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Antifrail: Why Muscle (Power) Matters in Aging
No full textApply It! • Reductions in muscle power begin earlier in the life course and occur at a greater rate when compared to declines in muscle strength.• Power training in older adults may lead to a greater improvement in physical function than traditional resistance training alone.• Muscle power is a product of force and velocity — if either force or velocity are underdosed, improvements in muscle power are less likely to be realized.•Higher-functioning older adults may show functional performance plateaus; however, having a reserve of muscle power may still be important
A Collective Vision for Researching Popular Music and Online Cultures: Introduction to JPMS special issue “Popular Music and Online Cultures”
No full textThis article introduces the special issue on popular music and online cultures, which is the culmination of a collaborative research workshop held in January 2024. The special issue editors reflect on the current position of popular music studies in an era defined by technological “disruption” and global permacrisis. The article provides a brief overview of major developments associated with music as an online phenomenon, discussion of the value and challenges of interdisciplinarity, and consideration of precarity in the humanities. This is followed by a summary of the topics and themes that the articles in the special issue address. Moreover, this article acts as something of a manifesto for the Music and Online Cultures Research Network, a scholarly collective which the editors run. As such, they offer provocations concerning radical inclusion and collaborative practices, positioned as potential aids to both strengthen research efforts and resist the individualizing pressures of the neoliberal university. Such concerns are intensified in the present era of technosocial transformation, with hype about generative (music) artificial intelligence models dominating public and scholarly discourse. With reference to key scholarship on music and the internet, and a range of pertinent case studies, the authors imagine a more community-driven approach to studying popular music and online cultures
Washing away your sins? Corporate environment misconduct, marketing as a buffer, and investment efficiency
No full textDrawing upon signaling and legitimacy theories, we argue that a firm loses social legitimacy due to firm engagement in environmental misconduct. The loss of social legitimacy causes financial constraints which in turn affect firm investment efficiency. This study examines how firm environmental misconduct (FEM) impacts investment efficiency and the role of marketing efforts and firm size in mitigating these effects. We test our theoretical contentions using the data of S&P 500 firms for the period 2010-2019. Using a two-step system GMM estimation technique, our results show that FEM reduces firm investment efficiency. Further, findings suggest that marketing expenditures (i.e. advertising and R&D expenses) and firm size reduce the negative impact of FEM on firm investment efficiency. This study offers valuable insights to practitioners by suggesting to keenly focus on the FEM effect and use of advertisements as marketing tools to repair a tainted image and build a positive reputation in the market
The Effect of Load on Subphase Analysis During the Hang Pull.
No full textMeechan, D, McErlain-Naylor, SA, Phua, Juan Peng, and Comfort, P. The effect of load on subphase analysis during the hang pull. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-The effect of load on temporally aligned time-series data has yet to be investigated during weightlifting derivatives. Such data may provide greater insight regarding any differences in stimulus between relative loads during each phase. This study compared the effect of load on the force-time and velocity-time curves during the hang pull (HP). Twenty-seven males performed the HP at relative loads of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140% one repetition maximum (1RM) power clean (PC). A force plate measured the vertical ground reaction force, which calculated the barbell-lifter system velocity. Time-series were time-normalized to 101 data points (0-100% of the movement duration) via piecewise linear length normalization of the individual phases (unweighting, braking, propulsion) and assessed via statistical parametric mapping. Relative loads of 40% 1RM PC maximized propulsion velocity, whereas 140% 1RM maximized force. Statistical parametric mapping analysis showed greater force at 140% 1RM PC throughout 55-100% of total movement duration compared with all loads, with greater propulsion velocity at lighter loads during the propulsion phase (79-100% of the movement) for all loads, with greater negative velocity at 140% 1RM PC compared with 60 and 100% 1RM PC during late unweighting/early braking phase (32-54% of the movement). Braking, propulsion, and total absolute durations increased with load. It may be appropriate to prescribe the HP during a maximal strength and strength-speed mesocycle given the ability to use supramaximal loads. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
First Assembly of a Draft Genome of the Critically Endangered Northern Muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus, Primates, Atelidae) Including Non‐Invasive Genotyping Strategies for the Species
Get PDFGenomic resources, such as draft genomes, are vital for biodiversity monitoring and conservation. For endangered species, they enable the development of tools like organellar genomes and molecular markers, which are crucial for population genetics. Advances in sequencing technologies now allow high-throughput genotyping with detailed amplicon sequences, enhancing genetic variation studies. The northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus), a critically endangered primate endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, currently lacks both nuclear and mitochondrial genome data and species-specific microsatellite markers for population genetic studies. We assembled a 2.52 Gb draft genome for B. hypoxanthus with 202,243 contigs (N50 = 29,134 bp), and BUSCO analyses indicated 52% completeness and 15.5% fragmented genes. The complete 16,635 bp mitochondrial genome retains the conserved mammalian structure with 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, 13 CDS, and an origin of replication. Additionally, we designed 31 SSR primer pairs suitable for non-invasive sampling and genotyping, alongside two mtDNA and two sex-determination primers, configured into three multiplex PCR sets. These genomic resources, including the draft genome, complete mitochondrial genome, and microsatellite markers, provide essential tools for evolutionary analyses and the genetic monitoring of B. hypoxanthus populations, supporting its conservation
Terminology and Interpretation Across Neuromuscular Profiling Methods: A Systematic Review
Get PDFBackgroundNeuromuscular profiling (NP) provides an objective means of assessing neuromuscular function to guide targeted training interventions. However, coaching terminology used to describe NP outputs (e.g., ‘explosive’, ‘springy’) is often inconsistently defined or applied, leading to misinterpretation and limiting effective use. Variations in how NP metrics are calculated and interpreted further complicate comparisons across studies and practical applications. Despite their widespread use in sport science and performance settings, no framework currently exists to evaluate whether the terminology and interpretations associated with NP metrics accurately represent measured outputs and intended neuromuscular traits.ObjectivesThis review aimed to evaluate whether terms/labels used across six commonly applied NP methods—Dynamic Strength Index, Eccentric Utilisation Ratio, Force–Velocity Profile, Impulse Analysis, Reactive Strength Index, and Reactive Strength Index Modified—accurately represent the neuromuscular characteristics they are intended to measure. A secondary objective was to identify methodological limitations that may affect the interpretation, standardisation, and practical application of these methods.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus identified 1653 eligible studies, of which 184 met inclusion criteria. A modified quality scale was used to assess study relevance. Extracted data included reported output values, assigned terms/labels, underlying mechanisms, and supporting evidence. Results were grouped by explanatory themes, with terms/labels identified and examined based on the underlying mechanisms they were intended to represent. Findings were then synthesised to identify patterns in terminology, interpretation, and limitations.ResultsA total of 209 NP methods were evaluated (147 ratio-based, 62 non-ratio-based). NP interpretation was task-dependent and influenced by methodological variability. Inconsistency was found in the terminology, definitions, and calculations used to derive NP metrics. Several studies attempted to classify athletes based on NP metrics, though few accounted for constituent components in interpretation. Commonly used terms/labels included: ‘explosive/explosiveness’ (indicating greater rate of force development), ‘spring/springy’ (suggesting effective stretch–shortening cycle utilisation), ‘stiff/compliant’ (representing a continuum of lower extremity stiffness), and ‘strong/weak’ (reflecting maximal force production capability).ConclusionsThis review offers a consolidated synthesis of NP terminology, interpretation, and methodological considerations. Clarifying terminology and addressing limitations may improve communication between researchers and practitioners, supporting more standardised use of NP tools
The Ankle Recovery Trial (ART): clinical outcomes and patient experience of a pragmatic multicentre RCT comparing cast with removable boot for early mobilization after ankle fracture surgical fixation
Get PDFAims This study compares functional outcomes and patient experience between cast immobilization and early mobilization in a removable boot after ankle fracture fixation, with early weightbearing encouraged in both groups. Methods This pragmatic multicentre randomized controlled trial with qualitative component and economic evaluation was conducted across eight UK NHS hospitals. Adults with acute ankle fractures were randomized to receive a plaster cast or removable support boot two weeks post-surgery. The primary outcome was ankle function measured by the Olerud and Molander Ankle Symptom Score (OMAS) seven weeks post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included function at 12 weeks, mechanistic measures, quality of life, complications, and resource use. Subgroup analyses included fracture complexity and age. Patients’ views on both treatments were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews. Results In total, 243 participants consented to be randomized (120 cast; 123 boot), of whom 173 (71.2%) completed the primary outcome. The mean difference in OMAS at seven weeks between groups was 4.9 points favouring the boot (95% CI -1.0 to 10.7), which is below the minimal clinically important difference, and failed to detect a difference between groups. Boot participants had better dorsiflexion, particularly those with comminuted fractures, and better plantarflexion, particularly older patients. Complication rates were low, albeit higher in the boot group (cast eight/112; boot 18/117); all were minor, except one case of deep vein thrombosis in the boot group. Overall, we found low wound complication rates (7%). There were no differences for all other secondary measures. Patients expressed preference for boots at randomization, point of withdrawal from the trial, and during interviews. Conclusion Patients managed in casts and boots had similar functional outcomes following ankle fracture fixation. Boots provided improved dorsiflexion and plantarflexion for some subgroups, but higher complication rates. Treatment modality decisions could therefore be informed by individual patient preference. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2025;6(11):1416–1424
Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Hidden Epidemic of Falls
Get PDFThis study is the first to systematically investigate falls across the lifespan in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted an online survey co-developed with a Participant Involvement and Engagement group, assessing fall frequency, causes, injuries, fall-related anxiety, and psychosocial consequences. The survey was completed by adults with DCD (n = 115), parents of children with DCD (n = 99), typically developing (TD) adults (n = 81), and parents of TD children (n = 86). Falls were significantly more frequent in DCD, with 26% of DCD adults falling one to two times per month (vs. 3% TD) and 55% of children with DCD falling one to two times per week (vs. 23% TD). Falls were caused by a wide range of activities (e.g., walking), environmental obstacles (e.g., uneven surfaces, stairs), and cognitive factors (e.g., multitasking). Fall-related injuries—including fractures—were more prevalent in the DCD groups, alongside higher fall-anxiety, reduced social participation, and lower activity engagement. Overall, falls in DCD are frequent, injurious, anxiety-provoking, and detrimental to well-being. Despite this, DCD is absent from fall prevention guidelines. Urgent action is needed to integrate fall risk screening and targeted interventions into clinical and public health frameworks
Intelligent Latency Optimization in Hyperledger Fabric for Seamless Metaverse Integration
Get PDFBlockchain technology underpins secure, decentralized digital ecosystems and supports applications ranging from finance and supply chains to the emerging Metaverse. However, latency remains a key challenge, particularly for real time applications. Hyperledger Fabric (HLF), a leading enterprise blockchain, suffers from transaction delays due to its endorsement policies, which enhance security but introduce computational and communication overhead. This paper addresses the latency challenge in HLF by proposing a reinforcement learning (RL)-based dynamic endorsement mechanism. The model learns from past transaction patterns and system states to predict the optimal number of endorsers needed for each transaction. By dynamically adjusting the “AND” endorsement policy based on whether the observed latency meets a defined threshold, the approach balances security with performance, which is critical for low-latency applications like the Metaverse. Experimental evaluations across diverse HLF configurations, using both mathematical and empirical methods, show that the proposed RL model reduces transaction latency by up to 37.54 % compared to static policies and outperforms other RL models (SARSA, Dueling DQN, Double Q-learning) by 6.81 % to 16.04 %. Results confirm the model’s adaptability and superior performance, particularly in single-client environments. In terms of throughput, the proposed RL model consistently surpasses the static configuration across all workloads, demonstrating strong adaptability to varying transaction loads with the most notable improvement of 27.61 % under single-client conditions, underscoring the model’s capability to optimise light workloads. This research contributes to the development of scalable, responsive, and secure blockchain infrastructures, offering an intelligent solution for real-time latency optimisation in digital applications such as the Metaverse
The Impact of Mass Dismissals on Maritime Workers: A Study into the Actions of P&O Ferries in March 2022
Get PDFThe mass dismissal of 786 seafarers by P&O Ferries in March 2022 sent shockwaves throughout the UK maritime industry and beyond. This was not an isolated incident, more the culmination of decades of erosion in the collective power of organised labour. As a long-standing sector built upon generations of skilled seafaring labour, the abruptness and perceived injustice of these dismissals raised serious questions about corporate governance, employment rights, and union efficacy in thecontemporary labour market. This study brings to the foreground the lived experiences of dismissed seafarers like myself and how our lives, and those of our families, have been impacted by the sacking, as well as the far-reaching effects felt across society. It is intended as a resource for policymakers, unions, employment law researchers, and all stakeholders concerned with labour standards, procedural fairness, andemployee wellbeing in the aftermath of mass dismissals
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