Backscatter Transponder Based on Frequency Selective Surface for FMCW Radar Applications

This paper describes an actively-controlled frequency selective surface (FSS) to implement a backscatter transponder. The FSS is composed by dipoles loaded with switching PIN diodes. The transponder exploits the change in the radar cross section (RCS) of the FSS with the bias of the diodes to modulate the backscattered response of the tag to the FMCW radar. The basic operation theory of the system is explained here. An experimental setup based on a commercial X-band FMCW radar working as a reader is proposed to measure the transponders. The transponder response can be distinguished from the interference of non-modulated clutter, modulating the transponder’s RCS. Some FSS with different number of dipoles are studied, as a proof of concept. Experimental results at several distances are provided

Biology of recently discovered cytokines: Discerning the pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of interleukin-27

IL-27 is a recently identified heterodimeric cytokine produced in response to microbial and host derived inflammatory cues. Initial studies indicated that IL-27 promotes the generation of Th1 responses required for resistance to intracellular infection and unveiled the molecular mechanisms mediating this effect. However, subsequent work uncovered a role for IL-27 in the suppression of Th1 and Th2 responses. Thus, by discussing its pleotropic functions in the context of infection-induced immunity and by drawing parallels to fellow IL-6/IL-12 family cytokines, this review will attempt to reconcile the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of IL-27

Tunable dual-band filters based on capacitive-loaded stepped-impedance resonators

This paper proposes the design of tunable dual-band filters for multi-band multi-standard systems. The main objective is to provide frequency tunability in the second band while maintaining the first band fixed. To this end, the capacitive-loaded stepped-impedance resonator is used. The work is divided into two main parts. In the first part, a deep analysis of the capacitive-loaded stepped-impedance resonator structure is done, which provides analytical closed-form design equations which eases their design in front of the several approaches available in the literature up to now. The analysis is also particularized for the case of the capacitive-loaded uniform resonator. In the second part, resonators are integrated in two dual-band tunable filters.Postprint (published version

Low Stress Cattle Handling in Dairy Environments

3 pp.Using low-stress methods of handling dairy cattle is efficient in terms of time and labor. This publication explains how cattle's natural instincts affect their responses, and ways handlers can use that knowledge to make handling easier and less stressful for the animals

Proper Injection Techniques in Dairy Cattle

3 pp.Injections must be done correctly to prevent abscesses and scarring. This publication explain proper techniques for various types of injections

Influence of the dance in the autoconcepto of the alumnado of primary education: comparative analysis with other physical activities

[Resumen] Este trabajo de investigación pretende analizar la relación que existe entre el autoconcepto y la danza en el alumnado de Educación Primaria. Se han querido relacionar estas dos cuestiones debido a la importancia que tienen, por una parte, el autoconcepto en la identidad del sujeto y por otra parte, la realización de actividad física, concretamente la danza. Para llevarlo a cabo, se ha evaluado una muestra de 74 niños/as, de edades comprendidas entre los 7 y los 12 años, pertenecientes a un colegio (n=45) y dos escuelas de danza de Vigo (n=29). El instrumento de medida que se ha utilizado es la Escala de Autoconcepto (Piers Harris), que valora tanto el autoconcepto global, como sus diferentes dimensiones. La finalidad de esta investigación es observar si existe relación entre el autoconcepto y la danza y cuáles son las dimensiones en las que ésta obtiene mayores puntuaciones, comparar con la realización de otras actividades físicas. Tras analizar los resultados obtenidos, hemos comprobado que la danza no mejora el autoconcepto global por encima de otras actividades físicas, sin embargo, cabe destacar que se observa una dimensión del autoconcepto que sí se ve favorecida por la práctica de la danza, concretamente, la felicidad-satisfacción, en la cual se valora la autoestima del sujeto.[Abstract] This research work pretends to analyse the relationship between the self-concept and the dance in the students of Primary Education. We wanted to relate these both questions because of its importance, on the one hand, the self-concept in the identity of the individual and, on the other hand, doing physical activity, specifically, dance, in the young people. To carry out this research, we have evaluated a sample of 74 children between 7 and 12 years from one school (n=45) and two dance schools in Vigo (n=29). We use the Self-Concept Questionnaire (Piers Harris), which values the global self-concept and the dimensions of the self-concept. The purpose of this research is to check if there is some kind of relationship between the self-concept and dance, and to know what dimensions of the self-concept get more score in dance than in other physical activities. We have analysed the results and verified that dance does not improve the global self-concept more than other physical activities; nevertheless, it is remarkable that there is a dimension of self-concept that gets high score in connection with practicing dance, specifically, the happiness-satisfaction, which values the self-esteem of the individual

A high burnup model developed for the DIONISIO code

A group of subroutines, designed to extend the application range of the fuel performance code DIONISIO to high burn up, has recently been included in the code. The new calculation tools, which are tuned for UO2 fuels in LWR conditions, predict the radial distribution of power density, burnup, and concentration of diverse nuclides within the pellet. The balance equations of all the isotopes involved in the fission process are solved in a simplified manner, and the one-group effective cross sections of all of them are obtained as functions of the radial position in the pellet, burnup, and enrichment in 235U. In this work, the subroutines are described and the results of the simulations performed with DIONISIO are presented. The good agreement with the data provided in the FUMEX II/III NEA data bank can be easily recognized.Fil: Soba, Alejandro. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Denis, A.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Romero, L.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Villarino, E.. No especifíca;Fil: Sardella, F.. No especifíca

Masculine, feminine and neutral sports: Extracurricular sport modalities in practice

The present work constitutes a novel approach to extracurricular sport modalities. The aim was to analyze the participation model and to determine the relevance of sex in this context. Data from 616 students, aged 15 to 17, were collected. The questionnaire on sport lifestyle from a gender perspective (Alvariñas-Villaverde et al., 2009) was used for assessment. The results showed that sport choice corresponds to sports traditionally associated with men or women. Nevertheless, these coexist with other neutral sports. Girls’ practice was more diverse, while boys’ profile was more resistant to changing classic patterns. Specific strategies are needed to make boys become more interested in typically female activities

Longitudinal study of individual exercises in elite rhythmic gymnastics

[Abstract] The performance evolution in rhythmic gymnastics depends on changes in code of points. At the beginning of each Olympic cycle the code of points changes and therefore, the content of the competition exercises, as well. This study aimed to analyze – for each apparatus – the evolution of number of technical elements and final score over the last two decades (last 13 world championships), how they have been affected by changed code of points, and how the final score relates to the number of technical elements performed. The sample consisted of 416 exercises in five apparatus: ball (96), rope (40), hoop (96), ribbon (88), and clubs (96). The following variables were gathered: code of points, apparatus, technical group, total number of elements, final classification, and final score. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects on the number of elements and final score in each apparatus. The number of technical elements increased in all apparatus, between 7.4 and 20% over a 10-year period. There were mixed evolutions of final score between the different apparatus, between 6.3 and 14% over a 10-year period. There is small increase in number of elements in hoop and a small decrease in rope after a code change. There was a small decrease in final score in championships after a code change in hoop, moderate in clubs and ribbon, and large in rope. There was a negative relationship between number of elements performed and final score in clubs. In conclusion, the code change generally effects the final score negatively, but there were apparatus specific effects of code change on number of elements and relationship between number of elements and final score

Parental assessment of physical education in the school curriculum: A brief report on the influence of past experiences as students

The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between parents’ past experience as Physical Education (PE) students and the importance they give to PE within the school curriculum. Parents of 1834 teenagers from Spain and Portugal participated in the study (1834 fathers and 1834 mothers). An 11 item questionnaire was used for data collection. The measures studied were: socio-demographic characteristics, parent´s past experience as PE students, and importance that parents gave to PE in the school curriculum. The results suggest that parents’ past experiences as PE student condition their evaluation of the importance that PE should have in the school curriculum. As the past experience as PE student deteriorated and as age increased, there was an increase in the probability that parents evaluate PE as deserving a less important status in their children’s curriculum. These findings can contribute to understanding how the parents’ past experiences as PE students seem to partially model the value judgements that they make later in life regarding the importance of the subject. IntroductionThe present study was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain with the project: "Diseño y desarrollo de un software para el análisis del rendimiento en fútbol" (DEP2016-75785-R)S