Proposal of a system for measuring apparent electrical conductivity and moisture of soil for small farmers

In the last 30 years soils decreased 73 % of their productive capacity in the world. One of the main reasons for this decrease has been the politics implemented, as well as the absence of opportunity for the small producer to implement improvement strategies that can increase their productivity in the field. Therefore, in this research a soil measurement system is proposed for small farmers, based on the design of two sensors of low cost: (i) Apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensor and (ii) moisture sensor. These measurement variables have the particularity that their characteristics can be associated with the physical properties of the soil for decision-making. The sensors developed in this work employ two techniques: Wenner's method for ECa and electrical impedance measurement to identify the dielectric permittivity associated with the water content of the soil. The system is controlled by the Raspberry Pi 3 board through developed software that allows correlating data with its geolocation. The device was tested in controlled laboratory measurements with calibrated instruments, obtaining a coefficient of . Finally, on-site tests were made to validate their use for small farmers.

Durante los últimos 30 años, los suelos han disminuido un 73 % su capacidad productiva, a nivel mundial. Una de las principales razones para esta cifra a la baja son las políticas implementadas, así como la falta de oportunidad para que el pequeño productor adopte estrategias de mejora, con lo cual, pueda aumentar la productividad. Por lo anterior, en esta investigación, se propone un sistema de medición de suelo para pequeños productores, a partir del diseño de dos sensores de bajo costo: (i) sensor de conductividad eléctrica aparente (CEa) y (ii) sensor de humedad. Estas variables de medición tienen la particularidad que sus características se pueden asociar a las propiedades físicas del suelo, para tomar decisiones. Los sensores desarrollados en este trabajo usan dos técnicas: el método de Wenner, para la CEa y la medición de impedancia eléctrica, para identificar la permitividad dieléctrica asociada con el contenido de agua del suelo. El sistema es controlado mediante la tarjeta Raspberry Pi 3, a través de un software desarrollado, que permite correlacionar los datos con su geolocalización. El dispositivo, se probó en mediciones controladas en laboratorio, con instrumentos calibrados, obteniendo un coeficiente . Finalmente, se hicieron pruebas in situ, con el fin de validar su uso por pequeños agricultores.

Utilization of Treated Seed Kernel Flours of Some Fruits in Biscuit Manufacture

During the processing of fruits, large quantities of wastes are generated, these by-products contain large amounts of oil, starch and protein that can be exploited due to their good nutritional, technological, and functional properties. However, due to the presence of several antinutritional factors, such as polyphenolic compounds, phytic acid, cyanogenic glycoside and oxalates, the use of fruit wastes in human food is limited. The present investigation was aimed to study the effect of soaking and heating on antinutritional factors. It also examines the effect of substituting defatted apricot, peach, and mango seed kernel flours for wheat flour in various ratios (5, 10, and 15%) on the chemical composition, physical features, and sensory properties evaluation of biscuits. The results revealed a significant effect of soaking and heating on the antinutrients, detoxification led to a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in antinutritional factors with ratios 43.63-52.73% total phenols, 78.17-86.16% tannins, 45.92-54.34% phytic acid and 40.42-44.70% oxalates, along with the complete removal (100%) of hydrocyanic acid (HCN). Wheat biscuit contained 3.20% moisture, 6.31% protein, 15.46% fat, 0.64% crude fiber, 1.25% ash and 76.33% carbohydrate. Highly acceptable biscuits could be obtained by incorporating 5% of defatted apricot, peach and mango kernel flours in the wheat biscuits formulation. As a by-product, apricot, peach and mango kernels offer an exciting potential as a food ingredient permitting to enrich biscuits and enlarge the food base for consumers.

The Role Of Morphological Traits On The Batting Performance Of Cricket Batsmen – A Review Study

Background: The batting performance is assessed by considering the batting average and strike rate of a batsman. With the induction of T-20 cricket matches, the strike rate of a batsman has gained much attention from coaches and team management. To increase the strike rate a batsman required to hit powerful shots for boundaries, which assist in making maximum scores at the minimum ball. Therefore, this investigation was planned to determine the effect of body size on the batting performance of cricket batsman. Methods: the literature for this study was selected for cricket coaching manual, cricket books, cricket batting videos, a biography of cricket batsmen, research articles. The academic documents were downloaded and shortlisted from Google Scholar, Research Gate, EBSCO, and ProQuest from 1990 to 2019. Results: The synthesized literature review concludes, stature, longer legs, longer arms, and lean body mass of a batsman show positive effects on the execution of powerful shots in cricket. Furthermore, the maximum strength of muscles assists a batsman to boost up the initial velocity of bat swing to accomplish the ball speed for a successful and powerful shot. Conclusions: Although stature and longer limbs of batsmen are associated with batting performance. On the other hand, the specific training would also enhance the capacity of cricket batsman for powerful shots in cricket. A future study was proposed to investigate the effect of training on the batting performance.

Body composition and performance variables differences in female volleyball players by agegroup and playing position / Diferenças na composição corporal e variáveis de desempenho em atletas femininas de voleibol por faixa etária e posição de jogo

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the age and inter- and intra-position differences in the anthropometric variables and physical performance in young female players of Brazilian women's volleyball. Fifty-eight female volleyball players participated, divided into 3 age groups: (a) 14 and under (n=20; mean age = 12.6±0.7 years), (b) between 14 and 17 (n=31; mean age = 15.6±1.2 years), and (c) over 17 (n=7; mean age = 18.9±0.9 years). In addition, the players were also divided according to their positions: setters (n=7), opposites (n=13), passer-hitters (n=17), middle blockers (n=12) and liberos (n=9). Anthropometric characteristics, flexibility, strength / resistance abdominal muscles, pushups, explosive power of the arms, jumping abilities, shuttle run and 20-m sprint tests were evaluated. Analyses showed differences among age and playing positions for the height and bone mass (p<0.05). In the fitness assessment, no differences were found between playing positions (p>0.05). However, differences were found among for age groups horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint, with players >17 performing better than <14 and between 14-17 years of age (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that the height, bone mass and horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint are age dependent, while physical performance independent on the playing positions.

Resumo Objetiva-se avaliar a idade e as diferenças inter e intra-posições nas variáveis antropométricas e no desempenho físico de jovens jogadoras do voleibol feminino brasileiro. Participaram 58 atletas femininas de voleibol, divididas em 3 grupos por faixa etária: (a) até 14 (n = 20; idade média = 12,6 ± 0,7 anos), (b) entre 14 e 17 (n = 31; média de idade = 15,6 ± 1,2 anos); (c) acima de 17 (n = 7; idade média = 18,9 ± 0,9 anos). Além disso, os jogadores também foram divididos de acordo com suas posições: levantadores (n = 7), opostos (n = 13), passadores (n = 17), bloqueadores (n = 12) e líberos. (n = 9). Foram avaliadas as características antropométricas, flexibilidade, força / resistência dos músculos abdominais, flexões, poder explosivo dos braços, habilidades de salto, corrida e corrida de 20 m. As análises mostraram diferenças entre idade e posições de jogo para a altura e massa óssea (p<0,05). Na avaliação da aptidão, não foram encontradas diferenças entre as posições de jogo (p>0,05). No entanto, foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos etários: salto horizontal, corrida e corrida de 20 m, com os jogadores acima de 17, com desempenho melhor que menores que 14 e entre 14 e 17 anos de idade (p<0,05). Estes resultados demonstraram que a altura, a massa óssea e o salto horizontal, o deslocamento e a velocidade de 20m são dependentes da idade, enquanto que o desempenho físico é independente das posições de jogo.

Effects of low-carbohydrate diet and resistance exercise training on physical characteristics and concentrations of plasma metabolites and hormones / 体力科学

We clarify the effect of combination of low-carbohydrate diet and resistance exercise training on physical characteristics and plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones in humans. Intervention of low-carbohydrate diet and resistance exercise training were performed on 7 healthy men and 3 women (age 39.6 ± 7.0 year; BMI 25.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2) for 8 - 12 weeks. Physical characteristics and 106 test items including and blood concentrations of metabolites and hormones were measured before and after the intervention. The effects of intervention were analyzed by a paired t-test, in which multiple testing was corrected by the method of Storey (significant variation q <0.1). In both men and women, carbohydrate and energy intake per day were low, and protein intake per day was almost the same as the recommended dietary allowance. Because carbohydrate intake were limited (174 kcal), resulting in reduction of total energy (1186 kcal). After the intervention, body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), fat mass, body fat, muscle mass and body water content significantly decreased, while muscle mass per body mass significantly increased. Glycine, 3-methyl histidine, inorganic phosphorous, urea nitrogen, urea nitrogen per creatinine, were significantly increased, while HbA1c, white blood cell count, β-aminoisobutyric acid, adrenalin, free T4, blood ammonia, γGTP, cholinesterase, and leptin were decreased.

Caracterización de cafés torrefactados, provenientes del ecotopo E-220A / Characterization of roasted coffees from the ecotopo E-220A

Resumen Antecedente. Los ecotopos son entornos con condiciones edafológicas, acuíferas, y ambientales bien definidas, en las cuales se producen granos con características de calidad que cautivan mercados locales e internacionales. Objetivo. Correlacionar fisicoquímicamente café crudo y torrefactado proveniente de 2 zonas del Ecotopo_E-220A. Materiales y método. La investigación, se desarrolló en cuatro etapas con cafés variedad Colombia de tipo supremo y extra especial, provenientes del departamento de Nariño de los municipios de La Unión y de Buesaco, siguiendo un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con análisis multivariado, complementado con la técnica de componentes principales. Resultados. Se correlacionaron las zonas de estudio con las características intrínsecas del café crudo_ mayor altura, color verde intenso, granos grandes más uniformes y de mayor acidez titulable. Y a menor altura mayor contenido de lípidos. Los cafés de la zona 2_ mayor altura_ tienen menor acidez titulable, menor contenido de lípidos, presentan la mayor pérdida de estos durante la torrefacción y genera cafés torrefactados de color entre medio y medio ligero. La zona 1 por el mayor contenido de lípidos genera cafés más aromáticos. Igualmente, con la metodología de componentes principales se determinó que la de pérdida de peso en café tostado, los carbohidratos y la densidad aparente explican el primer componente en 0.846, 0.745, 0.845 respectivamente y el segundo componente agrupa al contenido de lípidos en 0.801 y el contenido de proteína cruda en 0.620.

Abstract Background. Ecotopos are environments with well-defined soil, aquifer and environmental conditions, in which grains with quality characteristics are produced that captivate local and international markets. Objective. Physically and chemically correlate raw and roasted coffee beans from 2 zones of Ecotopo E-220A. Materials and methods. The research was carried out in four stages with Colombian varieties of supreme and extra special type, from the department of Nariño of the municipalities of the Union and Buesaco, following an experimental design of random blocks with multivariate analysis, complemented with the technique of main components. Results. The study areas were correlated with the intrinsic characteristics of raw coffee - higher height, intense green color, larger, more uniform grain and higher titratable acidity. And at lower height, higher lipid content. The coffees of zone 2_ greater height_ have lower titratable acidity, lower lipid content, they present the greater loss of these during the roasting and generates roasted cafes of color between medium and light medium. Zone 1 due to its higher content of lipids produces more aromatic coffees. Likewise with the main components methodology it was determined that the loss of weight in roasted coffee, carbohydrates and apparent density explain the first component in 0.846, 0.745, 0.845 respectively and the second component groups the lipid content in 0.801 and The crude protein content at 0.620.

Optimization of dry granulation prescription and technology of Xiaochuan Granules based on physical characteristics of raw materials in preparations / 中草药

Objective: To utilize powder physical characteristics, optimize prescription of dry granulation process of Xiaochuan Granules (XG). Methods: Filtering of granulation prescription was guided by investigating of powder material physical characteristics such as angle repose, compression degree, water content, etc; With one time forming rate, friability and quality score of granulation process as indexes, L9(34) orthogonal test which based on the evaluation method of information entropy was used to optimize the process parameters in XG dry granulation. Results: The optimum accessory is CD, optimum dry granulation technology parameters was as follows: roll wheel pressure of 7 MPa, roll wheel speed of 10 r/min, and feed speed of 18 r/min. Conclusion: Study of physical property of preparation materials could guide filtering prescription of dry granulation preparation; The prepared granules have high forming rate with moderate hardness and good flowability, and this optimized dry granulation technology is stable and reasonable.

Nutrients Intake and Health Status by Fruits and Vegetables Intake in Adolescents Based on the 2013∼2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This study was conducted to compare the nutrient intake, physical characteristics, and health status according to daily fruits and vegetables intake of adolescents using the Korean national health and nutrition examination survey for the sixth period (2013∼2015). Subjects were 1,096 adolescents aged 13∼18 years. The average daily intake of fruits and vegetables was 518.49±4.94 g. The two groups (insufficient, sufficient) were divided by fruits and vegetables intake (<500 g/day, ≥500 g/day) and the ratio of the insufficient group was 75.9% while that of the adequate group was 24.1%. The mean of intake of energy, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, thiamin, niacin, vitamin C and dietary fiber differed significantly between the insufficient and sufficient groups (P<0.01, P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in physical characteristics between groups. The self-perceived health status was better in the sufficient group (P<0.05), while the insufficient group was aware of more stress in their daily life (P<0.05). The serum triglyceride was significantly higher in the sufficient group (P<0.05), while the total cholesterol was lower (P<0.05). As the characteristics of fruits and vegetables are different, it will be necessary to determine standards for consumption of each type. It is also necessary to consider whether a fruits and vegetables intake of 500 g would be a reasonable standard for adolescents. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate efforts to increase fruits and vegetables intake by young people are necessary.

Sports Scientific Characteristics of Marathon / 대한스포츠의학회지

Although marathon has been considered as a simple or natural event, the multiple factors affect its performance such as physique and physical fitness including physical, technical, and mental factors. Academic disciplinary topics for talent identification in marathon performance are supported by physical characteristics, exercise physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, development and growth, evaluation and measurement. The scientific factors of marathon consist of physical and physiological characteristics of runners, overcoming trial of environmental effects, nutritional and psychological approach, ergogenic aid, effective training program, shoes and clothes. Especially, cardiopulmonary-related physical fitness is evaluated by maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, oxygen transport rate, and lactate tolerance. These scientific approaches for the improvement of running performance have been applied to the pick-up of excellent runner, exercise training, and actual running race for the overcome of limiting factors as environmental condition, exercise-induced fatigue, and injury, etc. In conclusion, we must consider the scientific factors for actual running race with physiological or psychological paradigm, technical application, nutritional approach, genetic analysis and information and communication and technology (ICT) convergence science for the scientific consideration of improvement in marathon running performance.

Análise biométrica de frutos de umbuzeiro do semiárido brasileiro / Biometrical analysis of umbu fruits from brazilian semi-arid

A demanda por frutos de umbuzeiro é grande no Nordeste brasileiro, no entanto, plantios comerciais são ausentes e a produção é obtida de forma extrativista. Assim, estratégias voltadas para a identificação e seleção de genótipos superiores para o estabelecimento de um programa de melhoramento para a cultura são necessárias. A coleta, a caracterização e a avaliação do germoplasma são etapas essenciais para se obter êxito nesse processo. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar características físicas de frutos de 58 acessos de umbuzeiro, coletados na Paraíba e no Rio Grande do Norte. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características: comprimento, largura e peso do fruto, porcentagem de casca, porcentagem de semente e rendimento de polpa. Foram estimados os componentes de variância e as proporções da variação fenotípica referente à diferença entre municípios (PMun), diferença entre acessos dentro municípios (PAcessos/Mun) e diferença entre frutos dentro de acessos (PFrutos/Acessos). Houve variação fenotípica significativa para todos os caracteres avaliados nos municípios de Juazeirinho, Campina Grande, Serra Branca, Boqueirão e Caturité, o mesmo não ocorrendo para os demais municípios avaliados. A análise de correlação entre caracteres de frutos demonstrou relações importantes, as quais auxiliarão o melhoramento genético da espécie.

The demand for umbu fruits in Northeast Brazil is very large, however, commercial production is non-existent and all fruits are obtained throughextractivism. Thus, strategies toward identifying and selecting superior genotypes in order to establish a breeding program for this culture are necessary. Collection, characterization and germplasm evaluation are essential steps in order for this process to succeed. The objective of this work was to evaluate physical characteristics of umbu fruits from 58 accessions collected at Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte states. The following traits were analyzed: fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, skin percentage, seed percentage and pulp yield. The components of variance and the phenotypic variation among all locals (PMun), among accessions within locals (PAcessos/Mun) and among fruits within accessions (PFrutos/Acessos) were estimated. The coefficients of phenotypic correlations were also calculated. Significant phenotypic differences for all evaluated traits were detected at Juazeirinho, Campina Grande, Serra Branca, Boqueirão and Caturité. This behavior was not found in the others cities. The correlation analysis showed interesting relations among some fruit traits that will facilitate the genetic breeding of umbuzeiro.

Development and physical evaluation of Maytenus ilicifolia effervescent granules using factorial design

The medicinal plant Maytenus ilicifolia is a commonly used phytomedicine for the treatment of gastritis. The high dose required and low density of these extracts make necessary a daily intake of several capsules, hindering adherence to the medication. The purpose of this work was to develop a suitable dosage form for the administration of Maytenus ilicifolia using effervescent granules. A 23 factorial design was used to study the physical characteristics of the granules (particle size distribution, repose angle, Carr index, scanning electron microscopy and disintegration time). Moisture stability was also determined. According to the experimental design, granule size is the most important factor in determining the flow characteristics of effervescent granules. In turn, the disintegration time is controlled by the content of sodium bicarbonate present in the effervescent mixture as well as the granule size. The stability of formulations when exposed to moisture is strongly influenced by the percentage of effervescent mixture present in the vegetal granules. Precautions in handling and storage should be taken to ensure the stability of these preparations. The effervescent granules produced from Maytenus ilicifolia met the pharmacopoeial quality parameters, with appropriate mechanical and physical characteristics and proved to be a promising vehicle for plant extracts.

A planta medicinal Maytenus ilicifolia é comumente empregada como fitoterápico no tratamento da gastrite. As elevadas doses requeridas e a baixa densidade dos extratos dessa planta levam à ingestão diária de várias cápsulas do medicamento, dificultando a adesão ao tratamento. A proposta desse trabalho foi desenvolver uma forma farmacêutica adequada para administração de Maytenus ilicifolia usando granulados efervescentes. Um desenho fatorial 23 foi empregado para estudar as características físicas dos granulados (distribuição dos tamanhos de partícula, ângulo de repouso, índice de Carr, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e tempo de desintegração). A higroscopicidade das preparações também foi estudada. De acordo com o desenho experimental, o tamanho de partícula é o fator mais importante para a determinação das características de fluxo dos granulados efervescentes. Em contrapartida, o tempo de desintegração é controlado pelo conteúdo de bicarbonato de sódio presente na mistura efervescente, assim como pelo tamanho do granulado. A estabilidade das formulações quando expostas à umidade é fortemente influenciada pelo percentual de mistura efervescente presente nos granulados. Precauções de manipulação e armazenamento devem ser tomadas para garantir a estabilidade dessas preparações. Os granulados efervescentes produzidos com Maytenus ilicifolia cumprem os requisitos farmacopeicos de qualidade, com adequadas características físicas e mecânicas, provando ser um veículo promissor para extratos vegetais.

Physical traits of the body of Chishui Miao ethnicity in Guizhou / 解剖学报

Objective To accumulate data for the physical anthropology research of Miao ethnicity adults , and find out the kinship and difference between this group and the other 10 ethnicities.Methods Viviperception and measurement were used to study the caudomedial part traits in 299 Miao ethnicity adults (146 males and 153 females ) who lived in Chishui city in Guizhou , and statistical software SPSS18.0 was used to process data .Results Apart from length of middle finger , the height of medial malleolus subpoint , and the rest 19 indices between male and female had significant difference or great significant difference (0.01

Combinação entre turfa vermelha e areia na obtenção de substrato-inóculo do fungo micorrízico arbuscular Glomus clarum / Combination of red peat and sand for obtaining substrate-inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomus clarum

O objetivo com o presente estudo foi verificar a influência de diferentes proporções de turfa vermelha e areia na composição do substrato sobre a colonização radicular por fungos micorríozicos arbusculares (FMA) e no desenvolvimento vegetativo de aveia branca. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação e os tratamentos foram constituídos a partir de combinações de turfa vermelha (T) e areia (A): 100%A; 25%T+75%A; 50%T+50%A; 75%T+25%A; 100%T. Dez sementes de aveia foram semeadas por vaso plástico preto (350ml de volume), contendo 5 gramas de inóculo de Glomus clarum. Quarenta e três dias após a semeadura da aveia, foram realizadas avaliações de desenvolvimento vegetativo e colonização micorrízica do sistema radicular das plantas, através da presença de estruturas, como hifas, arbúsculos e vesículas. Substratos com maior quantidade de turfa induziram maior desenvolvimento da parte aérea e maior qualidade de raízes (QR), em termos de volume de raízes. Entretanto, a presença da turfa acima de 50% no substrato diminuiu a percentagem de colonização micorrízica da aveia. A similaridade verificada entre as curvas de regressões de percentagem de colonização e Água Facilmente Disponível, com mesmo ponto de máximo, sugerem que a quantidade de mesoporos resultante da combinação turfa/areia influencia na resposta dos FMA, a melhor resposta é obtida em mistura com 32,5% de turfa vermelha.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different proportions of red peat and sand in the substrate on root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the consequent growth of white oats. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and the treatments consisted of combinations of read peat (T) and sand (A): 100%A; 25%T+75%A; 50%T+50%A; 75%T+25%A; 100%T. Ten oat seeds were sown per container (350ml volume) containing 5 grams of Glomus clarum inoculum. Forty-three days after sowing, vegetative development and mycorrhizae colonization of the plants' root system were evaluated by recording the presence of structures such as hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles. Substrates with higher amount of red peat led to increased shoot growth and quality of roots. However, the presence of peat above 50% in the substrate decreased the percentage of colonization of oats by AMF. The similarity of the regression curves of percentage of colonization and readily available water, with the same maximum point, suggest that the amount of mesopores influences the AMF response. It is concluded that the best quality of the substrate for the production of inoculum of Glomus clarum in mixtures of red peat and sand is obtained with about 32,5% red peat content in the mixture.

Avaliação física do solo em áreas sob diferentes usos com adição de dejetos animais no bioma cerrado / Evaluation of physical soil under different uses in areas with added animal waste in the cerrado

A região do Triângulo Mineiro está inserida no bioma Cerrado, tendo 66,79% da sua área sob Latossolos Vermelhos, que apresentam baixa fertilidade natural e elevados teores de alumínio trocável, exigindo correções e adubações para a inserção destes no processo produtivo. Os atributos físicos do solo são bons indicadores de sua qualidade e permitem o monitoramento de áreas que sofreram algum tipo de interferência, determinando o melhor uso daquele que provoca menor degradação. Diante disso, este trabalho objetivou avaliar a estrutura de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico numa área de Cerrado na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberlândia, MG, sob diferentes usos e recebendo resíduos orgânicos. Com a intervenção da pesquisa, os dejetos gerados nas atividades ligadas à produção animal podem sair da condição de poluidores do meio ambiente para condição de insumos básicos de alto valor agregado para a agricultura, pois, além da ação fertilizante que possuem, apresentam efeitos condicionadores e reparadores de atributos fisicos de solos, podendo significar, então, fator de agregação de valor tanto para a atividade de criação intensiva, agricultura e meio ambiente. A transformação do Cerrado nativo em ambientes de produção alterou a estrutura do solo. A conversão para áreas de pastagens e culturas (milho e cana-de-açúcar) diminuiu a macroporosidade e porosidade total e aumentou a densidade do solo. Essa conversão também influenciou o estado de agregação do solo, avaliado pelo aumento da dispersão da fração argila.

The region of Mining Triangle is inserted in the Cerrado, with 66.79% of its area under Oxisols Reds, who have low natural fertility and high levels of exchangeable aluminum, requiring correction and fertilization for insertion in the production process. The physical attributes of the soil are good indicators of its quality and permits monitoring of areas that suffered some type of interference, determining the best use of that which causes less degradation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the structure of an Oxisol in the Cerrado area in the region of Minas Gerais, Uberlandia, MG, under different uses and receiving organic wastes. With the intervention of the research, wastes generated in the activities related to animal production can leave the condition of polluting the environment to the condition of basic materials of high added value for agriculture, therefore, beyond action fertilizer that are present and conditioning effects repair of physical attributes of soils, could mean, then, a factor of adding value both for the activity of intensive rearing, agriculture and environment. The transformation of the native savannah in production environments changed the soil structure. The conversion to pasture areas and crops (corn and sugar cane) decreased macroporosity and increased soil density. This conversion also influenced the state of aggregation of soil, measured by the increase in the dispersion of clay fraction.

Avaliação física e radiográfica de biomateriais usados para regeneração óssea / Physical and radiographic evaluation of biomaterials used for bone regeneration

A busca por novos materiais para regeneração óssea incentiva o estudo dos biomateriais; sabe-se que suas características físicas, como forma, aspecto superficial e área, bem como as radiográficas, principalmente a densidade, podem influenciar nos resultados obtidos quando de sua utilização clínica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o tamanho, a forma, o aspecto superficial e a densidade radiográfica de grânulos de alguns dos principais biomateriais utilizados para regeneração óssea. Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente, permitindo a detecção das diferenças entre os biomateriais testados. Os resultados radiográficos mostraram que todos os biomateriais avaliados apresentaram densidades radiográficas estatisticamente iguais, porém maiores do que a densidade radiográfica do tecido ósseo da calvária de ratos, região normalmente usada para seu teste. Nas análises físicas, o βTCP e a HAP apresentaram maior rugosidade superficial, enquanto que para os parâmetros diâmetro e área dos grânulos, os resultados foram heterogêneos, com o osso bovino liofilizado apresentando as maiores medidas. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que os biomateriais testados apresentaram densidade radiográfica maior do que a região óssea onde são normalmente implantados e diferenças significativas na forma, no tamanho e na rugosidade dos grânulos, características estas que podem estar diretamente relacionadas com o seu desempenho clínico.

The search for new alternatives used in bone regeneration pushes the biomaterials? development, and characteristics such as form, superficial roughness and size, allied to the radiographic bone density of those biomaterials can influence their clinical use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the shape, the size, the superficial aspects and the radiographic density of some of the most used bone-regenerating biomaterials grains. Radiographic results showed that all evaluated biomaterials had statistically equal radiographic densities, but all of them were higher than the radiographic bone density of rats calvaria, which is the region normally used for its test. On the physical analysis, βTCP and HAP showed the higher superficial roughness, while the grains? diameter and area showed heterogeneous results, with the lyophilized bovine bone showing the higher measures. Based on the results, it is concluded that the tested biomaterials presented higher radiographic density than the region where they are normally applied, and that significant differences in the shape, size and surface roughness could be seen, characteristics which can interfere in their clinical performance.

THE RELATIONSHIPS OF ANKLE LIGAMENTOUS INJURIES WITH PHYSICAL AND POSITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of ankle ligamentous injuries with physical and positional characteristics in college football players. Specific hypothesis was addressed whether medial ankle ligamentous complex (MALC) injury was often caused by oversized players, offensive or defensive linemen.<BR>53 subjects participated in this study. We examined their previous history of ankle ligamentous injuries and classified them into three groups: (1) the lateral ankle ligamentous complex (LALC) in-jury group; (2) the MALC injury group; and (3) the no ankle ligamentous (NAL) injury group. Regarding MALC injury, we obtained the following results. First, MALC injury occupied 35% of total ankle ligamentous injuries. Second, both body weight and BMI of the MALC injury group were signi-ficantly the heaviest and largest of the groups. Lastly, OL, LB, and DL occupied highest occurring percentage (75%) of MALC injury.<BR>We concluded that MALC injury tended to be incurred by the players with heavier body weight and/or larger BMI. Players OL, LB, or DL also suffered MALC injury. Thus, these results suggest that body weight, BMI and position are considered as the risk factor for MALC injury.

The Relationship of Maternal Physical Characteristic Change and Neonatal Weights: the Comparison between 1989 and 1999 / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: This study was organized to find out whether there are differences between pregravid weight, body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and birth weight in 1989 and 1999. Also it was designed to find out the factors which influenced the birth weight changes. METHODS: A total of 725 (313 in 1989, 412 in 1999) pregnant women who had term delivery in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanyang University Hospital were recruited for the study. Pregravid weight, body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, body weight at the time of delivery and birth weight were examined through medical records retrospectively. RESULTS: Pregnant women in 1999 were older (29.7 +/- 3.7 yr vs 28.3 +/- 3.2 yr, p=0.0001), pregravid weight (54.0 +/- 7.5 kg vs 50.7 +/- 5.5 kg, p=0.0001), height (159.6 +/- 4.8 cm vs 158.5 +/- 4.7 cm, p=0.002), body mass index (21.2 +/- 2.8 kg/m2 vs 20.2 +/- 2.1 kg/m2, p=0.0001), weight gain during pregnancy (13.6 +/- 4.8 kg vs 12.8 +/- 4.6 kg, p=0.016) and birth weight (3103 +/- 652 gm vs 2993 +/- 843 gm, p=0.025) compared with those in 1989. The frequency of overweight (BMI>26) in pregravid was significantly higher in 1999 (9.4%) than in 1989 (1.9%) (p=0.0001). Weight gain during pregnancy were lower in over-weight pregravid than in normal or under-weight pregravid in both year, but birth weight was not different according to pregravid weight in both years. Compared to the weight gain during pregnancy less than 16 kg, women who gained weight more than 16 kg during pregnancy were significantly taller and weighed more at the time of delivery, and showed increased birth weight than those who gained weight during pregnancy less than 16 kg in both years. Weight gain during pregnancy was higher in over-weight pregravid than normal or under-weight pregravid in 1999 (p=0.012). The gain of body weight at the time of delivery in 1999 compared to those in 1989 is the most important factor for the birth weight change between two years. The increased pregravid weight, greater weight gain during pregnancy, and increased BMI also had an impact on the increasing birth weight in 1999. CONCLUSION: It is considered that physical characteristics of pregnant women in 1999 have been changed compared to those in 1989, and this change might be responsible for a birth weight increase.

Relationship between Low Back Pain and Physical Characteristics in Flight Attendants

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is known to be the significant reason for absenteeism and can develop long-term disability. So the airline authorities have made an effort to reduce the incidence of LBP by applying their physical standards. As a LBP Prevention Program, Airline A has provided health education, counseling and physical examinations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between LBP and physical characteristics, age and work duration, and this result will provide basic information for improving the LBP Prevention Program. METHOD: The subjects were the 585 flight attendants who had undergone regular physical check-ups with Airline A Medical Center from October 2000 to September 2001. We reviewed their absence records and physical characteristics, age and work duration. These data were analyzed statistically by the t-test and Lositic regression. RESULT: The LBP history group accounted for 18% of the study group. The male LBP history group had the more thin waist than the no history group. There were no differences (P<0.05) between LBP and other male and female physical characteristics. The age and work duration of male LBP history group was lower than the no history group (P<0.05). But the female comparison revealed that only the work experience in the LBP history group was lower than the No history group (P<0.05). Waist, age, work duration was analyzed statistically by logistic regression. Only female's work experience was significant. The fewer work experience was the more LBP. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest LBP is associated with work experience rather than physical characteristics. This is the first step toward improving a LBP Prevention Program for the cabin crew. It will be useful to conduct another review to assess various other reasons, such as psychosocial job factors, duration of work disability and muscle strength, related to LBP.

The Assessment on the Characteristics of Quantitative image in Digora(R) / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To clarify the usefulness and the limitation of Digora system(R) by evaluating the characteristics as the quantitative image on Image Plate(IP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiograms were taken by Heliodent MD(Siemens Co., Germany) with the image plate for adult, Cu-step wedge as reference material, and three pieces of dry mandibular bone. Image analysis was performed by single color enhancement, density measurement with histogram. The relationship between the exposure conditions and the distribution of the pixel values of the image, the variation of pixel values of each step of Cu-step wedge at two different area and Cu-equivalent value of three pieces of dry mandibular bone measure by conversion equation. RESULTS: There was no linear relationship between the exposure condition and the average pixel value of the image, of which the distribution was not even. The pixel value differences between the center portion and the periphery were ranged from 60 to 70 in vertical plane and from 15 to 26 in horizontal plane. Two curves formed at two different areas of the Cu-step wedge were different. The measured Cu-equivalent values showed the discrepancy among the times of measurement. CONCLUSION: As above results, Image Plate(IP) of Digora system(R) showed the limitation as the quantitative image. The physical property of IP was expected to need to be compensated for the quantitative evaluation of the bone or others.

Clinical Study of Healthy Young Men with Mitral Valve Prolapse

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve prolapse(MVP) is now recognized as noe of the most common cardiovascular disorders, particularly in young women with a slender body habitus. However, there is little clinical information about young men with mitral valve prolapse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and echocardiographic characteristics of young men about 20 years old with mitral valve prolapse. METHOD: Twenty young men with mitral valve prolapse(MVP graoup, mean age ; 19.9±2.4 years) and twenty healthy volunteers(control group, mean age ; 19.9±3.2 years) were examined using physical examination, chest X-ray, computed thoracic tomography and two dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Compared with control group, MVP group had a smaller chest circumference(p < 0.001), a larger height-arm span difference(p < 0.01), smaller anteroposterior chest diameters(by chest X-ray ; p < 0.001 and computed tomography ; p < 0.01) and smaller anteroposterior/transverse chest diameter ratio(chet X-ray ; p < 0.01 and computed tomography ; p < 0.05). In MVP group, mitral regurgitation was noted 15 men(75%), those had posteriorly directed jets suggesting anterior mitral leaflet anomalies. CONCLUSION: Healthy young men having mitral valve prolapse had narrow chest and slender physical characteristics and anterior mitral leaflet abnormalities.