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Purpose: This study compared the effects of polarized running training adapted to the menstrual cycle (MC) phases versus polarized training adapted contrary to the MC on endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters. Methods: Thirty-three naturally menstruating, moderately trained females (age: 26 ± 4 years; BMI: 22.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2; V ˙ O2max/rel: 40.35 ± 4.61 ml/min/kg) were randomly assigned to a control (CON) and intervention (INT) group. Both groups participated in a load-matched eight-week running training intervention. In the INT, high-intensity sessions were aligned with the mid and late follicular phase, low-intensity sessions with the early and mid-luteal phase, and recovery with the late luteal and early follicular phase. In the CON, high-intensity sessions were matched to the late luteal and early follicular phase, and recovery to the mid and late follicular phase. Endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Twenty-six females completed the intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA determined no time × group interaction effect for any parameter. A significant time effect was found for maximal oxygen uptake (F(1,12) = 18.753, p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.630), the velocity at the ventilatory threshold one (F(1,12) = 10.704, p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.493) and two (F(1,12) = 7.746, p =.018, ηp2 =.413). Conclusion: The training intervention improved endurance performance in both groups, with no further benefit observed from the MC-adapted polarized training in a group-based analysis. Replications with an extended intervention period, a larger sample size, and a more reliable MC determination are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed trains running on ballasted tracks intensify the vibration of ballast layers to a greater extent than conventional passenger trains, with detrimental effects to train operations. The stabilisation effect of the geogrid in real railways under high-speed train moving loads remains unclear. Herein, full-scale model tests on a ballasted trackbed with and without geogrid were conducted, and a novel sequential loading system was adopted to apply the train moving loads. The highest train speeds were 300 km/h for the ballasted track without geogrid, and 360 km/h for the ballasted track with geogrid. To monitor the geogrid tension strain, distributed fibre Bragg grating sensors were mounted on the geogrid ribs. It was found that the maximum geogrid tension strain between neighbouring sleepers was six times larger than that beneath the sleepers. The geogrid influence zone in the ballast layer was identified as being at least 15 cm above the geogrid. The dynamic stress on the subballast surface was decreased by about 49% in the stabilised trackbed. The testing results also showed that geogrid stabilisation could reduce ballast breakage from 14·9% to 2·5% and reduce the permanent settlement of ballast layer by 40%. The experimental results presented in the paper provide a benchmark for geogrid-stabilisation modelling and will be referenced for the optimal design of ballasted tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the importance of accurately forecasting contagion dynamics and learning infection parameters into sharp focus. At the same time, effective policy-making requires knowledge of the uncertainty on such predictions, in order, for instance, to be able to ready hospitals and intensive care units for a worst-case scenario without needlessly wasting resources. In this work, we apply a novel and powerful computational method to the problem of learning probability densities on contagion parameters and providing uncertainty quantification for pandemic projections. Using a neural network, we calibrate an ODE model to data of the spread of COVID-19 in Berlin in 2020, achieving both a significantly more accurate calibration and prediction than Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-based sampling schemes. The uncertainties on our predictions provide meaningful confidence intervals e.g. on infection figures and hospitalisation rates, while training and running the neural scheme takes minutes where MCMC takes hours. We show convergence of our method to the true posterior on a simplified SIR model of epidemics, and also demonstrate our method's learning capabilities on a reduced dataset, where a complex model is learned from a small number of compartments for which data is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study it's a providing an update of the profile of very high-speed running (VHSR) of professional female football players. In this study 23 official matches of the Spanish First Division of Women´s Football were analysed. A total of 15 players participated, who were classified according to their location on the matches played: central-corridor (CCP, n = 7), and lateral-corridor (LCP, n = 8). The variables recorded were: 1) Very High-Speed Running (VHSR), considering the accumulated distance, duration, and frequency, and the individual characteristics of the efforts (distance and duration); 2) Recovery between efforts (VHSRe) and; 3) VMAX. The results show that LCP described higher values in accumulative VHSR and VHSR by distance bands, with greater distances, durations and VMAX of VHSRe, with less recovery between efforts. There seems to be an evolutionary trend in the distribution of the efforts, with a higher % of efforts in the 10–20 m band. The results provide useful information that coaching staff of professional women's football teams could use to design specific very high-speed running training to optimize performance in competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact between the wheel and the rail heavily affects the dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles and their running safety. The real-time knowledge of wheel-rail contact forces is tricky due to the several running conditions of the train and the combined tribological and wear characteristics of wheels and rails. Furthermore, their measurement and that of track irregularities, sensitive to the harshness of the wheel-rail contact, require dedicated sensors. Therefore, the development of strategies for estimating wheel-rail contact features is essential to perform the condition monitoring of rails to improve the safety related to the entire railway system. A nonlinear model-based estimation procedure, based on a Central Difference Kalman Filter, is proposed in this work to estimate the lateral wheel-rail contact forces and moments, including the identification of lateral track irregularities in the estimation process related to rails. Furthermore, the developed estimation technique can be used as a tool to monitor continuously the track conditions through in-service railway vehicles, coupled with the possibility to improve the effectiveness of control systems onboard them by estimating wheel-rail contact interactions through a model-based estimator, which is fed by measurements obtained by the typical set of sensors adopted for condition monitoring purposes on railway vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Animal models can help understand human physiological responses, including the response to exercise and physical activity. However, many of these models incorporate noxious stimuli for various scientific purposes. We propose a noxious stimuli-free treadmill running training program for Rattus norvegicus species to study adaptations to aerobic exercise. Methods: In this study, rats were randomly allocated to training (n = 20) and sedentary (n = 20) groups. The training group underwent a program consisting of 30–50 min of treadmill running at 60% intensity, three times per week for 8 weeks. Maximum speed tasks (Tmax) were conducted to determine, adjust, and evaluate changes in fitness conditions. The rats had one week of familiarization with the treadmill, and a rubber ball was used at the back wall of the lane as a painless stimulus to encourage running. All assessments were conducted by two independent researchers in a double-blind manner, with data analysis conducted by a third-blind investigator. Results: A significant effect of time (η2p = 0.430, p < 0.001, large effect) could be found, showing differences between Tmax1 and Tmax2, and between Tmax1 and Tmax3 in both groups. The training group significantly outperformed the sedentary group (η2p = 0.266, p < 0.001, large effect). There was a significant interaction between time and condition (η2p = 0.152, p < 0.001, large effect). Conclusions: The proposed moderate-intensity treadmill running program could effectively differentiate between trained and sedentary conditions within both the short period of 4 weeks and the extended period of 8 weeks. This protocol can be used as a model for running on a treadmill for Rattus norvegicus species without the use of noxious stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deep learning (DL) frameworks, a checkpoint operation is widely used to store intermediate variable values (e.g., weights, biases, and gradients) on storage media. This operation helps to reduce the recovery time of running a machine learning (ML) model after sudden power failures or random crashes. However, the checkpoint operation can stall the overall training step of the running model and waste expensive hardware resources by leaving the GPU in idle sleep during the checkpoint operation. In addition, the completion time of the checkpoint operation is unpredictable in cloud server environments (e.g., AWS and Azure) because excessive I/O operations issued by other running applications interfere with the checkpoint operations in the storage stacks. To efficiently address the above two problems, we carefully designed Check-QZP, which reduces the amount of data required for checkpoint operations and parallelizes executions on the CPU and GPU by understanding the internal behaviors of the training step. For the evaluation, we implemented Check-QZP and compared it with the traditional approach in real-world multi-tenant scenarios. In the evaluation, Check-QZP outperformed the baseline in all cases in terms of the overall checkpoint time and the amount of data generated by the checkpoint operations, reducing them by up to 87.5% and 99.8%, respectively. In addition, Check-QZP achieved superior training speeds compared to the baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A think aloud (TA) protocol was used to explore whether thought processes and attentional focus differed between well-trained, trained, and recreationally-trained runners across a 5km tempo run. Eighteen runners completed a self-paced 5km tempo treadmill run. Participants were asked to TA and provided their ratings of perceived exertion alongside breathlessness, cognitive demands and lower-body effort, every 1 km. Verbalisations were coded using content analysis into categories and sub-categories and were compared across groups and over every kilometre of the run. Speed and Rate of Perceived Exertion scores increased over the 5km but there were no significant differences across groups. The nature of verbalisations for categories and sub-categories varied across groups with the majority of the well-trained runner's thoughts relating to active self-regulation, while internal sensory monitoring was used most frequently by the trained runners and distraction was most widely verbalised by the recreationally-trained group. There was a statistically significant difference between the use of active self-regulation across groups, with differences also seen for the sub-categories of running form and motivational self-talk. The number of verbalisations across categories changed over time, but there was no statistically significant interaction with group. Results highlight active self-regulatory differences between well-trained, trained and recreationally-trained runners in the study, suggesting that it is likely not just exposure to running that enables runners to develop effective psychological skills. Findings could be used by coaches to offer targeted support and opportunities for lower-level runners to develop effective cognitive skills to impact on performance and running adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study compared the weekly training load (TL) variation across different measures. Fifty-two runners reported their heart rate and distance ran for each training session during four weeks of training. Heart rate measures were used to calculate the weekly TRaining IMPulse (W-TRIMP), whereas the distance ran was used to calculate the weekly distance covered (W-DIST). At the end of each week, participants reported their weekly perceived TL (W-RPE). W-DIST was analyzed alone and combined with W-RPE and W-TRIMP. The weekly overall TL variation was compared using paired-t tests. Compared to W-DIST, the W-RPE (ES: −0.29), W-DIST combined with W-RPE (ES: −0.40) and W-DIST combined with W-TRIMP (ES: −0.31) presented a significant difference in week-to-week overall TL variation. Our results suggest that running coach and athletes include, at minimum, an RPE-based TL measure combined with W-DIST in their training routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study aims to examine changes in the lower limb joint kinematic profile and performance stability induced by repeated ski runs in two world‐class alpine skiers. Two Olympic medallist alpine skiers were tested during their slalom training, with continuous recording of right knee and hip angles, along with turn time and run time. The eight runs of the training session were analysed with linear mixed models. Results showed no effect of runs repetition on performance (i.e., run and turn time; P ≥ 0.279). There was no global effect of runs repetition on minimal and maximal angles for either the knee or the hip (P > 0.151). There was an interaction between run and leg for the maximal angle of both the knee and hip (P ≤ 0.047), which increased across runs for the outside leg and decreased for the inside leg. The maximal angular velocity for both the knee and hip increased with runs repetition in extension (P ≤ 0.028). There were no overall changes in maximal angular velocity in flexion with runs repetition (P ≥ 0.264), but there was an interaction between run and leg for the knee (P < 0.001) due to faster eccentric velocities across runs for the outside leg and slower velocities for the inside leg. In conclusion, the observed joint kinematic alterations without concomitant performance impairment support the concept of multiple movement strategies in athletes to achieve similar performance, especially under fatigue conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating running gait coordination assessment into athlete monitoring systems could provide unique insight into training tolerance and fatigue-related gait alterations. This study investigated the impact of an overload training intervention and recovery on running gait coordination assessed by field-based self-testing. Fifteen trained distance runners were recruited to perform 1-week of light training (baseline), 2 weeks of heavy training (high intensity, duration, and frequency) designed to overload participants, and a 10-day light taper to allow recovery and adaptation. Field-based running assessments using ankle accelerometry and online short recovery and stress scale (SRSS) surveys were completed daily. Running performance was assessed after each training phase using a maximal effort multi-stage running test-to-exhaustion (RTE). Gait coordination was assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) of a stride interval time series. Two participants withdrew during baseline training due to changed personal circumstances. Four participants withdrew during heavy training due to injury. The remaining nine participants completed heavy training and were included in the final analysis. Heavy training reduced DFA values (standardised mean difference (SMD) = −1.44 ± 0.90; p = 0.004), recovery (SMD = −1.83 ± 0.82; p less than 0.001), performance (SMD = −0.36 ± 0.32; p = 0.03), and increased stress (SMD = 1.78 ± 0.94; p = 0.001) compared to baseline. DFA values (p = 0.73), recovery (p = 0.77), and stress (p = 0.73) returned to baseline levels after tapering while performance trended towards improvement from baseline (SMD = 0.28 ± 0.37; p = 0.13). Reduced DFA values were associated with reduced performance (r2 = 0.55) and recovery (r2 = 0.55) and increased stress (r2 = 0.62). Field-based testing of running gait coordination is a promising method of monitoring training tolerance in running athletes during overload training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood lactate concentration during exercise is a reliable indicator of energy metabolism and endurance performance. Lactate is also present in sweat, and sweating plays an important role in thermoregulation, especially in hot conditions. Recently, wearable sensors have enabled the real-time and noninvasive measurement of sweat lactate concentration, potentially serving as an alternative indicator of blood lactate response. However, the evidence regarding the relationship between sweat and blood lactate responses during incremental exercise in hot conditions is lacking. In a randomized cross-over design, six highly trained male runners completed two incremental treadmill tests under normal (20°C/50%RH) or hot (30°C/50%RH) conditions. The tests include 3-min running stages and 1-min recovery, starting at 12 km/h and increasing by 1 km/h at each stage. Blood and sweat lactate concentrations were measured at each stage to determine blood and sweat lactate thresholds (LT). Blood lactate concentrations were higher under hot conditions (p < 0.01), but there was no difference in the response pattern or velocity at blood LT between conditions. Significant early increase (p < 0.01) in sweat lactate and low velocity at sweat LT (p < 0.05) were observed under hot conditions. A significant correlation between blood and sweat lactate concentrations was found under normal conditions (p < 0.001) but not under hot conditions, and no significant correlations were observed between the velocity at blood and sweat LT. In conclusion, sweat lactate concentration does not consistently reflect blood lactate concentration during incremental exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in 2019 to evaluate the effects of endurance training, especially on long-distance runners, on the endurance of these athletes. Experimental and control groups were formed in the study and the characteristics of these groups are as follows. The age range of the athletes in the group participating in the experiment was 18-22 and their number was 40 in total. The athletes in the study group were divided into 20 experimental and 20 control groups. Before and at the end of the training period, 30m sprint, Cooper test and subcutaneous fat measurements in three areas performed. And the control group was given free exercise for one day for one hour for 12 weeks. The training period was set as ‘’4 days in the first two weeks and 3 days in the other weeks’’ for 12 weeks and the experimental group was motivated for willingness before the each studies. In the evaluation, a significant difference was found in developmentally aerobic power, 12min Cooper running, between the control and experimental groups (P<0.01). When we evaluated the experimental and control groups in terms of sprint test, the difference in development between them was found to be significant (P <0.01). The difference between the experimental group and the control group in body fat percentage was statistically significant (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents our efforts and subsequent reflections in attempting to make Foucauldian theory accessible and relevant to a group of high-performance endurance-running coaches within the context of a coach development intravention and Foucauldian inspired workshop series. Specifically, we reflect upon our efforts to introduce coaches to Foucauldian ideas and concepts such as the knowledge–power–practice triad and upon the tensions we experienced in doing so. These tensions were related to the power of the theory–practice divide to set expectations around what it means to be an effective coach developer and a high-performance coach but also in the main related to our intentions regarding a broader shift in the coaches' thinking concerning the influence of a number of social forces in the formation of their practices. We contend that coaching scholars invested in mobilizing ways of knowing underpinned by a different logic (e.g., relationally informed ways of knowing) within coaching and coach development settings would benefit from a deeper understanding of the politics of sports coaching knowledge and practice and how relations of power–knowledge impact learning within pedagogical contexts. Such an awareness, we believe, would in turn support more targeted pedagogical frameworks, practices, and strategies specifically aimed at disrupting established relations of power–knowledge and related problematic binary understandings such as the theory–practice divide which stand in the way of more diverse and ethical knowledge production processes in sports coaching and coach development work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidisciplinary sports like triathlons require combining training for three different sports, and it is unclear how triathlon coaches manage this. During a 10-week period, we provided four age-group triathlon coaches with summary reports of the training completed by their athletes (n = 10) in the previous week. Coaches were then asked if the information provided to them was used to inform training prescription for the following week. The information provided to coaches included relative acute training load (rATL) and training stress scores (TSSs). Weekly fluctuations in rATL of >10% (spikes) were 83% (swim), 74% (bike) and 87% (run). Coaches adapted training loads for the upcoming week in 25% of all rATLs reported, and only 5% (swim), 33% (bike) and 9% (run) of the adjusted loads avoided spikes. Consequently, there were 22 single-discipline acute training load spikes vs. 14 spikes when combining all three disciplines. Only 1.5% of training was lost to injury, mostly after a large running-based training load spike (>30%). Coaches largely overlooked the information provided in the report when prescribing exercise for the following week, and when adjusted, it failed to bring weekly load variability <10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Becoming an elite canoe slalom athlete requires thousands of hours of training, spread over many years. It is difficult to assess the correct balance between flatwater and whitewater training because differences in the paddle forces on these terrains are not known. The aim of this study was to describe paddle forces during canoe slalom training on flatwater and whitewater courses for the C1 canoe category. Methods: Paddle forces for twenty C1 canoe slalom athletes were quantified during all-out figure-of-eight tests on a flatwater course and during race simulations on a whitewater course. Paddle forces were measured using strain gauges embedded in the paddle shaft and quantified by their force, impulse, and stroke durations. Results: The mean force during the pull phase of the paddle strokes was not significantly different between the flatwater and whitewater courses; however, the longer pull phase durations led to a greater pull phase impulse when paddling on the whitewater course. Conclusions: This study indicates that training for all-out runs on a whitewater course is more demanding for canoe slalom athletes than performing all-out trials on a flatwater figure-of-eight course. This evidence may help to develop effective training plans that are essential to reach the highest levels of the sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Physical activity may cause an imbalance in the major functions of the human body. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance running training on the parameters of the antioxidant defense system (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH), LPO (malondialdehyde, MDA), and stress hormones (A, NA) in young healthy, previously untrained men. (2) Methods: The training program was as follows: 8 weeks of running, three times per week; the duration of a single session was 30–70 min, the intensity was twice a week in the so-called extensive endurance zone, and once a week in the anaerobic threshold zone. Blood samples were collected from the subjects, before and after the running program. (3) Results: The training program resulted in a significant increase in maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). The activities of SOD, GPx, and GR also increased significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively), while CAT activity and GSH and MDA concentrations remained unchanged. The concentration of A decreased (p < 0.05), while the NA concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05). SOD, GPx, GR, and NA positively correlated with VO2max (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively), while a negative correlation was detected between A and VO2max (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: These results indicate that there is no persistent oxidative stress in response to the applied 8-week running program, probably due to exercise-induced protective alterations in the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, adaptations occurred at the hormonal level, making the organism more ready for a new challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development tendency of lightweight and higher-speed regarding trains goes against the safety and comfort requirement of high-speed trains, especially in the scenario of the train running on bridges within crosswind environments. Wind barriers have been proven to be an effective measure to guarantee the train's operation security. In this paper, a new type of wind barrier consisting of the fence-type wind barrier form and open hole-type wind barrier form has been proposed. Then, a series of wind tunnel tests about the large-scale section model of a large-span suspension bridge installed with different wind barriers have been conducted. The effects of three different forms of wind barrier including fence-type, open hole-type, and combined-type on the aerodynamic characteristics of the train-bridge system have been analyzed. The windproofing effectiveness and the protection mechanism of the combined-type wind barrier on the train-bridge system have been revealed through the measured aerodynamic characteristics. The results show that the installation of open hole-type, fence-type, and combined-type wind barriers at a height of 4 m and a ventilation rate of 19% yields a maximum reduction in the train drag coefficient of 67.70%, 72.92%, and 97.21%, respectively. Moreover, the combined-type wind barrier can improve the train-bridge system's aerodynamic performance and trains' running safety on bridges when comparing with the open hole-type and fence-type wind barriers. The proposed combined-type wind barrier can provide a more efficiency and practical way for the high-speed train's running safety on the bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The derailment of a high‐speed train is a complex and uncertain dynamic process, especially under running conditions where the derailment index lacks comprehensive experimental validation. This research focuses on elucidating the mechanism of an earthquake‐induced train derailment and validating the structural response‐based spectrum intensity derailment index. To achieve this, a multi‐array shaking table system was utilized to test the safety of a running train and to physically replicate train derailment process under severe earthquake impact. We investigated the vibration characteristics and derailment progression of trains operating at different speeds, exposed to earthquakes of varying frequencies and intensities. In stationary derailments, significant wheelset lift was observed due to lateral rolling vibrations. However, in running test cases, there was no separation between the wheels and rails. Instead, the wheels underwent a long period of climbing and descending on the rails, similar to damped single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillations. As the wheel climbed the rail and reached a critical potential energy point, the wheel flange of the wheel could potentially fall due to gravity or come off the rail due to external disturbances. The critical potential energy could be represented by the spectrum intensity threshold, and the prediction results aligned well with the derailment test results for both stationary and running trains. Furthermore, the method of determining train derailment based on structural responses was consistent with the test results. The spectrum intensity index shows strong positive correlations with other wheel‐force‐related indicators, albeit adopting a conservative perspective, reinforcing its efficacy in assessing train safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uneven subgrade settlement affects the running of high-speed trains on slab tracks. However, the dynamics for the coupling system under subgrade settlement lack in-depth research. A nonlinear train-CRTS III slab track coupling dynamic model under uneven subgrade settlement, which considers the interface contact nonlinearity, is developed in ANSYS and validated by a MATLAB program. The initial track statuses and system dynamics under different settlement amplitudes and positions are extensively researched and analyzed using the model. Some conclusions are drawn: (1) Voids occur in slab track with large subgrade settlements, and nonlinear contact elements are needed to model them. (2) The ratios of initial statuses of slab track induced by uneven subgrade settlement are high for most items. (3) The maximum response distributions differ for different items. Some occur around the settlement boundaries. (4) The effect laws of settlement amplitude and position on the system dynamics differ for different items. (5) The tension force of fastener, tension stress of concrete base, and pressure stress on subgrade will exceed the allowable value when the uneven settlement amplitudes exceed 17, 11, and 18mm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to (a) correlate the weekly external training load with the game running performance in season microcycles and (b) specify the optimal training/game ratio of the weekly external load in elite youth soccer players. The total distance (TD), the high-speed running distance (HSRD) (19.8–25.2 km/h), the ZONE6 distance (>25.2 km/h), the acceleration (ACC) (≥+2 m/s2), and the deceleration (DEC) (≥−2 m/s2) were monitored with global positioning system (GPS) technology throughout 18 microcycles and official games. TD had a very high positive correlation average (r = 0.820, p = 0.001), the HSRD had a high positive correlation average (r = 0.658, p = 0.001), the ZONE6 distance and DEC had a moderate positive correlation average ((r = 0.473, p = 0.001) and (r = 0.478, p = 0.001), respectively), and the ACC had a low positive correlation average (r = 0.364, p = 0.001) between microcycles and games. Regarding the training/game ratio, the HSRD showed statistically significant differences between ratios 1.43 and 2.60 (p = 0.012, p ≤ 0.05), the ACC between ratios 2.42 and 4.45 (p = 0.050, p ≤ 0.05) and ratios 3.29 and 4.45 (p = 0.046, p ≤ 0.05), and the DEC between ratios 2.28 and 3.94 (p = 0.034, p ≤ 0.05). Considering the correlation between weekly training and game external load, high weekly training TD values correspond to higher game values, whereas HSRD, ZONE6 distance, ACC, and DEC, which determine training intensity, should be trained in a specific volume. Training/game ratios of 1.43, 2.42 to 3.29, and 2.28 to 3.11 seem to be optimal for HSRD, ACC, and DEC weekly training, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training to run is not straightforward since without proper personalised supervision and planning, people will not improve their performance and will increase the risk of injuries. This study aims to identify the different factors that influence running training programmes, examining the benefits, challenges or limitations of personalised plans. Moreover, this study explores how multimodal, immersive and artificial intelligence technologies can support personalised training. We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed research consisting of interviews with 11 running coaches from different countries and a survey of 12 running coaches. Based on the interviews and survey analysis, we identified and extracted relevant factors of the training process. We identified four relevant aspects for running training: physical, technical, mental and body awareness. Using these aspects as a reference, we derived a framework using a bottom‐up approach. This framework proposes multimodal, immersive and artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate personalised running training. It also allows coaches to personally guide their athletes on each aspect. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Running is a popular sport that provides health benefits and is practised by many people around the world.Training is a process that enables athletes to improve their development in various aspects of their sport; in the case of running, it helps them to increase their speed and endurance.Personalised training supports the needs and abilities of athletes, by helping them to achieve their potential through individualised activities or programmes.Sports science research indicates that personalised training can be improved by applying technology to tackle its challenges and limitations.What this paper adds We show that personalising the training requires not only focusing on the runners' physical condition but also on their mental, technical and body awareness aspects, where each of them has a different adaptation to training.We show that multimodal and immersive technologies offer suitable and portable ways to measure and target the mental and body awareness aspects during running training.Implications for practice and/or policy This paper presents a list of factors, measures and devices that coaches can use to plan and design their training sessions in a more personalised manner.This study can serve as a foundation for future research that aims to identify and target the various factors that influence the learning and training of sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Applying whole-body electromyostimulation (wbEMS) to voluntary activation of the muscle is known to impact motor unit recruitment. Thus, wbEMS as an additional training stimulus enhances force-related capacities. This study aimed to evaluate the mono- and multiarticular strength adaptations to a running intervention with wbEMS compared to running without wbEMS. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 59 healthy participants (32 female/ 27 male, 41 ± 7 years) with minor running experience conducted an eight-week running intervention (2x/ week à 20 min) with a wbEMS suit (EG) or without wbEMS (control group, CG). Maximal isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength and jump height during countermovement jumps were recorded prior and after the intervention to assess maximal strength and power. Results: Following eight weeks of running, maximal isokinetic knee extension torque decreased significantly over time for both interventions (EG Δ -4%, CG Δ -4%; F(1, 44.14) = 5.96, p = 0.02, η = 0.12). No changes were observed for flexion torque (F(1, 43.20) = 3.93, p = 0.05, η = 0.08) or jump height (F(1, 43.04) = 0.32, p = 0.57, η = 0.01). Conclusions: The outcomes indicate that there is no additional effect over neuromuscular function adaptations with the inclusion of wbEMS during running training. Knee extensor strength is even slightly reduced which supports the principle of training specificity in regards to strength adaptation. We conclude that strength improvements cannot be achieved by running with wbEMS. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, ID DRKS00026827, date 10/26/21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the in-situ accomplishment of travelling together during the turbulent times of a global pandemic. It expands the literature on the Mobile Risk Society to enquire into the dispersed, situated management of risk of contagion in public transport. Particularly, it suggests combining the grand theory and epochal account for risk assumed by Beck with a Foucauldian governmentality-perspective that understands risk management as the numerous endeavours to steer and manage the conduct of passengers as well as, importantly, the passengers' conduct of themselves. Appropriating ethnomethodological categorisation analysis, the paper analyses video footage from inside train carriages running in the north region of Denmark during the pandemic and points out the fine-grained details of passengers' interactional negotiation and fulfilment of the train company's risk-management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of the argument in this paper is to present a summary of the implementation of the Free the Energy! project, the main goal of which was to promote physical activity as one of the important components of a healthy lifestyle and one of the elements of building a sustainable organization. Design/methodology/approach: In the theoretical part of the paper, the definitions of the concept of sustainable development and sustainable organizations, as well as physical activity as one of the main components of a healthy lifestyle, are presented synthetically. The research part presents a summary of the implementation of the Free the Energy! project, the main goal of which was to promote physical activity as one of the important components of a healthy lifestyle and one of the elements of building a sustainable organization. The empirical research conducted independently by members of the research team in the form of a case study was devoted to achieving the research objectives. The following selection methods were used: document analysis (regulations, University of Lodz strategy, project reports) and semistructured, in-depth interviews conducted with participants of running training carried out as part of the “Free the Energy!” Findings: The analysis of the research results confirms the achievement of the goals of Free the Energy! project. The project activities achieved the main goals, i.e. promoting physical activity as one of the main components of a healthy lifestyle and one of the elements of building a sustainable organization. Additionally, the activities undertaken as part of the project had a positive impact on improving the image of the University of Lodz. Social implications: Building awareness among the academic community of what sustainable development is and how to implement sustainable development goals. Practical implications: The results of the research discussed in the paper have many practical implications, which may be an indication for other universities of what selected initiatives to undertake in the area of sustainable development. Originality/value: The paper reveals new aspects that play a crucial role in shaping sustainable universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document presents a study on the relationship between physical characteristics, respiratory muscle capacity, and performance in amateur halfmarathon runners. The aim of this study was to establish a preliminary predictive model to provide insights into training and health management for runners. Participants were recruited from the 2023 Beijing Olympic Forest Park Half-Marathon, comprising 233 individuals. Personal information including age, gender, height, weight, and other relevant factors were collected, and standardized testing methods were used to measure various parameters. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between gender, height, weight, maximum expiratory pressure, maximal inspiratory pressure, and halfmarathon performance. Several regression equations were developed to estimate the performance of amateur marathon runners, with a focus on gender, weight, maximum expiratory pressure, and height as predictive factors. The study found that respiratory muscle training can delay muscle fatigue and improve athletic performance. Evaluating the level of respiratory muscle capacity in marathon athletes is crucial for defining the potential speed limitations and achieving optimal performance. The information from this study can assist amateur runners in optimizing their training methods and maintaining their physical wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the potential of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to serve as Reduced Order Models (ROMs) for simulating the flow field within stirred tank reactors (STRs). We solve the two-dimensional stationary Navier-Stokes equations within a geometrically intricate domain and explore methodologies that allow us to integrate additional physical insights into the model. These approaches include imposing the Dirichlet boundary conditions (BCs) strongly and employing domain decomposition (DD), with both overlapping and non-overlapping subdomains. We adapt the Extended Physics-Informed Neural Network (XPINN) approach to solve different sets of equations in distinct subdomains based on the diverse flow characteristics present in each region. Our exploration results in a hierarchy of models spanning various levels of complexity, where the best models exhibit $ \ell_1 $ prediction errors of less than 1% for both pressure and velocity. To illustrate the reproducibility of our approach, we track the errors over repeated independent training runs of the best identified model and show its reliability. Subsequently, by incorporating the stirring rate as a parametric input, we develop a fast-to-evaluate model of the flow capable of interpolating across a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Although we exclusively restrict ourselves to STRs in this work, we conclude that the steps taken to obtain the presented model hierarchy can be transferred to other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present Svetlana (SuperVised sEgmenTation cLAssifier for NapAri), an open-source Napari plugin dedicated to the manual or automatic classification of segmentation results. A few recent software tools have made it possible to automatically segment complex 2D and 3D objects such as cells in biology with unrivaled performance. However, the subsequent analysis of the results is oftentimes inaccessible to non-specialists. The Svetlana plugin aims at going one step further, by allowing end-users to label the segmented objects and to pick, train and run arbitrary neural network classifiers. The resulting network can then be used for the quantitative analysis of biophysical phenoma. We showcase its performance through challenging problems in 2D and 3D and provide a comprehensive discussion on its strengths and limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The void of cement asphalt (CA) mortar layer will aggravate the abnormal vibration of high-speed trains at the void position and threaten the running safety. Few studies have been conducted on the effect of mortar layer void on the dynamic performance of slab track on bridges and the damage limits. Aiming at the practical problem of CA mortar layer void in track-bridge systems, a dynamic response calculation program for the train-track-bridge system is prepared based on the train-track-bridge interaction theory. A sample library of high-speed trains running performance indicators considering random initial track irregularity under CA mortar layer void conditions is constructed. The influence of void length on the dynamic performance of high-speed trains under two different CA mortar layer void conditions is investigated by means of sample upper bounds based on probability guarantee rate. The results show that the wheel load reduction rate and vertical acceleration of high-speed trains are more sensitive to changes in void length than the derailment coefficient. The effect of CA mortar layer void on the running performance index of high-speed trains is significantly enhanced after a certain critical void length value, railway maintenance should pay more attention to critical thresholds. The mid-span void and beam-end void length thresholds of CA mortar layer based on the probability guarantee rate decrease significantly with the increase in running speed while utilizing the wheel load reduction rate as the control index. However, the void position has little influence on the void length threshold. The void length threshold results can provide a basis for the CA mortar void limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The problem of developing the speed of movement and speed-strength qualities of sprinters can be solved by applying special exercises in artificially difficult training conditions. The purpose of the study is to explore the possibilities of using special training tools, in particular running in artificially difficult conditions at the stage of special physical training of sprinters of mass categories. Materials and Methods The study involved young men aged 17-19 years old in the number of 28 people who were engaged in sprint running in the athletics section at the sports school of the Olympic reserve of the city of Kirov (Russia). The pedagogical experiment began on November 5, 2022 and ended on May 24, 2023. By the method of random sampling, all athletes were differentiated into a control group that practiced according to the standard methodology for training sprinters in natural conditions of difficulty and an experimental group in which sprinters practiced in artificially created conditions of difficulty. When processing the results of the study, the Student's T-test was used. Results After the end of the pedagogical experiment, the indicators in both groups improved. The sprinters from the control group had higher scores from 1% to 3% in all tests (p>0.05). In the athletes from the experimental group, from the beginning to the end of the study, the indicators improved from 4.5% to 5.9% on all tests (p<0.05). This proves the effectiveness of using a set of exercises and load components in working with athletes in artificially created difficult exercise conditions. Conclusion If you use a special set of exercises in artificially created difficult conditions when working with sprinters aged 17-19, then the indicators of speed and strength abilities and speed of movement will significantly improve in comparison with athletes who train in natural conditions of difficulty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Live high-train high (LHTH) is suggested to improve performance, especially maximal aerobic capacity through the hypoxic adaptation responses. The present study aims to determine the impact of LHTH protocol on cardio-respiratory variables, lactate response, iron profile indices, and lung function capacities to the performance enhancement of middle-long distance (MLD) runners. Methods: Seven MLD runners were trained LHTH for six weeks at 8000ft altitude. Cardio-respiratory variables (V̇O2max, VO2/HR, VEmax, HR response), lactate response, iron profile indices (Hb, iron, UIBC, TIBC, transferrin, EPO, ferritin), and lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and VC) were measured via standard protocols. Result: Hemoglobin (Hb, 7.8%), iron concentration (36.7%), and TIBC (8.2%) were found to be significantly increased after LHTH. On the other hand, V̇O2max (6.4%) and PEF (10.7%) were found to be significantly (p<0.05) increased after camp. But HRrest (1.8%), HRrec (5min and 10min with 2.3% and 4.7% respectively), and lactate peak (7.9%) significantly decreased after LHTH condition. Discussion: All participating athletes improved performances after LHTH (overall group improved by 1.7%, individual increase up to 2.6%). Specific training load with hypoxic stress at high altitude induces peripheral chemoreceptor activation and stimulates sympathetic drive to initiate adaptive cascade leading to V̇O2max improvement (improved group mean 6.4%, individually up to 16.7%) which might be supported by enhanced erythropoiesis, iron metabolism, Hb concentrations, peak expiratory flow, glycolytic enzyme activity, enhanced oxidative capacity, improved resting and recovery HR response and peak lactate tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cities have grown, conductor rail power supplies have been widely used in the field of urban rail transit. In order to improve the running performance of trains and reduce the occurrence of accidents, it is necessary to understand the vibration of shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces and explore the dynamic performance of shoegear-rail system. Therefore, according to the structure of shoegear-rail system, a coupling model of shoegear-rail system is established in this paper. On the basis of the model, the numerical simulation of the shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces is carried out, and finally the vibration data of the shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces are obtained. The results show that with the increase of initial contact force in the range of 70–160 N, the vibration amplitude of the electric shoegear and the fluctuation amplitude of the contact force increase, but the maximum absolute shear force value of the conductor rail decreases. It indicates that the lower initial contact force, the better the performance of shoegear-rail system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The aim is to investigate the impact of large-group, motor learning–based running gait training on injury risk in United States Air Force (USAF) Basic Military Training (BMT). Design A prospective quasi-experimental program evaluation is used. Materials and Methods Medical providers taught running gait form to groups of trainees in the first week of training of BMT from August 2020 to March 2021. The main outcome measures included risk ratio of reported injuries, removal from training because of injury, and separation from service because of injury. Results Of BMT trainees, 2,205 underwent group, motor learning–based running gait training; this was compared with two intake groups (n A = 3,941 and n B = 2,041) who were only given introductions to sports medicine staff in a classroom setting. Reported pain complaints increased (χ2 = 27.4A and 20.83B, P  < .001). Risk ratios for more severe injuries necessitating time out of training or separation from USAF were reduced, although these were statistically not significant (13%, P  = .48 and 22%, P  = .29, respectively). Leadership implemented gait training across BMT, and data from the following 8 weeks of intake (n  = 6,223) demonstrated similar trends in increases in patient reports of pain (χ2 = 67.25, P  < .001) but significantly reduced risk ratios of removal from training (32%, χ2 = 16.35, P  < .001) or separation (32%, χ2 = 12.54, P  < .001). Conclusions While not previously shown to mitigate injury, large-group, running gait training was associated with a significant reduction in injury severity defined by training delays and separation from service in USAF BMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of English Teaching & Learning is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Professional rugby union players can improve their performance by engaging in small-sided games (SSGs), which simulate the movement patterns of the game. This study collected metrics related to running performance and mechanical workload and their relative values from both forward and back positions, aiming to explore the impact of different SSGs factors on athlete workload, as well as the workload difference between official games (OGs) and SSGs. Methods: The monitored GPS data were collected from SSGs with different player numbers and pitch sizes (five sessions), SSG rules (5 weeks, four sessions per week), and OGs conducted throughout the year. Additionally, the study compared changes in players' sprinting performance before and after two SSG sessions. Results: Backs had greater workload than forwards. Less space and number of players SSG (4 vs. 4, 660m²) was conducive to facilitating training for players in acceleration and deceleration. Conversely, larger spaces were associated with improved running performance. However, the introduction of a floater had no significant impact on performance improvement. Additionally, the 7 vs. 4 model (seven players engaged with four opponents) resulted in the greatest workload during medium-hard accelerations (F = 52.76-88.23, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.19-0.28). Japan touch model allowed for more high-speed running training (F = 47.93-243.55, p < 0.001, ηp² = 1.52). The workload performed by SSGs can almost cover that of OGs (F = 23.36-454.21, p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.03-0.57). In the context of ηp², values around 0.01, 0.06 and 0.14 indicate small, medium and large effects respectively. Discussion: However, given the significantly higher workload of SSGs and the slight decrease in sprinting performance, further research is required to examine the training patterns of SSGs. This study provided insight into the impact of player numbers, pitch size, and rules on rugby-specific SSGs. Coaches should optimize SSG setups for enhanced training outcomes, ensuring the long-term development of physical capacity, technical and tactical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of long-term omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation during endurance training on tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and mental state of healthy individuals have not been evaluated so far. Concentrations of plasma Trp, its metabolites and IL-6 were assessed in 26 male runners before and after a 12-week training program combined with supplementation of n-3 PUFAs (O-3 + TRAIN group) or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs; TRAIN group). After the 12-week program participants' mood before and after stress induction was also assessed. The effects of the same supplementation protocol were evaluated also in 14 inactive subjects (O-3 + SEDEN group). Concentrations of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and picolinic acid (PA) significantly increased only in the O-3 + TRAIN group (p = 0.01; η p 2 = 0.22 and p = 0.01; η p 2 = 0.26). Favorable, but not statistically significant changes in the concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA) (p = 0.06; η p 2 = 0.14), xanthurenic acid (XA) (p = 0.07; η p 2 = 0.13) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) (p = 0.06; η p 2 = 0.15) and in the ratio of neurotoxic to neuroprotective metabolites were seen also only in the O-3 + TRAIN group. No changes in mood and IL-6 concentrations were observed in either group. Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs during endurance training has beneficial effects on Trp's neuroprotective metabolites. Trial registry: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT05520437 (14/07/2021 first trial registration and 2018/31/N/NZ7/02962 second trial registration). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper establishes a simplified model of train approach at level crossings under the British standards system. On this basis, it analyzes the running state of trains approaching level crossings, to obtain the level crossing alarm time for automatic level crossings under different initial speeds. It analyzes the key influencing factors of the level crossing alarm time for train approach in the multi-level-crossing section. It also analyzes the train departure interval in the double-track multi-level-crossing section, to obtain the calculation method of the train departure interval for train operation in opposite directions. Moreover, it performs simulation calculation using MATLAB under the simulated scenario of train operation in the multi-level crossing section, to obtain the optimal train departure interval under this simulated scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although runner’s profiles were previously investigated, information on the training frequency and training distance for short (5 km, 10 km) and long-distance (>21 km) running is absent. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between training routines and exercise habits of recreational endurance runners considering self-reported preferred race distance [10 km, half-marathon (HM), and marathon/ultra-marathon (M/UM)] subgroups. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, sampling 154 recreational runners of both sexes. A web survey was used for data collection regarding age, sex, preferred distance (10-km, HM, M/UM), training routines, exercise habits, and periodized training routines. The Chi-square test (Cramer’s V) and Kruskal-Wallis test (Eta-Squared η²) with effect sizes were used for comparisons between race distances. Results: Significant differences were shown for anthropometric, training, and periodization characteristics. Highly significant differences were found between subgroups for the number of sessions, running kilometers, and training hours at all periods and within all four preparation conditions. M/ UM runners were training more frequently, for longer durations, and ran greater distances each week. Conclusion: This finding supports the notion that training habits and periodization characteristics are different for different race distances (10- km, half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With global warming intensifying, weather patterns become more volatile and extremes more common. Tornadoes are the most destructive natural disasters causing significant damage to infrastructure. Meanwhile, high-speed railways now face greater risks from tornado events as the national railway network and mass transit trains expand. Thus, studying the tornado flow characteristics and associated effects on high-speed trains is necessary. A study is presented regarding the wind-loading characteristics of a high-speed train running over a railway bridge induced by a tornado belonging to the future railway network. The wind-loading characteristics analyses are performed using the improved delayed detached eddy simulation method. After verifying the numerical approach and mesh strategy, computational studies are conducted to produce a tornado-like vortex and investigate the tornado-induced wind-loading characteristics of a high-speed train running on the bridge by combining a tornado simulation with a moving mesh technique. For the wind-loading parameters studied herein, the selected train's velocity range is between 50 and 350 km/h, the typical operation speed of either regular or high-speed trains. The numerical results show that the time histories of aerodynamic forces on the train revealed a pattern in tornadic flow variability, the time evolutions of the wind loads on the train were affected by train speeds, and the fluctuation was the greatest when the train ran at 50 km/h. Moreover, the train is subjected to larger aerodynamic forces and moments when it operates along with the rotating vortex flow, especially in the core region, and the train is more dangerous when it runs at a lower speed. The results in this study provide references for assessing operation safety, while a train running on the bridge encounters tornadoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]