Physical Toolkit Research Articles

Learning Generative Design Methods: Higher Education Students Developing Toolkits

AbstractIn order to achieve successful products and services, design research nowadays is searching for new methods that unify collaboration between professional designers and future users. Developing and using these new design methods is also of interest in design education. In this study, design toolkits are developed to practise participatory design with a user‐centric orientation. The purpose of this study is to analyse a case in higher education where students of art and design aimed at becoming craft teachers developed toolkits in design situations appointed beforehand. The literature review of the toolkit shows that a diverse and multidisciplinary field of applications has been developed. The data of the study consist of 24 virtual or physical toolkits made by the students as well as their reflections on their work. The results showed that executing a design process where students in a design situation had to enter into the future user's world creates empathy for designers. Also, various elements connected with the unifying of senses and physical activities were built into the toolkits as well as certain game‐like features. The results of this study can be used as basic data concerning making educational insights in design education in higher education.

Accelerating Reaction Rates of Biomolecules by Using Shear Stress in Artificial Capillary Systems.

Biomimetics is a design principle within chemistry, biology, and engineering, but chemistry biomimetic approaches have been generally limited to emulating nature’s chemical toolkit while emulation of nature’s physical toolkit has remained largely unexplored. To begin to explore this, we designed biophysically mimetic microfluidic reactors with characteristic length scales and shear stresses observed within capillaries. We modeled the effect of shear with molecular dynamics studies and showed that this induces specific normally buried residues to become solvent accessible. We then showed using kinetics experiments that rates of reaction of these specific residues in fact increase in a shear-dependent fashion. We applied our results in the creation of a new microfluidic approach for the multidimensional study of cysteine biomarkers. Finally, we used our approach to establish dissociation of the therapeutic antibody trastuzumab in a reducing environment. Our results have implications for the efficacy of existing therapeutic antibodies in blood plasma as well as suggesting in general that biophysically mimetic chemistry is exploited in biology and should be explored as a research area.

Learning the Swimming Start by Students in Higher Education of other Profiles

This paper aims to highlight how to use the computerized video analysis for learning the sports technique key elements of the start in swimming in the case of the students in higher education of other profiles. This scientific approach entailed the organization of an ascertaining experimental study, using the following research methods: bibliographic study of the specialized literature, video computerized method by means of Pinnacle Studio, Kinovea and Physics ToolKit programs, method of movement postural orientation, statistical-mathematical method which uses the KyPlot program and the method of graphical representation of results. The research was conducted from October 2017 to January 2018 and included 12 students (second-year - series no. 2) of the Faculty of General Medicine. The results of the study show the muscle strength development of arms, abdomen and legs of the students under research. The use of the video computerized method highlights and identifies the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements used in swimming start regarding the launching posture, multiplication of body posture (flying through the air) and concluding body posture (entering the water). The propulsion and going out of water will be studied depending on the specific swimming style chosen by the students. The effective use of the computerized video analysis that deepens the understanding of sports technique phasic structure will allow the processing of the modern didactical programs for swimming learning. The modern research methods used in the video computerized analysis of sports technique of the start in swimming are an important help for the measurement, analysis and evaluation of the kinematic and dynamic structure of all swimming styles.

Analysis of physical training influence on the technical execution of the dismounts off the uneven bars

Purpose: highlighting of physical training dynamics and its influence on the biomechanical characteristics of the dismounts off uneven bars executed by junior gymnasts aged 12 to 15 years.Material: a number of 8 gymnasts aged 12 to 15 participated in this research. They performed 12 dismounts off the uneven bars during the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Junior National Championships in the all-around event and apparatus finals. The technical execution of the uneven bars dismounts was assessed by means of Physics ToolKit and Kinovea programs in accordance with the method of movement postural orientation, monitoring the key elements of sports technique. Seven tests of motricity were used in this study: 3 tests for strength-speed of lower limbs and arms, 3 tests for strength of the abdominal, back and complex muscles and 1 test of specific endurance.Results: We highlighted the level of specific physical training of junior gymnasts aged 12-15 years; the kinematic and dynamic analysis of the key elements of sports technique in terms of trajectories of body segments, angular speeds and moment of force in the dismounts off uneven bars; also, the dynamics of sports performances achieved in competitions.Conclusions: regarding the correlation of the physical training indicators with the indicators of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the dismounts off uneven bars consistent with the results achieved in competition, we revealed strong connections between indicators at P<0.05 and P<0.01 which confirms the influence of the physical training on the technical execution of the dismounts off uneven bars executed by junior gymnasts.

Improving Sports Technique of Jaeger Salto on Uneven Bars Based on Biomechanical Indicators

This paper aims at improvement of key sports technique elements using kinematic and dynamic indicators of Jaeger salto on uneven bars during the training stages. The methods used in this research include analysis of the literature; evaluation of techniques of gymnastics exercises using algorithmic structural–systemic analysis of movement; video-computerised methods using ‘Pinnacle Studio’, ‘Kinovea’ and ‘Physics ToolKit’; movement postural orientation and evaluation of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure; linear-branched programming of learning and improvement; and the ‘KyPlot’ program. Correlative analysis of the indicators of Jaeger salto and performances by 12–15-year-old gymnasts highlighted the connection between the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports techniques and the scores in competitions. Video-computerised methods, the method of movement postural orientation and algorithmic analysis of sports technique of Jaeger salto on uneven bars contributed to effective development of long-term learning programmes, improvement of technical execution and achievement of better performances. Keywords: Gymnastics, uneven bars, biomechanics, key elements, long-term programmes of learning, performance.

Compton spectra of atoms at high x-ray intensity**This article belongs to the special issue: emerging leaders, which features invited work from the best early-career researchers working within the scope of J. Phys. B. This project is part of the Journal of Physics series’ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017. Sang-Kil Son was selected by the Editorial Board of J. Phys. B

Compton scattering is the nonresonant inelastic scattering of an x-ray photon by an electron and has been used to probe the electron momentum distribution in gas-phase and condensed-matter samples. In the low x-ray intensity regime, Compton scattering from atoms dominantly comes from bound electrons in neutral atoms, neglecting contributions from bound electrons in ions and free (ionized) electrons. In contrast, in the high x-ray intensity regime, the sample experiences severe ionization via x-ray multiphoton multiple ionization dynamics. Thus, it becomes necessary to take into account all the contributions to the Compton scattering signal when atoms are exposed to high-intensity x-ray pulses provided by x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). In this paper, we investigate the Compton spectra of atoms at high x-ray intensity, using an extension of the integrated x-ray atomic physics toolkit, xatom. As the x-ray fluence increases, there is a significant contribution from ionized electrons to the Compton spectra, which gives rise to strong deviations from the Compton spectra of neutral atoms. The present study provides not only understanding of the fundamental XFEL–matter interaction but also crucial information for single-particle imaging experiments, where Compton scattering is no longer negligible.

Improvement of Sports Technique Based on Biomechanical Indicators of Yurchenko Handspring Vault in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

The main purpose of this paper is the biomechanical analysis of the kinematic and dynamic indicators of sports technique used in Yurchenko handspring vault by means of the macro methods for exercises learning during the training basic specialization stage. This scientific approach led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: 1. Method of theoretical and methodological analysis of literature related to artistic gymnastics. 2. Method of evaluation of gymnastics exercises sports technique using the algorithmic analysis of the motion. 3. Video computerized method, using” Pinnacle Studio”,” Kinovea” and” Physics ToolKit” programs. 3. Method of movement postural orientation and evaluation of key elements of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure. 4. Method of linear-branched programming of gymnastics exercises learning and improving. 5. Statistical method, by means of” KyPlot” program. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014, when gymnasts’ performances were monitored in three national competitions - handspring vaults event; a number of 7 athletes aged 12 to 15 participated in these competitions, all of them members of junior national team of Romania. The results of the research highlighted and identified the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements of Yurchenko vault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The implementation of the macro methods of learning in young gymnasts’ training contributed to the improvement of sports technique and the effective experimental distribution of the difficult and highly difficult basic vaults.

Improvement of Sports Technique Based on Biomechanical Indicators of Yurchenko Handspring Vault in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

The main purpose of this paper is the biomechanical analysis of the kinematic and dynamic indicators of sports technique used in Yurchenko handspring vault by means of the macro methods for exercises learning during the training basic specialization stage. This scientific approach led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: 1. Method of theoretical and methodological analysis of literature related to artistic gymnastics. 2. Method of evaluation of gymnastics exercises sports technique using the algorithmic analysis of the motion. 3. Video computerized method, using” Pinnacle Studio”,” Kinovea” and” Physics ToolKit” programs. 3. Method of movement postural orientation and evaluation of key elements of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure. 4. Method of linear-branched programming of gymnastics exercises learning and improving. 5. Statistical method, by means of” KyPlot” program. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014, when gymnasts’ performances were monitored in three national competitions - handspring vaults event; a number of 7 athletes aged 12 to 15 participated in these competitions, all of them members of junior national team of Romania. The results of the research highlighted and identified the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements of Yurchenko vault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The implementation of the macro methods of learning in young gymnasts’ training contributed to the improvement of sports technique and the effective experimental distribution of the difficult and highly difficult basic vaults.

Improvement of Sports Technique Based on Biomechanical Indicators of Yurchenko Handspring Vault in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

The main purpose of this paper is the biomechanical analysis of the kinematic and dynamic indicators of sports technique used in Yurchenko handspring vault by means of the macro methods for exercises learning during the training basic specialization stage. This scientific approach led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: 1. Method of theoretical and methodological analysis of literature related to artistic gymnastics. 2. Method of evaluation of gymnastics exercises sports technique using the algorithmic analysis of the motion. 3. Video computerized method, using” Pinnacle Studio”,” Kinovea” and” Physics ToolKit” programs. 3. Method of movement postural orientation and evaluation of key elements of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure. 4. Method of linear-branched programming of gymnastics exercises learning and improving. 5. Statistical method, by means of” KyPlot” program. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014, when gymnasts’ performances were monitored in three national competitions - handspring vaults event; a number of 7 athletes aged 12 to 15 participated in these competitions, all of them members of junior national team of Romania. The results of the research highlighted and identified the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements of Yurchenko vault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The implementation of the macro methods of learning in young gymnasts’ training contributed to the improvement of sports technique and the effective experimental distribution of the difficult and highly difficult basic vaults.

Examining Habitability of Kepler Exoplanets

Since its launch in 2009, the Kepler spacecraft has confirmed the existence of 3,387 exoplanets with the goal of finding habitable environments beyond our own. The mechanism capable of stabilizing a planet’s climate is the long-term carbon cycle driven by plate tectonics. We determined the likelihood of plate tectonics for Kepler exoplanets by comparing their interior structures to planets within our solar system. We used the mineral physics toolkit BurnMan to create three models with the same composition as Earth, Mars, and Mercury. We ran 19 exoplanets through the models and calculated their Mantle Radius Fraction (MRF). We found that four exoplanets may be Chthonian, four have Mercury-like MRF values, and two are Earth-like in their MRF values but did not lie within their habitable zone. In the future, as more exoplanet masses are obtained, it is likely that a greater number will appear dynamically similar to the Earth.

SCALING THE EARTH: A SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF TERRESTRIAL EXOPLANETARY INTERIOR MODELS

ABSTRACT An exoplanet’s structure and composition are first-order controls of the planet’s habitability. We explore which aspects of bulk terrestrial planet composition and interior structure affect the chief observables of an exoplanet: its mass and radius. We apply these perturbations to the Earth, the planet we know best. Using the mineral physics toolkit BurnMan to self-consistently calculate mass–radius models, we find that the core radius, the presence of light elements in the core, and an upper mantle consisting of low-pressure silicates have the largest effects on the final calculated mass at a given radius, none of which are included in current mass–radius models. We expand these results to provide a self-consistent grid of compositionally as well as structurally constrained terrestrial mass–radius models for quantifying the likelihood of exoplanets being “Earth-like.” We further apply this grid to Kepler-36b, finding that it is only ∼20% likely to be structurally similar to the Earth with Si/Fe = 0.9 compared with the Earth’s Si/Fe = 1 and the Sun’s Si/Fe = 1.19.

Biomechanical Characteristics of Transfer in the Rotational Movements on Uneven Bars

This paper tries to highlight some biomechanical characteristics of the transfer in the rotational movements on uneven bars in women’s artistic gymnastics. This scientific approach led to a study conducted during the Masters National Championships from 16th to 18th of October 2012, in ”Nadia Comaneci” Polyvalent Hall of Onești. The study involved 7 gymnasts belonging to junior training team of Deva, aged 12 to 15. The following methods have been used in this research: method of bibliographic study, method of pedagogical observation, method of biomechanical video analysis using Kinovea and Physics Toolkit programs, experiment method, statistical method (KyPlot) and the method of graphical representation (Excel). The analysis of difficulty values of the technical elements on uneven bars as per the Code of Points emphasizes the dynamics of the vertical and horizontal transfer, depending on the category / type of the movement and the difficulty group. The results of the study highlights how the transfer is made throughout the routines on uneven bars in terms of kinematics and dynamic characteristics of the key elements of sports technique during the rotational movements. The efficient use of the postural orientation method based on the biomechanical analysis of the rotational movements on uneven bars showed the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the key elements of sports technique according to the performances achieved in competition.

Biomechanical Characteristics of Movement Phases of Clean & Jerk Style in Weightlifting Performance

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of movement phases of Clean & Jerk style in weightlifting performance. This scientific approach has led to a study conducted during the European Junior Weightlifting Championships, Bucharest, 2011, on a group of 7 athletes, finalists of 56kg class. The methodology of research focused on video recording, conversion of video capture into AVI format and the video biomechanical analysis of weightlifters’ performances by means of a specialized program named Physics ToolKit. Bottom of FormEach execution has shown the trajectories of the main joints involved in movement, highlighting the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of Clean & Jerk style phases. The comparative analysis of the biomechanical indicators of movement phases in terms of start, barbell drive to jerk, the jerk, getting under barbell, lifting from the rack, barbell catch over the head highlights the duration of phases, the execution speed and the force to overcome the resistance of the barbell. The study results revealed the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of movement phases of the Clean & Jerk style, especially the jerk, phases that had an influence on the performances achieved in competition.

Assisted Research of the Biomechanics Characteristics of the Complex Acrobatic Movement

This paper is meant to highlight the biomechanical features of the technique key elements of the back layout somersault with 720° twist on floor at the level of junior girl gymnasts aged 12 to 14 years. This scientific approach led to the organization of a study conducted during the National Master Championship held from 16th to 18th of November 2012 in Nadia Comăneci Multifunctional Hall of Onești. A number of 8 gymnasts aged 12 to 14, members of the training junior team of Deva, participated in this study. The following methods have been used throughout this research: method of bibliographic study, method of pedagogical observation, method of video biomechanical analysis, using Physics Toolkit program, experimental method, statistical method (KyPlot) and method of graphical representation. The results of the kinematic features of sports technique key elements used in back layout somersault with 720° twist on floor highlight the phasic sequence of the execution, concerning the preparatory movement made from round-off back flip connection, moment of flip off of the floor, multiplication of body posture and the concluding posture - landing. The analytical video biomechanical processing of each segment pointed out the spatial - temporal indicators characteristics of sports technique key elements used in the back layout somersault with 720° twist on floor, according to the data on joints trajectories movement and the graphical representation of the whole body segments of junior gymnasts aged 12 to 14; the somersaults were performed under the conditions of National Master Championship of Artistic Gymnastics 2012. The effective use of the video biomechanical analysis method for the back layout somersault with 720° twist highlighted the kinematic and dynamic features of sports technique key elements in accordance with the performances achieved in competitions

SU‐F‐18C‐09: Assessment of OSL Dosimeter Technology in the Validation of a Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Code for CT Dosimetry

Purpose:To assess the utility of optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeter technology in calibrating and validating a Monte Carlo radiation transport code for computed tomography (CT).Methods:Exposure data were taken using both a standard CT 100‐mm pencil ionization chamber and a series of 150‐mm OSL CT dosimeters. Measurements were made at system isocenter in air as well as in standard 16‐cm (head) and 32‐cm (body) CTDI phantoms at isocenter and at the 12 o' clock positions. Scans were performed on a Philips Brilliance 64 CT scanner for 100 and 120 kVp at 300 mAs with a nominal beam width of 40 mm. A radiation transport code to simulate the CT scanner conditions was developed using the GEANT4 physics toolkit. The imaging geometry and associated parameters were simulated for each ionization chamber and phantom combination. Simulated absorbed doses were compared to both CTDI100 values determined from the ion chamber and to CTDI100 values reported from the OSLs. The dose profiles from each simulation were also compared to the physical OSL dose profiles.Results:CTDI100 values reported by the ion chamber and OSLs are generally in good agreement (average percent difference of 9%), and provide a suitable way to calibrate doses obtained from simulation to real absorbed doses. Simulated and real CTDI100 values agree to within 10% or less, and the simulated dose profiles also predict the physical profiles reported by the OSLs.Conclusion:Ionization chambers are generally considered the standard for absolute dose measurements. However, OSL dosimeters may also serve as a useful tool with the significant benefit of also assessing the radiation dose profile. This may offer an advantage to those developing simulations for assessing radiation dosimetry such as verification of spatial dose distribution and beam width.

BurnMan: A lower mantle mineral physics toolkit

We present BurnMan, an open-source mineral physics toolbox to determine elastic properties for specified compositions in the lower mantle by solving an Equation of State (EoS). The toolbox, written in Python, can be used to evaluate seismic velocities of new mineral physics data or geodynamic models, and as the forward model in inversions for mantle composition. The user can define the composition from a list of minerals provided for the lower mantle or easily include their own. BurnMan provides choices in methodology, both for the EoS and for the multiphase averaging scheme. The results can be visually or quantitatively compared to observed seismic models. Example user scripts show how to go through these steps. This paper includes several examples realized with BurnMan: First, we benchmark the computations to check for correctness. Second, we exemplify two pitfalls in EoS modeling: using a different EoS than the one used to derive the mineral physical parameters or using an incorrect averaging scheme. Both pitfalls have led to incorrect conclusions on lower mantle composition and temperature in the literature. We further illustrate that fitting elastic velocities separately or jointly leads to different Mg/Si ratios for the lower mantle. However, we find that, within mineral physical uncertainties, a pyrolitic composition can match PREM very well. Finally, we find that uncertainties on specific input parameters result in a considerable amount of variation in both magnitude and gradient of the seismic velocities.

Spatial-temporal Aspects of the Influence of the Ability to Concentrate on the Execution of the Snatch Style in Performance Weightlifting

The authors of this paper try to highlight the influence of the ability to concentrate on the execution of the snatch style in performance weightlifting. The research was conducted in the European Junior Championships of Bucharest, on 10.09.2011, monitoring the evolutions of weightlifters in the 56kg class finals. The following methods were used for this paper: bibliographical study, pedagogical observation, computerized video analysis by means of Pinnacle studio software and the video biomechanical analysis by means of Physical ToolKit; statistical-mathematical method and graphical representation method. The results of the study highlighted the influence of the ability to concentrate on the successful attempts of junior weightlifters in the snatch style, which confirms the hypothesis proposed in our research.

Biomechanical Analysis of Sports Technique Key Elements in Back Double Somersault Dismount off Uneven Bars-Junior Gymnasts 12 to 14 Years Old

The main goal of this work is the computerized video analysis of the characteristic key technical elements of the double somersault dismount off uneven bars in the basic specialization stage in women's artistic gymnastics. The study was conducted during the Masters National Championships, Oneşti, 16-18 November, 2012. The subjects of the research were 7 female gymnasts, 12 to 14 years old, members of the Junior Olympic Team in Deva and finalists on this apparatus. The biomechanical analysis was performed by means of a specialized program called Physics ToolKit Version 6.0, focusing on the key elements of the technique (as per Boloban, V., 1990): starting position (SP), multiplication of body position (MP) and final position (FP) of the body. The biomechanical analysis of double somersault dismount off uneven bars highlighted the characteristics of the key elements and the influence of the biomechanical indicators on the technical execution of the dismount. The analysis of the execution of the dismount in comparison with the requirements of the technical regulations of the International Code of Points for uneven bars will generate new methodological guidelines meant to improve and correct executions, thus confirming the hypotheses proposed and the performances achieved in competition.

Telehealth Weight Management Intervention for Adults with Physical Disabilities

Weight reduction programs are not generally designed or adapted for people with physical disabilities. This study examined the effect of a 9-months remote, telephone-based weight management program for people with physical disabilities using a Web-based system (Personalized Online Weight and Exercise Response System [POWERS]). A total of 102 participants (mean ± SD age, 46.5 ± 12.7 yrs; body mass index, 32.0 ± 5.8 kg/m(2)) with a physical disability (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, or lupus) were randomized to one of three conditions: physical activity only (POWERS), physical activity plus nutrition (POWERS(plus)), and control. The POWERS group received a physical activity tool kit and regular coaching telephone calls. The POWERS(plus) group received an intervention identical to that of the POWERS group plus nutritional information. The control group received the physical activity tool kit and self-guided health promotion resources at the completion of the trial but no coaching. Postintervention differences in body weight were found between the groups. There was a significant group × time interaction (P < 0.01) in postintervention body weight, with both the POWERS and POWERS(plus) groups demonstrating greater reduction in body weight compared with the control group (POWERS: -2.1 ± 5.5 kg, -2.4 ± -5.9%; POWERS(plus): -0.5 ± 5.0 kg, -0.6 ± 4.3%; control: +2.6 ± 5.3 kg, 3.1 ± 7.4%). A low-cost telephone intervention supported with a Web-based remote coaching tool (POWERS) can be an effective strategy for assisting overweight adults with physical disabilities in maintaining or reducing their body weight.

The slow control system of the HADES RPC wall

Abstract The control and monitoring system for the new HADES RPC time of flight wall installed at GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH (Darmstadt, Germany), is described. The slow control system controls/monitors about 6000 variables from different physical devices via a distributed architecture, which uses intensively the 1-wire ® bus. The software implementation is based on the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) software tool kit providing low cost, reliability and adaptability without requiring large hardware resources. The control and monitoring system attends five different subsystems: front-end electronics, low voltage, high voltage, gases, and detector.