In-season internal and external training load quantification of an elite European soccer team

Elite soccer teams that participate in European competitions need to have players in the best physical and psychological status possible to play matches. As a consequence of congestive schedule, controlling the training load (TL) and thus the level of effort and fatigue of players to reach higher performances during the matches is therefore critical. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to provide the first report of seasonal internal and external training load that included Hooper Index (HI) scores in elite soccer players during an in-season period. Nineteen elite soccer players were sampled, using global position system to collect total distance, high-speed distance (HSD) and average speed (AvS). It was also collected session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and HI scores during the daily training sessions throughout the 2015-2016 in-season period. Data were analysed across ten mesocycles (M: 1 to 10) and collected according to the number of days prior to a one-match week. Total daily distance covered was higher at the start (M1 and M3) compared to the final mesocycle (M10) of the season. M1 (5589m) reached a greater distance than M5 (4473m) (ES = 9.33 [12.70, 5.95]) and M10 (4545m) (ES = 9.84 [13.39, 6.29]). M3 (5691m) reached a greater distance than M5 (ES = 9.07 [12.36, 5.78]), M7 (ES = 6.13 [8.48, 3.79]) and M10 (ES = 9.37 [12.76, 5.98]). High-speed running distance was greater in M1 (227m), than M5 (92m) (ES = 27.95 [37.68, 18.22]) and M10 (138m) (ES = 8.46 [11.55, 5.37]). Interestingly, the s-RPE response was higher in M1 (331au) in comparison to the last mesocycle (M10, 239au). HI showed minor variations across mesocycles and in days prior to the match. Every day prior to a match, all internal and external TL variables expressed significant lower values to other days prior to a match (p<0.01). In general, there were no differences between player positions. Conclusions: Our results reveal that despite the existence of some significant differences between mesocycles, there were minor changes across the in-season period for the internal and external TL variables used. Furthermore, it was observed that MD-1 presented a reduction of external TL (regardless of mesocycle) while internal TL variables did not have the same record during in-season match-day-minus.: The authors state that there were no salaries’ fund from a tobacco company. Also, the authors are not aware of any competing interests. This project was supported by the National Funds through FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (UID/DTP/04045/2013)—and the European Fund for Regional Development (FEDER) allocated by European Union through the COMPETE 2020 Programme (POCI-01-0145- FEDER-006969)—competitiveness and internationalization (POCI). All funding received for this work from any of the following organizations: National Institutes of Health (NIH); Welcome Trust; Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

In-season training load quantification of one-, two- and three-game week schedules in a top European professional soccer team

Top European soccer teams that play in UEFA competitions often participate in one, two- or three-games per week. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure optimal match-day performance and full recovery. The aim of this study was to quantify internal and external training load (TL) within five microcycles: M1 and M2 - one-game weeks; M3 and M4 - two-game weeks; M5 - three-game week). Thirteen elite soccer players participated in this study. A global positioning system (GPS) was used to measure the total distance covered and distances of different exercise training zones (1-5), the session ratings of perceived exertion (s-RPE) scores and the amount of creatine kinase (CK) created during daily training sessions for the 2015-2016 in-season period. The data were analysed with respect to the number of days prior to a given match. The main results indicate that there was a significant difference in training intensity for zone 1 between M2 and M4 (4010.2 ± 103.5 and 4507.6 ± 133.0 m, respectively); a significant difference in training intensity for zone 3 between M1 and M5 (686.1 ± 42.8 and 801.2 ± 61.2 m, respectively); a significant difference in the duration of the training sessions and matches between M2 and M5 (69.2 ± 2.1 and 79.6 ± 2.3) and M3 and M5 (69.7 ± 1.0 and 79.6 ± 2.3); and finally, there was a significant difference in CK between M3 and M2 (325.5 ± 155.0 and 194.4 ± 48.9). Moreover, there was a significant decrease in TL in the last day prior to a match, for all microcycles and all variables. There was no significant difference with respect to s-RPE. This study provides the first report of daily external and internal TLs and weekly accumulated load (training sessions and match demands) during one, two, and three-game week schedules in a group of elite soccer players. Expected significant differences are found in daily and accumulated loads for within- and between-game schedules. A similar pattern is exhibited for one- and two-game week microcycles regarding the day before the match, which exhibits a decrease in all variables. Despite the different number of games played per week, TL remain similar between microcycles for zone 2 and 5, plus s-RPE.This project was supported by the National Funds through FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (UID/DTP/04045/2013) and the European Fund for Regional Development (FEDER) allocated by European Union through the COMPETE 2020 Programme (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006969)—competitiveness and internationalization (POCI). The authors disclose funding received for this work from any of the following organizations: National Institutes of Health (NIH); Welcome Trust; Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); and other(s).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effects of applying a training program on basketball shooting in young players

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of the application of a strength program in the accuracy of basketball shooting in young female players. Twenty female basketball players, (mean ± standard deviation: 12.08 ± 0.42 years; 1.55 ± 0.08 height; 44.4 ± 5.54 body mass) participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups, the Control Group (GC) and the Experimental Group (GE), and were evaluated in 4 throwing exercises before (Pre-Test), after the application of a 6-week strength program (Post-Test), as well as after 4 weeks of detraining. The applied training program includes four exercises: i) Jump with Counter-Movement; ii) Throwing of the Medicinal Ball; iii) Sit-ups; iv) Push-ups. The results suggest that application of the 6-week training program had a positive effect on performance in two the four throwing exercises. In addiction 4 weeks of detraining, did not cause significant changes in the performance of the different throwing exercises compared to the Post-test period. It was concluded that a strength training program with a duration of 6 weeks was sufficient to obtain positive effects in the effectiveness of 2 Point throwing exercises in young female basketball players.This work is supported by national funding through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under project UID04045/2020

Physical performance changes during circuit training and detraining in U15 soccer players

On-field soccer conditioning programs are effective to improve physical performance in soccer players. However, the effects of an in-season soccer-specific circuit during regular soccer training is still limited. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the effects of a soccer-specific circuit, followed by 4-weeks of detraining on physical performance in U15 soccer players. Twenty participants (13.3 ± 0.5 years) were involved in this study. A soccer-specific circuit (~15-min) performed without ball was applied three times per week and included sprints, changes of direction, jumps and skipping’s. Before and after 6-weeks, as well as after detraining, the outcome measures included: countermovement jump, repeated sprint ability, yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1, change of direction and the 300-m modified shuttle-run test. After 6-weeks, repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant gains (p < .05) in almost variables, except for the percent sprint decrement in the repeated sprint ability test. After detraining, significant decreases (p < .05) were observed in almost variables, except for the countermovement jump best height and the repeated sprint ability best time. The results demonstrated that an in-season soccer-specific circuit was effective to improve physical performance in U15 soccer players. Nonetheless, 4-weeks of detraining is enough to revert the positive training-induced adaptations.This work was supported by a grant from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (SFRH/BD/147608/2019)

Evaluation of damage caused on Coffea arabica by a population of Pratylenchus coffeae considered non-pathogenic on coffee

Dois experimentos em casa de vegetação foram realizados com o objetivo de se avaliar os danos causados ao cafeeiro (Coffea arabica) pela população M2 de Pratylenchus coffeae, supostamente não patogênica a cafeeiros. Pelo experimento 1, com cafeeiro 'Catuaí Vermelho' em estágio de dois pares de folhas e utilizando as densidades iniciais de 0, 333, 1.000, 3.000 e 9.000 nematoides por planta, foi demonstrado que a população M2 causa danos a cafeeiros jovens, apesar de não ser capaz de se reproduzir em suas raízes. No experimento 2, mantendo a cultivar e as densidades populacionais do nematoide, mas com plantas em estágio de seis pares de folhas, evidenciou-se que M2 não é capaz de causar danos. Portanto, comprovou-se que M2 é uma população de P. coffeae não patogênica a cafeeiro arábico, por não se reproduzir em tal hospedeiro, mas que, em plantas jovens, provavelmente causa danos durante a primeira geração.Two greenhouse experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the damage caused on Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) by an M2 population of Pratylenchus coffeae, apparently non-pathogenic to coffee. Experiment 1, with 'Catuaí Vermelho' coffee at stage of two leaf pairs and with the initial nematode densities (Pi) of 0; 333; 1,000; 3.000; and 9,000 per plant, demonstrated that M2 can damage young coffee plants, although it is unable to reproduce on coffee roots. Experiment 2, with the same coffee cultivar and nematode densities, but with plants at stage of six leaf pairs, showed that the M2 population was unable to cause damage. Therefore, it was established that M2 is a population of P. coffeae without reproduction on Arabica coffee, which causes damage only in the first generation on young coffee below stages of six leaf pairs.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Effects of Different Recovery Times on Internal and External Load During Small-Sided Games in Soccer

Background: The ability to maintain a high intensity of exercise over several repetitions depends on recovery from previous exercises. This study aimed to identify the effects of different recovery times on internal and external load during small-sided soccer games. Hypothesis: An increase in recovery time will increase the external training load and decrease the internal exercise load, which will result in a greater physical impact of the exercise. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Level of evidence: Level 2. Methods: Twenty male semiprofessional soccer players participated in the present study. They performed the same exercise (5-a-side game format) continuously (1 × 18 minutes) and repeatedly/fractionated (3 × 6 minutes) with different recovery times (30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, and 2 minutes). Their internal load (ie, average heart rate (HR) and maximum HR) and external load (ie, total distance, maximum speed, and ratio meters) were measured using an HR band and an inertial device equipped with a global positioning system, respectively. Results: The manipulation of recovery times induced differences in the internal and external load. For the same total duration, the external and internal load indicators exhibited higher values during the fractionated method, particularly with short recovery periods. Conclusion: The application of small-sided soccer games with different recovery times induced varying responses in training load. To maintain high physical performance and high training load, the fractional method with short recovery periods (ie, 30 seconds) should be used. In contrast, to carefully manage players' efforts and decrease response to training load, continuous or fractional methods with longer recovery periods (ie, 1-2 minutes) should be used. Clinical relevance: The proper prescription of recovery time between exercises facilitates enhanced training efficiency and optimized performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

As Especificidades do ensino precoce de língua estrangeira: um estudo de caso

p. 57-71A aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras no 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico promove uma exposição à língua e cultura diferentes, nomeadamente de diversos países europeus falantes dessas mesmas línguas. Este mesmo contexto de ensino-aprendizagem tem especificidades próprias que vamos procurar enunciar neste artigo. Começaremos por nos referirmos à complexidade do processo de ensino- -aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras e à importância de aquisição duma Competência Comunicativa Intercultural ao longo da vida. De seguida, teceremos algumas considerações respeitantes às características do ensino precoce de línguas estrangeiras, no que se refere a objectivos a cumprir e tipologia de actividades mais indicadas, analisando- -o ainda tendo em conta Orientações Programáticas do Ministério da Educação. De forma a ilustrar melhor o nosso estudo, faremos um estudo de caso no qual analisaremos uma aula de inglês no 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico com o intuito de percebermos quais são as estratégias mais adequadas no ensino de línguas estrangeiras e de que forma se poderá implementar a interdisciplinaridade entre as diferentes áreas curriculares e o Inglês

3D reconstruction from multiple RGB-D images with different perspectives

Reconstrução de modelos 3D pode ser uma tarefa útil para várias finalidades. Alguns exemplos são a modelação de uma pessoa ou objeto para uma animação, em robótica, modelação de espaços para exploração ou, para fins clínicos, modelação de pacientes ao longo do tempo para manter um histórico do corpo do paciente. O processo de reconstrução é constituído pelas capturas do objeto a ser modelado, a conversão destas capturas para nuvens de pontos e o alinhamento de cada nuvem de pontos por forma a obter o modelo 3D.A metodologia implementada para o processo de alinhamento foi o mais genérico quanto possível, para poder ser usado para os múltiplos fins discutidos acima, com um foco especial nos objetos não-rígidos. Este foco vem da necessidade de reconstruir modelos 3D de alta qualidade, de pacientes tratadas para o cancro da mama, para a avaliação estética do resultado cirúrgico. Com o uso de algoritmos de alinhamento não-rígido, o processo de reconstrução fica mais robusto a pequenos movimentos durante as capturas.O sensor utilizado para as capturas foi o Microsoft Kinect, devido à possibilidade de se obter imagens de cores (RGB) e imagens de profundidade, mais conhecidas por imagens RGB -D. Com este tipo de dados o modelo 3D final pode ter textura, o que é uma vantagem em muitos casos. A outra razão principal para esta escolha foi o fato de o Microsoft Kinect ser um sensor de baixo custo, tornando-se assim uma alternativa aos sistemas mais dispendiosos disponíveis no mercado.Os principais objetivos alcançados foram a reconstrução de modelos 3D com boa qualidade a partir de capturas com ruido, usando um sensor de baixo custo. O registro de nuvens de pontos sem conhecimento prévio sobre a pose do sensor, permitindo a livre circulação do sensor em torno dos objetos. Por fim, o registo de nuvens de pontos com pequenas deformações entre elas, onde os algoritmos de alinhamento rígido convencionais não podem ser utilizados.3D model reconstruction can be a useful tool for multiple purposes. Some examples are modeling a person or objects for an animation, in robotics, modeling spaces for exploration or, for clinical purposes, modeling patients over time to keep a history of the patient's body. The reconstruction process is constituted by the captures of the object to be reconstructed, the conversion of these captures to point clouds and the registration of each point cloud to achieve the 3D model.The implemented methodology for the registration process was as much general as possible, to be usable for the multiple purposes discussed above, with a special focus on non-rigid objects. This focus comes from the need to reconstruct high quality 3D models, of patients treated for breast cancer, for the evaluation of the aesthetic outcome. With the non-rigid algorithms the reconstruction process is more robust to small movements during the captures.The sensor used for the captures was the Microsoft Kinect, due to the possibility of obtaining both color (RGB) and depth images, called RGB-D images. With this type of data the final 3D model can be textured, which is an advantage for many cases. The other main reason for this choice was the fact that Microsoft Kinect is a low-cost equipment, thereby becoming an alternative to expensive systems available in the market.The main achieved objectives were the reconstruction of 3D models with good quality from noisy captures, using a low cost sensor. The registration of point clouds without knowing the sensor's pose, allowing the free movement of the sensor around the objects. Finally the registration of point clouds with small deformations between them, where the conventional rigid registration algorithms could not be used

A energia solar fotovoltaica na polícia de segurança pública

As energias renováveis têm sido objeto de grande evolução nas últimas décadas e consideradas como parte de uma solução, a longo termo, para um futuro mais sustentável e consciente das adversidades económicas, sociais e ambientais. Pelas condições favoráveis em Portugal para a produção de energia com base em Fontes de Energia Renováveis (FER), estas opções deverão ser exploradas e rentabilizadas. Consequentemente, o tema abordado na presente dissertação visa avaliar a sustentabilidade da utilização de sistemas solares fotovoltaicos nos edifícios da Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP). Principiamos pela elaboração de uma descrição e análise da tecnologia fotovoltaica existente, dos componentes principais que a constituem e suas aplicações, distinguindo os sistemas autónomos dos sistemas ligados à rede, e pela análise dos regimes e tarifas previstos na legislação referente à mini e microprodução. Por forma a analisar a sustentabilidade da aplicação da referida tecnologia nas infraestruturas, foi dimensionado um sistema solar fotovoltaico para cada esquadra do Comando Metropolitano de Lisboa (COMETLIS) verificando as suas características, consumos de energia elétrica, produção de energia expectável e custos associados. Para a análise dos resultados obtidos foi efetuado um estudo da sustentabilidade e uma análise por clusters.Renewable energies have been developed in the recent decades and presented as a long-term solution for a sustainable future and for economic, social and environmental adversities. Portugal, being a country with good conditions for energy production based on renewable energy sources, should invest heavily in this field. The topic of this dissertation is to assess the solar photovoltaic system sustainability, when installed on the buildings of Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP).The existing photovoltaic technology, its main components and its applications are described and analyzed, explaining the difference between autonomous systems and systems connected to the network. We also observed the arrangements and charges provided in the law relating to mini and micro-production. In order to analyze the application of this technology sustainability, on the designed infrastructures, for each station of Lisbon Metropolitan Command of Police (COMETLIS), we checked their characteristics, electricity consumption, production and expected costs. For the results analysis, a sustainability study and a cluster analysis was performed

Influência do tempo de demora para desinclusão nos deslocamentos dentais em prótese total superior

The purpose of this study was to investigate the displacement of teeth occurring in dentures following storage in water at a temperature of 37ºC. Ten maxillary dentures were constructed with Classico heat-cured acrylic resin using conventional metal flasks. Metallic reference pins were placed on the incisal border of the central incisors (I), buccal cusp of the first premolars (PM), and mesiobuccal cusp of the second molars (M). The acrylic resin was polymerized twelve hours after final flask closure in a water cycle at 74ºC for 9 hours. The flasks were removed from the thermo-curing unit after water cooling and then bench stored for 3 hours. After deflasking and finishing, the dentures were stored in water at a temperature of 37ºC for periods of 7, 30, and 90 days. Following deflasking and each storage period tested, the I-I (incisor to incisor), PM-PM (premolar to premolar), and M-M (molar to molar) transverse distances, and LI-LM (left incisor to left molar) and RI-RM (right incisor to right molar) anteroposterior distances were measured with a STM Olympus microscope, with accuracy of 0.0005 mm. Colleted data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (5%). No statistically significant difference was observed in the displacement of teeth in the transverse and anteroposterior distances.Este estudo avaliou a movimentação dental em prótese total sob influência da armazenagem em água à temperatura de 37ºC. Foram feitas 10 próteses totais superiores com resina acrílica termopolimerizável Clássico pelo método convencional de prensagem em muflas metálicas. Pontos referenciais metálicos foram colocados nos dentes incisivos centrais (I), pré-molares (PM) e molares (M). Doze horas após a prensagem final, a resina acrílica foi polimerizada em água aquecida a 74ºC por 9 horas. As muflas foram removidas da polimerizadora após esfriamento da água e deixadas em bancada por 3 horas. Após esse período, as próteses foram desincluídas, acabadas e armazenadas em água à temperatura de 37ºC pelos períodos de 7, 30 e 90 dias. A movimentação dos dentes foi verificada nos períodos após desinclusão e armazenagem em água, nas distâncias transversais I-I, PM-PM e M-M e ântero-posteriores IE-ME e ID-MD com microscópio comparador Olympus, com precisão de 0,0005 mm. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey (5%). Os autores concluíram que não houve diferença estatística significativa nos valores da movimentação dos dentes nas distâncias transversais e anteroposteriores, sob influência do esfriamento da mufla na combinação água de polimerização-bancada por 3 horas, quando o período de demuflagem foi comparado com os períodos de armazenagem em água