A Log-Linear Analysis of Efficiency in Wheelchair Basketball According To Player Classification.

Within the framework of observational methodology, we conducted a log-linear analysis to study efficiency in relation to players' functional ability in wheelchair basketball by analyzing associations between the position of the last pass before a shot, a shot position, and a shot result (favorable or unfavorable). The observation sample contained all offensive sequences ending in a shot by the US men's wheelchair basketball team, who won the gold medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Data were annotated and coded in the Lince software program and their reliability confirmed by measuring interobserver agreement using Cohen's kappa statistics. Log-linear modeling showed that the models generated to explain offensive sequences ending in a shot by players with greater functional ability were closest to models observed for professional basketball players and were the only models to show significant effects in terms of efficiency.

Observational Analysis of Lateral Preference in Kumite Initiation: A Starting Point in the Longitudinal Programming of Formative Karate.

We used observational methodology to analyze lateral conditioning in the technical-tactical performance of high level 8-9-year-old karatekas, specifically in relation to the guard action that supports the technical action and the body segment with which it is performed. We designed an ad hoc observation instrument to analyze lateral preference in the technical-tactical actions that take place during the kumite. We relied on LINCE software for data registration, and we found good inter-observer reliability, calculated with Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Generalizability Theory supported the homogeneity of the behavior deployed by these combatants. Our results represent a starting point in the longitudinal programming of karate. By relating our results and those of other studies that have addressed lateral performance in formative karate in the kumite modality, we are able to draw a roadmap of a karateka's path towards the equilaterality that is inherent in an elite competitor: (a) the 8-9 year old karateka must overcome a conditioned lateral prevalence by adopting a forward non-dominant leg guard so as to then attack with the dominant body segment; (b) the eqilateral use of the right or left fist must occur later, between the 12-13 year age group and the senior category; and (c) there will then be less decisive lateral conditioning in the execution of offensive leg techniques.

Concordancia consensuada en metodología observacional: efectos del tamaño del grupo en el tiempo y la calidad del registro / Concordância consensual na metodologia observacional: efeitos do tamanhodo grupo, tempo e qualidade do registro / The consensus agreement method in observational methodology: impact of sample size on time requirements and dataset quality

En metodología observacional, para abordar la fiabilidad de los datos ya registrados, suele recurrirse a coeficientes de concordancia, coeficientes de correlación o a la teoría de la generalizabilidad; además, cada vez está tomando mayor protagonismo la concordancia consensuada. Esta forma de concordancia trata de lograr la coincidencia entre los observadores antes del registro. A pesar de su creciente presencia en estudios observacionales, son pocos los trabajos quehan profundizado en el desarrollo y optimización de esta forma cualitativa de concordancia. El presente trabajo, además de constituirse en un ejemplo de la utilización de la concordancia por consenso, ha comparado el resultado obtenido (tiempo empleado y ajuste con el registro ideal) por grupos de consenso formados por diferente número de integrantes (dos, tres y cuatro observadores). No se han encontrado diferencias significativas al comparar los grupos de concordancia por consenso de dos, tres y cuatro integrantes, ni en relación al tiempo empleado en el registro, ni en lo relativo al porcentaje de acuerdo con el registro ideal. La determinación del tamaño muestral necesario para obtener diferencias significativas entre los grupos ha permitido elevar conclusiones en términos de eficiencia. (AU)

The reliability of datasets in observational methodology is typically tested using coefficients of agreement, correlation coefficients, or generalizability theory. Another increasingly popular method used to demonstrate the quality of data is the consensus agreement method, in which two or more observers agree on their coding decisions while creating the dataset. Although the consensus agreement method is being increasingly used in observational studies, few studies have conducted an in-depth analysis of how this qualitative procedure is approached or of how it can be optimized. In this study, in addition to presenting a practical example of the application of the consensus agreement method, we compare the results from three groups (of two, three, and four observers) to analyze performance in terms of time required to code the data and goodness of fit with respect to an optimal dataset. No significant differences were found between the three groups for either of the variables analyzed. Prior calculation of the sample size required to detect significant differences between the groups adds strength to our conclusions regarding the efficiency of the consensus agreement method. (AU)

Na metodologia observacional, para lidar com a confiabilidade de dois dados já registrados, costumamos passarpelos coeficientes de concordância, coeficientes de correlação ou pela teoria da generalização. Além disso, a concordância consensual vem ganhando cada vez mais destaque. Esta forma de concordância tenta chegar a um acordo entre os observadores antes do registro. Apesar de sua crescente presença em estudos observacionais, poucos estudos se aprofundam no desenvolvimento e otimização de uma forma qualitativa de concordância. Ou apresentar trabalho, além de ser um exemplo do uso de concordância de consenso, comparação ou resultado obtido (tempo despendido e ajuste como registro ideal) por grupos de consenso formados por diferentes números de membros (dois, três e quatro observadores). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na comparação de dois gruposde concordância por consenso de dois, três e quatro membros, não em relação ao tempo gasto não registrado, mas em relação ao percentual de concordância conforme lista ideal. A determinação do tamanho dá a amostra necessária para obter diferenças significativas entre os grupos permitindo-nos tirar conclusões em termos de eficiência. (AU)

T Cell Activation, Highly Armed Cytotoxic Cells and a Shift in Monocytes CD300 Receptors Expression Is Characteristic of Patients With Severe COVID-19.

COVID-19 manifests with a wide diversity of clinical phenotypes characterized by dysfunctional and exaggerated host immune responses. Many results have been described on the status of the immune system of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, but there are still aspects that have not been fully characterized or understood. In this study, we have analyzed a cohort of patients with mild, moderate and severe disease. We performed flow cytometric studies and correlated the data with the clinical characteristics and clinical laboratory values of the patients. Both conventional and unsupervised data analyses concluded that patients with severe disease are characterized, among others, by a higher state of activation in all T cell subsets (CD4, CD8, double negative and T follicular helper cells), higher expression of perforin and granzyme B in cytotoxic cells, expansion of adaptive NK cells and the accumulation of activated and immature dysfunctional monocytes which are identified by a low expression of HLA-DR and an intriguing shift in the expression pattern of CD300 receptors. More importantly, correlation analysis showed a strong association between the alterations in the immune cells and the clinical signs of severity. These results indicate that patients with severe COVID-19 have a broad perturbation of their immune system, and they will help to understand the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19.

In silico design of novel NRR electrocatalysts: cobalt-molybdenum alloys.

Metals are amongst the most efficient developed electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with iron and ruthenium presenting the best catalytic indicators. However, the potential use of metal alloys as NRR electrocatalysts is still underdeveloped. While Co has demonstrated poor electrocatalytic activity for NRR, alloying Co with Mo exhibits an improvement in both N2 physisorption and the stabilisation of the elusive N2H as the first reduced intermediate species. This stabilisation occurs on surface Mo or Co atoms with a high connectivity with Mo. Herein, we report a complete DFT study analysing the potential application of CoMo alloys as catalysts for N2-into-NH3 conversion given the low theoretical overpotentials that they present.

Sistema de observación para analizar la interacción en el juego de Boccia por equipos / Observation system to analyze interaction in team boccia competition / Sistema de observação para analizar a interacção no jogo de Boccia por equipos

Se ha diseñado un instrumento de observación ad hoc, combinación de formato de campo y sistemas de categorías, que permite analizar la interacción social -conductas prosociales y antisociales- que tiene lugar en la competición por equipos en el juego de boccia. El registro y codificación de los datos se ha desarrollado mediante el software Lince. La validez de contenido del instrumento de observación ha quedado avalada por el equipo técnico de la Selección Española de boccia. Los resultados relativos a la concordancia entre los registros generados por tres observadores diferentes, calculada mediante el coeficiente Kappa de Cohen, indican una elevada fiabilidad de los datos obtenidos mediante el sistema de observación. En el seno de la teoría de la Generalizabilidad, mediante el software SAGT, se ha desarrollado el plan de medida [Jugador] [Categoría] / [Parcial], que ha permitido asegurar que, con el número de parciales analizados, se consigue una elevada fiabilidad de precisión de generalización. Además, se ha procedido a la optimización del plan de medida [Parciales] [Categorías] / [Jugador]. La operatividad del sistema de observación desarrollado ha quedado patente en los T-patterns detectados mediante el software Theme, versión 6. Edu. De los resultados obtenidos se desprende que el juego de boccia constituye un entorno favorable de elevado valor formativo para el colectivo de la discapacidad

The observation instrument was purpose-built and combines a field format with systems of categories. The observation instrument allows to analyze the social interaction -prosocial and antisocial behaviors- that takes place in team boccia competition. The content validity of the observation instrument has been guaranteed by the coaching staff of the Boccia Spanish Team. The data were coded with the Lince software programme. Cohen's Kappa coefficient obtained by comparing the data sets generated by three observers indicates a high reliability of the data. We also performed a generalizability study, [Player][Category]/[End], demonstrating the consistency of the data based on the Ends observed. The application of the optimization module for [End][Category]/[Player] facets showed us how many players would constitute an optimal sample in future studies. The practical application of the observation system was demonstrated by performing T-pattern analysis using Theme software programme. The results obtained show that boccia is a very favorable educational environment for the disability group

O instrumento de observação foi construído ad hoc e combina um formato de campo com sistemas de categorias. O instrumento de observação permite analisar a interação social - comportamentos anti-sociais e anti-sociais - que ocorre na competição de bocha em equipe. A validade de conteúdo do instrumento de observação foi garantida pela equipe técnica da Equipe Espanhola de Boccia. Os dados foram codificados com o programa de software Lince. Coeficiente Kappa de Cohen obtido pela comparação dos conjuntos de dados gerados por três observadores indica alta confiabilidade dos dados. Também realizamos um estudo de generalização [Jogador] [Categoria] / [Parcial], demonstrando a consistência dos dados com base nas extremidades observadas. A aplicação do módulo de otimização para as facetas [Parciales] [Categorias] / [Jogador] nos mostrou quantos jogadores seriam uma ótima amostra em estudos futuros. A aplicação prática do sistema de observação foi demonstrada através da análise do padrão T usando o programa de software Theme. Os resultados obtidos são desprezíveis que o jogo de bocha é constituído por um formulário de valor favorável para o colectivo da discapacidade

Análisis observacional de los movimientos ilegales en la iniciación al ajedrez: identificando dificultades en el entendimiento del juego / Observational analysis of illegal moves in grassroots chess: identifying difficulties in the understanding of the game / Análise observacional de movimentos ilegais na iniciação ao xadrez: identificando dificuldades na compreensão do jogo

En el seno de la metodología observacional, y a partir de un pormenorizado análisis del reglamento -Leyes FIDE-, se ha elaborado un sistema de observación ad hocque permite analizar los movimientos ilegales en el ajedrez de iniciación. La fiabilidad de los datos, en forma de concordancia inter-observadores, se ha garantizado mediante el coeficiente Kappa de Cohen. En el seno de la Teoría de la Generalizabilidad, se han realizado dos planes de medida que han permitido garantizar la generalizabilidad de los resultados obtenidos y la validez del instrumento de observación. Se ha realizado un análisis de residuos ajustados en la búsqueda de relación asociativa entre variables categóricas, en cada uno de los siete tipos de movimientos ilegales caracterizados (enroque; clavada; rey a casilla amenazada; movimiento incorrecto de pieza; promoción del peón; ocupación de casillas; no remover al jaque). Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los movimientos ilegales, revelan las dificultades que el niño, de categoría sub-12, encuentra en el entendimiento y práctica del ajedrez, constituyendo una valiosa información que contribuya a optimizar el proceso de iniciación de los niños en el ajedrez

Within the observational methodology, and based on a detailed analysis of FIDE laws of Chess, an observation system has been developed ad hoc for analyzing the illegal moves that children commit in chess. The reliability of the resulting data was confirmed by analysis of interobserver agreement, using Cohen's kappa statistic. The results of the generalizability study confirmed the generalizability of results and the validity of the observation instrument. A Lag Sequential Analysis was performed to identify significant associations between categorical variables in each of the seven types of illegal movements characterized (castling, pinned, king to threatened square, incorrect movement of piece, promotion, occupation, do not remove check). The results obtained in the analysis of illegal movements, reveal the difficulties that the child (under 12 years of age) finds in the understanding and practice of chess

Dentro da metodologia observacional, e com base em uma análise detalhada dos regulamentos -LeyesFIDE-, um sistema de observação ad hoc foi desenvolvido para analisar os movimentos ilegais no xadrez de iniciação. A confiabilidade dos dados, na forma de concordância interobservador, foi garantida pelo coeficiente Kappa de Cohen. Dentro da Teoria da Generalização, foram feitos dois planos de medição que asseguraram a generalização dos resultados obtidos e a validade do instrumento de observação. Uma análise dos resíduos ajustados foi feita na busca por uma relação associativa entre variáveis categóricas, em cada um dos sete tipos de movimentos ilegais caracterizados (roque, craving, rei a quadrado ameaçado, movimento incorreto da peça, promoção do peão, ocupação de caixas, não retire o cheque). Os resultados obtidos na análise de movimentos ilegais, revelam as dificuldades que a criança, de categoria sub-12, encontra no entendimento e na prática do xadrez, constituindo uma informação valiosa que contribui para otimizar o processo de iniciação das crianças no xadrez

Successful and Unsuccessful Offensive Sequences Ending in a Shot in Professional and Elite Under-16 Basketball.

Following observational methodology, we analyzed successful and unsuccessful offensive attacks by professional and elite under-16 (U16) basketball players in Spain using an adapted ad hoc observation instrument designed to study efficiency in basketball. We identified both similarities and differences between how players from both categories built their attacks. The synchronic statistical analysis based on frequency counts showed that shots were more efficient in professional basketball and that U16 basketball was less static and had a higher frequency of fast breaks. Diachronic analysis, which consisted of T-pattern detection using Theme software, allowed us to identify characteristic successful and unsuccessful offensive sequences in professional and elite U16 basketball. These results have practical implications as they can be used to design training drills and prepare for competitions in U16 and professional basketball.

TiO2-based (Fe3O4, SiO2, reduced graphene oxide) magnetically recoverable photocatalysts for imazalil degradation in a synthetic wastewater.

Magnetite (Fe3O4), a core-shell material (SiO2@Fe3O4), and reduced graphene oxide-Fe3O4 (referred as rGO-MN) were used as supports of a specific highly active TiO2 photocatalyst. Thermal treatments at 200 or 450 °C, different atmospheres (air or N2), and TiO2:support weight ratios (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0) were investigated. X-ray diffractograms revealed that magnetite is not oxidized to hematite when the core-shell SiO2@Fe3O4 material-or a N2 atmosphere (instead of air) in the thermal treatment-was employed to prepare the TiO2-based catalysts (the magnetic properties being preserved). The materials treated with N2 were first tested for degradation of imazalil (a well-known fungicide) in deionized water. The best compromise between the photocatalytic activity, magnetic separation, and Fe leached (1.61 mg L-1, i.e., below the threshold for water reuse in irrigation) was found for the magnetic catalyst prepared with SiO2@Fe3O4, an intermediate TiO2:support ratio (1.5), and treated at 200 °C under N2 atmosphere (i.e., SiO2@Fe3O4-EST-1.5-200-N2). This material was then tested for the treatment of imazalil in a synthetic wastewater, SW (with a chemical composition simulating an effluent resulting from fruit postharvest activity). This SW has a pH of 4.2 and the experiments were carried out at this natural pH0 and at neutral conditions (keeping pH at 7 along the reaction). The magnetic catalyst was more active than bare TiO2 for the treatment of imazalil in SW at natural pH. Since Fe leaching was observed (3.53 mg L-1), added H2O2 enhanced both imazalil degradation and mineralization. Conveniently, these catalysts can be readily recovered by using a conventional magnetic field, as demonstrated over three consecutive recycling runs. Graphical abstract % Imazalil conversion using different magnetic catalysts and comparison with bare TiO2.

Analysis of diachronic relationships in successful and unsuccessful behaviors by world fencing champions using three complementary techniques / Análisis de las relaciones diacrónicas en los comportamientos de éxito y fracaso de campeones del mundo de esgrima utilizando tres técnicas complementarias

The aim of this study was to investigate diachronic relationships in successful and unsuccessful behaviors by world fencing champions using three complementary techniques: T-pattern analysis, lag sequential analysis, and polar coordinate analysis. We employed a nomothetic, point, multidimensional observational design in which we analyzed 24 bouts fenced by six world fencing champions in 2014. The actions were recorded and coded using LINCE software. The results revealed a series of behaviors that were significantly associated with successful outcomes, and also identified actions that contributed to poorer performance. One key conclusion to be drawn from the study is that the use of these complementary techniques is perfectly feasible and holds great potential in the field of sport. Lag sequential analysis of occurrences at lag 0 (co-occurrences) and analysis of basic T-patterns provided tactical insights into the different fencing actions employed. This analysis is focused on the actions and reactions of each fencer and his rival during each exchange. Insights into combat strategy, by contrast, were provided by lag sequential analysis of occurrences at lags -1 to -5 and lags +1 to +5, analysis of T-pattern clusters, and polar coordinate analysis. In the last case, we observed how prospective and retrospective behaviors, reflected in the modification or extension of certain behaviors during each bout, improved the efficacy of actions performed throughout the competition (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las posibles relaciones diacrónicas en las conductas de éxito y fracaso en campeones del mundo de esgrima desde tres técnicas analíticas complementarias: detección de Tpatterns, análisis secuencial de retardos y análisis de coordenadas polares. Se utilizó un diseño observacional nomotético, puntual y multidimensional en el registro de 24 asaltos de los seis esgrimistas campeones del mundo de 2014. Se utilizó como instrumento de registro el software LINCE. Los resultados revelaron una serie de comportamientos que estaban estadísticamente asociados con la mejora del rendimiento deportivo y también se identificaron acciones que contribuyeron a empeorarlo. Una de las principales conclusiones que pueden extraerse de este estudio es que el uso de estas técnicas complementarias de análisis es perfectamente factible y tiene un gran potencial en el ámbito del deporte. El análisis secuencial en el retardo 0 (coocurrencias) y de las configuraciones básicas de los T-patterns proporcionan conocimientos tácticos sobre las diferentes acciones de esgrima empleadas. Este análisis se produce en el marco de la interacción entre las técnicas ejecutadas por cada tirador y su rival en cada acción del asalto. El análisis secuencial en los retardos -1 a -5 y +1 a +5, las agrupaciones de clusters de los T-patterns y el análisis de coordenadas polares contribuyen al análisis de la estrategia de combate. En este caso, se observaron cómo las conductas prospectivas y retrospectivas determinaron la consolidación o modificación de ciertos comportamientos durante cada asalto, con el fin de mejorar la eficacia de las acciones realizadas a lo largo de toda la competición (AU)

Detection and Selection of Behavioral Patterns Using Theme: A Concrete Example in Grassroots Soccer.

Observational methodology provides a rigorous yet flexible framework for capturing behaviors over time to allow for the performance of subsequent diachronic analyses of the data captured. Theme is a specialized software program that detects hidden temporal behavioral patterns (T-patterns) within data sets. It is increasingly being used to analyze performance in soccer and other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to select and interpret T-patterns generated by the application of three "quantitative" sort options in Theme and three "qualitative" filters established by the researchers. These will be used to investigate whether 7-a-side (F7) or 8-a-side (F8) soccer is best suited to the learning and skills development needs of 7- and 8-year-old male soccer players. The information contained in the T-patterns generated allowed us to characterize patterns of play in children in this age group. For both formats, we detected technical-tactical behaviors showing that children of this age have difficulty with first-touch actions and controlling the ball after a throw-in. We also found that ball control followed by a pass or a shot at the goal are common in the central corridor of the pitch. Further, depth of play is achieved by ball control, followed by dribbling and a pass or shot. In F8, we saw that depth of play was achieved through ball control, followed by dribbling and passing of one or more opponents leading to a pass or shot. However, in F7, we saw that players succeeded in advancing from their goal area to the rival goal area through a sequence of actions.

Optimization of Game Formats in U-10 Soccer Using Logistic Regression Analysis.

Small-sided games provide young soccer players with better opportunities to develop their skills and progress as individual and team players. There is, however, little evidence on the effectiveness of different game formats in different age groups, and furthermore, these formats can vary between and even within countries. The Royal Spanish Soccer Association replaced the traditional grassroots 7-a-side format (F-7) with the 8-a-side format (F-8) in the 2011-12 season and the country's regional federations gradually followed suit. The aim of this observational methodology study was to investigate which of these formats best suited the learning needs of U-10 players transitioning from 5-aside futsal. We built a multiple logistic regression model to predict the success of offensive moves depending on the game format and the area of the pitch in which the move was initiated. Success was defined as a shot at the goal. We also built two simple logistic regression models to evaluate how the game format influenced the acquisition of technicaltactical skills. It was found that the probability of a shot at the goal was higher in F-7 than in F-8 for moves initiated in the Creation Sector-Own Half (0.08 vs 0.07) and the Creation Sector-Opponent's Half (0.18 vs 0.16). The probability was the same (0.04) in the Safety Sector. Children also had more opportunities to control the ball and pass or take a shot in the F-7 format (0.24 vs 0.20), and these were also more likely to be successful in this format (0.28 vs 0.19).

Ad hoc procedure for optimising agreement between observational records / Procedimiento ad hoc para optimizar el acuerdo entre registros observacionales

Observational studies in the field of sport are complicated by the added difficulty of having to analyse multiple, complex events or behaviours that may last just a fraction of a second. In this study, we analyse three aspects related to the reliability of data collected in such a study. The first aim was to analyse and compare the reliability of data sets assessed quantitatively (calculation of kappa statistic) and qualitatively (consensus agreement method). The second aim was to describe how, by ensuring the alignment of events, we calculated the kappa statistic for the order parameter using SDIS-GSEQ software (version 5.1) for data sets containing different numbers of sequences. The third objective was to describe a new consultative procedure designed to remove the confusion generated by discordant data sets and improve the reliability of the data. The procedure is called "consultative" because it involves the participation of a new observer who is responsible for consulting the existing observations and deciding on the definitive result

Habitualmente, los estudios observacionales desarrollados en el ámbito deportivo, se encuentran con la dificultad añadida que supone la elevada complejidad de las diferentes conductas que constituyen el registro, así como de la velocidad a la que éstas se suceden. El presente trabajo pretende satisfacer tres objetivos en relación con la fiabilidad de los datos observacionales. El primero consiste en implementar de forma conjunta en un mismo estudio, para facilitar así su comparación, formas de concordancia cuantitativa (coeficiente kappa de Cohen) y cualitativa (concordancia por consenso). El segundo persigue detallar el proceso de obtención del coeficiente kappa de Cohen, bajo el parámetro orden -mediante el software SDIS-GSEQ, versión 5.1.- con paquetes de datos constituidos por un nú- mero diferente de secuencias, incidiéndose en la forma en la que se garantiza su alineación. En el tercer objetivo, que persigue superar la confusión generada por dos registros diferentes, se presenta un procedimiento de mejora de la fiabilidad del dato. El procedimiento ha sido denominado "consultivo", al ser un nuevo observador el que determina qué conducta de las registradas es la que verdaderamente ha tenido lugar y, por lo tanto, procede incluir en el registro definitivo

Application of logistic regression models in observational methodology: game formats in grassroots football in initiation into football / Aplicación de modelos de regresión logística en metodología observacional: modalidades de competición en la iniciación al fútbol

This study shows how simple and multiple logistic regression can be used in observational methodology and more specifically, in the fields of physical activity and sport. We demonstrate this in a study designed to determine whether three-a-side futsal or five-a-side futsal is more suited to the needs and potential of children aged 6-to-8 years. We constructed a multiple logistic regression model to analyze use of space (depth of play) and three simple logistic regression models to determine which game format is more likely to potentiate effective technical and tactical performance

El presente trabajo constituye un ejemplo de las posibilidades de utilización de modelos de regresión logística -múltiple y simple- en el ámbito de la metodología observacional y más concretamente en su aplicación a la actividad física y el deporte. La ejemplificación se concreta en un estudio que pretende discriminar qué modalidad de juego (fútbol 3 o fútbol 5) constituye una propuesta más adaptada a las posibilidades del niño de 6 a 8 años. La satisfacción de ambos objetivos -metodológico y disciplinar- se satisface mediante un modelo de regresión logística múltiple, que va a analizar en qué modalidad el niño obtiene un desempeño espacial de mayor calidad; y tres modelos de regresión logística simple, que van a aportar información relevante acerca de en qué modalidad de fútbol el niño obtiene un desempeño técnico-táctico más eficaz y adaptado

Tactical behaviour of winning athletes in major championship 1500-m and 5000-m track finals.

This article analyses the tactics employed by middle-distance (1500-m) and long-distance (5000-m) runners from an observational methodology perspective. The subject of investigation has received little attention from specialists in the field of athletics, with most research focusing on physiological studies of athlete performance. Using an ad hoc observation tool and a database containing systematically recorded data we detected time patterns (T-patterns) within the data recorded using the Theme software program (version 5.0), and analysed the tactics employed by winners of the men's 1500-m and 5000-m finals of the World Championships in Athletics [Edmonton 2001, Paris 2003, Helsinki 2005 (1500-m final only), Osaka 2007 (1500-m final only), Berlin 2009 and Daegu 2011], the European Athletics Championships (Munich 2002, Göteborg 2006, and Barcelona 2010) and the Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012). T-pattern detection and investigation of the relationship between category systems corresponding to the criteria comprising the observation tool revealed both similarities (starting lane and lane used during race, runner's position during race and sprint zone and lane) and differences (variations in pace, zones in which changes of pace occur, sprint initiation zone and winner's position at the start of the sprint) between the two disciplines.

Degradación de T-patterns en estudios observacionales: Un estudio sobre la eficacia en el ataque de fútbol sala / Degradation of T-patterns in observational studies: A study on the effectiveness in futsal

Una de las técnicas analíticas más novedosas en el ámbito de la metodología observacional es la que permite la detección de T-patterns (estructuras regulares de conducta) mediante el software THEME, que analiza datos observacionales en búsqueda de relaciones de intervalo crítico en sentido ascendente (desde T-pattern simples, dos eventos que se relacionan en un primer nivel, a T-patterns complejos constituidos por diferentes eventos relacionados en distintos niveles). En el presente artículo se analiza esta cuestión, la degradación de los T-patterns, que hasta el momento ha sido puntualmente estudiada. Para ello, se utiliza el muestreo observacional constituido por el conjunto de las secuencias que acaban en gol (n= 23) protagonizadas por el F.C. Barcelona durante el Play Off final de la liga española 2012-13 de fútbol sala. De esta forma este trabajo satisface un segundo objetivo, en este caso disciplinar, de analizar la eficacia en la construcción de la fase ofensiva en el fútbol sala; habiéndose tipificado que las secuencias que finalizan en gol se caracterizan por conseguir, mediante juego combinativo, un lanzamiento desde sector definición-corredor central (AU)

One of the most recent analytical techniques in observational methodology is T-pattern detection and analysis (regular structures of behaviour) with the THEME software. THEME analyses observational data, searching for critical interval relationship between single event types to more complex T-pattern structures. the current study analyses the degradation of T-patterns that have only been studied punctually. With this objective we analyse a sample of sequences from Barcelona FC, from the final playofis in the Spanish Futsal League, that end in a goal (n=23). A second objective of this study is to analyse the efficacy of ofiensive phase in futsal, it having been typified that the sequences that they finish in goal characterize for central definition - broker obtains, by means of game combinativo, a throwing from sector (AU)

Uma das técnicas analíticas mais recentes no âmbito da metodología observacional é a que permite a deteção de T-patterns (estruturas regulares de conduta) através do software THEME. THEME analisa dados observacionais em busca de relações de intervalo crítico no sentido ascendente (a partir dos T-pattern simples, dois eventos que se relacionan num primeiro nivel, até T-patterns complexos constituidos por diferentes eventos que se relacionams em diferentes níveis). No presente artigo analisa-se esta questão -a degradação dos T-patterns- que até ao momento foi estudada de forma pontual. Para isso, utiliza-se a amostragem observacional constituída pelo conjunto de sequências que terminam em golo (n= 23) protagonizadas pelo F.C. Barcelona durante o Play Off final da liga espanhola correspondente à temporada 2012-13. Desta forma este trabalho satisfaz um segundo objetivo, neste caso disciplinar, de analisar a eficácia na construção da fase ofensiva no futsal, tendo estabelecido que as sequências que terminam em gol caracterizam-se por alcançar, usando o jogo combinatório, um lançamento do sector definicion-corredor central (AU)

Observational analysis of the offensive sequences that ended in a shot by the winning team of the 2010 UEFA Futsal Championship.

This article analyses the offensive phase of the national team than won the 2010 UEFA Championship. More specifically, the observational sampling includes all plays in which the Spanish national futsal team managed to "shoot" in the competition in question. This data was obtained by adapting an observational and recording tool typically used for football to the technical specifications of futsal; the SOF-CODER (Jonsson et al., 2006). Two types of analysis have been performed. One statistical analysis using the SPSS programme, version 15.0, the most relevant results from which refer to the significant differences found on linking: the zone from which the shot is made and the type of shot (χ² = 55.821, P = 0.006); and the contact surface used and the type of shot (χ² = 30.293, P = 0.017). And another, using the Theme programme, version 5.0, through which regular behaviour structures (temporal patterns) have been detected within the plays that include shooting. The temporal patterns obtained--in addition to elaborating on the relationship between the area from which the shot is made, the contact surface used and the type of shot--enable a tactical interpretation of the technical actions that support the development of the offensive phase of futsal.