Footprint Dimensions Research Articles

Comparative analysis of static and dynamic bare footprint dimensions in a north Indian population

Footprints recovered from the scene of a crime may be made while the perpetrator is standing, termed static, or walking, termed dynamic. Numerous studies on the medical and forensic aspects of static and dynamic footprints have been done and determining whether a footprint found at a crime scene is static or dynamic may have important forensic implications. Yet, little research has focused on the similarities or differences between static and dynamic footprints in the forensic context. The present study compared static and dynamic footprint two-dimensional variables to determine if statistically significant differences existed between them and if one can be estimated from the other. Footprints were taken from a sample of randomly selected 461 Jatt Sikh adults; major north Indian population. A total of 230 males and 231 females aged between 19 and 32 years were included in the study. Static and dynamic footprints were obtained from the participants using standard methodology. Seven linear footprint measurements and three footprint indices were calculated from each footprint. The dynamic footprint variables showed higher magnitudes than the static variables, and the differences were statistically significant for the length and width measurements. Furthermore, all measurements on the static and dynamic parameters exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences. An attempt was made to estimate the static footprint dimensions from the dynamic footprint dimensions using the regression models to check the extent of differences between the two to help the investigators in estimating dimensions of one from another.

A laminar box apparatus for 1g testing of granular columns embedded in soft clay

Ordinary stone columns and geosynthetic-encased columns are widely used as a method of soil improvement for soft clay deposits. The behaviour of encased and unencased columns under the action of dynamic loads are not thoroughly understood. In order to shed light into the dynamic behaviour of granular columns and column-enhanced soft soil deposits, a novel large-scale laminar box assembly is designed together with provisions for instrumentation, consolidation of clay slurry and casing pipe pushing units for column installation. The laminar box is comprised of 16 individually supported laminates. The laminar box has inner areal footprint dimensions of 900 × 900 mm and a height of 1932 mm. The laminar box is utilised to study the behaviour of granular columns of varying reinforcement stiffnesses under dynamic loads. In order to make a thorough comparison of reinforcement stiffnesses on column behaviour, columns with different reinforcement arrangements are installed together in the same clay bed, and scaled earthquake accelerograms and sinusoidal base excitations are applied. Column response is studied through the reinforcement strains occurring on the encasement and the amount of vertical pressure sustained on the column during the dynamic load cases.

Minimum Time Search in Real-World Scenarios Using Multiple UAVs with Onboard Orientable Cameras

This paper proposes a new evolutionary planner to determine the trajectories of several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the scan direction of their cameras for minimizing the expected detection time of a nondeterministically moving target of uncertain initial location. To achieve this, the planner can reorient the UAVs cameras and modify the UAVs heading, speed, and height with the purpose of making the UAV reach and the camera observe faster the areas with high probability of target presence. Besides, the planner uses a digital elevation model of the search region to capture its influence on the camera likelihood (changing the footprint dimensions and the probability of detection) and to help the operator to construct the initial belief of target presence and target motion model. The planner also lets the operator include intelligence information in the initial target belief and motion model, in order to let him/her model real-world scenarios systematically. All these characteristics let the planner adapt the UAV trajectories and sensor poses to the requirements of minimum time search operations over real-world scenarios, as the results of the paper, obtained over 3 scenarios built with the modeling aid-tools of the planner, show.

Management Transition to the Great Lakes Nearshore: Insights from Hydrodynamic Modeling

The emerging shift in Great Lakes management from offshore to nearshore waters will require attention to complexities of coastal hydrodynamics and biogeochemical transformations. Emphasizing hydrodynamics, this work resolves transport processes in quantifying discharge plume and pollutant of concern (POC) footprint dimensions, the latter being the portion of the plume where water quality standards are not met. A generic approach, isolated from pollutant-specific biokinetics, provides first-approximation estimates of the footprint area. A high-resolution, linked hydrodynamic-tracer model is applied at a site in the Greater Toronto Area on Lake Ontario. Model results agree with observed meteorological and hydrodynamic conditions and satisfactorily simulate plume dimensions. Footprints are examined in the context of guidelines for regulatory mixing zone size and attendant loss of beneficial use. We demonstrate that the ratio of the water quality standard to the POC concentration at discharge is a key determinant of footprint dimensions. Footprint size for traditional pollutants (ammonia, total phosphorus) meets regulatory guidelines; however, that for soluble reactive phosphorus, a presently unattended pollutant, is ~1–2 orders of magnitude larger. This suggests that it may be necessary to upgrade treatment technologies to maintain consistency with regulatory guidelines and mitigate manifestations of the eutrophication-related soluble reactive phosphorus POC.

Epsilon-Near-Zero Grids for On-chip Quantum Networks

Realization of an on-chip quantum network is a major goal in the field of integrated quantum photonics. A typical network scalable on-chip demands optical integration of single photon sources, optical circuitry and detectors for routing and processing of quantum information. Current solutions either notoriously experience considerable decoherence or suffer from extended footprint dimensions limiting their on-chip scaling. Here we propose and numerically demonstrate a robust on-chip network based on an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) material, whose dielectric function has the real part close to zero. We show that ENZ materials strongly protect quantum information against decoherence and losses during its propagation in the dense network. As an example, we model a feasible implementation of an ENZ network and demonstrate that information can be reliably sent across a titanium nitride grid with a coherence length of 434 nm, operating at room temperature, which is more than 40 times larger than state-of-the-art plasmonic analogs. Our results facilitate practical realization of large multi-node quantum photonic networks and circuits on-a-chip.

Identification of sex from footprint dimensions using machine learning: a study on population of Punjab in Pakistan

BackgroundLikewise the fingerprints and palm prints, footprints are also helpful in solving a crime puzzle; however, very few studies have been reported targeting the identification of sex-based upon footprint features. Therefore, the present study aims at the identification of sex using footprint features from the population of Punjab, Pakistan. The foot measurements, i.e., toe length ratio, individual toe lengths, foot breadth, and foot index, are used as features for the identification of sex. Footprint samples were collected from 280 volunteers (142 males and 138 females) from all over Punjab (age range 18–50 years). A sex identification method is proposed in this study employing various machine learning algorithms, i.e., Naïve Bayes, J48, Random Forest, Random Tree, and REP Tree, and compared them.ResultsThe designed model was cross-validated using 10-fold cross-validation. The results demonstrated the varying accuracy of the machine learning algorithms, using different combinations of footprint features. However, the Naïve Bayes algorithm demonstrated an accuracy of 87.8%, for sex identification, using the combination of toe length and foot indexes.ConclusionsIt is concluded that by using a combination of toe length and foot indexes and employing the Naïve Bayes algorithm, sex can be identified more accurately as compared to the other methods.

Seismic analysis of multi-storey timber buildings braced with a CLT core and perimeter shear-walls

The seismic behaviour of multi-storey heavy-frame timber building superstructures braced by Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) shear-walls is investigated based on numerical linear dynamic simulations. All systems analysed have the same rectangular plan footprint dimensions, type of framework and shear-walls arrangement at each storey. For structural efficiency, the layout of lateral load-resisting systems combines a central building core with partial length perimeter shear-walls. What differs between cases is the number of storeys (3, 5, or 7), components specifications, and shear-walls anchoring methods. Special attention is paid to examining how the vertical joints between CLT shear-walls affect the seismic response. The properties of connections used in the analyses are obtained from testing of hold-down anchors and angle-bracket shear connectors. Results of the simulations demonstrate that mid-rise buildings are prone to effects of the lateral flexibility and transfer high uplift loads to the foundations during design level seismic events. By implication, special design measures may be necessary to limit the lateral drifts to the levels prescribed by the standards. Simplified representations of connection properties may yield to inappropriate predictions of lateral drifts of superstructures during seismic events, and to an improper design of connections. In future, the efficient realisation of multi-storey heavy-frame timber building superstructures braced by CLT shear-walls depends on the use of proper connection devices. Suitable devices may include metal tie-downs capable of reducing the inter-storey drift, while transferring forces to foundations in a manner that does not locally damage frameworks, shear-walls, or floor and roof diaphragms.

Determination of Sex from Footprint Dimensions in Contemporary Indian Bengali Population: A Pilot Study

Footprint dimensions are vital evidences obtained from scenes of crime. Forensic scientists use this information to help identify the offender. Footprints have also been used to build the biological profile of an unknown individual for identification. The measurements are specific for race and sex. The objectives of the present study are to examine the sexual dimorphism of footprint dimensions in adults of an Indian Bengali sample and determine the sex from those measurements. The study was done on 100 adult volunteers of ethnic Bengali origin of West Bengal. Footprints were taken on glossy paper with blue stamp pad ink, and then measurements were taken to the nearest mm. Discriminant function analysis was conducted using several linear measurements, and discriminant function was obtained. Sex determination was successful in 82.0% of the samples. This study provides useful baseline morphometric data of footprints of the Indian Bengali population, which will aid in forensic investigations.

The external obturator footprint as a landmark in total hip arthroplasty through a direct anterior approach: a CT-based analysis.

Anatomical landmarks for templating of total hip arthroplasty (THA) that are visible both during surgery and on radiographs are rare. If surgery is performed through a direct anterior approach the external obturator tendon (EO) is consistently visible. To use this point as a reference the exact position and dimensions of the footprint need to be known. To determine the location and dimension of the EO footprint on pelvic radiographs by correlating the EO anatomy in CT scans with conventional radiographs. CT scans and radiographs of 200 patients were analysed. The EO tendon was identified on CT scans; the height of its footprint, and its distance to the tip of the greater trochanter and to the anatomical axis of the femur was measured. The accuracy and inter-rater reliability in the identification of the EO footprint was determined. The EO tendon was visible on all CT scans and it's footprint was identifiable on all corresponding radiographs. It's cranio-caudal dimension was 6.4 ± 1.4 mm. It's distance to the tip of the greater trochanter was 16.0 ± 3.1 mm. The EO footprint was located 5.2 ± 3.7 mm lateral to the femoral anatomical axis. There was no significant difference regarding the accuracy of EO footprint localisation on radiographs among the 2 readers. The EO footprint on the greater trochanter is consistently visible on CT scans and radiographs. As the variability of the footprint dimension is small, this structure may serve as a useful landmark in THA, particularly when performed through a direct anterior approach.

Design of Microscale Magnetic Tumbling Robots for Locomotion in Multiple Environments and Complex Terrains.

This paper presents several variations of a microscale magnetic tumbling (TUM) robot capable of traversing complex terrains in dry and wet environments. The robot is fabricated by photolithography techniques and consists of a polymeric body with two sections with embedded magnetic particles aligned at the ends and a middle nonmagnetic bridge section. The robot’s footprint dimensions are 400 m × 800 m. Different end geometries are used to test the optimal conditions for low adhesion and increased dynamic response to an actuating external rotating magnetic field. When subjected to a magnetic field as low as 7 mT in dry conditions, this magnetic microrobot is able to operate with a tumbling locomotion mode and translate with speeds of over 60 body lengths/s (48 mm/s) in dry environments and up to 17 body lengths/s (13.6 mm/s) in wet environments. Two different tumbling modes were observed and depend on the alignment of the magnetic particles. A technique was devised to measure the magnetic particle alignment angle relative to the robot’s geometry. Rotational frequency limits were observed experimentally, becoming more prohibitive as environment viscosity increases. The TUM’s performance was studied when traversing inclined planes (up to 60°), showing promising climbing capabilities in both dry and wet conditions. Maximum open loop straight-line trajectory errors of less than 4% and 2% of the traversal distance in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively, for the TUM were observed. Full directional control of TUM was demonstrated through the traversal of a P-shaped trajectory. Additionally, successful locomotion of the optimized TUM design over complex terrains was also achieved. By implementing machine vision control and/or embedding of payloads in the middle section of the robot, it is possible in the future to upgrade the current design with computer-optimized mobility through multiple environments and the ability to perform drug delivery tasks for biomedical applications.

A Preliminary Anthropometric Study of Footprint Dimensions as a Model for Height Estimation

Background: Height is an important pillar used in biological profiling. Several human body parts including footprints have been employed in developed countries for forensic and biometric purposes. Little information on footprint dimensions and height is available in Ghana. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between height and footprint dimensions in a Ghanaian population. Methods: Bilateral footprints were obtained from 93 undergraduate students (53 males and 40 females) aged between 18 and 43 years from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, School of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to April 2016using an ink pad and white papers. Seven dimensions: five length dimensions from the most anterior part of each toe to the mid-rear heel point, pterion (designated PT1-PT5), breadth at ball (BAB) and breadth at heel (BAH) were obtained from each footprint. Results: Males were found to be taller and with longer footprint dimensions than females. Left footprint dimensions were longer than right footprint dimensions. Bilateral asymmetry were observed in PT1 and BAH in both sexes, PT2 in females only and BAB in males only. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between height and the left or right footprint lengths from the pterion to all the toes. In males, combinations of PT1 and PT4 accounted for 57.9% variation in height estimation for the right foot and 55% of the variation for the left foot. In the female participants, PT1 of the right foot accounted for 54.9% variation in height estimation whereas PT3 of the left foot accounted for 56.5% of height prediction. Conclusion: PT1, PT2 and PT4 were stronger predictors of height in males whereas PT1 and PT3were better estimators of height in females. Footprint dimensions are useful in height estimation.

Stature estimation from footprint dimensions in an adult Nigerian student population

Examination of footprints provides important evidence in crime scene investigations and helps in stature prediction of criminals. This study aimed to derive regression equations and multiplication factors for stature estimation from footprint dimensions in adult Nigerian medical students of the University of Lagos. Using an ink pad and a stadiometer, bilateral footprints and stature, respectively, were obtained from 230 subjects (100 males and 130 females) of Nigerian ancestry, aged 18-36 years upon satisfaction of the inclusion criteria and full written consent. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Sexual dimorphism in stature and footprint dimensions was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) with males having greater values than the females. Analyses of bilateral asymmetry indicated significant left footprint preponderance (P < 0.05). There exist positive significant correlations (P < 0.05) between stature and footprint dimensions (T.1-T.5 lengths, breadth at ball [BAB], and breadth at heel [BAH]) in the males, females, and the pooled sample, with the only exception being the right and left breadths at heel in the males (r = 0.112 and 0.183, respectively). The right and left T.2 lengths exhibited the highest correlation with stature in the males, females, and the pooled sample with values of 0.704 and 0.703, 0.749 and 0.736, and 0.853 and 0.848, respectively. Footprint dimensions are significantly correlated with stature, with the footprint length (T.1-T.5) dimensions showing more reliability and accuracy in stature prediction than the footprint breadth (BAH and BAB) dimensions.

A Study on Footprint Dimensions Between Sports and Non-Sports Category in Mangaluru Students Population

A Study on Footprint Dimensions Between Sports and Non-Sports Category in Mangaluru Students Population

Footprint analysis and prevalence of flatfoot: a study among the children of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

The present study envisages the morphological differences in anthropometric measurements on footprints among the preschool children and analyzes its manifestation in the different weight category. This study also focuses on the diagnosis of flatfoot among the studied population. Data has been collected from 160 participants (80 boys and 80 girls) from Bengali Hindu caste population aged 3 to 6 years. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight and body mass index. Other measurements on foot morphology included foot length, foot breadth diagonal, foot breadth horizontal, ball of the foot length, outside ball of the boot length, heel breadth, and toe lengths T1, T2, T3.T4, T5. Staheli’s Plantar Arch Index, Chippaux-Smirak Index and foot angle were calculated. Various statistical tests like t-test, Pearson’s correlation and ANOVA were performed. Among all the variables, foot breadth horizontal showed statistically significant difference between boys and girls (p&lt;0.05). All the footprint dimensions showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) positive correlation with height and weight in both the boys and the girls. However, the Staheli’s Plantar Arch Index showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) negative correlation with height and weight and Chippaux-Smirak Index showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) negative correlation with height only among both the boys and the girls. Significant differences (ANOVA) were found between the foot morphology of children in three different weight categories (underweight, healthy and overweight) except the foot angle, and both indices. The present study evinces that weight affects the foot structure of the children. The prevalence of flatfoot was found to be 57.5% among the children with no significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between the boys and the girls. The results thus provide a podium for intricate studies in the future. Timely prognosis of flatfoot in children can instigate early rectification of flat-footedness.

Fetal foot length for assessment of gestational age: A comprehensive study in north India

Footprints recovered from the scene of a crime may be made while the perpetrator is standing, termed static, or walking, termed dynamic. Numerous studies on the medical and forensic aspects of static and dynamic footprints have been done and determining whether a footprint found at a crime scene is static or dynamic may have important forensic implications. Yet, little research has focused on the similarities or differences between static and dynamic footprints in the forensic context. The present study compared static and dynamic footprint two-dimensional variables to determine if statistically significant differences existed between them and if one can be estimated from the other. Footprints were taken from a sample of randomly selected 461 Jatt Sikh adults; major north Indian population. A total of 230 males and 231 females aged between 19 and 32 years were included in the study. Static and dynamic footprints were obtained from the participants using standard methodology. Seven linear footprint measurements and three footprint indices were calculated from each footprint. The dynamic footprint variables showed higher magnitudes than the static variables, and the differences were statistically significant for the length and width measurements. Furthermore, all measurements on the static and dynamic parameters exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences. An attempt was made to estimate the static footprint dimensions from the dynamic footprint dimensions using the regression models to check the extent of differences between the two to help the investigators in estimating dimensions of one from another.

The effect of axial rotation of the anterior resection plane in patellofemoral arthroplasty

BackgroundPatellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) has a small but definite place in replacement surgery of the knee, especially in young patients. The main surgical considerations in PFA are the patient's anatomy, the type of prosthesis and the surgical technique. The surgical technique and PFA success rely heavily on the anterior resection. In this study we investigate the effect of axial rotation of the anterior resection plane. MethodsWe tested the outcome of PFA fit based on resection footprint measurements, axial and coronal groove angles, and lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) angle in a virtual PFA model. The range of anterior resection plane axial rotations was from five degree internal to five degree external with an increment of one degree. ResultsAxial rotation of anterior resection plane changes the resection footprint dimension, which leads to coronal rotation of the femoral component. External rotation of the resection plane results in valgus rotation of the trochlear groove and decreased LTI after PFA and the opposite was observed for internal rotation. ConclusionOur study showed that by changing the axial rotation of the anterior cut, the coronal groove of the prosthesis can be altered to lie more closely with the native groove line without compromising the prosthesis–cartilage transition.

Electrothermal MEMS fiber scanner for optical endomicroscopy.

We report a novel MEMS fiber scanner with an electrothermal silicon microactuator and a directly mounted optical fiber. The microactuator comprises double hot arm and cold arm structures with a linking bridge and an optical fiber is aligned along a silicon fiber groove. The unique feature induces separation of resonant scanning frequencies of a single optical fiber in lateral and vertical directions, which realizes Lissajous scanning during the resonant motion. The footprint dimension of microactuator is 1.28 x 7 x 0.44 mm3. The resonant scanning frequencies of a 20 mm long optical fiber are 239.4 Hz and 218.4 Hz in lateral and vertical directions, respectively. The full scanned area indicates 451 μm x 558 μm under a 16 Vpp pulse train. This novel laser scanner can provide many opportunities for laser scanning endomicroscopic applications.

Cervical Footprint Anthropometry in Indian Population: Implications on Design of Artificial Disc Replacement Devices.

Study DesignCross-sectional study.PurposeTo accurately measure the dimensions of cervical endplates based on computed tomography (CT) scans in Indian population and assess accuracy of match with currently available cervical disc prostheses.Overview of LiteratureThe dimensions of currently available cervical disc replacement implants are based on early published geometrical measurements of vertebrae endplates for Caucasian population. To author's knowledge, similar study has not been published for patients from Indian subcontinent.MethodsCT scans of cervical spine of patients from Indian subcontinent were collected and reviewed. Seventy patients (54 men and 16 women; aged 18–56 years with average of 37 years) who underwent CT scans of cervical spine were included in study. 3D CT scans of sub axial cervical spine (C3 to C7) were analyzed. The anterior-posterior (AP) and central mediolateral (CML) dimensions of superior and inferior endplates from C3 to C7 were measured using digital measuring system.ResultsA total of 560 endplates of 70 patients were included in the study. The AP diameter of cervical endplates ranged from 0.87 to 2.47 cm. The CML diameters ranged from 0.84 to 2.98 cm. For levels C3/C4 and C4/C5 for AP dimension Prestige-LP (90.5%) and Prodisc-C (89%) discs showed higher percentage of matching than Discover discs (58.5%). For CML diameter, Prestige-LP (69.5%), Prodisc-C (70%) and Discover (39.5%) discs showed almost similar matching with measured endplates. For levels C5/C6 and C6/C7 for AP dimension, Prestige-LP (67.25%), Prodisc-C (49.35%) and Discover (51.5%) discs showed similar matching. For CML diameter Prestige-LP (32%), Prodisc-C (27.5%) and Discover (42.2%) discs showed poor matching with measured endplates.ConclusionsThis study indicates need for redesign of cervical disc prostheses to match Indian patients. The collected anthropometric dimensions from this study may be used to design and develop indigenous artificial total disc replacement prosthesis and even cervical cages in India. With the present study being a small pilot study, the authors recommend anthropometric CT measurements in larger number of Indian patients in order to validate footprint dimensions for designing better-matched prosthesis.

Determination of Sex from Footprint Dimensions in a Ghanaian Population.

The present study sought to verify the utility and reliability of footprint dimensions in sex determination in a Ghanaian population. Bilateral footprints were obtained from 126 Ghanaian students (66 males and 60 females) aged 18–30 years at Koforidua Polytechnic using an ink pad and white papers. Seven dimensions–length of each toe (designated T1-T5) from the most anterior point of the toe to the mid-rear heel point, breadth at ball (BAB) and breadth at heel (BAH)–and the heel-ball (HB) index were obtained from each footprint. Some footprint dimensions (i.e. T2, T3, T4 and T5) showed statistically significant bilateral asymmetry in males only. All the footprint dimensions, except HB index, were significantly greater in males than females (p<0.001). Applied singly in discriminant function analysis, the footprint dimensions allowed 69.8%-80.3% of cases to be correctly classified into their sex groups; the accuracy of sex classification was higher using left footprints than right footprints. With all dimensions subjected to stepwise discriminant function analysis 80.3% and 77% of cases could be correctly classified, combining both T5 and BAH for left footprints and T1, BAB and BAH for left footprints respectively. The present study has demonstrated, for the first time among Ghanaian subjects, the utility and reliability of sex determination standards developed from footprint dimensions. The results thus provide the baseline for elaborated studies in the future.

Can Footprints of Small and Medium Sized Felids be Distinguished in the Field? Evidences from Brazil's Atlantic Forest

Carnivores, particularly felids, face threats in many regions of the world. They are a crucial component of biodiversity with a functional role in the top of the food chain. Therefore, they have been the target of surveys and monitoring and ecological studies, most of which are based on footprint identifications, an efficient and low-cost method compared to other approaches. In these cases, species identifications may suffer from a high degree of bias due to the overlap in the size and shape of footprints among species. We experimented with small to medium captive wild felids of five species: ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, margay L. wiedii, oncilla, L. guttulus, domestic cat, Felis catus, and jaguarondi, Puma yagouaroundi). We tested for differences in footprint measurements, including main pad and toe pad sizes. We used humid sand as substrate and took measurements from several front and hind footprints of seven animals per species (except jaguarondi, for which only four animals were available). Our results showed that ocelot is the only species for which it is possible to obtain 100%-accurate footprint identifications, mainly because of its footprint area ( i.e., length × width). The remaining species presented a wide variation in measurements, making them almost impossible to distinguish based solely on footprint dimensions. Our results suggest that researchers should restrict identification to the genus level or adopt a multidisciplinary sampling strategy by combining footprint detection with camera-trapping, visual observation, scat collection, molecular ecology techniques, and/or face-to-face interviews with local residents.