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Examining supplement use and sport supplement belief on doping susceptibility: Supplement type and moral identity matter
No full textEvidence shows dietary supplement use is one of the strongest predictors of doping susceptibility and that the relationship is mediated by beliefs about the effectiveness of supplements for performance enhancement. Further evidence shows this indirect relationship is moderated by moral identity. However, other evidence suggests the relationship between supplement use and doping may be stronger in specific categories of supplement. In this study we examined whether the mediating effect of moral identity on the indirect relationship between supplements and doping via supplement beliefs varied across different categories of supplement. Competitive athletes (N = 550; 45.1% male) completed measures of supplement use, sport supplement beliefs, moral identity and doping susceptibility. Supplement use was grouped via factor analysis into three conceptually sound categories based on patterns of use. Supplement use was indirectly related to doping susceptibility for just two categories (‘muscle building’ and ‘stimulants’) and this relationship was moderated by moral identity. No such relationship existed for the third category (‘Wellbeing & Health’). Our results suggest that previously identified positive associations between supplement use and doping may be limited to a particular type of supplement user. Specifically, supplement users who use muscle building and/or stimulant supplements and have strong sport supplement beliefs and low moral identity are more susceptible to doping
Reliability-oriented optimization of composite drill pipes Using integrated finite element and reinforcement learning framework
No full textThis study aimed to optimize the stacking sequence for composite pipes under normative drilling applications through an integrated Finite Element-Reinforcement Learning scheme. In this essence, finite element provides the reward required to train a Deep Neural Network that gradually learns how to minimize the damage experienced by the composite pipe and shifts toward an optimum selection of fiber orientation for all layers. The optimum layup design was then assessed in terms of how it could endure the operational loads. In this way, to understand how different loading scenarios affect the creation of damage within layers, three Machine-Learning algorithms, Random Forests, Gaussian Process Regression, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System were developed and trained based on finite element simulations performed on a coarse grid of different combinations of operational loads. The best models were employed to enhance the data resolution and, hence, to plot first-ply failure envelopes and safe operational limits. Furthermore, delamination was analyzed, and it was shown that this phenomenon did not limit the applicability of the optimum pipe. Finally, to account for the variability in mechanical properties, critical loads were calculated based on a population of pipes with statistically distributed mechanical properties. It was shown that such variations in the properties can significantly affect the applicable loads, and stringent precautions should be taken. Appropriate safety factors were proposed based on a thorough analysis of the behavior of composite pipes through statistical studies rather than rules of thumb
“Judaizing” as bodily practice in Reformation Germany: the observance of the Sabbath in Karlstadt (1524) and Margaritha (1530)
No full textThe concept of rest has, like any other bodily practice, a history that is shaped by its historical and cultural context. Jewish scripture places rest from physical labour at the beginning of the created world. The observance of the Sabbath as a weekly day of rest is commanded and regulated in the Torah as sign of Israel’s covenant with God who is holy. Sunday as a day of worship in which the resurrected Christ is present in spirit was a Christian innovation. In the Reformation many long-established Christian practices were challenged. This article discusses the Sabbath discourse in early Reformation Germany in a tract on the observance of the Sabbath and statutory holidays (Von dem Sabbbat und geboten feyertagen, 1524) by the Protestant reformer Andreas Karlstadt and a book about Jewish rituals (Der Gantz Jüdisch Glaub, 1530) by the convert from Judaism, Anthonius Margaritha.
Focusing on the bodily practices as part of the observance of Sabbath, the article examines the idea of holiness, the Sabbath as a social institution and the disciplined body resting on the Sabbath. Ultimately, the negative notion of “Jewish carnality” was not challenged in this Reformation discourse and “judaizing” remained a rhetorical device to attack opponents by denouncing them of following Jewish practice
Comprehensive investigation of prediction methods, applications, challenges, and factors affecting the thermo-physical behavior of nanofluids
No full textOne or more nanoparticles (NP) combined with a base fluid (BF) yields nanofluid (NF). Compared to BFs, NFs have superior thermal conductivity (TC). Numerous studies' conclusions showed that various factors affect an NF's heat transfer (HT) capability, including pH, BF type, nanocomponents, temperature, solid volume fraction (SVF), and NP size. This article examines the impact of these factors by considering TC experiments. Techniques for preparing NFs and approaches for improving their stability are discussed too. Additionally, theoretically related works, artificial intelligence (AI), and experimental techniques are explored as ways to predict the characteristics of NFs. Researchers comprehend the effects of NPs on human health and the environment as they evaluate TC experimentally; this subject was also covered, and the impact of NPs on different aspects of mankind, including health, the environment, and the industries that use NFs, was discussed.. It was demonstrated that NPs can pose a risk to human health and cause permanent harm; furthermore, harmful to the environment, NPs can impact animals, soil, and water. It was shown that the main barriers in front of widespread application of NFs are the lack of laboratory methods standardization for reliable comparison, the NFs stability, environmental and health impacts of NPs, and suitable regulations
Meeting the support needs of commuter students through the Political Studies curriculum
No full textCommuter students, who number almost half of all students in Higher Education in the UK today, can have a poorer student experience and outcomes than their residential counterparts. One reason for this is that curricula are designed for the traditional, residential student, who lives on campus or close to their learning and for whom Higher Education is an immersive experience. These curricula do not meet the needs of commuters, who must travel to access learning and for whom studying is just a part of their busy lives. This article presents the case for including commuter students in discussions about the inclusive curriculum discourse, presenting practical examples of changes that Political Studies educators can make to embed support for commuters in the curriculum, to reduce the commuter student awarding and experience gap. The article addresses the Political Studies curriculum specifically but recommended actions are transferable to multiple disciplines across the Higher Education sector, in the UK and beyond
Rogues and vagabonds
No full textThis chapter examines themes of "pollution, deception, and introspection" in both the social and cultural history of early modern bodies; particularly beggar, vagrant, and rogue bodies
2.4 Learning languages of sound: Case study of improvisation in the performing arts
No full textThis chapter explores how music, movement and imagery contribute to the development of linguistic and pedagogical skills, drawing on North Indian Classical music as a case study of oral transmission. It highlights how metaphors, physical gestures, and visual representations shape the teaching and learning of music and across disciplines. Through a discussion of tālīm (oral transmission), the chapter examines how improvisation skills are developed through listening, repetition and embodied practice. It considers how rāgamala paintings serve as mnemonic tools, bridging sound and visual representation. The chapter also presents language-based challenges and pedagogical examples that illustrate the key role played by improvisation in developing communicative competences in the performing arts. By situating these ideas within broader educational contexts, the chapter reflects on how teachers from all subject specialisms engage with multiple modes of communication. It argues that effective teaching is inherently multilingual, incorporating verbal, visual and embodied forms of expression. The chapter concludes by considering the implications for educators working with diverse learners, emphasising the role of the arts in fostering inclusion, creativity and interdisciplinary learning
Unlocking the linguistic potential of teachers: Insights from international teacher education programmes
No full textArguing that all teachers are necessarily language teachers in increasingly diverse settings, this book explores how language shapes learning across subjects to support inclusive teaching. It helps teachers develop the skills needed to teach inclusively and redefines multilingualism beyond ‘foreign’ language proficiency to include social language, professional language and subject literacies in response to globalisation and cultural and linguistic diversity in educational settings.
Featuring the voices of novice and expert teachers and teacher educators across a range of disciplines and contexts, the volume demonstrates the importance of social skills such as empathy, cultural awareness and open mindedness within these diverse educational settings. Chapters combine international perspectives with practical strategies and real-world case studies, as well as reflection points and opportunities for action planning; specifically designed ‘language challenges’ aimed at inspiring teachers to develop language curious classrooms are interwoven through the book. Ultimately, the volume is designed to help recognise and unlock the full linguistic repertoire of teachers, students and mentors to develop high-quality and inclusive pedagogies that target linguistic and emotional barriers to closing existing attainment gaps
Artificial intelligence for business model innovation in digital sustainability companies: Multiple cases from the Netherlands
No full textPURPOSE: This research explores how sustainability companies deliver AI-powered solutions leading to Business Model Innovation (BMI). It also examines how they adopt AI to reshape business models (BM) for a balanced long-term ecological, economic, and social value across diverse industries and company sizes.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study adopts qualitative semi-structured interviews with the top 20 sustainability executives and founders in the Netherlands as a unique context of sustainability. A systemic theoretical framework is developed based on the TOE theory, innovation capabilities, elements of the BM, and external factors.
FINDINGS: Findings reveal differences between large and small sustainability companies from the TOE perspectives. AI is instrumental for operational efficiency, real-time environmental monitoring, supply chain traceability, and immersive realities. Organisational insights highlight design-led, inclusive leadership, bottom-up innovation, and AI alignment with business strategy. Environmental challenges include supply chain collaboration resistance, the impact of regulatory influence, and market readiness.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study offers original multi-case evidence from the Netherlands, providing a systemic framework that reconceptualises AI not just as a facilitator but as a foundational input shaping sustainable BMI.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It guides sustainability executives & SMEs’ founders on how to embed AI strategically beyond efficiency to align with client values and promote bottom-up innovation. Policymakers are urged to accelerate national AI-sustainability strategies, fostering experimentation and collaboration to leverage AI for broader ecological and societal benefit
Singing for the departed: Baroque Bohemia clothed in black
No full textPresentation of my dissertation with examples of music played and shown and explained