Performance evaluation for high speed vehicle in VANET

Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) is a high dynamic emerging technology for supporting wireless communication among vehicles. Communication via routing packets over the high-speed vehicles is a challenging task. Vehicles mobility speed can varies depending on the road specification. However in highways speed can be increased up to 120 – 200 Km/hr. moving in high speed can affect the efficiency of data delivery. In particular V2I traffic where moving car trying to deliver data to fixed space units which are designed to collected and process data from vehicles. In this paper, we investigated the consequences on increasing vehicle mobility speed in term of data delivery evaluation metrics including network throughput, delay and packet delivery ration. Results shows that in high speed mobility VANET, network throughput it decreased, and packet delivery ration is decreased as well

Reasons for the slow uptake of embodied carbon estimation in the Sri Lankan building sector

Global carbon reduction is not merely a responsibility of environmentally advanced developed countries, but also a responsibility of developing countries regardless of their less impact on global carbon emissions. In recognition of that, Sri Lanka as a developing country has initiated promoting green building construction as one reduction strategy. However, notwithstanding the increasing attention on Embodied Carbon (EC) reduction in the global building sector, they still mostly focus on Operational Carbon (OC) reduction (through improving operational energy). An adequate attention has not yet been given on EC estimation and reduction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the reasons for the slow uptake of EC estimation in the Sri Lankan building sector. To achieve this aim, 16 numbers of global barriers to estimate EC were identified through existing literature. They were then subjected to a pilot survey to identify the significant reasons for the slow uptake of EC estimation in the Sri Lankan building sector. A questionnaire with a three-point Likert scale was used to this end. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that 11 of 16 challenges/ barriers are highly relevant as reasons for the slow uptake in estimating EC in buildings in Sri Lanka while the other five challenges/ barriers remain as moderately relevant reasons. Further, the findings revealed that there are no low relevant reasons.Eventually, the paper concluded that all the known reasons are significant to the Sri Lankan building sector and it is necessary to address them in order to upturn the attention on EC reduction. Keywords — Embodied carbon emissions, embodied carbon estimation, global carbon reduction, Sri Lankan building secto

The Impact of Eating behaviours and Training Practices on Health in Female Physique Athletes: A Multi-Method Exploration

Female physique (FP) athletes are judged subjectively on aesthetic appearance and posing ability. Typically, an annual season is divided into an off-season (which can last a number of months to even a year) and an in-season which involves a pre-competition phase (approximately 12-24 weeks), competition week (normally the final 7 days prior to competition) and a recovery phase. Engaging in prolonged and/or acute weight loss practices can induce physiological and psychological strain that may result in negative long-term consequences. The profile of weight history and dieting behaviours used by FP athletes is still largely unknown. Additionally, few studies have assessed the physiological, psychological and social health implications involved in physique sports across different phases of the annual season. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of eating and training practices on health implications in FP athletes. Understanding these aspects will promote awareness regarding the requirements to be a FP athlete, whilst also ensuring physique athletes’ health and welfare is optimal. Study 1 (Chapter 3) investigated the weight loss history, practices and influential sources of information about dieting during the pre-competition phase in 158 FP athletes stratified by division and experience level. It was aimed to determine the relationship between experience level and division, and weight management practices. This is crucial for determining whether there is a need for tailored awareness and targeted education for FP athletes with varying levels of experience competing in different divisions. Eating attitudes and behaviours were assessed to identify whether athletes were at risk of developing an eating disorder. Using a cross-sectional research design, FP athletes completed an anonymous online self-reported survey consisting of the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Athletes reported using chronic gradual dieting (94%), food restriction (64%) and excessive exercise (84%), followed by acute body water manipulation via water loading (73%). There were no associations between division or experience and these practices. Nevertheless, division significantly impacted absolute (P<0.01), and relative (P=0.03) weight regain with Figure athletes (a specific division within female physique sports) showing the greatest increase in body mass (5.5%) 7-days following competition. Overall, 37% of FP athletes were at risk of developing an eating disorder, mirroring rates in other leanness-focused elite sports (35% out of 61 athletes (Kong and Harris, 2014), but higher than the general population (3-10% out of 2444 male and female individuals) (McEnery et al., 2016). Additionally, 42% of FP athletes used two pathogenic weight control methods (Laxatives, diet pills and diuretics use and binge eating) with 34% of Figure novice athletes (≤1 year of competition experience) indicating binge eating at least once a week. The coach (89%) and other athletes (73%) were identified as key influences on athletes’ dieting practices and weight loss. Although most female athletes acquire their body composition using acute and chronic methods, the prevalence of athletes identified with disordered eating symptoms and engaging in pathogenic weight control methods is concerning. Having quantified a high prevalence of the use of gradual dieting, food restrictions and excessive exercise during pre-competition in study 1 (Chapter 3), study 2 (Chapter 4) aimed to document self-reported dietary intake, training practices and psychological states during the pre-competition phase in FP athletes. In an observational study design, nine free-living natural (i.e., drug-free) FP athletes completed a three-day weighed food diary, training diary and perceived well-being and mood states questionnaires for three days at three separate time-points (-12 weeks, -4 weeks and -1 week) prior to competition. A reduction in BM (60.9 ± 8.1 kg to 55.6 ± 8.9 kg, Δ5.3kg ± 3.4; P 0.05). Macronutrient distribution did not differ between time-points (P>0.05), except for energy intake per meal between -12WK (188.7 142.6 kcal.day-1and -1WK (152.5 134.1 kcal.day-1; 95% CI=1 to 71 kcal.day-1, F2,14 = 5.43, P=0.04). Assessing timing and quantity of within-days macronutrients intakes of pre-competition is crucial for understanding if and how these athletes distribute their nutrition, to support the performance, recovery, and adaptation goals of training. Alongside dietary changes, FP athletes increased total aerobic training duration per day (99 ± 68 to 168 ± 85 min.day-1; P=0.02; ES=-0.85, 95% CI= -1.82 to 0.11) from -12 weeks to -4 week pre-competition, and reduced resistance training loads (1555 672 to 377 161 arbitrary units (AU); P<0.01; ES=2.30, 95% CI = 1.11 to 3.49) from -12 weeks to -1 weeks pre-competition. Within the mood sub-scales, vigour was significantly reduced from -12WK (8 ± 3 AU) to -1WK (5 ± 2 AU; 95% CI=0 to 6 AU; P=0.01; ES=1.09, 95% CI = 0.10 to 2.08). These data suggest FP athletes elicit moderate decreases in BM prior to competition via moderate to large adjustments to energy and training practices. Consequently, only vigour was affected in nine FP athletes during pre-competition. Study 3 (Chapter 5) was a case report assessing the physiological and psychological responses of an experienced FP athlete during the phases of the in-season, representing a late pre-competition phase (Phase 1: -4 weeks before competition), a competition week (Phase 2: -1 week and -2 days before competition) and a recovery phase (Phase 3: +4 and +12 weeks after competition). The athlete experienced a rebound of body mass (+10 kg, +19% from Phase 1) and hyperinsulinemia (>174 pmol.L-1) during the 12 weeks of recovery (Phase 3). Potential health consequences associated with relative energy deficiency in sport were also observed, as evidenced by self-reported oligomenorrhea (presented at the start of the study), suppressed RMRratio (0.90) (the ratio of RMR measured to predictive RMR using the Harris-Benedict equation BM equation), free triiodothyronine (2.6-3.0 pmol.L-1) and testosterone concentrations (0.3 nmol.L-1) when comparing against clinical reference values, and increased mood disturbance (total mood disturbance score = 35-39 AU) in Phase 2. This data showed that after a 12-week overfeeding recovery period following prolonged energy restriction, an experienced international-level FP athlete exhibited rebound hyperphagia. Additionally, some psychological and physiological negative effects observed in the pre-competition phases did not fully recover at 12 weeks post-competition (Phase 3). Competitive physique sports can place physiological and psychological demands on the athlete (Study 2 and Study 3: Chapter 4 and 5), however, exploratory studies on the lived experiences of FP athletes, especially in relation to health, wellbeing and social life, are scarce. The purpose of this study (Chapter 6) was therefore to shift the lens to a qualitative approach and explore ten FP athletes’ personal lived experiences within the sport (during their recovery phase or in the off-season). A two-part semi-structured interview was completed. Using a six-step thematic analysis, the overall theme of this study was a ‘dynamic physical, psychological and social rollercoaster experience’. Within this, five key subthemes were identified: Starting the journey, body changes, public success with private isolation, physical and psychological tension and aftercare which manifest themselves uniquely at different stages of the ‘rollercoaster experience’. Participants also provided suggestions for the management of health and welfare in physique sports, which included tailored regulations and coach education. Findings offer insights into the complex interplay between the body composition ideal, culture and dieting practices, and how this results in biological, psychological, and social health implications. Taken together, this thesis provides observational insights into the weight management of FP athletes by assessing both eating and training practices, along with an exploration of the physiological and psychological effects in physique sports. The findings of this thesis serve as a call to action to the bodybuilding and fitness organisations, in enhancing the education packages for athletes themselves and key stakeholders in the sport. Moreover, future research should design, implement and pilot test a multidisciplinary support system in the organisations to identify how FP athletes can be best supported throughout the annual season

A narrative review on female physique athletes: the physiological and psychological implications of weight management practices

Physique competitions are events in which aesthetic appearance and posing ability are valued above physical performance. Female physique athletes are required to possess high lean body mass and extremely low fat mass in competition. As such, extended periods of reduced energy intake and intensive training regimens are used with acute weight loss practices at the end of the precompetition phase. This represents an increased risk for chronic low energy availability and associated symptoms of relative energy deficiency in sport, compromising both psychological and physiological health. Available literature suggests that a large proportion of female physique athletes report menstrual irregularities (e.g., amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea), which are unlikely to normalize immediately postcompetition. Furthermore, the tendency to reduce intakes of numerous essential micronutrients is prominent among those using restrictive eating patterns. Following competition, reduced resting metabolic rate, and hyperphagia, is also a concern for these female athletes, which can result in frequent weight cycling, distorted body image, and disordered eating/eating disorders. Overall, female physique athletes are an understudied population, and the need for more robust studies to detect low energy availability and associated health effects is warranted. This narrative review aims to define the natural female physique athlete, explore some of the physiological and psychological implications of weight management practices experienced by female physique athletes, and propose future research directions

Antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of Escherichia coli isolated from common dairy products in the Lebanon

In a recent study, bacteria have been isolated from popular Lebanese dairy products, which had been collected in the Beqaa Valley, in north-eastern Lebanon. The foods investigated were two cheeses (shankleesh and baladi) and a dried fermented mixture of yogurt and wheat grains (kishk). Bacterial colonies on McConkey and sorbitol-McConkey agar that showed the morphology of Escherichia coli were biochemically tested and then classified, using PCR-based assays, into the various strains of pathogenic and non-pathogenic E. coli. Some of the confirmed E. coli isolates were proven to be pathogenic, including two identified as E. coli O157:H7. When the pathogenic isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 10 different antibiotics (all commonly used, by clinicians and veterinarians, for the treatment of infections with Gram-negative bacteria), each tested isolate was found to be highly resistant to at least one antibiotic. It therefore appears that, in Lebanon, some popular dairy products pose a public-health hazard, acting as vehicles for the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens. © The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine 2009

Factors Affecting Current Ratings for Underground and Air Cables

The aim of this paper is to present a parametric study to determine the major factors that influence the calculations of current rating for both air and underground cables. The current carrying capability of the power cables rely largely on the installation conditions and material properties. In this work, the influences on ampacity of conductor size, soil thermal resistivity and ambient soil temperature for underground installations are shown. The influences on the current-carrying capacity of solar heating (time of day effects and intensity of solar radiation), ambient air temperature and cable size for cables air are also presented. IEC and IEEE standards are taken as reference