Bituplaning a low dry friction phenomenon of new bituminous road surfaces

The potential for binder rich bituminous road surfaces to deliver low levels of dry friction was first noted in 1944. Using established test methods exploiting basic principles of physics first tested in criminal court in the 1940s (and still in use today) it has been possible to show statistically that modern negative textured road surfaces (NTS) deliver levels of dry friction significantly below those considered typical by collision investigators for the more traditional positive textured surfaces (PTS). NTS surfaces are shown to perform relatively worse in the absence of ABS (Anti-Blockier System, Anti-lock braking) than PTS equivalents such as Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA). Skid tests undertaken on DRY NTS surfaces with ABS braking have been shown to manifest momentary low levels of deceleration similar to those experienced during NOABS tests on the same surfaces and to generate dash like skid marks atypical of ABS tests on DRY PTS surfaces. The ratio of peak to sliding friction also appears lower for dry NTS surfaces than for Dry PTS surfaces documented in the literature.Using high-speed video and false colour infrared imaging it has been possible to see the low friction phenomenon termed “bituplaning”. Vehicles equipped with ABS have also been shown to suffer momentary “bituplanes” resulting in less than optimum performance. Tyre deformation during dry skidding on NTS appears reduced in relation to a PTS equivalent.<br/

Neurophysiological, psychological and immunological evaluation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastroenterological disorder characterised by recurrent abdominal pain and a change in bowel habit. Diagnosis is made with reference to clinical symptomatology and the exclusion of other competing disorders. As such there is no reliable biomarker in the clinical field to prove or disprove the diagnosis. This has obvious implications for the treatment of the syndrome. Recent research has targeted the immunology of IBS to see if changes in cytokine expression support the concept of a chronic low-level inflammatory state. IBS has a strong association with psychological comorbidity. Visceral hypersensitivity is also a hallmark of the disease. This study was constructed to compare the psychological profiles of patients with IBS against a control group; to use cortical evoked potentials to observe the cortical representation of an electrical rectal stimulus to see if changes in amplitude or latency might be suggestive of enhanced afferent nerve transmission; and to use cytokine analysis of stimulated and un-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells to study the inflammatory response

Current state of development

These notes are intended to bring together the various aspects of mooring of the Edinburgh Device known at the present time. Model tests indicate that the mooring forces for the device are substantially below those of other floating devices. That the device can be moored has not been questioned and consequently the manner in which this is to be achieved has not had high priority in the past. However in order to arrive at an overall scheme cost it has been necessary to produce a mooring system as a reference design and this is described in the following pages

Does ethnic density influence community participation in mass participation physical activity events? The case of parkrun in England

Background: parkrun has been successful in encouraging people in England to participate in their weekly 5km running and walking events. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in parkrun participation across different communities in England: after controlling for travel distances, deprived communities have significantly lower participation rates. Methods: This paper expands on previous findings by investigating disparities in parkrun participation by ethnic density. We combined geo-spatial data available through the Office for National Statistics with participation data provided by parkrun, and fitted multivariable Poisson regression models to study the effect of ethnic density on participation rates at the Lower layer Super Output Level. Results: We find that areas with higher ethnic density have lower participation rates. This effect is independent of deprivation. Conclusions: An opportunity exists for parkrun to engage with these communities and reduce potential barriers to participation

The Role of Technology in Promoting Physical Activity: A Case-Study of parkrun

Around a third of people worldwide are physically inactive, causing 3.2 million deaths each year. People often use wearables and smartphone trackers to motivate them to be active, but there is evidence to show that use of these trackers declines quickly, often within weeks. One intervention that appears to successfully motivate people to be active is parkrun, a free, weekly timed 5 km run or walk every Saturday morning. The system used by parkrun is surprisingly low-tech: it uses printable barcodes, stopwatches and scanners, and the internet. A survey of 60,694 parkrun participants showed that levels of self-reported physical activity increased following participation in parkrun, especially for those with previously low levels of activity. Nine out of ten reported feeling a sense of personal achievement and improvements to fitness and physical health since starting parkrun. Based on a taxonomy of behaviour change interventions, the technology used by parkrun was shown to incorporate at least seven techniques that inform and encourage parkrunners. It is concluded that physical activity technologies should not be central to an intervention, rather, they should enhance interventions where behaviour change takes precedence

The relationship between peak power and leg size in mountain bike cyclists

The relationship between peak power and leg size in mountain bike cyclist

Diversity, equal access and information

The overall aim of diversity is to ensure that every individual, whatever their differences, has fair and equitable access to health care and to employment based on clinical need and merit. This has advantages for staff by allowing them to give of their best and for patients by better identifying and meeting their needs. Evidence shows that individuals from minority groups are often not treated fairly and positive action is required to redress the balance

Validity and repeatability of a depth camera based surface imaging system for thigh volume measurement

Complex anthropometric measures, such as area and volume, can identify changes in body size and shape that are not detectable with traditional anthropometric measures of lengths, breadths, skinfolds and girths. However, taking these more complex measures with manual techniques (tape measurement and water displacement) is often unsuitable. Three dimensional (3D) surface imaging systems are quick and accurate alternatives to manual techniques but their use is restricted by cost, complexity and limited access. We have developed a novel low cost, accessible and portable 3D surface imaging system based on consumer depth cameras. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and repeatability of the system in the measurement of thigh volume. The thigh volumes of 36 participants were measured with the depth camera system and a high precision commercially available 3D surface imaging system (3dMD). The depth camera system used within this study is highly repeatable (technical error of measurement of < 1.0% intra-calibration and ~ 2.0% inter-calibration) but systematically overestimates (~6%) thigh volume when compared to the 3dMD system. This suggests poor agreement yet a close relationship, which once corrected can yield a usable thigh volume measurement. Keywords : Kinanthropometry, Anthropometry, Depth Camera, 3D Body Scanning, Surface Imaging

The importance of complex anthropometrics in the assessment of cyclists

The description and analysis of body dimensions is vital, not merely to monitor training, performance and talent identification, but to understand the evolution and development of sport. Recent literature suggested that complex anthropometrics, such as volume and area, can identify changes in body size and shape that might otherwise go unnoticed by simple anthropometrics as well as providing a more realistic representation of the body. The aim of this programme of doctoral study was to determine the importance of complex anthropometrics in the kinanthropometric assessment of cyclists. Stereo photogrammetry imaging was identified as the most suitable method of acquiring simple and complex anthropometrics. Validation of a stereo photogrammetry imaging system - 3dMDbody5 - was conducted using validation objects (precision engineered cylinders) and human participants, to determine the system's accuracy, repeatability and agreement with manual measurement methods. These investigations suggested the 3dMDbody5 system to be capable of detecting differences greater than 0.67 cm in girths, 0.48 cm2 in cross sectional areas, 67.85 ml in volumes and 0.99 cm2 in surface areas. In addition, the system demonstrated strong agreement with manual measurements, within that required by established industry standards (ISAK and ISO). Consequently, the 3dMDbody5 system was deemed suitable for use in subsequent investigations. Using the 3dMDbody5 imaging system a series of investigations were conducted to examine the importance of complex anthropometrics in the lower body kinanthropometric assessment of cyclists. First, in a descriptive context, an investigation into the extent to which simple and complex anthropometrics can distinguish between non-cyclists and cyclists from different disciplines was conducted. Second, in an applied context, the extent to which simple and complex anthropometrics explained the variance in peak power output was investigated. Third, in a longitudinal context, the anthropometrics and peak power output of a group of cyclists were monitored over the course of a power based training phase. This was to assess if changes in peak power output related to changes in anthropometrics and the extent to which simple and complex anthropometrics identified morphological change. The findings of these investigations provide a more detailed understanding of the lower body anthropometrics of cyclists. Moreover, demonstrating that in descriptive, applied and longitudinal kinanthropometric assessment of cyclists complex anthropometrics complement simple anthropometrics, and in some cases distinguished differences / changes that are unidentifiable through simple anthropometrics alone

IEEE SA Industry Connections 3D Body Processing Working Group and IEEE P3141 Standard for 3D Body Processing - Part 1

Mcdonald, C.; Rannow, RK.; Pai, D.; Bullas, A.; Ballester Fernandez, A. (2020). IEEE SA Industry Connections 3D Body Processing Working Group and IEEE P3141 Standard for 3D Body Processing - Part 2. IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine. 9(6):97-99. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCE.2020.2997556S97999