Chinese Elite Research Articles

Analysis of the Running Ability Mining Model of Football Trainers Based on Dynamic Incremental Clustering Algorithm.

Fast-running ability is a very important basic quality of football players. However, players are dynamic. It is difficult for coaches to grasp the running speed, instantaneous acceleration, and other indicators of small athletes in real time with the naked eye. Therefore, to accurately test the performance of athletes in fast-running ability, this paper studies the running ability mining model of football coaches based on the dynamic incremental clustering algorithm. According to scientific procedures and methods, the evaluation model and standard of running ability of Chinese elite female football players are established. The effectiveness of the model is 0.83, as verified by the standard recognition method, which shows that the evaluation model is efficient. The research considers the denoising of the original data. The model has rich data and standard test methods and procedures. It can be used as a measure of the running ability of China's elite female football players in a certain period and range. The research solves the problem of the insufficient running ability of domestic football players. It provides an important reference for training the next generation of excellent national football players.

Review: Knowledge, Ideology, and Civilization: An Attempt at Understanding History (Arabic Edition), by Ali Jarbawi

Review: <i>Knowledge, Ideology, and Civilization: An Attempt at Understanding History (Arabic Edition)</i>, by Ali Jarbawi

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the MAPKKK, MKK, and MPK families in Chinese elite maize inbred line Huangzaosi.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK or MPK) cascades consist of three protein kinase components, MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs), MAPK kinases (MKKs and MPKs), which are indispensable for various plant physiological processes. The functions of MAPK families have been extensively studied in maize (Zea mays L.) and other plant species, but little is known about MAPK families in the elite Chinese maize line Huangzaosi (hzs). In this study, we observed that overall performance of Huangzaosi was substantially better than that of B73 under drought conditions at the seedling and V16 stages with a favorable root/canopy ratio. In silico analyses identified 72, 10, and 24 MAPKKKs, MKKs, and MPKs, respectively, in Huangzaosi. Examinations of phylogenetic relationships among Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., rice (Oryza sativa L.), and maize (lines B73 and hzs), gene structures, conserved protein motifs, and chromosomal locations revealed their evolutionary relationships. The basal gene expression levels and tissue specificities of all three MAPK families in hzs reflected the diversity in the MAPK functions related to growth and development. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay indicated that certain MAPK genes with high basal expression levels in the primary and crown roots responded differentially to drought between B73 and hzs, suggesting that these genes may contribute to their distinct drought tolerance at different developmental stages. The important information regarding the evolution and expression of hzs MAPK family members generated in this study provides a new avenue for the better understanding on the regulatory mechanism of MAPK cascade in the core inbred line hzs, which may be useful to guide the development of new maize cultivars with desirable traits (e.g., drought resistance).

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Translated Athlete Burnout Questionnaire: Evidence From Chinese Collegiate Athletes and Elite Athletes.

The purpose of the study was to translate the athlete burnout questionnaire (ABQ) into Simplified Chinese and examine its psychometric properties in Chinese collegiate athletes and elite athletes. Firstly, the factor structure, internal consistency reliability and nomological validity of the Chinese translated ABQ was examined in a sample of Chinese collegiate athletes (n = 214, 58.9% females). Secondly, abovementioned psychometric properties were examined in a sample of Chinese elite athletes (n = 505, 52.7% females). Finally, measurement invariance of the Chinese translated ABQ was examined across the two samples. It was found that the 12-item three-correlated-factors model outperformed the one factor model and bi-factor model in collegiate athlete sample whereas the 12-item bi-factor model best represented the factor structure of the Chinese translated ABQ in elite athlete sample. Satisfactory internal consistency reliabilities of the Chinese translated ABQ were evidenced in the two samples. Nomological validity was also supported by the results of the two samples that the three subscales of the ABQ were significantly associated with its theoretically related variables. Results of multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that weak measurement invariance of the Chinese translated ABQ (three-correlated-factors model) was evidenced across the two samples. Collectively, results of this study indicated that the 12-item Chinese translated ABQ could be used for measuring burnout of Chinese collegiate and elite athletes. Significance and implication of the current study as well as recommendations for future study were discussed.

Building Halos: How do Chinese elites seek distinction through (mis) recognising studying abroad?

Why do Chinese elite graduates choose to study abroad? How do they construct boundaries of distinction? We first conceptualise distinction-making as a complex social process which connects individual agency and educational processes with organisational intermediaries. We use a case study of Peking University and draw upon original data consisting of 36 individual interviews, one-month documentation of a poster culture and observational data from eleven study-abroad events. We find a pattern of ‘building triple halos’, which encompasses dual processes of educational emulation and (mis-)recognition. By not recognising those from outside their ‘halos’ (i.e., elite schools, PKU and the Ivy League scholarship-holders), these elites signal superiority by gradually narrowing the circle of ‘us’ and excluding aspirational ‘others’. This individual level of distinction-making is coordinated with collective ‘consensus’, and organisational intermediaries in seeking, justifying, and (mis-)recognising studying abroad as a pathway to distinction. We further reveal the complexity of the ‘identities’ of the PKU elites as both possessors and challengers of distinction. During this process, the agents of the study-abroad industry not only consolidate their client base in PKU but also pursue a new business route of accommodating the challengers.

Research on Effect of Load Stimulation Change on Heart Rate Variability of Women Volleyball Athletes

Objective. To explore the effect of different training load stimulation on heart rate variability level of Chinese elite female volleyball players. Through two-year follow-up experiment, this paper uses OmegaWave Sport Technology system to track and test the heart rate variability level and central nervous system parameters of 25 elite Chinese women volleyball players who participated in the national adult volleyball training in 2019 and 2020. It is found that the HRV time-domain index of the players under the stimulation of three stages of training load during the winter training in 2020 is determined. Frequency-domain index has significant influence on response stability of central nervous system. In order to further explore the influence of HRV on response stability of central nervous system, a feature classification method based on distance evaluation is proposed for experimental data processing. Through the multimodal human-machine interaction (M-HMI), advanced machine learning is used to promote the cooperative interaction between human and intelligent body. After analysis, SDNN and LF n.u. have a significant impact on the average reaction time. It shows that some indexes tested by the OmegaWave system can reflect the real-time physical function state of athletes sensitively and play an active role in diagnosis of fatigue of athletes' central nervous system. HRV time-domain and frequency-domain indexes, as parameters to evaluate the body functional state of excellent female volleyball players in the preparation process of competition, can sensitively reflect the level of autonomic nerve regulation of athletes in three different load stages.

Fine mapping and distribution analysis of hybrid necrosis genes Ne1 and Ne2 in wheat in China.

Flanking markers useful for identifying hybrid necrosis alleles were identified by fine mapping Ne1 and Ne2 and the distribution of the two necrosis genes was investigated in Chinese elite wheat varieties. Hybrid necrosis of wheat is caused by the interaction of two dominant complementary genes Ne1 and Ne2 present separately in normal parents and is regarded as a barrier to gene transfer in wheat breeding. However, the necrosis alleles still occur at a high frequency in modern wheat varieties. In this study, we constructed two high-density genetic maps of Ne1 and Ne2 in winter wheat. In these cultivars, Ne1 was found to be located in a span interval of 0.50 centimorgan (cM) on chromosome 5BL delimited by markers Nwu_5B_4137 and Nwu_5B_5114, while Ne2 co-segregated with markers Lseq102 and TC67744 on 2BS. Statistical analysis confirmed that the dosage effect of Ne1 and Ne2 also existed in moderate and severe hybrid necrosis systems, and the symptoms of necrosis can also be affected by the genetic background. Furthermore, we clarified the discrete distribution and proportion of the Ne1 and Ne2 in the 10 China's agro-ecological production zones. We concluded that 26.2% and 33.2% of the 1364 cultivars (lines) were genotyped with Ne1Ne1ne2ne2 and ne1ne1Ne2Ne2, respectively and introduced modern cultivars should directly affect the frequencies of necrosis genes in modern Chinese cultivars (lines), especially that of Ne2. Taking investigations in spring wheat together, we proposed that hybrid necrosis alleles could positively affect breeding owing to their linked excellent genes such as Lr13. Additionally, based on the pedigrees and hybridization tests, we speculated that the Ne1 and Ne2 in winter wheat may directly originate from wild emmer and introduced cultivars or hexaploid triticale, respectively.

Effects of integrative neuromuscular training intervention on physical performance in elite female table tennis players: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) on physical performance in elite female table tennis players.MethodsTwenty-four Chinese elite female table tennis players were randomized into either INT (n = 12) group or control group (CON; n = 12). INT group performed four INT sessions every week for 8 weeks, while CON group performed traditional physical fitness training. One repetition maximal (1RM), vertical jump, Y balance test and 30-meter sprinting performance were tested before and after intervention.ResultsNo between groups differences were detected for any tests before intervention. Significant group by time (before or after intervention) interaction effects were observed in 1RM, vertical jump, bilateral lower limb reaching distance at posteromedial and posterolateral directions, and right leg at the anterior direction for the Y balance test (all p < 0.05), but not for the left leg at the anterior direction or the 30-meter sprinting performance (both p > 0.05). Post-hoc analysis for measurements with significant interactions revealed that all significant changes were at the ING group (all p < 0.05), while no changes for the CON group were observed (all p > 0.05).ConclusionEight weeks INT significantly improved strength, power and balance in Chinese elite female table tennis players. Adopting INT in table tennis players may improve their physical performance and lead to better sports performance.

The contextualisation of Chinese athletes’ careers in the Chinese Whole Nation System

ABSTRACT The current manuscript contributes to the development of culturally situated athletic career transition literature through an examination of how improved support may be developed for Chinese athletes within their training environment and the Chinese Whole Nation System (CWNS). An overview of the CWNS three-level training network is contextualised through a storied account written by two of the authors who are former Chinese elite athletes. The contextual insights of the CWNS conveyed through the blending of their shared reflective account, brings meaning to their journeys through the CWNS, whilst evoking consideration of the potential challenges and pathways embedded within Chinese athletes’ careers. The impact of the CWNS on athletes’ career development is then considered more broadly in relation to the athletic career scholarship. Highlighted is the importance of supporting aspiring athletes’ holistic development and accounting for transitions in athletes’ sport and non-sport lives as they transition through the CWNS.

Examining Physical Fitness and Training Strategies for Chinese Elite Canoe Slalom Players

Research showed that aerobic metabolism is one of the main energy supply for slalom athletes in training and competition (Jan Busta et al., 2018). To assist canoe slalom players improving their performance, it would be beneficial to examine the top canoe slalom athletes’ physical fitness status and their training protocols. By comparing the difference of the fitness status and training protocols, we may develop an optimal training protocol to improve the athletes’ physical fitness and their performance. In this study, the world top athletes and Chinese elite players’ fitness status was compared. The goal was to help Chinese players to reach the top level in world competitions. Fifteen elite canoe slalom players were recruited from the Chinese national team (age: 21 ± 2 years; 3 female and 12 male elite athletes). The fitness tests included bench push and bench pull for maximum strength (1RM) and endurance strength (40% 1RM for 120 seconds). 300-meter speed race in flat water was used as a comparison indicator of athlete's basic paddling speed ability, owing to the courses of slalom races differ. The physiology tests were VO2max, heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BLA). All the data were collected during the winter training session in 2016. The HSIRB approved the data collection procedures. Descriptive statistics were calculated and analyzed using SPSS 25. The comparisons were made between Chinese elite athletes and world top athletes. For the VO2max/kg, the results showed that the Chinese elite canoe slalom female players (50.8 ± 2.19 ml/kg/min) fell 0.68 standard deviation (SD) lower than the world top level while males (56.03 ± 2.95ml/kg/min) fell 0.70SD lower. The maximum strength of bench push were 96 ± 4.1kg (female)and 125 ± 15.3kg (male). The bench pull were 81 ± 1.4kg (female) and 110 ± 5.8kg (male). The endurance strength repetition results of bench push were 91.3 ± 14.3 (female) and 80.8 ± 7.2 (male), the bench pull were 87 ± 6.7 (female) and 83.3 ± 7.6 (male). The result of 300-meter speed race in flat water showed that the Chinese male kayakers (100.1 ± 0.3s) was significantly slower than international male kayakers (88.1 ± 7.7s) (t = 1.56, p = 0.0594). Chinese male kayakers’ heart rate (170 ± 3 bpm, tested immediately) was slower and lactic acid level (15.4 ± 1.4 mmol/L, tested 3 minutes after) was higher, comparing with the world top kayakers. Chinese elite players’ aerobic metabolism, strength and speed statistically fell behind of world top players in canoe slalom. In order to be competitive at the world top level race (e.g., 202 Tokyo Olympics), the Chinese elite canoe slalom players may need to add more proportion of aerobic training, endurance strength and speed training.This study analyzed the performance of gender differences in value orientation of physical education teachers in junior and senior high schools. Researcher selected 16 middle school PE teachers(8 males and 8 females) in China under the premise of controlling the environment（all objects work in first-tier urbans）, education background (same degree and graduated from same university) and working years (3 years). Participants’ value orientation was assessed with the value orientation scale and individual interviews. The results illustrated that female teachers rated the self-actualization index and social responsibility index the highest, while male counterparts were more likely to orient teaching towards disciplinary mastery and learning process. Interview data further confirmed the assertion. Compared to females, male teachers were more masculine- and authoritative- oriented, more likely to be dominant in terms of skill acquisition and sports development based on students’ interests. However, female teachers were better at carry out teaching through praise, encouragement and patient communication. A systematic analysis of the gender difference in value orientation and underneath reasons leading to the difference is needed to enhance teaching and cultivate talents in physical education.

Modelling and simulation analysis of training effect and electromyogram change of track and field athletes based on biomechanics

In view of the serious knee injuries of elite track and field athletes in China, this paper discusses the characteristics of knee injury of track and field athletes, the mechanism of knee injury and the relationship between specific actions and training methods from the perspective of medicine, biomechanics and training, so as to provide basis for coaches to improve their skills and training. Taking the serious knee injuries of Chinese elite track and field athletes as the research object, this paper discusses the characteristics and mechanism of knee injury and its relationship with special sports and training methods. The changes of bioelectricity during the activity of local neuromuscular system were guided, amplified, displayed and recorded by surface electromyography (iEMG--Integral EMG value) through surface electrodes on the skin surface. The results show that fast muscle movement unit is easy to fatigue, and the muscle working ability of fast muscle movement unit decreases after fatigue. It is suggested that in the future training, we should strengthen the training of lower limb support and buffering ability, and gradually improve the level of athletes' special strength.

Analysis on the Offensive Characteristics of Jiangsu Team in the Women's Handball Qualifier of the 14th National Games

With the development of handball game, the rhythm of handball game is speeding up day by day, and the players are facing more direct confrontation in the game, so it also puts forward higher requirements for the team’s overall offensive ability. In order to further enrich the team’s offensive means and encourage athletes to take the initiative to attack, China is also an active opponent of the match system for innovation. In the 14th National Games women’s handball qualification competition, the Jiangsu Women’s handball team made use of the wonderful performance to win the championship, and obtained the admission ticket of the 14th National Games women’s handball competition. By using the methods of documentary, video observation, mathematical statistics and logical analysis, this paper studies the attack techniques of Jiangsu women players in the 14th National Games qualification competition, and sums up the attack characteristics of Jiangsu team, to understand the offensive characteristics of Chinese elite women’s handball teams, and to bring some reference to the cultivation of young women’s handball player offensive ability.

Internal and external load during 8 v 8, 5 v 5 and 3 v 3 in Chinese elite youth male football players.

Aim to investigate internal and external load in three different game formats (8 v 8, 5 v 5, 3 v 3 with 80 m2 per player) of small-sided games (SSG) in Chinese elite youth football players. Twenty-nine elite male football players (age: 18.3 ± 0.5 years (mean ± SD), height: 175 ± 6 cm, weight: 65.5 ± 6.3 kg) participated in randomized order in the three formats. Each session consisted of 20 min: 3 v 3 on a 24 × 20-m pitch, 5 v 5 on a 32 × 25-m pitch, or 8 v 8 on a 40 × 32-m pitch all equalling 80 m2 per player. Each player was recorded once in each format. Using GPS-units and heart rate belts and blood lactate measured the two kinds of load. 8–10% higher total distance (P < 0.01) was observed in 8 v 8 and 5 v 5 compared with 3 v 3 (1627 ± 240 and 1595 ± 243 m vs. 1477 ± 179 m, ES = 0.55–0.71). Higher distance (P < 0.001) was covered with high speed running (HSR: > 14 km/h) in 8 v 8 and 5 v 5 than 3 v 3 (154 ± 94 m and 133 ± 59 m vs. 77 ± 35, ES = 1.09–1.15), whereas very high speed running distance (> 21 km/h) was higher (P < 0.01) in 8 v 8 than 5 v 5 and 3 v 3 (15.2 ± 19.5 vs. 5.3 ± 6.7 and 1.0 ± 0.4 m, ES = 0.69–1.03) and in 5 v 5 than 3 v 3. No difference was found between game formats in the number of intense accelerations nor intense decelerations. Blood lactate (3.5 ± 2.3 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9 vs. 2.4 ± 1.5 mmol · L-1, P = 0.201) and mean heart rate (155 ± 21 vs. 160 ± 11 vs. 157 ± 17 bpm, P = 0.254) was not different between 8v8, 5v5 and 3v3 game formats. Distance covered in total and in highest speed zones was higher in SSG formats with more players, which, however, did not lead to differences in internal load measured by heart rate and blood lactate.

Kinematic Diagnosis of Throwing Motion of the Chinese Elite Female Discus Athletes Who Are Preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference of kinematic skill characteristics between the Chinese and world elite female discus athletes. We used the methods of literature, three-dimensional video analysis, and mathematical statistics to compare and analyze the differences of some kinematic parameters between the three Chinese female discus athletes and four world female discus athletes. The result shows that the speed of discus release of the Chinese elite female discus athletes is lower (p < 0.05) than that of the world elite female discus athletes. Compared to the world elite female discus athletes, the height of release is higher (p < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in the angle of release (p > 0.05), rotation rhythm (p > 0.05), and discus speed increment (p > 0.05) in different stages during the throwing procedure from double support stage to delivery stage. The results may provide reference for the special technique training of the Chinese female discus throwers, so as to improve the discus throwing level of Chinese women.

Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Performance of Chinese Elite Archers

Background: Previous studies have found a correlation between digit ratio (2D:4D) and performance in sporting events which require physical competence. Such correlation, however, has not been well studied in technique-oriented sports. This study explored the correlation between 2D:4D and sporting performance of Chinese elite archers. Also it provides some references for sports research in other fields. Methods: We conducted the study with 31 Chinese elite archers (15 males and 16 females) preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and collected their 2D:4D ratios by measuring their index and ring fingers. The study also asked them to take physical fitness tests including push-ups, decline sit-ups, half-squat and a 4000-meter run, and obtained their results in former ranking tournaments and Olympic elimination series. The study recorded every entry of data in a “mean ± standard deviation” (M ± SD) format and processed them in SPSS 24.0 to produce One-Way ANOVA and Pearson correlations. Results: Our study found no significant difference between varied sporting levels in the left 2D:4D, and between world-class and national-level archers in the right 2D:4D (p &gt; 0.05), yet a significant one between left-right 2D:4D of world-class, national-level, and level-1 archers (p &lt; 0.01). We also found no significant correlation between the left 2D:4D and specific physical fitness test results, and between those archers’ results. Similarly, there was a significant negative correlation between the right 2D:4D and specific test results (p &lt; 0.05), and a strong negative correlation between that and results of ranking tournaments (p &lt; 0.01) and Olympic elimination series (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Chinese elite archers with lower right 2D:4D are of better physical fitness and enhanced sport performance. Hence, the right 2D:4D may act as a critical indicator in selecting excellent archers.

Investigation and Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Fusarium Seedling Blight Resistance in Chinese Elite Wheat Lines

Fusarium seedling blight (FSB) is an important disease of wheat occurring as part of the Fusarium disease complex consisting also of Fusarium head blight (FHB). 240 Chinese elite cultivars and lines were evaluated in greenhouse experiments for FSB resistance and genotyped using the wheat 90 K single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Among them, 23 accessions had an average lesion length of less than 0.6 cm, exhibiting potential for breeding for FSB resistance in wheat. Jingfumai 1 and Yangmai 11 had a relatively high resistance to both FSB and FHB simultaneously. Six relatively stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on chromosome arms 1DL, 3AS, 3BL, 6BL, 7AL, and Un using the mixed linear model approach, interpreting 4.83–7.53% of phenotypic variation. There was a negative correlation between the average FSB lesion length and the BLUE FHB index with a low coefficient, and resistance to both diseases appeared to be conferred by different QTLs across the same population. Four KASP markers were detected on 1DL, 3AS, 3BL, and 6BL in QTLs to facilitate marker-assisted selection. Combined with transcriptome data analysis, eight defense-related genes were considered as candidates for mapping QTLs. The resistant elite germplasm, mapped QTLs, and KASP markers developed in this study are useful resources for enhancing Fusarium seedling blight in wheat breeding.

Evaluation of natural resistance to smut in elite sugarcane varieties (lines)

<p indent=0mm>Sugarcane smut is a systemic fungal disease that seriously affects the development of sugarcane industry in China. Different sugarcane varieties have various resistance to smut. Screening and planting resistant varieties are the most economical and effective measure to control smut disease. In order to determine the smut resistance of elite varieties (lines) bred in China in recent year and screen resistant varieties for application in production, the resistance of 100 Chinese elite sugarcane varieties (lines) were evaluated by artificial inoculation with the impregnation method in smut epidemic area Yuanjiang, Yunnan Province. The results revealed that 56 of the 100 elite varieties (lines) were highly resistant to moderately resistant, accounting for 56%, and 44 were moderately susceptible to highly susceptible 2, accounting for 44%. The results showed that current large-scale planted and promoted varieties (lines) Mintang 69-421, ROC 22, Liucheng 03-182, Liucheng 03-1137, Guitang 42, Yuegan 26, Guitang 02-351, and Yunzhe 09-1601 were highly susceptible. And the sugarcane varieties (lines) bred in recent years, Funong 15, Funong 36, Funong 1110, Funong 07-3206, Funong 11-2907, Mintang 11-610, Yuegan 39, Yuegan 43, Yuegan 48, Yuegan 49, Yuegan 50, Yuetang 00-236, Ganzhe 02-70, Yunzhe 99-596, Yunzhe 03-258, Yunzhe 04-241, Yunzhe 06-80, Yunzhe 07-2800, Yunzhe 08-2060, Yunzhe 10-2698, Yunzhe 13-1139, Yunrui 10-701, Dezhe 09-84, Dezhe 12-88, Guitang 08-1589, and Zhongzhe 1 were highly resistant to smut disease. It was suggested that in the high incidence area of sugarcane smut in low altitude valley, efforts should be carried out to eliminate the elite varieties susceptible to the disease and popularize and apply the superior varieties resistant to the disease in order to achieve the rational distribution of varieties, control the outbreak and epidemic of sugarcane smut, and provide guarantee for the high-quality development of sugarcane industry.

«Персидские» и «римские» собаки в средневековом Китае

Historical and literary works and archaeological materials (such as pottery figurines, tomb murals and reliefs, paintings etc.) recorded the spread of foreign dog breeds in the territory of China since the period of the Northern dynasties and their highest popularity among Chinese upper class during Tang epoch. At the present time there is information about two breeds — “Persian” dogs and “Roman” dogs. “Persian” dogs (Bosi gou, Bosi quan) were the hunting dogs with a thin elongated body, long legs, short-haired, probably, related to Saluki. “Roman” dogs (Fulin gou, Fulin quan) were miniature dogs with short body and legs, long-haired, black and white spotted, probably, originated from Maltese dogs. They performed a decorative function and served as companions of women and children. Apparently, originally both “Persian” and “Roman” dogs were imported into China along the Silk Road via Sogdian city-states of Central Asia and the states of Western Regions (Xiyu). Later, the breeding of these dogs started in China in order to meet the demand for the prestigious home pets among the Chinese elite.

Prediction and Identification of Power Performance Using Polygenic Models of Three Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Chinese Elite Athletes.

Objective: The manuscript aims to explore the relationship between power performance and SNPs of Chinese elite athletes and to create polygenic models. Methods: One hundred three Chinese elite athletes were divided into the power group (n = 60) and endurance group (n = 43) by their sports event. Best standing long jump (SLJ) and standing vertical jump (SVJ) were collected. Twenty SNPs were genotyped by SNaPshot. Genotype distribution and allele frequency were compared between groups. Additional genotype data of 125 Chinese elite athletes were used to verify the screened SNPs. Predictive and identifying models were established by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: ACTN3 (rs1815739), ADRB3 (rs4994), CNTFR (rs2070802), and PPARGC1A (rs8192678) were significantly different in genotype distribution or allele frequency between groups (p < 0.05). The predictive model consisted of ACTN3 (rs1815739), ADRB3 (rs4994), and PPARGC1A (rs8192678), the area under curve (AUC) of which was 0.736. The identifying model consisted of body mass index (BMI), standing vertical jump (SVJ), ACTN3, ADRB3, and PPARGC1A, the area under curve (AUC) of which was 0.854. Based on the two models, nomograms were created to visualize the results. Conclusion: Two models can be used for talent identification in Chinese athletes, among which the predictive model can be used in adolescent athletes to predict development potential of power performance and the identifying one can be used in elite athletes to evaluate power athletic status. These can be applied quickly and visually by using nomograms. When the score is more than the 130 or 148 cutoff, it suggests that the athlete has a good development potential or a high level for power performance.

A rebel and a giant: change and continuity in the discursive construction of Chinese sport heroes

The essay examines the changes and continuities in the construction of Chinese national sport hero(in)es after the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and investigates this development in the context of the reform of Chinese elite sport. Through employing Critical Discourse Analysis to interrogate the Chinese sport hero discourse from government-run media concerning two of the most renowned Chinese national sport hero(in)es, the paper identifies the maintenance, albeit with subtle changes, of the traditional nationalist account concerning the athletic and political qualities of Chinese national sport hero(in)es. Concurrently, there are also new features, which are argued to be the consequence of a shift in the political climate in Chinese sport, in the post-2008 construction of national sport hero. The paper concludes with a discussion, from a Foucauldian perspective, of the relationship between the discourse, knowledge and the power of/over discourse in the construction of Chinese elite athletes as national hero(in)es throughout the period.