15-01 Effect of Cycling Skills on Bicycle Safety and Comfort Associated with Bicycle Infrastructure and Environment

This study seeks to improve the methodology for determining the relationship between cycling dynamic performance and roadway environment characteristics across different bicyclists’ skill levels. To achieve the goal of this study, an Instrumented Probe Bicycle (IPB) equipped with various sensors was built. A naturalistic field experiment, including intersections, roundabout, alignment changes, and different road surface conditions, was conducted. Two self-reported questionnaires were used in order to obtain each participant’s skill level as well as perception on the level of cycling comfortability. The Cycling Comfortability Index (CCI) was derived from the probabilistic outcome of an Ordered Probit Model, which describes the relationship between bicycle dynamics and level of comfortability. Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), a technique widely used to measure the risk of a fault event occurrence in a system, was employed to integrate mobility and comfortability. The estimation results showed that the probability of a fault event occurrence is related to the bicyclist’s experience level, incline of the roadway, and quality of the road surface. It was also found that cycling comfort level is significantly affected by the average y-axis acceleration and the mean absolute deviation of the z-axis velocity. The results of this study have practical implications for improving bicyclist perceptions on comfortability and for increasing safety for cyclists

Consumer product invention: some developmental, economic & consumer aspects

This study of the British Bicycle and Domestic Radio Receiver industries produced a model of invention/product design having the following features: Invention depended mainly on the combined effect of three factors, each with changing significance over a three-stage life cycle. Technology Factor: Induced a cumulative sequence of inventions to improve product performance, of various origins (ideas, problems, techno-transfers or science). This factor most important in the first Incubation stage, of equal importance in second Early Growth stage and of incremental importance in final Mature stage. Economic Factor: Induced invention to suit market, mainly for cheaper, lower performance products but also for superlative models. This factor inoperative at Incubation stage, very important at Early Growth stage and important at Mature stage. Consumer Factor: Induced invention to make products more appealing to consumer; for simpler/automatic operation, greater reliability, accessories and new uses. This factor inoperative at Incubation stage, important at Early Growth stage and supremely important at Mature stage. Product life-cycle pattern a sequence of new models subsequently improved until an basic satisfactory design achieved, later incrementally improved. Empirical invention often systematic and as important as scientific invention; science often used to define design problem. Peak invention in Early Growth stage to explore all technical possibilities, design trade-offs and for market share. Invention and Demand: No direct and proportional relationship. Initial demand due to novelty appeal of function, subsequent rapid increased demand due to better technical product performance, lower product prices and increased income-related purchasing power. After market saturation demand declined despite better, sometimes radical, designs; as consumers sought other new products

Advances in Mechanical Systems Dynamics 2020

The fundamentals of mechanical system dynamics were established before the beginning of the industrial era. The 18th century was a very important time for science and was characterized by the development of classical mechanics. This development progressed in the 19th century, and new, important applications related to industrialization were found and studied. The development of computers in the 20th century revolutionized mechanical system dynamics owing to the development of numerical simulation. We are now in the presence of the fourth industrial revolution. Mechanical systems are increasingly integrated with electrical, fluidic, and electronic systems, and the industrial environment has become characterized by the cyber-physical systems of industry 4.0. Within this framework, the status-of-the-art has become represented by integrated mechanical systems and supported by accurate dynamic models able to predict their dynamic behavior. Therefore, mechanical systems dynamics will play a central role in forthcoming years. This Special Issue aims to disseminate the latest research findings and ideas in the field of mechanical systems dynamics, with particular emphasis on novel trends and applications

Sustainable management of backcountry trail networks in British Columbia: Tourism, technology and climate change

Sensitive backcountry environments are more accessible than ever before due to technological innovation, the effects of climate change, continued resource extraction and a growing tourism sector in Western Canada. Current regulations and management practices must be adapted to protect these ecologically sensitive areas. While existing academic literature discusses the ecological impacts of nature based tourism, there are limited resources available that provide insight into holistic land management solutions specific to remote backcountry trails in British Columbia (B.C.). This research examines the relevance of current industry standards, best practices and policies of trail management, design, construction and access and in their application to backcountry environments. A community-based participatory research (CPBR) methodology provided the foundation for this study. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were completed between September 1st and December 13th, 2018 with key industry stakeholders who currently use or manage trails in backcountry environments. The interviews identified gaps in existing knowledge and assisted in the creation of an online survey tool used to gain insight from trail user communities. The survey was sent out using Survey Monkey to various social media platforms, primarily targeting backcountry recreation media outlets. In total, there were 400 survey respondents from across B.C. This research provides insight into the contemporary challenges trail managers face related to technological innovation and shifting environmental conditions. This study identifies opportunities for further trail user education and encourages a more collaborative land management strategy for summer use of sensitive backcountry environments. The multiple overlapping interests that compete for control of public land in B.C. adds a layer of complexity that is a critical aspect in discussions of backcountry recreation management. While focusing on sustainable management of a growing industry, this research provides additional insight to better understand the effects that climate change is having on tourism economies in Western Canada.Backcountry recreationSustainabilityEnvironmental practicesCommunity-based researchLand use managementParks and protected areasPolicy developmentConflict resolutio

Sustainable management of backcountry trail networks in British Columbia: Tourism, technology and climate change

Sensitive backcountry environments are more accessible than ever before due to technological innovation, the effects of climate change, continued resource extraction and a growing tourism sector in Western Canada. Current regulations and management practices must be adapted to protect these ecologically sensitive areas. While existing academic literature discusses the ecological impacts of nature based tourism, there are limited resources available that provide insight into holistic land management solutions specific to remote backcountry trails in British Columbia (B.C.). This research examines the relevance of current industry standards, best practices and policies of trail management, design, construction and access and in their application to backcountry environments. A community-based participatory research (CPBR) methodology provided the foundation for this study. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were completed between September 1st and December 13th, 2018 with key industry stakeholders who currently use or manage trails in backcountry environments. The interviews identified gaps in existing knowledge and assisted in the creation of an online survey tool used to gain insight from trail user communities. The survey was sent out using Survey Monkey to various social media platforms, primarily targeting backcountry recreation media outlets. In total, there were 400 survey respondents from across B.C. This research provides insight into the contemporary challenges trail managers face related to technological innovation and shifting environmental conditions. This study identifies opportunities for further trail user education and encourages a more collaborative land management strategy for summer use of sensitive backcountry environments. The multiple overlapping interests that compete for control of public land in B.C. adds a layer of complexity that is a critical aspect in discussions of backcountry recreation management. While focusing on sustainable management of a growing industry, this research provides additional insight to better understand the effects that climate change is having on tourism economies in Western Canada.Backcountry recreationSustainabilityEnvironmental practicesCommunity-based researchLand use managementParks and protected areasPolicy developmentConflict resolutio

The physiology of the pursuit cycle race

The principal aim of this thesis was to develop a greater understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying performance in the individual pursuit cycle race. Three separate topics were addressed: The suitabi!lty of various laboratory measures of physiological function, the relationship between pursuit performance and selected physiological indices, and the longitudinal training responses of pursuit cyclists. The aerobic power of national squad pursuit cyclists was assessed in two ways. VOzmax was measured on a specially modified ergometer using a protocol optimized for cyclists. Submaximal ·blood lactate responses to incremental were evaluated with the 4 mmol.l-1 lactate threshold measure, A pilot study on 11 cyclists found this to be a accurate index of the maximum power output that could be sustained under true steady state conditions. No suitable test of anaerobic power could be found so this variable was not directly measured. Performance in the 1987 British Championships was correlnted with laboratory data measured just prior to competition for 9 pursuit cyclists. Significant relationships were found between race speed and absolute values of VOzmax (r = 0.63, p<0.05), and Power output at 4 mmol.l-1 lactate (r = 0.93, p<0.01). However, when these variables were related to body mass, body mass-o·667 or body surface area reduced correlations were observed. No relationship between post race blood lactate levels and performance was found. It was concluded that pursuit racing performance is primarily limited by the metabolic acidosis arising from the failure to deliver sufficient oxygen to the mitochondria of the exercising musculature. At elite levels of competition, heavier cyclists appear to possess an advantage over their lighter rivals due to a higher absolute work capacity. The measurement of power output at 4 mmol.l-1 lactate was found to be the most appropriate measure of pursuit performance potential, and the most sensitive index of long term training responses in competitive cyclists.This thesis is the result of an attempt to Integrate two challenges which have fascinated me for some time, the quest for sporting excellence and the search for a greater knowledge of the mechanisms underlying human performance. Although humble in its goals and limited in its conclusions this work nevertheless represents the achievement of an important personal goal, one that could not have been contemplated, much less attempted without the continuous support and inspiration of one man. It Is therefore with a deep sense of personal gratitude that I dedicate this thesis to Gordon Wright, a revered friend and educator

Intelligent and Efficient Transport Systems

The aim of this book is to present a number of digital and technology solutions to real-world problems across transportation sectors and infrastructures. Nine chapters have been well prepared and organized with the core topics as follows: -A guideline to evaluate the energy efficiency of a vehicle -A guideline to design and evaluate an electric propulsion system -Potential opportunities for intelligent transportation systems and smart cities -The importance of system control and energy-power management in transportation systems and infrastructures -Bespoke modeling tools and real-time simulation platforms for transportation system development This book will be useful to a wide range of audiences: university staff and students, engineers, and business people working in relevant fields

The Effects of School Distance on Students’ Academic Performance: A Case of Community Secondary Schools in Makambako Town Council

The study set to determine the extent to which distance affected the academic achievement of students in community secondary schools in Makambako Town Council. The study was guided by four specific objectives, which were carried out through descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guide, questionnaires and documentary review, by involving 12 teachers, two educational officers, and 200 (80 boys and 120 girls) students. These study respondents were sampled through simple random and purposive sampling technique in which SPSS and inductive analysis procedures were employed to analyze their responses. The study determined that longer distance travelled by students to school made them reach schools late and with empty stomachs. Location of school has lead to mass failure to most of students, due to long walk among students have cause dropout from school and most of girls‘ student get pregnancy thus fails to attain their educational goals. Community secondary schools will continue performing poorly academically if there is no effort done to improve the provision of education to community secondary schools in Makambako Town Council