University of Salford

About: University of Salford is a education organization based out in Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 13049 authors who have published 22957 publications receiving 537330 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Salford Manchester & The University of Salford Manchester.

Improved modelling and assessment of pneumatic muscle actuators

Abstract: Traditional robotic/mechatronic design has successfully exploited the attributes of heavy mechanical systems engineering, but future scientific trends suggest a need for technology that will emulate natural systems. Among the most pressing of the requirements are actuation systems that can interact in a safer and more natural way. Pneumatic technology has many of the compliance forms needed for this softer interaction and a number of new systems based on McKibben muscles have been developed in recent years. In this paper a new model of operation of pneumatic muscle systems is developed. In particular, the model considers the distortion effects at the termination nodes and the radial pressure loss due to rubber elasticity. The new model is compared experimentation on a very large actuator and shows how this new model improves the assessment of forces and displacement that can be achieved by the actuator. The new model is compared against previous systems models.

How to measure balance in clinical practice. A systematic review of the psychometrics and clinical utility of measures of balance activity for neurological conditions

Abstract: Objective: To identify psychometrically robust and clinically feasible measurement tools of balance activity in people with neurological conditions to recommend for use in clinical practice. Data sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and AMED. Review methods: Independent reviewers selected and extracted data from articles that assessed the reliability, validity, sensitivity to change and clinical utility of measures of balance activity in adult neurological conditions. Quality assessment was based on Jorstad et al. Measures with ‘good' psychometrics and ≥9/10 clinical utility scores were recommended. Results: Nineteen measurement tools were selected. Of these, the Brunel Balance Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, arm raise and forward reach tests in sitting and standing, weight shift, step/tap and step-up tests reached the required standards and are usable in clinical practice. The Brunel Balance Assessment and its associated functional performance tests have the additional advantages of being a hierarchical scale with established lack of redundancy. Conclusion: The measurement tools identified above are psychometrically robust and feasible to use in clinical practice. Future objective measure development should consider the theoretical construct of the measure, the minimal detectable change and use in clinical populations other than stroke.

Plastics in sea surface waters around the Antarctic Peninsula.

Abstract: Although marine plastic pollution has been the focus of several studies, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the concentrations, characteristics and impacts of plastics in the oceans. This study aimed to quantify and characterize plastic debris in oceanic surface waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sampling was done through surface trawls, and mean debris concentration was estimated at 1,794 items.km−2 with an average weight of 27.8 g.km−2. No statistical difference was found between the amount of mesoplastics (46%) and microplastics (54%). We found hard and flexible fragments, spheres and lines, in nine colors, composed mostly of polyurethane, polyamide, and polyethylene. An oceanographic dispersal model showed that, for at least seven years, sampled plastics likely did not originate from latitudes lower than 58°S. Analysis of epiplastic community diversity revealed bacteria, microalgae, and invertebrate groups adhered to debris. Paint fragments were present at all sampling stations and were approximately 30 times more abundant than plastics. Although paint particles were not included in plastic concentration estimates, we highlight that they could have similar impacts as marine plastics. We call for urgent action to avoid and mitigate plastic and paint fragment inputs to the Southern Ocean.