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Investigating the internal and external load associated with umpiring semi-professional Australian Rules football
Get PDFBackground: This investigation examined internal and external load associated with umpiring semi-professional Australian Rules football, an area of limited research. Objective: This exploratory quantitative study recruited 39 field umpires (Age: 25.2 ± 6.8 y, Body Mass: 74.6 ± 7.9 kg, Height: 178.9 ± 7.4 cm) from the Western Australian Football League (WAFL). Each participant was assessed in one match only. Methodology: External measures (total distance [TD], floating distance [FSD], high-intensity running distance [HSD]) and internal measures (blood lactate [BLa], heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) were collected during 22 matches, of the 2023 WAFL season. Data collection was performed before, during, and after the match and significance was set at p = \u3c .05. Results: TD (13,027.6 ± 1332.9 m) had significant reductions between Q1 and Q2 (p = 0.029), and Q4 (p = 0.003). FSD (10,411.7 ± 888.6 m) had no significant differences. HSD (1,717.8 ± 613.6 m) had significant reductions between Q1 and Q2, Q3, Q4 (p \u3c 0.001, p = 0.003, p \u3c 0.001). RPE (14 ± 2) had significant reductions between Q1 and Q2 (p = 0.013), Q3 (p \u3c 0.001), and Q4 (p \u3c 0.001). BLa was lowest in Q4 (3.3 ± 1.6 mmol/L). Conclusion: This study highlights significant physical demands on umpires, suggesting associations between match progression, TD, HSD, RPE, and BLa, potentially influencing training protocols and talent identification
Kaartdijin Bidi (Learning Journey): Place-based cultural regeneration at university
Get PDFImagine being in a university that functions in a place-based culturally regenerative way. In this concept paper, the authors bring together theory, practice, and experience, in the service of transforming universities towards place-based cultural regeneration. At present, Australian universities operate using an economic philosophy of neoliberal corporatism characterised by hierarchical management strategies, competitive tendencies, patriarchal values, and discourse characterised by bifurcation or binary thinking. These features illustrate a worldview that is entangled with the meta crises of our times such as climate change, species loss, hatred/intolerance, and unfathomable violence. The authors consider ways of moving towards a place-based, Indigenous-informed, practical, relational way of learning, being and knowing differently. The paper tentatively assembles a local, place-based culturally regenerative worldview based on living, vibrant, responsive places that embrace people who collaborate with Country - in the Indigenous sense of deep relationality. Within this worldview, the authors propose collaborative ways of governing, teaching, learning, and leading that is necessary for place-based cultural regeneration. In conclusion, the authors outline a pathway towards universities as places of regenerative cultures, which prioritise the nurturing of learning to live and work beyond the current societal paralysis on the road to collapse
Prognostic utility of Palliative Prognostic Index in advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFOBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prognostic utility of Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) scores in predicting the death of adults with advanced cancer. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six databases were searched for articles published from inception till 16 February 2024. Observational studies reporting time-to-event outcomes of PPI scores used in any setting, timing and score cutoffs were eligible. Participants were adults with advanced cancer residing in any setting. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool hazard, risk, or odds ratios. Findings were narratively synthesized when meta-analysis was not possible. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies (n = 11,235 patients) were included. All meta-analyses found that higher PPI scores or risk categories were significantly associated with death and, similarly, in most narratively synthesized studies. PPI \u3e 6 vs PPI ≤ 4 (pooled adjusted HR = 5.42, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 2.01-14.59, p = 0.0009; pooled unadjusted HR = 5.05, 95% CI 4.10-6.17, p \u3c 0.00001), 4 \u3c PPI ≤ 6 vs PPI ≤ 4 (pooled adjusted HR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.30-3.21, p = 0.002), PPI ≥ 6 vs PPI \u3c 6 (pooled adjusted HR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.39-4.58, p = 0.005), PPI ≤ 4 vs PPI \u3e 6 for predicting inpatient death (unadjusted RR = 3.48, 95% CI 2.46-4.91, p \u3c 0.00001), and PPI as a continuous variable (pooled unadjusted HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.22-1.38, p \u3c 0.00001) were significant predictors for mortality. Changes in PPI scores may also be useful as a prognostic factor. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: A higher PPI score is likely an independent prognostic factor for an increased risk of death, but more research is needed to validate the risk groups as defined by the original development study. Meta-analysis results need to be interpreted cautiously, as only 2-4 studies were included in each analysis. Clinicians and researchers may find this useful for guiding decision-making regarding the suitability of curative and/or palliative treatments and clinical trial design
The role of extra-/co-curricular activities and work on law graduates’ initial employment outcomes
Get PDFDeveloping student employability is a strategic priority for higher education institutions and is often measured by transition to initial employment. Extra-/co-curricular activities, in addition to in-curriculum programs, can develop different aspects of student employability, supporting students in securing and transitioning to work post-graduation. This study examines the perspectives of 7000 graduates of Australian law degrees on their engagement in, and the value gained from, extra-/co-curricular, employability-building activities and paid employment during their studies between 2020 and 2023. The results indicated declining overall participation in extra-/co-curricular activities over the four-year period, and relatively greater engagement among female, younger, international and/or students with a disability compared to their demographic counterparts. There was a reported rise in full-time employment during study, particularly in roles related to legal education. The data indicated differences in initial employment outcomes across diverse groups and emphasised the benefits of engaging in mentoring activities and paid work aligned with university study to improve the transition to work. The findings help to decipher the value of employability-building activities to support increased provision and improved access for diverse groups in legal education and beyond
US-China competition, world order and economic decoupling: Insights from cultural realism
Get PDFThis study examines how US-China geopolitical rivalry is reshaping global economic order. It identifies gaps in existing research on hegemonic state behaviour and presents an alternative theory based on cultural realism. This latter builds on realism by arguing that political culture influences the intensity of geopolitical tensions. Drawing on domestic political discourse, this study demonstrates that US and China geopolitical tensions are driven by conflicting national political cultures that generate competing visions of global order, reducing the capacity of international institutions to sustain cooperation. This divergence manifest in geoeconomic competition and weaking multilateralism. Theoretical expectations suggest an emerging geoeconomic world economy operating alongside the WTO-based multilateral economic order. The article analyses recent US industrial policies as a case study illustrating this dual order. The simultaneous existence of multilateralism and geoeconomic competition, implies governments face a novel, highly complex policy domain in an era of rising national economic security needs
Survival after cessation of immunotherapies in melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFBackground: Immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy elicits durable responses in a subset of patients with advanced melanoma. However, the appropriate timing for treatment cessation remains an unresolved issue. Moreover, some patients are required to discontinue therapy due to the occurrence of severe adverse events. Upon treatment cessation, a subset of patients maintains a durable response, while some patients relapse and require rechallenge with ICI. Criteria for a safe stop of ICI have not been established. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the durability of response in melanoma patients who discontinued ICI therapy. Furthermore, the outcome of patients who electively stopped therapy was compared to that of patients who discontinued therapy due to adverse events. Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting outcomes after ICI discontinuation in patients with advanced melanoma. Pooled 1- to 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using random-effects models. The impact of the reason for treatment discontinuation, therapy regime and treatment duration on relapse-free survival was evaluated. Results: Twenty studies including 1832 patients were analysed. The pooled 1- and 3-year PFS rates after therapy stop were 86% (95% CI 80%–91%) and 71% (95% CI 64%–77%). A significantly higher 1-year PFS rate was observed in patients who electively discontinued treatment in contrast to toxicity-related therapy cessation (91% vs. 79%). Longer ICI treatment was associated with a higher PFS rate. 1- and 3-year OS rates post ICI treatment discontinuation were 96% (95% CI 91%–99%) and 86% (95% CI 79%–92%). Conclusions: Most patients remained relapse-free after ICI treatment. Patients with a treatment duration of at least 2 years are ideal candidates for treatment cessation, while treatment discontinuation may be considered after at least 1 year of ICI. PROSPERO number: CRD42024543781
Advancement of biocarbon materials in sustainable thermal and electrochemical energy storage with future outlooks
Get PDFBiocarbon exhibits significant potential in thermal and electrochemical energy storage owing to its higher surface area, flexible porosity, and superior thermal stability, facilitating effective energy absorption, storage, and conversion. Additionally, its sustainable and cost-effective nature, derived from renewable biomass, aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. There is not enough review work that offers comprehensive details on the unique properties of biocarbon (both animal and plant-derived), synthesis and characterization methods, the root level mechanism of biocarbon\u27s interaction with phase change materials (PCMs) matrix, the generalization of thermal and electrochemical regulation with an emphasis on the benefits to the environment and economy, merely focus on the process of attaining United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs) and role of artificial intelligence (AI) with biocarbon in thermal and electrochemical energy storage. This study aims to bridge the gaps by providing greater clarification on the interaction mechanism of biocarbon/PCM composites and founds that the thermal conductivity can upsurge by nearly 189 % or more, and the latent heat of crystallization can rise by roughly 132 %. It also provides a detailed comparison of conventional metal, ceramic, and carbon-based matrix materials with biocarbon matrix, life-cycle analysis, and the advantages of biocarbon materials from an economic and environmental standpoint with remaining challenges. Biocarbon has enormous potential to address a number of SDGs (7, 9, and 13) by facilitating energy utilization, fostering industrial innovation, and addressing climate change, all of which will contribute to a more sustainable and greener future
Decolonising outcome measurement: A systematic review of health and wellbeing measures for Māori
Get PDFThe objective of the study is to conduct a systematic review and methodological quality appraisal on studies reporting the development of health and wellbeing outcome measures for Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand), identify common features and processes, and critically appraise the measures using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Key databases were searched using key terms in May 2022 without date limiters. English or Māori language publications were included if they reported Māori health and wellbeing outcome measure development. Studies were then appraised using the COSMIN. Seven publications developed outcome measures and seven reported the validation of the measures. All studies were Inadequate when appraised using the COSMIN so measurement properties were not appraised. This study highlights the value of integrating Indigenous and western research methods to yield culturally relevant outcome measures, promoting equity in health and wellbeing assessment for Māori
Enhancing energy efficiency in solar thermal systems: The role of hybrid nanofluids in sustainable energy harvesting and storage
Get PDFGlobal energy demand continues to grow, making the reliance on fossil fuels increasingly unsustainable due to dwindling reserves and environmental impacts. Among these, solar thermal systems have emerged as a practical and environmentally friendly solution, with applications ranging from industrial heating and solar water heating to concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and solar desalination units. Solar-based thermal systems offer a promising alternative, with nanofluids (NFs) emerging as a transformative solution. Engineered by dispersing nanoparticles into base fluids, NFs enhance thermal conductivity, heat absorption, and efficiency. Notably, nanoparticles such as titanium nitride also act as nano-catalysts, improving chemical reactions and reducing waste in solar-driven processes like hydrogen production and photocatalysis. NFs significantly boost the performance of solar collectors, concentrated solar power plants, and desalination systems, representing a critical step towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a class of highly porous materials, are gaining recognition for their exceptional energy adsorption, storage, and transfer properties. MOFs have been extensively studied for solar energy harvesting due to their ability to absorb specific wavelengths of light, making them ideal for applications such as solar thermal storage systems and photocatalysis. With tunable porosity and surface chemistry, MOFs enhance light absorption, thermal stability, and energy conversion efficiency, providing a cutting-edge pathway for solar energy utilization.
The performance of MOF-based NFs can be further improved by incorporating advanced nanoparticles such as Titanium nitride (TiN) and MXenes. Titanium nitride nanoparticles are particularly promising due to their superior photothermal conversion efficiency, high thermal stability, and unique plasmonic properties, which significantly enhance the heat absorption, energy conversion, and thermal conductivity of MOF-based NFs. Similarly, MXenes, with their layered structure, high electrical conductivity, and outstanding thermal characteristics, synergize effectively with MOFs to optimize solar energy capture and transfer. The integration of TiN and MXenes into MOF-based NFs creates hybrid materials with enhanced solar absorption, improved energy storage, and superior heat transfer properties.
This thesis introduces innovative strategies for incorporating advanced nanocomposites into base fluids such as water and ethylene glycol, aiming to improve their optical properties, stability, and photothermal performance for solar energy harvesting. These nanofluids not only facilitate more efficient solar-to-thermal energy conversion but also reduce heat losses and improve overall system efficiency, even at lower nanoparticle concentrations. By integrating novel nanocomposites into solar thermal systems, this study aims to support the development of cost-effective, scalable, and high-performance renewable energy technologies, thereby contributing to the broader transition toward sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions. A range of nanoparticles and nanocomposites, including NH2-MIL125 (Ti), titanium nitride, NH2-UiO-66 (Zr), TiN/NH2-MIL125 (Ti), MIL-88B (Fe), MXene/NH2-UiO-66 (Zr), MXene/MIL-88B (Fe), and MXene/NH2-MIL125 (Ti), were synthesized and characterized using advanced techniques. These included X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The synthesized materials were incorporated into base fluids, and their photothermal and stability properties were evaluated using a range of parameters, including thermal conductivity, transmittance variations, zeta potential, spectral irradiance, solar energy absorption fraction, temperature distribution, surface and bulk temperature profiles, and photothermal conversion efficiency. This research offers valuable insights into the development of advanced hybrid NFs, making a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and adaptability of solar energy systems. By integrating novel materials and employing advanced characterization techniques, this work establishes a strong foundation for future innovations in sustainable energy harvesting
Investigating the clean production and storage of hydrogen from conventional and non-conventional resources via pyrolysis and adsorption
No full textThe world energy vision is centred on transitioning from fossil fuels to green and renewable energy resources such as biomass, wind, solar, nuclear, and hydrogen. Among these potential energy sources, hydrogen has received great attention from researchers due to its physiochemical properties that enable it to be utilized in many industries. Biomass is also considered a green energy source and is readily available to be converted into clean energy via different conversion routes. Pyrolysis is considered a clean method to convert biomass into renewable energy - in particular H2. Thus, this study systematically investigated the clean production of H2 rich biogas from both renewable and non-renewable resources via pyrolysis. The effect of pyrolysis parameters like temperature, pressure and H2O ratio on known H2 production secondary reactions were analysed and optimum conditions for production were determined. However, H2 is a low-density gas and cannot be easily compressed, making the process of storing it difficult and expensive. Thus, a H2 economy cannot be fully established if drawbacks in H2 storage are not remedied. Therefore, this study also investigated the feasibility of non-conventional resources materials such as waste biomass, biochar, waste plastics and organic metal frameworks to adsorb and store H2. The effect of materials surface textural properties, adsorption pressure and temperature were studied. In overall, the major part of this work is converting waste materials into energy (H2) and porous storage materials for H2. An in house built fixed bed pyrolysis system was used for all the pyrolysis reactions. Materials surface characterization was performed using Fourier-Transformed infrared spectroscope (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal degradation behaviour of the samples was done by a Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) analysis. Adsorption experiments were conducted using an automated Sievert’s PCT Pro instrument. It is not certain if renewable energy sources can cover the energy demand and supply, hence we still need energy from fossil fuels and we also need to identify other potential energy sources that are abundantly found everywhere and use clean technologies to convert them into energy. Thus, kerogen which is the most abundant type of organic matter with a high hydrogen content was thermally converted to H2 via pyrolysis. Interestingly, H2 and CH4 were the main gas produced, with H2 having the highest concentration in all the temperatures studied. CO and CO2 emission was only in trace amounts, and the process can be considered very environmentally friendly. H2 production reached 81.28 Vol.%, 79.49 Vol.%, and 68.82 Vol.% at 350 ⁰C, 600 ⁰C, and 800 ⁰C.
Biomass from waste wheat straw was successively converted into H2 concentrated gas with very low greenhouse gas emission. Elevated temperatures and high biomass-water mass ratios were necessary to converted the biomass waste into H2 rich biogas, while simultaneously minimizing greenhouse gas production. Maximum H2 yield reached 92.53 Vol.% (equivalent to 224.14 gH2/kg.WS) at 1000 ⁰C and 1:4 WS:H2O ratio. The impact of pressure and temperature (500-900 ⁰C, and 1.01-30 bar range) on the selectivity of H2 rich biogas production was also investigated and both temperature and pressure, influenced H2 formation. Increasing temperature and pressure increased H2 production (which peaked to 86.07 Vol.% at 800 ⁰C and 30 bar).
The feasibility of pyrolysis derived biochar to store H2 at atmospheric and cryogenic temperatures, i.e. 30 ⁰C and -196.0 ⁰C and under vacuum to 70 bar pressure) was investigated. The maximum H2 adsorption capacity at ambient temperature was 2.50 mol/kg at 66.33 bar (for 900 ℃ biochar) which significantly increased to 15.29 mol/kg at cryogenic temperature at 46.21 bar. Microplastic waste (MicroPE)– a significant environmental pollutant – was tested for H2 storage. H2 adsorption capacity of MicroPE increased with increasing the adsorption pressure (from 0.06 mol/kg at 17.21 bar to 0.20 mol/kg at 68.11 bar for raw MicroPE). MicroPE 4 activated with aqueous NaOH significantly changed H2 adsorption under the same operating conditions. H2 adsorption increased to 0.50 mol/kg at 68.11 bar when MicroPE was treated with 0.002 mol/L aqueous NaOH.
The physicochemical properties of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) make them suitable for H2 storage. Therefore, the relationship between adsorption temperature and pressure with the MOFs surface textural properties towards H2 storage was studied. Two Iron-based MOFs (12- MIL-88B(Fe), 24-MIL-88B(Fe) with different surface textural properties were synthesized and tested for H2 adsorption at 30 ˚C, 0 ˚C, -78.5 ˚C, and -196 ºC and from vacuum pressure to 55 bar. Results showed that at 30 ˚C and 0 ˚C adsorption temperature, pore volume, surface area, and adsorption pressure greatly influenced H2 adsorption performance, while under low temperature (-78.5 ˚C) and cryogenic temperature (-196 ˚C) the Fe-MOF with the wider pore size adsorbed more H2 molecules. While pressure continued to positively promote the amount of H2 adsorption at all temperatures studied