It has been shown that prior experience with a task improves temporal prediction, even when the amount of prior experience with the task is often limited. The present study targeted the role of extensive training on temporal prediction. Expert and intermediate runners had to predict the time of a 5 km running competition. Furthermore, after the race's completion, participants had to estimate th...

In this article we consider a pq-dimensional random vector x distributed normally with mean vector θ and the covariance matrix Λ, assumed to be positive definite. On the basis of N independent observations on the random vector x, we wish to estimate parameters and test the hypothesis H: Λ = Ψ ⊗Σ, where Ψ = (ψij) : q × q and Σ = (σij) : p × p, and Λ = (ψijΣ), the Kronecker product of Ψ and Σ. Th...

Depositing MoS2 coatings for industrial applications involves rotating the samples during PVD magnetron sputtering process. Here, we show that a 3-fold substrate rotation, along large target–substrate distance given by deposition unit, introduces porosity inside coatings. The mechanical properties and wear behavior strongly correlate with degree of porosity, which, in turn, depends on temperatu...

PURPOSE Soccer referees' physical match performances at the start of the second half (46-60 min) were evaluated in relation to both the corresponding phase of the first half (0-15 min) and players' performances during the same match periods. METHODS Match analysis data were collected (Prozone, UK) from 12 soccer referees on 152 English Premier League matches during the 2008/09 soccer season. ...

A number of studies have used global positioning systems (GPS) to report on positional differences in the physical game demands of rugby union both on an average and singular bout basis. However, the ability of these studies to report quantitative data is limited by a lack of validation of certain aspects of measurement by GPS micro-technology. Furthermore no study has analyzed the positional p...

A force-velocity relationship in overarm throwing was determined using ball weights varying from 0.2 to 0.8 kg. Seven experienced handball players were filmed at 240 frames per second. Velocity of joints of the upper extremity and ball together with the force on the ball were derived from the data. A statistically significant negative relationship between force and maximal ball velocity, as wel...

The assessment of aerobic endurance is important for training prescription in soccer, and is usually measured by straight running without the ball on a track or treadmill. Due to the ball control and technical demands during a specific soccer test, the running speeds are likely to be lower compared to a continuous incremental test. The aim of the present study was to compare the heart rate (HR)...

Three-dimensional kinematic analysis examined agility running technique during pre-planned and reactive performance conditions specific to attacking ball carries in rugby union. The variation to running technique of 8 highly trained rugby union players was compared between agility conditions (pre-planned and reactive) and also agility performance speeds (fast, moderate and slow). Kinematic meas...

The aim of this study was to examine the kinematic activity profiles, cardiovascular responses and physical fitness of top-class football referees (n=11) during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005. Computerised match-analyses (n=9) were performed with a two-dimensional photogrammetric video system, and the cardiovascular demand imposed on the referees (n=12) was measured using heart rate recording...

BACKGROUND Studies of endurance running have typically involved elite athletes, small sample sizes and measures that require special expertise or equipment. METHODS We examined factors associated with race performance and explored methods for race time prediction using information routinely available to a recreational runner. An Internet survey was used to collect data from recreational endur...