Competitive Cyclists Research Articles

A COLLISION AWARE PRIORITY LEVEL MEDIUM ACCESS CONTROL PROTOCOL FOR UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC SENSOR NETWORKS

The Underwater Acoustic Sensor Network (UASN) plays a significant role in many application areas like surveillance, security, commercial and industrial applications. In UASN routing, propagation delay and collision are perennial problems due to data transfers from various sensor nodes to the Sink Node (SN) at the same time. In this paper, we propose a Collision Aware Priority Level mechanism based on Medium Access Control protocol (CAPL-MAC) for transferring data from the Sensor Head (SH) to the SN. In the proposed protocol, we use Parallel Competition Scheme (PCS) for high channel utilization and energy saving of battery. In each Competition Cycle (CC), the data packet produced by each SH in a different time slot can joinin CC for data packet transmission in parallel with high channel utilization. In CAPL-MAC, each SH is assigned with a different Priority Level Number (PLN) during every CC. Instead of broadcasting, each SH sends its respective PLN to each SH with the help of the nearest SH to save battery energy. Based on the highest PLN, each SH communicates with SN without collision, and it will also reduce propagation delay as well as improve timing efficiency. Finally, Quality of Service is also improved. We adopt the single-layer approach with the handshaking protocol for communication. We carried out the simulation utilizing Aqua-Sim Network Simulator 2. The simulation results showed that the proposed CAPL-MAC protocol achieved the earlier stated performance rather than by existing protocols suchas Competitive Transmission-MAC and Channel Aware Aloha.

Extraction of upper limb motion for Handling Skills at Pedaling Exerciseduring Pedaling in Competitive Cycling

Extraction of upper limb motion for Handling Skills at Pedaling Exerciseduring Pedaling in Competitive Cycling

Bolsonaro and the Inequalities of Geographical Development in Brazil

Bolsonaro and the Inequalities of Geographical Development in Brazil Nelson Rojas de Carvalho and Orlando Alves dos Santos Junior The election of Jair Bolsonaro to the Brazilian presidency in 2018 shocked the world. Renowned for his conservative views and accused by many of defending fascist ideology, Bolsonaro ran as the candidate for the previously insignificant Social Liberal Party (PSL), as part of a coalition calling itself “Brazil Above Everything, God Above All.” This coalition was formed by the PSL and another small party, the Brazilian Labor Renewal Party (PRTB), with which Bolsonaro’s vice president, General Mourão, is affiliated. In the second round of the elections, Bolsonaro ran against left-wing candidate Fernando Haddad, affiliated with the Workers Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores, or PT), and won with 55.13 percent of votes cast, to Haddad’s 44.87 percent. This stunning victory has led to various interpretations, in an attempt to comprehend and explain how a candidate with such conservative views was victorious in a country that between 2003 and 2017 was governed by a progressive left-wing party, the PT. Main explanations for Bolsonaro’s victory include the strong feelings of opposition toward the PT that have swept the country, and rising conservatism across society at a time when a general movement toward conservative values is being observed around the globe. The purpose of this essay is to problematize these explanations through an analysis of the votes won by Bolsonaro and Haddad in the second round of the elections, and to raise some possible explanations that consider the complexity and heterogeneity of electoral behavior in Brazil, as well as the geographical expressions and implications of this. We start with the understanding that electoral behavior is complex and cannot be explained by any one single cause. It is related to structural variables such as voters’ social and demographic traits (Berelson, Lazarfeld, & McPhee, 1954) and party identification (Campbell, Converse, Miller, & Stokes, 1980), as well as to variables such as propaganda strategies used by parties and candidates and the struggle to set the political agenda and the main issues (Schattschneider, 1960). Given this perspective, explanations [End Page 198] for Bolsonaro’s victory should be sought by looking at a combination of various concurrent factors. In addition, it is important to remember that narratives used to explain the election results can also be contested, as these, too, are a part of the struggle to classify society (Bourdieu, 2001). In line with approaches from critical theory (e.g. Brenner, 2010) and critical geography (e.g. Harvey 2001), it is our understanding that the interpretations of Brazil’s electoral results should take into consideration inequalities in geographical development and put “emphasis on the political and ideologically mediated, socially contested— and therefore malleable—character of urban spaces [and of territories in general]. In other words, their continuous (re)construction as places and environments, and the result of socially and historically specific power relations” (Brenner, 2010, p. 21). Given the above, we point out some aspects that we believe should be taken into consideration in any analysis of the electoral results that won Bolsonaro the presidency of Brazil, and their different geographical expressions across the country. emerging ultra-neoliberalism and the end of the polarization between the pt and the psdb The 2018 elections marked the end of a long cycle of partisan competition between the center-left PT and the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSDB). These two parties had faced off against each other in the second round of the previous four presidential elections (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014). The break from this cycle in 2018 was not due to weakness within the PT, which managed to elect a significant number of federal deputies and did field a candidate (Haddad) in the second round. Rather, PSDB’s poor showing in the 2018 elections and, above all, the failure of this party to reach the second round, attests to the fact that the country’s political center shifted during these elections in a way that benefited the far right, which until then had never achieved any significant political or electoral sway in Brazil. A combination of several factors was undoubtedly behind the election of...

Developing Framework for the Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Intense competition, demanding customers, and shortening product life cycles are prompting small- and medium-sized enterprises to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs). Small manufacturers often depend on large manufacturers for orders and so require design as well as manufacturing flexibility on their part. One way of achieving the flexibility is through adoption of AMTs. The decision to invest in AMT is a major decision and thus requires proper consideration to all the aspects of the implementation process before a final commitment is made. Although the technical capabilities of AMTs are well proven, neither practitioner nor academics agree upon a framework for its successful implementation. Using Churchill’s model (Steps 1 and 2) and drawing a link from the available literature, a theoretical framework is developed for the successful implementation of AMTs in small- and medium-sized enterprises. Three implementation phases—namely, planning, preimplementation, and postimplementation—with 14 major issues have been developed; 52 constituent factors have been identified from these issues through literature review and interviews with industry professionals.

Assessing the competitiveness of a wine-making enterprise as a management tool for its development

The article reveals the essence of the authors' approach and methodical tools of assessment of competitiveness of the enterprise on a certain phase of its economic development taking into account a complex of indicators characterizing all activities of the enterprise and determine the level of its competitiveness. Authors generalize the methodical approaches to assessing the enterprise's competi-tiveness. The proposed combination of integral and matrix approaches significantly expands methodical opportunities of such an assessment, and allows to prove more deeply the structure of management decisions on ensuring the enterprise's development. Analyzed the current condition of Ukraine's the wine-making industry, including the factors restraining its development and prerequisites for future growth. The article provides results of the approbation of methodical tools on the example of five wine-making enterprises in Odessa and Mykolaiv regions. Based on the data of expert analysis and financial statements, the authors construct the profiles of the enterprises' competitive advantages and estimate their potential by the following elements: "production, distribution and sale", "organizational structure and management", "marketing" and "finance". A calculation of individual indicators of products' competitiveness is made by a differential method, defined the rated values of economic indicators, and calculated the integrated indicator of competitiveness. Combining the assessment of competitiveness and life cycle stage allows displaying the position of each of the wine-making enterprises of Odessa region in the matrix of integrated assessment of the level of competitiveness and suggesting a development trajectory. Revealed the reserves and developed corresponding recommendations on the behavior of the wine-making enterprises and necessary organizational changes to raise the development stability and competitiveness.

Differences in Strength & Power profiles between Road and Time Trial cyclists

Introduction Within the scientific literature there is little evidence available to provide practitioners with information on strength and power profiles of cyclists, resulting in a limited understanding of neuromuscular factors related to cycling performance. Information on the legs’ elastic energy utilisation, force-velocity and length-tension curves can inform training programs and aid in talent identification. Other sports where such information is more widely available have already successfully implemented this within preparation programmes (e.g. McBride et al., 1999). Methods A total of 44 cyclists were recruited for this project, of which 15 classified in a Novice category by having no racing experience at all (age 35.5 ± 11.4 yrs; height 177.4 ± 6.5 cm; mass 77.4 ± 9.3 kg; FTP 3.28 ± 0.47 W/kg), 14 in the Road racing category as they competed for at least the past year at British Cycling Category 2 level or higher and no experience in Time-Trial (TT) races (age 35.9 ± 12.7 yrs; height 179.1 ± 6.5 cm; mass 76.6 ± 9.0 kg; FTP 3.88 ± 0.49 W/kg), and 15 in the TT category as they considered TT racing as their main competitive aim, rode in dedicated TT positions and had recently produced a 10 or 25 mile personal best of 1) for all groups. This dominance was significantly less prominent in the TT group for flexion conditions (1.35 ± 0.18) compared to Road (1.56 ± 0.22; p = 0.031) and Novice (1.53 ± 0.19; p = 0.004) groups. Joint flexion torques showed non-significant trends; they were slightly higher in the knee and lower for the hip (1.43 & 2.08 Nm/kg respectively) in TT athletes compared to Road (1.35 & 2.14 Nm/kg) and Novices (1.36 & 2.22 Nm/kg) (p = 0.429 & 0.189). No differences were found for the angle at which peak torque occurred. The velocity effect on torque production was comparable between the groups. It decreased from its peak at 30 °/s, to 82 ± 11 % of that when tested at 270 °/s for knee flexion and to 61 ± 9 % for knee extension. Hip torque reduced to 66 ± 10 % and 79 ± 10 % for flexion and extension respectively, when tested at 210 °/s compared to 30 °/s condition. Discussion The CMJ data show that cyclists – both novice and competitive – perform poorly on vertical jumping (29 ± 6 cm) compared to strength trained (48.2 ± 2.8 cm) and even untrained individuals (33.7 ± 2.3 cm) (McBride et al., 1999). This is in line with previous research on endurance type athletes showing long-distance runners to perform inferiorly on jump tasks compared to an untrained population (27.8 ± 4.3 cm vs 37.3 ± 3.1 cm; Kubo et al., 2000). In contrast to the findings by Kubo et al. (2000), the tested competitive cyclists showed lower SJ/CMJ ratios compared to the untrained controls indicating a relatively large utilisation of elastic energy storage compared to muscular power in jump performance. Based on the dynamometry testing, it seems most plausible to suggest that the reduced hip flexion capacity in TT riders results from these muscles being disused during cycling due to the extreme hip flexion angles common in their riding positions. It could be suggested that an attempt is made to compensate for this loss in hip flexion capacity through increased knee flexors’ strength. An increased knee flexor torque in TT riders could also indicate a mechanically more effective pedalling technique on the bike, as previous literature has linked hamstring activity with increases in Index of Force Effectiveness on the bike (Bini et al., 2013). Greater separation between tested groups might have been masked due to variation in preferred bike setup within the groups, TT riders also training in road setups and novice cyclists having undergone minor adaptations through recreational cycling activities. Based on these results, it seems appropriate to advise strength training to be tailored to the type of competition a cyclist is aiming to perform on. TT riders should focus on knee flexor strength, while road cyclists could benefit from a more balanced approach between hip and knee strength. Currently ongoing research is investigating how these strength characteristics relate to determinants of cycling performance in order to further help optimising training protocols and talent identification strategies. References Bini RR, Hume P, Croft J, Kilding A. (2013) J Sci Cycl, 2(1), 11-24. Kubo K, Kanehisa H, Kawakami Y, Fukunaga T. (2000). EJAP, 81(3), 181-187. McBride JM, Triplett-McBride T, Davie H, Newton RU. (1999). J Biom, 32(10), 1021-1026. Cuk I, Markovic M, Nedeljkovic A, Ugarkovic D, Kukolj M, Jaric S. (2014). EJAP, 114(8), 1703-1714.

Effects of high intensity continuous and intermittent training strategies used for endurance development on cardio-vascular responses

Purpose of the present study was to examine the potential effects of five high intensity training (HIT) models on central and peripheral components of VO 2max . We analysed O 2 consumption (VO 2 ), cardiac output (Q), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR) and arteriovenous O 2 difference (a-vO 2diff ) in different regimes of HIT during loading and recovery periods. Eight well-trained male competitive cyclists take part in the study (age: 22.1±3.1 years; body mass: 66.2±8.5 kg; height: 175.4±5.2 cm; body fat: 7.2%±1.1%; O 2max : 64±5.61 mL∙min -1 ∙kg -1 ). Following familiarization sessions, VO 2max was determined, and then, maximal SV, HR, Q and a-vO 2diff (SV max ), (HR max ), (Q max ), (a-vO 2diff_max ) were evaluated individually using exercise intensities corresponding to 40 to 110% of VO 2max separately, by nitrous-oxide re-breathing (N 2 O RB ) method. Thereafter, training models were performed as; HIT 1 : 16 repetitions with power at ~110% of VO 2max for 45-sec (16A—45-sec, p@~110%VO 2max ) with 1:1 work and recovery (w/r) ratio; HIT 2 : 4A—3-min at p@~93%VO 2max with 1:1 w/r ratio; HIT 3 : alternating the power between VO 2max (1-min) and anaerobic threshold (4-min) A— 5 repetitions; HIT 4 : 25-min constant-load, HIT 5 : 6A—30-sec at 7,5% body weight with 1:7 w/r ratio. All participants reached exhaustion at all tested HIT models. After the repeated-measures analyses, possible significant differences were investigated by post-hoc LSD/Wilcoxon. T spent above 95% of VO 2max was higher in HIT 2 session than other exercise modalities (p 0.05); T spent at VO 2max was lowest in HIT 5 (p<0.05). T spent at Q max was higher in HIT 2 and HIT 3 sessions than HIT 1 , HIT 2 and HIT 5 (p<0.05). T spent at SV max was higher in HIT 3 and HIT 4 modalities than HIT 1 and HIT 2 . T spent at 95% of HR max was higher in HIT 2 session than other exercise modalities (p<0.05). T spent at a-vO 2diff_max was higher in HIT 1 and HIT 2 than HIT 3 , HIT 4 and HIT 5 (p<0.05). These results show that different exercise modalities reaching similar VO 2max levels may be effective in the development of central or peripheral components associated with VO 2max . It may be said that continuous HIT modalities seems to have a higher potential to improve central part of VO 2max , while intermittent HIT modalities seems better for peripheral one.

Optimizing the diet.

![Figure][1] Maximum performance or maximized health benefits require a nutritious mix of foods in the diet. PHOTO: SCOTT SUCHMAN; STYLING: NICHOLE BRYANT In every stage race, competitive cyclists perform an experiment of sorts to discover who can most efficiently turn dietary energy sources into maximal power output on the bike. More broadly, we're all interested in diet because abundant evidence shows that diet has major effects on human health and resistance to rampant diseases associated with aging, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Advice on what constitutes a healthy diet is more prevalent and more inconsistent than ever. For this special issue, we checked in with the experts. On the question of how much fat we should eat, recommendations have swung from one extreme to the other. We consulted with a group of scientists representing different sides in the debate over the proportion of fat in a healthy diet and, importantly, which particular fats are most healthful. We share our meals with trillions of bacteria in the digestive system, so a promising and emerging area of investigation explores how diet influences our give-and-take interaction with gut symbionts. It's not just what you eat but when you eat it, and periods of fasting have some remarkable benefits. A pervasive theme is that much of the disagreement and confusion reflects a lack of solid scientific studies on humans. Clearly, many more well-designed studies are needed to determine the best diet for people, and how that varies with activity, at different life stages and for different individuals. And individual needs can be extreme—a cyclist at the top of the sport recorded massive carbohydrate loading before an intense stage, eating the equivalent of 85 slices of bread! [1]: pending:yes

CARACTERIZACIÓN DE PARÁMETROS VENTILATORIOS Y ANTROPOMÉTRICOS EN CICLISTAS DEL MUNICIPIO DE FUSAGASUGÁ

El presente artículo expone el desarrollo de una caracterización morfo fisiológica de un grupo de 15 ciclistas de competición del municipio de Fusagasugá, que pertenecen a las categorías pre juvenil, juvenil, sub 23 y elite. Se realizó una prueba espiro-métrica en cicloergómetro (test progresivo escalonado maximal) con el fin de hallar parámetros ventilatorios, y una valoración antropométrica para determinar composición corporal y somatotipo. Los datos obtenidos permitieron realizar un análisis comparativo con otros trabajos similares (Neumann, Basanta), para confrontar la condición física y estructura antropométrica de los sujetos de la muestra con poblaciones de alto rendimiento. El estudio refleja los datos iniciales de un proyecto macro longitudinal, que permitió caracterizar la muestra para proyectar a futuro las adaptaciones y modificaciones del proceso de entrenamiento. Los datos se presentan analizando el W/Kg de peso, que permite identificar la potencia de cada uno de los ciclistas (teniendo en cuenta que este dato es utilizado hoy en día como referente de los procesos de entrenamiento en alto rendimiento). El VO 2 Máx. se obtuvo de forma directa y se compara con los datos de ciclistas de alto rendimiento españoles, así como la composición corporal. Los resultados muestran diferencias en relación con la potencia, niveles de VO 2 Max. inferiores a los presentados por otros grupos, con excepción de los obtenidos en la categoría juvenil. La estructura corporal en cuanto a porcentaje muscular y graso se encuentra en los rangos planteados por Muñoz y Cabanes, pero los datos de somatotipo (endo, meso, ecto) presentan grandes diferencias con los valores referenciados.

Competition and Implementation Cycles

This paper studies how innovating firms’ timing decisions on implementing new ideas affect macroeconomic fluctuations with the presence of two sources of competition: imperfect substitutability across products and imitations within products. In order to take advantage of a higher aggregate demand, firms may strategically choose to implement innovative ideas simultaneously with other firms. As a result, implementation cycles emerge endogenously in equilibrium. Using U.S. IPO and Venture-backed companies data, I first provide some empirical evidence on the existence of implementation cycles with an average frequency of 3.7 years. Second, a stylized model shows that smaller substitutability across products and longer imitation processes can contribute to a longer and lower frequent implementation cycle; it, however, has a larger impact on driving the fluctuations of macro variables. Third, when firms can only observe noisy private sunspot signals on others’ implementation decisions, the equilibrium can feature no, short, and long cycles depending on the realization of the sunspots.

Road cycle TT performance: Relationship to the power-duration model and association with FTP

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine the accuracy of critical power (CP) and Wʹ (the curvature constant of the power-duration relationship) derived from self-paced time-trial (TT) prediction trials using mobile power meters to predict 16.1-km road cycling TT performance. This study also aimed to assess the agreement between functional threshold power (FTP) and CP.Methods: Twelve competitive male cyclists completed an incremental test to exhaustion, a FTP test and 4–5 self-paced TT bouts on a stationary bike within the lab, and a 16.1 km road TT, using mobile power meters.Results: CP and Wʹ derived from the power-duration relationship closely predicted TT performance. The 16.1-km road TT completion time (26.7 ± 2.2 min) was not significantly different from and was significantly correlated with the predicted time-to-completion (27.5 ± 3.3 min, r = 0.89, P < 0.01). CP and FTP were not significantly different (275 ± 40 W vs. 278 ± 42 W, P > 0.05); however, the limits of agreement between CP and FTP were 30 to -36 W.Discussion: The findings of this study indicate that CP and Wʹ determined using mobile power meters during maximal, self-paced TT prediction trials can be used to accurately predict 16.1-km cycling performance, supporting the application of the CP and Wʹ for performance prediction. However, the limits of agreement were too large to consider FTP and CP interchangeable.

Training, Performance, and Physiological Predictors of a Successful Elite Senior Career in Junior Competitive Road Cyclists.

To determine whether training, performance, or physiological variables at age 18 can predict which athletes become World Tour (WT) riders at senior level. Based on performance level at age 23, 80 competitive male cyclists were retrospectively categorized into 4 groups: retired (n = 21), club (n = 26), continental (n = 24), or WT (n = 9). Data collected at age 18 were analyzed to determine whether training, performance, or physiological variables differed significantly between groups. At age 23, 9 riders (11%) were WT level. These riders competed significantly more at age 18 than athletes who were club level (91.5 [19.1]h vs 62.8 [21.8]h, P = .032) or retired by age 23 (61.8 [23.4]h, P = .014). WT athletes placed significantly better in national road championships at age 18 than did continental, club, and retired athletes (all P < .01). Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis showed that placing at national championships at age 18 had good accuracy in predicting whether the athlete would later reach WT level (area under the curve = 0.882). WT athletes had significantly higher maximal aerobic power at age 18 than athletes who did not reach WT level (533 [23] vs 451 [41]W and 6.9 [0.4] vs 6.2 [0.4]W/kg, P < .05). Already at junior level, there were performance and physiological differences distinguishing those who later became WT riders. The findings emphasize the need for high volumes of training and competition, as well as a high level of race performance already at junior level, to become a successful elite road cyclist.

Test-Retest Reliability and the Learning Effect on Isokinetic Fatigue in Female Master’s Cyclists

Background: Isokinetic exercise is commonly used as a benchmark for strength and performance. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to establish isokinetic fatigue test-retest reliability and examine the learning effect when testing without familiarization. Methods: 22 masters-aged [53±5 years), competitive female cyclists completed 3 separate 50-repetition knee flexion/extension tests on a Biodex, separated by one-week with no familiarization. Test-retest reliability [intra-class correlation [ICC]), 95% confidence intervals [CI), technical error of measurement [TEM) were calculated. Results: ICCs between trials exhibited excellent reliability during extension [.93–.97) and flexion [.93–.97) for all variables except time to peak torque [ICC=.35 and.45 for extension and flexion, respectively) and fatigue index [ICC=.47 for flexion). Relative TEM was minimal for extension between trial 1 and trial 2 [0.27%–0.97%) and between trial 2 and trial 3 [0.27%–1.45%) for all variables. Similar results were observed for flexion between trial 1 and trial 2 [0.87%–2.45%) and between trial 2 and trial 3 [0.54%–1.10%). No differences [Wilks Λ&gt;.05) existed between trials, indicating no learning effect associated with the tests. Conclusions: There was strong test-retest reliability in masters-aged, female athletes and no learning effect was associated with the Biodex during a knee extension/flexion fatigue protocol.

Low energy availability assessed by a sport-specific questionnaire and clinical interview indicative of bone health, endocrine profile and cycling performance in competitive male cyclists

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a sport-specific energy availability (EA) questionnaire, combined with clinical interview, for identifying male athletes at risk of developing bone health, endocrine and performance consequences of...

Mechanisms of Performance Improvements Due to a Leading Teammate During Uphill Cycling

To identify the impact of a leading teammate in front of a cyclist on psychological, physiological, biomechanical, and performance parameters during an uphill maximal effort. After familiarization, 12 well-trained competitive cyclists completed 2 uphill time trials (UTTs, 2.7km at 7.4%) in randomized order; that is, 1 performed alone (control condition) and 1 followed a simulated teammate during the entire UTT (leader condition). Performance (UTT time) and mean power output (PO) were recorded for each UTT. For physiological parameters, mean heart rate and postexercise blood lactate concentration were recorded. Psychological parameters (rating of perceived exertion, pleasure, and attentional focus) were collected at the end of each trial. Performance (UTT time) significantly improved by 4.2% (3.1%) in the leader condition, mainly due to drafting decrease of the aerodynamic drag (58% of total performance gains) and higher end spurt (+9.1% [9.1%] of mean PO in the last 10% of the UTT). However, heart rate and postexercise blood lactate concentration were not significantly different between conditions. From a psychological aspect, higher pleasure was observed in the leader condition (+41.1% [51.7%]), but attentional focus was not significantly different. The presence of a leading teammate during uphill cycling had a strong impact on performance, enabling higher speed for the same mean PO and greater end spurt. These results explain why the best teams competing for the general classification of the most prestigious and contested races like the Grand Tours tend to always protect their leader with teammates during decisive ascents.

Tendon structure quantified using ultrasound imaging differs based on location and training type.

Achilles tendinopathy is 10 times more common among running athletes compared with age-matched peers. Load-induced tendon remodeling and its progression in an at-risk population of developing symptomatic tendinopathy are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize Achilles and patellar tendon structure in competitive collegiate distance runners over different competitive seasons using quantitative ultrasound imaging. Twenty-two collegiate cross-country runners and eleven controls were examined for this study. Ultrasound images of bilateral Achilles and patellar tendons were obtained near the start and end of the collegiate cross-country season and the conclusion outdoor track season. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, tendon thickness, and neovascularity were determined using well-established image processing techniques. Achilles tendon collagen was less aligned in runners compared with controls (28% greater) but improved slightly (7% decrease) after the completion of the track season. Conversely, patellar tendons in runners were similar to control tendons throughout the cross-country season but underwent collagen alignment (17% decrease) and tendon hypertrophy (21% increase). Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon structure in trained runners differs structurally from control tendons but is stable throughout training while patellar tendon structure changes in response to the transition in training volume between cross-country and track seasons. These findings expand upon prior reports that some degree of tendon remodeling may act as a protective adaptation for sport specific loading.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study we prospectively examined the Achilles and patellar tendon structure of distance runners to determine if continued training through multiple seasons elicits tendon remodeling or pathology. We found that Achilles and patellar tendons respond uniquely to the changing loads required during each season. Achilles tendon collagen alignment is mostly stable throughout the competitive cycle, but the patellar tendon structurally remodels following the transition from cross-country to track season.

The influence of hamstring extensibility on preselected saddle height within experienced competitive cyclists

Background: Contemporary studies have investigated the effects of bicycle saddle height for optimal performance and injury prevention. A recent review established a dynamic knee flexion angle of 25˚-30˚ for optimal economy, anaerobic power, and knee tracking (Bini et al., 2011: Sports Medicine, 41, 463-476). Muyor et al, (2011: Journal of Human Kinetics, 29, 15-23), investigated hamstring extensibility within 96 highly trained cyclists. They concluded that shortened hamstrings had a negative influence over thoracic spinal curvature, yet no influence over saddle height. Whereas, Ferrer-Roca et al (2012: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26, 3025- 3029) examined 23 high level competitive male road cyclists and concluded that a lack of flexibility may have an influence over lower preselected saddle heights (> 40˚ knee flexion angle). Consequently, there remains uncertainty whether preselected saddle height may be dependent on hamstring extensibility. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of hamstring extensibility on preselected saddle height within experienced competitive cyclists. It was suggested that preselected saddle height may be dependent on hamstring extensibility to enable a 25˚-30˚ knee flexion angle. Methods: Participants consisted of 32 moderate to high level male and female road cyclists (35.8 ± 8.4 years; 178.22 ± 11.0 cm; 77.7 ± 13.4 kg). They used their own individually set-up road bicycle, which was placed on an indoor wind trainer. Hamstring extensibility was measured using the passive knee extension test. Dynamic 2D analysis was used to measure bicycle knee flexion and passive knee extension angles. A cycling questionnaire was also used to determine experience, training and competition levels. Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed bicycle knee flexion angle, years cycling (r = -0.35, p 0.05). Discussion: Results suggest that sustained time period on the bike rather than hamstring extensibility determines preselected saddle height. In particular, being competitive for a longer duration precedes either volume or number of years cycling. However, it is apparent that in agreement with Muyor et al., (2011) a single variable such as hamstring length does not predetermine optimal saddle height. In addition, as suggested by Ferrer-Roca et al., (2012), experienced cyclists are unable to achieve a knee flexion angle of 25˚, unless they have sufficient flexibility. Conclusion: Results reveal that with experience, a competitive cyclist’s subjective and objective interpretation of their preselected saddle height becomes more consistent. Although hamstring extensibility does not appear to influence pre-selected saddle height, an initial 35˚ rather than 25˚ knee flexion angle is recommended. Future research should consider mixed methodologies, to further establish safe and effective recommendations for optimising bicycle fit. References Bini, R., Hume, P.A., & Croft, J.L. (2011). Effects of bicycle saddle height on knee injury risk and cycling performance. Sports Medicine, 41, 463-476. Ferrer-Roca, V., Roig, A., Galilea, P., & Garcia Lopez, J. (2012). Influence of saddle height on lower limb kinematics in well trained cyclists: static vs dynamic evaluation in bike fitting. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26, 3025- 3029. Muyor, J. M., Alacid, F., & Lopez-Minarro, P.A. (2011). Influence of hamstring muscles extensibility on spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in highly trained cyclists. Journal of Human Kinetics, 29, 15-23.

Some Aspects of Surface Integrity after Hard Milling

This paper deals with surface integrity after hard milling of bearing steel 100Cr6. Surface integrity is expressed in terms of shape deviation as well as Barkhausen noise emission. Furthermore, components of cutting forces are also measured as a function of tool wear. Non homogeneity of cutting force distribution within the contact between the milling cutter and workpiece is discussed. The results of measurements indicate that shape as well as structure remarkable non homogeneity should be expected after hard milling due to missing full contact between milling cutter and workpiece. This non homogeneity can be monitored via Barkhausen noise technique. On the other hand, the competitive grinding cycles produced more homogenous surface and surface state is a function of infeed speed.

Competitive intelligence failures

PurposeCompetitive intelligence failures have devastating effects in marketplaces. They are attributed to various factors but seldom explicitly to information behaviour. This paper addresses causes of competitive intelligence failures from an information behaviour lens focussing on problems with key intelligence and information needs. The exploratory study was conducted in 2016/2017. Managers (end-users) identify key intelligence needs on which information is needed, and often other staff members seek the information (proxy information seeking). The purpose of this paper is to analyse problems related to key intelligence and information needs, and make recommendations to address the problems.Design/methodology/approachThe study is placed in a post-positivism research paradigm, using qualitative and limited quantitative research approaches. In total, 15 participants (competitive intelligence professionals and educators/trainers originating from South Africa and the USA) contributed rich data through in-depth individual interviews.FindingsProblems associated with articulation of information needs (key intelligence needs is the competitive intelligence term – with a broader scope) include inadequate communication between the person in need of information and the proxy information searcher; awareness and recognition of information needs; difficulty in articulation, incomplete and partial sharing of details of needs.Research limitations/implicationsParticipant recruitment was difficult, representing mostly from South Africa. The findings from this exploratory study can, however, direct further studies with a very understudied group.Practical implicationsHowever, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.Originality/valueLittle has been published on competitive intelligence from an information behaviour perspective. Frameworks guiding the study (a combination of Leckie et al.’s 1996 and Wilson’s, 1981 models and a competitive intelligence life cycle), however, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.

Effect of environmental feedbacks on pacing strategy and affective load during a self-paced 30 min cycling time trial

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to analyze the pacing strategy and its affective consequences during self-paced cycling time trials (TT) performed at different severity of hypoxia. Eight competitive cyclists performed five 30 min self-paced TTs at their best performance in the following conditions: 1) normobaric normoxia (NNSL); 2) normobaric hypoxia under two simulated altitudes: 2000 m (NH2000) and 3500 m (NH3500) and 3) normobaric hypoxia but the cyclists were deceived and thought to be at sea level for 2000 m (DecNH2000) and 3500 m (DecNH3500). Power Output (PO), oxygen uptake (VO2), and blood lactate concentration ([La]) were recorded to assess exercise intensity and physiological adaptations. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and pleasure were measured with a CR10 Borg scale to evaluate the affective load (AL). PO and VO2 decreased with the severity of hypoxia but no significantly difference on performance was measured between deceived and real conditions, except for pacing strategy. The started intensity depends on the exercise expectations, but PO was rapidly adjusted with the physiological constraints and the rate of increase of RPE. Finally, AL did not reach maximal values so that the athletes sustained a physiological and emotional reserve to perform a final spurt.