Search Results (322)

The saddle’s adaptability to the rider–horse pair’s biomechanics is essential for equestrian comfort and performance. However, approaches to dynamic evaluation of saddle fitting are still limited in equestrian conditions. The purpose of this study is to propose a method of quantifying saddle adaptation to the rider–horse pair in motion. Eight rider–horse pairs were tested using four similar saddles with small modifications (seat depth, flap width, and front panel thickness). Seven inertial sensors were attached to the riders and horses to measure the active range of motion of the horses’ forelimbs and hindlimbs, stride duration, active range of motion of the rider’s pelvis, and rider–horse interaction. The results reveal that even small saddle changes affect the pair’s biomechanics. Some saddle configurations limit the limbs’ active range of motion, lengthen strides, or modify the rider’s pelvic motion. The temporal offset between the movements of the horse and the rider changes depending on the saddle modifications. These findings support the effect of fine saddle changes on the locomotion and synchronization of the rider–horse pair. The use of inertial sensors can be a potential way for quantifying the influence of dynamic saddle fitting and optimizing saddle adaptability in stable conditions with saddle fitter constraints. Full article

Polyurethane foam is widely used as a primary filling material in car seats. While it provides good damping and energy absorption, the mechanical properties are complex but play a vital role in vibration attenuation and vehicle ride comfort. This study proposes a comprehensive experimental and analytical method to characterize the visco-hyperelastic properties of seat-grade polyurethane foam. Quasi-static and dynamic compression tests were conducted on foam blocks to obtain load–deflection curves and dynamic stiffness. A visco-hyperelastic material model was developed, where the hyperelastic response was derived via the hereditary integral and difference-stress method, and viscoelastic behavior was captured using a Prony series fitted to dynamic stiffness data. The model was validated using finite element simulations, showing good agreement with experimental results in both static and dynamic conditions. The proposed method enables accurate characterization of the visco-hyperelastic material properties of seat-grade polyurethane foam. Full article

This study presents a simulation-based evaluation of advanced control strategies for residential air conditioning systems, including On–Off, PI, and Model Predictive Control (MPC) approaches. A black-box system model was identified using an ARX(2,2,0) structure, achieving over 90% prediction accuracy (FIT) for indoor temperature and power consumption. Six controllers were implemented and benchmarked in a high-fidelity Simscape environment under a realistic 48-h summer temperature profile. The proposed MPC scheme, particularly when incorporating outdoor temperature gradient logic, reduced energy consumption by up to 30% compared to conventional PI control while maintaining indoor thermal comfort within the acceptable range. This virtual design workflow shortens the development cycle by deferring climatic chamber testing to the final validation phase. Full article

Earth–air heat exchangers (EAHXs) use the soil’s thermal capacity to dampen the amplitude of outdoor air temperature oscillations. This effect can be used in hot and dry climates for room cooling with no or very little need for resources other than those used during the EAHX construction, an obvious advantage compared to the significant operational costs of refrigeration machines. Contrary to the streamlined process applied in conventional HVAC design (using refrigeration machines), EAHX design lacks straightforward and well-established rules; moreover, EAHXs struggle to achieve office room design cooling demands determined with conventional indoor thermal environment standards, hindering designers’ confidence and the wider adoption of EAHXs for standalone room cooling. This paper presents a graph-based method to assist in the design of a large-diameter EAHX. One year of post-occupancy monitoring data are used to evaluate this method and to investigate the performance of a large-diameter EAHX with up to 16,000 m³/h design airflow rate. Considering an adaptive standard for thermal comfort, peak EAHX cooling capacity of 28 kW (330 kWh/day, with just 50 kWh/day of fan electricity consumption) and office room load extraction of up to 22 kW (49 W/m²) provided evidence in support of standalone use of EAHX for room cooling. A fair fit between actual EAHX thermal performance and results obtained with the graph-based design method support the use of this method for large-diameter EAHX design. Full article

High-rise industrial buildings are particularly susceptible to vibration-induced comfort issues, which can negatively impact both the health and productivity of workers and office staff. Unlike most existing studies that focus on local structural components, this study proposes and validates a wave propagation analysis (WPA) method to predict peak accelerations of the floor caused by excitations located on different floors. The method is validated through on-site vibration tests conducted on a high-rise industrial building with shared factory and office space. A simplified regression-based propagation equation is further developed to facilitate practical design applications. The regression parameters are fitted using theoretical calculation results, enabling rapid prediction of peak acceleration responses on the same or different floors. To enhance vibration control, tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are installed on selected floors, and additional tests are conducted with the TMDs activated. An insertion loss-based correction is introduced into the WPA framework to account for the TMD’s frequency-dependent attenuation effects. The extended method supports both accurate prediction of vibration reduction and optimisation of TMD placement across multiple floors in high-rise industrial buildings. Full article

Currently, the electroencephalogram (EEG) cap is limited to a finite number of sizes based on head circumference, lacking the mechanical flexibility to accommodate the full range of skull dimensions. This reliance on head circumference data alone often results in a poor fit between the EEG cap and the user’s head shape. To address these limitations, we have developed a four-dimensional (4D) adjustable EEG cap. This cap features an adjustable mechanism that covers the entire cranial area in four dimensions, allowing it to fit the head shapes of nearly all adults. The system is compatible with 64 channels or lower electrode counts. We conducted a study with numerous volunteers to compare the performance characteristics of the 4D caps with the commercial (COML) caps in terms of contact pressure, preparation time, wearing impedance, and performance in brain–computer interface (BCI) applications. The 4D cap demonstrated the ability to adapt to various head shapes more quickly, reduce impedance during testing, and enhance measurement accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and comfort. These improvements suggest its potential for broader application in both laboratory settings and daily life. Full article

With the rapid progress of intelligent vehicle technology, the accurate recognition of road surface types and conditions has emerged as a crucial technology for improving the safety and comfort levels in autonomous driving. This paper puts forward a multi-feature fusion approach for road surface identification. Relying on a 24 GHz millimeter-wave radar, statistical features are combined with wavelet transform techniques. This combination enables the efficient classification of diverse road surface types and conditions. Firstly, the discriminability of radar echo signals corresponding to different road surface types is verified via statistical analysis. During this process, six-dimensional statistical features that display remarkable differences are extracted. Subsequently, a novel radar data reconstruction approach is presented. This method involves fitting discrete echo signals into coordinate curves. Then, discrete wavelet transform is utilized to extract both low-frequency and high-frequency features, thereby strengthening the spatio-temporal correlation of the signals. The low-frequency information serves to capture general characteristics, whereas the high-frequency information reflects detailed features. The statistical features and wavelet transform features are fused at the feature level, culminating in the formation of a 56-dimensional feature vector. Four machine learning models, namely the Wide Neural Network (WNN), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Kernel methods, are employed as classifiers for both training and testing purposes. Experiments were executed with 8865 samples obtained from a real-vehicle platform. These samples comprehensively represented 12 typical road surface types and conditions. The experimental outcomes clearly indicate that the proposed method is capable of attaining a road surface type identification accuracy as high as 94.2%. As a result, it furnishes an efficient and cost-efficient road perception solution for intelligent driving systems. This research validates the potential application of millimeter-wave radar in intricate road environments and offers both theoretical underpinning and practical support for the advancement of autonomous driving technology. Full article

With growing interest in wearable technologies, the development of flexible sensors and products that can monitor the human body while being comfortable to wear is gaining momentum. While various textile-based strain sensors have been proposed, their implementation in practical, exercise-specific applications remains limited. In this study, we developed a knitted strain sensor that monitors elbow angles, focusing on dumbbell exercise, which is a basic exercise in sports, and verified its performance. The material of the developed knitted strain sensor with a plain stitch structure comprised a silver-coated nylon conductive yarn and an acrylic/wool blended yarn. To evaluate the electrical and physical characteristics of the developed sensor, a textile folding tester was used to conduct 100 repeated bending experiments at three angles of 30°, 60°, 90° and speeds of 10, 30, 60 cpm. The system demonstrated excellent elasticity, high sensitivity (gauge factor = 698), fast responsiveness, and reliable performance under repeated stress, indicating its potential for integration into wearable fitness or rehabilitation platforms. Full article

Background: The Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) is a validated instrument used to capture the affective, behavioural, and cognitive components of attitudes toward people living with dementia (PLwD). This study conducts confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and EFA) of the DAS assessed by caregivers of PLwD and BPSD enrolled in the RECage multicentre clinical trial. Methods: The baseline questionnaire was completed by 485 caregivers (29.7% male, 70.3% female), from six European countries, reflecting diverse cultural contexts. CFA tested the two-factor structure of the original model, while EFA thoroughly explored the factor structure. Results: The CFA results showed a poor model fit, with significant deviations from ideal values for RMSEA (0.0861), SRMSR (0.0781), and CFI (0.7117), showcasing an inadequate representation of the data. EFA revealed a three-factor structure, explaining the 45.2% variance for social comfort, 28.8% for social discomfort, and 25.9% for dementia knowledge. The social comfort items reflected positive caregiver attitudes toward PLwD, while social discomfort captured feelings of discomfort and uncertainty about caregiving. Dementia knowledge included items related to understanding dementia’s symptoms and needs. Conclusions: The three-factor model highlights the importance of emotional comfort, knowledge of dementia, and social discomfort as key dimensions in caregiver attitudes. Full article

Background: Respirators are essential for protecting healthcare personnel (HCPs) from airborne infections, and were particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, knowledge gaps, attitudes, and perceived usability issues may hinder their proper use, especially in settings lacking formal respiratory protection programs. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and perceived usability of respirators among Thai healthcare personnel at a university hospital in Northern Thailand and identify differences across job roles. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCPs at a university hospital in Northern Thailand. Participants completed a validated questionnaire covering demographic data, KAP, and perceived usability of respirators. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze group differences. Results: A total of 479 valid responses were analyzed from physicians (31.7%), nurses (37.6%), and other HCPs (30.7%). Only around 12% of all participants correctly identified that surgical masks are not respirators, although over 90% correctly identified the nature of N95/KN95-type filtering facepiece respirators. Nurses demonstrated higher knowledge of respirator standards and proper use. Confidence and willingness to use industrial or reprocessed sterile respirators varied significantly by role (p < 0.05). Only 30.5% had received fit-testing. Perceived usability concerns included discomfort, heat, and breathability, reported across all groups. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to respirator use varied by professional role, with notable gaps in fit-testing and perceived usability. Findings highlight the need for targeted training, consistent fit-testing protocols, and improved respirator design for comfort to ensure effective respiratory protection in healthcare settings. Full article

Wood is often used as an interior surface finish in buildings, including exposed cross-laminated timber panels and other structural mass timber members. Building occupants generally have a positive reaction to visible wood elements used in building interiors due to the visual qualities associated with wood being a natural material. This study aims to identify any thermal comfort impacts of wood interior environments using subjective occupant-reported perceived thermal sensation during two experiments conducted in a climate chamber fitted with either white-painted gypsum wallboard or unfinished laminated Douglas Fir wall panels. In the first experiment, the thermal environment was continually varied while the visual stimulus of the wall type remained constant. Irrespective of wood or white wall treatment type, thermal history played a significant role in the perceived thermal comfort of participants under continually modulating temperatures. In the second experiment, a slightly warm steady-state thermal environment was maintained while one of the two wall treatments was revealed from behind a black curtain. While the shift in thermal sensation toward neutral was greater with wood walls than with white walls, the difference was not found to be statistically significant and appears to diminish after 15 min of exposure to the new visual surroundings. Full article

Background/Objective: Changes in limb volume affect prosthetic socket fit and limb health, which in turn affects the comfort, stability, and usability of a prosthesis. The objective of this research was to identify and evaluate residual limb fluid volume metrics that could be used to identify the need for a prosthetic socket modification or replacement. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with transtibial prosthesis users undergoing socket modification or replacement. Participants performed a morning and afternoon 20 min structured activity protocol and self-reported their average socket comfort and other health outcomes before and after their socket was modified or replaced. Limb fluid volume changes across the protocol were recorded using bioimpedance analysis. Results: Anterior region residual limb fluid volume loss was low when the socket comfort score was high. Participants with ESCS_ave increases of ≥2 points pre- to post-modification experienced less limb fluid volume loss post-modification minus pre-modification (mean +0.6%) compared to participants with ESCS_ave increases of <2 points (mean −0.9%) (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: The percentage of fluid volume in the anterior limb may be a useful quantitative metric to explore for the application of bioimpedance monitoring in clinical care, helping to identify when sufficient change has occurred such that a new socket is warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Orthoses are commonly used in the treatment of various foot and ankle injuries and deformities. An effective technology in foot orthoses is a vacuum system to improve the fit and function of the orthosis. Recently, a new technology was designed to facilitate the wearing of the foot orthoses while maintaining function without the need for vacuum suction. Methods: A plantar dynamic pressure distribution measurement was carried out in 25 healthy subjects (13 w/12 m, age 23–58 y) using capacitive measuring insoles in two differently designed inlays within the VACOpedes^® orthosis (Group A: vacuum inlay vs. Group B: XELGO^® inlay) and a regular off-the-shelf shoe (Group C, OTS). The peak plantar pressure, mean plantar pressure and maximum force were analyzed in the entire foot and in individual regions of the medial and lateral forefoot, the midfoot and the hindfoot. Finally, the wearing comfort was compared using a visual analog scale from 1 to 10 (highest comfort). Results: The peak pressure of both inlays was significantly lower than in the OTS shoe (A: 230.6 ± 44.6 kPa, B: 218.0 ± 49.7 kPa, C: 278.6 ± 50.5 kPa; p < 0.001). In a sub-analysis of the different regions, the XELGO^® inlay significantly reduced plantar pressure in the medial forefoot compared to the vacuum orthosis (A: 181.7 ± 45.7 kPa, B: 158.6 ± 51.7 kPa, p < 0.002). The wearing comfort was significantly higher with the XELGO^® inlay compared to the vacuum inlay (A: 5.68/10, B: 7.24/10; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The VACOpedes^® orthosis with a new XELGO^® inlay showed at least equivalent relief in all pressure distribution measurements analyzed and greater relief in the forefoot area than the VACOpedes^® orthosis with a vacuum inlay, as well as increased wearing comfort. Full article

Building on our prior research with a national survey sample of 5385 US participants, the Pooled Rideshare Acceptance Model (PRAM) was built upon two factor analyses. This exploratory study extends the PRAM framework using the Pooled Rideshare Acceptance Model Multigroup Analyses (PRAMMA) to examine how 16 demographic variables influence and interact with the acceptance of Pooled Rideshare (PR), filling a gap in understanding user segmentation and personalization. Using a national sample of 5385 US participants, this methodological approach allowed for the evaluation of how PRAM variables such as safety, privacy, service experience, and environmental impact vary across diverse groups, including gender, generation, driver’s license, rideshare experience, education level, employment status, household size, number of children, income, vehicle ownership, and typical commuting practices. Factors such as convenience, comfort, and passenger safety did not show significant differences across the moderators, suggesting their universal importance across all demographics. Furthermore, geographical differences did not significantly impact the relationships within the model, suggesting consistent relationships across different regions. The findings highlight the need to move beyond a “one size fits all” approach, demonstrating that tailored strategies may be crucial for enhancing the adoption and satisfaction of PR services among various demographic groups. The analyses provide valuable insight for policymakers and rideshare companies looking to optimize their services and increase user engagement in PR. Full article

The worldwide energy crisis is causing people in most countries to reduce their energy use to prevent the next generation from being unable to fulfill their needs. The Osing people use sustainability values based on traditions passed down from generation to generation with appropriate technology to fit the needs of the people and their environment. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review and data collection. Based on the framework used by Iwanmura, Osing house construction primarily focuses on the principles of low impact and health and amenity. This study reveals that the architectural design and construction process of an energy-efficient traditional building can be adapted to contemporary sustainable housing. The primary aim was to identify and analyze sustainability values in the construction process and techniques of traditional Osing houses in Kemiren Village, Banyuwangi, which can serve as a reference for modern sustainable architecture practices. The study reveals the uniqueness of traditional Osing construction using the local material Bendo wood, which can be dismantled from the foundation up to the roof joint systems, thus allowing the materials to be repaired and recycled down to the smallest parts and minimizing construction waste. The advantage of this building construction process is the use of traditional housing techniques to minimize the need for mechanical systems. This traditional construction method, using wood as the building material and considering climatic features, demonstrates how to achieve sustainable building values throughout all elements of a building that provides users with comfort and safety. Full article