Flexible and low-cost binderless capacitors based on p- and n-containing fibrous activated carbons from denim cloth wastes

Activated carbon cloths have been prepared from denim cloth wastes (DCWs) through chemical activation with H3PO4. The effect of the H3PO4/DCWs impregnation ratio and the carbonization temperature on the porous texture, the chemical composition, the fibers morphology, and the electrochemical performance has been studied. Low H3PO4/DCWs impregnation ratios lead to flexible and microporous activated carbons cloths, whereas more fragile and rigid activated carbon cloths with higher external surface area are produced upon increasing the amount of H3PO4. The increase in the carbonization temperature allows for obtaining a more ordered and conductive carbon structure. The activated carbon prepared at 900 ºC with a H3PO4/DCWs impregnation ratio of 0.5 (w/w) exhibits the best performance as electric double layer capacitor. This electrode shows a specific surface area of 2016 m2 g-1 and the highest registered gravimetric capacitance (227 F g-1). Moreover, its flexibility minimizes the ohmic resistance of the electrode, thus increasing the feasibility of working at higher current densities than the other synthesized electrodes.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech; MINECO CTQ2015-68654-

Poly-Harmonic Distortion Model Extraction in Charge-Controlled One-Port Devices

A charge-controlled, one-port device is used to describe and discuss the extraction procedure of a Poly-Harmonic Distortion (PHD) model in detail. For this case, both voltage and current waveforms are shown to be enough to fully characterize the PHD model. It is also shown that all the information specifically required for this PHD model definition can be stored in the Fourier coefficients of the incremental conductance and capacitance. The results are validated by comparing them with those obtained using a commercial circuit simulation tool.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Citi Group business project: Ireland, May 2014

CEM

Una reivindicación de la dependencia mercantil catalana: la campaña del cierre a las ocho

La reivindicación del cierre de los establecimientos comerciales a las ocho de la tarde la protagonizaron diferentes asociaciones de dependientes. Los dependientes de venta al por menor eran los más afectados por la prolongación diaria de su jornada laboral. La Asociación de la Dependencia Mercantil inició esta demanda entre 1901 y 1903 y se recuperó a partir de 1913 por el CADCI. Entre ambos momentos se promulgaron diferentes normas jurídicas – entre ellas la Ley de descanso dominical-, que afectaron directamente a los dependientes de comercio y cuyo cumplimiento fue exigido por parte de las diferentes asociaciones

Força de preensão – Análise de concordância entre dois dinamómetros: JAMAR vs E‑Link

Introdução – Avaliar a força de preensão mostrou ser de primordial importância pela sua relação com a capacidade funcional dos indivíduos, permitindo determinar níveis de risco para incapacidade futura e, assim, estabelecer estratégias de prevenção. Grande parte dos estudos utiliza o dinamómetro hidráulico JAMAR que fornece o valor da força isométrica obtida durante a execução do movimento de preensão palmar. Contudo, existem outros dinamómetros disponíveis, como é o caso do dinamómetro portátil computorizado E‑Link (Biometrics) que fornece o valor da força máxima (peak force), para além de outras variáveis, como a taxa de fadiga. Não existem, contudo, estudos que nos permitam aceitar e comparar ou não os valores obtidos com os dois equipamentos e porventura utilizá‑los indistintamente. Objetivos – Avaliar a concordância entre as medições da força de preensão (força máxima ou peak force em Kg) obtida a partir de dois equipamentos diferentes (dinamómetros portáteis): um computorizado (E‑Link, Biometrics) e outro hidráulico (JAMAR). Metodologia – Foram avaliados 29 indivíduos (13H; 16M; 22±7 anos; 23,2±3,3 kg/m2) em 2 dias consecutivos, na mesma altura do dia. A posição de teste escolhida foi a recomendada pela Associação Americana de Terapeutas Ocupacionais e foi escolhido o melhor resultado de entre 3 tentativas para a mão dominante. Realizou‑se uma análise correlacional entre os valores obtidos na variável analisada em cada equipamento (coeficiente de Spearman) e uma análise de Bland & Altman para verificar a concordância entre as duas medições. Resultados – O coeficiente de correlação entre as duas medições foi elevado (rS= 0,956; p<0,001) e, pela análise de Bland & Altman, os valores obtidos encontram‑se todos dentro do intervalo da média±2SD. Conclusões – As duas medições mostraram ser concordantes, revelando que os dinamómetros testados podem ser comparáveis ou utilizados indistintamente em diferentes estudos e populações. ABSTRACT: Introduction – Assess grip strength has proved to be of vital importance because of its relationship with functional capacity of individuals, in order to determine levels of risk for future disability and thereby establish prevention strategies. Most studies use the JAMAR Hydraulic dynamometer that provides the value of isometric force obtained during the performance of grip movement. However, there are other dynamometers available, such as portable computerized dynamometer E‑Link (Biometrics), which provides the value of maximum force (peak force) in addition to other variables as the rate of fatigue. There are no studies that allow us to accept or not and compare values obtained with both devices and perhaps use them interchangeably. Purpose – To evaluate the agreement between the measurements of grip strength (peak force or maximum force in kg) obtained from two different devices (portable dynamometers): a computerized (E‑Link, Biometrics) and a hydraulic (JAMAR). Methodology – 29 subjects (13H, 16M, 22 ± 7 years, 23.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were assessed on two consecutive days at the same time of day. The test position chosen was recommended by the American Association of Occupational Therapists and was considered the best result from three attempts for the dominant hand. A correlation was studied between values obtained in the variable analyzed in each equipment (Spearman coefficient) and Bland‑Altman analysis to assess the agreement between the two measurements. Results – The correlation coefficient between the two measurements was high (rs = 0,956, p <0,001) and Bland & Altman analysis of the values obtained are all within the range of mean±2SD. Conclusions – The two measurements were shown to be concordant, revealing that the tested dynamometers can be comparable or used interchangeably in different studies and populations

A asma induzida pelo exercício na criança

A Asma Brônquica é a doença crónica mais comum nas crianças. É definida como uma disfunção inflamatória crónica das vias aéreas que provoca uma resposta exacerbada das mesmas, levando ao aparecimento recorrente de episódios de pieira, dispneia, opressão torácica e tosse associada a obstrução do fluxo de ar que pode ser reversível, quer de uma forma espontânea quer por terapêutica. Nas crianças, o exercício contínuo e intenso pode levar a um aumento transitório da resistência das vias aéreas, conduzindo a obstrução brônquica ao aparecimento da tosse, pieira, dispneia e opressão torácica, a chamada asma induzida pelo exercício

Grip strength: are dinamometers equivalent? JAMAR vs E-Link

Levels of risk for future disability can be assessed with grip strength. This assessment is of fundamental importance for establishing prevention strategies. It also allows verifying relationships with functional capacity of individuals. Most studies on grip strength use the JAMAR Hydraulic dynamometer that provides the value of isometric force obtained during the performance of grip movement and is considered the “gold standard” for measurement of grip strength. However, there are different dynamometers available commercially, such as portable computerized dynamometer E-Link (Biometrics), which provides the value of maximum force (peak force) in addition to other variables as the rate of fatigue for hand strength, among others. Of our knowledge, there are no studies that allow us to accept or not and compare values obtained with both devices and perhaps use them interchangeably. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absolute agreement between the measurements of grip strength (peak force or maximum force in kg) obtained from two different devices (portable dynamometers): a computerized (E-Link, Biometrics) and one hydraulic (JAMAR)

Fisioterapia, exercício físico e acidente vascular cerebral (AVC)

As evidências sugerem que se deve exercitar os doentes no limite das suas capacidades (previamente avaliadas) tanto funcionais como fisiológicas e que nas fases iniciais dos programas de exercício estes deverão ser monitorizados. O exercício físico regular, de baixa a moderada intensidade em indivíduos que sofreram um AVC demonstrou vários efeitos positivos, na manutenção da sua condição física

Handgrip strength

The basic function of the human hand is the manipulation and grasping of various objects in all daily activities, including work activities. This is greatly influenced by strength and manual dexterity. However age, gender and other contexts such as work or leisure activities could influence strength. Handgrip strength, a measure of maximum voluntary force of the hand, has proved to be reliable and valid as an objective parameter to evaluate the functional integrity of the hand as part of the musculoskeletal system. It correlates highly with strength in other muscular groups and is therefore considered as a good indicator of overall muscular strength and functional stress and could be used as a predictor of physical disability. Handgrip strength assessment is simple and reliable and used commonly by several investigators and health professionals, in different contexts (medical, nutritional, rehabilitation, professional settings, engineering, etc.) and with different purposes (research, diagnostic, assessment, etc.). In clinical and rehabilitation settings is of vital importance in the determination of effectiveness of several interventions and for monitoring evolution of diseases. Various ways (methods, techniques and equipments) of collecting information on grip strength have been reported. This chapter will review basic concepts on handgrip function, methodologies of assessment, contexts of application and correlates, such as physical activity, health or nutritional status. Several populations and reference values as also the relationships between handgrip and clinical status, aging, risk of disability and diseases, will be discussed