The influence of barefoot and shod running on Triceps-surae muscle strain characteristics

The aim of the current investigation was to determine the effects of barefoot and shod running on the kinematics of the Triceps-Surae muscle group. Twelve male participants ran at 4.0 m.s-1 (± 5%) in both barefoot and shod conditions. Kinematics were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system. Muscle kinematics from the lateral Gastrocnemius, medial Gastrocnemius and Soleus were obtained using musculoskeletal modelling software (Opensim v3.2). The results showed that muscle strain for the lateral Gastrocnemius (barefoot = 1.10 & shod = 0.33 %), medial Gastrocnemius (barefoot = 1.07 & shod = 0.32 %) and Soleus (barefoot = 3.43 & shod = 2.18 %) were significantly larger for the barefoot condition. Given the proposed association between the extent of muscle strain and the etiology of chronic muscle strain pathologies, the current investigation shows that running barefoot may place runners at greater risk from Triceps-Surae strain injuries

Bonuses, Credit Rating Agencies and the Credit Crunch

The payment of bonuses can bring big benefits. But harm, too, can result. In the financial sector, this is especially true, above all when they are related to noisy indicators of performance over brief periods. This paper starts by exploring these ideas, then proceeds to examine credit rating agencies and their role in the 2007 credit crunch. It emphasizes the paucity of long term high frequency financial data to quantify tail event risks, the failure to apply analysis of fundamentals in financial and housing markets, and rewards structures to individual players that reinforced myopia as three key components of the crisis.bonuses; credit crunch; credit rating agencies.

Characterization of Chromatic Effects in Small Star Trackers

This paper explores how star color affects the design, calibration, and operation of star trackers. We develop a series of tools that characterize the chromatic performance of a star tracker and suggest how this information can be used in the design (e.g., selection of detector, lens, and catalog stars), and calibration (e.g., focusing, and camera calibration) of a star tracker to maximize sensor performance. We also present a simple per-star focal length correction aimed at minimizing arc length errors due to chromatic effects. Evaluating these corrections with on-orbit data from six different star trackers shows these corrections typically provide improvements of 3 − 15% in the arc-length RMSE ratio. The tools and corrections illustrate the many ways that engineers must account for color in the design of high performance star trackers

Climate warming shifts riverine macroinvertebrate communities to be more sensitive to chemical pollutants

Freshwaters are highly threatened ecosystems that are vulnerable to chemical pollution and climate change. Freshwater taxa vary in their sensitivity to chemicals and changes in species composition can potentially affect the sensitivity of assemblages to chemical exposure. Here we explore the potential consequences of future climate change on the composition and sensitivity of freshwater macroinvertebrate assemblages to chemical stressors using the UK as a case study. Macroinvertebrate assemblages under end of century (2080–2100) and baseline (1980–2000) climate conditions were predicted for 608 UK sites for four climate scenarios corresponding to mean temperature changes of 1.28 to 3.78°C. Freshwater macroinvertebrate toxicity data were collated for 19 chemicals and the hierarchical species sensitivity distribution model was used to predict the sensitivity of untested taxa using relatedness within a Bayesian approach. All four future climate scenarios shifted assemblage compositions, increasing the prevalence of Mollusca, Crustacea and Oligochaeta species, and the insect taxa of Odonata, Chironomidae, and Baetidae species. Contrastingly, decreases were projected for Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera (except for Baetidae) and Coleoptera species. Shifts in taxonomic composition were associated with changes in the percentage of species at risk from chemical exposure. For the 3.78°C climate scenario, 76% of all assemblages became more sensitive to chemicals and for 18 of the 19 chemicals, the percentage of species at risk increased. Climate warming‐induced increases in sensitivity were greatest for assemblages exposed to metals and were dependent on baseline assemblage composition, which varied spatially. Climate warming is predicted to result in changes in the use, environmental exposure and toxicity of chemicals. Here we show that, even in the absence of these climate‐chemical interactions, shifts in species composition due to climate warming will increase chemical risk and that the impact of chemical pollution on freshwater macroinvertebrate biodiversity may double or quadruple by the end of the 21st century

Perceptions of Peacebuilding in Solomon Islands Post-RAMSI

This In Brief is based on the National Perceptions Survey on Peacebuilding for Solomon Islands commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme under a United Nations Peacebuilding Fund project implemented by UNDP and UN Women (UNDP 2018). The purpose of the study was to provide fresh insight into Solomon Islanders’ perceptions of peacebuilding immediately after RAMSI’s withdrawal. In July and August 2017, 2503 people were surveyed in 24 enumeration areas, which were mainly in and around centres across seven provinces, and included the national capital, Honiara. Limitations to the methodology used included the concentration of target samples in peri-urban and urban areas. While we attempted to mitigate clustering issues around the survey sites, the reported findings should be interpreted in this light. This In Brief summarises some of the survey’s key findings. In particular we highlight the perceived dissipation (but not disappearance) of inter-ethnic tensions and the renewed focus on core development issues among Solomon Islanders. Interested readers should consult the full report

Ascending Higher: The Story of Aviation at Western

Western Michigan University College of Aviation celebrates 75 years of aviation education. From modest beginnings in 1939, our curriculum has expanded to offer degrees in aviation flight science, aviation management and operations, and aviation maintenance technology. We currently have a fleet of advanced training aircraft, modern facilities in Battle Creek and more than 740 undergraduate students in the program. With this book, we take a look back. We celebrate the visionaries of the past who helped us realize our current successes. We commemorate the events and advancements in our storied aviation program. And we look to the bright future that lies before us.https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/books/1778/thumbnail.jp

Mapping of district heating feasibility studies in Scotland

This study presents research conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to collect, analyse and map data relating to previous district heating (DH) feasibility studies in Scotland. DH feasibility study data, obtained primarily from industry stakeholders, was collated, sorted and analysed in order to identify common barriers restricting DH development, and to map study locations. This research aims to support emerging national DH policy and to enhance the Scottish Heat Map

Access to Justice in Post-RAMSI Solomon Islands Part I: Common Conflicts and Disputes

Solomon Islands’ law and justice sector has received substantial donor support in the two decades since the end of the civil unrest known as the Tensions. Building capacity and coordination across key agencies was an integral part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). International development partners acknowledge the importance of access to justice for successful peacebuilding. The Australian government views its commitment to the Solomon Islands justice sector as a ‘30-year plus engagement’. Since RAMSI’s departure in June 2017, there has been considerable interest in evaluating progress and addressing ongoing challenges in this area. This is the first in a series of three In Briefs drawing on findings from the Solomon Islands Access to Justice Survey commissioned by the Solomon Islands government and supported by the Australian government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP 2019a). The findings presented in this series are from the national survey reported in the Survey Summary Report (UNDP 2019b). The survey was designed around closed-response questions with preset response options — including a free-text response — that were developed, tested and validated in Solomon Islands prior to their application. Interested readers should consult the main study reports. This In Brief examines the types of disputes commonly reported, who experienced them and their impacts. The following In Briefs in this series examine perceptions of access to justice and pathways to dispute resolution.Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trad

Access to Justice in Post-RAMSI Solomon Islands Part 2: Perceptions of Access to Justice

This is the second part in a series of three In Briefs highlighting findings from the Solomon Islands Access to Justice Survey commissioned by the Solomon Islands government and supported by the Australian government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP 2019a). The findings are drawn from the Survey Summary Report (UNDP 2019b). The survey assessed justice needs and barriers to effective dispute resolution, particularly among groups recognised as having unmet justice needs, including women and people with disabilities. This In Brief highlights key survey findings concerning perceptions of access to justice. Interested readers should consult the main study reports.Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trad

Access to Justice in Post-RAMSI Solomon Islands Part 3: Pathways to Dispute Resolution

This is the final in a series of three In Briefs highlighting key findings from the Solomon Islands Access to Justice Survey commissioned by the Solomon Islands government and supported by the Australian government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP 2019a). The findings presented are drawn from the Survey Summary Report (UNDP 2019b). The survey assessed justice needs and barriers to effective dispute resolution in Solomon Islands, particularly for groups with recognised unmet needs, in the period following the withdrawal of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). This In Brief summarises the survey findings relating to pathways to dispute resolution. Interested readers should consult the main study reports.Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trad