Modeling the wind circulation around mills with a Lagrangian stochastic approach

This work aims at introducing model methodology and numerical studies related to a Lagrangian stochastic approach applied to the computation of the wind circulation around mills. We adapt the Lagrangian stochastic downscaling method that we have introduced in [3] and [4] to the atmospheric boundary layer and we introduce here a Lagrangian version of the actuator disc methods to take account of the mills. We present our numerical method and numerical experiments in the case of non rotating and rotating actuator disc models. We also present some features of our numerical method, in particular the computation of the probability distribution of the wind in the wake zone, as a byproduct of the fluid particle model and the associated PDF method

A training proposal to improve multidirectional running technique in male and female handball players: A pilot study

Multidirectional running has been described as an important factor in team sports performance. The aim of the present study was to determine changes in T-test, 505 time, 10 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump right leg (CMJRL), and countermovement jump left leg (CMJLL) following exposure to 12 sessions over 4 weeks of a multidirectional running sprint training intervention in male and female handball players. A total of 31 handball players (15 male and 16 female) were recruited for this study and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). Male EG players showed improvements in 505 Preferred Side (PS) (p = 0.05) or between male and female players. We found an improvement in handball players' agility and speed of movement following the intervention protocol, suggesting the need to introduce this program into our training sessions. It may also be necessary to select and develop more specific tests in order to evaluate multidirectional work in handball players

Effectiveness of Male Handball Goalkeepers: A historical overview 1982-2012

In this article, an analysis of the historical evolution of the effectiveness of goalkeepers in high level world competitions is carried out. To this end, 32 men's handball finals have been analyzed to record and classify effectiveness rates and goalkeeping actions in relation to opponent players' throw areas and positions from 1982 to 2012. Analysis included throws from areas of 6, 7, 9 m and counterattack, performed from center or side positions. Results show no clear trend in effectiveness values registered throughout the time sample, both generally and specifically in terms of throwing position. The Kruskal-Wallis H test did not establish statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in goalkeeping effectiveness between any of the different analyzed periods, with a confidence interval of 95%. The findings of this study suggest that the ability of goalkeepers to prevent the goal from different throwing areas and positions has changed little over the past 30 years, although the game has incorporated more offensive actions and therefore more attacks. This lack of progress can be attributed to that handball has not updated their game rules to make it faster and more spectacular

Historical analysis of throwing effectiveness in male handball

El objeto de este artículo es realizar un análisis de la efectividad de los lanzamientos en el alto rendimiento en balonmano. Para ello la muestra recoge 32 finales de Campeonatos del Mundo, de Europa y Juegos Olímpicos desde 1982 hasta 2012. El análisis de los lanzamientos se ha efectuado a partir de diferentes zonas, estableciendo como referencia la línea de 6 metros (centro y lateral), 7 metros y 9 metros (centro y lateral), e incluyendo los lanzamientos en situación de contraataque. El análisis de las videograbaciones se llevó a cabo con el software SportCode Pro v.8.5.2. La comparación de las frecuencias de las diferentes zonas de lanzamiento analizadas, se empleó la prueba Kruskal-Wallis. Los resultados demuestran las diferentes evoluciones de lanzamiento para cada una de las zonas analizadas. Se destaca el aumento de los lanzamientos de zona de 9 metros centro (9mC) (p=0,014) a lo largo de los periodos analizados. En cuanto a la evolución de goles, se destaca el aumento de los goles conseguidos en zona de 6 metros lateral, siendo mayor que en 6 metros centro (6mC). Finalmente se establece la evolución de la efectividad para cada una de las zonas analizadas, destacando el aumento de la efectividad para los lanzamientos de 7 metros (del 52,6% al 76,7%) y contraataque (del 55,6% al 71,1%).The aim of this paper is to analyze the throwing effectiveness in high performance handball. Therefore, the sample comprises 32 World Championships, European Championships and Olympic Games finals from 1982 to 2012. The analysis of throwing has been conducted from different areas, establishing as reference the line of 6 meters (center and lateral), 7 meters and 9 meters (center and lateral) , and including the throwing in counterattack situation. Video recordings were analyzed using SportCode Pro v.8.5.2 software and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the different throwing areas frequencies. As for the results, they show the different throwing evolutions for each of the analyzed area. It highlights the increase of 9 meters center throws (9mC) (p=0.014) during the analyzed periods. Concerning the number of goals, it is also emphasized that the goals scored from 6 meters lateral (6mL) were larger than from 6 meters center (6mC) Finally, it is set the evolution of effectiveness for each one of the analyzed areas, with an increase in effectiveness for the 7 meters throw (from 52.6% to 76.7%) and counterattack throwing (from 55.6% to 71.1%)

Efecto de la suplementación con ß-hidroxi-ß-metilbutirato sobre la composición corporal, el estado nutricional y clínico y los niveles de aminoácidos en la cirrosis hepática

La malnutrición y la sarcopenia son más prevalentes a medida que la cirrosis hepática progresa, favoreciendo el desarrollo de infecciones y de ascitis e impactando negativamente en la supervivencia y en la calidad de vida. Se ha demostrado que la suplementación con aminoácidos de cadena ramificada (AACR) mejora la masa y la fuerza muscular en situaciones de caquexia, así como mejora los síntomas de encefalopatía hepática en la cirrosis hepática. Debido a que un derivado de la leucina, el ß-hidroxi-ß-metilbutirato (HMB), es más eficaz en la síntesis proteica que su antecesor, el objetivo principal de esta tesis doctoral es investigar el efecto del HMB sobre la composición corporal en individuos con cirrosis hepática y malnutrición clínica. Los objetivos secundarios son estudiar el beneficio clínico y el efecto a nivel del perfil aminoacídico. Para ello se ha realizado un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, doble ciego, con grupos paralelos, en el que han participado 43 individuos con cirrosis hepática y al menos 1 descompensación previa, de cualquier etiología, con malnutrición grado B (moderadamente malnutrido) o grado C (gravemente malnutrido) según el cuestionario clínico Valoración Subjetiva Global. Se les aleatorizó a recibir durante 12 semanas 2 veces al día suplementación oral con Ensure® Plus Advance (grupo con HMB, n=22) o Ensure® Plus High Protein (grupo control sin HMB, n=21). Se realizaron 3 visitas durante el ensayo clínico: basalmente (T0), a las 6 semanas (T1) y a las 12 semanas -fin del estudio- (T2), en las cuales se recogieron (1) variables antropométricas, incluyendo antropometría manual, bioimpedanciometría y fuerza de agarre; (2) variables clínicas, incluyendo las escalas pronósticas de la cirrosis hepática (Child-Pugh, MELD), valoración de la encefalopatía hepática mínima mediante un test psicométrico validado (PHES), e ingresos por descompensación hepática; (3) variables analíticas, que incluyeron parámetros nutricionales, de función hepática, de riesgo cardiovascular, de formación ósea, y el perfil de aminoácidos. Posteriormente se realizó un estudio de seguimiento a 1 año para valorar la supervivencia y el impacto a largo plazo sobre las escalas pronósticas, las variables analíticas y las descompensaciones de la cirrosis hepática. Por último, se incluyó un estudio de farmacocinética de HMB sobre 5 individuos sanos y un estudio in vitro del efecto del HMB sobre la viabilidad de miotubos expuestos a acetato de amonio. Resultados: Tras 12 semanas de suplementación oral, con ambos suplementos, aumentó el peso y la masa grasa, sin variación de la masa muscular. Aunque no se alcanzó la significación, en el grupo con HMB se observó al final del ensayo clínico una tendencia al aumento de fuerza muscular y a la reducción en el número de pacientes con encefalopatía hepática mínima. En ambos grupos disminuyó el MELD score al final del ensayo clínico. No hubo diferencias entre grupos en los eventos de descompensación ni complicación que motivaron ingreso hospitalario o éxitus. La suplementación con HMB aumentó los valores plasmáticos de leucina y de AACR, pero también los valores de GGT y GOT en rango no hepatotóxico. No hubo diferencias en la supervivencia en el estudio de seguimiento a 1 año, ni en el resto de variables estudiadas. En el estudio in vitro, fue necesario emplear una alta concentración de HMB para mejorar la viabilidad de los miotubos expuestos al acetato de amonio. Conclusiones: La suplementación oral con HMB aumentó el peso y la masa grasa, sin efecto sobre la masa muscular, así como aumentó los niveles plasmáticos de leucina y de AACR, pero produjo una elevación de GOT y GGT.<br /

Influence of graphene oxide's characteristics on the fabrication and performance of crosslinked nanofiltration membranes

Graphene oxide (GO) is emerging as an excellent next generation material for water purification membranes. Its ability to be fabricated cost-effectively in large quantities and featured characteristics, such as hydrophilicity, makes it an equitable graphene alternative in respective nanometric applications, including nanofiltration. In this study, the influence of key properties of the GO sheets, such as lateral size, surface chemistry and colloid stability, on the successful fabrication and subsequent water purification performance of crosslinked nanofiltration membranes is analysed. GO water suspensions with nanosheets of different lateral sizes and distribution of oxygenated functional groups were prepared by controlling the sonication time (from 0 to 180 min) starting from commercial GO. The variation of the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting GO sheets was comprehensively studied by means of atomic force microscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the subsequently fabricated membranes was hereafter examined via scanning electron microscopy, while their nanofiltration performance was investigated against methylene blue solution. The influence of GO's physicochemical characteristics on membrane performance was apparent, with the average rejection values ranging from 59.8% to 98.4% at a changing lateral size and surface chemistry

Nanoparticles in Endodontics Disinfection: State of the Art

Endodontic-related diseases constitute the fourth most expensive pathologies in industrialized countries. Specifically, endodontics is the part of dentistry focused on treating disorders of the dental pulp and its consequences. In order to treat these problems, especially endodontic infections, dental barriers and complex root canal anatomy should be overcome. This constitutes an unmet medical need since the rate of successful disinfection with the currently marketed drugs is around 85%. Therefore, nanoparticles constitute a suitable alternative in order to deliver active compounds effectively to the target site, increasing their therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, in the present review, an overview of dental anatomy and the barriers that should be overcome for effective disinfection will be summarized. In addition, the versatility of nanoparticles for drug delivery and their specific uses in dentistry are comprehensively discussed. Finally, the latest findings, potential applications and state of the art nanoparticles with special emphasis on biodegradable nanoparticles used for endodontic disinfection are also reviewed. Keywords: PLGA; dentistry; endodontics; metal nanoparticles; nanoparticles

Analysis of Time-Motion and Heart Rate in Elite Male and Female Beach Handball

Beach handball is a spectacular new team sport; however, scientific knowledge about the demands in beach handball is very low. Consequently, the aim of this study was to analyze the physical demands of elite beach handball players by means of time-motion analysis with GPS technology and physiological response with Heart Rate (HR). Both male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) players from the Spanish Beach Handball National Team were recruited for this study. The sample consisted in four matches of two 10-min periods each. Time-motion analysis was performed through GPS devices (SPI Pro X, 15 Hz, GPSports) with synchronized HR monitoring (Polar Electro, Finland). All parameters were recorded for matches and halves to express overall and time-dependent physical and physiological responses. Total match distance covered by male and female players were 1234.7 ± 192 m and 1118.2 ± 221.8 m, respectively. Female players covered more total distance (p = 0.049, ES = 0.79) and distance walking (p < 0.001, ES = 2.04) in the first half, whereas they covered more distance standing (p = 0.008, ES = 1.05) in the second half at a higher average speed (p < 0.001, ES = 2.28). The number of accelerations distributed over low-, moderate- and high-intensity categories were 43.2 ± 11.6, 9.4 ± 4.9; 0.8 ± 0.9 m/s2 for male players, and 40.3 ± 12.7, 4.3 ± 3.0; 0.1 ± 0.3 m/s2 for female players; equivalent to one body acceleration every 23 s and 27 s, respectively. Finally, male and female players obtained a maximum/mean HR of 173 ± 13 / 137 ± 12 bpm, and 177 ± 13 / 138 ± 18 bpm, with 20.3% and 29.2% of the total time in the anaerobic zone (81 – 90% HRmax), respectively. These results demonstrated that beach handball is a demanding sport, with numerous moderate-to-high intensity displacements, distributed intermittently throughout the game: long periods of low intensity activity interspersed by short bursts of high intensity