The Mystery of Writing in The Blood of a Poet (Le sang d’un poète, Jean Cocteau, 1932)

Jean Cocteau ofrece en La sangre de un poeta una interesante reflexión sobre la naturaleza de la escritura literaria, construyendo una personal poética cinematográfica a partir de símbolos universales. El resultado describe el proceso de despersonalización a que se ve abocado el poeta al verse comprometido por un lenguaje que no reconoce como suyo. Esto implica la aceptación de su condición indeterminada, marcada por una naturaleza andrógina abocada a la muerteJean Cocteau offers in The Blood of a Poet an interesting reflection on the nature of literary writing, constructing a personal cinematographic poetic based on universal symbols. The result describes the process of depersonalization experienced by the poet when he is forced by a language which he does not recognize as his own. This implies the acceptance of his indeterminate condition, marked by an androgynous nature doomed to deat

Factores condicionales de rendimiento en remo

Literature has established strong relationships between some anthropometric and strength measures with rowing performance. However these studies have not correlated rower’s success with absolute (watt average) and relative weight values (watts per unit weight). The aim of this study was to correlate performance and efficiency in rowing with anthropometric and strength factors. Twenty-two elite rowers (11 male and 11 female) volunteered to participate in this study. Anthropometric measurements and body composition was obtained for each rower. Participants performed 2000 m maximal effort on a Concept II rowing ergometer and strength lower extremities were evaluated with jump height protocol using a jump mat (Chronojump-Boscosystem, Barcelona, Spain). Performance and efficiency in rowing ergometer test strongly correlated with anthropometric characteristics of height (r=0.873; r=0.815), weight (r=0.894; r=0.703), body muscles (r=0.973; r=0.829) and free body fat (r=-0.705; r=-0.856). However, positive correlations of strength factors with performance and efficiency in rowers have not been strong enough to use them like success predictors. This study concludes that present results provide an argument for coaches and rowers to increase strength training and to use anthropometric characteristics to predict rowing efficiency and performance using strength factors such as complementary performance predictor. Furthermore, anthropometric variables could be used to identify success in potential rowers.La literatura ha establecido fuertes relaciones entre algunas medidas antropométricas y de fuerza con el rendimiento en remo. Sin embargo, estos estudios no han correlacionado el éxito de los remeros con valores absolutos (media de vatios) y valores relativos de peso (vatios por unidad de peso). El objetivo de este estudio fue correlacionar el rendimiento y la eficiencia con factores antropométricos y de fuerza. Veintidós remeros de élite (11 chicos y 11 chicas) participaron voluntariamente en este estudio. Se obtuvieron las medidas antropométricas y la composición corporal de cada remero. Los participantes realizaron un test de máximo esfuerzo de 2000 m en un remoergómetro Concept II y la fuerza de las extremidades inferiores fue evaluada con un protocolo de salto con una plataforma de contacto (Chronojump-Boscosystem, Barcelona, España). El rendimiento y la eficiencia en el test de remoergómetro correlacionó fuertemente con las características antropométricas de altura (r=0.873; r=0.815), peso (r=0.894; r=0.703), masa muscular (r=0.973; r=0.829) and masa libre de grasa (r=-0.705; r=-0.856). Sin embargo, las correlaciones positivas de los factores de fuerza con el rendimiento y la eficiencia en remeros no ha sido lo suficientemente fuerte para usarlos como factores de éxito. Este estudio concluye que los presente resultados proporcionan un argumento para que entrenadores y remeros incrementen el entrenamiento de fuerza y para que puedan utilizar las caracterpotenciales zadas para identificar remeros potnciales. de fuerza como predictores complementarios de rendimiento. no ha sido lo ísticas antropométricas como predictores de rendimiento y eficiencia en remo utilizando los factores de fuerza como predictores complementarios de rendimiento. Además, las variables antropométricas podrían ser utilizadas para identificar remeros potenciales

Stabilometry profile in fixed seat rowers

Balance in rowing boats is crucial for experienced and non-experienced rowers, allowing them to keep their blades off the water and keep the boat from rolling that requires rowers to contract muscles to even out the boat and to stabilize their bodies. The purpose of this study was to create reference stabilometric values in fixed seat rowing and compare them between male and female rowers in different sensorial conditions with eyes open and closed. Fifteen subjects voluntarily participated in this study, six male rowers and nine female rowers from University of Alicante fixed seat rowing team, all belonging to the senior category. A FreeMed baropodometric platform (Rome, Italy) was used for the stabilometric measurements: (TE) total excursion of the CoP, (CEA) area of the 95 % confidence ellipse, (MV) mean velocity, (MDx) mediolateral direction, (MDy) anteroposterior direction, (RMSx) amplitude in mediolateral direction and (RMSy) amplitude in anteroposterior direction. Results indicate that male rowers had greater ability to maintain balance than female rowers in bipodal stance with eyes open and closed. Female rowers demonstrated more ability to preserve sitting position than male rowers with eyes open and closed. However, there was no clear trend in relation to a greater balance between male and female in monopodal stance

El uso de la tecnología de captura de movimiento para el análisis del rendimiento deportivo

In sport performance, motion capture aims at tracking and recording athletes’ human motion in real time to analyze physical condition, athletic performance, technical expertise and injury mechanism, prevention and rehabilitation. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the latest developments of motion capture systems for the analysis of sport performance. To that end, selected keywords were searched on studies published in the last four years in the electronic databases ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, PubMed and SPORTDiscus, which resulted in 892 potential records. After duplicate removal and screening of the remaining records, 81 journal papers were retained for inclusion in this review, distributed as 53 records for optical systems, 15 records for non-optical systems and 13 records for markerless systems. Resultant records were screened to distribute them according to the following analysis categories: biomechanical motion analysis, validation of new systems and performance enhancement. Although optical systems are regarded as golden standard with accurate results, the cost of equipment and time needed to capture and postprocess data have led researchers to test other technologies. First, non-optical systems rely on attaching sensors to body parts to send their spatial information to computer wirelessly by means of different technologies, such as electromagnetic and inertial (accelerometry). Finally, markerless systems are adequate for free, unobstructive motion analysis since no attachment is carried by athletes. However, more sensors and sophisticated signal processing must be used to increase the expected level of accuracy.En el ámbito del rendimiento deportivo, el objetivo de la captura de movimiento es seguir y registrar el movimiento humano de deportistas para analizar su condición física, rendimiento, técnica y el origen, prevención y rehabilitación de lesiones. En este artículo, se realiza una revisión sistemática de los últimos avances en sistemas de captura de movimiento para el análisis del rendimiento deportivo. Para ello, se buscaron palabras clave en estudios publicados en los últimos cuatro años en las bases de datos electrónicas ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, PubMed y SPORTDiscus, dando lugar a 892 registros. Tras borrar duplicados y análisis del resto, se seleccionaron 81 artículos de revista, distribuidos en 53 registros para sistemas ópticos, 15 para sistemas no ópticos y 13 para sistemas sin marcadores. Los registros se clasificaron según las categorías: análisis biomecánico, validación de nuevos sistemas y mejora del rendimiento. Aunque los sistemas ópticos son los sistemas de referencia por su precisión, el coste del equipamiento y el tiempo invertido en la captura y postprocesado ha llevado a los investigadores a probar otras tecnologías. En primer lugar, los sistemas no ópticos se basan en adherir sensores a zonas corporales para mandar su información espacial a un ordenador mediante distintas tecnologías, tales como electromagnética y inercial (acelerometría). Finalmente, los sistemas sin marcadores permiten un análisis del movimiento sin restricciones ya que los deportistas no llevan adherido ningún elemento. Sin embargo, se necesitan más sensores y un procesado de señal avanzado para aumentar el nivel de precisión necesario

Housing Preferences of Spanish-Speaking Migrants

In this research I attempt to model and investigate the housing decisions of Spanish-speaking migrants. I use methods developed by Bajari and Kahn (2002) to obtain willingness to pay measurements for the migrant groups in samples drawn from three major California cities. I then apply these results to several hypotheses that attempt to describe current migration patterns of Hispanics into increasingly segregated communities characterized by high levels of crowding, low educational attainment, and high levels of Spanish speakers. This research finds that spoken language plays a significant role in a migrant’s decision process. Spanish-speaking migrants demonstrate a significant preference for locating in communities with higher levels of Spanish speakers. They demonstrate a large relative distaste for living neighborhoods with high levels of human capital – as measured by the percentage of college graduates, as well as significantly lower valuations for the amount of space in a housing unit – measured by the number of rooms. The spatial assimilation hypothesis finds significant support within the results, indicating that more assimilated Spanish speakers will continue to emigrate from language enclaves. These results will offer insights into the creation and growth of Hispanic language enclaves in the U.S

Del silencio exterminador al estigma de la escritura en El almuerzo desnudo (The Naked Lunch, David Cronenberg, 1989)

Lejos de presentarse como una adaptación de la novela de William Burroughs, la película El almuerzo desnudo ofrece una reflexión sobre la escritura atenta a la obra de un autor que sólo se declaró escritor a partir del trauma que supuso la muerte accidental a sus manos de su esposa Joan. Según Cronenberg, la escritura no sería para Burroughs sino un estigma que le habría apartado de su plan inicial de exterminar todo pensamiento racional, maldición de la que trataría de huir mediante un lenguaje delirante. No obstante, el virus del lenguaje se manifiesta siempre como una barrera contra la que no se puede luchar

High speed cameras for motion analysis in sports science

Video analysis can be a qualitative or quantitative process to analyze motion occurring in a single plane using one camera (two-dimensional or 2D) or in more than one plane using two or more cameras simultaneously (three-dimensional or 3D). Quantitative 2D video analysis is performed through a digitizing process that converts body segments or sport implements into digital horizontal and vertical coordinates in the computer. In order for these measurements to be accurate, image capture by means of video cameras must be sharp and motion blur-free, especially in high speed motions. In this paper, a detailed introduction to factors affecting image quality will be presented. Furthermore, selection of the most appropriate camera setting to undertake high speed motion analysis with the best quality possible, both spatially (focus and resolution) and temporally (frame rate, motion blur, shutter options and lighting), will be discussed. Rather than considering commercial criteria, the article will focus on key features to choose the most convenient model both from technical and economical perspectives. Then, a revision of available cameras on the market as of 2015 will be carried out, with selected models grouped into three categories: high-, mid- and low-range, according to their maximum performance in relation to high speed features. Finally, a suggested recording procedure to minimize perspective errors and produce high quality video recordings will be presented. This guideline starts with indications for camera selection prior to purchase or for testing if a given camera would fulfil the minimum features. A good video recording dramatically improves the analysis quality and enables digitizing software to produce accurate measurements

The Use of the Static Posturography to Assess Balance Performance in a Parkinson’s Disease Population

The literature has shown contradictory results so far about the use of posturography, especially static posturography, to evaluate balance performance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) populations. This study aimed to investigate the use of static posturography as a valid method to evaluate balance in a PD population. Fifty-two participants diagnosed with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage: 1–3) were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed the following assessments: Hoehn and Yahr scale, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Tinetti Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Functional Reach Test. Sway parameters were analyzed with a baropodometric platform, under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions, in a bipodal stance. Small to large correlations were observed between clinical balance tests and static posturography parameters, although the majority of these parameters correlated moderately. Considering posturographic variables, the highest correlation values were detected for total excursion (TE), mean velocity (MV), mean (X-mean), and root-mean-square (X-RMS) displacements in the medio-lateral directions. It was observed that posturographic parameters worsened as the disease progresses, although differences were only significant between the stages 1 and 3 in the H&Y scale (p < 0.05). Regarding the test condition, the visual deprivation worsened significantly all the static posturography parameters (p < 0.05), except the antero-posterior mean displacement (Y-Mean). Comparing visual conditions, the EC presented slightly higher correlation values with the clinical balance tests. Static posturography could be used as an objective complementary tool to clinical balance tests in order to assess and control balance performance, mainly to detect postural instability problems.This research was funded by a pre-doctoral grant (ACIF/2018/209) from the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain

A review of tangential composite and radial composite gear inspection

This paper presents an overview of the literature on tangential composite and radial composite gear inspection. It demonstrates – by dealing with their origins and key milestones in their history and development – the important role that inspections play in terms of the functional nature of the gears concerned. This comprehensive consideration of the subject also attempts to demonstrate how the lack of clear guidelines and standards designed to unify the criteria applied to testing, the interpretation of results and calibration of equipment, along with the number of simultaneous variables involved in trials of this type, leads to doubts (including with respect to the actual standards concerned) as to whether these tests are valid, or instead accepted only has partial validations. Even so, the repeatability of the experimental data demonstrates not only their metrological potential, with respect to functionality, but also the fact that they are both effective and origina

“Espía de palabras". Ironía y poética de Ángel González

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