Caregiver Assessment Using Smart Gaming Technology: A Preliminary Approach

As pre-diagnostic technologies are becoming increasingly accessible, using them to improve the quality of care available to dementia patients and their caregivers is of increasing interest. Specifically, we aim to develop a tool for non-invasively assessing task performance in a simple gaming application. To address this, we have developed Caregiver Assessment using Smart Gaming Technology (CAST), a mobile application that personalizes a traditional word scramble game. Its core functionality uses a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) optimized via a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to provide customized performance measures for each user of the system. With CAST, we match the relative level of difficulty of play using the individual's ability to solve the word scramble tasks. We provide an analysis of the preliminary results for determining task difficulty, with respect to our current participant cohort.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figures, 6 table

The Athletic Profile of Fast Bowling in Cricket : A Review

Cricket is a global sport played in over 100 countries with elite performers attracting multimillion dollar contracts. Therefore, performers maintaining optimum physical fitness and remaining injury free is important. Fast bowlers have a vital position in a cricket team, and there is an increasing body of scientific literature that has reviewed this role over the past decade. Previous research on fast bowlers has tended to focus on biomechanical analysis and injury prevention in performers. However, this review aims to critically analyze the emerging contribution of physiological-based literature linked to fast bowling in cricket, highlight the current evidence related to simulated and competitive in-match performance, and relate this practically to the conditioning coach. Furthermore, the review considers limitations with past research and possible avenues for future investigation. It is clear with the advent of new applied mobile monitoring technology that there is scope for more ecologically valid and longitudinal exploration capturing in-match data, providing quantification of physiological workloads, and analysis of the physical demands across the differing formats of the game. Currently, strength and conditioning specialists do not have a critical academic resource with which to shape professional practice, and this review aims to provide a starting point for evidence in the specific areaPeer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Trail Maintenance and Shinrin-Yoku in Santa Elena Reserve

Urbanization correlates to mental and physical distress. To address this issue, we have implemented a self-guided forest bathing experience within Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (SER). We conducted interviews, surveys, pilot testing, and gathered observational data. Our results enabled us to provide a list of trail, facility and forest bathing experience improvements with focus on visitor satisfaction. Our project will help SER to increase visitor satisfaction throughout the reserve and provide a unique outlet to connect with nature and de- stress

Bioharness multivariable monitoring device. Part I: Validity

The BioharnessTM monitoring system may provide physiological information on human performance but there is limited information on its validity. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of all 5 BioharnessTM variables using a laboratory based treadmill protocol. 22 healthy males participated. Heart rate (HR), Breathing Frequency (BF) and Accelerometry (ACC) precision were assessed during a discontinuous incremental (0- 12 km·h-1) treadmill protocol. Infra-red skin temperature (ST) was assessed during a 45 min-1 sub-maximal cycle ergometer test, completed twice, with environmental temperature controlled at 20 ±0.1 °C and 30 ± 0.1 °C. Posture (P) was assessed using a tilt table moved through 160°. Adopted precision of measurement devices were; HR: Polar T31 (Polar Electro), BF: Spirometer (Cortex Metalyser), ACC: Oxygen expenditure (Cortex Metalyser), ST: Skin thermistors (Grant Instruments), P:Goniometer (Leighton Flexometer). Strong relationships (r = .89 to .99, p \u3c 0.01) were reported for HR, BF, ACC and P. Limits of agreement identified differences in HR (-3.05±32.20 b·min-1), BF (-3.46 ± 43.70 br·min-1) and P (0.20 ± 2.62°). ST established a moderate relationships (-0.61 ± 1.98 °C; r = 0.76, p \u3c 0.01). Higher velocities on the treadmill decreased the precision of measurement, especially HR and BF. Global results suggest that the BioharressTM is a valid multivariable monitoring device within the laboratory environment

Bioharness multivariable monitoring device. Part II: Reliability

The BioharnessTM monitoring system may provide physiological information on human performance but the reliability of this data is fundamental for confidence in the equipment being used. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of each of the 5 BioharnessTM variables using a treadmill based protocol. 10 healthy males participated. A between and within subject design to assess the reliability of Heart rate (HR), Breathing Frequency (BF), Accelerometry (ACC) and Infra-red skin temperature (ST) was completed via a repeated, discontinuous, incremental treadmill protocol. Posture (P) was assessed by a tilt table, moved through 160o. Between subject data reported low Coefficient of Variation (CV) and strong correlations(r) for ACC and P (CV\u3c 7.6; r = 0.99, p \u3c 0.01). In contrast, HR and BF (CV~19.4; r~0.70, p \u3c 0.01) and ST (CV 3.7; r = 0.61, p \u3c 0.01), present more variable data. Intra and inter device data presented strong relationships (r \u3e 0.89, p \u3c 0.01) and low CV

AGN and starbursts at high redshift: High resolution EVN radio observations of the Hubble Deep Field

We present deep, wide-field European VLBI Network (EVN) 1.6 GHz observations of the Hubble Deep Field (HDF) region with a resolution of 0.025 arcseconds. Above the 210 microJy/beam (5sigma) detection level, the EVN clearly detects two radio sources in a field that encompasses the HDF and part of the Hubble Flanking Fields (HFF). The sources detected are: VLA J123644+621133 (a z=1.013, low-luminosity FR-I radio source located within the HDF itself) and VLA J123642+621331 (a dust enshrouded, optically faint, z=4.424 starburst system). A third radio source, J123646+621404, is detected at the 4sigma level. The VLBI detections of all three sources suggest that most of the radio emission of these particular sources (including the dusty starburst) is generated by an embedded AGN.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure; Accepted by Astron. & Astrophys Letters ... See http://www.nfra.nl/~mag/hdf_evn.htm

Field based reliability and validity of the Bioharness multivariable monitoring device

The Bioharness™ device is designed for monitoring physiological variables in free-living situations but has only been proven to be reliable and valid in a laboratory environment. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the Bioharness™ using a field based protocol. Twenty healthy males participated. Heart rate (HR), breathing frequency (BF) and accelerometry (ACC) were assessed by simultaneous measurement of two Bioharness™ devices and a test-retest of a discontinuous incremental walk-jog-run protocol (4 - 11 km·h-1) completed in a sports hall. Adopted precision of measurement devices were; HR: Polar T31 (Polar Electro), BF: Spirometer (Cortex Metalyser), ACC: Oxygen expenditure (Cortex Metalyser). For all data, precision of measurement reported good relationships (r = 0.61 to 0.67, p 79.2 b·min-1) and BF (>54.7 br·min-1). ACC presented excellent precision (r = 0.94, p 0.97, p 8 km·h-1) data became more erroneous. A data cleaning protocol removed gross errors in the data analysis and subsequent reliability and validity statistics improved across all variables. In conclusion, the Bioharness™ HR and ACC variables have demonstrated reliability and validity in a field setting, though data collected at higher velocities should be treated with caution. Measuring human physiological responses in a field based environment allows for more ecologically valid data to be collected and devices such as the Bioharness™ could be used by exercise professionals to begin to further investigate this area

Field based reliability and validity of the Bioharness multivariable monitoring device

The BioharnessTM device is designed for monitoring physiological variables in free-living situations but has only been proven to be reliable and valid in a laboratory environment. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the BioharnessTM using a field based protocol. Twenty healthy males participated. Heart rate (HR), breathing frequency (BF) and accelerometry (ACC) were assessed by simultaneous measurement of two BioharnessTM devices and a test-retest of a discontinuous incremental walk-jog-run protocol (4 – 11 km·h-1) completed in a sports hall. Adopted precision of measurement devices were; HR: Polar T31 (Polar Electro), BF: Spirometer (Cortex Metalyser), ACC: Oxygen expenditure (Cortex Metalyser). For all data, precision of measurement reported good relationships (r = 0.61 to 0.67, p \u3c 0.01) and large Limits of Agreement for HR (\u3e79.2 b·min-1) and BF (\u3e54.7 br·min-1). ACC presented excellent precision (r = 0.94, p \u3c 0.01). Results for HR (r= ~0.91, p \u3c 0.01: CV \u3c7.6) and ACC (r \u3e 0.97, p \u3c 0.01; CV \u3c14.7) suggested these variables are reliable. BF presented more variable data (r = 0.46-0.61, p \u3c 0.01; CV \u3c 23.7). As velocity of movement increased (\u3e8 km·h-1) data became more erroneous. A data cleaning protocol removed gross errors in the data analysis and subsequent reliability and validity statistics improved across all variables. In conclusion, the BioharnessTM HR and ACC variables have demonstrated reliability and validity in a field setting, though data collected at higher velocities should be treated with caution. Measuring human physiological responses in a field based environment allows for more ecologically valid data to be collected and devices such as the BioharnessTM could be used by exercise professionals to begin to further investigate this area