper extremities), flexibility (lower extremities), agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p0.05).Seniors that sit4 h•d-1 have lower levels of fitness and this behavior is related with an increased risk of having low levels of PF in this population.

Objetivos: se analizaron la condición cardiorrespiratoria y la intensidad de esfuerzo durante la práctica recreativa del esquí náutico de slalom. Metodología: participaron tres esquiadores náuticos con paraplejia moderadamente activos. Realizaron un test incremental en un ergómetro de brazos para determinar su VO2pico y los umbrales ventilatorios y completaron 3 sesiones de práctica de esquí náutico, separadas por 48h, registrándose la FC cada 5 s. Resultados: obtuvieron un VO2pico de 22,3 ± 0,6 mL·kg-1·min-1 y los umbrales ventilatorios se analizaron al ~80 y ~50% del VO2pico. La FC media en las sesiones de esquí náutico fue de 111 ppm, lo que representó una intensidad de ~45% de la FC de reserva (FCR), permaneciendo por encima del 40% de la FCR ~12 min. Conclusión: la intensidad moderada de la práctica recreativa de esquí náutico de slalom podría servir para mantener o mejorar la condición cardiorrespiratoria en estas tres personas con paraplejia, Objectives: the cardiorespiratory fitness and the intensity of effort were analyzed during the recreational practice of slalom water skiing. Methodology: three moderately active water skiers with paraplegia participated. They performed an incremental test on an arm ergometer to determine their VO2peak and ventilatory thresholds and completed 3 sessions of water skiing, separated by 48h, where the HR was recorded every 5 s. Results: they obtained a VO2peak of 22.3 ± 0.6 mL·kg-1·min-1 and the ventilatory thresholds were analyzed at ~80 and ~50% of the VO2peak. The average heart rate in the water ski sessions was 111 bpm, which represented an intensity of ~45% of the heart rate reserve (HRR), remaining above 40% of the HRR ~12 min. Conclusion: the moderate intensity of recreational slalom skiing could serve to maintain or improve the cardiorespiratory fitness in these three people with paraplegia

According to the different phases at which titanium dioxide (TiO2) crystallizes, previous studies have shown that anatase is more efficient for photocatalysis than rutile. Nowadays, the synergetic effect is well-accepted between anatase and rutile as having an effect in increasing performance in photocatalysis. In the present work, control over the anatase/rutile ratio was performed in three experimental steps. Initially, amorphous-anatase TiO2 powders were synthesized by the sol-gel method. For the crystallization of anatase, the powders were annealed at 250 &deg, C for 2 h in ambient atmosphere. The final step was performed by using different annealing times, ranging from 35 up to 200 min at a temperature of 475 &deg, C. The powders were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV&ndash, VIS, SEM and TEM techniques to determine the crystalline phase, band gap, morphology, and elemental composition, respectively. It was possible to control the anatase/rutile ratio on the nanostructured TiO2 powders from 100% of anatase until a complete transformation to rutile through the variation of the annealing time. The band gap calculated using the Tauc&rsquo, s model was found in the range of 2.56 to 2.93 eV. However, no direct relationship between the anatase/rutile ratio, and the band gap was found.

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 (1 1 1) 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.

An adequate level of fitness is critical to achieving healthy ageing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of organized physical activity (PA) and the number of hours of practice on the fitness levels of the elderly.A total of 3104 people over 65 years old from Spain, belonging to the EXERNET Multicenter Project (722 men and 2382 women, mean age: 72.1 ± 5.3 years) participated in the study. Fitness was evaluated by 8 specific tests for this population. Participation in organized PA was recorded through a questionnaire. Differences in fitness values depending on the participation in PA and the number of hours were measured with ANCOVA adjusting for age, hours of walking and sitting time.Those who did not participate in this type of activity increased their risk of having a low level of fitness in most variables evaluated, with some differences between sexes (OR: from 1.6 to 2.6 in men and from 1.4 to 2.2 in women). In men, no significant differences were observed between practicing less than 2, 2-4 or more than 4 hours (P grater than 0,05), with an exception in the strength of the left arm. However, women who performed more than 2 hours a week in organized PA had better balance, strength of lower and upper extremities, flexibility of lower extremities, walking speed and aerobic capacity than those who performed less than 2 hours of PA a week (P less than 0,05).The practice of organized PA produces a beneficial effect on the fitness of the elderly regardless of age, hours of walking and time sitting per day.Un nivel adecuado de condición física (CF) es fundamental para el logro de un envejecimiento saludable. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en evaluar el impacto de la actividad física (AF) organizada y el número de horas de práctica sobre el nivel de CF de las personas mayores.En el estudio participaron 3104 personas mayores de 65 años de España, pertenecientes al Proyecto Multicéntrico EXERNET (722 hombres y 2382 mujeres; edad media: 72,1±5,3 años). La CF se evaluó mediante 8 test específicos para esta población. La participación en AF organizada se registró mediante un cuestionario. Las diferencias en la CF en función de la práctica y número de horas de AF se midieron con ANCOVA ajustando por edad, horas de caminar y de estar sentado.Aquellos que no participaban en este tipo de actividad incrementaban su riesgo de tener un nivel bajo de CF en la mayoría de las variables evaluadas, observándose algunas diferencias entre sexos (OR: desde 1,6 hasta 2,6 en hombres y desde 1,4 hasta 2,2 en mujeres). En los hombres no se observó ninguna diferencia significativa entre practicar menos de 2, 2-4 o más de 4 horas (todos P mayor de 0,05), a excepción de la fuerza del brazo izquierdo; sin embargo, las mujeres que realizaban más de 2 horas de AF organizada a la semana tenían mayor equilibrio, fuerza de piernas y de brazos, flexibilidad de piernas, velocidad al caminar y resistencia aeróbica que aquellas que asistían a este tipo de sesiones menos de 2 horas a la semana (P menor de 0,05).La práctica de AF organizada produce un efecto beneficioso sobre la CF de las personas mayores independientemente de la edad, las horas que estén sentados o el tiempo que dediquen a caminar.

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.

[EN] 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 Dzibanche in southern Quintana Roo. Dzibanche has abundant remains of stuccos and plasters found mainly in three buildings (Plaza Pom, Pequena Acropolis, 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 Pequena Acropolis 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., We acknowledge the archeological project of Dzibanche and Centro INAH Quintana Roo who generously allowed the extraction of the samples for this study; also we acknowledge the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico that gave a grant that allowed a three month research in the laboratories of the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia. Financial support for the analysis of organic materials is kindly acknowledged; it was provided by the Spanish MINECO R+D project CTQ2014-53736-C3-1-P and also supported with ERDEF funds. The authors thank Jaime Diaz for his assistance in preparing thin sections.