Age and growth of four spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in northern Iberian waters corroborated by cohort tracking

Age and growth are key biological aspects for the age-structured assessment of exploited fish populations. Confirming the consistency of fish age interpretation by validation/corroboration studies is essential for providing accurate age estimates to the stock assessment process. The Atlantic Iberian stock of four-spot-megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii), an important exploited demersal fish, is annually assessed by age-structured models in ICES, and specimens are routinely aged by IEO expert readers for this purpose. A total of 11,741 otoliths of this stock were aged from 23 annual groundfish surveys carried out in Cantabrian Sea and Galician waters (ICES Div. VIIIc, IXa) and following internationally standardized protocols. Annual age-length-keys were built using the respective age estimates and applied to the length distribution of each survey, thus obtaining a matrix of abundance indices by age and year. Similar mean lengths are obtained for each age group along most of the time-series. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the time-series are estimated (L∞: 49.0; k: 0.13; t0: 1.13) and the results are compared with previous studies. The annual growth pattern estimated for L. boscii is here corroborated by tracking cohort abundance indices in the surveys. The current otolith age estimation criterion used and the resulting age estimates obtained by the age readers can be considered valid. Strong and weak cohorts are well tracked along most of their age classes, and the correlations between age abundance indices are statistically significant up to the age 6, which represent around 95% of the total number of this species caught in the surveys. The findings here presented on the age of L. boscii and its corroboration can help to reduce the uncertainty in the estimation of its demographic structure and hence, ultimately, it will be important for a better understanding of its relevance in the functioning of the benthic community of the shelf.Versión del edito

Irreproducibility in Research. What can we do about it?

We all would agree with Karl Popper's statement: 'Non-reproducible single occurrences are of no significance to science.' But what if a substantial percentage of published scientific facts are of the irreproducible category? Such an alarming scenario may be close to reality, according to a number of recent reports. Indeed, some shocking statistics suggest that irreproducibility has gone awry in the last years. For instance, pharma and biotech companies can only reproduce between 11 and 25% high-impact research papers in the field of cancer research

Validation of the Spanish Version of the Work Group Emotional Intelligence Profile Short Version (WEIP-S) in the Sports Context.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is related to better performance in sports. To measure this construct, many tools have been developed and validated in the sports context. However, these tools are based on an individual’s ability to manage their own emotions, but do not consider the emotions of the rest of the team (teammates, coaches, etc.). In this regard, the Workgroup Emotional Intelligence Profile short version (WEIP-S) is a self-reported measure designed to measure the EI of individuals who are part of a team. The aim of this study was to validate the WEIP-S structure to measure EI in the sports context, and to analyze the psychometric properties of this tool in the sample in terms of validity and reliability. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 273 athletes to examine the reliability, factor structure, and evidence of validity (convergent, discriminant, nomological, and concurrent) of the WEIP-S. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original four-factor structure is the most appropriate for the sports context. Composite reliability was adequate for all factors except management of one’s own emotions, which also showed poor convergent validity. Evidence of convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity are discussed. This study represents an advance in the use of specific scales to measure EI in the sports context.post-print1021 K

Hake recruitment in the southern stock (ICES divisions Vlllc and IXa).

Spatial distribution and year class strength for hake in the Southern stock (ICES Oivisions Vlllc and IXa) are analysed from historical series from spanish bottom trawl surveys (1980-1990). A nursery ground in the continental shelf of the northern coast of the Iberian peninsula is compared with the recruitment in adjacent areas (Portuguese and French waters)

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of theWork Group Emotional Intelligence Profile Short Version (WEIP-S) in a Sample of Spanish Federated Coaches.

Emotional intelligence has been a topic of great interest to researchers in many different areas as it is associated with mental, psychosomatic, and physical health. In the sports context, it is a significant variable that can play an important role in improving the team’s performance. Although there are numerous tools to assess emotional intelligence, few of them have been validated explicitly in a sports sample, and even fewer have had coaches as a target population. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the work group emotional intelligence profile short version (WEIP-S) in a sample of Spanish federated coaches. The results confirm that this instrument presents good psychometric properties to measure the emotional intelligence of sports coaches. The original four-factor model (awareness of one’s own emotions, management of one’s own emotions, awareness of others’ emotions, and management of others’ emotions) shows good reliability and convergent validity for all four factors except for the management of one’s own emotions. These findings suggest that it is possible to measure the emotional intelligence of coaches and offer the opportunity to continue investigating the relevance of constructing specific scales to measure this construct in the sports context.post-print363 K

Comparison of the Agonist/Antagonist Tensional Balance of the Knee between Two Isokinetic Positions: A Pilot Study on a Sample of High-Level Competitive Soccer Players

[EN] Isokinetic knee dynamometry evolves towards more precise techniques, such as the cal-culation of the functional ratio. This study evaluated the influence of an intermediate hip position called the unified reclined position (URP) compared to the classic sitting position, (CSP) on hamstring eccentric PT values (Hexc30) and conventional (Hcon60/Qcon60) and functional (Hexc30/Qcon60) ratios.Twenty Spanish high-level competitive soccer players (20.4 ± 4.44 years) were evaluated in CSP and in URP. The hip angle in URP (44◦) was determined with a passive extensibility test (quadriceps and hamstrings), looking for an agonist/antagonist tension balance. The following were performed: three repetitions (60◦/s) and five repetitions (240◦/s) in concentric quadriceps and hamstrings mode; and three repetitions (30◦/s) in concentric and eccentric for the hamstrings. At 30◦/s, the CSP presents higher values of maximal eccentric hamstring strength than URP, (Dom + N-Dom leg (Nm): CSP = 148.3 ± 19.5 vs. URP 143.5 ± 23.2); p = 0.086 (n.s.). The conventional relationship did not show data justifying the preference for URP over CSP (p = 0.86 (n.s.)). However, although the functional index did not show significant values (p = 0.97 (n.s.), it did show a greater number of subjects with imbalances measured in URP (five in URP vs. two in CSP). An assessment angle of the hip closer to sports reality seems to favor the use of the URP as a complementary method to the CSP. These data stimulate new studies using URP together with the classic protocol.SIColegio Profesional de Fisioterapeutas from Castilla y León (Spain)This research was partially funded by the Colegio Profesional de Fisioterapeutas from Castilla y León (Spain) through the II Call for Scholarships for Research (INV2015-3)

High Levels of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) in Trumpet Shell Charonia lampas from the Portuguese Coast

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin, considered an emerging toxin in Europe where recently a safety limit of 44 µg TTX kg-1 was recommended by authorities. In this study, three specimens of the large gastropod trumpet shell Charonia lampas bought in a market in south Portugal were analyzed using a neuroblastoma cell (N2a) based assay and by LC-MS/MS. N2a toxicity was observed in the viscera of two individuals analyzed and LC-MS/MS showed very high concentrations of TTX (42.1 mg kg-1) and 4,9-anhydroTTX (56.3 mg kg-1). A third compound with m/z 318 and structurally related with TTX was observed. In the edible portion, i.e., the muscle, toxin levels were below the EFSA recommended limit. This study shows that trumpet shell marine snails are seafood species that may reach the markets containing low TTX levels in the edible portion but containing very high levels of TTX in non-edible portion raising concerns regarding food safety if a proper evisceration is not carried out by consumers. These results highlight the need for better understanding TTX variability in this gastropod species, which is critical to developing a proper legal framework for resources management ensuring seafood safety, and the introduction of these gastropods in the markets.UID/Multi/04326/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of ambient temperature on fat oxidation during an incremental cycling exercise test.

Aim: The objective of this current research was to compare fat oxidation rates during an incremental cycling exercise test in a temperate vs. hot environment. Methods: Twelve healthy young participants were recruited for a randomised crossover experimental design. Each participant performed a VO2max test in a thermoneutral environment followed by two cycling ramp test trials, one in a temperate environment (18.3°C) and another in a hot environment (36.3°C). The ramp test consisted of 3-min stages of increasing intensity (+10% of VO2max) while gas exchange, heart rate and perceived exertion were measured. Results: During exercise, there was a main effect of the environment temperature on fat oxidation rate (F = 9.35, P = 0.014). The rate of fat oxidation was lower in the heat at 30% VO2max (0.42 ± 0.15 vs.0.37 ± 0.13 g/min; P = 0.042), 60% VO2max (0.37 ± 0.27 vs.0.23 ± 0.23 g/min; P = 0.018) and 70% VO2max (0.22 ± 0.26 vs.0.12 ± 0.26 g/min; P = 0.007). In addition, there was a tendency for a lower maximal fat oxidation rate in the heat (0.55 ± 0.2 vs.0.48 ± 0.2 g/min; P = 0.052) and it occurred at a lower exercise intensity (44 ± 14 vs.38% ± 8% VO2max; P = 0.004). The total amount of fat oxidised was lower in the heat (5.8 ± 2.6 vs 4.6 ± 2.8 g; P = 0.002). The ambient temperature also produced main effects on heart rate (F = 15.18, P = 0.005) and tympanic temperature (F = 25.23, P = 0.001) with no effect on energy expenditure (F = 0.01, P = 0.945). Conclusion: A hot environment notably reduced fat oxidation rates during a ramp exercise test. Exercising in the heat should not be recommended for those individuals seeking to increase fat oxidation during exercise.pre-print375 K

Relación entre inteligencia emocional y ansiedad en un club de fútbol sala de Madrid.

Diversos estudios sugieren que la Inteligencia Emocional en deportistas se relaciona con el rendimiento deportivo y, a su vez, éste se ve perjudicado cuando los deportistas experimentan emociones negativas (e.g, ansiedad) que no son gestionadas adecuadamente. Sin embargo, se necesitan estudios que analicen si esta relación ocurre en todos los niveles deportivos. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar si existen diferencias en la inteligencia emocional (IE) y los niveles de ansiedad rasgo y estado (A/R y A/E) de jugadores de fútbol sala en función de su nivel deportivo. Para ello, se contó con una muestra de 48 jugadores de fútbol sala de todas las categorías juveniles a los que se les administró los cuestionarios TMMS-24 y STAI. Los resultados obtenidos muestran diferencias significativas en Atención Emocional (AE), A/R y A/E entre los diferentes niveles deportivos. Además, los niveles de A/R se relacionaron con todas las dimensiones de IE, mientras que la A/E únicamente se relacionó con la dimensión de AE.post-print117 K

Caffeine Doses of 3 mg/kg Increase Unilateral and Bilateral Vertical Jump Outcomes in Elite Traditional Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.

Caffeine increases vertical jump, although its effects on kinetics and kinematics during different phases of bilateral and unilateral jumps remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of 3 mg/kg on kinetic, kinematic and temporal variables in the concentric and eccentric phases of bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps. A total of 16 Spanish national team traditional Jiu-Jitsu athletes took part in two experimental trials (3 mg/kg caffeine or placebo) in a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Sixty minutes after ingestion, bilateral and unilateral jumps were performed on a force platform. Compared to the placebo, caffeine increased bilateral jump height (p = 0.008; D% = 4.40), flight time (p = 0.008; D% = 2.20), flight time:contraction time (p = 0.029; D% = 8.90), concentric impulse (p = 0.018; D% = 1.80), peak power (p = 0.049; D% = 2.50), RSI-modified (p = 0.011; D% = 11.50) and eccentric mean braking force (p = 0.045; D% = 4.00). Additionally, caffeine increased unilateral RSI-mod in both legs (Left: p = 0.034; D% = 7.65; Right: p = 0.004; D% = 11.83), left leg flight time (p = 0.044; D% = 1.91), left leg jump height (p = 0.039; D% = 3.75) and right leg FT:CT (p = 0.040; D% = 9.72). Caffeine in a dose of 3 mg/kg BM in elite Jiu- Jitsu athletes is a recommended ergogenic aid as it increased performance of bilateral and unilateral vertical jumps. These increases were also accompanied by modified jump execution during the different phases of the countermovement prior to take-off.post-print746 K