DOES SPECIALIZATION IN KARATE AFFECT REACTION TIME IN SPECIFIC KARATE KUMITE SITUATIONS?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of karate specialization on the reaction time in specific karate kumite situations. In order to maximize the ecological validity of experimental set-up, we used our recently proposed and evaluated video-based method (Mudric et al., 2015). Within this method, the reaction time is calculated from the kinematic parameters recorded on both offensive action stimuli and defensive action responses. The results obtained from three groups of subjects (i.e., karate kumite, karate kata and beginners) indicate significant differences in reaction time between the beginners and both specialized karate groups. There were also prominent but not significant differences between the karate kumite and karate kata. These findings suggest that particular sport specialization could improve reaction time of an athlete in specific sport situations

Effects of Resistance Training With Constant, Inertial, and Combined Loads on Muscle Power and Strength Output

The aim of this study was to investigate the resistance-specific gains in muscle power and strength (1RM) following the training of maximum bench-press throws (BPT) against constant, inertial, and combined resistance. Forty-eight male participants (age 20.5 ± 2.0 years) were randomly assigned to the constant, inertial, combined resistance, or control group. Participants underwent 8 weeks of training of BPT against the loads that corresponded to the different effects of mass of 40 kg (∼50% of 1RM). The gains in average and maximum power, and 1RM were significant in all experimental groups (P 0.1). Relative gains in the average (26.3 ± 9.8%) and maximum power (25.2 ± 9.8%) were larger than that in the 1RM (mean 7.2 ± 6.9%; both P < 0.001). The gains in the average (F4, 66 = 6.0; P < 0.01) and maximum power (F4, 66 = 4.7; P < 0.01) were higher when tested against the training-specific resistance than when tested against the remaining two resistance types. Differences in 1RM among experimental groups were not significant (P = 0.092). The most important and rather novel finding of the study is that the training against the weight and inertial resistance, and their combination results in resistance-specific gains in muscle power, although the overall gains muscle strength and power remain comparable across the training protocols

Multiply charged ions from solid substances with the mVINIS Ion Source

We have used the well known metal-ions-from-volatile-compounds (MIVOC) method at the mVINIS Ion Source to produce the multiply charged ion beams form solid substances. Based on this method the very intense and stable multiply charged ion beams of several solid substances having the high melting points were extracted. The ion yields and the spectra of multiply charged ion beams obtained from solid materials like Fe and Hf will be presented. We have utilized the multiply charged ion beams from solid substances to irradiate the polymers, fullerenes and glassy carbon at the low energy channel for modification of materials.13th International Conference on Physics of Highly Charged Ions, Aug 28-Sep 01, 2006, Queens Univ, Belfast, Irelan

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in a patient with Pallister–Hall syndrome

Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS) is extremely rare autosomal dominant disorder with typical clinical features such as presence of polydactyly, hypothalamic hamartoma, bifid epiglottis, anal, renal, genitourinary and pulmonary abnormalities, mainly located in the midline of the body. Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is also a rare condition, and it is used to describe nasal discharge of CSF unrelated to previous trauma, localized tumour, surgery, or previous radiation therapy. The exact cause is not yet fully understood. We report a case of adult female patient previously diagnosed with PHS and late onset of spontaneous nasal liquorrhea, due to defect in the anterior skull base. Although it can be incidental finding, we believe that described defect in the body midline can be another presentation of congenital craniofacial abnormality which are common in PHS

Asymmetries in explosive strength following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background: Despite its apparent functional importance, there is a general lack of data regarding the time-related changes in explosive strength and the corresponding side-to-side asymmetries in individuals recovering from an ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The present study was designed to assess changes in the maximum and explosive strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in athletes recovering from an ACLR. Methods: Twenty male athletes with an ACL injury completed a standard isometric testing protocol pre-ACLR, four and six months post-ACLR. In addition to the maximum strength (F-max), the explosive strength of quadriceps and hamstrings was assessed through four variables derived from the slope of the force-time curves over various time intervals (REDmax, RED50, RFD150 and RED250). Side-to-side asymmetries were calculated relative to post-ACLR measures of the uninvolved leg ("standard" asymmetries), and relative to pre-ACLR value of the uninvolved leg ("real" asymmetries). Results: Pre-ACLR asymmetries in quadriceps RFD (average 26%) were already larger than in F-max (14%) (p lt 0.05). Six months post-ACLR real asymmetries in RFD variables (33-39%) were larger than the corresponding standard asymmetries (26-28%; p lt 0.01). Average asymmetries in hamstrings' RFD and F-max were 10%, 25% and 15% for pre-ACLR and two post-ACLR sessions, respectively (all p gt 0.05). Conclusions: In addition to the maximum strength, the indices of explosive strength should also be included in monitoring recovery of muscle function following an ACLR. Furthermore, pre-injury/reconstruction values should be used for the post-ACLR side-to-side comparisons, providing a more valid criterion regarding the muscle recovery and readiness for a return to sports

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Abstract The purpose of this survey was to assess the reliability of the short pulse contraction (KPK) test for the evaluation of neuromuscular characteristics, as well as to defi ne the possibility of generalization of the variables obtained from short pulse contractions [maximal force (MS), rate of force development (BRS) and rate of force reduction (BSS)] to different muscle groups. The survey covered the sample of 48 students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, 12 in the fi rst and 36 in the second experiment. KPK were carried out for the intensities of 30%, 50% and 70% of the Fmax. The survey was carried out through the two experiments. In the fi rst experiment the task was to determine the degree of connection between the MS, BRS and BSS results obtained from KPK with maximal force (Fmax) and maximal rate of force development (BRSmax) obtained from standard force tests. Also, the task was to determine the degree of reliability of the results from the fi rst measurement and those of the measurement after two days and after six weeks. The obtained results showed high reliability of the majority of variables within the measurement, as well as with the measurements after two days and after six weeks from the fi rst measurement. Remarkably high coeffi cients of intra-correlation were obtained within one testing (ICC &gt; 0.90) as well as within the measurements carried out on different days (0.80 -0.92). The characteristics of BRS and BSS functions in relation to the MS, calculated according to the data obtained from the KPK, show the linear character of the function which goes through the points that describe the relation between the generated force and the BRS and BSS. The obtained results show high reliability and a reasonable degree of generalization in relation to different muscle groups. Considering that the generalization of the new test was not adequately shown, the results suggest further evaluation and KPK test development

An analysis of briquette value chain at the Limsko forest area

Value creation represents an increase in the value of assets in the manufacturing process. Business processes that lead to value creation can be presented as a value chain. For wood products, total value creation takes place in the complex processes of production and exchange between forestry and timber industry. The research on the use of biomass for energy purposes is increasing in recent decades. Within the research on value chain, in our country were, to less extent were represented those related to woody biomass products. In this sense, the aim of the research is to determine the organization of woody biomass products (briquettes) value chain and its analysis in the Limsko forest area. A “door-to-door” survey was used as a research technique. Data collection was conducted in the period from April to May of 2013. In total, 19 representatives of enterprises, which are participants in the woody biomass products value chain in the Limsko forest area were surveyed. Manufacturing enterprise, located in Nova Varoš, was analysed as the main participant in this chain. In addition, its suppliers (15), wholesaler (1), retailer (1), and consumer (1) were analysed. The manufacturing enterprise exclusively used raw material produced in sawmills. The results indicate that an increase in value occurs, primarily, during the transportation of raw materials from sawmill to the manufacturing enterprise. The next increase in value occurs during the storage of raw materials within the manufacturing enterprise and with the emergence of new stages in the production process, as well as during the transportation of products to the wholesaler, retailer and consumer

Muscle strength testing : evaluation of tests of explosive force production

The purpose of the study was to evaluate four tests of explosive force production (EFP). Specifically, the main aims of the study were to assess the reliability of different EFP tests, to examine their relationship with maximum muscle strength, and to explore the relationship between EFP tests and functional movement performance. After an extensive preliminary familiarization with the tasks, subjects (n=26) were tested on maximum explosive strength of the elbow extensor and flexor muscle, as well as on rapid elbow extension and flexion movements performed in both an oscillatory and a discrete fashion. In addition to maximum force (F-max), four different EFP tests were assessed from the recorded force-time curves: the time interval elapsed between achieving 30% and 70% of F-max (F30-70%), the maximum rate of force development (RFD), the same value normalized with respect to F-max (RFD/F-max), and the force exerted 100 ms after the contraction initiation (F-100 ms). Excluding F30--70%, all remaining EFP tests revealed either good or fair reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients being within 0.8-1 and 0.6-0.8 intervals, respectively) which was also comparable with the reliability of F-max. RFD and F-100 ms demonstrated a positive relationship with F-max, but not T30-70% and RFD/F-max. Stronger elbow flexor muscles also demonstrated higher values of RFD and F-100 ms than weaker elbow extensor muscles, while no difference was observed between either T30-70% or RFD/F-max recorded from two muscles. Despite the simplicity of the tested movement tasks, the relationship observed between the EFP tests and the peak movement velocity remained moderate and partly insignificant. It was concluded that most of the EFP tests could be reliable for assessing neuromuscular function in their muscle-force- (or, indirectly, muscle size) dependent (such as RFD and F-100 ms), or muscle-force-independent (T30-70% and RFD/ F-max) forms. However, their "external validity" when applied to assess the ability to perform rapid movements could be questioned

Muscle strength testing: evaluation of tests of explosive force production

The purpose of the study was to evaluate four tests of explosive force production (EFP). Specifically, the main aims of the study were to assess the reliability of different EFP tests, to examine their relationship with maximum muscle strength, and to explore the relationship between EFP tests and functional movement performance. After an extensive preliminary familiarization with the tasks, subjects (n=26) were tested on maximum explosive strength of the elbow extensor and flexor muscle, as well as on rapid elbow extension and flexion movements performed in both an oscillatory and a discrete fashion. In addition to maximum force (F-max), four different EFP tests were assessed from the recorded force-time curves: the time interval elapsed between achieving 30% and 70% of F-max (F30-70%), the maximum rate of force development (RFD), the same value normalized with respect to F-max (RFD/F-max), and the force exerted 100 ms after the contraction initiation (F-100 ms). Excluding F30--70%, all remaining EFP tests revealed either good or fair reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients being within 0.8-1 and 0.6-0.8 intervals, respectively) which was also comparable with the reliability of F-max. RFD and F-100 ms demonstrated a positive relationship with F-max, but not T30-70% and RFD/F-max. Stronger elbow flexor muscles also demonstrated higher values of RFD and F-100 ms than weaker elbow extensor muscles, while no difference was observed between either T30-70% or RFD/F-max recorded from two muscles. Despite the simplicity of the tested movement tasks, the relationship observed between the EFP tests and the peak movement velocity remained moderate and partly insignificant. It was concluded that most of the EFP tests could be reliable for assessing neuromuscular function in their muscle-force- (or, indirectly, muscle size) dependent (such as RFD and F-100 ms), or muscle-force-independent (T30-70% and RFD/ F-max) forms. However, their "external validity" when applied to assess the ability to perform rapid movements could be questioned

Production of multiply charged ion beams from solid substances with the mVINIS ion source

The mVINIS ion source has enabled us to obtain multiply charged ion beams from gases as well as from solid materials. The solid substance ion beams were produced by using two techniques: (a) the evaporation of metals by using the inlet system based on a minioven and (b) the metal-ions-from-volatile-compounds method (MIVOC) by using the modified gas inlet system. Great efforts were made in the production of high current stable ion beams of solids with relatively C ion-beam current of over 300 mu A was one of the most high melting points (over 1000 degrees C). The B3+ intensive beams extracted until now. The obtained multiply charged ion-beam spectra of solid substances (B, Fe, and Zn) are presented as well as some of the corresponding experimental results achieved during the modification of polymers, carbon materials, and fullerenes. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.11th International Conference on Ion Sources, Sep 12-16, 2005, Caen, Franc