Cricket umpiring is demanding. In today’s world where so much technology is available to television viewers, they expect perfect umpiring, forgetting that what they see on their television screens is not available to the umpires standing in the middle of the field making the decisions. This study aimed to examine cricket umpires on-field decisions during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. Examining leg before wicket (LBW) and caught behind decisions, in particular. The researcher made use of a notational analysis program known as Umpirestat to collect the necessary data on each umpire. The umpires were examined in two groups Elite and International umpires (groupings defined by the ICC) and were compared to a base line in the form of Hawk-Eye for LBW decisions and TV replays for caught behind decisions. The umpire groups were compared to each other and then to the base line, an individual umpire comparison was then done within each grouping. The data was statistically analysed using percentages, chi squared and modelling for the Elite Umpires. For LBW decisions there was a difference of 2.02% between Elite and International umpires, showing a similarity between the two groups. The difference between Elite Umpires and Hawk-Eye was 18.83% and between International umpires and Hawk-Eye was 16.81%, showing difference between the three groups. It was found that there was a difference of 3.63% for caught behind decisions between Elite and International umpires, showing a similarity between the two groups. The difference between Elite Umpires and TV replays was 2.99% and between International umpires and TV replays there was 0.64%, showing similarities between the three groups. In conclusion, for LBW appeals there is a similarity between Elite and International umpire groupings however a difference exists between Hawk-Eye and both groupings of umpires. For the individual umpires LBW comparison the following was seen for the International umpires; no real conclusions could be drawn due to limited amounts of data collected on them. However, variances in individual performances were seen within the International umpire grouping. For Elite Umpires, it is clearly seen in the model that the umpires expected number of dismissals got closer together and almost group together at around four appeals. This indicates a strong consensus amongst umpires when dealing with four, five and six appeals during a match. This consensus is more pronounced for four and five appeals. In conclusion, for caught behind appeals there is a similarity between Elite and International umpires as well as a similarity between replays and both groups of umpires. For the individual umpires caught behind comparison the following was seen for the International umpires; as with the LBW results there was limited amount of data available for the caught behind results. Thus no real conclusions could be drawn for International umpire caught behind decisions, although when examining the percentage data, differences can be seen. For the individual umpires caught behind comparison the following was seen for the Elite Umpires, no consensus is seen between the umpires - they all appear to have different expected dismissals to one another. Copyright / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted

I takt med en ökande världspopulation ställs allt hårdare krav på primärproducenter att tillgodose råvaror i adekvata mängder. Forskning inom området är av stor vikt för att hitta nya hållbara källor för näringsämnen som exempelvis protein, eftersom produktionen i dagsläget för med sig många miljömässiga nackdelar. I samband med att EU godkänner insekter som livsmedel får fler upp ögonen för eventuella fördelar som de kan bidra med som råvara. Syftet med denna studien är att undersöka vilken påverkan tillsats av syrsmjöl har på färg, textur, gillande och expansion hos extruderad majskrok. Detta är ett steg i riktningen mot implementering av insekter i västerländsk kost. Genom att analysera vatten och proteinhalt i den extruderade produkten, samt mäta dess färg, textur, radiella expansion och gillande hos konsument kan insamlad data ställas mot varandra och eventuella korrelationer belysas. Resultatet från studien visar att vid högre andel syrsmjöl blir texturen kompaktare, expansionen mindre och en färgförändring sker åt det mörkare hållet. De prov med lägre andel tillsatt syrsmjöl, och därmed en bättre expansion, fick högst gillandepoäng på alla frågeställningar i ett konsumenttest. / In line with a growing world population, higher demands are put on primary producers to supply raw materials in adequate quantities. Research in the area is of great importance in finding new sustainable sources of nutrients such as protein, which presently brings with it many environmental disadvantages. As the EU approves insects as food, more people are becoming aware of potential benefits they can provide. The purpose of this report is to investigate the effect of the addition of cricket flour on the color, texture, liking and expansion of an extruded corn puff. This is a step towards the implementation of insects in the Western diet. By analyzing the water and protein content of the extruded product, as well as measuring its color, texture, radial expansion and consumer appreciation, collected data can be compared and any correlations can be shown. The results of the study show that with a higher proportion of cricket flour the texture becomes more compact, shows less expansion and a color change toward a darker tone. The samples with a lower proportion of added cricket flour, and thus a better expansion, received the highest points of liking on all the questions in the consumer test.

The purpose of the work reported within this thesis was to design and implement a series of tests which better replicate the impact conditions experienced during a game, and allow for quantitative measurements of performance of various items of personal protection equipment (PPE). The sports of cricket and taekwondo were used as case studies. The aim was to improve on existing testing protocols making them more representative of real life, an approach that has not been previously attempted in the literature and so required design of multiple items of novel equipment. A representative cricket impact test was developed utilizing a ball canon firing a cricket ball mass at an equivalent bowling velocity of 31 m/s (70 mph) and a novel, freely suspended force acquisition system with embedded accelerometers from which the transmitted force values could be derived. Throughout the testing secondary variables of coefficient of restitution (COR), deformation and contact time were measured from high speed video footage to give further insight into the impact mechanics of the three tested leg guards. Contact times were in the range of 3 ms - 4 ms, COR between 0.38 - 0.50 and deformation between 45 mm - 52 mm. These results were compared against other benchmark tests to establish how close the representative test was to an actual human related ball-pad impact and to estimate human tolerance levels to impact. A rig to mimic a human on human kicking impact in taekwondo was designed to measure performance of the piece of body protection equipment used in training and competition, commonly referred to as a hogu. Primarily a mechanical simulator was designed to replicate the speed and mass of a human leg impacting during a roundhouse kick. A force acquisition system was manufactured, capable of integrating with the kicking robot functioning, with a human torso sized and shaped anvil, using a similar accelerometer based system of force measurement as that introduced in the cricket testing. This test was then used to measure performance levels of nine off-the-shelf hogus and protective training pads. Using transmitted peak force and time to peak force (TTPF) as indicators of protection, these values were found to range from between 0.5 kN 7.5 kN and 9 ms - 23 ms across the pads indicating a major difference in the protection provided.

The growth and development of sport in Co. Tipperary, 1840 to 1880, was promoted and supported by the landed elite and military officer classes. In the instances of cricket, rugby union and association football, the military were the principle agency through which these sports were disseminated among the people of Tipperary. Sporting trends which were fashionable in Great Britain also became evident in Ireland, and by extension, Tipperary. The thesis demonstrates the emergence of these sports at a micro-level in Tipperary and the qualitative research is indicative of the trends by which they became apparent. The degree to which horse racing and hunting to hounds became an integral aspect of the social lives of the elite class is reflected countywide. The associational culture among this class became evident in summer time recreations most notably archery, lawn tennis and cricket. Cricket was the one sport which was quickly diffused throughout the sporting community of Tipperary as it became, in the 1870s, the most prolific team sport in the county and played by all classes. Sport took place without borders and to this end patronage was a key element of this support. There were some notable supporters who gave of their time and money to ensure that the best resources were in place to bring this about. In this respect the 3rd Marquis of Waterford was a leading figure. The thesis clearly shows that sporting diversions continued through the traumatic famine period. As everyday life continued, so too did recreational sport. Hurling remained a part of Tipperary life and the research identifies new sources to demonstrate this. The growth and evolution of sport in Co. Tipperary, 1840-1880, is put into context with comparable studies in Ireland and Great Britain as the Victorian penchant for sport manifested itself in this part of rural Ireland.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and nature of injuries sustained by South African schoolboy cricketers. The results will then be used to set possible preventative measures in order to minimize the incidence of first-time and recurrent injuries. METHODS: The population consisted of 196 cricketers representing all 16 provincial teams in the under 19 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola cricket week played in Pretoria from 16 - 20 December 2004. Data were collected retrospectively and the cricket players were asked to recall all injuries from June 2003 to May 2004. The researcher personally guided each cricketer through a questionnaire regarding training and injury. The questionnaire was designed to obtain the following information: i) anatomical site of injury, ii) month of injury, iii) diagnosis of injury, iv) cause of injury, v) whether it was a recurrence of a previous injury and vi) whether the injury recurred during the season. A questionnaire was handed to each of the coaches who then asked if they could complete the questionnaire in their own time. The questionnaire was designed to see the level of coaching qualifications achieved by them and their level of understanding of basic training principles. RESULTS: The results showed that 67 injuries were sustained by 196 cricketers with a seasonal incidence of 34.2. Almost 72% of injuries occurred during matches, 14.9% occurred gradually due to the repetitive stresses sustained during matches and practices, 11.9% occurred during practice and 1.5% of the injuries occurred during other forms of training. Surprisingly, no injuries were sustained to the head, neck and face region while 34.3% were sustained to the upper limbs; 34.3% to the lower limbs and 31.3% to the back and trunk. Bowling accounted for 50.7% of the injuries, while fielding accounted for 32.8%, batting accounted for 14.9% and the remaining 1.5% occurred while warming-up or training. The primary mechanism of injury was the delivery and follow through of the fast bowler (34.3%), direct impact from the cricket ball when attempting to take a catch (10.4%), running after the ball (6.0%), stopping the ball along the ground (6.0%) and landing incorrectly after diving for the ball (6.0%). Fifty eight of the injuries were reported as being first time injuries while only nine injuries were due to the recurrence of a previous injury. The majority of injuries (40.6%) reported were quite severe and took the cricketers more than 21 days to recover. Thirty six percent of injuries allowed the cricketers to return to play within seven days of acquiring the injury. Cricketers were found to be more prone to injury during December and January. CONCLUSION: Potential risk factors for injury have been identified and it has been suggested that coaches and cricketers partake in continuous educational processes that focus on all the physical, training, mental and technical components necessary for success in cricket. Cricketers should undergo regular musculoskeletal evaluations and be given personalized training programs. It is essential that a National database for junior cricketers be implemented.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science)-- University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a perceptual-motor training programme on the coincident anticipation timing and batting performance of university club cricket players. The intervention programme focused on developing players‟ visual attention and concentration. Vickers‟ (2007) Three-Step Decision Training Model was used to structure the training sessions. The study followed a repeated measures experimental design with three groups (experimental, placebo, and control) formed by volunteers from a university club cricket team. The independent variable was a four-week training programme. The dependent variables were coincident anticipation timing and performance on a cricket batting test. Subjects were pre- and post-tested with retention tests occurring after a set period of “no training” following the post-tests. Differences between groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA by Ranks Tests. Differences within each group were compared using multiple Mann-Whitney U-Tests. No significant improvements were observed in the experimental group‟s coincident anticipation timing and batting performance. Although neither coincident anticipation timing nor batting performance significantly improved, further research into the use of Vickers‟ (2007) Model to enhance sport performance is recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die uitwerking van ʼn perseptueel-motoriese opleidingsprogram op die samevallende vooruittydsberekening (“coincident anticipation timing”) en kolfprestasie van universiteitsklubkrieketspelers te bepaal. Die klem van die intervensieprogram het op die ontwikkeling van spelers se visuele aandag en konsentrasie geval. Die opleidingsessies is volgens Vickers (2007) se drieledige model vir besluitnemingsopleiding saamgestel. Die studie het ʼn eksperimentele ontwerp van herhaalde metings op drie groepe (eksperimenteel, plasebo en kontrole) van ʼn universiteitsklubkrieketspan toegepas. Die onafhanklike veranderlike was ʼn vier weke lange opleidingsprogram. Die afhanklike veranderlikes was samevallende vooruittydsberekening, en prestasie in ʼn krieketkolftoets. Proefpersone het voor en net ná die opleiding toetse ondergaan, sowel as behoudtoetse drie weke ná die na-opleidingstoetse. Verskille tussen groepe is met behulp van rangtoetse uit Kruskal-Wallis se variansie-analisemodel (ANOVA) bepaal, terwyl verskille binne groepe met veelvuldige Mann-Whitney-U-toetse vergelyk is. Geen beduidende verbetering is in die eksperimentele groep se samevallende vooruittydsberekening of kolfprestasie waargeneem nie. Hoewel nóg samevallende vooruittydsberekening nóg kolfprestasie aansienlik verbeter het, word verdere navorsing oor die gebruik van Vickers (2007) se model vir die verbetering van sportprestasie aanbeveel.

Die Intensität verhaltensrelevanter Signale variiert oft über viele Größenordnungen. Gleichzeitig müssen sensorische Systeme in der Lage sein, über den gesamten relevanten Bereich feine Intensitätsunterschiede aufzulösen. Auf neuronaler Ebene ergibt sich bei Nutzung eines Feuerratencodes aus diesen Anforderungen ein grundsätzlicher Konflikt, da neuronale Antwortbereiche beschränkt sind. Eine Lösung, die in vielen Sinnessystemen beschrieben wurde, ist die Verschiebung von Intensität-Kennlinien, so dass der gesamte Antwortbereich des Neurons zur Verfügung steht, um schnelle Abweichungen vom Mittelwert zu kodieren. Diese Arbeit versucht anhand mathematischer Modelle zu beantworten, wie die Verschiebung von Kennlinien in einem neuronalen Netzwerk entstehen könnte. Ausgangspunkt ist eine Rezeptorpopulation mit Intensitätsbereichsaufteilung und einem begrenzten Verschiebungsbereich der Kennlinien von Einzelrezeptoren, die auf ein Output-Neuron konvergieren. Diese Organisation wurde vom auditorischen System der Grille inspiriert. Modelle, die auf einer Kombination aus einer sättigenden Nichtlinearität und Spike-Frequenz-Adaptation basieren, reproduzieren die Verschiebung der Kennlinien entlang der Intensitäts-Achse. Diese Modelle sind in der Intensitätsdiskriminierung dem Rezeptormodell und der Summe von Rezeptorantworten über große Intensitätsbereiche deutlich überlegen. Die Kennlinien dieser Modelle besitzen zudem weitere Eigenschaften, die in ihrer Kombination übereinstimmend in verschiedenen sensorischen Systemen beschrieben wurden: Insbesondere erklären sie eine zusätzliche scheinbare Verschiebung entlang der Antwortachse, unterschiedliche Steigungen der verschobenen Kennlinien, sowie Steigungsänderungen innerhalb einzelner Kennlinien. Die einfachen, abstrakt formulierten Modelle ermöglichen ein tieferes Verständnis adaptiver Mechanismen über das Modellsystem Grille hinaus. / Intensities of behaviourally relevant signals often vary over many orders of magnitude. At the same time, sensory systems need to ensure high sensitivity to minute intensity differences across the full intensity range. These demands conflict on the neuronal level due to the boundedness of neuronal response ranges. To solve this dilemma, intensity response curves in many sensory system were found to shift towards the actual mean intensity so that the full response range can be used to encode fast fluctuations around the slowly varying mean. Using mathematical models, this study approaches the question how shifts of intensity response curves might arise in small neural networks. The starting point is a population of receptors with stacked response thresholds and limited capacity of adaptive shift that converge onto one output neuron. This organization was inspired by the auditory system of the cricket. A combination of a static saturating non-linearity and spike-frequency adaptation reproduced the desired shift of response curves along the intensity axis. With respect to intensity discrimination, these models are superior to the receptor model and the sum of receptor responses over a wide range of absolute intensities. The response curves generated by these model also displayed details of response curve behaviour consistently observed in numerous experimental studies. In particular, they explain an apparent shift along the response axis, different slopes of the shifted response curves, and changes in the slope within individual response curves. The simple, abstract models allow for a deeper understanding of adaptive mechanisms beyond the auditory system of the cricket.

Three dried cricket products – Oven-roasted Cricket Meal (ORCM), Oven-roasted Cricket Powder (ORCP), and Spray-dried Cricket Powder (SDCP) – were prepared and compared to assess their relative nutritional, functional, and sensory properties. The range of particle sizes in SDCP was wider than that of ORCP; while SDCP had more particles in the 7.78-22.0 µm range, it also had more particles in the 176-498 µm range, which contributed to differences in functional and sensory properties. ORCM and SDCP meet the FDA definition of an "excellent source" of vitamin B2, ORCP is a "good source" of vitamin B2, and all three products are an "excellent source" of vitamin B12 and vitamin E at a serving size of 100 g. The addition of ORCP to a protein drink at 30% did not significantly affect its sensory acceptance, while the drink prepared with SDCP was rated significantly worse in every attribute, and the drink prepared with ORCM had varied effects on the different sensory attributes.

The Mobile Electronic Dispensary System (MEDS) is an indoor medical dispensary system where robots locate and travel to patients within a grid in order to deliver medication or other medical supplies based on a predefined schedule. For older people or individuals with physical or mental disabilities, it is important to ensure that medications are taken as prescribed. Missing or mixing dosages can cause unwanted and even harmful consequences. As individuals grow older or battle disabilities, it is expected that adhering to their medicine regimen will be a daily challenge without the assistance of a fulltime caregiver. Therefore, to assist individuals in maintaining their independence, MEDS ensures the proper medicine is dispensed to the patient at the prescribed time and dosage. At the core of MEDS is a scheduler that maintains the medicines to be dispensed, including the times and dosages. Once a scheduled time arrives to deliver medicine to a patient, MEDS instructs the appropriate robot to wake up, locate the patient within a defined grid, and then travel to the patient and deliver the medicine. Upon receiving the delivery, the patient will accept the medicine physically and then update their mobile device, informing MEDS that the medicine was successfully delivered. At this time, the robot will return to its home base within the grid. The patients are within the confines of a building where GPS is not a viable solution to track items to pinpoint accuracy. Therefore, an indoor location based system with beacons and listeners are required in order to define a grid and enable robots to locate and travel to the patient. This paper defines and details the programs, database, algorithms, and hardware of MEDS using the Cricket Indoor Location System and iRobot Creates. / text

This thesis explores the structure of games, including both the internal structure of various games and also the structure of classes of games as partially ordered sets. Internal structure is explored through consideration of juxtapositions of game positions and how the underlying games interact. We look at ordinal sums and introduce side-sums as a means of understanding this interaction, giving a full solution to a Toppling Dominoes variant through its application. Loopy games in which only one player is allowed a pass move, referred to as Oslo games, are introduced and their game structure explored. The poset of Oslo games is shown to form a distributive lattice. The Oslo forms of Wythoff’s game, Grundy’s game and octal .007 are introduced and full solutions given. Finally, the poset of option-closed games is given up to day 3 and all are shown to form a planar lattice. The option-closed game of Cricket Pitch is also fully analyzed.