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Conducting an RCT of a Sexual Health Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned
Full text linkEcological perspectives on épée fencing footwork: a Delphi study of coaching and progression
Full text linkBackground Footwork choices in épée fencing shape distance management, action initiation and load tolerance, yet empirical guidance on stepping versus bouncing footwork is limited. This study elicited expert consensus on definitions, coaching progression and competitive application of these footwork methods. Methods A two-round, internet-based Delphi was conducted with Olympic-level épée coaches recruited via purposive sampling (Round One n = 26; Round Two n = 21). Round One open responses underwent inductive thematic analysis to generate statements. Round Two presented concise, operationalised items (single-choice/yes–no). Consensus was pre-specified as ≥70% agreement. For each item, the modal percentage and exact 95% binomial confidence interval (CI) were reported; margins over the runner-up quantified concentration of views. Results Two items reached consensus: (i) teaching sequence: teach stepping first, introduce bouncing later (76.2%; 95% CI 52.8–91.8); and (ii) en garde across development: begin static/comfortable, add bouncing later (71.4%; CI 47.8–88.7). Two items showed near-threshold majorities with large margins: bouncing faster for attack initiation (66.7%; CI 43.0–85.4), and typical attack distance has decreased in modern épée (66.7%, CI 43.0–85.4). Confidence intervals were wide because items were rated by approximately 21 coaches; exact binomial 95% intervals for proportions near two-thirds typically span ∼±20 percentage points, reflecting panel size rather than disagreement. Conclusions Expert coaches supported a progressive footwork movement pathway (step → bounce) and indicated context-sensitive deployment: bouncing likely affords time-based advantages for attack initiation, whereas defence/change-of-direction benefits from a repertoire that includes both modes. Findings bridge practitioner knowledge with motor-learning theory and promote studies linking footwork type to kinetics and kinematics, bout outcomes and tests of moderators such as athlete characteristics and opponent tempo
Systematic determination of dust properties for a sample of 133 spatially resolved debris discs
Full text linkDetermination of the composition and size distribution of dust grains in debris discs is strongly dependent on constraining the underlying spatial distribution of that dust through multiwavelength, spatially resolved imaging spanning near-infrared to millimetre wavelengths. To date, spatially resolved imaging exists for well over a hundred debris disc systems. Simple analytical radiative transfer models of debris dust emission can reveal trends in disc properties as a function of their host stars’ luminosities. Here, we present such an analysis for 133 debris discs, calculating the dust grain minimum sizes (), dust masses (), and exponents of the size distribution (q) in conjunction with their architectures determined at far-infrared or millimetre wavelengths. The distribution of q at far-infrared to millimetre wavelengths is characterized, finding a value of . We further newly identify a trend between q and , which may be indicative of velocity dependent fragmentation, or grain growth at large radii. We find the disc masses inferred from this analysis are consistent with those of protoplanetary discs. Finally, we identify samples of debris discs suitable for further characterization at millimetre and centimetre wavelengths, expanding the number of spatially resolved systems upon which future studies of these statistics can be based
A Speculative Design Study to Reimagine Crisis Care
Full text linkBackground
Compulsory inpatient care within the UK is subject to numerous critiques, relating to lack of safety
and over-representation of people from the Global Majority. Numerous studies have understandably
focused on service user experience, but few have looked at service users’ recommendations for
change. Since the establishment of the first recorded asylum in 1403, there have been numerous
challenges and evolutions in crisis care, notably through the anti-psychiatry movement, the early
psychiatric survivor movement and deinstitutionalisation. Current alternatives to inpatient care
include crisis houses, Open Dialogue and the Soteria Network. Current research and policy rarely
focus on recommendations outside of the arena of mental health, despite acknowledgements that
many of the root causes are socio-political. Inspired by bell hook’s love ethic, and utilising tenants
from speculative design, this research seeks to explore how inpatient care can be reimagined, if
human flourishing was the principle organising factor.
Methodology
This study has used a speculative design methodology, underpinned by a standpoint epistemology;
with 13 participants taking part in three focus groups each. The participants were divided into two
groups, seven in a staff group, and six in a service user group.
Findings
Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the results, resulting in four themes;
‘Conceptualising Crisis Care,’ ‘Glimmers of Imagination,’ ‘Barriers to Imagination and Change’ and
‘Societal Transformation.’ Participants described their understandings of crisis, exploring the societal
narratives around madness and how these influenced crisis care. They spoke to the power of
imagination, and explored imaginative alternatives to care currently. However, participants also
noted many barriers to the process of imagination and discussed the impact of institutional cultures,
dominant financial discourses, power, the challenges of reimagining something that already exists,
all resulting in a sense of stuckness and fatigue. Participants explored what could happen to move
beyond this point highlighting the need for societal shifts in our understanding of madness,
facilitated by meaningful connection with others.
Conclusion
The research points to the impact of bureaucratic systems on the ability to provide care, the
machinations of disciplinary power and the challenges with recreating pre-existing systems. It
highlights the need to focus upon and develop working utopias in response to harmful systems,
alongside facilitating ways in which mad wisdoms can be shared and upheld
Determinação de Termos Rotacionais da Resposta Dinâmica por Técnicas de Análise Modal
Full text linkThe dynamic response of a structure can be described by both its translational and rotational receptances. The latter ones are frequently not considered because of the difficulties in applying a pure moment excitation or in measuring rotations. However, in general, this implies a reduction up to 75% of the complete model. On the other hand, if a modification is to include a rotational inertia, the rotational receptances of the unmodified system are needed. In one method, more commonly found in the literature, a so called T-block is attached to the structure. Then, a force, applied to an arm of the T-block, generates a moment together with a force at the connection point. The T-block also allows angular displacement measurements. Nevertheless, the results are often discouraging. In this work, an alternative method, based in coupling techniques, is developed, in which rotational receptances are estimated without the need of applying a moment excitation. This is accomplished by introducing a rotational inertia modification when rotating the T-block towards its centre. The force is then applied in its centroid. Several numerical and experimental examples are discussed so that the methodology can be clearly described. The advantages and limitations are identified within the practical application of the method
Measurement of the 244Cm neutron capture cross section at the n_TOF facility at CERN
Full text linkAccurate neutron capture cross section data for minor actinides are essential for the safe and efficient management of high level radioactive waste produced during the operation of nuclear reactors. In particular, 244Cm, with a half-life of 18.11 years, dominates neutron emission in spent fuel and also contributes significantly to the decay heat and radiotoxicity. Furthermore, neutron capture on 244Cm opens the pathway for the formation of heavier isotopes such as Bk, Cf, and other Cm isotopes. Sensitivity studies for present and future nuclear reactors have highlighted the need to reduce the uncertainties in the 244Cm capture cross section. Experimental data on the capture cross section of this isotope are scarce due to the challenges associated with its measurements. Prior to the presented measurement and two recent measurements conducted at J-PARC, only one set of data for the 244Cm capture cross section existed, obtained in 1969 during an underground nuclear explosion experiment. The capture cross section of 244Cm has been measured at the n_TOF facility at CERN with three different experimental setups: one at Experimental Area 1 (EAR1) using the Total Absorption Calorimeter and two measurements at Experimental Area 2 (EAR2) with C 6 D 6 detectors, employing two different samples. The results from these three measurements were found to be compatible and then combined. In total, 17 resonances of 244Cm were measured at n_TOF below 300 eV. The radiative kernels obtained in this measurement are in good agreement with JENDL-4.0 for the majority of the resonances. Additionally, they are compatible with the recent JENDL-5 library below 50 eV, while at higher energies, the majority of radiative kernels from this evaluation based on the recent measurement by Kawase et al., are not compatible. Additionally, the 244Cm samples also contained 240Pu. Resonances of this isotope were analyzed in the energy range between 20 and 180 eV, and the results were found to be consistent with previous measurements and evaluations, that enhances confidence in the 244Cm results
Trauma-focused psychological interventions for psychosis: Meta-analytic evidence of differential effects on delusions and hallucinations
Full text linkChildhood trauma is a well-established risk factor for the onset and persistence of psychotic symptoms. Consequently, trauma-focused interventions (TFIs) are increasingly incorporated into psychosis treatment, though their effectiveness in reducing hallucinations and delusions remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of TFIs on psychosis-related outcomes in individuals with psychotic disorders or subclinical symptoms. Thirty-six studies (N = 1,384) were included, with 18 (N = 806) contributing to meta-analyses. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using AXIS, Cochrane RoB 2, and GRADE. Pre–post analyses showed small reductions in hallucinations (g = –0.37; adjusted g = –0.28; K = 15) and medium reductions in delusions (g = –0.55; K = 14), with younger participants benefiting more. In controlled trials, TFIs did not significantly reduce hallucinations at end-of-treatment or follow-up (g = -0.12 and –0.01; both K=7), whereas delusions showed significant reductions at both time points (g = –0.44 and g = –0.48; both K = 7). No significant effect on negative symptoms was observed at end-of-trial (g = -0.02; K = 6), though a small improvement appeared at follow-up (g = –0.26; K = 6). TFIs produced small but significant reductions in PTSD symptoms at both time points (K = 6). No consistent effects were found for secondary outcomes: depression (K = 7), anxiety (K = 5), or quality of life (K = 3), though functioning improved at follow-up (K = 6). TFIs appear particularly effective for reducing delusions, but show limited benefit for hallucinations and other secondary outcomes. Further work is needed to design and test symptom-specific psychological interventions for distinct psychotic experiences
Numerical evaluation of fibre anchor configurations in cfrp-strengthened concrete beams
Full text linkThis study presents a detailed numerical investigation of beams strengthened with CFRP sheets and anchored using splay type fibre systems. Finite element models were developed in ABAQUS and validated against full scale tests with over 95 % accuracy in predicting ultimate load. The models reproduced the load–deflection behaviour and failure modes with high fidelity, supporting the parametric study. For T-section beams, the analysis examined embedment depth, anchor spacing, and end-anchor removal. For rectangular beams, it focused on embedment depth for two web sizes. In T beams, a 100 mm embedment depth prevented pull out and caused CFRP rupture, confirming full tensile mobilisation. An optimal 140 mm spacing maintained effective stress transfer, while wider spacing induced premature debonding. End anchors within 16 % of the shear span contributed negligibly, defining a non-effective anchorage zone. In rectangular beams, capacity plateaued with deeper embedment as early concrete crushing limited the mobilisation of the CFRP. Increasing the web depth from 305 mm to 350 mm produced only a minor capacity increase. These findings demonstrate that beam geometry strongly governs anchor performance and provide guidance for efficient CFRP strengthening design
The role of mergers and rejuvenation in the buildup of the quiescent population at cosmic noon
Full text linkWe investigate the quenching of galaxies using a mock observational light-cone generated from the Semi-Analytic Model (SAM) L-Galaxies, closely matched to observations from the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey (UDS). The sample is used to study merging, rejuvenation, and visibility times for star-forming, quiescent, and post-starburst (PSB) galaxies, to assess the impact on the build-up of the passive galaxy mass functions. We find, for example, that a typical PSB ( M) at has a 15 per cent likelihood of merging and around a 25 per cent likelihood of rejuvenating within 1 Gyr of being identified. Applying these rates and time-scales to the observational data, we estimate the fraction of quiescent galaxies that passed through a PSB phase. We find that per cent of the build-up in the massive end ( M) of the passive mass function at can be explained by PSBs, with the contribution declining to per cent by . Accounting for mergers and rejuvenation reduces the inferred PSB contribution by approximately a factor of two. At lower stellar masses ( M), rapid quenching through a PSB phase explains a significantly larger fraction of the growth in the passive mass function. With a visibility time of 0.75 Gyr, we find that around 60–80 per cent of low-mass passive galaxies underwent a PSB phase. Our findings provide further evidence that low- and high-mass galaxies follow different quenching pathways
The UK Pesticide Load Indicator: Development toward a policy tool
Full text linkPesticides perform a vital role in delivering profitable agriculture and global food security, but concerns remain with respect to impacts on the environment and human health. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for pragmatic techniques to assist pesticide policy development, evaluation, and communication. In 2020, the Danish Pesticide Load Indicator was applied to the UK, identifying several deficiencies with respect to UK environmental conditions and regulatory processes. The aim of this study was to address these deficiencies and develop the PLI methodology to better meet the needs of UK policy. A key decision was not to aggregate the individual load metrics into a single index, but to present the results as a suite of 20 metrics (four environmental fate, 16 ecotoxicity). Three examples are provided, highlighting how this approach reveals impacts on individual taxa and potential tradeoffs of pesticide withdrawals (or other policy decisions) which would have been hidden by aggregation. This presents additional communication challenges, but these are outweighed by a richer picture, and many challenges can be overcome with modern technology (e.g. online indicator dashboards). Further developments are expected including the addition of other taxa as data becomes available; and improvements for calculating uncertainty in pesticide usage data