46870 research outputs found
Sort by
Effects of cold-water immersion on energy expenditure, ad-libitum energy intake and appetite in healthy adults
No full textIntroduction: Cold-water immersion is a popular method typically used to reduce exercise induced muscle damage and improve health and wellbeing. Despite these benefits, there is emerging evidence to suggest the temperature of the water exposure can influence energy intake in the subsequent hours. The study aim was to investigate the influence of water temperature on energy expenditure and post-water immersion ad-libitum energy intake in resting adults. Participants with a range of body masses, but otherwise healthy and physically active males (n = 10) and females (n = 5), participated in three randomised trials in a repeated measures crossover design, with a minimum of 7-days apart. Participants were immersed to sternum level for 30-minutes in either cold-water (16 °C), thermoneutral-water (35 °C) or a no-water thermoneutral ambient air control (26 °C). Participants completed appetite related visual analogue scales throughout and were presented with an ad-libitum homogenous pasta meal and asked to eat until ‘comfortably full’. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed participants consumed more energy after immersion in cold-water (2783 ± 909 kJ) versus both thermoneutral-water (1817 ± 862 kJ) and thermoneutral ambient air (1894 ± 233 kJ). There were no differences in any of the appetite VAS. Core temperature remained stable throughout the 30 min immersion period across trials, however an after-drop in core temperature was observed for 15 mins following cold-water immersion when compared to both thermoneutral water (P < 0.001), and thermoneutral air (P = 0.004). Although the exact mechanisms are yet to be elucidated, further research is required to identify if the after-drop in core temperature is a potential mechanism responsible for compensatory food intake post cold-water immersion. Conclusion: When presented with an ad-libitum meal directly after cold-water immersion, participants consumed more in comparison to both thermoneutral water immersion and thermoneutral ambient air. With cold water immersion becoming popular, these findings have practical and clinical relevance for individuals’ conscious about body mass management.</p
Social Movements Post-conflict: Youth Activism and the Algerian Hirak
No full textIn the second wave of Arab Uprisings, Algerian youth played significant roles in the 2019 hirak movement, with fifty-four weeks of marches. This intergenerational social movement saw the removal of president Bouteflika, affecting popular consciousness as to the possibility of change. Though youth participation in formal politics remains low, new repertoires of youth activism have emerged, drawing on historical legacies of the Independence struggle. Whereas previous studies emphasise risk aversion and obstacles for social movements in post-conflict settings, the Algerian hirak, through creative and peaceful protest, enabled new narratives and learning from past conflicts. These new ways of mobilising politically, rejecting attempts to provoke violence, instead repeating the word silmiya or peaceful, became a source of pride. These alternative narratives are important to understand the potential of youth activism and social movements in post-conflict contexts, to tackle mistrust and fear, maintain non-violent protest and inspire reflection about more peaceful futures
Dietetic Management of Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease:An International Mixed-Methods Study with Practice-Informed Recommendations
No full textObjectiveTo describe and interpret the experiences and practice patterns of renal dietitians regarding the dietary management of hyperkalemia in people with chronic kidney disease.(Design and) MethodsSequential explanatory mixed-methods study comprising a global cross-sectional survey and follow-up qualitative interviews. An online questionnaire was distributed internationally and explored thresholds for dietary potassium restriction, sources of conflict in clinical practice, and prioritization of dietary strategies. Free-text question responses and interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsRenal dietitians (n = 203) from 14 countries (94% female; mean age 42.2 years ± 10.9; mean number of years of renal dietetic experience was 12.6 years ± 9.1) completed the questionnaire. Eight renal dietitians from 3 countries subsequently participated in semi-structured interviews (100% female; mean age 42.1 years ± 8.7; mean years of experience 14.9 years ± 7.2). Practice patterns varied significantly across countries, with dietitians reporting differences in professional autonomy, potassium thresholds for dietary restriction, and use of pharmacological adjuncts. Almost 60% reported that concerns about nonadherence and mortality risk influenced decision-making. Dietitians prioritized addressing nondietary factors, potassium additives, and processed foods before restricting fruits and vegetables. Four qualitative themes contextualized these findings: diverse referral pathways, triage and prioritization, holistic assessment, and professional and emotional labor. These highlighted fragmented referral systems, workload pressures, and the ethical tension between patient safety, diet adequacy, and quality of life.ConclusionsDietetic management of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease is complex, variable, and influenced by systemic, cultural, and professional factors. Dietitians adopt pragmatic, patient-centered strategies but face challenges of autonomy, conflict, and workload. International consensus and clearer evidence-based guidance are needed to support consistent, high-quality dietetic care in hyperkalemia.<br/
Flooding and the risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety:A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Flooding, intensified by climate change, poses serious risks to lives, infrastructure, and mental health. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are among the most prevalent consequences for affected populations. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyses the evidence on the prevalence of flood-related mental health outcomes and associated risk factors. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase for studies published 1 January 2004 – 3 June 2024 reporting flood-related PTSD, depression, or anxiety. On 24 September 2025, we performed a citation search of all studies included after the primary search (and key relevant reviews) to identify additional eligible articles published since June 2024. Eligible quantitative studies reporting (or permitting derivation of) odds ratios were synthesised using random-effects meta-analysis to estimate pooled ORs with 95% CIs; where multiple models were available, fully adjusted estimates were prioritised. Subgroup/meta-regression analyses examined sociodemographic and contextual moderators (e.g., time since flood, instrument, region), and sensitivity analyses included leave-one-out and influence diagnostics. Prediction intervals and I2 were reported; publication bias was assessed where k≥10. Results: Of the 107 studies included in the review, 18 provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Flood exposure was associated with significantly elevated odds of PTSD (OR = 3.01), depression (OR = 2.38), and anxiety (OR = 2.84). Key vulnerability factors included female gender, unemployment, pre-existing mental illness, repeated flood exposure, and severe housing damage. Longitudinal evidence suggested that mental health impacts often persist for years beyond the acute disaster period. Conclusions: Flood exposure was associated with substantially higher odds of adverse mental health outcomes, with disproportionate effects on vulnerable groups. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health support into disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery planning.</p
Estimation of residual stress in carbon fibre composite laminate using the contour method
Get PDFExperimental analysis of residual stress in carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is rare owing to the difficulties of determining residual stress accurately in these materials. This can lead to non-conservatism in design and poor understanding of potential failure mechanisms. In this study we have determined the residual stress in a cross-ply CFRP laminate. For the first time, the contour method of residual stress measurement was applied using wire electric-discharge machining (WEDM), the process that is accepted as the best way to ensure an accurate relaxed surface profile is obtained to back calculate the residual stress. A novel incremental linear smoothing approach was introduced for the measured displacement data which gave better approximation than the conventional spline smoothing method used in the standard contour method for metals. Measurements show tensile residual stress in the direction transverse to the fibres with a maximum value of 40 MPa, and compressive residual stress along the fibre direction with a maximum value of –130 MPa. The accuracy of the calculated residual stress was improved by considering the measured thickness of each ply cluster rather than the nominal thickness. The results of modified contour method are compared with an analytical solution based on the classical laminate theory
Synthesis of equilibrated geochemical systems using extended Debye-Huckel and Pitzer activity models for enhanced CO2 storage modelling
Get PDFCarbon capture and storage is a critical technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Ensuring the safe, long-term CO2 storage in geological formations requires accurate modelling of geochemical reactions between CO2-saturated water and rock-forming minerals. Reactive-transport simulators represent these processes over extended timescales, but geochemical equilibrium must first be established, analogous to gravitational equilibrium in pressure initialization. This study presents a practical workflow for synthesizing equilibrated CO2-rock-water systems, demonstrated for the Bunter Sandstone Formation. To ensure realistic initial pressure distributions that govern pressure-dependent trapping processes, gravitational equilibrium was first established. The mineralogy was then engineered to maintain a non-negative degree of freedom for chemically consistent equilibrium calculations. Long-term batch simulations using ideal, extended Debye-Huckel, and Pitzer activity models revealed significant discrepancies between activity-model-based equilibrium concentrations and short-term laboratory values, even though predictions of salinity and pH were consistent. These discrepancies highlight the importance of deriving equilibrium concentrations from long-term simulations for chemical initialization, as short-term laboratory measurements may not reflect true equilibrium conditions. The Pitzer model provided the most accurate predictions under high salinity but increased simulation time by over 100%, whereas the extended Debye-Huckel model required only 30% additional time but neglected short-range ionic interactions. The reduced-salinity scenario decreased equilibrium concentrations by approximately 20–100%, enhancing CO2 dissolution and promoting mineral dissolution, thereby influencing structural, solubility, and mineral trapping mechanisms. These findings underscore the importance of careful activity model selection and accurate salinity characterization to balance computational efficiency with predictive accuracy and improve confidence in equilibrium predictions
Roma PlaceAge: Co-Producing Place-Based Hubs to Address Health Inequalities in Mid-Later Life:Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice for Health Equity
No full textRoma people, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, face systemic exclusion, discrimination, and health disparities, contributing to significantly lower life expectancy than the general population. In the UK, these inequities persist, particularly for older Roma individuals who navigate intersecting challenges related to health, housing, and social inclusion. The RomaPlaceAge Project, a research initiative co-led with Roma community members, explores the health and well-being experiences of Roma individuals aged 40+ across three case study sites - Govanhill (Scotland), Peterborough, and Luton (England). Central to this research is the role of third places - public and semi-public environments such as GP practices, outdoor spaces, community centres, and housing estates - where Roma individuals engage with services and social networks, often in the face of complex barriers including language difficulties, digital exclusion, and insecure housing. Through three knowledge café events with stakeholders (healthcare providers, NGOs, police, educators, and individuals with lived experience), and in-depth interviews with Roma aged 40+, the project uncovers how third places either support or hinder health and well-being. Preliminary findings highlight the importance of micro-interactions and relationality in shaping access to services, the inaccessibility of healthcare services, the underutilisation of green spaces, and the role of community-led initiatives in fostering inclusion. By positioning third places as critical to health and well-being, this research contributes to discourses on participatory and place-based approaches to ageing, advocating for targeted interventions that promote equity, inclusion, and ageing well in the right place
Defund Culture:A Radical Proposal: Why the arts are so white, male and middle-class and what we can do about it
No full textDemonstrating that it is upper- and middle-class, privately educated, Oxbridge graduates who receive the majority of funding and support when it comes to the creative industries in the UK, Defund Culture argues powerfully that resources and opportunities should be disinvested from the cultural sphere as it exists now, and redistributed to other sections of society, in order to generate art, media and creativity that is more diverse and less boring, homogeneous and anti-intellectual
Building Social Resilience Through Play: Societal Impacts of the ACES Project
Get PDFThe ACES (A Community-Centred Educational Model for Developing Social Resilience through Play) project addresses global challenges in education by fostering social resilience through playful and frugal approaches to co-create learning in communities across Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. ACES empowers learners and educators to engage with local issues, from environmental sustainability to cultural preservation, using co-creation to frame education as a communal and transformative process. Grounded in participatory action research and a flexible Theory of Change framework, the project utilises open, iterative and playful methods to build trust, agency and local ownership. Case studies across the three countries such as STEMBucket, the PlayLab Bus and Green Playground demonstrate scalable models of frugal and playful education. Outcomes include enhanced learner confidence, revitalised local knowledge and educators empowered as change agents. Anchored in the ACES Charter’s principles (community, playfulness, frugality and co-creation), the project offers a practical and hopeful model for reimagining education systems globally. ACES shows that resilience grows not from resources alone, but from relationships, creativity, fun and shared purpose
Stability of recycled plastics in an aqueous alkaline cementitious matrix
Get PDFThe rising problem of plastic waste, coupled with a shortage of construction materials, has prompted research into the replacement of traditional aggregates with recycled plastic aggregates (rPA) in cementitious structures. However, the impact of the highly alkaline pore solution present in cement on the long-term stability and performance of rPA is still not fully understood. This research examined the alkaline stability of two types of commonly recycled plastics that increasingly serve as aggregate substitutes in concrete: polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) in two size ranges, when exposed to extremely alkaline conditions. The effects of exposure to simulated alkaline cement pore solutions on rPA stability were analysed by assessing alterations to polymer mass, surface features, functional groups, and crystallinity. Prolonged exposure (up to 75 days) to simulated cement pore solution significantly decreased the stability of rPA, while fine particle sizes underwent faster degradation, losing up to 40 % of weight. Recycled HDPE demonstrated greater alkali resistance than rPET, suggesting better suitability as an alternative aggregate in concrete, although factors like surface hydrophobicity should be considered. The amorphous regions of rPET surfaces proved more susceptible to hydroxyl reactions compared to crystalline regions, resulting in inferior stability of rPET compared to rHDPE, and therefore raises questions about the use of rPET as an alternative aggregate. Overall, this study elucidated the physical and chemical stability of recycled plastics in alkaline cementitious matrices, revealing how plastic type, intrinsic properties, particle size, and exposure duration govern their suitability as aggregate replacements