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Education for Sustainable Development: The role of Physical Education in China – An exploratory qualitative study of teachers’ attitudes and practices
No full textIn the absence of empirical examinations of how school Physical Education (PE) in China aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study aimed to provide one of the first empirical examinations of this alignment by analysing 34 PE teachers' understandings and pedagogical practices using lesson observations and semi-structured interviews. Deductive thematic analysis, structured around globally identified PE-supported SDGs, was used to capture the points of alignment or divergence between teachers’ stated philosophies and classroom practice. Findings indicate a strong rhetorical commitment to lifelong health and holistic learning, consistent with SDGs 3 and 4. However, these intentions were constrained by exam-oriented assessment systems that narrowed curriculum delivery toward fitness-based preparation. Teachers demonstrated inclusive philosophies aligned with SDG 10, but structural barriers restricted equitable participation. Gender equality (SDG 5) was marked by a tension between stereotyped discourse and more equitable observed practice. Environmental and socio-economic dimensions of the SDGs were largely absent. This study calls for targeted efforts in China to align PE with the SDGs by explicitly mapping PE standards to the SDGs, providing teacher training on these goals, and piloting sustainability-focused assessment models. Future research should employ measurable approaches to investigate PE's contribution to sustainability education further
Hybrid sample size calculations for cluster randomised trials using assurance
Get PDFSample size determination for cluster randomised trials (CRTs) is challenging as it requires robust estimation of the intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC). Typically, the sample size is chosen to provide a certain level of power to reject the null hypothesis in a hypothesis test. This relies on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and estimates for the standard deviation, ICC and possibly the coefficient of variation of the cluster size. Varying these parameters can have a strong effect on the sample size. In particular, it is sensitive to small differences in the ICC. A relevant ICC estimate is often not available, or the available estimate is imprecise. If the ICC used is far from the unknown true value, this can lead to trials which are substantially over- or under-powered. We propose a hybrid approach using Bayesian assurance to find the sample size for a CRT with a frequentist analysis. Assurance is an alternative to power which incorporates uncertainty on parameters through a prior distribution. We suggest specifying prior distributions for the standard deviation, ICC and coefficient of variation of the cluster size, while still utilising the MCID. We illustrate the approach through the design of a CRT in post-stroke incontinence. We show assurance can be used to find a sample size based on an elicited prior distribution for the ICC, when a power calculation discards all information in the prior except a single point estimate. Results show that this approach can avoid misspecifying sample sizes when prior medians for the ICC are very similar but prior distributions exhibit quite different behaviour. Assurance provides an understanding of the probability of success of a trial given an MCID and can be used to produce sample sizes which are robust to parameter uncertainty. This is especially useful when there is difficulty obtaining reliable parameter estimates
Ventilatory thresholds in professional female soccer players
No full textThis study investigated the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) along with the corresponding heart rates, velocities and % of V̇O2 max at which these thresholds are reached in professional female soccer players. It also examined positional differences in the aforementioned parameters. Thirty-three professional players from two teams (age range 18–31 years) were recruited. The players underwent maximal exercise testing on the treadmill for the detection of VT1 (V̇E versus V̇O2 plot) and VT2 (V̇E versus V̇CO2 plot). The test began at a speed of 6km/h and was increased by 2 km/h every 3.15 minutes, with the inclination constant at 1%. Results indicated that the players had an average V̇O2 max of 50.24 ml·kg− 1.min− 1. VT1 (% max) and VT2 (% max) were shown at 72.87% and 91.26% of V̇O2 max, respectively. The respective velocities at VT1 and VT2 were indicated at 10.85 km/h and 12.91 km/h, respectively, while the average VV̇O2 max was 14.61 km/h. The average heart rates at VT1, VT2 and V̇O2 max were 159.33, 185.15 and 192.85 beats per minute, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of variance ANOVA indicated significant differences in velocity at V̇O2max. This study provides important normative data regarding the ventilatory thresholds of female soccer players
Estimating masses of supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei from the Hα emission line
Get PDFThe goal of this project is to construct an estimator for the masses of supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) based on the broad Halpha emission line. We make use of published reverberation mapping data. We remeasure all Halpha time lags from the original data as we find that often the reverberation measurements are improved by detrending the light curves. We produce mass estimators that require only the Halpha luminosity and the width of the Halpha emission line as characterized by either the FWHM or the line dispersion. It is possible, on the basis of a single spectrum covering the Halpha emission line, to estimate the mass of the central supermassive black hole in AGNs, taking into account all three parameters believed to affect mass measurement: luminosity, line width, and Eddington ratio. The typical formal accuracy in such estimates is of order 0.2-0.3 dex
Selection and Genetic Variation in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Genotypes in a Rainforest Agroecology
Get PDFOkra is a very essential crop, particularly for culinary purpose and as a source of bioactive metabolites of medical significance. However, genotypic influence and environmental factors affect the production and accessibility of okra. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate genetic variation in okra and determine its effect on growth and yield characteristics of okra genotypes in a rainforest agroecology. The field experiment was carried out at the Organic Farm of Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. Ten okra varieties were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and yield components and subjected to correlation and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) to determine the extent of genetic variation and relevance for selection indices. The results revealed that N42/F5/32 had the highest height (56.67 cm), HNIKU had the highest number of leaves (12.00), NHAC 47-4 expressed highest pod weight/fruit (6.17 g) while N42/ F5/32 recorded the highest fruit yield/hectare. Plant height, pod weight/fruit and 100-seed weight expressed strong positive correlation among the parameters studied, and they positively correlated with fruit yield per hectare. The PCA revealed maximum genetic diversity among okra genotypes; PC-1, PC-2, PC-3 and PC-4 had eigenvalues more than 1 with variability scores of 3.00, 1.27, 1.18 and 1.01, respectively. Overall, variety N42/F5/32 expressed superior okra yield and should be selected for farmers in rainforest agroecology or similar environment
Integrating mindful organizing and organizational learning to enhance sustainability performance of exporting firms
Get PDFPurpose
Sustainability is a pressing global issue that affects everyone on the planet. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the nuanced interplay between mindful organizing (MO), organizational learning capability (OLC), leadership commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and sustainability performance, adopting the theoretical foundation of organizational learning.
Design/methodology/approach
The survey data from 728 middle management employees of exporting firms in Pakistan were collected at two points. The mediated moderation analysis was performed through structural equation modeling in AMOS 26.
Findings
The results indicate a positive relationship between MO and sustainability performance. The mediating effect of OLC highlights that firms that acquire, assimilate and apply knowledge and insights leverage their MO strategies to improve sustainability performance more effectively. Additionally, the leadership commitment to SDGs amplifies the positive effect of OLC on sustainability performance.
Practical implications
These results have important implications for managers and policymakers who seek to promote sustainability in organizations. The findings suggest that cultivating a mindful organizational culture and investing in learning capability enhance sustainability performance. Exporting firms should develop comprehensive learning programs that embed mindfulness and sustainability into the core of organizational culture. More interdisciplinary research is needed to integrate insights from environmental science, psychology, management and organizational behavior.
Originality/value
This research stands out for its integrative approach, practical relevance, empirical examination of important concepts and alignment with global sustainability goals. Exporting firms must understand how organizational learning capabilities and MO can be harnessed to achieve sustainable outcomes
Artificial blue light exposure induces anxiety-like behaviour, alters recognition memory and modifies hippocampal morphology in adolescent rats
Get PDFBackground: The constant artificial blue light exposure from electronic gadgets at night raises concerns about its impact on mood and brain functions. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of chronic exposure to artificial blue light from a light-emitting diode (LED) light on emotionality, locomotion, novel object recognition memory and hippocampal cytoarchitecture in adolescent rats. Materials and methods: Male albino Wistar rats were exposed to artificial blue light (450 – 495 nm, and 100 Lux) for 14 days from a LED
light source. Later, their emotionality, general locomotor behaviours and novel object recognition memory were tested by a computerised behavioural assessment system. After the behavioural assessments animals were euthanized to study the hippocampal cytoarchitecture by Nissl and Golgi-Cox staining. Results: In the open field test, latency to enter the centre zone was significantly increased in blue light-exposed animals compared to controls. Total entries to the centre zone and percentage of time spent in the centre zone
were slightly reduced in blue light-exposed animals. The mean speed of animals in the centre, total zone transitions, total distance travelled, and zone transitions were not different between the two groups. In the elevated plus maze test, entries to the open arm were significantly reduced in blue light exposed animals. Time spent and distance travelled on the open arm were slightly reduced in blue light-exposed animals. Entries to the closed arm and time spent in the closed arm were slightly increased but, the distance travelled in the closed arm was significantly reduced in the light-exposed group. The mean speed of light-exposed animals on the open arm, closed arm and centre were comparable in the two groups. Rearing duration and total zone transitions were slightly reduced but the total distance travelled was significantly reduced in the light exposed group. Novel object recognition was altered in the light exposed group as indicated by their negative discrimination index values. Hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions demonstrated pyknotic cells and CA1 apical dendritic spine density was reduced in blue light exposed rats. Conclusion: Artificial blue light exposure induced anxiety-like behaviours, and significantly altered novel object recognition memory, but only mildly affected the general locomotor behaviours in adolescent rats. Moreover, it induced hippocampal cellular pyknosis and reduced cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) apical dendritic spine density in blue light exposed adolescent rats
“My Mind is not in my Brain”: Exploring consciousness with children using creative research methods
Get PDFThe focus on the brain over the last few decades has seen an overclaiming of the human condition through brain-based research. Researching consciousness is an enquiry into who we are, our subjective experiences and our relationality with others and the world. In typical and child development research, materialist orientations dominate the field, assuming brains as the manufacturers of consciousness. Qualitative research has the potential to engage children in consciousness research, while interrogating typical constructionist, realist and materialist orientations. In this article we discuss using creative research methods for exploring aspects of phenomenal consciousness, such as self and mind, with children in a UK primary school. We share findings in relation to how children understand consciousness, how consciousness bears on self for children in the study, and how children experience and perceive the mind/body
UK prevalence of university student and staff experiences of sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse: a systematic review from 2002 to 2022
Get PDFResearch documenting the prevalence and impact of UK university students’ experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) has significantly developed over the past decade, yet there has been no systematic synthesis of this evidence. This systematic review aimed to synthesise findings relating to the prevalence and impacts of GBV among staff and students in UK universities, with a focus on sexual violence (SV) and domestic violence and abuse (DVA). The search strategies involved a variety of approaches to identify both published and unpublished research, including systematic searches of electronic databases and direct contact with experts. A total of twenty-five studies focusing on SV and eight studies focusing on DVA were identified. Despite inconsistent research design, sampling frameworks, definitions and measures, and limited studies on staff experiences, review findings suggest that SV is a major issue for university students, impacting on well-being, personal relationships and academic performance. In contrast, few DVA studies were identified, many shared a range of methodological limitations, drawing on majority female samples and focusing mainly on perpetration. Validated measurement tools, consistency in study designs and sampling frameworks, which include minority student and staff populations, would strengthen current understandings of SV and DVA within UK universities
Understanding how British Pakistani women speak about resilience through the lens of the Resilience Portfolio Model
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the way British Pakistani women speak about resilience during the Covid-19 adversity. It draws upon in-depth narrative interviews with 13 British Pakistani women, aged between 38 to 69. The analysis is grounded in the Resilience Portfolio Model developed by Grych and colleagues. The Resilience Portfolio Model proposes that each individual has a unique “portfolio” of strengths and protective factors which consists of ‘assets’ (regulatory strengths, interpersonal strengths, and meaning-making strengths) and resources available to individuals. Just like many people across the globe, women were impacted by the pandemic in different ways, nevertheless, they maintained resilience through regulatory behaviours of walking and enjoying nature, engaging in praying and reading of the Quran. Women invested in positive relationships that supported the development of social capital within their community and allowed them to connect with others in meaningful and reciprocal ways. Their religious beliefs and identity was not only key in their ability to make sense of the pandemic, but promoted a sense of belonging which enabled them to engage with their community resources. Findings show that women’s assets worked in tandem with their resources to promote their overall wellbeing during the Covid-19 adversity. This highlights the need for practitioners to combine individual ‘strengths’ and community resources when developing preventative and responsive interventions for ethnic minority women who have experienced adversity and for policy initiatives to consider recreational resources that help to minimise isolation in ethnic minority communities