Validez y fiabilidad de test de campo para evaluar la condición física relacionada con la salud en adultos. Proyecto Adult- Fit

Physical fitness is considered a powerful health marker in different populations (i.e., preschool, childhood, adolescence, adults, and older adults). Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse association between cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, with morbidity and all-cause mortality. Consequently, physical fitness assessment is considered an important prevention and diagnosis tool. Physical fitness can be objectively and accurately measured through laboratory tests. However, due to their high cost, the necessity of sophisticated instruments, qualified technicians, and time constraints, their use is limited in population-based studies. Field-based physical fitness tests provide a reasonable alternative since they are easy to administer, involve minimal equipment, are low in cost, and a large number of participants can be evaluated in a relatively short period of time and simultaneously. Valid, reliable, feasible, safe, and responsiveness are characteristics that need to be assured for any measurement tool. Longitudinal studies have recently contributed to the existing health-related fitness batteries archiving those characteristics in children and adolescents (The ALPHA Study), and preschool children (The PREFIT Study). However, researchers, clinicians, and sport practitioners do not have enough information about which field-based physical fitness tests are more reliable, valid, and informative from the health point of view to be implemented in adults. Therefore, the general aim of this International Doctoral Thesis was: to propose a battery of field-based tests to assess physical fitness related to health in adults based on scientific evidence, valid (i.e. predictive validity and criterion-related validity) and reliable, depending on sex, age, and physical activity level: The ADULT-FIT project [Plan nacional I+D +i 2017-2020, (ref.: DEP2017-88043-R)]. Likewise, the specific aims were: (i) to comprehensively analyze the predictive validity of the existing motor fitness and flexibility tests in relation to several health outcomes in adults and older adults (study I); (ii) to comprehensively study the criterion-related validity of the existing field-based physical fitness tests used in adults aged 18-64 years (study II), and to identify studies evaluating the criterion-related validity of existing field-based methods and equations for body composition estimation used in adults aged 18-64 years (study III); (iii) to systematically review studies conducted to examine the reliability of field-based physical fitness tests used in adults aged 18-64 years (study IV); (iv) to analyze the criterion-related validity and the reliability of the 2-km walk test and the 20-m shuttle run test for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in the adult population, according to sex, age, and physical activity level (study V), and to analyze the criterion-related validity and reliability of the standing long jump test to assess the lower-body explosive muscular fitness in adults, according to sex, age, and physical activity level (study VI). The main results showed that there is strong evidence indicating that: (i) slower gait speed, impaired balance, and worse TUG performance are good indicators of health outcomes in both adults and older adults; and limited evidence about the predictive validity of flexibility tests exists (study I). (ii) To assess cardiorespiratory fitness, the 20-m shuttle run test (using Leger’s equation), 1.5-mile run/walk test, 12-min run/walk test, 6-min walk test, YMCA step test, and the 2-km walk test (using Oja’s equation) are valid; to assess muscular fitness, the handgrip test (using the TKK dynamometer), and the Biering–Sørensen test are valid; to assess flexibility, the sit-and-reach test (and its different versions), and that the toe-to-touch tests are not valid; limited evidence about the criterion-related validity of motor fitness exists (study II). (iii) The field-based methods, waist circumference, body adiposity index, and body mass index are valid indicators of body adiposity in adult population; classical equations, such as Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation, Jackson, Pollock and Ward equation, and estimation equations implying skinfolds, alone or combined with circumferences, are most valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage in adult population (study III). (iv) To assess cardiorespiratory fitness, the 20-m shuttle run test, the step tests and the 6-min walk test are reliable; to assess musculoskeletal fitness, the handgrip test (using a JAMAR dynamometer), back-leg test, Biering-Sørensen (and its modified versions), trunk flexion sustained, 5-reps sit-to-stand, bilateral side and prone bridge, the sit-and-reach (and its modified versions), and the toe-to-touch test are reliable; to assess motor fitness, the T-test (and its modified version) is reliable, and the single- leg stand test (and its modified versions) is not reliable (study IV). (v) The 2-km walk test (using) and the 20-m shuttle run test, as well as their corresponding Oja’s and Leger’s equations, are valid and reliable for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults aged 18-64 years. However, the 20-m shuttle run test obtained slightly greater criterion-related validity and reliability, regardless of sex, age, and physical activity level (study V). (vi) The standing long jump test may be a valid tool to assess the adult population's lower-body explosive muscular fitness, independent of age, and physical activity levels. The standing long jump test may be used when controlling the possible learning effect to provide reliability (study VI). This International Doctoral Thesis provides evidence to propose a battery of field-based tests to assess physical fitness related to health in adults based on valid and reliable scientific evidence, depending on sex, age, and physical activity levels. Future methodological studies are still necessary to establish the validity and/or reliability of those field-based physical fitness tests identified in systematic reviews having insufficient or strong evidence that have not been developed in this International Doctoral Thesis, as well as the feasibility and safety of those field-based physical fitness test identified (in the systematic reviews) as valid and reliable, and the responsiveness of those field-based physical fitness test identified as valid, reliable, feasible and safe, in adult population

Valorization of Agricultural Wastes for the Production of Protein-Based Biopolymers

In this study we provide an overview of the latest developments on the extraction, production, modification and applications of fruit residues and by-products in the formation of protein-based biopolymers, in particular for the formulation of edible films. Our aim was mainly to demonstrate the highly transdisciplinary character of these topics by giving an overview of the main developments and research topics in the chemistry and engineering aspects of protein-based biopolymers. These innovative raw materials have been evaluated for the production of biomaterials to be used in some key sectors, such as food packaging

CO-PrOx over nano-Au/TiO2: Monolithic catalyst performance and empirical kinetic model fitting

In this work, the performance of ceramic monoliths washcoated with Au/TiO2 is studied on CO preferential oxidation (CO-PrOx) reaction in H2-rich environments under a wide range of operating conditions of practical interest. The parameter estimation of a nonlinear kinetic empirical model representing this system is made via genetic algorithms by fitting the model predictions against our laboratory observations. Parameter uncertainty leading to inaccurate predictions is often present when kinetic models with nonlinear rate equations are considered. Here, after the fitting was concluded, a statistical study was conducted to determine the accuracy of the parameter estimation. Activation energies of ca. 30 kJ/mol and 55 kJ/mol were adjusted for CO and H2 oxidations, respectively. The catalyst showed appropriate activity and selectivity values on the CO oxidation on a H2-rich environment. After ca. 45 h on stream the catalyst showed no deactivation. Results show that the model is suitable for reproducing the behavior of the CO-PrOx reactions and it can be used in the design of reactors for hydrogen purification.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Criterion‑Related Validity of Field‑Based Methods and Equations for Body Composition Estimation in Adults: A Systematic Review

Purpose of Review Overweight and obesity are associated to health prognosis. Therefore, body composition assessment is an important health outcome, especially in adult population. We analyzed the criterion-related validity of existing field-based methods and equations for body composition estimation in adults aged 19–64 years. Recent Findings One hundred studies met inclusion criteria. The field-based methods, waist circumference (WC), body adiposity index (BAI), and body mass index (BMI) are valid to indicate body adiposity. Likewise, several equations, including the classical Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation (males), and Jackson, Pollock, and Ward equation (females), are valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage. Summary Anthropometric field methods can provide a simple, quick, and easy informative indicators of adiposity in adults. Classical equations, such as Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation, and Jackson, Pollock, and Ward equation, are still valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage in adult population. When choosing estimation equations, specific population characteristics, such as age, weight status, or race ethnicity, should be taken into account. (Trial Registration: Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020194272)).Ministry of Economy, Industry and CompetitivenessNational Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and of Innovation 2017-2020 DEP201788043-RJunta de AndaluciaUniversity of Cadiz PPIT-FPI19Spanish Government FPU19/0296

Emissions pollutant from diesel, biodiesel and natural gas refuse collection vehicles in urban areas

Urban pollution is more and more concern due to human health implications. In that way, emissions pollutant from commercial vehicles which move daily at fixed itineraries such as, buses and refuse collection vehicles must be monitored. In this study we have aimed to show the results of the test made on refuse collection vehicles, in real conditions, with regard to their energy consumption and emissions pollutant. A comparative study is carried out with regard to CO, HC, NOx, PM and greenhouse gas emissions, in respect of two types of engine with three different fuels. The fuels analyzed are diesel, biodiesel (B50 and B100) and compressed natural gas (CNG)

Analysis and design of multirate synchronous sampling schemes for sparse multiband signals

We consider the problem of developing efficient sampling schemes for multiband sparse signals. Previous results on multicoset sampling implementations that lead to universal sampling patterns (which guarantee perfect reconstruction), are based on a set of appropriate interleaved analog to digital converters, all of them operating at the same sampling frequency. In this paper we propose an alternative multirate synchronous implementation of multicoset codes, that is, all the analog to digital converters in the sampling scheme operate at different sampling frequencies, without need of introducing any delay. The interleaving is achieved through the usage of different rates, whose sum is significantly lower than the Nyquist rate of the multiband signal. To obtain universal patterns the sampling matrix is formulated and analyzed. Appropriate choices of the parameters, that is the block length and the sampling rates, are also proposed

Finding a suitable catalyst for on-board ethanol reforming using exhaust heat from an internal combustion engine

Ethanol steam reforming with pure ethanol and commercial bioethanol (S/C = 3) was carried out inside the housing of the exhaust gas pipe of a gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE) by using exhaust heat (610–620 °C). Various catalytic honeycombs loaded with potassium-promoted cobalt hydrotalcite and with ceria-based rhodium–palladium catalysts were tested under different reactant loads. The hydrogen yield obtained over the cobalt-based catalytic honeycomb at low load (F/W 200 h) at high load (F/W = 150 mLliq·gcat-1·h-1, GHSV = 2.4·103 h-1) showed that promotion of the ceria-supported noble metal catalyst with alumina and zirconia is a key element for practical application using commercial bioethanol. HRTEM analysis of post mortem honeycombs loaded with RhPd/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2–Al2O3 showed no carbon formation and no metal agglomeration.Postprint (author's final draft

Advertising communication strategies for cancer treatment and prevention. Spanish case

Muchas son las marcas que hacen uso de la publicidad emocional para dirigirse a su público objetivo. Este método se ha convertido en una forma eficiente de conquistar la mente de los consumidores ante la saturación informativa actual, pero también porque les permite mostrar situaciones de la vida cotidiana con las cuales las personas se pueden llegar a sentir identificadas y de esta forma establecer una relación más profunda. Este trabajo analiza el impacto y la efectividad en el público español de los anuncios de enfermedades cancerígenas cuando hacen uso de las distintas estrategias de la publicidad emocional. Para ello se ha llevado a cabo una revisión bibliográfica de la evolución de la publicidad desde sus inicios y se ha aplicado un análisis del discurso de una serie de spots de organizaciones españolas que luchas contra el cáncer. Finalmente se ha utilizado la técnica de la entrevista semiestructuradaa cualitativa como base, además de una encuesta masiva. Los resultados apuntan a una eficacia mayor en quienes han tenido una relación más cercana con la enfermedad además de observarse la necesidad un contenido más realista e informativo para con la población de estudio. Como conclusiones se extrae que existe posibilidad de empatizar con las receptoras cuando en los mensajes se combinan estrategias racionales y emocionales.Many brands make use of emotional advertising to address their target audience. This method has become an efficient way to conquer the minds of consumers in the face of the current information saturation, but also because it allows them to show situations from everyday life with which people can identify and thus establish a deeper relationship. This study analyses the impact and effectiveness of cancer disease advertisements on the Spanish public when they make use of different emotional advertising strategies. To this end, a bibliographical review of the evolution of advertising since its beginnings has been carried out and a discourse analysis of a series of spots from Spanish organisations fighting against cancer has been applied. Finally, the qualitative semi-structured interview technique was used as a basis, in addition to a mass survey. The results point to a greater effectiveness in those who have had a closer relationship with the disease, as well as the need for a more realistic and informative content for the study population. The conclusions are that there is a possibility of empathising with the recipients when rational and emotional strategies are combined in the messages

Predictive Validity of Motor Fitness and Flexibility Tests in Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review

This research was funded by Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness in the 2017 call for R & D Projects of the State Program for Research, Development and Innovation Oriented to the Challenges of the Company; National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and of Innovation 2013-2016 (DEP2017-88043-R); and the Regional Government of Andalusia and University of Cadiz: Research and Knowledge Transfer Fund (PPIT-FPI19).Motor fitness and flexibility have been linked to several health issues. We aimed to investigate the predictive validity of motor fitness and flexibility tests in relation to health outcomes in adults and older adults. Web of Science and PubMed databases were screened for studies published from inception to November 2020. Two authors systematically searched, evaluated, and extracted data from identified original studies and systematic reviews/meta-analysis. Three levels of evidence were constructed: strong, moderate, and limited/inconclusive evidence. In total, 1182 studies were identified, and 70 studies and 6 systematic reviews/meta-analysis were summarized. Strong evidence indicated that (i) slower gait speed predicts falls and institutionalization/hospitalization in adults over 60 years old, cognitive decline/impairment over 55 years old, mobility disability over 50 years old, disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) over 54 years old, cardiovascular disease risk over 45 years old, and all-cause mortality over 35 years old; (ii) impaired balance predicts falls and disability in IADL/mobility disability in adults over 40 years old and all-cause mortality over 53 years old; (iii) worse timed up&go test (TUG) predicts falls and fear of falling over 40 years old. Evidence supports that slower gait speed, impaired balance, and worse TUG performance are significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in adults.Ministry of Economy, Industry and CompetitivenessNational Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and of Innovation DEP2017-88043-RJunta de AndaluciaUniversity of Cadiz PPIT-FPI1