Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Competitive cycling'

La chlororespiration a été initialement décrite chez Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Cette voie alternative du transfert d’électrons, présente dans toutes des lignées photosynthétiques, est constituée par l’activité d’une NAD(P)H:plastoquinone oxidoreductase, et d’une plastoquinol oxydase (PTOX). Parce qu’elle utilise les plastoquinones comme transporteur d’électrons, la chlororespiration représente une voie potentiellement antagoniste au transfert photosynthétique de l’eau au CO2. Néanmoins, le faible flux autorisé par ces enzymes suggère que, au moins sous éclairement continu et en conditions stationnaires, leur contribution est limité. Je me suis donc concentré sur la rôle du PTOX pendant les transitions lumière-obscurité et vice-versa. J’ai observé qu’après une brève illumination, la relaxation redox du chloroplaste est entravée quand PTOX2, l’oxydase majeure chez Chlamydomonas, est absente. J’ai démontré la pertinence physiologique de cette observation par une étude des courbes de croissance de souches mutantes pour PTOX et de la souche sauvage: la croissance du mutant de PTOX2 est retardée en condition de la lumière intermittente – ce qui peux être expliqué par une diminution du flux d’électrons à partir du photosystème II. Je me suis également intéressé à l’impact de la chlororespiration sur le flux d’électrons cyclique en utilisant une nouvelle approche spectroscopique combinée à de la modélisation. Enfin, j’ai exploré, en collaboration avec Stefano Santabarbara, le mécanisme de redistribution de l’énergie lumineuse entre les deux photosystèmes, mécanisme gouverné par des changements d’état redox des plastoquinones. J’ai démontré que, contrairement à des récentes suggestions, un véritable transfert d’antennes se produit entre les deux photosystèmes
Chlororespiration was initially described in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This electron transfer pathway, found in all photosynthetic lineages, consists of the action of a NAD(P)H:plastoquinone oxidoreductase and a plastoquinol oxidase (PTOX). Hence, because it uses plastoquinones for electron transport, chlororespiration constitutes an electron pathway potentially antagonistic to the linear photosynthetic electron flow from H2O to CO2 However, the limited flow these enzymes can sustain suggests that their relative contribution, at least in the light and in steady-state conditions, is limited. I thus focused on the involvement of PTOX in Chlamydomonas during transitions from dark to light and vice versa. I found that, following a brief illumination, the redox relaxation of the chloroplast in the dark was much affected when PTOX2, the major plastoquinol oxidase in Chlamydomonas, is lacking. Importantly, I show that this has a significant physiological relevance as the growth of a PTOX2- lacking mutant is markedly slower in intermittent light, which can be rationalized in terms of a decreased flux sustained by photosystem II. I also investigated the influence of chlororespiration on cyclic electron flow using novel experimental techniques combined with theoretical modelling. Last, I explored, in collaboration with Stefano Santabarbara, the mechanism for redistribution of light excitation energy between the two photosystems, a process triggered by changes in the redox state of plastoquinone pool. I showed that, contrarily to what has been suggested recently, this regulation mechanism corresponds to an actual transfer of light harvesting antenna between the two photosystems

A fadiga muscular pode ser definida como a incapacidade de manutenção de um nível esperado de força para uma dada intensidade, o que envolve um processo complexo reunindo fatores fisiológicos, biomecânicos e psicológicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o efeito da fadiga sobre variáveis biomecânicas no ciclismo. Para isso, dois estudos foram delineados. No primeiro estudo, o objetivo foi analisar a cadência, forças no pedal e a atividade elétrica dos músculos do membro inferior durante teste de ciclismo até a exaustão. Quatorze triatletas completaram um teste incremental máximo e no dia seguinte pedalaram a uma carga correspondente a 100% do consumo máximo de oxigênio até a exaustão. Os dados de cadência, forças no pedal e eletromiografia (EMG) dos músculos glúteo máximo (GL), reto femoral (RF), vasto lateral (VL), vasto medial (VM), bíceps femoral (BF), gastrocnêmio medial (GM), tibial anterior (TA) e sóleo (SO) foram coletados e analisados a cada 10s durante o início, meio e fim do teste de fadiga. O valor root mean square (RMS) foi usado com representativo da ativação muscular total. As forças normal e tangencial aumentaram significativamente do início para o fim do teste, enquanto a cadência diminuiu significativamente. Os valores RMS do GL, VL, RF e VM aumentaram significativamente do início para o fim do teste. No entanto, a ativação não se alterou significativamente para os músculos BF, GM, TA e SO. A fadiga durante um teste até a exaustão gerou aumento na ativação do GL e extensores do joelho, na força normal e redução na cadência. A manutenção da carga de trabalho pareceu estar relacionada com maior participação do GL e VL. No segundo estudo o objetivo foi analisar os efeitos da fadiga na técnica de pedalada. Oito ciclistas de elite completaram um teste incremental máximo e no dia seguinte pedalaram em um ciclo ergômetro a carga correspondente a 100% do consumo máximo de oxigênio até a exaustão. Durante este teste, pedais instrumentados foram utilizados para avaliar a técnica de pedalada. Avaliação cinemática foi realizada para monitorar o comportamento angular do tornozelo e o ângulo do pedal. Considerando o membro inferior direito, a força resultante e a força efetiva foram calculadas para a determinação do índice de efetividade (IE). Ao longo do teste de fadiga, o IE não apresentou alterações significativas. O tornozelo apresentou aumento significativo na amplitude de movimento ao longo do teste, sendo o mesmo observado para o ângulo do pedal. Esses resultados sugeriram que a fadiga muscular levou a alteração na técnica de pedalada. As mudanças no comportamento angular do tornozelo parecem suportar a manutenção do IE durante a pedalada, mesmo quando músculos produtores de potência apresentam fadiga, conforme descrito no primeiro estudo. Tomados em conjunto, os resultados destes dois estudos sugerem que atletas apresentam mudanças na técnica de pedalada devido à fadiga, mas conseguem ajustar os padrões de ativação muscular e cinemática do membro inferior a fim de prolongar o tempo de exaustão.
Muscle fatigue can be defined as an inability to sustain a determined level of force under a given intensity, which involves physiological, biomechanical and psychological factors. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the effects of fatigue on biomechanical aspects of cycling. Two studies were designed to evaluate fatigue up to exhaustion. For the first study, the aims were to evaluate cadence, pedal forces and electrical activity of lower limbs muscles during a cycling trial until exhaustion. Fourteen triathletes completed an incremental maximal cycling test and in the following day pedaled up to exhaustion under a workload eliciting 100% of the maximal oxygen uptake. Data of cadence, pedal forces and electromyography (EMG) from gluteus maximus (GL), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), tibialis anterior (TA) and soleous (SO) muscles were acquired during 10 s for the start, middle and end of the fatigue trial. The root mean square (RMS) value was used as an indicator of total muscle activation. Normal and tangential forces increased significantly from the start to the end of the test, whereas cadence statistically significantly decreased. The RMS value of GL, VL, RF and VL significantly increased from the start to the end of the test. Nevertheless, activation did not statistically change for BF, GM, TA and SO. The fatigue during cycling leaded to increases in GL and knee extensors activation, as well as in normal pedal force and to a decrease in cadence. The maintenance of the target workload appears to be related to higher participation of GL and VL. For the second study, the aim was to investigate the effects of fatigue on the pedaling technique. Eight elite cyclists completed an incremental maximal cycling test and completed a cycling test until exhaustion under workload eliciting 100% of the maximal oxygen uptake in the following day. During the test, instrumented pedals were used for evaluation of pedaling technique. Kinematic assessment was used to monitor the angular behavior of the ankle joint and of the pedal. The right lower limb resultant pedal force and effective force were computed for determination of the effectiveness index (IE). During the fatigue test, IE did not change significantly. The ankle kinematics revealed statistical increase for ankle and pedal ranges of motion with fatigue. These results suggest that muscle fatigue leads to changes in pedaling technique. The changes in ankle kinematics seems to support the IE maintenance during pedaling up to exhaustion, even so power producer muscles presented fatigue, as described in the first study. Data from both studies suggest that athletes change pedaling technique due to fatigue, but they are able to sustain patterns of muscle activation and kinematic in an attempt to prolong the time to exhaustion.

Three general questions are studied regarding plant carbon allocation strategies. (1) The R* Rule states that the superior competitor in a plant community should exclude all others by minimizing available limiting nutrient concentration below the level needed for survival of its competitors. I asked whether a plant carbon allocation strategy that minimizes the concentration of available limiting nutrient is consistent with Lotka's (1922) conjecture that ecosystems should evolve to maximize total energy flow (primary production). (2) In landscapes such as the Everglades, areas of landscape with higher energy flow (primary production) than the surrounding area also have higher available concentrations of limiting nutrient, rather than lower concentrations, which might be expected from the R* rule. I asked whether this pattern can be explained. (3) I asked how optimal allocation of carbon to plant defense allocation strategies might depend on different conditions of nutrient availability, shading, and herbivory. To address all three questions, I used a model revised from the G'DAY model (Comins and McMurtrie 1993) to study tree allocation of carbon resources between foliage, roots, and defense. With regard to the first question, I found that the allocation strategy that leads to minimum concentration of available nutrients is the same as the strategy for which energy flux to roots, rather than total energy flux, is maximized. Further, I found that the strategy that was competitively dominant was neither the strategy for which total energy flux was maximized, nor that for which available nutrient concentration was minimized. With regard to the second question, I found that, if a patch of vegetation on a landscape is able to capture nutrients from the surrounding landscape, for example, through relatively higher evapotranspiration, it could lead to the opposite of what is expected from the R* rule; that is, available limiting nutrient concentration is maximized when carbon flow to the roots is maximized. With regard to the last question, I found that under high herbivory, the optimal plant strategy for allocation of carbon to defense depends on the available nutrient concentration and amount of radiation to the plant, in agreement with some theoretical predictions.

This master‘s thesis is dealing to the draft business plan for the establishment of the company SportHC s.r.o., which will sell sports equipment through the shop and online store. I will write the thesis in three parts. The first part will focus on the theoretical solutions of work suitable for the business plan, in the second the analysis part i will focus on the analysis of the external and internal surroundings of the company and in the third the practical part I will try to present findings from the parts theoretical nad analysis into a viable business plan.

Mixed-species plantations of eucalypts and acacias have the potential to improve stand productivity over that of respective monocultures through the facilitative effect of nitrogen-fixation by acacias, and increased resource capture through above- and belowground stratification. However, growth in mixed-species plantations may not be improved compared to that of monocultures when competitive interactions outweigh the effects of improved nutrient availability and resource capture. Careful selection of sites and species is therefore critical to successfully improving stand productivity using mixed-species plantations. This study set out to examine some of the processes and interactions that occur in mixed-species plantations, and the effect nutrient and water availability can have on the growth of mixtures. In three out of four mixed-species field trials examined in this study, growth was not increased in mixtures compared to monocultures. However, in the fourth field trial, heights, diameters, stand volume and aboveground biomass were higher in mixtures of E. globulus and A. mearnsii from 3-4 years after planting. The range in outcomes from mixing species in these four trials shows that a fundamental understanding of the underlying processes is required to enable a greater predictive capacity for the circumstances under which mixtures will be successful. Therefore the growth dynamics, processes and interactions were examined in the mixtures of E. globulus and A. mearnsii. The difference in productivity between mixtures and monocultures in this trial increased with time up to age 11 years, when 1:1 mixtures contained twice the aboveground biomass of E. globulus monocultures. The positive growth response of trees in mixture compared to monocultures was the result of accelerated rates of nutrient cycling, a shift in C allocation and reductions in light competition through canopy stratification. Nitrogen contents of foliage and soil clearly showed that A. mearnsii influenced the N dynamics in this trial. If these changes in N contents were due to N fixation by A. mearnsii, then about 51 and 86 kg N ha-1 yr-1 was fixed in the 1:1 mixtures and A. mearnsii monocultures, respectively. Nitrogen fixation was also examined using the natural abundance method. The delta15N values of foliage collected at 10 years were grouped according to the mycorrhizal status of the host plant. Therefore the discrimination of 15N during transfer from mycorrhizae to the host plant appeared to vary with mycorrhizal status, and the natural abundance of 15N was not used to quantify N fixation. Rates of N and P cycling in litterfall were significantly higher in stands containing at least 25% A. mearnsii (more than 31 kg N ha-1 yr-1 and more than 0.68 kg P ha-1 yr-1) compared to E. globulus monocultures (24 kg N ha-1 yr-1 and 0.45 kg P ha-1 yr-1). Rates of litter decomposition and N and P release were about twice as high in 1:1 mixtures compared to E. globulus monocultures and were even higher in A. mearnsii monocultures. It is therefore important to select N-fixing species that are capable of cycling nutrients quickly between the plant and soil, and that have readily decomposable litter. The total belowground C allocation was not significantly different between mixtures and monocultures (14 to 16 Mg C ha-1 yr-1). However, since aboveground net primary production was greater in 1:1 mixtures, the changes in nutrient availability appears to have increased total productivity (both above- and belowground), and reduced the proportion of C allocated belowground in mixtures compared to E. globulus monocultures. In a pot trial containing mixtures of E. globulus and A. mearnsii both species grew larger in mixture than in monoculture at low N levels, and mixtures were more productive than monocultures. However, at high N levels, E. globulus suppressed A. mearnsii and mixtures were less productive than E. globulus monocultures. Similar effects were found for high and low levels of P. Therefore resource availability can have a strong influence on the interactions and growth of mixtures. The productivity of mixtures may only be increased on sites where the resource for which competition is reduced in mixture is a major limiting growth resource. For example, if N is not a limiting growth factor then an increase in N availability from N-fixation may not increase growth, and the N-fixing species may compete for other resources such as soil P, moisture or light. This study has shown that mixtures containing a N-fixing trees and a non-N-fixing trees can be more productive than monocultures, but that this increase in productivity will only occur on certain sites. Examination of the growth, interactions and processes that occurred in mixtures in this study provide useful information that can aid the selection of species combinations and sites.

The critically important nature of radical and radical ion mechanisms in biology and chemistry continues to be recognized as our understanding of these unique transient species grows. The work presented herein demonstrates the versatility of kinetic studies for understanding the elementary chemical reactions of radicals and radical ions. Chapter 2 discusses the use of direct ultrafast kinetics techniques for investigation of crucially important enzymatic systems; while Chapter 3 demonstrates the value of indirect competition kinetics techniques for development of synthetic methodologies for commercially valuable classes of compounds. The mechanism of decay for aminyl radical cations has received considerable attention because of their suspected role as intermediates in the oxidation of tertiary amines by monoamine oxygenases and the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes. Radical cations are believed to undergo deprotonation as a key step in catalysis. KIE studies performed by previous researchers indicate N,N-dimethylaniline radical cations deprotonate in the presence of the bases acetate and pyridine. By studying the electrochemical kinetics of the reaction of para substituted N,N-dimethylaniline radical cations with acetate anion, we have produced compelling evidence to the contrary. Rather than deprotonation, acetate reacts with N,N-dimethylaniline radical cation by electron transfer, generating the neutral amine and acetoxyl radical. Transport properties of reactants and solvent polarity changes were investigated and confirmed not to influence the electrochemical behavior forming the basis for our mechanistic hypothesis. To reconcile our conclusion with earlier results, KIEs were reinvestigated electrochemically and by nanosecond laser flash photolysis. Rather than a primary isotope effect (associated with C-H bond cleavage), we believe the observed KIEs are secondary, and can be rationalized on the basis of a quantum effect due to hyperconjugative stabilization in aromatic radical cations during an electron transfer reaction. Product studies performed by constant potential coulometry indicate N,N-dimethylaniline radical cations are catalytic in carboxylate oxidations. Collectively, our results suggest that aminyl radical cation deprotonations may not be as facile as was previously thought, and that in some cases, may not occur at all. Interest in design and synthesis of selenium containing heterocycles stems from their ability to function as antioxidants, anti-virals, anti-inflammatories, and immunomodulators. To establish synthetic feasibility of intramolecular homolytic substitution at selenium for preparation of selenocycles, we set out to determine what factors influence cyclization kinetics. A series of photochemically labile Barton and Kim esters have been syntheisized and employed as radical precursors. The effect of leaving radical stability on kinetics has been investigated through determination of rate constants and activation parameters for intramolecular homolytic substitution of the corresponding radicals via competition experiments. Notable leaving group effects on measured kinetic parameters show more facile reactions for radical precursors with more stable leaving radicals. Moreover, cyclizations to form six-membered (as opposed to five- membered) ring systems exhibited order of magnitude decreases in rate constants for a given leaving radical. Our results are congruent with expectations for radical cyclizations trends for the varied experimental parameters and suggest homolytic substitution affords a convenient means for synthesis of selenocycles.
Ph. D.

It has been suggested that repeated cycles of weight loss, followed by weight gain (termed weight cycling) will lead to metabolic and physiological adaptations which increase food efficiency and thus cause resistance to future weight loss. Athletes who compete in Judo (named judokas), were used as an athletic model of weight cycling. Some judokas cut weight (lose weight) repeatedly, in order to meet specific weight categories for competition, and may therefore represent a weight cycling population. Consequently it is important to determine if suggested metabolic and physiological adaptations associated with weight cycling occur in these athletes. Two groups, weight cyclers (n=9) and matched non-cyclers (n=9),were followed over a period of 10 months (including one competitive season). They followed similar training routines. Weight cyclers dieted (cut weight) in order to compete in a weight class below their usual bodyweight, because they believed that this would give them an advantage over their opponents. Dieting habits were characterized by food restriction an average of 8.1±6.9 (mean±SD) days before their competition. Following the competition, weight was regained to baseline values. There was no significant difference in lean body mass, percentage body fat, height, weight, age, or activity level between the two group sat baseline. Measurements were recorded three times within a one year period. The first pre-season (baseline) value was measured when the judokas were training, but had not yet started to diet for competition. The second test session was during their peak season, at which point the weight cyclers had experienced episodes of weight reduction to meet competitive weight classes. The final test session was conducted during the off-season, at least three months after the Judo season had ended. Measurements included resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition (skinfolds), usual three day food intake (three day food records), and biochemical parameters (fasting insulin, glucose and triiodothyronine). The weight cyclers lost 4.1±1.5 kg, 4.2±2.7 (mean±SD) times per season, whereas the non-cyclers lost little or no weight throughout the study. Weight loss was achieved primarily through food restriction. There was no significant difference in metabolic or physiological parameters between the weight cyclers and the non-cyclers during any of the three test sessions. This study indicated that there were no effects of weight cycling in this athletic population. It is possible that regular physical activity protected against any suggested metabolic adaptations.

Of the 2,858 licensed competitive road cyclists in Texas, female cyclists only account for 12%. The gender disparity in participation numbers suggests possible underlying barriers to entry, recruitment, and retention of female athletes compared to that of male cyclists. The current study sought to understand such issues by exploring the entirety of the competitive road cycling experience of female cyclists in Texas. To accomplish such a task, the current study utilized a mixed methods design consisting of content analysis, interviews, and an online survey. Integrating methods allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the individual as impacted by structural, socio- cultural, and individual factors and further reveals how such factors are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Results revealed how socio-culturally informed gendered attitudes and norms heavily impact structural policies, rules, and regulations within competitive cycling. Subsequently, structural factors influenced individual choices, attitudes, and behaviors. Further, results emphasized that individuals are complex beings, and although shaped by their environment, embody personal agency, resistance, and coping. Individual decisions, attitudes, and desires subsequently shaped socio-cultural norms and structural processes. Finally, structural reform strategies are suggested to help increase female participation and retention rates within competitive road cycling in Texas.
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碩士
大葉大學
事業經營研究所碩士在職專班
97
The government constructs bike paths vigorously based on the consideration of traffic, environmental, healthy and sightseeing in recent years. The purpose of this study, in terms of tourist point of view and Changhua County Evergreen bike path, is to inves-tigate what tourists concern about the design of bike path and the environmental de-mand. Furthermore, we make a comparison with famous bike paths in the neighboring counties to find out the dimension of bike bath design improvement and recreational environment. This study applies Kano model and Quality Function Deployment to exam quality attributes on bike recreational environment. The results are as follows: 1.Among the 21 items in the research, 5 items are classified as attractive quality, 8 items are classified as one-dimensional quality, 1 item is classified as must-be quality and 7 items are classified as indifferent quality. There is not any reverse quality. 2.Among the Demographic Variables, only “Sex” shows the obvious diversity to the quality of bike path environment. 3.According to the study, the improving priorities are the safety facilities, bikeway and facility maintenance.

The efficiency of pedalling technique has been a source of controversy amongst exercise scientists, coaches and cyclists for over 100 years. Biomechanically, it has been shown that orienting the pedal tangentially to the direction of motion of the crank provides the greatest force effectiveness. This is commonly referred to as "ankling". Ankling may enable greater mechanical efficiency but this, in itself, does not guarantee improved performance, because the greater mechanical efficiency may be at a cost of reduced biological efficiency. The effect of ankling on biological efficiency has not previously been investigated and is the primary focus of this thesis.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Mecânica apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
O objetivo do projeto apresentado consistiu em desenvolver e aplicar uma metodologia para avaliação, em condições reais, do arrasto aerodinâmico e a potência produzida por ciclistas de competição. A intenção é permitir selecionar os melhores componentes da bicicleta para cada ciclista e obter a melhor posição possível em cima desta, de modo a otimizar o seu desempenho em competição. Para isso, algoritmos foram desenvolvidos, com base num modelo energético integral, para determinar o arrasto aerodinâmico e a potência produzida por ciclistas. A metodologia foi depois aplicada a ciclistas já com mais de 5 anos de treino na modalidade, em que foi realizada uma otimização com vista à melhoria do desempenho em esforços individuais (contrarrelógios), com a medição de toda a geometria das bicicletas usadas, bem como de todos os parâmetros corporais relevantes. Verifica-se que não existe uma posição ótima que o ciclista deverá sempre adotar, pois esta dependerá da envolvente externa e da velocidade a que este se desloca. O uso de rodas lenticulares traseiras tem um grande impacto no arrasto aerodinâmico, com uma redução de 4.89 %, relativamente a rodas normais. A validação da metodologia foi feita avaliando diferentes posições numa bicicleta normal, sendo obtido variações de 10 a 15 % entre estas, o que está de acordo com os dados de estudos anteriores. Podemos assim garantir que a metodologia criada permite a avaliação do arrasto aerodinâmico e permite a realização de estudos para otimização da posição e do equipamento de ciclistas de alta competição.
The objective of the present work consisted in developing and applying a methodology to evaluate in real conditions the aerodynamic drag and the power produced by competitive cyclists. The intention is allowing the selection of the best bike components for each cyclist and get the most optimized position to improve performance. To do so, algorithms, based on an integral energetic model, were developed to determine the aerodynamic drag and power of cyclists. The methodology was then applied to well-trained cyclists with more than 5 years of experience, with the focus of improving individual time trial performance. Measurements of bike position, body composition and the evaluation of aerodynamic drag were done to evaluate the current cyclists' position. By the results, there is not an optimal position that a cyclist should always adopt, because this one will depend on the type of terrain and speed the cyclist faces in different periods of races. The use of back disc wheels reduces the aerodynamic drag in 4.89 %, compared to the use of normal wheels. The validation of the methodology was done, evaluating the different positions on a normal road bike. The results show a difference of 10 to 15 % between different positions, which is in line with results seen in previous studies. In that way, the methodology applied in this work allows the aerodynamic drag evaluation and the realization of studies to optimize position and equipment of competitive cyclists, in order to get better results.

碩士
中國文化大學
運動教練研究所
96
Abstract To compare the performance of the Taiwanese cycling athletes with Asian athletes is upon the average. But they still can not beat with the European and American cycling athletes even they have been trained for a long time. The reason could be the athletes have not been strengthened their muscular strength, power, and have not been trained through the effective training programs. Taiwanese cycling athletes won the gold medal of the 1 km cycling timing competition of men in the Pusan Asian Games in 2002 and the bronze medal in the Olympic Games. They also won the silver medal of the 500 meters competition of the women competition in the Doha Asian Games in 2006. Through these results, there are not obvious differences of the cycling skills and the tactics between the Taiwanese athletes and other Asian athletes. Cycling is a kind of sports that combines the knowledge from different fields, such as physiology, psychology, logical handpicked and it also needs strict training programs. It is impossible to have great performance that athletes do not have excellent form, power, strength, good coordination, well trained psychology, good concept of the movements of cycling. The purpose of this essay is to offer references to the trainers and trainees for reaching better performance by referring to the relevant documents.

碩士
國立東華大學
體育與運動科學系
103
【Abstract】 In recent years, the Taiwanese government’s initiative of building bike paths in Taiwan has led to a steady increase in the number of cyclists. This growing popularity has prompted cycling enthusiasts to establish cycling clubs. However, the purpose of these clubs varies, as does their nature and the activities they hold. Therefore, this study investigated the club members’ sense of belonging in recreational and competitive cycling clubs, as well as the mode of operation of these clubs to explain the interpersonal interactions among club members. We adopted a qualitative research strategy and selected cycling members from the Thunder and Lightning (T&L) Cycling Club and the Joyous Cycling Club in Hualien County as research participants. Ethnographic and participant observation were employed to collect research data and in-depth interviews were conducted to clarify the interactions among cycling members. In addition, we combined the interview transcripts and collected data for an inductive analysis. The study results show that the sense of belonging among members of the T&L Cycling Club primarily stems from their participation in competitions, training, and sharing of cycling experiences. Conversely, the sense of belonging among cycling members of the Joyous Cycling Club is derived from conversing and interacting with fellow cyclists, sharing their life experiences, and bonding emotionally with the club members. Regarding their interpersonal interactions, the T&L Cycling Club primarily focuses on participating in cycling competitions, in which the members discuss cycling competitions, training, and techniques; private matters are seldom brought up. By contrast, the Joyous Cycling Club provides an environment where cyclists discuss cycling as well as their work, family, and life experiences; the content of their conversation is relatively more private, extensive, and diverse compared to that of the T&L Cycling club members. Concerning cycling club types, the T&L Cycling Club is a competitive cycling club, in which cycling members gain experience, expertise, skills, and training similar to those of amateur cycling enthusiasts. Conversely, the Joyous Cycling Club is a recreational club, where members can improve their health, relax, and find a balance between mind and body. These cycling members do not ride to hone their skills through training, but prefer to use it as an opportunity to relax, experience freedom, and cycle for the sake of enjoyment.

Title: Achievement motivation in cycling Aims: Main aim of this thesis was find out what motivates cyclists in achieving. I have used questionnaire LMI (Achievement motivation questionnaire) for cyclist on different level. Next step was comparing the results between all cyclists groups and describing main differences in motivation. Methods: For gaining all the data I used a questionnaire method. Questionnaires were spread in written form as well as in electronic form. I cooperated with the directors of amateur competitons in the Czech Republic, Czech Cycling Federation and other cyclistic unions. Respondent's answers were elaborated descriptively and analyticly by standardized statistics methods in software SPSS 17. Results: In the research were compared three cycling groups: Amateurs, Professionals and Hobby cyclists. In four of ten dimensions was confirmed different results in motivational structure. Results interpretation has shown that profesionals tend to trust in their success and dispose by biggest competition and ambition. The only dimension where amateur cyclists achieved significantly higher values opposite to professionals was in internality. Interesting results brought correlation analysis, which showed what most affects these four dimensions. Interesting was the only statistical...

Invasive species are rapidly expanding in riparian wetlands while concurrently anthropogenic causes are increasing nitrogen (N) into these ecosystems. Microstegium vimineum (Microstegium) is a particularly abundant invasive grass in the Southeast United States. To evaluate impacts of Microstegium on both plant diversity and N cycling in a riparian floodplain, paired plots of Microstegium hand-weeded and unweeded were established for three years. Plots without Microstegium increased from 4 to 15 species m-2 and 90% of the newly establishing species were native. The Microstegium community accumulated approximately half the annual N in biomass of the diverse community, 5.04 versus 9.36 g-N m-2 year-1, respectively (p=0.05). Decomposition and release of N from Microstegium detritus was much less than in the diverse community, 1.19 versus 5.24 g-N m-2 year-1. Rates of soil N mineralization estimated by in-situ incubations were relatively similar in all plots. While Microstegium invasion appears to greatly diminish within-ecosystem circulation of N through the under-story plants, it might increase ecosystem N losses through enhanced denitrification (due to lower redox potentials under Microstegium plots). Microstegium removal ceased in the fourth growing season and formerly weeded plots increased to 59% (± 11% SE) Microstegium cover and species richness decreased to <8 species m-2.

To learn how Microstegium responds to increased N, we conducted a greenhouse competition experiment between Microstegium and four native plants across an N gradient. There was a unique competition outcome in each species combination, yet Microstegium was most dominant in the high levels of N.

Last, we disturbed a floodplain similar to wetland restoration disturbance and tracked available N. We also established a native community of plants with and without Microstegium in three levels of N. Disturbance to the floodplain dramatically increased inorganic N, especially in the form of NO₃ which was five times higher in the disturbed floodplain than the undisturbed floodplain. N levels remained elevated for over a year. Microstegium was N responsive, but did not show negative effects to the planted vegetation until the second year. Ironically, restoration activities are increasing available N, and favoring invasive species which in turn detracts from restoration success.

Dissertation

碩士
國立中正大學
化學工程研究所
93
The purpose of this project is to study the copolymerization of carbon monoxide with cyclic olefines by using a cationic palladium catalyst catalyst composition which are prepared from palladium acetate, a suitable amount of 1, 10-phenanthroline, a Bronsted acid ( eg. p-toluenesulfonic acid) and suitable amount of methanol. The polymerization reactions were conducted at a high pressure of carbon monoxide under various reaction conditions. The resulting polymers can be isolated collected after completing the polymerization reaction and after precipitation and collected by filtration. Based on 13C-NMR、 1H-NMR、MALDI-TOF and GC-MS analyses, the microstructure of the resulting copolymer can be identified. Our results clearly reveal that the microstructures of the resulting copolymers are highly depending on the structure of the cyclic olefins. In the second part of this paper , we focus on the influence of polymer structure and physical properties by 1,4-Benzoquinone. Finally , a terpolymerization of ethylene , endo-dicyclopentadiene and carbon monoxide was studied to investingate the convection between cyclization and the 〝Thorpe-Ingold effect〞.

碩士
國立臺灣體育運動大學
體育研究所
104
This paper aims to exam the historical development of cycling competition in Taichung, Taiwan. Taylor and Bogdan’s qualitative research method were applied in this study. Most of the content extractions were from primary and secondary resource that included key personalities’written words, spoken words and observable behavior. In the harvest period, the process of the first velodrome construction in Taichung was documented. The successful construction created a cradle for Taiwan cyclist to achieve the world level excellence. As well as achieve the glory competition result for the country. The study found key figures in the policy promote foreground thank to county magistrate Liao Le-Yi and speaker of legislative president Lin Minlin. Although Taichung cycling athletes has a certain level of performance in Asia, in the future if they want to shine on the world stage, building a 250m indoor wooden track in Taichung is a must. A substantial increase in venues utilization, improve quality of life for residents and promote good health, more actively promote cycling sport, so that towards the competitive level of world-class standdars.

Mixed-species plantations of eucalypts and acacias have the potential to improve stand productivity over that of respective monocultures through the facilitative effect of nitrogen-fixation by acacias, and increased resource capture through above- and belowground stratification. However, growth in mixed-species plantations may not be improved compared to that of monocultures when competitive interactions outweigh the effects of improved nutrient availability and resource capture. Careful selection of sites and species is therefore critical to successfully improving stand productivity using mixed-species plantations. This study set out to examine some of the processes and interactions that occur in mixed-species plantations, and the effect nutrient and water availability can have on the growth of mixtures. ¶ In three out of four mixed-species field trials examined in this study, growth was not increased in mixtures compared to monocultures. However, in the fourth field trial, heights, diameters, stand volume and aboveground biomass were higher in mixtures of E. globulus and A. mearnsii from 3-4 years after planting. ¶ ...

In recent years exercise pacing research has identified numerous factors that can influence exercise intensity and improve overall performance. However, the list of factors that can influence pacing is far from comprehensive or extensively researched. Subsequently, this thesis aimed to investigate pacing factors which have not yet been empirically or functionally tested. Specifically, the following aspects were identified for investigation; the role of exercise experience, exercise-induced pain, and athlete motivation during competition. These factors were chosen for both the crucial role they play within theoretical pacing models and for the way they influence different aspects of exercise pacing (i.e. variables that are internal and external to the athlete during exercise, as well as prior to exercise). By selecting different factors, this ensured a holistic approach was taken to investigating the theoretical pacing literature. The first factor investigated was an athlete's prior experience of the exercise, which is vital to anticipatory regulation of the task at hand and consequently, the development of a pacing strategy. Secondly, exercise-induced pain was chosen, as this a factor that is internal to the athlete during exercise. This sensation is key to the models of pacing and plays a significant role in exercise regulation. However, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has not yet been fully tested as a method to reduce exercise-induced pain and how this can impact performance. Lastly, competition is an external factor during exercise, which has been known to influence pacing and performance for many years. However, the physical presence of competitors in ecologically valid circumstances, as well as interplay of social and physiological factors have not been rigorously investigated. Study one. Exercise performance is reproducible in experienced athletes; however, less trained participants exhibit greater variability in performance and pacing. To reduce variability, it is common practice to complete a familiarization prior to experimental testing. However, there are no clear guidelines for familiarizing novice participants to a cycling time-trial (TT), and research findings from novice populations may still be influenced by learning effects. Accordingly, the aims of this study were to establish the variability between TTs after administering differing familiarization protocols (duration or type) and to establish the number of familiarization trials required to limit variability over multiple trials. Thirty recreationally active participants, with no prior experience of a TT, performed a 20-km cycling TT on five separate occasions, after completing either a full (FF, 20-km TT, n=10), a half (HF, 10-km TT, n=10) or an equipment familiarization (EF, 5-min cycling, n=10). Variability of TT duration across five TTs was the lowest after completing FF (P = 0.69, ηp2 = 0.05) compared to HF (P = 0.08, ηp2 = 0.26) and EF (P = 0.07, ηp2 = 0.21). In the FF group after TT2, the effect size for changes in TT duration was small (d < 0.49). There were large differences between later TTs in HF (d = 1.02, TT3-TT4) and EF (d = 1.12, TT4-TT5). The variability in mean power output profiles between trials was lowest within FF, with a similar pacing profile reproduced between TT3-TT5. Familiarization of the exercise protocol influenced the reproducibility of pacing and performance over multiple, maximal TTs, with best results obtained after a full experience of the exercise compared to HF and EF. The difference of TT1 to later TTs indicates that one familiarization is not adequate in reducing the variability of performance for novice participants. After the FF and an additional TT, performance changes between TTs were small. However, a reproducible pacing profile was not developed until after the FF and two additional TTs. These findings indicate that a minimum of three full familiarizations are necessary for novice participants to limit systematic error before experimental testing. Study two. Afferent information from exercising muscle contributes to the sensation of exercise-induced muscle pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers low–voltage electrical currents to the skin, inhibiting nociceptive afferent information. The use of TENS in reducing perceptions of exercise-induced pain has not yet been fully explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TENS on exercise-induced muscle pain, pacing strategy and performance during a 5-km cycling time trial (TT). On three separate occasions, in a single-blind, randomized and crossover design, 13 recreationally active participants underwent a 30-min TENS protocol, before performing a 5-km cycling TT. TENS was applied to the quadriceps prior to exercise under the following conditions; control (CONT), placebo with sham TENS application (PLAC), and an experimental condition with TENS application (TENS). Quadriceps fatigue was assessed with magnetic femoral nerve stimulation assessing changes in potentiated quadriceps twitch force at baseline, pre and post exercise. Subjective scores of exertion, affect, and pain were taken every 1-km. During TTs, application of TENS did not influence pain perceptions (P = 0.68, ηp2 = 0.03). There was no significant change in mean power (P = 0.16, ηp2 = 0.16) or TT duration (P = 0.17, ηp2 = 0.14), although effect sizes were large for these two variables. Changes in power output were not significant but showed moderate effect sizes at 500-m (ηp2 = 0.10) and 750-m (ηp2 = 0.10). Muscle recruitment as inferred by electromyography data was not significant but showed large effect sizes at 250-m (ηp2 = 0.16), 500-m (ηp2 = 0.15) and 750-m (ηp2 = 0.14). This indicates a possible effect for TENS influencing performance up to 1-km. Yet, overall, these findings do not support the use of TENS to improve 5-km TT performance. Study three. The aim of this study was to investigate time-trial (TT) performance in the presence of one competitor and in a group with competitors of various abilities. In a randomized order, 24 participants performed a 5-km cycling TT individually (IND), with one similarly matched participant (1v1), and in a group of four participants (GRP). For the GRP session, two pairs of matched participants from the 1v1 session were used. Pairs were selected so that TT duration was considered either inferior (INF) or superior (SUP) compared to the other pair of participants. Overall, TT duration (P = 0.86, ηp2 < 0.01) was not different between conditions, whilst heart rate (HR) was significantly greater in GRP compared to IND (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.16). For INF, a large effect size for both mean power (P = 0.07, ηp2 = 0.15) and HR (P = 0.05, ηp2 = 0.16), indicates greatest effort in GRP. Pacing behaviour was affected by competition but similar in 1v1 and GRP for SUP, whilst large effect sizes indicate an increased power output in the initial 750-m for INF in GRP. Additionally, for INF, there was a significant correlation with ego orientation for an increase in TT duration between the GRP session and both the IND (r = 0.43, P = 0.04) and 1v1 (r = 0.54, P = 0.01) sessions. For INF participants, the intensity was increased when competing in GRP. Yet, the presence of the SUP competitors resulted in lesser performance improvements for ego oriented INF participants. These findings demonstrate that consideration should be given to the ability of competitors in a group setting to provide adequate motivation. Overall this thesis provides novel insight into pacing factors that have previously not been fully understood. This research is of importance as a greater understanding of how exercise is self-regulated is crucial to unlocking the potential for increased exercise performance. The main results and conclusions of this thesis shed light on the highlighted pacing factors of experience, exercise-induced pain and competition, and how these can impact on performance during self-paced cycling time-trials. Accordingly, these findings provide information to benefit the development of sound experimental protocols as well as providing a mechanistic understanding of the development of exercise scenarios and interventions that can be beneficial to performance outcomes.