Manipulating the pitch size constrains the players’ positioning during unbalanced soccer small-sided games played by different age groups

We aim to investigate the impact of variable soccer pitch sizes on the position of players during unbalanced small-sided games (SSGs) and compare the responses of players from two different age groups. Forty-eight young players (n = 24 under-13 and n = 24 under-14) took part in the study and played 3 vs. 3 + 1 SSGs on two different pitch sizes (smaller: 36 x 27 m / 139m2 per player; and larger: 40 x 29 m / 166 m2 per player). Players’ positions on the pitch (length, width, length-to-width ratio, stretching index, and spatial exploration index) were assessed by the positional data provided by global position system devices and were compared within age groups and between game formats using a two-way analysis of variance. Results showed higher values of spatial exploration index (SEI) in the larger SSGs than in the smaller format (p<.001). Moreover, a higher length (p<0.001) and length-to-width ratio (p<.001) was observed in the younger group. Finally, the larger format presented higher values of SEI and stretching index, independent of the age group (p<.001). In the smaller format, U-14 players presented a higher stretching index, while in the larger format U-13 players presented higher values in the same variable. We conclude that enlarging the pitch size constrains players’ behaviour during SSGs, and older players are more able to deal with this more complex task context than younger ones

Drying kinetics of Chinese garlic (Allium tuberosum) and its effect on color

Dehydrated garlic is an important component both for culinary and medicinal purposes. However, there is a scarcity of studies that characterizes its drying kinetics. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the drying kinetics of Chinese garlic (Allium tuberosum), as well as to analyze the color effect resulting from each treatment. The garlic bulbs were cut into thin slices with a width of 2 and 3 mm, subjected to the drying air temperature of 35, 45, 55 and 70 °C in a mechanical dryer of a fixed layer with forced convection. Was performed a non-linear regression analysis by the Quasi-Newton method, for adjustment to 11 mathematical models to the experimental data of drying. The Midilli equation was the mathematical model that best characterized all the drying temperatures, for the experimental data. The diffusion coefficient presented values between 1.46 x 10-11 and 7.32 x 10-11 m2.s-1. The increase of the drying air temperature caused the dimming of the samples with a reduction of the L* coordinate and reduction of the yellow of the samples according to the coordinate results h*. The temperature of 70 °C was detrimental to the maintenance of the Chinese garlic coloration.

Network analysis in small-sided and conditioned soccer games: the influence of additional players and playing position

The purpose of this article was to investigate the influence of additional players and playing position on the network properties during 2x4 minutes small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG) in soccer. Eighteen young soccer players (age 16.4±0.7 years), six defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards, voluntarily participated in SSCGs with different task conditions (4vs.3, with an additional player inside the pitch, 3vs.3+2, with two support players at the side of the pitch, and 3vs.3, numerical equality). General (density, total links and clustering coefficient) and individual (degree centrality, degree prestige, and page rank) network properties were analyzed using the SocNetV® software. Results showed higher values of density (F=59.354, p=.001), total links (F=40.951, p=.001), and clustering coefficient (F=21.851, p=.001) during the 4vs.3 SSCG. Besides, midfielders showed higher values of degree centrality than defenders and forwards (F=10.669, p=.001). Midfielders and forwards also showed higher values of degree prestige than defenders (F=5.527, p=.005). These results indicate that both task condition and playing position influence the general and individual network properties during SSCGs. For this reason, it is suggested that both task condition and team composition need to be adjusted to the coaches’ purpose for each training session in order to maximize the possibilities of cooperation among the teammates

Abordagem do diagnóstico clínico em um jovem com síndrome de Miller Fisher: um relato de caso / Clinical diagnostic approach in a young man with Miller Fisher syndrome: a case report

A síndrome de Miller Fischer, uma neuropatia rara que acomete o sistema nervoso periférico de forma aguda, é caracterizada pela tríade clínica de ataxia, arreflexia e oftalmoplegia, podendo haver variações. Neste trabalho, é relatado um caso clínico da Síndrome de Miller Fischer em um paciente de 24 anos sem comorbidades prévias a fim de evidenciar o reconhecimento de sua apresentação clínica e, assim fazer parte dos diagnósticos diferenciais das neuropatias periféricas desmielinizantes

Diclofenac and caffeine inhibit hepatic antioxidant enzymes in the freshwater fish Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characiformes)

Although concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds in aquatic ecosystems are low, they can cause toxic effects on organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and caffeine (CAF), a central nervous system stimulant, both alone or combined, in Astyanax altiparanae males under acute exposure (96 h), measuring neurotoxicity biomarkers, antioxidant response and damage at biochemical and cellular levels. DCF concentration in water, separated and combined, was 3.08 mg L−1 and that of CAF was 9.59 mg L−1. To assess neurotoxicity, brain and muscle acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were measured. To evaluate oxidative stress, the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as lipoperoxidation (LPO), were analyzed in liver and gills. Activity of hepatic cyclooxygenase (COX) was also evaluated. Genotoxicity was assessed in blood using comet assay and micronucleus test, as well as nuclear abnormalities. DCF and CAF, alone or combined, had neither effect on AChE activity, nor in the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx and GST in gills. In liver, DCF inhibited SOD and GPx activity, CAF inhibited CAT activity, the mixture inhibited SOD and GST activity; although only fish exposed to CAF showed increased hepatic LPO. Under these experimental conditions, no effect on COX activity was observed, nor cytotoxic and genotoxic damage. The most pronounced effects were caused by the drugs separately, since both compounds altered the enzymes, but only CAF triggered LPO, showing more harmful effects.Fil: Muñoz Peñuela, Marcela. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Lo Nostro, Fabiana Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Dal'Olio Gomes, Aline. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Tolussi, Carlos Eduardo. Universidade Anhembi Morumbi; BrasilFil: Branco, Giovana Souza. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Pinheiro, João Paulo Silva. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Godoi, Filipe Guilherme Andrade de. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Moreira, Renata Guimarães. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Influence of Match Status on Players’ Prominence and Teams’ Network Properties During 2018 FIFA World Cup

The analyses of players and teams’ behaviors during the FIFA World Cup may provide a better understanding on how football tactics and strategies have developed in the past few years in elite football. The Social Network Analysis (SNA) has been carried out in the investigations about passing distribution, improving the understanding on how players interact and cooperate during a match. In football official matches, studies have used the SNA as a means of coding players’ cooperation and opposition patterns. However, situational variables such as match status were previously investigated and associated with changes on teams’ dynamics within and/or between matches, but were not considered in studies based on Social Network Analysis. This study aimed to analyze the influence of match status on teams’ cooperation patterns and players’ prominence according to playing positions during 2018 FIFA World Cup. Fourteen matches of the knockout stage were analyzed. Macro and micro network measures were obtained from adjacency matrixes collected for each team, in each match status (winning, drawing, and losing). A one-way ANOVA was used to compare teams’ networks (macro-analysis variables) within each match status, while a two-way ANOVA (match status × playing position) was used to compare the micro-analysis variables. Results showed no differences between match status for macro analysis. Winning situations induced higher prominence in central midfielders (0.107; p = 0.001), wide midfielders (0.093; p = 0.001), and center forward (0.085; p = 0.001), while in losing situations lower prominence levels were observed for goalkeepers (0.044; p = 0.001) and center forward (0.074; p = 0.001). Data revealed that teams do not change macrostructures according to match status. On the other hand, the microstructures showed important adaptations regarding game styles, with changes in players’ behaviors according to playing positions. In general, the levels of centrality and prestige in players of different positions indicated a more direct play style in winning situations and a more build-up style in losing situations. These results allow a better understanding about the influence of match status on players’ and teams’ performance during high-level football competitions and may help coaches to improve athletes’ performance in these situations

Prevalência de alterações no hábito alimentar por ansiedade em pré-vestibulandos, no município de Anápolis-GO

A indissociação entre a ansiedade e os comportamentos alimentares têm apresentado grande relevância no âmbito da saúde, visto a interferência direta em aspectos físicos e mentais. Sob essa perspectiva, a ansiedade pode alterar o apetite e o padrão de ingestão alimentar, muitas vezes ligada a um comportamento compulsivo, o que é comumente observado em grupos submetidos a condições extremas de estresse, em especial os pré-vestibulandos. Assim, a relação entre tal distúrbio e os comportamentos alimentares é complexa e multifatorial, no qual envolve fatores biológicos, psicológicos e sociais. Dessa forma, o presente estudo objetiva analisar o impacto do transtorno de ansiedade nos comportamentos alimentares em pré-vestibulandos. Para isso, o trabalho consiste em um estudo epidemiológico, transversal e analítico, de modo que a coleta de dados será realizada entre 231 alunos nos cursos pré-vestibular COPE NExus e no Colégio Galileu em Anápolis-GO, por meio do Questionário de Ansiedade de Beck e do Emotional Eating Scale. Desse modo, espera-se que este trabalho contribua para a compreensão do perfil epidemiológico do estudante pré-vestibulando, associando-o aos seus padrões de alimentação, possibilitando a identificação de possíveis mudanças associadas aos transtornos ansiosos

Análise comparativa entre ecofuncional por pediatra e ecocardiografia compreensiva por cardiologista em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica e neonatal

Introduction: Bedside ultrasound performed by a non-imaging specialist has proven to be a useful tool in the diagnostic evaluation and performance of invasive procedures. Several clinical situations favor manifestations of hemodynamic instability, especially in intensive care units. Nowadays, several pediatric units have used functional echocardiography (fECHO) and, often, before the examination by echocardiography performed by a cardiologista (cECHO). Objective: Compare the accuracy of echocardiography performed by a pediatrician (fECHO) and a cardiologist (cECHO) on neonatal and pediatric patients in an intensive care unit. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of pediatric patients from zero days to 14 years, admitted to the intensive care unit, with a clinical indication for evaluation by comprehensive echocardiography of anatomical cardiac alterations were also evaluated through ecofunctional by a pediatrician. Results: Eight nine patients were admitted from zero days to 14 years, 55 of whom were male, and 34 were female. The respective sensitivity and specificity of fECHO and cECHO were 80% and 96.2% for the persistence of the ductus arteriosus; 88.4% and 98.4% for congenital acyanotic heart disease; 77.7% and 98.7% for congenital cyanotic heart disease; 83.3% and 98.8% for ventricular hypertrophy; 100% and 100% for pericardial effusion; 76.2% and 96.2% for persistent neonatal pulmonary hypertension. Conclusions: The results demonstrate a good accuracy of the pediatrician performing fECHO compared with a examination performed by the cardiologist, which does not reduce the importance and obligation of expert assessment. The incorporation of fECHO in the routine pediatric evaluation allows for the expansion and improvement of the pediatrician's physical examination.Introdução: A ultrassonografia à beira do leito realizada por não especialista em imagem tem mostrado ser uma ferramenta útil na avaliação diagnóstica e realização de procedimentos invasivos. Diversas situações clínicas favorecem manifestações de instabilidade hemodinâmica, principalmente, nas unidades de terapia intensiva. Neste sentido, unidades pediátricas têm utilizado ecocardiografia funcional, muitas vezes, antes do exame realizado por um ecocardiografista. Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia da ecocardiografia realizada por pediatra comparativamente à realizada por ecocardiografista em pacientes de uma unidade neonatal e pediátrica de tratamento intensivo. Material e Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de pacientes pediátricos de zero dia a 14 anos, internados na unidade de terapia intensiva, com indicação clínica para avaliação da existência de alterações anatômicas por ecocardiografia compreensiva e que também foram avaliados através da ecocardiografia funcional por pediatra. Resultados: Um total de 89 casos foram analisados com admissão variando de zero dia a 14 anos, sendo 55 do sexo masculino e 34 do sexo feminino. A sensibilidade e especificidade, respectivamente, da ecocardiografia funcional pelo pediatra comparado à ecocardiografia compreensiva feita pelo cardiologista relativamente às alterações encontradas foram: 80% e 96,2% para persistência do canal arterial; 88,4% e 98,4% para cardiopatia congênita acianótica; 77,7% e 98,7% para cardiopatia congênita cianótica e/ou críticas; 83,3% e 98,8% para miocardiopatia hipertrófica; 100% e 100% para derrame pericárdico; e 76,2% e 96,2% para hipertensão pulmonar persistente neonatal. Conclusões: Os resultados demonstram boa acurácia do pediatra realizando a ecocardiografia funcional quando comparado com exame realizado pelo cardiologista (ecocardiografia compreensiva), o que não reduz a importância e obrigatoriedade da análise do especialista. A incorporação da ecocardiografia funcional na avaliação rotineira pediátrica permite expandir e melhorar o exame físico pelo pediatra

Chocadeira automática de baixo custo utilizando circuitos isolados: Low cost automatic hatchery using isolated circuits

O setor avícola representa uma parcela significativa da produção mundial de alimentos e vêm apresentando sinais de crescimento ano após ano, devido à demanda incessante da busca por itens de subsistência. No entanto, os avicultores ainda possuem granjas com baixo uso de tecnologias atuais e dispõem de informações bastante limitadas para alcançar maior eficiência. Logo, o presente trabalho relata o desenvolvimento e implantação de uma chocadeira automática, utilizada para incubação de ovos de aves de criação na zona rural. O objetivo da atividade foi prover uma tecnologia de incubação de ovos mais acessível aos produtores em detrimento das soluções disponibilizadas no mercado. Para tal, foi pensado em equipamentos e materiais de baixo custo para que as despesas finais com o projeto e o seu desenvolvimento não fossem elevadas, como também foram utilizadas técnicas de automação e controle a partir de circuitos separados entre si e que possibilitam aos pequenos produtores a utilização e manutenção de forma simplificada. Assim, o protótipo foi construído e analisado a partir de um período de testes referentes a uma incubação de 30 ovos durante 21 dias, gerando o total de 25 pintos. Na ocasião o protótipo ficou ativo durante todo o período, onde foram coletados dados de temperatura e umidade. Ao fim do trabalho, pôde-se constatar que o protótipo atingiu os objetivos propostos, respondendo oportunamente às perturbações e testes realizados obtendo resultados satisfatórios

Amazon hydrology from space : scientific advances and future challenges

As the largest river basin on Earth, the Amazon is of major importance to the world's climate and water resources. Over the past decades, advances in satellite-based remote sensing (RS) have brought our understanding of its terrestrial water cycle and the associated hydrological processes to a new era. Here, we review major studies and the various techniques using satellite RS in the Amazon. We show how RS played a major role in supporting new research and key findings regarding the Amazon water cycle, and how the region became a laboratory for groundbreaking investigations of new satellite retrievals and analyses. At the basin-scale, the understanding of several hydrological processes was only possible with the advent of RS observations, such as the characterization of "rainfall hotspots" in the Andes-Amazon transition, evapotranspiration rates, and variations of surface waters and groundwater storage. These results strongly contribute to the recent advances of hydrological models and to our new understanding of the Amazon water budget and aquatic environments. In the context of upcoming hydrology-oriented satellite missions, which will offer the opportunity for new synergies and new observations with finer space-time resolution, this review aims to guide future research agenda toward integrated monitoring and understanding of the Amazon water from space. Integrated multidisciplinary studies, fostered by international collaborations, set up future directions to tackle the great challenges the Amazon is currently facing, from climate change to increased anthropogenic pressure