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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2009

J.H. Abawajy

The purpose of this paper is to explore characteristics of human‐computer interaction when the human body and its movements become input for interaction and interface control in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore characteristics of human‐computer interaction when the human body and its movements become input for interaction and interface control in pervasive computing settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper quantifies the performance of human movement based on Fitt's Law and discusses some of the human factors and technical considerations that arise in trying to use human body movements as an input medium.

Findings

The paper finds that new interaction technologies utilising human movements may provide more flexible, naturalistic interfaces and support the ubiquitous or pervasive computing paradigm.

Practical implications

In pervasive computing environments the challenge is to create intuitive and user‐friendly interfaces. Application domains that may utilize human body movements as input are surveyed here and the paper addresses issues such as culture, privacy, security and ethics raised by movement of a user's body‐based interaction styles.

Originality/value

The paper describes the utilization of human body movements as input for interaction and interface control in pervasive computing settings.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1998

Winifred Aldrich, Brian Smith and Feng Dong

This paper describes research undertaken at the Nottingham Trent University which investigated body movements and their relationship to garment design. The study identifies the…

Abstract

This paper describes research undertaken at the Nottingham Trent University which investigated body movements and their relationship to garment design. The study identifies the difference between ergonomic measuring positions and the natural postures used by real figures in real activities. A new approach to the identification and coding of upper body postures has been made. A body coding system and a simple piece of equipment was designed that enables extended natural body positions to be recorded, thus achieving repeatability. This work enabled comparisons of aesthetic appearance and the functional comfort of women's tailored jackets to be examined.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2021

Rebekka Dieterich-Hartwell, Craig Haen, Girija Kaimal, Sabine Koch, Augusta Villanueva and Sherry Goodill

The purpose of this study is to investigate what resources recent refugees to the USA tap into and how collaborative expressive movements were experienced with regard to coping…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate what resources recent refugees to the USA tap into and how collaborative expressive movements were experienced with regard to coping and resourcing, and to derive a theoretical model that would inform the use of dance/movement therapy and other holistic treatment modalities with refugees.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 13 refugees overall participated in parts of this study. Ten of these refugees completed movement sessions and semi-structured in-person interviews. Constructivist grounded theory methods and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings suggest that refugees draw on a number of resources. The collaborative movement experiences seemed to have both a settling and mobilizing effect with the most important phenomenon of connection to the self or to another person. A grounded theory model, developed based on the findings, shows a dynamic interaction between the encountered categories.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are preliminary and not transferrable because of limited size and potential researcher bias.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to an understanding of the resettlement and acculturation phase of refugees with potential implications and suggestions for current clinical practices and health services.

Originality/value

This study was original in its focus on understanding the role and the potential of body and expressive movement among refugees who have experienced trauma. Adherence to transformative paradigm principles invited participants to become co-researchers.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Davide Bizjak, Monica Calcagno and Luigi Maria Sicca

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the specific field of arts entrepreneurship by focussing on the practices of vertical dance; a language of contemporary dance where…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the specific field of arts entrepreneurship by focussing on the practices of vertical dance; a language of contemporary dance where dancers act on a vertical axis, moving suspended on the surface of buildings and walls. The authors’ focus on vertical dance as a meaningful corporal practice to explore the particular combination of dance and human movement, going beyond its purely metaphoric dimension.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ adopt a micro-social perspective, observing the practices (Gherardi, 2012; Nicolini, 2012; Sicca, 2000), that took place from 2013 to 2015 in the daily work of Wanda Moretti, a Venetian choreographer and co-founder of the company “Il posto”, observed in different contexts of artistic practices (Zembylas, 2014).

Research limitations/implications

Deconstructing the overlapping dimensions that compose the space in our daily experience (force of gravity and the supporting surface), vertical dance clarifies how often we undervalue the complexity of the space and, at the same time, opens up the way for a better understanding and investigation of entrepreneurship in artistic fields.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the way in which different categories, such as the human body, space, and movement, are a particular entanglement of elements, useful in highlighting some of the fundamental assumptions at the heart of the field of entrepreneurship. The heterogeneous complexity of space and bodies is emphasised, challenging its ordinary conceptualisation.

Propósito

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo investigar el campo específico de las iniciativas empresariales artísticas, centrándose en las prácticas de la danza vertical, un lenguaje de la danza contemporánea donde los bailarines actúan sobre un eje vertical, moviéndose suspendidos sobre la superficie de edificios y paredes. Nos centramos en la danza vertical como práctica corporal significativa para explorar la combinación particular de la danza y el movimiento humano, que va más allá de su dimensión puramente metafórica.

Metodología

Adoptamos una perspectiva micro-social, focalizándonos en las prácticas (Gherardi, 2012; Nicolini, 2012; Sicca, 2000) que tuvieron lugar desde 2013 hasta 2015 en el trabajo cotidiano de Wanda Moretti, coreógrafa veneciana y co-fundadora de la empresa “Il posto”, observado los diferentes contextos de las prácticas artísticas (Zembylas, 2014).

Implicaciones

En deconstruir las dimensiones superpuestas que componen el espacio en nuestra experiencia diaria (la fuerza de la gravedad y la superficie de apoyo), la danza vertical aclara la frecuencia con la que subvaloramos la complejidad del espacio y, al mismo tiempo, abre el camino para una mejor comprensión y la investigación del espíritu empresarial en los ámbitos artísticos.

Originalidad

El estudio subraya cómo diferentes categorías, como el cuerpo humano, el espacio y el movimiento, son un enredo particular de elementos, útil para poner de relieve algunas de las premisas fundamentales en el campo del espíritu empresarial. La complejidad heterogénea de espacio y los cuerpos se enfatiza, desafiando a su conceptualización ordinaria.

Details

Academia Revista Latinoamericana de Administración, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1012-8255

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2020

Roberta Discetti

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumer movements and sustainability certification bodies in the development of food-related consumer…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumer movements and sustainability certification bodies in the development of food-related consumer campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a longitudinal approach to the study of an empirical case, the Fairtrade Towns (FTT) movement in the UK. It combines netnographic analysis on the FTT’s online forum with interviews with members of the community and of the certification body coordinating the movement.

Findings

The author conceptualises Sustainably Certified Consumer Communities (SCCC) as a distinct sub-group of consumer movements whose identity coalesces around a sustainable certification and that mobilises supporters with the purpose of promoting social change through the marketplace. The longitudinal approach allows the identification of definitional elements, main practices and unresolved tensions of this concept.

Originality/value

Research addressing the social movement dimension of contemporary food-related sustainability certification is limited. The present study advances consumer research through the conceptualisation of SCCC and contributes to a new understanding of the political roles that market-oriented certification bodies can play in consumer activism. From a managerial perspective, it provides valuable insights into practitioners interested in fostering community engagement.

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2015

Huiju Park, Helen Trejo, Madeline Miles, Allison Bauer, Seonyoung Kim and Jeffrey Stull

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to suggest areas of design improvement for enhanced mobility and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight male and four female firefighters participated in the study. Lower body ROM was assessed while they walked in four different configurations of PPE, including turnout ensemble, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and boots. The impact of each added PPE item, and gender differences were statistically analyzed.

Findings

Wearing firefighter turnout ensemble and SCBA reduced ROM in the lower body in the sagittal and transverse planes. A significant reduction in ROM for anterior-posterior movement at the ankle and the ball of the foot was found while wearing rubber boots with turnout ensemble and SCBA. This puts firefighters at higher risk of experiencing foot injuries and physical strains. A significant increase in medial-lateral movement of the foot while wearing rubber boots may increase risk of ankle sprains. A greater reduction in ROM at the ankle and the ball of the foot for female firefighters may imply greater risk for women compared to men, while wearing boots.

Practical implications

Reducing the inflexibility and bulkiness of boots is critical to improve firefighter’s lower body mobility and safety.

Originality/value

This study implemented 3-D motion capture technology to analyze how wearing firefighting gear impacted lower body motion. It provides quantitative evidence to recommend ergonomic boot re-design.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Kanika Jolly, Sybille Krzywinski, PVM Rao and Deepti Gupta

Whilst motorcycling is an activity of pleasure in most parts of the world, in India, it is a regular mode of commuting. The number of registered motorized two wheelers increased…

Abstract

Purpose

Whilst motorcycling is an activity of pleasure in most parts of the world, in India, it is a regular mode of commuting. The number of registered motorized two wheelers increased at the rate of 14.7 percent during the year 2016-2017 to reach the figure of 20.19m in 2018. But, with this increase, the number of motorcycle road accidents is also increasing. Uncomfortable riding clothing is one of the major factors for motorcycle rider’s muscular fatigue, which might at times lead to serious accidents. No kinematic human models have been, so far, used for the design of protective, functional and aesthetic looking products, and the result is, hence, a compromised fit that is not protective or comfortable. The purpose of this paper is to develop virtual 3D human body models for specific postures of a motorcycle rider.

Design/methodology/approach

Kinematic analysis of a motorcycle rider was conducted to identify typical body postures obtained by the motorcycle rider while mounting and riding a motorcycle. The identified body postures were mapped on a virtual parametric human model to obtain digital model of a motorcycle rider. 3D garment patterns for jacket and trouser were developed on all the four body postures. 3D patterns were flattened out to get 2D flat patterns that were compared and analyzed, and appropriate pattern shapes from each of the four postures were selected. Virtual fit analysis was conducted for the finally garment.

Findings

It is well established that a static 2D anthropometry fails to accurately capture the dimensions of complex 3D human form, yielding poor garment fit. Therefore, in this study, virtual, 3D human body models were developed in selected dynamic poses. Garment patterns developed in 3D have the typical movement inbuilt in them; hence, they offer more comfort and ease of motion to the wearer.

Originality/value

The identification of typical body postures of motorcycle rider has not been done before. The CAD models developed in the study can be used for the generation of ergonomic garment patterns for the motorcycle riders.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2020

Jingyi Wang, Yuan Run and Hongwei Shi

In the information commons (IC) space of library, it is very important to recognize the emotional state of users for better playing the role of IC. In view of this point, this…

Abstract

Purpose

In the information commons (IC) space of library, it is very important to recognize the emotional state of users for better playing the role of IC. In view of this point, this paper aims to discuss the human expression of user emotion.

Design/methodology/approach

An emotional state recognition method based on body posture change under video monitoring is proposed. In this method, two parameters are proposed to represent the emotional state of users. Finally, the distribution of users’ overall emotional state is recognized.

Findings

It is found that the change of human posture reflects the emotional state of users to a certain extent. The spatial frequency of the user’s average body position change and per capita body position change can reflect the spatial distribution of individual and body position change, respectively.

Originality/value

The method in this paper can effectively overcome the inaccuracy of manual identification of video monitoring images, especially in the case of a large number of users and effectively help the construction of university library IC space and provide a basis for the setting of environmental parameters.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2011

Shouhong Miao and Qixin Cao

The purpose of this paper is to present a two‐wheeled inverted pendulum with self‐tilt‐up motion ability. With this ability, the two‐wheeled inverted pendulum can erect without…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a two‐wheeled inverted pendulum with self‐tilt‐up motion ability. With this ability, the two‐wheeled inverted pendulum can erect without assistance, and then the vehicle can be autonomously deployed. The paper proposes an approach to achieve this self‐tilt‐up motion, which involves precessional motion.

Design/methodology/approach

A flywheel is mounted inside the vehicle to perform high‐speed spinning. The flywheel and body of the vehicle are forced to move around a fixed point and precessional motion occurs. As a result of the precessional motion, a moment is synchronously generated to tilt the body up to the upright position. Since no external force is applied on this two‐wheeled inverted pendulum, it is called self‐tilt‐up motion. A 3D model and a prototype are built to validate this approach.

Findings

The simulation and experimental results show that the self‐tilting‐up motion is successful.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a self‐tilt‐up motion for a two‐wheeled inverted pendulum. With the analysis of the dynamics, simulation demonstrations and prototype development, the results show that the vehicle could perform self‐tilt‐up motion without any assistance. The principle of this self‐tilt‐up motion involves processional motion of rigid body. We also pointed out the factors that play important roles in influencing the performance of self‐tilt‐up motion and then define the switching time for the motion to switch to dynamic balance movement.

Originality/value

Traditional multi‐wheel robots cannot work when they overturn. However, the two‐wheeled inverted pendulums with self‐tilt‐up ability do not have this shortcoming. They can stand up to keep working even if they fall down. A two‐wheeled inverted pendulum with self‐tilt‐up ability can be applied to many places. Equipped with solar battery, it can be used as an independent explorer. This type of vehicle can be deployed in swarms for planetary detection. For example, many small two‐wheeled inverted pendulums assist a lunar rover for exploration, samples gathering, etc.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Nate Turcotte and Ty Hollett

The datafication of teaching and learning settings continues to be of broad interest to the learning sciences. In response, this study aims to explore a non-traditional learning…

Abstract

Purpose

The datafication of teaching and learning settings continues to be of broad interest to the learning sciences. In response, this study aims to explore a non-traditional learning setting, specifically two Golf Teaching and Research Programs, to investigate how athletes and coaches capture, analyze and use performance data to improve their practice. Athletic settings are well known for spurring the proliferation of personal data about performance across a range of contexts and ability levels. In these contexts, interest in athletes’ experiences with data has often been overshadowed by a focus on the technologies capturing the data and their capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This ethnographic research focuses on the data-rich experiences of golf coaches and students during two pedagogical encounters. Using Balka and Star’s (2015) concept of shadow bodies, this article explores how golfing bodies can become infused with data, creating partial representations of a lived experience that can be augmented and manipulated for pedagogical purposes, depending on the context and the individuals involved.

Findings

Interaction analysis helps the authors to examine the embodied and interactional nature of coach-golfer pedagogical encounters across two sites, a local Professional Golf Association golf course and a Swing Analysis Lab. The authors also split these encounters into two episodes to identify how coaches and golfers use partial representations of their bodies to analyze performance and interpret data.

Originality/value

This research suggests that as data-driven practices continue to engulf athletic settings, and teaching and learning settings broadly, emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that athletes (learners) – from the most recreational to elite users – have an embodied understanding of their performance to improve their ability. Furthermore, this article raises questions about what data gets shared between instructors and athletes and how that data is used.

Details

Information and Learning Sciences, vol. 124 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5348

Keywords

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