Physiological differences between cycling and running: lessons from triathletes

The purpose of this review was to provide a synopsis of the literature concerning the physiological differences between cycling and running. By comparing physiological variables such as maximal oxygen consumption (V O(2max)), anaerobic threshold (AT), heart rate, economy or delta efficiency measured in cycling and running in triathletes, runners or cyclists, this review aims to identify the effects of exercise modality on the underlying mechanisms (ventilatory responses, blood flow, muscle oxidative capacity, peripheral innervation and neuromuscular fatigue) of adaptation. The majority of studies indicate that runners achieve a higher V O(2max) on treadmill whereas cyclists can achieve a V O(2max) value in cycle ergometry similar to that in treadmill running. Hence, V O(2max) is specific to the exercise modality. In addition, the muscles adapt specifically to a given exercise task over a period of time, resulting in an improvement in submaximal physiological variables such as the ventilatory threshold, in some cases without a change in V O(2max). However, this effect is probably larger in cycling than in running. At the same time, skill influencing motor unit recruitment patterns is an important influence on the anaerobic threshold in cycling. Furthermore, it is likely that there is more physiological training transfer from running to cycling than vice versa. In triathletes, there is generally no difference in V O(2max) measured in cycle ergometry and treadmill running. The data concerning the anaerobic threshold in cycling and running in triathletes are conflicting. This is likely to be due to a combination of actual training load and prior training history in each discipline. The mechanisms surrounding the differences in the AT together with V O(2max) in cycling and running are not largely understood but are probably due to the relative adaptation of cardiac output influencing V O(2max) and also the recruitment of muscle mass in combination with the oxidative capacity of this mass influencing the AT. Several other physiological differences between cycling and running are addressed: heart rate is different between the two activities both for maximal and submaximal intensities. The delta efficiency is higher in running. Ventilation is more impaired in cycling than in running. It has also been shown that pedalling cadence affects the metabolic responses during cycling but also during a subsequent running bout. However, the optimal cadence is still debated. Central fatigue and decrease in maximal strength are more important after prolonged exercise in running than in cycling.

Are small firms more sensitive to financial variables?

This paper analyses the impact of different sources of finance on the growth of firms. sing panel data from Spanish manufacturing firms for the period 2000-2006, we investigate the effects of internal and external finances on firm growth. In particular, we examine wo dimensions of these financial sources: a) the performance of the firms' capital structure n accordance with firm size; b) the combined effect of equity, external debt and cash low n firm growth. We find that low-growth firms are sensitive to cash low and short-term ank debt, while high-growth firms are more sensitive to long-term debt. Furthermore, ur results show that low-growth firms are more sensitive to short-term financial variables, hile fast growth firms are more sensitive to long-term financial variables. EL codes: L25, R12. eywords: Finance, Firm growth, Quantile regressions, Small firms

Water Reallocation in the Input-Output Model

Water reallocation between economic agents has been –and continues to be- the subject of a considerable amount of research. This paper proposes a method for evaluating how water is reallocated within the economy in response to changes in final demand and changes in the technical water needs of activities and consumers. The empirical application, which is for the Catalan economy, shows important asymmetries in the effects that exogenous inflows and changes in water technical requirements cause on water reallocation. In the process of water distribution, exogenous inflows mostly benefit agriculture and damage private consumers. On the other hand, increases in technical water requirements have negative effects on agriculture and positive effects on the other production activities. The results of the study suggest that agriculture is an important activity not only in terms of water distribution but also in terms of water reallocation due to changes in final demand and technical water needs. Keywords: Water reallocation, water distribution, exogenous shock, technical water needs.

Structured output SVM for remote sensing image classification

In the recent years, kernel methods have revealed very powerful tools in many application domains in general and in remote sensing image classification in particular. The special characteristics of remote sensing images (high dimension, few labeled samples and different noise sources) are efficiently dealt with kernel machines. In this paper, we propose the use of structured output learning to improve remote sensing image classification based on kernels. Structured output learning is concerned with the design of machine learning algorithms that not only implement input-output mapping, but also take into account the relations between output labels, thus generalizing unstructured kernel methods. We analyze the framework and introduce it to the remote sensing community. Output similarity is here encoded into SVM classifiers by modifying the model loss function and the kernel function either independently or jointly. Experiments on a very high resolution (VHR) image classification problem shows promising results and opens a wide field of research with structured output kernel methods.

Variables asociadas a la mortalidad en pacientes sometidos a técnicas continuas de depuración extrarrenal

El fracàs renal agut constitueix una de les complicacions més greus en els pacients de les unitats de cures intensives, amb una mortalitat segons publicacions del 42%. Un nombre important d’aquests pacients requereixen tècniques continues de depuració extrarrenal (TCDE). Hem realitzat un estudi en el que s’ha inclós 29 pacients ingressats durant l’any 2008 a la UCI del Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, que foren sotmesos a TCDE. Analitzem les possibles variables associades a la mortalitat. Les variables relacionades amb la mortalitat són el tipus de patologia motiu d'ingrés en UCI, l'edat i els dies de tractament amb TCDE.

Estudio de la agudeza visual final en correlación con variables anatómicas y funcionales objetivas en pacientes con desprendimiento de retina primario

Estudi de cohort de pacients amb despreniment de retina primaris, intervinguts per vitrectomia posterior i agudesa visual final superior a 0,1. Es recullen 23 pacients i es practica un tall de mesura longitudinal a la cohort, recollint paràmetres demogràfics, agudesa visual final, tomografia de coherència òptica i electrorretinograma multifocal. S'estudien associacions entre l'agudesa visual final i les proves objectives anatòmiques i funcionals.

Paper 3: EUROCAT data quality indicators for population-based registries of congenital anomalies.

The European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) network of population-based congenital anomaly registries is an important source of epidemiologic information on congenital anomalies in Europe covering live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks gestation, and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly. EUROCAT's policy is to strive for high-quality data, while ensuring consistency and transparency across all member registries. A set of 30 data quality indicators (DQIs) was developed to assess five key elements of data quality: completeness of case ascertainment, accuracy of diagnosis, completeness of information on EUROCAT variables, timeliness of data transmission, and availability of population denominator information. This article describes each of the individual DQIs and presents the output for each registry as well as the EUROCAT (unweighted) average, for 29 full member registries for 2004-2008. This information is also available on the EUROCAT website for previous years. The EUROCAT DQIs allow registries to evaluate their performance in relation to other registries and allows appropriate interpretations to be made of the data collected. The DQIs provide direction for improving data collection and ascertainment, and they allow annual assessment for monitoring continuous improvement. The DQI are constantly reviewed and refined to best document registry procedures and processes regarding data collection, to ensure appropriateness of DQI, and to ensure transparency so that the data collected can make a substantial and useful contribution to epidemiologic research on congenital anomalies.

Prevalence and intensity of infections of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura and associated socio-demographic variables in four rural Honduran communities

Between January and March 1998, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in four rural communities in Honduras, Central America. We examined the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections among 240 fecal specimens, and the association between selected socio-demographic variables and infection for 62 households. The overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura was 45% (95% CI 39.0-51.9) and 38% (95% CI 31.8-44.4) respectively. The most intense infections for Ascaris and Trichuris were found in children aged 2-12 years old. By univariate analysis variables associated with infections of A. lumbricoides were: number of children 2-5 years old (p=0.001), level of formal education of respondents (p=0.01), reported site of defecation of children in households (p=0.02), households with children who had a recent history of diarrhea (p=0.002), and the location of households (p=0.03). Variables associated with both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infection included: number of children 6-14 years old (p=0.01, p=0.04, respectively), ownership of a latrine (p=0.04, p=0.03, respectively) and coinfection with either helminth (p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). By multivariate analysis the number of children 2-5 years living in the household, (p=0.01, odds ratio (OR)=22.2), children with a recent history of diarrhea (p=0.0, OR=39.8), and infection of household members with T. trichiura (p=0.02, OR=16.0) were associated with A. lumbricoides infection. The number of children 6-14 years old in the household was associated with both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infection (p=0.04, p=0.01, OR=19.2, OR=5.2, respectively).

Anàlisi de les variables relacionades amb la reincidència dels agressors sexuals. Estudi d’una mostra d’interns de les presons de Catalunya

Les taxes de reincidència dels delinqüents sexuals son, en general més baixes que les de la resta de delinqüents. No obstant, hi ha una part que tenen una major probabilitat de tornar a delinquir i que tenen unes característiques de risc que els diferencien dels altres. S’ha dut a terme un estudi retrospectiu amb la totalitat dels delinqüents sexuals que van sortir de les presons de Catalunya entre l’1 de gener de 1998 i el 31 de desembre de 2001. El període de seguiment promig és de sis anys i nou mesos. S’han avaluat les taxes de reincidència en delictes sexuals, delictes no sexuals (generals) i en qualsevol tipus de delicte. Un 5,7 % va tornar a delinquir en delictes sexuals, el 13,2 dels subjectes va reincidir en delictes no sexuals i el 18,8 % va tornar a cometre qualsevol tipus de delicte. Entre les variables de risc, el nombre de delictes sexuals pels que compleixen condemna abans de sortir en llibertat i el tipus de víctima influeixen en la reincidència sexual, encara que respecte a la segona no es va poder calcular la significació estadística. També van tenir un pes significatiu l’edat del primer ingrés i la versatilitat delictiva. Pel que fa a la reincidència general, les variables relacionades amb la carrera delictiva i trets antisocials, a més de les condicions de la condemna, van ser les variables de més influencia. No s’ha trobat relació entre el tractament i la reincidència. Posteriorment a l’estudi d’aquestes variables van ser entrevistats vuit dels 11 subjectes que havien reincidit en delictes sexuals. A partir de l’anàlisi de les entrevistes es va elaborar un sistema de classificació dels principals components del procés del delicte. De la revisió del procés de cada subjecte apareixen dos perfils diferenciats.

Análisis de las variables relacionadas con la reincidencia de los agresores sexuales. Estudio de una muestra de internos de las prisiones de Catalunya

Con esta investigación se pretende llegar a concretar aquellos factores que pueden tener relación con la reincidencia de los delincuentes sexuales que salen de los centros penitenciarios de Catalunya. Estas conclusiones han de permitir en el futuro enriquecer los programas de tratamiento mediante la inclusión de contenidos y el establecimiento de criterios de individualización de la intervención.

L’atenció a les víctimes de violència de gènere: Un estudi de les variables rellevants per a la intervenció psicosocial

Aquesta investigació s’inscriu dins del marc de l’atenció a les víctimes de violència de gènere que ofereix l’oficina d’atenció a la víctima de Lleida, depenent del Departament de Justícia de la Generalitat de Catalunya. L’entrada en vigor de la llei 27/03 reguladora de l’Ordre de Protecció de les víctimes de violència domèstica, així com les últimes modificacions de textos legals han pogut propiciar, junt amb el ressò social d’aquest fenomen, un canvi en el perfil de les víctimes de violència de gènere que s’atenen en aquestes oficines, fonamentalment pel que fa a variables de caire sociodemogràfic, com ara l’edat, la situació personal, familiar, laboral, etc. Encara que la major part de les víctimes ateses són més grans de 30 anys, al voltant d’una tercera part té menys de 30 anys. No s’ha trobat, però, que aquestes víctimes denunciïn més maltractament psíquic que físic (que implícitament porta aparellat maltractament psíquic), encara que triguen menys temps a denunciar el maltractament que les víctimes més grans. D’altra banda, es constata que només algunes de les variables sociodemogràfiques estudiades, en especial la situació laboral de les víctimes, la relació que mantenen amb l’agressor i el fet de tenir o no fills amb ells, resulten rellevants en relació a les mesures judicials adoptades com a conseqüència de la denúncia. La relació d’aquestes variables sociodemogràfiques amb les necessitats d’intervenció no resulten tan clares, molt probablement per l’efecte d’altres variables moduladores no tingudes en compte en el disseny com variables rellevants.

Construcción de un modelo Multi- Regional Input-Output (MRIO) medioambiental para Cataluña y el resto de España: Estudio del balance en CO2 incorporado en el comercio

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto, en emisiones de CO2, de la demanda final de Cataluña en relación a los vínculos comerciales interregionales con el resto de España y el resto del mundo. Este proceso implica el análisis del balance en CO2 incorporado para Cataluña, lo que permitirá evaluar la responsabilidad de la economía catalana respecto a estas emisiones. Para este propósito se construye, para esta determinada desagregación regional, un modelo Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) extendido al medioambiente con sectores verticalmente integrados. La incorporación de la técnica de la integración vertical nos permite un enfoque alternativo para el Balance Neto y un análisis más detallado de los vínculos interregionales entre los diversos sectores productivos, centrado en la responsabilidad última de la demanda final de cada sector en cada región. Hasta el momento, los estudios previos sobre los impactos medioambientales incorporados al comercio español se han centrado principalmente en el ámbito nacional. No obstante, por un lado el comercio interregional con el resto de España en términos monetarios representa cerca de la mitad del comercio exterior catalán. Por otro lado, los distintos metabolismos energéticos de ambas economías tienen como consecuencia una importante diferencia en la intensidad de emisión en la producción de bienes y servicios. Esta situación genera para Cataluña un déficit en el Balance Neto estimado con el resto de España, aún teniendo un importante superávit monetario. De esto se desprende la importancia de integrar el nivel interregional en los estudios de los impactos medioambientales incorporados en el comercio y, en consecuencia, en la planificación y formalización de políticas económicas y ambientales a nivel nacional.

Ochlerotatus albifasciatus in rain pools of Buenos Aires: seasonal dynamics and relation to environmental variables

The immature stages of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus develop in temporary pools. The present study aims at evaluating the seasonal dynamics of the aquatic stages of this mosquito, also analyzing the relationship among their presence and breeding success to some relevant climatic and environmental variables in the ephemeral rain pools of an urban park. Nineteen cohorts of O. albifasciatus that developed synchronously after rain events were recorded in all seasons. The proportions of mosquito-positive pools were significantly higher during the fall-winter period than in the spring-summer months (p < 0.001). The presence of this mosquito species was positively related to the amount of rain (p < 0.001), whereas negatively correlated to air temperature (p < 0.05) within a 5.2 to 29.7ºC range. The distribution of the number of cohorts per pool throughout the year was grouped (variance/mean: 3.96), indicating that these habitats were not equally suitable as breeding sites. The immature stages of O. albifasciatus were detected in pools belonging to all of the categories of surface area, depth, duration, vegetation cover, and insolation. However, the proportion of pools where immature mosquitoes were detected was positively and significantly related to surface, depth, duration, and vegetation cover. On the other hand, the proportion of mosquito-positive pools was higher at an intermediate insolation degree. Our results suggest that although preimaginal stages were present in all seasons, high temperatures may be unfavorable to larval development, and substrate vegetation may regulate water temperature. The positive relationship between the proportion of mosquito-positive pools and pool size and duration might reflect a strategy of O. albifasciatus to accomplish immature development.

Variables asociadas a necrosis pancreática en pacientes con Pancreatitis Aguda Grave.

Hem fet un estudi retrospectiu de 73 adults amb pancreatitis aguda greu recollint variables analítiques i radiològiques a l'ingrés i a les 48h i relacionant-les amb l'existència de necrosi pancreàtica a la TC. Les variables relacionades amb la necrosi van ser: edat, leucòcits, VSG, TP, INR, glucèmia, urea, creatinina, proteïnes, albúmina, LDH, calci, PCR i presència de vessament pleural a la Rx. D'aquestes, el vessament pleural a l'ingrés i la hipoalbuminemia, les xifres altes de LDH i PCR a les 48 hores es van relacionar significativament, la qual cosa permet identificar pacients amb major risc en els quals instaurar mesures precoces

Annual Output Statement 2007 For Health Group of Votes

Annual Output Statement 2007 For Health Group of Votes The overall aim of this Vote Group is to provide health and personal social services to improve the health and well being of the people of Ireland in a manner that promotes better health for everyone, fair access, responsive and appropriate care delivery and high performance. The money voted goes to the of Health and Children (Vote 39), the Health Service Executive (Vote 40), and the Office of the Minister for Children (Vote 41). Click here to download PDF 92kb