Measuring surface gravity waves using a Kinect sensor

We present a technique for measuring the two-dimensional surface water wave elevation both in space and time based on the low-cost Microsoft Kinect sensor. We discuss the capabilities of the system and a method for its calibration. We illustrate the application of the Kinect to an experiment in a small wave tank. A detailed comparison with standard capacitive wave gauges is also performed. Spectral analysis of a random-forced wave field is used to obtain the dispersion relation of water waves, demonstrating the potentialities of the setup for the investigation of the statistical properties of surface waves

Cyclone-anticyclone asymmetry in rotating thin fluid layers

We report of a series of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations of freely-decaying rotating turbulent flows confined in domains with variable height. We show that the vertical confinement has important effects on the formation of large-scale columnar vortices, the hallmark of rotating turbulence, and in particular delays the development of the cyclone-anticyclone asymmetry. We compare the experimental and numerical results face-to-face, showing the robustness of the results.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure

Comparison of the effect of different resistance training frequencies on phase angle and handgrip strength in obese women: A randomized controlled trial

Phase angle (PA) is a strong predictor of sarcopenia, fragility, and risk of mortality in obese people, while an optimal muscular function and handgrip strength (HS) are required to perform different daily activities. Although there is a general agreement that resistance training improves health status in obese people, the optimal weekly training frequency forPA and physical performance parameters is not clear.This study aimed to compare the effects of different weekly resistance training frequencies performed over a 24week exercise program on PA and HSin obese people. Forty-two women (56.2 \ub1 9.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 37.1 \ub1 4.9 kg/m2) were randomly allocatedto one of two groups: a group with a highweekly training frequency of three times a week (HIGH, n= 21) and a group that performed only one weekly session (LOW, n= 21). The groups trained with an identical exercise intensity and volume per session for 6 months. Before and after the intervention period, the participants were assessed for anthropometric measures, bioimpedance analysis, and HS. There was a significant group 7 time interaction (p<0.05) for waist circumference, bioimpedance reactance divided by body height (Xc/H), PA, and HS measures. In addition, only the HIGH group increased Xc/H, PA, and HS after the intervention period (p<0.05), even after adjusting for weight loss and menopausal status. Physical exercise performed three times a week promotes better adaptations in PA and HSwhen compared with the same program performed once a week in obese women

Maturity related differences in body composition assessed by classic and specific bioimpedance vector analysis among male elite youth soccer players

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in the assessment of maturity related differences in body composition among male elite youth soccer players, and to provide bioelectrical impedance reference data for this category. A group of 178 players (aged 12.1 \ub1 1.6 years) were registered in a professional Italian soccer team participating in the first division (Serie A). They were divided into three groups according to their maturity status while bioelectrical resistance and reactance were obtained. The classic and specific BIVA procedures were applied, which correct bioelectrical values for body height and body geometry, respectively. Percentage of fat mass (FM%) and total body water (TBW (L)) were estimated from bioelectrical values. Age-specific z-scores of the predicted age at peak height velocity identified 29 players as earlier-, 126 as on time-, and 23 as later-maturing. TBW was higher (p < 0.01) in adolescents classified as \u201cearly\u201d maturity status compared to the other two groups and classic BIVA confirmed these results. Conversely, no differences in FM% were found among the groups. Specific vector length showed a higher correlation (r = 0.748) with FM% compared with the classic approach (r = 0.493). Classic vector length showed a stronger association (r = 120.955) with TBW compared with specific (r = 120.263). Specific BIVA turns out to be accurate for the analysis of FM% in athletes, while classic BIVA shows to be a valid approach to evaluate TBW. An original data set of bioelectric impedance reference values of male elite youth soccer players was provided

Smart farming tool for monitoring nutrients in soil and plants for precise fertilization

The current political, social, and economic conditions place, more than ever, the need to sustainably supply nutrients for plants, integrating low-impact, crop-adapted, variable-rate-application fertilizer solutions, at the center of attention. Fertilization plans should be based on the monitoring of soil fertility to address the proper rate of fertilizer application along with the development of techniques able to increase nutrient uptake efficiency. Monitoring and modelling analysis of the effects of agronomic management in different pedoclimatic conditions can provide several advantages, that include higher nutrient efficiency, increase in plant growth and yield, decreased fertilization costs, increased profit, reduced environmental impact. This approach should enter into a framework of precision farming methodologies for the distribution of nutrients adopted at different levels (region, farm, field, plot), to obtain the maximum efficiency of inputs

Editorial: New Training Strategies and Evaluation Methods for Improving Health and Physical Performance

Physical activity is among the most effective methods for improving health, body composition, and physical function, and its practice is suitable for every population [...]

Loss of AND-34/BCAR3 Expression in Mice Results in Rupture of the Adult Lens

PURPOSE. AND-34/BCAR3 (Breast Cancer Anti-Estrogen Resistance 3) associates with the focal adhesion adaptor protein, p130CAS/BCAR1. Expression of AND-34 regulates epithelial cell growth pattern, motility, and growth factor dependence. We sought to establish the effects of the loss of AND-34 expression in a mammalian organism. METHODS. AND-34−/− mice were generated by homologous recombination. Histopathology, in situ hybridization, and western blotting were performed on murine tissues. RESULTS. Western analyses confirmed total loss of expression in AND-34−/− splenic lymphocytes. Mice lacking AND-34 are fertile and have normal longevity. While AND-34 is widely expressed in wild type mice, histologic analysis of multiple organs in AND-34−/− mice is unremarkable and analyses of lymphocyte development show no overt changes. A small percentage of AND-34−/− mice show distinctive small white eye lesions resulting from the migration of ruptured cortical lens tissue into the anterior chamber. Following initial vacuolization and liquefaction of the lens cortex first observed at postnatal day three, posterior lens rupture occurs in all AND-34−/− mice, beginning as early as three weeks and seen in all mice at three months. Western blot analysis and in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of AND-34 RNA and protein in lens epithelial cells, particularly at the lens equator. Prior data link AND-34 expression to the activation of Akt signaling. While Akt Ser 473 phosphorylation was readily detectable in AND-34+/+ lens epithelial cells, it was markedly reduced in the AND-34−/− lens epithelium. Basal levels of p130Cas phosphorylation were higher in AND-34+/+ than in AND-34−/− lens epithelium. CONCLUSIONS. These results demonstrate the loss of AND-34 dysregulates focal adhesion complex signaling in lens epithelial cells and suggest that AND-34-mediated signaling is required for maintenance of the structural integrity of the adult ocular lens.National Institutes of Health (RO1 CA114094); Logica Foundatio

Stress-Free Two-Way Shape Memory Effect of Poly(ethylene glycol)/ Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) Semicrystalline Networks

In this work, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(epsilon- caprolactone) (PCL) semicrystalline networks were prepared by photo-cross-linking of methacrylated macromonomers with different molecular weights and in different proportions to obtain amphiphilic materials capable of displaying properly designed shape memory effects. Networks based on PCL 10 kDa and PEG 3 kDa showed suitable thermal and mechanical properties with well-separated crystallization and melting regions to achieve a self-standing two-way shape memory effect. Particularly, after the application of a specific thermomechanical history, these materials are capable of cyclically changing their shape between two configurations upon cooling-heating cycles in the absence of any external load applied. The effect of the composition of the networks and of the employed thermomechanical parameters, such as the applied strain and the actuation temperature, was investigated to shed light on the shape memory mechanism for this class of materials, which are considered promising for applications in the biomedical field and as reversible actuators for soft robotics