Teesside University

About: Teesside University is a education organization based out in Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2155 authors who have published 5540 publications receiving 118373 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Teesside.

The effect of saddle design on stresses in the perineum during cycling.

Abstract: SPEARS, I. R., N. K. CUMMINS, Z. BRENCHLEY, C. DONOHUE, C. TURNBULL, S. BURTON, and G. A. MACHO. The Effect of Saddle Design on Stresses in the Perineum during Cycling. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 9, pp. 1620 –1625, 2003. Purpose: Repetitive internal stress in the perineum has been associated with soft-tissue trauma in bicyclists. Using an engineering approach, the purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of compression exerted in the perineum for a range of saddle widths and orientations. Methods: Computer tomography was used to create a three-dimensional voxel-based finite element model of the right side of the male perineum-pelvis. For the creation of the saddle model, a commercially available saddle was digitized and the surface manipulated to represent a variety of saddle widths and orientations. The two models were merged, and a static downward load of 189 N was applied to the model at the region representing the sacroiliac joint. For validation purposes, external stresses along the perineum-saddle interface were compared with the results of pressure sensitive film. Good agreement was found for these external stresses. The saddles were then stretched and rotated, and the magnitude and location of maximum stresses within the perineum were both recorded. In all cases, the model of the pelvis-perineum was held in an upright position. Results: Stresses within the perineum were reduced when the saddle was sufficiently wide to support both ischial tuberosities. This supporting mechanism was best achieved when the saddle was at least two times wider than the bi-ischial width of the cyclist. Stresses in the anterior of the perineum were reduced when the saddle was tilted downward, whereas stresses in the posterior were reduced when the saddle was tilted upward. Conclusions: Recommendations that saddles should be sufficiently wide to support the ischial tuberosities appear to be well founded. Recommendations that saddles be tilted downward (i.e., nose down) are supported by the model, but with caution, given the limitations of the model. Key Words: SORENESS, IMPOTENCE, ARTERIES, NERVES, SOFT TISSUE MODELING.

Designing Electronic Performance Support Systems.

Abstract: SUMMARY An electronic performance support system (EPSS) is an interactive computer‐based environment that is intended to facilitate and/or improve human problem solving capability within some target application domain. EPSS tools can be used by individuals, groups and organizations in order to improve various facets of their operation. The nature of an EPSS facility will therefore depend upon who it is intended to serve and the job tasks for which it is to be used. Bearing these requirements in mind, this paper outlines the basic nature of performance support and then describes a generic model that can be used to facilitate EPSS development. Use of this model is supported by the use of a collection of performance support guidelines that are summarized in this paper in the form of basic principles of performance support. Use of the model and principles are illustrated using a case study approach.

The Politics of Decentralisation

Abstract: The last ten years of politics in the UK has seen increasing reference to \"decentralisation\" as a means of managing the public sectorl . Yet, despite such activity, there is little agreement over what \"decentralisation\" actually is: whether it is a process or a condition and what it entails. This has damaging consequences for the quality of political debate. Positive claims are being made from all parts of the political spectrum for the virtues of decentralisation in the public sector in the interest of both good government and good management. Some stress the improvement of accountability arising from the territorial decentralisation of services, as when the Metropolitan Councils were abolished to bring the provision of local services closer to voters. Others emphasise the benefits to be gained in management culture and especially in staff motivation when decentralisation puts control of budgets and other key decisions at the lowest possible level in any organisation. A full analysis of public sector changes requires an examination of the vocabulary of decentralisation.

Teaching autonomy ‘Reading groups’ and the development of autonomous learning practices

Abstract: A key factor in the transition to university is the enculturation of new students into both the discipline they are studying and effective study practices. Most significantly, students, whatever th...