Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um sistema inteligente para análise da técnica de pedalada aplicada por ciclistas. Para isso, desenvolveu-se um par de pedais de encaixe instrumentados, a partir dos quais é possível medir a componente de força normal aplicada nas partes frontal e posterior dos pedais. O modelo virtual da célula de carga experimental foi desenvolvido através da digitalização dos pedais de encaixe comerciais, utilizando-se um sistema comercial de escaneamento 3D com precisão declarada de 0,1mm. Cada pedal foi instrumentado com oito extensômetros de resistência elétrica (HBM 1-LY-13-1.5/350). Posteriormente os carregamentos máximos em cada eixo de medida de força foram estabelecidos utilizando-se uma plataforma de aquisição comercial específica para medida de deformação mecânica. Considerando-se os valores determinados, desenvolveu-se o circuito de condicionamento e realizaram-se os ensaios de deformação estática, obtendo-se as funções de transferência de saída de tensão elétrica em função do carregamento mecânico. O erro de linearidade máximo, considerando todos os canais, ficou abaixo de 0,75% e a máxima incerteza expandida (k=2) por canal, obtida através da aplicação do método clássico, foi de 1,55%. Em sequência, integrouse o sistema de pedais desenvolvido a dois outros sistemas, são eles: um par pedivelas experimentais instrumentados, capazes de medir as três componentes da força aplicada aos pedais e transmitidas aos pedivelas com um erro de linearidade abaixo de 0,6% e uma incerteza combinada inferior a 3,22%, e um sistema de cinemetria comercial, cuja precisão declarada pelo fabricante é de 1mm. Para possibilitar uma comparação quantitativa entre treinos ou ciclistas, implementou-se um sistema inteligente, baseado em redes Neuro-Fuzzy (ANFIS). A partir dos valores da potência média, do desvio padrão da potência e da assimetria bilateral média, obtidos ao longo de ensaios realizados sob protocolo desenvolvido especificamente para este trabalho, um score que representa o nível da técnica de pedalada apresentado pelo ciclista é determinado. Com intuito de testar o sistema, desenvolveu-se um projeto de experimentos com 2 fatores controláveis (sujeito e nível de frenagem de um rolo de treinamento), e realizou-se ensaios com oito ciclistas de características fisiológicas e níveis de preparos distintos. Através da análise estatística, constatou-se que das 23 variáveis de resposta consideradas ao longo do experimento, 23 são influenciadas significativamente pelo fator controlado sujeito e oito são influenciadas significativamente pelo fator controlado nível de frenagem magnética. / This report describes the development of an intelligent pedaling technique analysis system. To accomplish that, a pair of road bicycle pedals (SHIMANO R540) were instrumented to measure the forces that are applied to the front and back regions of the pedals. The virtual models of the pedals were developed based on a 3D scanned mesh developed with aid of a commercial 3D scanning system with a precision of 0.1mm. Each pedal was instrumented with eight electrical resistance strain-gages (HBM 1-LY-13-1.5/350). After that, the range of the mechanical deformation of each measurement channel was determined with aid of an industrial deformation acquisition system. The conditioning circuit was developed based on the mechanical deformation ranges previously determined and the static calibration experiment was performed to determine the voltage output transfer functions. The maximum linearity error determined per channel was 0,75% and the maximum expanded uncertainty (k=2), determined applying the classical methodology, was 1,55%. After that, the instrumented pedals developed were integrated with two complementary systems, which are: a pair of instrumented crank arm load cells which measure the components of the force applied to the bicycle pedal with a linearity error under 0.6% and an uncertainty of 3,22% and an Optitrack motion track system with a declared accuracy of 1mm. An intelligent pedaling technique analysis system was implemented through an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to determine the cyclist pedaling technique score based on three inputs: the average power applied to bicycle pedal, the average power standard deviation and the bilateral asymmetry index, all of them collected under an experimental protocol specifically designed for this application. To evaluate the behavior of the system developed a randomized block experiment design with two controlled factors was performed indoor with aid of an ergometer roll; 160 sprints were conducted with eight subjects of different training levels. From the data collected an ANOVA test was performed, which confirmed that all the 23 response variables vary significantly in function of the subject’s controlled factor and eight of them vary significantly in function of the magnetic braking level.

Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um sistema inteligente para análise da técnica de pedalada aplicada por ciclistas. Para isso, desenvolveu-se um par de pedais de encaixe instrumentados, a partir dos quais é possível medir a componente de força normal aplicada nas partes frontal e posterior dos pedais. O modelo virtual da célula de carga experimental foi desenvolvido através da digitalização dos pedais de encaixe comerciais, utilizando-se um sistema comercial de escaneamento 3D com precisão declarada de 0,1mm. Cada pedal foi instrumentado com oito extensômetros de resistência elétrica (HBM 1-LY-13-1.5/350). Posteriormente os carregamentos máximos em cada eixo de medida de força foram estabelecidos utilizando-se uma plataforma de aquisição comercial específica para medida de deformação mecânica. Considerando-se os valores determinados, desenvolveu-se o circuito de condicionamento e realizaram-se os ensaios de deformação estática, obtendo-se as funções de transferência de saída de tensão elétrica em função do carregamento mecânico. O erro de linearidade máximo, considerando todos os canais, ficou abaixo de 0,75% e a máxima incerteza expandida (k=2) por canal, obtida através da aplicação do método clássico, foi de 1,55%. Em sequência, integrouse o sistema de pedais desenvolvido a dois outros sistemas, são eles: um par pedivelas experimentais instrumentados, capazes de medir as três componentes da força aplicada aos pedais e transmitidas aos pedivelas com um erro de linearidade abaixo de 0,6% e uma incerteza combinada inferior a 3,22%, e um sistema de cinemetria comercial, cuja precisão declarada pelo fabricante é de 1mm. Para possibilitar uma comparação quantitativa entre treinos ou ciclistas, implementou-se um sistema inteligente, baseado em redes Neuro-Fuzzy (ANFIS). A partir dos valores da potência média, do desvio padrão da potência e da assimetria bilateral média, obtidos ao longo de ensaios realizados sob protocolo desenvolvido especificamente para este trabalho, um score que representa o nível da técnica de pedalada apresentado pelo ciclista é determinado. Com intuito de testar o sistema, desenvolveu-se um projeto de experimentos com 2 fatores controláveis (sujeito e nível de frenagem de um rolo de treinamento), e realizou-se ensaios com oito ciclistas de características fisiológicas e níveis de preparos distintos. Através da análise estatística, constatou-se que das 23 variáveis de resposta consideradas ao longo do experimento, 23 são influenciadas significativamente pelo fator controlado sujeito e oito são influenciadas significativamente pelo fator controlado nível de frenagem magnética. / This report describes the development of an intelligent pedaling technique analysis system. To accomplish that, a pair of road bicycle pedals (SHIMANO R540) were instrumented to measure the forces that are applied to the front and back regions of the pedals. The virtual models of the pedals were developed based on a 3D scanned mesh developed with aid of a commercial 3D scanning system with a precision of 0.1mm. Each pedal was instrumented with eight electrical resistance strain-gages (HBM 1-LY-13-1.5/350). After that, the range of the mechanical deformation of each measurement channel was determined with aid of an industrial deformation acquisition system. The conditioning circuit was developed based on the mechanical deformation ranges previously determined and the static calibration experiment was performed to determine the voltage output transfer functions. The maximum linearity error determined per channel was 0,75% and the maximum expanded uncertainty (k=2), determined applying the classical methodology, was 1,55%. After that, the instrumented pedals developed were integrated with two complementary systems, which are: a pair of instrumented crank arm load cells which measure the components of the force applied to the bicycle pedal with a linearity error under 0.6% and an uncertainty of 3,22% and an Optitrack motion track system with a declared accuracy of 1mm. An intelligent pedaling technique analysis system was implemented through an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to determine the cyclist pedaling technique score based on three inputs: the average power applied to bicycle pedal, the average power standard deviation and the bilateral asymmetry index, all of them collected under an experimental protocol specifically designed for this application. To evaluate the behavior of the system developed a randomized block experiment design with two controlled factors was performed indoor with aid of an ergometer roll; 160 sprints were conducted with eight subjects of different training levels. From the data collected an ANOVA test was performed, which confirmed that all the 23 response variables vary significantly in function of the subject’s controlled factor and eight of them vary significantly in function of the magnetic braking level.

Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um sistema inteligente para análise da técnica de pedalada aplicada por ciclistas. Para isso, desenvolveu-se um par de pedais de encaixe instrumentados, a partir dos quais é possível medir a componente de força normal aplicada nas partes frontal e posterior dos pedais. O modelo virtual da célula de carga experimental foi desenvolvido através da digitalização dos pedais de encaixe comerciais, utilizando-se um sistema comercial de escaneamento 3D com precisão declarada de 0,1mm. Cada pedal foi instrumentado com oito extensômetros de resistência elétrica (HBM 1-LY-13-1.5/350). Posteriormente os carregamentos máximos em cada eixo de medida de força foram estabelecidos utilizando-se uma plataforma de aquisição comercial específica para medida de deformação mecânica. Considerando-se os valores determinados, desenvolveu-se o circuito de condicionamento e realizaram-se os ensaios de deformação estática, obtendo-se as funções de transferência de saída de tensão elétrica em função do carregamento mecânico. O erro de linearidade máximo, considerando todos os canais, ficou abaixo de 0,75% e a máxima incerteza expandida (k=2) por canal, obtida através da aplicação do método clássico, foi de 1,55%. Em sequência, integrouse o sistema de pedais desenvolvido a dois outros sistemas, são eles: um par pedivelas experimentais instrumentados, capazes de medir as três componentes da força aplicada aos pedais e transmitidas aos pedivelas com um erro de linearidade abaixo de 0,6% e uma incerteza combinada inferior a 3,22%, e um sistema de cinemetria comercial, cuja precisão declarada pelo fabricante é de 1mm. Para possibilitar uma comparação quantitativa entre treinos ou ciclistas, implementou-se um sistema inteligente, baseado em redes Neuro-Fuzzy (ANFIS). A partir dos valores da potência média, do desvio padrão da potência e da assimetria bilateral média, obtidos ao longo de ensaios realizados sob protocolo desenvolvido especificamente para este trabalho, um score que representa o nível da técnica de pedalada apresentado pelo ciclista é determinado. Com intuito de testar o sistema, desenvolveu-se um projeto de experimentos com 2 fatores controláveis (sujeito e nível de frenagem de um rolo de treinamento), e realizou-se ensaios com oito ciclistas de características fisiológicas e níveis de preparos distintos. Através da análise estatística, constatou-se que das 23 variáveis de resposta consideradas ao longo do experimento, 23 são influenciadas significativamente pelo fator controlado sujeito e oito são influenciadas significativamente pelo fator controlado nível de frenagem magnética. / This report describes the development of an intelligent pedaling technique analysis system. To accomplish that, a pair of road bicycle pedals (SHIMANO R540) were instrumented to measure the forces that are applied to the front and back regions of the pedals. The virtual models of the pedals were developed based on a 3D scanned mesh developed with aid of a commercial 3D scanning system with a precision of 0.1mm. Each pedal was instrumented with eight electrical resistance strain-gages (HBM 1-LY-13-1.5/350). After that, the range of the mechanical deformation of each measurement channel was determined with aid of an industrial deformation acquisition system. The conditioning circuit was developed based on the mechanical deformation ranges previously determined and the static calibration experiment was performed to determine the voltage output transfer functions. The maximum linearity error determined per channel was 0,75% and the maximum expanded uncertainty (k=2), determined applying the classical methodology, was 1,55%. After that, the instrumented pedals developed were integrated with two complementary systems, which are: a pair of instrumented crank arm load cells which measure the components of the force applied to the bicycle pedal with a linearity error under 0.6% and an uncertainty of 3,22% and an Optitrack motion track system with a declared accuracy of 1mm. An intelligent pedaling technique analysis system was implemented through an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to determine the cyclist pedaling technique score based on three inputs: the average power applied to bicycle pedal, the average power standard deviation and the bilateral asymmetry index, all of them collected under an experimental protocol specifically designed for this application. To evaluate the behavior of the system developed a randomized block experiment design with two controlled factors was performed indoor with aid of an ergometer roll; 160 sprints were conducted with eight subjects of different training levels. From the data collected an ANOVA test was performed, which confirmed that all the 23 response variables vary significantly in function of the subject’s controlled factor and eight of them vary significantly in function of the magnetic braking level.

Several methods have been used in the scientific literature to study the weightlifting pull. Broadly, these methods are used to measure kinematic or kinetic variables exhibited by the lifter, the barbell, or the lifter-barbell system. However, there is an apparent disconnect between weightlifting research and coaching practice that may reduce the perceived benefits of technique analysis among coaches and present some challenges for coaches who seek to incorporate technique analysis into their coaching practice. Differences and trends in the technique of competitive weightlifting performances are apparent from the available literature. However, there are also gaps in the literature due to infrequent analyses that are limited to narrow subgroups of the weightlifting population. Therefore, the purposes of this dissertation were to 1) update to the scientific knowledge of weightlifting technique and performance, 2) improve coaches’ ability to conduct and interpret technique analysis, and 3) enhance transferability of weightlifting in training to improve sport performance. A review of methods used to evaluate the weightlifting pull provides some practical guidance for coaches on the application and interpretation of weightlifting technique analysis. Video analysis is recommended as the most practicable method for coaches to implement technique analysis themselves. Methods used to study 319 lifts by women and men from two major international competitions demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of video analysis as an inexpensive, time-efficient, and user-friendly method for coaches to conduct reliable technique analysis. The results of this dissertation suggest that a variety of techniques can be used to achieve international weightlifting success and provide some evidence of changes in weightlifting technique since at least the mid-1980’s. These results also indicate that a stereotypical technique profile among elite international weightlifters does not exist, which further support the notion that strength is a primary determinant of weightlifting ability.

Analysis of elite performances is important to elucidate the characteristics of effective weightlifting technique contributing to the highest level of achievement. The general technique of the weightlifting movements is well established. However, it is also apparent that weightlifting technique can differ based on athlete characteristics. Thus, existing technical models may not accurately reflect current technique of top performers or be applied generically to athletes of different skill, size, sex, or ability. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to update the scientific knowledge of snatch technique of top international weightlifters. This study used video analysis to determine barbell trajectory and kinematics of 319 successful snatch attempts from two major international competitions. Relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types differed based on competition, sex, category, and ranking. No statistical differences were observed among the top-three performers for either sex for most kinematic variables, and there were no overall discernible patterns of effect size differences for individual or clusters of kinematic variables. The results of this study indicate that weightlifting success can be achieved with a variety of technique profiles.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Feedback is critical for motor skill learning. Knowledge of performance (KP) In the form of verbal feedback is the most commonly used type of augmented feedback. Advances in technology have made it possible for coaches to utilise video-supported feedback with athletes with the intention of accelerating the learning process. The use of videotape replay has been an effective aid under some circumstances. Recent commercially available products offer digital analysis that may be even more successful than ordinary video replay in this regard. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of knowledge of results (KR) and verbal KP with video-support in improving the learning of the tennis serve, when compared to KR with verbal KP only. A total of 18 adults (lOwomen and 8 men) were assessed on their serving technique (6 kinematic variables), accuracy (2 variables) and speed (1 variable). Technique analysis was completed using a commercially available analysis programme. For a short intervention period, one group (n = 10) received KR with verbal feedback only, while the other group (n = 8) received KR plus verbal feedback with video support. The subjects were tested after the intervention to see what changes had occurred with regards to the speed, accuracy and technique of their serves. No significant differences were found for any of the variables, leading to the conclusion that the amount oftime spent in the intervention programme must be extended in order to possibly achieve significant effects on performances. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: By die aanleer van motoriese vaardighede is terugvoer van kritiese belang. Verbale terugvoering is die mees algemene vorm van kennis oordraging aan die uitvoerder. Verbetering in tegnologie het dit nou moontlik gemaak vir afrigters om videoondersteunde terugvoer met atlete te gebruik, met die doelom die leerproses te versnel. Die gebruik hiervan is in sekere situasies 'n effektiewe hulpmiddel. Kommersiële produkte wat tans beskikbaar is bied die moontlikheid van digitale ontledings, wat dalk meer suksesvol kan wees as slegs die terugspeel van 'n video aan die uitvoerder. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die doeltreffendheid van kennis van resultate (knowledge of results) en verbale terugvoering met video-ondersteuning in die verbetering van die tennis afslaan te meet, en dit dan te vergelyk met kennis van resultate waar net verbale terugvoering verskaf is. 'n Totaal van 18 volwassenes (It) vroue en 8 mans) se afslaantegniek (6 kinematiese verandelikes), akkuraatheid van afslaan (2 verandelikes) en die spoed van die afslaan (1 verandelike) is nagegaan. Tegniekontleding is met die gebruik van 'n komersieël beskikbare analise-program gedoen. Een groep (n = l O) het kennis van resultate en verbale terugvoer gekry vir 'n kort intervensie periode. Die ander groep (n = 8) het kennis van resultate en video-ondersteunde verbale terugvoer, ook vir 'n kort intervensie tydperk ontvang. Die deelnemers is na afloop van die intervensie tydperk getoets om te bepaal watter veranderinge met betrekking tot spoed, akkuraatheid en afslaantegniek plaasgevind het. Geen beduidende verskille is in enige van die verandelikes gevind nie. Dit gee aanleiding tot 'n gevolgtrekking dat die duur van die intervensieprogram verleng moet word om 'n beduidende effek op uitvoering te kry.

Analysis of elite performances is important to elucidate the characteristics of effective weightlifting technique contributing to the highest level of achievement. The general technique of the weightlifting movements is well established. However, it is also apparent that weightlifting technique can differ based on athlete characteristics. Thus, existing technical models may not accurately reflect current technique of top performers or be applied generically to athletes of different skill, size, sex, or ability. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to update the scientific knowledge of snatch technique of top international weightlifters. This study used video analysis to determine barbell trajectory and kinematics of 319 successful snatch attempts from two major international competitions. Relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types differed based on competition, sex, category, and ranking. No statistical differences were observed among the top-three performers for either sex for most kinematic variables, and there were no overall discernible patterns of effect size differences for individual or clusters of kinematic variables. The results of this study indicate that weightlifting success can be achieved with a variety of technique profiles.

Title: Technique of Hurdle Clearing in 400 Meters Hurdles Authors: Jiří Jakoubek Supervisor: PhDr. Aleš Kaplan, Ph.D. Aims: The aim of this thesis is to describe technique of hurdle clearing in 400 meters hurdle race using study review and to examine this technique at particular athlete during training and racing sessions in 400 meters hurdles race. Methods: Technique was compared and examined at young athlete. Two kinograms were used for analysis, one from training and one from racing session. The comparison was made using third hurdle in second track. One hurdle clearance from each training and racing sessions with clearly visible individual phases of hurdle crossing were used. For better and well-arranged comparative analysis the same athlete was always examined. Technique of hurdle clearing is analysed thanks to using kinogram. The captured record was transmitted into appropriate format and elaborated in Kinovea program. For superior quality of presented snapshots program Corel photo-point 9.0 was used. Results: The goal of this thesis is to analyze technique of clearing the third hurdle in 400 meter race at particular athlete and to find differences and imperfections in applied technique. When comparing the technique of hurdle crossing at chosen athlete it was found that there are diferences...

Instead of discussing an outstanding literary work by a well-known Swahili writer, this time I would like to present a second- or third-rate book by a renownless author (at least to my knowledge), Gilbert Gicaru Githere.2 Its title is Mwana Maji na Mrembo (The Marine and the beauty). It was published in 1990 by an otherwise unknown publishing house, Merengo Publishers, and printed in Hawaii. I have chosen this book because, in spite of its many flaws, it has some interesting features: The whole novel is written almost as a film script; descriptions of actions and landscapes are film-like, and the characters are seen as if they were on the screen. The problem is that this narrative technique does not work, so I want to analyse what is wrong with it.

Submitted by Amanda Pimenta Carlos (amanda@fgvmail.br) on 2011-06-14T02:39:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_Amanda_Pimenta.pdf: 1830345 bytes, checksum: e85958771d08d6f916d835aa6a261359 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Andrea Virginio Machado(andrea.machado@fgv.br) on 2011-06-14T11:34:45Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_Amanda_Pimenta.pdf: 1830345 bytes, checksum: e85958771d08d6f916d835aa6a261359 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2011-07-13T12:15:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_Amanda_Pimenta.pdf: 1830345 bytes, checksum: e85958771d08d6f916d835aa6a261359 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-17 / This thesis encompasses five papers about two Brazilian infrastructure sectors: energy and road transportation. In the first paper, we model the bid in the Brazilian transmission lines auctions, in order to understand why the winning bids have been lower than one could expect. In the second paper, we estimate the electricity demand and the price and income elasticity of the consumers, using a new technique and including the 2001 Rationing period, which could have changed the consumers’ behavior. In the third paper, we study the evolution of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market worldwide. The LNG could be a link to the natural gas markets and we test this hypothesis using time series and copulas analysis. In the fourth paper, we discuss the entrance of the LNG in the national electricity market. Finally, in the last paper, we analyze the Road concession experience in Brazil. We add new insights about the auction model used in this sector and also about the contract design. / A presente tese engloba cinco trabalhos sobre dois setores brasileiros de infraestrutura: setor de energia e de transportes. No primeiro trabalho, modela-se o lance dos leilões de linhas de transmissão de energia, buscando compreender porque os lances ganhadores têm se situado em níveis abaixo do que se espera. No segundo paper, estima-se a demanda de energia do Brasil e as elasticidades preço e renda que os consumidores apresentem em relação a essa demanda, usando uma técnica ainda não aplicada na literatura e incluindo o período da Crise do Racionamento – a qual pode ter mudado o padrão de consumo dos agentes. No terceiro trabalho, estuda-se a evolução do mercado de gás natural liquefeito (GNL) ao redor do mundo. O GNL pode ser o link que faltava entre os mercados de gás natural e essa hipótese é testada por meio de análises de séries de tempo e de cópulas. O quarto paper discute a entrada do GNL no sistema energético brasileiro e suas eventuais consequências. Por fim, o quinto paper analisa a experiência de leilões de rodovias no Brasil. O trabalho levanta relevantes insights a respeito do modelo de leilão utilizado e dos detalhes contratuais dessas licitações.