Improving the performance of nested loop algorithm using separators

This thesis studies the properties of distance-based outliers and a better detection method for large multi-dimensional datasets. Outlier detection is an important task to find out the objects that deviate in a high ratio from the rest of the objects. The proposed algorithm breaks the data set into divisions and sets the area of access for each division, thus reducing the unnecessary access for a major set of elements. This algorithm reduces the run time of the existing algorithm by using separators. Datasets of varying sizes have been tested to analyze the empirical values of these procedures. Effective data structures have been implemented to gain efficiency in memory-performance

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR - India) Institutes Website: A Webometric Analysis

The term ‘webometrics’ was coined for the quantitative analysis of web – related phenomena, content analysis, including links, search engine performances and web technology analysis from an information science perspective. This paper explored into the webometric study of web sites of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) institutions in India. There are 41 CSIR research institutions in India. The study aimed at to establish a kind of ranking of websites of CSIR institutions in India by measuring their WIF. The study of the ranking will help the reader to compare and identify CSIR institutions websites in India by their WIF. The objectives of the study includes, To identify and classify the domain of CSIR institutes’ websites in India; To calculate the Number of WebPages, Number of link pages, Number of self link pages and external link pages of CSIR institutes’ websites in India; To calculate the Simple Web Impact Factor (WIF), Self link Web Impact Factor, External Web Impact factor and Revised Web Impact Factor of CSIR institutes’’ websites in India and rank them as per the WIF and To analyse the link network of the CSIR websites in India. Four types of links and Web Impact Factors are formulated as The Simple WIF, the ratio of all links to the number of pages; The Self Link WIF, the ratio of self links within the site to number of pages; The external WIF, the ratio of links made from external sites to the target site, to the number of pages at the site ;The Revised WIF, and the ratio of links made incoming from other sites

Composite Performance Index for Sustainability

Abstract

Do research papers provide enough information on design and material used in ankle foot orthoses for children with cerebral palsy? A systematic review

Objectives The purpose of this article is to determine how many of the current peer-reviewed studies of ankle foot or-thoses (AFOs) on children with cerebral palsy (CP) have included adequate details of the design and material of the AFO, to enable the study to be reproduced and outcomes clearly understood. Methods A thorough search of studies published in English was conducted in March 2015, with no restriction on dates, within all major databases using relevant phrases. These searches were then supplemented by tracking all key references from the appropriate articles identified. Study selection The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) population - children with CP; (2) intervention - AFOs; and (3) outcome measure. One reviewer extracted data regarding the characteristics of the included studies, with the extracted data checked for accuracy and completeness by a second reviewer. None of the studies reviewed gave adequate details of the AFOs. Only 3.6% (n = 2) of papers tested the stiffness. Many studies (54.5%) did not describe the material used nor the material thickness (72.7 %). None of them gave any clinical justification for the chosen design of AFO. Conclusions There is a clear paucity of detail regarding the design and material used in AFOs on studies involving children with CP. Such a lack of detail has the potential to affect the validity of the reported outcomes, the ability to reproduce the studies and may misinform clinical practice

On the Use of Auxetics in Footwear: Investigating the Effect of Padding and Padding Material on Forefoot Pressure in High Heels

Although high heels are known to affect the biomechanics of human movement, most notably by increasing forefoot plantar pressure, it is commonly worn due to the influence of fashion. To deal with the resulting clinical issues, some prescriptions include the use of cushioning pads to redistribute the plantar loads and increase comfort. This preliminary study has sought to investigate whether auxetic foam would be a good candidate for the redistribution of plantar loafing in the forefoot when compared to a more traditional material. From the results obtained, it was shown that auxetic foam demonstrated a decrease in forefoot peak plantar pressure while a commercial product, a material traditionally used for plantar cover paddings, increased pressure in the region of the second–fourth Metatarsophalangeal Joint. This demonstrates the potential for auxetic materials to become the material of choice for such applications, especially since it can be further remodeled until its properties can produce a significant forefoot pressure reduction

The biomechanical properties of human fresh-frozen vs thiel embalmed foot tendons

Background: The aim of this study was to directly compare the effects of Thiel embalming on the mechanical properties of three human tendons to similar tendons from the fresh-frozen, ipsilateral foot of the same cadavers. Method: Following pre-conditioning, biomechanical tensile tests were conducted on tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and Achilles tendons at a strain rate of 5 mm/minute, using an optical extensometer for the direct measurement of sample strain. Results: Qualitatively, all tested tendons exhibited similar mechanical behaviour characterised by an initial toe region followed by a region of linear behaviour. Quantitatively, however, averaging the results for the three cadaveric samples revealed consistent differences across all tendons in the case of unloading stiffness. Conclusion: Thiel embalming method is suitable for preservation of human tendons, with embalmed tendons appearing to have similar mechanical behaviour compared to their fresh frozen counterparts. Although quantitative differences do exist, these do not disprove the use of Thiel embalmed tendons in comparative studies once care is exercised when utilizing these for biomechanical testing. However, in vitro results used to infer in vivo function should always be treated with caution.peer-reviewe

Investigating the mechanical properties of Thiel-embalmed metatarsals

Introduction: Fresh-frozen cadaveric samples are often utilized for research and the study of anatomy. Thiel embalming offers the possibility of preserving human tissue and bone without requiring special freezing equipment. Thus mechanically testing Thiel embalmed bone to compare with fresh frozen samples becomes increasingly important. Method: The 1st and 5th metatarsals were harvested from 3 cadavers which had one foot fresh frozen and the other Thiel embalmed. These metatarsals underwent 3-point testing until fracture. Results: 5th metatarsal average fracture force for Thiel embalmed and fresh frozen samples was equal to 305N (SD241N) and 539N (SD232N) respectively. Similarly average fracture force for Thiel embalmed and fresh frozen 1st metatarsals was equal to 614N (SD192N) and 694 (SD273N) respectively. Conclusion: Thiel embalmed metatarsals yield at a lower force than freshfrozen metatarsals obtained from the same cadaver. Thus one should be cautious about utilizing these preserved bones in situations where bone strength is requiredpeer-reviewe

3D Printed Clamps to Study the Mechanical Properties of Tendons at Low Strains

Various clamp designs have been proposed over the years with different degrees of complexity and actual performance vis‐à‐vis correct grip and reduced impact on the surface strains of the tendon sample. The previous studies all focused on impact on ultimate tensile strain and Young's modulus of the tendons. Here an innovative clamp design is proposed that utilizes the fairly recently available technology that is 3D printing to produce a made‐to‐measure tendon sleeve that encloses the sample ends and also enables straightforward alignment within the testing equipment. All experiments are carried out using the superficial digital flexor tendons obtained from pig hind legs. The Young's moduli for the linear region of the tendon obtained using this clamp design are very similar to those obtained using the cryo Jaw by other researchers for the same tendon. Furthermore, negative Poisson's ratios are also obtained for the toe‐region, in agreement with previous work

The kinematics of fixed-seat rowing : a structured synthesis

Olympic-style sliding-seat rowing is a sport that has been extensively researched, with studies investigating aspects related to the physiology, biomechanics, kinematics, and the performance of rowers. In contrast, studies on the more classic form of fixed-seat rowing are sparse. The aim of this study is to address this lacuna by analysing for the first time the specific kinematics of fixed-seat rowing as practised by able-bodied athletes, thus (i) documenting how this technique is performed in a manner that is replicable by others and (ii) showing how this technique compares and contrasts with the more standard sliding-seat technique. Fixed-seat rowing was replicated in a biomechanics laboratory where experienced fixed-seat rowers, marked with reflective markers following the modified Helen–Hayes model, were asked to row in a manner that mimics rowing on a fixed-seat boat. The findings from this study, complimented with data gathered through the observation of athletes rowing on water, were compared to sliding-seat ergometer rowing and other control experiments. The results show that, in fixed-seat rowing, there is more forward and backward thoracic movement than in sliding-seat rowing (75–77° vs. 44–52°, p < 0.0005). Tilting of the upper body stems was noted to result from rotations around the pelvis, as in sliding-seat rowing, rather than from spinal movements. The results also confirmed knee flexion in fixed-seat rowing with a range of motion of 30–35°. This is less pronounced than in standard-seat rowing, but not insignificant. These findings provide a biomechanical explanation as to why fixed-seat rowers do not have an increased risk of back injuries when compared with their sliding-seat counterparts. They also provide athletes, coaches, and related personnel with precise and detailed information of how fixed-seat rowing is performed so that they may formulate better and more specific evidence-based training programs to meliorate technique and performance.peer-reviewe

On the kinematics of the forward-facing Venetian-style rowing technique

This work presents a qualitative and quantitative pilot study which explores the kinematics of Venetian style forward-facing standing rowing as practised by able-bodied competitive athletes. The technique, made famous by the gondoliers, was replicated in a biomechanics laboratory by a cohort of four experienced rowers who compete in this style at National Level events in Malta. Athletes were marked with reflective markers following the modified Helen Hayes model and asked to row in a manner which mimics their on-water practise and recorded using a Vicon optoelectronic motion capture system. Data collected were compared to its equivalent using a standard sliding-seat ergometer as well as data collated from observations of athletes rowing on water, thus permitting the documentation of the manner of how this technique is performed. It was shown that this rowing style is characterised by rather asymmetric and complex kinematics, particularly upper-body movements which provides the athlete with a total-body workout involving all major muscle groups working either isometrically, to provide stability, or actively.peer-reviewe