Top Runners Research Articles

Recent advances in magnetic nanomaterials in wastewater treatment: a review

Considering the scarcity of potable water, the search for an effective and easy purification technology has been of utmost importance. Conventional methods have not been able to match demands, which triggered the search for an advanced method based on nanotechnology that can fulfill the desired conditions. Magnetic nanomaterials are among the top runners owing to their unique ability to respond in the presence of an external magnetic field. Due to their small size, they can be easily functionalized and surface tuned for targeting specific ions and dyes. One of the biggest advantages of these materials is that they can be easily separated posttreatment. This review summarizes the latest developments in the field of magnetic nanomaterials in wastewater treatment.

Putting Logos on the World’s Best Running Feet: The Emergence of Apparel Sponsors in Ethiopian and Kenyan Athletics

Since the 1990s, most athletics federations have undertaken sponsorship negotiations with private shoe/apparel corporations. While these deals bring great sums of cash into the sport, some of which trickles down to the athletes, a great deal of it is used to leverage both hard and soft power in different regions of the world. The sponsorship regulations of national athletics federations have been recently politicized because of the ways that they conflict with their individual sponsorship agreements with other companies. Few, however, have examined the historical lineages and concerns for Ethiopian and Kenyan athletes – who come from some of the most cash poor and talent rich regions of the athletics world. This paper charts the historical relations and implications of the changes to commercial development and sponsorship as it pertains to Ethiopia and Kenya to broaden the geopolitical scope on this issue. Drawing on archival material and interviews with athletes and agents, it becomes clear that sponsors had their eyes on far more than outfitting the world’s top distance runners with their logo. Rather, they were after soft power that would enable them greater control in the flow of goods and capital to and within these countries.

Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance during the 2022 56 km Two Oceans ultra-marathon.

The 56km Two Oceans ultra-marathon (TOM), in Cape Town, South Africa, was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since most other road running events were also cancelled during this period, we hypothesized that most athletes who entered TOM 2022 would be inadequately trained, which would negatively affect performance. However, many world records were broken post-lockdown, and therefore the performance, specifically of the elite athletes, during TOM might actually improve. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance in TOM 2022 compared to the 2018 event. Performance data during the two events, as well as the 2021 Cape Town marathon, was extracted from public databases. Fewer athletes entered TOM 2022 (N.=4741) compared to TOM 2018 (N.=11,702), of which more were male (2022: 74.5% vs. 2018: 70.4%, P<0.05) and in the 40+ age-group categories. Compared to 2018 (11.3%), fewer athletes did not finish TOM 2022 (3.1%). Only 10.2% of the finishers completed the 2022 race during the last 15-minutes prior to the cut-off, compared to 18.3% in 2018. There were no differences in the average 2022 finishing time of the subset of 290 athletes whose times were compared to their 2018 performance. There was no difference in the TOM 2022 performance of athletes who had completed the 2021 Cape Town marathon, 6-months earlier, when compared to those who had not entered the marathon. Although there were fewer entrants, most athletes who entered knew that they were adequately trained to complete TOM 2022, with the top runners breaking course records. There was therefore no impact of the pandemic on performance during TOM 2022.

Over 55 years of critical power: Fact or artifact?

This report aims to generate an evidence-based debate of the Critical Power (CP), or its analogous Critical Speed (CS), concept. Race times of top Spanish runners were utilized to calculate CS based on three (1500-m to 5000-m; CS1.5-5km ) and four (1500-m to 10000-m; CS1.5-10km ) distance performances. Male running world records from 1000 to 5000-m (CS1-5km ), 1000 to 10,000-m (CS1-10km ), 1000-m to half marathon (CS1km-half marathon ), and 1000-m to marathon (CS1km-marathon ) distance races were also utilized for CS calculations. CS1.5-5km (19.62kmh-1 ) and CS1.5-10km (18.68kmh-1 ) were different (p<0.01), but both approached the average race speed of the longest distance chosen in the model, and were remarkably homogeneous among subjects (97%±1% and 98%±1%, respectively). Similar results were obtained using the world records. CS values progressively declined, until reaching a CS1km-marathon value of 20.77kmh-1 (10% lower than CS1-5km ). Each CS value approached the average speed of the longest distance chosen in the model (96.4%-99.8%). A power function better fitted the speed-time relationship compared with the standardized hyperbolic function. However, the horizontal asymptote of a power function is zero. This better approaches the classical definition of CP: the power output that can be maintained almost indefinitely without exhaustion. Beyond any sophisticated mathematical calculation, CS corresponds to 95%-99% of the average speed of the longest distance chosen as an exercise trial. CP could be considered a mathematical artifact rather than an important endurance performance marker. In such a case, the consideration of CP as a physiological "gold-standard" should be reevaluated.

Individual performance progression of German elite female and male middle-distance runners

Current standards for talent identification often base on age-related cross-sectional or mixed data analyses. Longitudinal studies of elite runners from their very early to their late career are still rare, despite their need for valid talent identification and prognoses. Thus, we analysed individual performance trajectories of German international level middle-distance runners (30 females, 41 males) from an age of 14 until their top performance. Quadratic equations best fitted the individual performances from 14 years to late career in relation to the world record time. The individual trajectories were further used to construct a global performance progression model, providing annual performance estimates (mean and standard deviation of 800, 1000 and 1500 m race times in relation to the current world record time) of later top runners from early to late career. Our analysis implies that, on average, females started from a higher performance level at young age. In contrast, average performance progression of the males was higher until the age of 17 years. Performance peaked at an age of 24.0 ± 3.0 and 23.3 ± 2.6 years for the female and male runners, respectively. The provided average annual performance progressions, as well as their ranges, may help coaches and sport federations in their decision making on age-related performance criteria for talent identification in middle-distance running.

Interpretation of the Analysis of 7-Step and 8-Step Start in Great Hurdles Competitions

Abstract: the purpose of this study is to interpret data referring to the 7-step and the 8-step approach to 110 m hurdles. The competitions taken into account for interpreting the statistics were the Olympic Games and the World Championships from 1924 to 2019. Starting with the athlete’s position in block-starts and continuing with the first throughout the 8thstep, we outline both the positive and the negative aspects, which may provide a clearer and more accurate technical perspective. We have also considered analysing the first hurdle, because the actual jump on the first hurdle can be influenced by the variant chosen among the two, by the athlete. We support the idea that the method of starting the 13.79 m within the 110 m hurdles may be called a style, because it represents the particular approach to the race, chosen by each athlete, depending on particularities, somatic indicators and the athlete’s comfort. In this paper, we underlined both the advantages and the downsides of the 7-step and the 8-step approach. We have concluded that most top runners of the recent years have approached and have had notable results usingthe 7-step technique.

Genetic Basis for the Dominance of Israeli Long-Distance Runners of Ethiopian Origin.

Ben-Zaken, S, Meckel, Y, Nemet, D, Kassem, E, and Eliakim, A. Genetic basis for the dominance of Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1885-1896, 2021-Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin have a major influence on the track and field long-distance record table. The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic characteristics contribute to this long-distance dominance. We assessed polymorphisms in genes related to endurance (PPARD T/C), endurance trainability (ACSL A/G), speed (ACTN3 R/X), strength (AGT T/C), and the recovery from training (MTC1 A/T and IL6 G/C) among top Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin (n = 37), Israeli non-Ethiopian origin runners of Caucasian origin (n = 76), and Israeli nonathletic controls (n = 55). Israeli runners of Ethiopian origin had a greater frequency of the PPARD CC + PARGC1A Gly/Gly polymorphism, associated with improved endurance performance, compared with Israeli runners of non-Ethiopian origins (24 vs. 3%, respectively, p < 0.01); a lower frequency of the ACSL AA polymorphism, favoring endurance trainability (8 vs. 20%, respectively, p < 0.05); a greater frequency of the ACTN3 RR polymorphism, associated with sprint performance (35 vs. 20%, respectively, p < 0.05); a greater frequency of the MCT1 AA genotype, associated with improved lactate transport (65 vs. 45%, respectively, p < 0.05); and a lower frequency of IL-6 174C carriers, associated with reduced postexercise muscle damage (27 vs. 40%, respectively, p < 0.01). There was no difference in the frequency of AGT T/C gene polymorphism between the long-distance runners of Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian origin. Frequencies of PPARD CC + PARGC1A Gly/Gly, MCT1 AA, IL-6 174C, and AGT polymorphism were significantly favorable among Ethiopian, but not among non-Ethiopian, origin runners compared with controls. Taken together, results suggest that genetically, the dominance of Israeli long-distance runners of Ethiopian origin relates not only to endurance polymorphisms but also to polymorphisms associated with enhanced speed performance and better training recovery ability.

Top runner program in China: A theoretical analysis for potential subsidies

This article focuses on energy efficiency subsidy to “top runners” (high energy efficiency firms) in China. By game theory approach, some interesting conclusions are achieved. Firstly, a subsidy stimulates subsidized firms' output and profits. Secondly, a subsidy to “top runners” will reduce total emission. Thirdly, both the environmental effects of market structure and the number of subsidized firms are captured. Finally, under asymmetric information condition, we give the values of subsidy budget to identify firms' energy efficiency. In summary, this article supports the theoretic analysis of potential subsidy for TOP RUNNER program in China.

Redefining the Values of Robotics and Automation [President's Message

One of the happiest opportunities of being an IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) president is hearing past success history from many top runners because I feel I realize the wisdom behind it. My recent questions are how the RAS was established and what the motivation was. According to many people, they wanted to redefine the axes of the values of this research area.

The Decline In Marathon Performance Begins At About 35 Years Of Age In Top Runners.

The Decline In Marathon Performance Begins At About 35 Years Of Age In Top Runners.

High Performance Technology of Top Runners for Industrial Equipment

High Performance Technology of Top Runners for Industrial Equipment

The Race Time Difference between Top Level and Semi Top Level Runners during the Full Marathon istance Running - In Terms of Correlative Relationship of Full Course and Every 5km Marathon Race Record is Considered -

The Race Time Difference between Top Level and Semi Top Level Runners during the Full Marathon istance Running - In Terms of Correlative Relationship of Full Course and Every 5km Marathon Race Record is Considered -

Influence of sex and level on marathon pacing strategy. Insights from the New York City race.

Different pacing profiles have been identified in the literature for endurance sporting events: the 'positive', 'negative', 'even', 'parabolic shaped' and 'variable pacing'. Most studies have focused on competitive or elite athletes (including winners) without considering more recreational runners, for many of whom the primary goal is simply to finish the event. The major city marathons provide a large heterogeneous sample to compare the pacing profiles of competitive vs. recreational runners, and thus to understand pacing more broadly. A total of 190,228 New York finishers' (69,316 women) marathon times (from 2006 to 2011) were assessed. Although all runners developed a positive pace profile, a lower variability of speed through the race was found in the top runners (coefficient of variation (CV) for speed during 5-km splits: 7.8% (men) and 6.6% (women)) compared with the less successful runners (CV ranging from 8.3 to 14.4%). Both men and women try to maintain an even pace profile along the marathon course, partly by avoiding an excessively fast start that might result in a pronounced decrease in the speed in the second half of the race.

Pacing by Winners of a 161-km Mountain Ultramarathon

To examine pacing among the most successful runners in the 161-km Western States Endurance Run (WSER) to determine if variations in segmental speed relate to performance, ambient temperature, and calendar year. Segmental speed and coefficient of variation (CV) in speed were analyzed for 10 race segments of 24 races from 1985 through 2013. Segmental speeds did not differ between the eventual winners and lead runners and only differed between the 1st and 2nd finishers in the 2nd half of the race. Mean CV in speed was lower (P < .01) for the winners (12%) than for the other top-5 finishers (14-15%). CV in speed was related (r = .80, P = .006) to finish time for the fastest 10 finish times at the WSER. Multiple linear-regression analysis revealed mean CV in speed for the top-5 runners to be related to maximum ambient temperature (coefficient =.14, P < .05) and calendar year (coefficient = -.086, P = .034). Mountain trail running is characterized by wide variations in speed, but the fastest times are achieved when speed fluctuations are limited. This is generally accomplished by the winners remaining relatively close behind the lead runners before taking the lead in the middle half of the race, and then avoiding slowing as much as the other top runners in the latter race stages. Variations in speed increase with high ambient temperatures, and the small decrease in segmental speed variability among top runners across the nearly 30 y of this study suggests that the best runners have improved at pacing this race.

Participation and performance trends of East-African runners in Swiss half-marathons and marathons held between 2000 and 2010

BackgroundThis study examined the changes in participation, performance and age of East African runners competing in half-marathons and marathons held in Switzerland between 2000 and 2010.MethodsRace times, sex, age and origin of East African versus Non-African finishers of half-marathon and marathon finishers were analyzed.ResultsAcross time, the number of Kenyan and Ethiopian finishers remained stable (P > 0.05) while the number of Non-African finishers increased for both women and men in both half-marathons and marathons (P < 0.05). In half-marathons, the top ten African women (71 ± 1.4 min) and top three (62.3 ± 0.6 min) and top ten (62.8 ± 0.4 min) African men were faster than their Non-African counterparts (P < 0.05). In marathons, however, there was no difference in race times between the top three African men (130.0 ± 0.0 min) and women (151.7 ± 2.5 min) compared to Non-African men (129.0 ± 1.0 min) and women (150.7 ± 1.2 min) (P > 0.05). In half-marathons and marathons was no difference in age between the best Non-African and the best African runners (P > 0.05).ConclusionsDuring the last decade in Switzerland, the participation of Kenyan and Ethiopian runners in half- and full- marathons remained stable. In marathons there was no difference in age and performance between the top African and the top Non-African runners. Regarding half-marathons, the top African runners were faster but not younger than the top Non-African runners. Future insight should be gained by comparing the present results with participation, performance and age trends for East African runners competing in marathons held in larger countries.

Facebooking the Egyptian elections: Framing the 2012 presidential race

Abstract While most previous research on cyberactivism in the Arab Spring, in general, and the Egyptian revolution, in particular, focused on analysing the role of social media in mobilizing the masses for political action, coordinating protest movements and rallying support for regime change. Other aspects of social media use for different purposes, such as online campaigning and framing the image of presidential candidates who are running for office and competing in elections after regime change, have been largely understudied. Similarly, most previous research which tackled framing focused on ‘news framing’, rather than ‘image framing’, or how different media can be used to create images and conceptions of different individuals or groups. Therefore, this study tries to fill these gaps in prior research through conducting a content analysis of the Facebook pages of the five top runners in the Egyptian presidential race of 2012 to find out how and why they used them to frame their own images online before, during and after the elections. In doing so, it revealed how this process was influenced by several factors, such as emerging events, and how it had distinct functions, such as asserting the unique identity of each candidate, juxtaposing and comparing the ‘self’ to the ‘Others’, and launching attacks on other candidates.

Maritime Community and its Human Resource Mobility

In the maritime community, a runner-up will undertake this typical process to catch up with the front runner; first, as a nation's economy grows its domestic crew costs rise, creating a gap with those abroad, which in turn depresses the international competitiveness of shipping companies. Then, to maintain their economic strength, shipping companies have their ships fly a “flag of convenience” relying on increasing amounts of cheap foreign labour. As a result, the nation gradually loses domestic seafarers, which, in the worst case, leads to a depletion of national human resource needed for its maritime cluster to continue to exist. In that sense, the personnel shortage issue is a fate for top runners in the marine transport world, where international competitiveness is inevitable. The Japanese maritime sector is just facing this issue. In this paper, the current situation in the maritime sector and its dependence on foreign labour, the cause and process of the change and the problems of the outcomes are explained, and the possible solutions in terms of the social mechanism of personnel development and utilization are discussed.

Examining fuel economy and carbon standards for light vehicles

This paper examines fuel economy and carbon standards for light vehicles (passenger cars and light trucks), discussing the rationale for standards, appropriate degrees of stringency and timing, regulatory structure, and ways to deal with “real world” fuel economy issues that may not be dealt with by the standards. There is no optimum method of establishing the stringency of a standard, but policymakers can be informed by analyses of technology cost-effectiveness from the viewpoint of different actors (e.g., society, vehicle purchasers) and of “top runners”—vehicles in the current fleet, or projections of future leading vehicles, that can serve as models for average vehicles some years later. The focus of the paper is on the US light vehicle fleet, with some discussion of applications to the European Union. A “leading edge” midsize car for the 2020 timeframe is identified, and various types of attribute-based standards are discussed. For the US, a 12–15 year target for new vehicle fleet improvement of 30–50% seems a reasonable starting point for negotiations. For 2030 or so, doubling current fuel economy is possible. In both cases, adjustments must be made in response to changing economic circumstances and government and societal priorities.

乗用車の１０・１５モード燃費の向上による実燃費の推移に関する統計解析

The aim of this study is to analyse the diffusion effect of passenger vehicles that achieved the fuel consumption standard under the Top Runners Approach towards the improvement of stock-based fuel consumption in actual use (actual fuel consumption). In order to investigate the actual fuel consumption with high statistical reliability, we have put focus upon voluntary reported fuel consumption log data collected from all over Japan for 54 months by a certain mobile phone contents provider and have established an actual fuel consumption database of passenger vehicles. The results of statistical analyses using the database show that actual fuel consumption can be explained by vehicle weight and that actual fuel consumption of gasoline-fuelled passenger vehicles is significantly improving every year compared with that of FY2001. The validity of the actual fuel consumption obtained from the database is confirmed by comparing with the actual fuel consumption estimated from existing transport statistics.

906 機械学会発電用原子力設備規格の現状・展望と材料力学部門への期待(社会貢献フォーラム:材料力学研究者の社会貢献と規格化・標準化)

Developments of novel design criteria with advanced research of strength are the basis of original structures and the foundation of industrial competitiveness. Our country is now one of top runners in the industries of energy and power plants, and our standards should be international one. Looking back the epoch-making codes in industrial fields, future trends of new codes and expectations for advanced research and developments are considered.