Combined in situ micro-XRF,LIBS and SEM-EDS analysis of base metal and corrosion products for Islamic copper alloyed artefacts from Umm Qais museum,Jordan

Selected copper alloy artefacts from the collection of the Umm Qais museum at Irbid, Jordan, were studied by SEM-EDS analysis, while in situ analyses were performed by means of portable μ-XRF and LIBS spectrometers. Analysis and characterization of base metal and corrosion products of the copper alloyed artefacts were performed in relation to the environmental conditions of the display and as part of the overall assessment of the museum environment. Findings of this study are directed towards guiding a preventive conservation strategy for the copper alloyed artefacts at the Umm Qais museum.     

Repeated sprint ability in young basketball players: one vs. two changes of direction (Part 1)

The present study aimed to compare the changes of direction on repeated sprint ability (RSA) vs. intensive repeated sprint ability (IRSA) protocols in basketball. Eighteen young male basketball players performed on RSA [10 × 30-m (15 + 15-m, one change of direction)] and IRSA [10 × 30-m (10 + 10 + 10-m, two changes of direction)]. A correlation matrix between RSA, IRSA, “squat jump (SJ)–countermovement jump (CMJ)”, footstep analysis and total distance in Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 was performed. The best time, worst time, total time and the number of footsteps were significantly smaller in the RSA test compared to IRSA test (P < 0.001), even though they were significantly correlated with each other (r > 0.80, P < 0.05). Blood lactate level and fatigue index did not show any difference between tests. The sensibility of the two tests assessed by the Bland–Altman analysis revealed a small bias (<1.5%) for almost all variables. Moreover, almost all time variables of the two tests were significantly correlated with the SJ (r > 0.478, P < 0.05), CMJ (r > 0.515, P < 0.05) and Yo-Yo (r > 0.489, P < 0.05) performances. The IRSA provided a reliable method for assessing specific sprint ability (with 10-m legs for IRSA ~2.3 s vs. 15 m for RSA ~3 s) with a closer link to basketball game’s actions (~2 s). Besides, IRSA could be an appropriate choice for assessing both RSA and changes of direction capacities in basketball players.