Inflation, especially recently, has distorted the nominal historical-cost measurement of gains and losses from transactions in assets. This distortion has exacerbated the existing controversy over the federal taxation of such gains and losses realized by individuals. The main purpose of the study was to examine the equity of actual and proposed methods respecting such taxation in view of these inflation distortions. Particularly, the study investigated how the applicable law, as it was in the immediate past (1977 Law), as it is now (1979 Law), and as many have proposed that it should be (the Reform Plan), compared under the traditional ability-to-pay theory of equity. The Reform Plan combines two current and popular tax reform proposals, the comprehensive income tax and indexing. As it was interpreted and applied in this study, gains and losses from transactions in assets were fully included in income, after they were indexed for inflation. Indexing consists of multiplying the historical cost of an asset by the ratio of some price index (herein the CPI) at the time of disposition to the index at the time of acquisition. Subtracting the result from the disposition price gives a gain or loss measured in real, inflation-adjusted terms. The comparisons of the three taxing methods were based upon historical tax-return data of 224 individual taxpayers for 1970-1977. The non-random manner in which the taxpayers were selected precludes the results and conclusions of the study from being statistically extended to the population of U.S. taxpayers. Significantly, however, the tax characteristics of the selected taxpayers indicated that they were more sensitive to effects of inflation than their national counterparts. Provisions of 1979 Law and the Reform Plan were simulated on the historical data, resulting in recomputed incomes and tax liabilities. The historical and recomputed incomes and taxes were then averaged by taxpayer over the eight years. These averages gave better approximations of the normal financial status of the taxpayers than single-year data. Data generated in the Reform Plan simulation indicated that the selected taxpayers' historical gains and losses were substantially distorted by inflation. Moreover, the proportional effects of inflation decreased as taxpayers' income increased. These findings were fully consistent with two published studies. Various procedures measured and compared the horizontal equities and vertical equities (progressivities) of the three disparite taxing methods. None of them exhibited any clear, unambiguous superior ratings. The Reform Plan was only slightly more horizontally equitable and only slightly more progressive than 1977 Law; 1979 Law ranked last in both analyses, but by small margins. Importantly, under all three methods, progressivity was maintained at higher income levels, but only when income was defined in real terms. When income was defined in nominal terms, a marked decrease in progressivity was manifested. This finding suggests that the appearance at these levels of reduced progressivity, and hence of reduced vertical equity, may be an illusion. Given the above findings, perhaps too much historical emphasis has been placed on the equity benchmark in evaluating the taxation of individuals' gains and losses from transactions in assets. If so, then other judgmental criteria would seem to take on relatively greater importance. Four such criteria deemed pertinent were neutrality, simplicity, mitigation of the "lock-in effect" and stimulation of capital information. The Reform Plan appeared to be more neutral than either 1977 or 1979 Law. Whether it is simpler is questionable. Probably less unrealized gains would be locked-in under the Reform Plan. However, with respect to capital formation, considerable theoretical disagreement precluded a conclusion as to which taxing method would be more stimulative.

L'emploi informel est devenu un sérieux défi pour l'économie ukrainienne et des pays en transition au cours de l'adaptation aux conditions du marché. La tendance du nombre de travailleurs qui participent au secteur informel est en hausse depuis les dernières années. Dans mes recherches, je vais présenter l'état actuel de l'emploi informel en Ukraine et les pays en transition. Une attention particulière est accordée à la répartition du travail entre les différentes catégories de population, en divisant les individus en cinq catégories (employés formels, employés informels, travailleurs indépendants formels, travailleurs indépendants informels et chômeurs) selon la définition de l'emploi informel de l'OIT. Nous examinons le marché du travail en utilisant les données de Ukrainian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey pour l'Ukraine et Survey on Living and Income Conditions pour les pays en transition et nous élaborons la fonction des gains du capital humain pour le marché du travail en appliquant la fonction de répartition des gains de Mincer, afin d'étudier les facteurs qui déterminent les revenus et le choix de l'emploi de l'individu en Ukraine et les pays en transition. / Informal employment became a serious challenge for the Ukrainian economy and economy of transition countries during the adjustment to market conditions. Trends of the number of workers participating in the informal sector have been rising for the last years. In my research I will present the current state of informal employment of Ukraine and transition countries. Detailed attention is paid to labour distribution across different population categories by dividing the individuals into five categories (formal employee, informal employee, formal self-employed, informal self-employed and unemployed) following the definition of informal employment from the ILO. We examine labour market using the data of the Ukrainian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey for Ukraine and the Survey on Living and Income Conditions for transition countries and we design human capital earnings function for labour market by applying Mincer earnings distribution function in order to investigate the factors that determine the individual’s earnings and choice of the employment status both for Ukraine and transition countries.

Projetar sistemas de janela considerando a adequação climática envolve lidar com os efeitos do meio externo, que são dinâmicos, e com estratégias que podem ser conflitantes, tais como o controle do ganho de calor solar e aproveitamento da iluminação natural, ambos elementos provenientes da radiação do Sol. Parte-se do princípio de que isso é feito considerando o impacto de diferentes variáveis de projeto em diferentes indicadores de desempenho simultaneamente, para suporte a decisão. O estudo do efeito dessas variáveis de projeto da janela quando combinadas ainda não é consolidado, especialmente no caso de localidades de baixa latitude. O objetivo geral desta pesquisa de doutorado é avaliar sistemas de janela estáticos e dinâmicos para suporte a decisões de projeto arquitetônico, quanto a diferentes critérios de desempenho relacionados à iluminação natural e uso de energia, de forma integrada. São estudados sistemas de janela compostos por uma abertura envidraçada e proteções solares de aletas horizontais externas, fixas e móveis. O recorte engloba edificações com uso de escritório no contexto do clima quente e úmido da cidade de Maceió-AL. Para isso, simulações computacionais integradas utilizando os softwares Daysim e EnergyPlus foram realizadas, considerando o acionamento das lâmpadas apenas quando a luz natural não fosse suficiente para atender ao uso do ambiente. As variáveis de projeto analisadas foram: percentual de área de abertura, tipo de vidro, ângulo de sombreamento, quantidade de aletas, tipo de acionamento do sistema de proteção solar e orientação da abertura. As soluções arquitetônicas resultantes das combinações de todas as variáveis entre si foram avaliadas com relação à disponibilidade e distribuição da luz natural e demanda de energia elétrica para condicionamento do ar e iluminação artificial no ambiente interno, e classificadas segundo dois indicadores principais. Foram identificadas as variáveis de projeto dentre as analisadas com maior potencial de impacto no desempenho obtido em diferentes situações. Os resultados mostraram que é possível uma alternativa se encontrar em uma faixa de 10% melhores cenários nos dois indicadores ao mesmo tempo. Observou-se ainda que, apesar de a demanda de energia para condicionamento do ar ser frequentemente maior do que a demanda para iluminação, o desempenho da abertura quanto à iluminação pode ter um peso decisivo na escolha de projeto, pois este indicador de desempenho é mais sensível às variáveis da janela estudadas do que o primeiro. Por fim, observou-se que os protetores solares dinâmicos não são garantia de melhoria de desempenho em relação a sistemas estáticos. / Designing window systems in a climate responsive way involves dealing with the effects of the external environment, which are dynamic, and strategies that may conflict, such as daylight and control of solar heat gains, both elements related to the sun. This research assumes that this is done considering the impact of different design variables in different performance indicators simultaneously, for decision support. The study of the effect of window design variables when combined is not yet consolidated, especially in case of low latitude locations. The general objective of this doctoral research is to evaluate static and dynamic window systems to support architectural design decisions regarding different performance criteria related to daylight and energy use, in an integrated manner. The studied window system consists of a glazed opening and external horizontal slat-type shading devices, fixed and mobile, in offices in the hot and humid climate of the city of Maceió-AL. For this, computer integrated simulations using Daysim and EnergyPlus software were carried out, considering the activation of the lighting system only when daylight is not sufficient to meet the usage requirements. The design variables analyzed were window-to-wall ratio, glazing type, cut-off angle, number of slats, type of shading control and orientation. Architectural solutions resulting from combinations of all variables were evaluated regarding the availability and distribution of daylight and electricity demand for air conditioning and artificial lighting in the indoor environment. The solutions were then rated and ranked according to two main indicators. The design variables among the analyzed with potential of high impact in the obtained performance in different situations were identified. The results showed that it is possible an alternative be in a range of 10% best scenarios in the two criteria at the same time. It was also observed that, although the energy demand for conditioning air often be greater than the lighting energy demand, the performance of the window on daylight can have a decisive weight on the design choice, because this performance indicator is more sensitive to the window variables than the first. Finally, it was observed that the dynamic shading systems are not performance-enhancing guarantee compared to static systems.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:40:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SILVIO DE JESUS BATISTA.pdf: 2273883 bytes, checksum: 5fc5a0df2613fff76b6960a0d5a43ddb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-09-08 / This work seeks to analyze the gains from cooperation of Local Productive Arrangements (APLs) Red Ceramic APL Saffron Mara Rosa and APL Dairy São Luís de Montes Belos. The methodology used was the case study, exploratory, using semistructured interviews. The results proved that all these APLs made gains, such as learning, trade relations, negotiation (larger scale and market power), market innovation, infrastructure and specialized services and relational ties. It was concluded that the clusters surveyed have satisfactory results, despite the distance between the entities involved and accompanying policies. / Este trabalho busca analisar os ganhos resultantes da cooperação dos Arranjos Produtivos Locais (APLs) Cerâmica Vermelha, APL Açafrão de Mara Rosa e o APL Lácteo de São Luís de Montes Belos. A metodologia utilizada foi a de estudo de caso, de caráter exploratório, usando entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados obtidos provaram que todos estes APLs obtiveram ganhos, tais como: a aprendizagem, as relações comerciais, a negociação (maior escala e poder de mercado), inovação de mercado, infraestrutura e serviços especializados e os laços relacionais. Concluiu-se que os APLs pesquisados apresentam resultados satisfatórios, apesar do distanciamento entre os entes envolvidos e as políticas de acompanhamento.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:40:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JOAO RICARDO DE FREITAS BASTOS.pdf: 1796034 bytes, checksum: 53017ade072052e0a84d0268303d5f1e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-09-29 / The cooperation between companies can be stimulated by the need to add value to the products, develop new features to this ones and improve the process of production with the achievement of scale and the cost reduction. So, it is possible to conquer new markets and enlarge the negotiation capacity with new suppliers, such as price and products, specifically. This work had the main goal to research the results obtained with the formation and maintenance of the União do Confeccionistas de Taquaral and region (ÚNICA), thru cooperation strategies in network. The importance of this project is the opportunity to describe a practice of business collaboration networks (RCE) in the state of Goiás, mapping the history of the association, since its conception until the current days. The used methodology was the study of a unique case, using exploring technique, with a phase of qualitative research and another quantitative. The results of this research found out that ÚNICA had the following wins working in cooperation: wins in collectives solutions; in actions of innovation developed with the companies together; in learning of the companies; in the enlargement of commercial relations; improving the negotiation conditions; innovation of the market; hiring infrastructure and specialized services; improving the installations; credibility; enlarging the confidence of the entrepreneurs and the quality of life os the entrepreneurs. / A cooperação entre as empresas pode ser estimulada pela necessidade de agregar valor aos produtos, desenvolver novos atributos para esses produtos e melhorar os processos de produção, com obtenção de escala e redução de custo. Assim, torna-se possível conquistar novos mercados e ampliar a capacidade de negociação com fornecedores, seja no que se refere a preços ou a produtos, especificamente. Este trabalho teve como objetivo geral pesquisar os resultados obtidos com a formação e manutenção da União dos Confeccionistas de Taquaral e região (ÚNICA), por meio das estratégias cooperativas em Rede. A relevância deste projeto é a oportunidade de descrever uma prática de Redes de Colaboração Empresarial (RCE) no Estado de Goiás, mapeando a história da associação, desde a sua concepção até os dias atuais. A metodologia usada foi um estudo de caso único, aplicando técnica exploratória, com uma fase da pesquisa qualitativa e outra quantitativa. Os resultados desta pesquisa constataram que a ÚNICA obteve os seguintes ganhos trabalhando em cooperação: ganhos nas soluções coletivas; na redução de custos e riscos, na aprendizagem coletiva; nas ações de cunho inovador desenvolvidas em conjunto pelas empresas; na aprendizagem nas empresas; na ampliação das relações comerciais; nas melhores condições de negociações; inovação de mercado; contratação de infraestrutura e serviços especializados; nas melhorias nas instalações; na credibilidade; no aumento da confiança no próprio negocio; no aumento da autoconfiança dos empresários e na qualidade de vida dos empresários.

Submitted by Maicon Juliano Schmidt (maicons) on 2015-07-15T14:43:11Z No. of bitstreams: 1 José Alves de Souza.pdf: 1027235 bytes, checksum: 384caee127cacfb3ba36b23f9950968d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-15T14:43:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 José Alves de Souza.pdf: 1027235 bytes, checksum: 384caee127cacfb3ba36b23f9950968d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-01-31 / Nenhuma / As mudanças organizacionais e econômicas das últimas décadas, aceleradas pela globalização, provocaram um realinhamento estrutural na relação entre empresas, trabalhadores e instituições. Fatos como o aumento da concorrência e a incerteza dos mercados econômicos, fizeram com que as pequenas e médias empresas se alinhassem sob uma nova configuração. Assim, instituições e organizações empresariais como as pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs) sensíveis às mudanças do mercado, passaram a optar pela cooperação, unindo esforços e viabilizando melhorias para reduzir riscos e ameaças e aproveitar as oportunidades, tornando-se mais competitivas. Nesse cenário, inserem-se as organizações cooperativas. Semelhantes as PMEs, elas também buscam melhores resultados. Ambas encontram sustentação no associativismo, em torno de uma rede interorganizacional, uma forma de fortalecimento dos empreendimentos nos mais variados setores da economia. Um exemplo desta nova formatação de empreendimento está no Rio Grande do Sul, fomentado pelo Programa Redes de Cooperação do governo do estado. Neste sentido, esta pesquisa, através do método de estudo de caso e pesquisa qualitativa, investigou a Rede de Cooperação Dalacto, formada por cooperativas ligadas à Associação Gaúcha de Empreendimentos Lácteos AGEL, localizada na região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As informações que sustentam a pesquisa foram coletadas através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e de documentos administrativos. A partir da análise, foi possível conhecer a formação estrutural e organizacional dessa Rede. Seu resultado mostrou que, assim como nas redes formadas pelas pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs), também na formação estrutural de rede intercooperativa, a Rede Dalacto, foram percebidos ganhos coletivos como: a) Ganhos de escala e poder de mercado; b) Acesso a soluções; c) Aprendizagem e inovação; d) Redução de custos e riscos; e, e) Relações sociais. Essa formação se constitui como elementos muito importantes para os pequenos produtores da agricultura familiar, não somente para sua sobrevivência, mas, também, para o desenvolvimento do setor lácteo na região. / Organizational and economic changes of recent decades, accelerated by globalization, led to a structural realignment in the relationship between companies, workers and institutions. Facts as the increased competition and the uncertainty of the economic markets, meant that small and medium-sized enterprises lined up under a new configuration. Thus, institutions and business organizations such as the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) responsive to changing market conditions, have been opted for cooperation, uniting efforts and making improvements to reduce risks and threats and seize the opportunities, becoming more competitive. In this scenario, the cooperative organizations are inserted. Similar to SMEs, they also seek better results. Both found support in the associations, around an inter-organizational network, a form of strengthening of ventures in various sectors of the economy. An example of this new venture formatting is in Rio Grande do Sul, encouraged by the Cooperation Networks Program of the State Government. In this sense, this research, through the method of qualitative research and case study, investigated the Dalacto Cooperation Network, formed by cooperatives linked to the Gaúcha Association of Dairy Ventures AGEL, located in the northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The information that underpin the research were collected through semi-structured interviews and administrative documents. From the analysis, it was possible to meet the organizational and structural formation of this Network. Its result showed that just as in the networks formed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), also in structural formation of intercooperative network, the Dalacto Network, were noticed collective gains as: a) gains of scale and power of market; b) access to solutions; c) learning and innovation; d) costs and risks reduction; and, e) social relations. This formation expresses a very important element for small producers of family farming, not only for survival, but also for the development of the dairy sector in the region.

O milho de segunda safra, também conhecido como milho safrinha, é definido como aquele semeado entre os meses de janeiro e março. Esta modalidade de cultivo atingiu no ano agrícola de 2013/2014 uma área plantada de 9,18 milhões de hectares, superior a área cultivada com milho primeira safra, que no mesmo período foi de 6,61 milhões de hectares. Na segunda safra, há alto risco de instabilidades climáticas, principalmente em decorrência de baixas temperaturas, geadas, má distribuição de chuvas e redução do fotoperíodo. Todos estes fatores prejudicam a atividade fotossintética do milho, reduzindo sua produtividade. No entanto, dada a importância deste cultivo, empresas públicas, privadas e universidades vêm buscando incrementar a produtividade e a estabilidade. Para isso, alguns caracteres são especialmente preconizados. Devido ao alto risco de perda por adversidades ambientais, muitos produtores investem pouco em adubação, principalmente adubação nitrogenada. Neste contexto, o desenvolvimento de plantas mais eficientes no uso e, ou, tolerantes ao estresse por nitrogênio, resultaria em maior segurança para o produtor. Não obstante, a precocidade tem elevada importância, já que materiais precoces reduzem o risco de perdas neste período. No entanto, a mesma deve estar sempre associada a alta produtividade. Assim, para a seleção simultânea destes caracteres, pode-se lançar mão de índices per se de resposta das plantas ao estresse, análises gráficas e, ou, índices de seleção simultânea. Adicionalmente, os valores genotípicos das linhagens para essas características, além de serem preditos via REML/BLUP single-trait (análise univariada), também podem ser preditos via REML/BLUP multi-trait (análise multivariada). Dessa forma, os valores genotípicos são corrigidos pela covariância existente entre os caracteres. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de seleção simultânea para eficiência no uso e tolerância ao estresse por nitrogênio, além de plantas precoces e produtivas. Para isto, linhagens de milho tropical foram cultivadas e avaliadas para estes caracteres. Foram então simulados diversos cenários de seleção simultânea. A partir destes resultados, observou-se que o índice per se de resposta das plantas ao estresse Média Harmônica da Performance Relativa (MHPR) foi o mais eficiente na seleção de plantas eficientes no uso e tolerantes ao estresse por nitrogênio. Isto ocorreu devido a forte correlação desfavorável entre os índices que estimam a eficiência e a tolerância, além da superioridade e em acurácia, herdabilidade e ganhos com a seleção deste índice per se. Já para a seleção simultânea da produtividade e precocidade, o índice Aditivo de seleção simultânea, utilizando os valores genotípicos preditos via REML/BLUP single-trait se mostrou o mais eficiente, já que obteve ganhos satisfatórios em todos os caracteres e há a possibilidade de modular, de forma mais satisfatória, os ganhos em cada caractere. Conclui-se que a seleção simultânea tanto para eficiência no uso e tolerância ao estresse por nitrogênio, quanto para produtividade e precocidade são possíveis. Além disso, a escolha do melhor método de seleção simultânea depende da magnitude e do sentido da correlação entre os caracteres. / Second growing season maize, also known as winter maize, is the maize sowed in Brazil between January and March. This growing modality reached 9.18 million hectares in 2013/2014, higher than the area cultivated in first growing season that was 6.61 million hectares in the same period. In the second season, there is a high risk of climate instabilities, mainly due to low temperatures, frost, poor rainfall distribution and reduction of photoperiod. All these factors harm photosynthetic activity, reducing the maize yield. However, because of the recent plant area increasing, public, private companies and universities have sought increased yield and stability of the second growing season maize. For this, some traits are mainly in the selection process. With the high risk of yield loses due to environmental adversities, many farmers have done little investment in fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilization. In this context, the development of plants that are nitrogen use efficient and nitrogen stress tolerant could result in a safer activity for the farmers. In addition, the earliness is highly important, since early materials reduce the risk of losses during this period. However, the earliness must always be associated with a high yield. This way, simultaneous selection of these traits can be made by per se responses indexes of stressed plants, graphical analysis and simultaneous selection indexes. Additionally, the genotypic values of the genotypes for the traits can be predicted not only by REML/BLUP single-trait (univariate analysis), but also by REML/BLUP multi-trait (multivariate analysis). In the second, the genotypic values are adjusted considering the covariance between the traits. This way, the objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of simultaneous selection for nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen stress tolerance, as well as early and high yielding plants. For this, tropical maize lines were grown and evaluate. By these data, it was simulated several simultaneous selection sets. It was observed that Harmonic Mean of the Relative Performance (HMRP) is the most efficient in the selection for nitrogen use efficient and nitrogen stress tolerance. This probably occurs due to the strong unfavorable correlation between the indexes that estimate the efficiency and the tolerance, as well as the superiority in accuracy, heritability and selections gains of HMRP. In case of simultaneous selection for yield and earliness, the additive simultaneous selection index using the genotypic values predicted by REML/BLUP single-trait proved the most efficient selection, because it got satisfactory gains in all the traits and, this index allows the possibility to modulate the gains in each trait. It was concluded that the simultaneous selection for nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen stress tolerance, as well as for yield and earliness are possible. Furthermore, the choice of the best simultaneous selection method depends on the magnitude and direction of the correlation between the traits.

This dissertation consists of two self-contained chapters that empirically examine bidder firm returns of U.S. companies in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. In chapter one I examine how cultural distance between bidder and target country impacts internalization benefits. The results suggest that shareholders are initially concerned about the acquisition in culturally distant countries, which outweighs any potential benefits from internalization. However, in the long-run we observe a significant reversal of these findings. In the second and third year following the announcement, greater cultural distance positively impacts the bidder firm's operating performance and the bidder experiences significant internalization benefits from technological know-how when cultural distance is great. Long-run calendar-time returns further support this finding. These results add to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of cultural distance when examining internalization benefits. In chapter two I attempt to explain abnormal bidder firms' returns in cross-border mergers and acquisitions by comparing the first-mover hypothesis to the late-mover hypothesis. I also study the reactions of rival firms to bidder firm announcements as a further test of the first-mover hypothesis. The findings suggest that cross-border acquisitions are generally value-destroying for strategic pioneers unless cultural distance between the U.S. and the target country is great. Further, I find positive announcement effects for followers as long as cultural distance is small.

Forty-nine Cache Valley residents, between the ages of 18 and 45, who volunteered to participate in an assertion training class were assigned to one of seven groups. Subjects were administered pre- and posttests and a two month follow-up evaluation. Measures included Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, the Rathus Assertive Scale, and the Berger Self-Acceptance Scale. The results obtained indicate that self-acceptance and assertiveness changed as a result of assertion training and that these changes were maintained at follow-up. No difference between internals and externals was observed as a result of semi-structured assertion training.

Training studies involving competitive runners and road cyclists have shown substantial gains in sprint and endurance performance when sessions of high-intensity interval training were added to their usual training in the competitive phase of a season. Further research has shown large performance benefits in sprint and endurance power (7 - 9%) when cyclists combined explosive single-leg jumps with cycling-specific high-intensity interval training during a competitive season. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of the jumps to the gains in performance in competitive cyclists in a randomized control trial.The training protocol for the control group was based on previous experimental work in which the control group (n=8) completed cycle specific interval training followed by a series of explosive single-leg jumps. The experimental group (n=7) carried out the same cycle specific interval training but did not participate in the explosive single-leg jumps. While the current study did not use a true control group, the investigation was carried out in the knowledge that a combination of high intensity interval cycling and explosive single-leg jumps causes changes positive changes in performance. Participants took part in 10 x 30-min sessions consisting four sets of high intensity intermittent cycling (4 x 30-s maximum efforts at 50 - 60 min-1 alternating with 30-s recovery). Between each set of 4 x 30 s sprints the control (ballistic) group carried out one set of explosive single-leg jumps (20 for each leg), while the experimental (continuous) group cycled for 20 s at 50 - 60 min-1.Before and after the training period all cyclists completed an incremental peak power test for assessment of VO2max, lactate threshold, exercise economy and peak power, a 30 s Wingate sprint test and a 20 km time-trial. Relative to the control group the percent mean changes (±90% confidence limits) in the experimental group were: power at 4-mM lactate, -4.2 (±6.3); VO2max, -3.1 (±3.7); mean time-trial power, -0.7 (± 4.7); peak incremental power, -1.7; (±5.0); power at 80% max heart rate, -2.8; (±5.6); Wingate peak power, -4.2; (±7.8). We conclude that high-intensity training may improve performance but the combination of high-intensity training and explosive resistance training in the competitive phase is likely to produce greater gains in trained cyclists than high intensity cycling alone.