Analysis of cardiopulmonary and metabolic variables measured during laboratory and sport-specific incremental tests for table tennis performance prediction

Purpose. - The purposes of this study were: i) to compare the physiological responses measured during a specific table tennis incremental test with the physiological responses measured during cycling, arm cranking, and treadmill running tests; and ii) to verify the accuracy of table tennis performance prediction based on the physiological responses from these tests.Methods. - Eleven national level male table tennis players participated in the study and undertook incremental tests using ergometers. Table tennis performance was defined as the ranking obtained during a simulated tournament between the participants.Results. - In general, peak values for physiological variables (e.g., (V) over dotO(2PEAK) and [La]PEAK) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the specific test (e.g., (V) over dotO(2PEAK) = 39.9 +/- 1.5 ml.kg(-1) per minute and [La]PEAK = 6.4 +/- 0.5 mmol.L-1) than during cycling (e.g., (V) over dotO(2PEAK) = 41.3 +/- 1.4 ml.kg(-1) per minute and [La]PEAK = 10.2 +/- 0.7 mmol.L-1) or running (e.g., (V) over dotO(2PEAK) = 43.9 +/- 1.5 ml.kg(-1) per minute and [La]PEAK = 10.0 +/- 0.7 mmol.L-1), but higher than during arm cranking (e.g., (V) over dotO(2PEAK) = 26.6 +/- 1.6 ml.kg(-1) per minute and [La]PEAK = 8.9 +/- 0.6 mmol.L-1). At respiratory compensation point intensity (RCP), only the variables measured on arm cranking were lower (P < 0.05) than on the other ergometers. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed significant correlation between table tennis performance and lactate concentration ([La]) and also rate of perceived effort (RPE) at RCP during cycling (r = 0.89; P < 0.05).Conclusion. - In conclusion, the significant differences obtained between the specific and laboratory ergometers demonstrate the need to use a specific test to measure physiological parameters in table tennis and the physiological parameters measured, independent of the ergometer used, are unable to predict table tennis performance. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Polynomials to model the growth of young bulls in performance tests

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

TENSILE AND CREEP BEHAVIOR OF GEOSYNTHETICS USING CONFINED-ACCELERATED TESTS

A major aspect in geosynthetics creep analysis is the load level applied to the specimen, usually referred as a percentage of the geosynthetic ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Since both tensile and creep standard tests are performed with in-isolation specimens, they may not reproduce the possibly significant effect of soil-geosynthetic interaction. A new creep testing machine was recently developed and successfully addressed this concern. However, further developments allowed tensile tests to be performed in the same conditions used in nonconventional creep ones. This paper presents the results of nonconventional tensile tests performed with a woven biaxial polyester geogrid. They were used to define its UTS in the same conditions employed in creep tests performed with the new equipment. Despite changes in tensile curves shapes were found, the UTS from confined, accelerated and confined-accelerated tensile tests were quite similar to those obtained with standard tensile test procedure.

Internal Combustion Engine's Throttle Control as a Motivational Theme for Teaching Microprocessors Systems Lab Classes

The increased fuel economy and driveability of modern internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) are the result of the application of advanced digital electronics to control the operation of the internal combustion engine (ICE). Microprocessors (and micro controllers) play a key role in the engine control, by precisely controlling the amount of both air and fuel admitted into the cylinders. Air intake is controlled by utilizing a throttle valve equipped with a motor and gear mechanism as actuator, and a sensor enabling the measurement of the angular position of the blades. This paperwork presents a lab setup that allows students to control the throttle position using a microcontroller that runs a program developed by them. A commercial throttle body has been employed, whereas a power amplifier and a microcontroller board have been hand assembled to complete the experimental setup. This setup, while based in a high-tech, microprocessor-based solution for a real-world, engine operation optimization problem, has the potential to engage students around a hands-on multidisciplinary lab activity and ignite their interest in learning fundamental and advanced topics of microprocessors systems.

A espectroscopia de reflectância no infravermelho próximo pode predizer consumo, digestibilidade e balanço do nitrogênio de dietas alto concentrado de ovinos

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FCAV

A multiple intelligences theory-based 3D virtual lab environment for digital systems teaching.

This paper describes a 3D virtual lab environment that was developed using OpenSim software integrated into Moodle. Virtuald software tool was used to provide pedagogical support to the lab by enabling to create online texts and delivering them to the students. The courses taught in this virtual lab are methodologically in conformity to theory of multiple intelligences. Some results are presented.

Sensitivity and specificity of serological tests, histopathology and immunohistochemistry for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic chickens

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Classic tests of General Relativity described by brane-based spherically symmetric solutions

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Brazilian adaptation of the Woodcock-Johnson III cognitive tests

An adaptation of the standard battery of Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ-III) for Brazilian children and youth was investigated. The sample was composed of 1094 students (54 percent girls), ages 7-17, living in Sao Paulo state (91 percent). Items from Brazilian school books as well as from the WJ-III Spanish version (Bateria-R) were added to comprehension-knowledge tests. Brazilian words were adapted to the auditory tests according to syllabic division and stressed syllables. Items were examined through IRT and age differences through analysis of variance. Results indicated the need to remove items from all WJ-III subtests with the exception of the visual learning test. Analysis of Variance indicated significant age differences (p <= 0.001) for all tests. Thus, the importance of a Brazilian adaptation for the WJ-III was confirmed.

Comparison of polymers and ceramics in new and discarded electrical insulators: reuse and recycling possibilities

The expansion and maintenance of electricity distribution networks generates large amounts of waste, much of it in the form of discarded insulators that are not reused or recycled. This paper describes the results of tests on used and new ceramic and polymeric insulators to verify if their exposure to weathering justifies their replacement. In new and used ceramic insulators, properties such as contact angle, relative density, porosimetry, dilatometry and X-ray diffraction patterns showed no differences or the differences that were found could not be related to their use. The discarded ceramic material showed high thermal stability, an interesting characteristic for application as chamotte. It can also be reused to replace gravel used in substations. In polymeric insulators, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and relative density test results suggest degradation of used material compared to new. This would justify their replacement and discard as waste, but they show little recycling potential.

Physical and mechanical properties of particleboard bamboo waste bonded with urea formaldehyde and castor oil based adhesive

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Physical and mechanical characterization of a recycled polypropylene and wood flour without additives

Recycled polymer matrix composites reinforced with wood flour can be a viable alternative for the replacement of wood and virgin polymers in materials used in floors, door frames, windows and external cladding. The objective of this research was to determine some physical and mechanical parameters of composite made with Pinus taeda and elliottii wood flour (WF) and recycled polypropylene (PP), without the use of compatibilizers or additives. The composites were separated into four traits, namely 100% PP, 90% PP with 10%, WF 80% PP with 20% WF and 70 % PP with 30% WF. The characterization of the composite followed the standards ASTM D-638-10, ASTM D256-00, ASTM D570 -98, ASTM D1238 -10 and ASTM G 155-05, it was also employed the surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy. The dimensional stability tests showed satisfactory results. Even the composite with a higher percentage of wood flour (30%) had a flow index of 10 MFI, considered compatible with that observed for PP (polypropylene) virgin by standard ASTM D 1238-10. The inclusion of wood flour (FM) afforded composites with good mechanical characteristics which can be applied in manufacture of different materials, specifically employed outdoors.