Quantifying technical load and physical activity in professional soccer players during pre-season matches with IMU technology

This study aimed to record, analyze and quantify professional soccer players’ technical (TL) and physical load (PL) in friendly matches to compare their records during the first and second halves and between players with different positions. Eighteen professional soccer players, 24.6 ± 2.7 years, 1.78 ± 0.3 height (m), 74.6 ± 4.5 body mass (kg), 9.8 ± 2.2 body fat (%), and 65.6 ± 2.7 maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, ml·kg-1·min-1) were monitored during six preseason friendly matches to analyze the activity profile using technical and physical variables through inertial measurement unit (IMU). No significant differences were found between the periods for the TL and PL. Significant differences were found between specific positions: Full Back (FB: n = 4), Central Defender (CD: n = 3), Midfielder (MD: n = 4), Winger (WG: n = 4), and Forward (FW: n = 3), both the TL and PL. We conclude that the PL profile based on his playing position is independent of the development of the PL shown during friendly matches. The monitoring, quantifying, and controlling of the TL added to the PL provides a more holistic vision of soccer players in friendly matches. The relative ease IMU application technology offers an alternative with less time-cost and more significant benefits than other types of technologies applied up to now

Análisis del Riesgo de sufrir Trastornos Alimentarios en jóvenes universitarios de Extremadura (España)

Eating disorders (ED), anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder are disorders of great concern in western world countries. Their rising tendencies have led researchers to try to explain the factors involved, their causes, and their effects, as a way of contributing to the efforts to stop the growing trends. Our research project focuses on the study of the risk of suffering ED amongst a sample of 600 students from the University of Extremadura (Spain). Said students are enrolled in twelve of the degrees offered by the University. The assessment tools used for the purposes of this research are the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 RF (EDI-3 RF) and the Spanish questionnaire, IMAGEN (Evaluation of Dissatisfaction with Body Image). The most significant results show the existence of a high percentage of students at risk of suffering ED. Young female students evidence higher rates of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness than their male classmates who, conversely, demonstrate more characteristics of bulimia. Those studying education present higher rates of risk factors for suffering ED, such as the drive for thinness and their own body dissatisfaction, in the opposite situation are the health degrees in particular the nursing students, as a result of a greater bio health knowledge caused.Los Trastornos de la Alimentación (TA), la Anorexia Nerviosa (AN), Bulimia nerviosa (BN) y trastorno por atracón son trastornos de gran preocupación en el mundo occidental. Sus tendencias crecientes han llevado a los investigadores a tratar de explicar los factores implicados, sus causas y sus efectos, como una forma de contribuir a los esfuerzos para detener las tendencias de crecimiento.Nuestro proyecto de investigación se centra en el estudio del riesgo de padecer TA entre una muestra de 600 estudiantes de la Universidad de Extremadura (España). Dichos estudiantes están matriculados en doce de los grados ofertados por dicha Universidad.Los instrumentos de evaluación utilizados para los fines de esta investigación están el inventario-3 trastorno del RF (RF de EDI-3) y el cuestionario en español, IMAGEN (evaluación de la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal).Los resultados más significativos demuestran la existencia de un alto porcentaje de estudiantes en riesgo de sufrir TA. En las jóvenes alumnas se evidencia mayores tasas de insatisfacción corporal y de delgadez que sus compañeros masculinos que, por el contrario, demuestran más características de bulimia. Además quienes estudian grados de educación presentan tasas más altas de los factores de riesgo para sufrir tales como TC, la unidad de la delgadez y la insatisfacción de su propio cuerpo, en la situación opuesta se encuentran los grados de ciencias de la salud en particular los estudiantes de enfermería, probablemente como consecuencia de un mayor conocimiento biosanitario. &nbsp

Performance of pressure control valves and flow meters precision in operational irrigation-water balance accuracy

In pressure irrigation-water distribution networks, pressure regulating devices for controlling the discharged flow rate by irrigation units are needed due to the variability of flow rate. In addition, applied water volume is used controlled operating the valve during a calculated time interval, and assuming constant flow rate. In general, a pressure regulating valve PRV is the commonly used pressure regulating device in a hydrant, which, also, executes the open and close function. A hydrant feeds several irrigation units, requiring a wide range in flow rate. In addition, some flow meters are also available, one as a component of the hydrant and the rest are placed downstream. Every land owner has one flow meter for each group of field plots downstream the hydrant. Its lecture could be used for refining the water balance but its accuracy must be taken into account. Ideal PRV performance would maintain a constant downstream pressure. However, the true performance depends on both upstream pressure and the discharged flow rate. The objective of this work is to asses the influence of the performance on the applied volume during the whole irrigation events in a year. The results of the study have been obtained introducing the flow rate into a PRV model. Variations on flow rate are simulated by taking into account the consequences of variations on climate conditions and also decisions in irrigation operation, such us duration and frequency application. The model comprises continuity, dynamic and energy equations of the components of the PRV

Potential of the active heat pulse method with fiber optic temperature sensing for estimation of water content and infiltration in agricultural soils

The principle of temperature measurement along a fiber optic cable is based on the thermal sensitivity of the relative intensities of backscattered Raman Stokes and anti Stokes photons that arise from collisions with electrons in the core of the glass fiber. A laser pulse, generated by the Distributed Temperature Sensing unit DTS, traversing a fiber optic cable will result in Raman backscatter at two frequencies, referred to as Stokes and anti-Stokes

Utilización del "dfot heat pulse method" para el estudio del bulbo mojado en goteros

Aunque se conocen muchos métodos precisos para medidas de humedad puntuales, hasta hace muy poco, no existían métodos in situ para la medida del contenido de humedad a escala de metros o de kilómetros, importantes cuando pensamos a nivel de cuenca hidrográfica. La fibra óptica ha sido muy utilizada en el área de las comunicaciones. Sin embargo, entre sus aplicaciones más recientes, destaca la de su uso para medir la temperatura incluso en grandes distancias (hasta 10 km) y con una alta frecuencia temporal, lo que ha abierto un amplio abanico de posibilidades muy importantes en el seguimiento medioambiental (Selker et al. 2006a; 2006b, Tyler et al. 2008; Westhoff et al., 2007; Freifeld et al., 2008). La precisión en la medida puede alcanzar ± 0,2ºC en una distancia de ± 25 cm. El método utilizado en los ensayos explicados en esta comunicación es el denominado “Distributed Fiber Optic Temperature Measurement” (medida distribuida de la temperatura con fibra óptica) o DFOT, que consiste en emitir un impulso óptico con láser y medir en el tiempo la señal reflejada en diferentes puntos de la fibra. Este método se ha utilizado en el estudio de filtraciones de minas abandonadas (Selker et al. 2006a) y en proyectos relacionados con el cambio climático, como en el estudio del deshielo en glaciares y balances hídricos en pequeñas cuencas (Selker et al. 2006b). Además, en medios porosos, se ha usado, con buenos resultados para la detección de rotura de diques en presas (Perzlmaier et al. 2004a y 2004b) y para la detección de entrada de agua en vertederos urbanos con cubierta vegetal (Weiss, 2003b). Imhoff et al. (2006) en su revisión de técnicas de medidas de contenido de agua en el suelo destaca el uso del “DFOT heat pulse method” (método DFOT del pulso de calor)

Estimación de la infiltración en suelos mediante la utilización del"AHFO method"

Se ha caracterizado la infiltración de un suelo colocado en una columna de suelo de metacrilato, de base hexagonal de diagonal 1 m y 0,6 m de alto, con una densidad aparente de 1,5 g/cm3. El procedimiento utilizado ha sido la fibra óptica y el método denominado “Active Heating pulse method with Fiber Optic temperature sensing” AHFO method, que consiste en emitir un pulso óptico con láser y medir en el tiempo la señal reflejada, de baja intensidad, en diferentes puntos de la fibra óptica. Del espectro de luz reflejada solamente un rango de frecuencias específico, determinado por análisis de frecuencia, se correlaciona con la temperatura. La precisión en la medida es de ± 0,1ºC en una distancia de ± 12,5 cm. En el interior de la columna se colocó el cable de fibra óptica formando tres hélices concéntricas separadas 20 cm , 40 cm y 60 cm del centro. Asimismo, se cubrió la superficie del suelo con una altura media de agua que osciló entre 1,5 a 2,5 cm a lo largo de los 140 min que duró el proceso de calentamiento del cable. El incremento de temperatura antes y después del calentamiento se utilizó para determinar la infiltración instantánea a partir de la expresión de Perzlmaeir et al (2004) y de los números adimensional de Nusselt y Prandtl. Considerando los errores inherentes al procedimiento de cálculo, los resultados muestran que el AHFO method es una herramienta útil en el estudio de la variabilidad espacial de la infiltración en el suelo que permite, además, determinar su valor. Asimismo, muestra su potencial para incluir dichas estimaciones en la calibración de modelos relacionados con la gestión de recursos hídricos

Optimization of the irrigation time and irrigation frequency by using Hydrus-2D and a capacitance FDR sensor

The evolution of water content on a sandy soil during the sprinkler irrigation campaign, in the summer of 2010, of a field of sugar beet crop located at Valladolid (Spain) is assessed by a capacitive FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) EnviroScan. This field is one of the experimental sites of the Spanish research center for the sugar beet development (AIMCRA). The objective of the work focus on monitoring the soil water content evolution of consecutive irrigations during the second two weeks of July (from the 12th to the 28th). These measurements will be used to simulate water movement by means of Hydrus-2D. The water probe logged water content readings (m3/m3) at 10, 20, 40 and 60 cm depth every 30 minutes. The probe was placed between two rows in one of the typical 12 x 15 m sprinkler irrigation framework. Furthermore, a texture analysis at the soil profile was also conducted. The irrigation frequency in this farm was set by the own personal farmer 0 s criteria that aiming to minimizing electricity pumping costs, used to irrigate at night and during the weekend i.e. longer irrigation frequency than expected. However, the high evapotranspiration rates and the weekly sugar beet water consumption—up to 50mm/week—clearly determined the need for lower this frequency. Moreover, farmer used to irrigate for six or five hours whilst results from the EnviroScan probe showed the soil profile reaching saturation point after the first three hours. It must be noted that AIMCRA provides to his members with a SMS service regarding weekly sugar beet water requirement; from the use of different meteorological stations and evapotranspiration pans, farmers have an idea of the weekly irrigation needs. Nevertheless, it is the farmer 0 s decision to decide how to irrigate. Thus, in order to minimize water stress and pumping costs, a suitable irrigation time and irrigation frequency was modeled with Hydrus-2D. Results for the period above mentioned showed values of water content ranging from 35 and 30 (m3/m3) for the first 10 and 20cm profile depth (two hours after irrigation) to the minimum 14 and 13 (m3/m3) ( two hours before irrigation). For the 40 and 60 cm profile depth, water content moves steadily across the dates: The greater the root activity the greater the water content variation. According to the results in the EnviroScan probe and the modeling in Hydrus-2D, shorter frequencies and irrigation times are suggested

Use of DFOT Heat Pulse Method ForWetting Pattern Determination in Drip Irrigation Emitters

Although there are numerous accurate measuring methods to determine soil moisture content in a spot, until very recently there were no precise in situ and in real time methods that were able to measure soil moisture content along a line. By means of the Distributed Fiber Optic Temperature Measurement method or DFOT, the temperature in 0.12 m intervals and long distances (up to 10,000 m) with a high time frequency and an accuracy of +0.2º C is determined. The principle of temperature measurement along a fiber optic cable is based on the thermal sensitivity of the relative intensities of backscattered photons that arise from collisions with electrons in the core of the glass fiber. A laser pulse, generated by the DTS unit, traversing a fiber optic cable will result in backscatter at two frequencies. The DTS quantifies the intensity of these backscattered photons and elapsed time between the pulse and the observed returned light. The intensity of one of the frequencies is strongly dependent on the temperature at the point where the scattering process occurred. The computed temperature is attributed to the position along the cable from which the light was reflected, computed from the time of travel for the light

Transcriptional epigenetic regulation of Fkbp1/Pax9 genes is associated with impaired sensitivity to platinum treatment in ovarian cancer

Background: In an effort to contribute to overcoming the platinum resistance exhibited by most solid tumors, we performed an array of epigenetic approaches, integrating next-generation methodologies and public clinical data to identify new potential epi-biomarkers in ovarian cancer, which is considered the most devastating of gynecological malignancies. Methods: We cross-analyzed data from methylome assessments and restoration of gene expression through microarray expression in a panel of four paired cisplatin-sensitive/cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, along with publicly available clinical data from selected individuals representing the state of chemoresistance. We validated the methylation state and expression levels of candidate genes in each cellular phenotype through Sanger sequencing and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. We tested the biological role of selected targets using an ectopic expression plasmid assay in the sensitive/resistant tumor cell lines, assessing the cell viability in the transfected groups. Epigenetic features were also assessed in 189 primary samples obtained from ovarian tumors and controls. Results: We identified PAX9 and FKBP1B as potential candidate genes, which exhibited epigenetic patterns of expression regulation in the experimental approach. Re-establishment of FKBP1B expression in the resistant OVCAR3 phenotype in which this gene is hypermethylated and inhibited allowed it to achieve a degree of platinum sensitivity similar to the sensitive phenotype. The evaluation of these genes at a translational level revealed that PAX9 hypermethylation leads to a poorer prognosis in terms of overall survival. We also set a precedent for establishing a common epigenetic signature in which the validation of a single candidate, MEST, proved the accuracy of our computational pipelines. Conclusions: Epigenetic regulation of PAX9 and FKBP1B genes shows that methylation in non-promoter areas has the potential to control gene expression and thus biological consequences, such as the loss of platinum sensitivity. At the translational level, PAX9 behaves as a predictor of chemotherapy response to platinum in patients with ovarian cancer. This study revealed the importance of the transcript-specific study of each gene under potential epigenetic regulation, which would favor the identification of new markers capable of predicting each patient’s progression and therapeutic response.The study was financially supported by FIS (ISCIII) and ERDF/FSE funds (PI15/00186, PI18/0050, and ERDF/FSE, A way to make Europe). The authors gratefully acknowledge the Colombian Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation (MINCIENCIAS), Code 568-2012, for providing J.S. with partial funding for this study

Energy requirements in pressure irrigation systems

Modernization of irrigation schemes, generally understood as transformation of surface irrigation systems into pressure –sprinkler and trickle- irrigation systems, aims at, among others, improving irrigation efficiency and reduction of operation and maintenance efforts made by the irrigators. However, pressure irrigation systems, in contrast, carry a serious energy cost. Energy requirements depend on decisions taken on management strategies during the operation phase, which are conditioned by previous decisions taken on the design project of the different elements which compose the irrigation system. Most of the countries where irrigation activity is significant bear in mind that modernization irrigation must play a key role in the agricultural infrastructure policies. The objective of this study is to characterize and estimate the mean and variation of the energy consumed by common types of irrigation systems and their management possibilities. The work includes all processes involved from the diversion of water into irrigation specific infrastructure to water discharge by the emitters installed on the crop fields. Simulation taking into account all elements comprising the irrigation system has been used to estimate the energy requirements of typical irrigation systems of several crop production systems. It has been applied to extensive and intensive crop systems, such us extensive winter crops, summer crops and olive trees, fruit trees and vineyards and intensive horticulture in greenhouses. The simulation of various types of irrigation systems and management strategies, in the framework imposed by particular cropping systems, would help to develop criteria for improving the energy balance in relation to the irrigation water supply productivity