Running Schedule Research Articles

Status update of the ATLAS ECR ion sources at Argonne National Laboratory

The Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) typically operates 24/7 with weekly ion beam changes and an annual 1 month maintenance period. Due to recent installations and upgrades at ATLAS, user demands for new beams and higher intensities have expanded an already diverse operational envelope of both electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRIS), ECR2 and ECR3. A variety of material introduction techniques including sputter, oven, reduction and gas feed were used to meet the challenge of an intense run schedule. With two ECRIS available to feed the accelerator, beam development and preparation were able to occur concurrently with ATLAS programmatic activities. Highlights of operational experiences and improvements with ECR2 and ECR3 over the last 2 years are presented.

Modeling and Heuristically Solving Group Train Operation Scheduling for Heavy-Haul Railway Transportation

In light of the improvements to the capacity and timeliness of heavy-haul railway transportation that can be organized through group trains originating at a technical station, we address a group train operation scheduling problem with freight demand importance via a newly proposed mixed integer programming model and a simulated annealing algorithm. The optimization objective of the mixed integer programming model is to minimize the weighted sum of the transportation cost and the total cargo travel time under the condition of matching freight supply and demand within the optimization period. The main constraints are extracted from the supply and demand relations, the cargo delivery time commitment, the maintenance time, and the number of locomotives. A simulated annealing algorithm was constructed to generate the grouping scheme, the stopping scheme and the running schedule of group trains. A numerical experiment based on a real heavy-haul railway configuration was employed to verify the efficacy of the proposed model and heuristics algorithm. The results show that the proposed methodology can achieve high-quality solutions. The case results reveal that the freight volume increased by 2.03%, the departure cost decreased by CNY 337,000, the transportation cost which results from the difference in the supply and demand matching increased by CNY 27,764, and the total cargo travel time decreased by 40.9%, indicating that group train operation can create benefits for both railway enterprises and customers.

The Comparative Effects Of Periodized Lower Body Strength Training Versus High Intensity Circuit Programming In Experienced Runners

While current research offers evidence-based strength training approaches to enhance endurance running performance, numerous popular strength training models have not been empirically tested in this context. PURPOSE: Compare the effects of periodized lower body strength training versus high intensity circuit strength training on running performance and related variables in experienced runners. METHODS: Participants (N = 19) were randomized to 8 weeks of periodized lower body strength training (PLB), n = 9, or high intensity circuit training (CT), n = 10. All participants strength trained 2 d·wk-1 and followed their typical running schedule. PLB sessions included 2 sets of the back squat, standing calf raise, leg press, and dumbbell lunge, with intensity linearly periodized. PLB initially completed sets at 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) and progressed each 2 weeks to 8-RM, 6-RM, and 4-RM. CT sessions included a high intensity, whole body resistance circuit followed by 2-4 heavy (>10-RM) sets of a compound lift, simulating CrossFit©-style programming. 3-km time trial (TT), VO2 max, relative leg press 1-RM, running economy (RE) at 2 standard submaximal velocities (SV1, SV2) between 11 and 14 km·hr-1, RPE at SV1/SV2, and peak/mean power during the Wingate Anaerobic Test were assessed pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA showed a significant main effect of time on RE at 11 km·hr-1 (F = 8.31, p = .02, ηp2 = 0.51) and RPE at SV1 (F = 11.2, p = .004, ηp2 = .40), and a significant group*time interaction on 1-RM (F = 7.66, p = .015, ηp2 = .35) and RPE at SV2 (F = 5.30, p = .037, ηp2 = .28). Similar (p ≤ .02) increases occurred in RE at 11 km·hr-1 (36.4 ± 3.1 to 35.4 ± 2.4 ml·kg-1·min-1) and RPE at SV 1 (12.5 ± 1.3 to 11.4 ± 1.6). Relative 1-RM (2.54 ± 0.41 to 3.40 ± 0.72) and RPE at SV2 (14.1 ± 1.3 to 12.9 ± 1.8) improved in both groups (p ≤ .03). However, PLB showed larger improvements in 1-RM (0.43 ± 0.18 vs. 0.2 ± 1.9, t = 2.75, p = .015) and RPE at SV2 (-1.75 ± 0.9 vs. -0.63 ± 1.1, t = 2.30, p = .037). TT, VO2 max, RE at 12-14 km·hr-1, and power were unchanged (p ≥ .27). CONCLUSIONS: Both modalities enhanced lower body strength, RE at 11 km·hr-1 and submaximal RPE at submaximal, but neither improved TT performance, VO2 max, power, or RE at faster velocities. PLB resulted in greater improvements in lower body strength and RPE at higher submaximal running velocity.

Tennis Anyone? Teaching Experimental Design by Designing and Executing a Tennis Ball Experiment

Understanding the abstract principles of statistical experimental design can challenge undergraduate students, especially when learned in a lecture setting. This article presents a concrete and easily replicated example of experimental design principles in action through a hands-on learning activity for students enrolled in an experimental design course. The activity, conducted during five 50-min classes, requires the students to work as a team to design and execute a simple and safe factorial experiment and collect and analyze the data. During three in-class design meetings, the students design and plan all aspects of the experiment, including choosing the response variable and factors, making a list of needed supplies, creating a randomized run schedule with the MINITAB DOE utility, and writing a statistical analysis plan. A feasibility study is conducted in the fourth class. During the fifth and last class, the students conduct the experiment. Each student writes a lab report including all background research, methods, analyses, and conclusions, as well as a reflection on the learning experience. Students’ reflections indicate the active-learning experience was enjoyable and boosted course engagement and perceived conceptual understanding.

An Algorithm for Rescheduling of Trains under Planned Track Closures

This work considered a joint problem of train rescheduling and closure planning. The derivation of a new train run schedule and the determination of a closure plan not only must guarantee the satisfaction of all the given constraints but also must optimize the number of accepted closures, the number of approved train runs, and the total time shift between the resultant and the original schedule. Presented is a novel nonlinear mixed integer optimization problem which is valid for a broad class of railway networks. A multi-level hierarchical heuristic algorithm is introduced due to the NP-hardness of the considered optimization problem. The algorithm is able, on an iterative basis, to jointly select closures and train runs, along with the derivation of a train schedule. Results obtained by the algorithm, launched for the conducted experiments, confirm its ability to provide acceptable and feasible solutions in a reasonable amount of time.

Performance evaluation of Earth to Air Heat Exchange (EAHE) used for indoor ventilation during winter in severe cold regions

Earth to air heat exchanger (EAHE) is an efficient method for providing conditioned air. Study was conducted to explore the potential of applying EAHE in preheating fresh air in severe cold regions. A double-layer EAHE and a heat recovery unit (HRU) were combined to undertake the heating load. Performance of EAHE was detailed discussed. Experiment was carried out between Jan. 4th to Apr. 20th, 2017 (local heating season), with primary focuses on variations of air temperature, airflow rate, heating capacity and soil temperature. Analyses showed EAHE could provide an average temperature promotion of 12.4 °C under heating condition. Average heating capacity of EAHE was 4665 W while average power consumption was 130 W, which brought a considerably high average heating coefficient of performance (COP) of 29.7. At the end of heating season, due to hysteresis of soil temperature, EAHE operated under cooling mode and average cooling capacity was 2243 W. Besides, temperature distribution of surrounding soil was studied. Soil temperature variation related closely to operation mode and inlet air temperature. Influence of operation decreased along with the distance away from pipe surface. Soil temperature can recover to some extent during non-work time, which indicated proper arrangement of run schedule could support long-term reliable operation.

Methodology to Evaluate Fatigue Damage of High-Speed Train Welded Bogie Frames Based on On-Track Dynamic Stress Test Data

The current method of estimating the fatigue life of railway structures is to calculating the equivalent stress amplitude based on the measured stress data. However, the random of the measured data is not considered. In this paper, a new method was established to compute the equivalent stress amplitude to evaluate the fatigue damage based on the measurable randomness, since the equivalent stress is the key parameter for assessment of structure fatigue life and load derivation. The equivalent stress amplitude of a high-speed train welded bogie frame was found to obey normal distribution under uniform operation route that verified by on-track dynamic stress data, and the proposed model is, in effect, an improved version of the mathematical model used to calculate the equivalent stress amplitude. The data of a long-term, on-track dynamic stress test program was analyzed to find that the normal distribution parameters of equivalent stress amplitude values differ across different operation route. Thus, the fatigue damage of the high-speed train welded bogie frame can be evaluated by the proposed method if the running schedule of the train is known a priori. The results also showed that the equivalent stress amplitude of the region connected to the power system is more random than in other regions of the bogie frame.

A simulation tool for ALICE storage and computing resource usage

The LHC experiments produce many tens of petabytes of data each year, which must be stored, processed and analyzed. The CPU and storage resources required for these activities are planned for and requested on yearly basis. To make a better resource planning, a more fine-grained time prediction for the resource utilization is necessary, taking into account the LHC running conditions and schedule, the experiment-specific data management policies, scientific conferences demands and other criteria. To that end, we developed a flexible and highly configurable simulation tool, which performs a Discrete Event Simulation of the ALICE data flow processes. The tool consists of a Web GUI, through which the necessary parameters are entered and the results of the simulations are graphically visualized. In this paper, we describe the design of the simulation tool and present the preliminary results.

The Association Between Changes in Weekly Running Distance and Running-Related Injury: Preparing for a Half Marathon.

Sudden changes in training load may play a key role in the development of running-related injury (RRI). Because the injury mechanism depends on the runner's musculoskeletal load capacity, the running schedule followed prior to sudden change in training load may influence the amount of change that a runner can tolerate before the runner is at a higher risk of RRI. To investigate the association between change in weekly running distance and RRI, and to examine whether the association may be modified by the running schedule the runner follows. Two hundred sixty-one healthy (noninjured) runners were included in this prospective cohort study over a period of 14 weeks. Data on running activity were collected daily and objectively, using a global positioning system watch or smartphone. Instances of RRIs were collected using weekly e-mailed questionnaires. Primary exposure was defined as changes in weekly running distance. Data were analyzed with time-to-event models that produced cumulative risk difference as the measure of association. A total of 56 participants (21.5%) sustained an RRI during the 14-week study period. Twenty-one days into the study period, significantly more runners were injured when they increased their weekly running distance by 20% to 60% compared with those who increased their distance by less than 20% (risk difference, 22.6%; 95% confidence interval: 0.9%, 44.3%; P = .041). No significant difference was found after 56 and 98 days. No significant effect-measure modification by running schedule was found. Significantly more runners were injured 21 days into the study period when they increased their weekly running distances by 20% to 60% compared with those who increased their distances by less than 20%. Prognosis, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(4):230-238. Epub 7 Dec 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8541.

ProjectRun21: Do running experience and running pace influence the risk of running injury—A 14-week prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe health benefits from participation in half-marathon is challenged by a yearly running-related injury (RRI) incidence proportion exceeding 30%. Research in injury etiology is needed to successfully prevent injuries. The body’s load capacity is believed to play an essential role for injury development. Therefore, the purpose of ProjectRun21 was to investigate the association between load capacity defined as running experience and running pace, and RRI when following a specific half-marathon running schedule. DesignA 14-week prospective cohort study. MethodsA cohort of 784 healthy runners followed a specific half-marathon running schedule. Data on running activity was collected objectively using a Global-Positioning-System watch or smartphone. RRI were collected using e-mail-based weekly questionnaires. Primary exposures were running experience and running pace, dichotomized into a high and a low group for runners running less or more than 15km/week and faster or slower than 6min/km, respectively. Data was analyses through time-to-event models with cumulative risk difference (RD) as measure of association. ResultsA total of 136 participants sustained a RRI during follow-up. Although not statistically significant, all estimates indicate a tendency toward fewer injuries amongst runners categorized as having high experience (RD=−11.3% (−27.2% to 4.6%)) or high pace (RD=−17.4% (−39.0% to 4.5%)), and a combination of both high experience and high pace (RD=−8.1% (−22.3% to 6.1%)) compared with their counterpart peers. ConclusionsRunners covering less than 15km per week, and/or runs slower than 6min/km, may sustain more RRI than their counterpart runners.

Progression in Running Intensity or Running Volume and the Development of Specific Injuries in Recreational Runners: Run Clever, a Randomized Trial Using Competing Risks.

It has been proposed that training intensity and training volume are associated with specific running-related injuries. If such an association exists, secondary preventive measures could be initiated by clinicians, based on symptoms of a specific injury diagnosis. To test the following hypotheses: (1) a running schedule focusing on running intensity (S-I) would increase the risk of sustaining Achilles tendinopathy, gastrocnemius injuries, and plantar fasciitis compared with hypothesized volume-related injuries; and (2) a running schedule focusing on running volume (S-V) would increase the risk of sustaining patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, and patellar tendinopathy compared with hypothesized intensity-related injuries. In this randomized clinical trial and etiology study, healthy recreational runners were included in a 24-week follow-up, divided into 8-week preconditioning and 16-week specific-focus training periods. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 running schedules: S-I or S-V. The S-I group progressed the amount of high-intensity running (88% maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max] or greater) each week, and the S-V group progressed total weekly running volume. A global positioning system watch or smartphone collected data on running. Running-related injuries were diagnosed based on a clinical examination. Estimates were reported as risk difference and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 447 runners, a total of 80 sustained an injury (S-I, n = 36; S-V, n = 44). Risk differences (95% CIs) of intensity injuries in the S-I group were -0.8% (-5.0%, 3.4%) at 2 weeks, -0.8% (-6.7%, 5.1%) at 4 weeks, -2.0% (-9.2%, 5.2%) at 8 weeks, and -5.1% (-16.5%, 6.3%) at 16 weeks. Risk differences (95% CIs) of volume injuries in the S-V group were -0.9% (-5.0%, 3.2%) at 2 weeks, -2.0% (-7.5%, 3.5%) at 4 weeks, -3.2% (-9.1%, 2.7%) at 8 weeks, and -3.4% (13.2%, 6.2%) at 16 weeks. No difference in risk of hypothesized intensity- and volume-specific running-related injuries exists between the 2 running schedules focused on progression in either running intensity or volume. Etiology, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(10):740-748. Epub 12 Jun 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.8062.

Abrasion wear analysis in running shoes using a gridded methodology with CIE-L-a-b colour identification

Wear identification and projection have eluded shoe manufacturers due to the myriad of factors that affect the abrasion wear of shoes. Using a gridded three-dimensional cloud comparison in CloudCompare software, abrasion wear thickness of shoes was identified using the CIE-L-a-b colour system that is interpolated with the physical formula representation of colours. After obtaining the thickness lost, other wear factors like the material properties of the shoe sole, the runners’ personal profile and the running schedule were combined for wear projection. The methodological process from a non-destructive wear detection to wear projection allows shoe manufacturers to reduce the iterations of wear testing while maximizing the entire analysis of shoe wear. Shoe samples were kindly sponsored by ASICS Institute of Sport Science.

Design of ProjectRun21: a 14-week prospective cohort study of the influence of running experience and running pace on running-related injury in half-marathoners

BackgroundParticipation in half-marathon has been steeply increasing during the past decade. In line, a vast number of half-marathon running schedules has surfaced. Unfortunately, the injury incidence proportion for half-marathoners has been found to exceed 30% during 1-year follow-up. The majority of running-related injuries are suggested to develop as overuse injuries, which leads to injury if the cumulative training load over one or more training sessions exceeds the runners’ load capacity for adaptive tissue repair. Owing to an increase of load capacity along with adaptive running training, the runners’ running experience and pace abilities can be used as estimates for load capacity. Since no evidence-based knowledge exist of how to plan appropriate half-marathon running schedules considering the level of running experience and running pace, the aim of ProjectRun21 is to investigate the association between running experience or running pace and the risk of running-related injury.MethodsHealthy runners using Global Positioning System (GPS) watch between 18 and 65 years will be invited to participate in this 14-week prospective cohort study. Runners will be allowed to self-select one of three half-marathon running schedules developed for the study. Running data will be collected objectively by GPS. Injury will be based on the consensus-based time loss definition by Yamato et al.: “Running-related (training or competition) musculoskeletal pain in the lower limbs that causes a restriction on or stoppage of running (distance, speed, duration, or training) for at least 7 days or 3 consecutive scheduled training sessions, or that requires the runner to consult a physician or other health professional”.Running experience and running pace will be included as primary exposures, while the exposure to running is pre-fixed in the running schedules and thereby conditioned by design. Time-to-event models will be used for analytical purposes.DiscussionProjectRun21 will examine if particular subgroups of runners with certain running experiences and running paces seem to sustain more running-related injuries compared with other subgroups of runners. This will enable sport coaches, physiotherapists as well as the runners to evaluate their injury risk of taking up a 14-week running schedule for half-marathon.

Design, status and schedule of the sPHENIX experiment at RHIC

The 2015 US Nuclear Physics Long Range Plan calls for a state-of-the-art jet and Upsilon detector at RHIC, known as sPHENIX to study the microscopic nature of the QGP, complementing similar studies at the CERN LHC. The sPHENIX detector will provide precision vertexing, tracking and full calorimetry over pseudorapidity |η|<1.1 and full azimuth at the full RHIC collision rate, delivering unprecedented data sets for jet and upsilon measurements at RHIC. This will enable the three pillars of the sPHENIX physics program, i.e., studies of jet structure modifications, measurements of heavy-flavor tagged jet production and precision upsilon spectroscopy. We present an overview of the sPHENIX detector design, expected construction and running schedule and planned physics program.

Backache in Dumper Operators of a Private Iron Ore Mine in Eastern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Occupational back pain is most common symptoms among seated workers, standing workers, truck drivers and so on. Driving frequently involves many risk factors such as prolonged sitting and motor vehicle driving, vibration, tight running schedules, reduced rest breaks, the sedentary nature of job etc. Backache in working individuals is a commonly present complaint. Determining whether a patient's low backache is a consequence of occupational activity can be challenging. Various studies across the world show prevalence of backache as 45-60%. Very few studies were carried out in India amongst heavy vehicle operators regarding backache and the occupational factors associated with it. Objectives: To find the spectrum, epidemiological profile, prevalence of backache and occupational factors associated with it in 50 dumper operators of a private Iron Ore Mine of Eastern India (Jharkhand). Methodology: A cross-sectional study on 50 dumper operators of a private Iron Ore Mine of Eastern India. Results: As per this study prevalence of backache among the dumper operators is 42% and more common in persons above 40 years of age (81%) and working experience more than 15 years (72%). BMI had been established as an important indicator for backache when the study reveals that 72% of the workers have BMI ≥25 (overweight, obese). Average RMDQ (Ronald-Morris Disability Questionnaire) in comparison to workers with and without backache was 5.3 and 3.1 respectively which is almost similar (5.1 and 3.9 respectively) to the study in India by BorleAmod and others in Truck drivers of Nagpur, India. Conclusions: In the present study it was established that backache is a very common problem in dumper operators. It is cumulative trauma disorder. Injury develops gradually over a period of weeks, months, or even years as a result of stress. Other non-occupational activities may also lead to backache like sports and house hold heavy work.

Process Optimization to Improve Immunosuppressant Drug Testing Turnaround Time.

Timely reporting of immunosuppressant (ISP) drug level results is needed for transplant patient management. This study characterized the local ISP testing process, identified bottlenecks and implemented process improvements to meet turnaround time requirements. Laboratory information time stamps, direct observation and discussion with staff were used to construct a value stream map of the ISP testing process to identify process bottlenecks. Improvements were implemented to attain the required turnaround time. Baseline performance of the existing ISP process (seven weeks, n = 272 samples) indicated that only 28% of samples were reported by 2:00 pm Major bottlenecks were identified to be the analytical run schedule, instrument delays, difficulty identifying ISP samples at intake, and difficulty collecting specimens. Process changes resulted in a median of 76% samples reported by 2:00 pm : Adjusting ISP collection and analysis processes improved the laboratory's ability to meet physician requested result reporting time of 2:00 pm.

Multi-objective optimization of a distributed energy network integrated with heating interchange

In this study, a multi-objective MILP (mixed integer linear programming) model has been developed for the optimization of a distributed energy network integrated with heating interchanges. The model allows to determine the energy generation components among various candidates, the site and size of each selected technology, optimal running schedule, as well as optimal lay-out of heating pipelines. Both economic and environmental aspects have been taken into account in the objective function with relative weighting factors. As an illustrative example, the model is applied to a low carbon community including five buildings (hotel, hospital, office, store and apartment) located in Shanghai, China. According to the simulation results, by introducing the distributed energy network, the total capacity of distributed generations is increased, and the overall performances (both economic and environmental ones) of the local area are enhanced. In addition, the sensitivity analyses indicate that the determination of user preference, as well as the fluctuation of energy loads and fuel prices may have considerable influence on the performances of the distributed energy network. Moreover, according to the results of “8 buildings” cases with different building combinations, the rational selection of end-users is of vital importance for the plan and design of a distributed energy network.

The design of the run Clever randomized trial: running volume, -intensity and running-related injuries.

BackgroundInjury incidence and prevalence in running populations have been investigated and documented in several studies. However, knowledge about injury etiology and prevention is needed. Training errors in running are modifiable risk factors and people engaged in recreational running need evidence-based running schedules to minimize the risk of injury. The existing literature on running volume and running intensity and the development of injuries show conflicting results. This may be related to previously applied study designs, methods used to quantify the performed running and the statistical analysis of the collected data. The aim of the Run Clever trial is to investigate if a focus on running intensity compared with a focus on running volume in a running schedule influences the overall injury risk differently.Methods/designThe Run Clever trial is a randomized trial with a 24-week follow-up. Healthy recreational runners between 18 and 65 years and with an average of 1–3 running sessions per week the past 6 months are included. Participants are randomized into two intervention groups: Running schedule-I and Schedule-V. Schedule-I emphasizes a progression in running intensity by increasing the weekly volume of running at a hard pace, while Schedule-V emphasizes a progression in running volume, by increasing the weekly overall volume. Data on the running performed is collected by GPS. Participants who sustain running-related injuries are diagnosed by a diagnostic team of physiotherapists using standardized diagnostic criteria. The members of the diagnostic team are blinded. The study design, procedures and informed consent were approved by the Ethics Committee Northern Denmark Region (N-20140069).DiscussionThe Run Clever trial will provide insight into possible differences in injury risk between running schedules emphasizing either running intensity or running volume. The risk of sustaining volume- and intensity-related injuries will be compared in the two intervention groups using a competing risks approach. The trial will hopefully result in a better understanding of the relationship between the running performed and possible differences in running-related injury risk and the injuries developed.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT02349373 – January 23, 2015.

Otimização dos custos de energia elétrica na programação da captação, armazenamento e distribuição de água

Resumo O problema abordado neste trabalho consiste na redução dos custos de energia elétrica necessária para o funcionamento de bombas hidráulicas, que são utilizadas para captar água de poços artesianos ou estações de tratamento de água para abastecer reservatórios distribuídos por bairros de uma cidade. A população é então atendida por força gravitacional. Como o custo da energia elétrica varia ao longo do dia, é necessário um planejamento do funcionamento das bombas. O problema consiste em decidir quando as bombas devem permanecer ligadas e quando deve haver transferência de água entre os reservatórios para que a demanda de cada reservatório seja atendida, minimizando os custos com energia elétrica. Este problema é modelado como um problema de programação linear inteira, e uma solução heurística é proposta. Experimentos computacionais mostram a eficiência da heurística e como a abordagem pode ser utilizada para analisar o impacto de alterações na infraestrutura do sistema de abastecimento.

The Additional Value of a Pneumatic Leg Brace in the Treatment of Recruits with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome; a Randomized Study

ObjectiveTo study the additional effect of a pneumatic leg brace with standard rehabilitation for the treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in recruits.MethodsIn a single blinded randomized study, 15...