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The internal and external demands of multi-directional running and the subsequent effect on side cut biomechanics in male and female team sport athletes
Get PDFThe aim of this thesis was to examine the physiological and biomechanical responses to multi-directional running in male and female team sport athletes. Chapter 4 compared measures of energy expenditure derived from indirect calorimetry and
microtechnology, as well as high power and high-speed activity, during linear and multi-directional running. Measured energy expenditure was higher during the multidirectional trial (9.0 ± 2.0 cf. 5.9 ± 1.4 kcal.min-1), whereas estimated energy expenditure was higher during the linear trial (8.7 ± 2.1 cf. 6.5 ± 1.5 kcal.min-1). Whilst measures of energy expenditure were strongly related
(r > 0.89, p < 0.001), metabolic power underestimated energy expenditure by 52% (95% LoA: 20-93%) and 34% (95% LoA: 12-59%) during the multi-directional and linear trial, respectively. Time at high power was 41% (95% LoA: 4-92%) greater than time at high speed during the multidirectional trial, whereas time at high power was 5% (95% LoA: -17-9%) lower than time at high speed during the linear trial. Chapter 5 explored the internal and external responses to linear and multi-directional running, specifically examining if measures of high speed and high power reflect changes in internal load. High speed distance (p < 0.001) was higher during the linear trial, whereas time at high power (p = 0.046) and accelerations performed (p < 0.001) were higher during the multi-directional trial. Summated HR (-0.8; ±0.5, p = 0.003), B[La] (-0.9; ±0.6, p = 0.002) and RPE (-0.7; ±0.6, p = 0.024) were higher during the multi-directional trial. There was a large difference in the ratio of high speed:summated HR
(1.5; ±0.5, p = 0.001) and high speed:total V̇O2 (2.6; ±1.2, p < 0.001) between linear and multi-directional running, whilst high power:summated HR (0.3; ±0.5, p = 0.246) and high power:total V̇O2 (0.1;±0.8, p = 0.727) were similar. A small decrement in knee flexor torque was observed after the multi-directional (0.4; ±0.4, p = 0.017) and linear (0.2; ±0.3, p = 0.077) trials, respectively. Collectively, Chapters 4 and 5 reveal that more directional changes induce a greater internal response, despite reducing the high-speed distance someone is likely to cover. High power better reflects internal responses to multidirectional running than high speed, but microtechnology cannot be used to determine the absolute energy cost of multi-directional running. Chapters 6 and 7 explored alterations in side cut biomechanics in males and females immediately (Chapter 6) and 48 h (Chapter 7) after multi-directional running. In Chapter 6, 20 m sprint time was higher (ES: 0.65 – 1.17, p < 0.001) after multidirectional running, indicating the presence of fatigue. Males and females displayed trivial to moderate changes in trunk flexion (0.16 – 0.28, p = 0.082), peak hip internal rotation (0.46 – 0.54, p = 0.090), and knee flexion (0.17 – 0.41, p = 0.055) and higher knee abduction (0.40 – 0.51, p = 0.045) and internal rotation (0.59 – 0.81, p = 0.038) angular velocities, during the weight acceptance phase of side cuts after multidirectional running. Peak hip extensor (0.19 – 0.29, p = 0.055) and knee internal rotation moment (0.22 – 0.34, p = 0.052) displayed trivial to small increases after multidirectional running, whereas peak hip external rotation (0.44 – 0.57, p = 0.011), knee
extensor (0.33 – 0.45, p = 0.003) moment and knee to hip extensor ratio (0.15 – 0.45, p = 0.005) were lower. In addition, IGRF displayed trivial to moderate changes (0.04 – 0.79, p = 0.066) and lateral GRF was lower (0.29 – 0.85, p = 0.002) after multidirectional running. In Chapter 7, CK concentration (2.4 – 4.94, p = 0.009), perceived muscle soreness (4.2 – 4.8, p < 0.001) and 20 m sprint time (0.6 – 0.9, p < 0.001) were higher 48 h after multi-directional running, indicating the presence of EIMD. Males and females displayed trivial to moderate changes in peak torso flexion (0.13 – 0.35, p = 0.055), hip internal rotation angular velocity (0.43 – 0.64, p = 0.073) and more knee internal rotation (0.31 – 0.5, p = 0.009) 48 h after multi-directional running. A tendency for an interaction between sex and time was noted for peak knee flexion (p = 0.068) and internal rotation angular velocity (p =0.057), with males only displaying a moderate increase. Males and females also displayed a lower peak knee extensor moment
(0.43 – 0.56, p = 0.001) and a small increase in extensor moment (0.21 –0.46, p = 0.066) and knee external rotation moment
(0.34 – 0.78, p = 0.062). An interaction between sex and time was noted for IGRF (p = 0.037); there was a large increase in IGRF at 48 h in females (1.4) but not males (0.08). For the first time, these data highlight multi-directional running which elicits fatigue and EIMD causes alterations in side cut biomechanics which can persist for at least 48 h. Specifically, both males and females performed side cuts in a more extended position, with higher peak angular velocities, and peak knee external rotation moments and less knee extensor moments both immediately and 48 h after multi-directional running
Regional Exploration and Characterisation of CO 2 Storage Prospects in the Utsira-Skade Aquifer, North Viking Graben, North Sea
Get PDFFrom Frontiers via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: collection 2021, received 2021-03-12, accepted 2021-09-03, epub 2021-10-04Publication status: PublishedSubsurface CO2 storage is considered a key element of reducing anthropogenic emissions in virtually all scenarios compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The Utsira-Skade Aquifer (Utsira, Eir and Skade Formations), northern North Sea, has been identified as a suitable reservoir. Although the overall storage capacity of the full aquifer has been estimated based on regional data, it is lacking an integrated assessment of containment and internal heterogeneity, to identify optimal areas for injection and for calculation of site-specific storage capacities. A high-resolution, broadband 3D seismic reflection dataset, full waveform inverted velocity data and 102 exploration wells are utilised to provide a catalogue of CO2 storage prospects in the northern Utsira-Skade Aquifer. This is achieved through: 1) definition of the aquifer’s spatial limits; 2) calculation of porosity distribution; 3) assessment of the extent, geomorphology, thickness variability, and containment confidence (CC) of mudstones; and 4) mapping of closures through fill-to-spill simulations. CO2 storage capacity was calculated for the prospects using two approaches; using the full reservoir thickness (FRT) beneath the closures and using only the thickness from the closure top to the spill point (TSP), i.e., within structural traps. Porosity ranges from 29 to 39% across the aquifer and is higher in the Utsira and Eir Fms. relative to the underlying Skade Fm. The mudstone separating the Skade and Eir/Utsira Fm. has a thickness > 50 m, and is a potential barrier for CO2. Other intra-aquifer mudstones were mainly interpreted to act as baffles to flow. Structural traps at the top Utsira and Skade Fms. yield fifteen prospects, with criteria of > 700 m depth and FRT storage capacity of > 5 Mt CO2. They have a combined storage capacity of 330 Mt CO2 (FRT) or 196 Mt CO2 (TSP). Five prospects have a positive CC score (total capacity: 54 Mt CO2 FRT or 39 Mt CO2 TSP). Additional storage capacity could be achieved through more detailed analysis of the seal to upgrade the CC scores, or through use of a network of the mapped closures with a fill-to-spill approach, utilising more of the aquifer
Book Review: Rebirth of the English Comic Strip: A Kaleidoscope 1847 – 1870
Get PDF© [Simon Grennan, 2023]. The definitive, peer reviewed and edited version of this article is published in [Studies in Comics, 14(2), 321-326, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1386/stic_00112_5Review of "Rebirth of the English Comic Strip: A Kaleidoscope 1847 – 1870." by David Kunzle
“Success” in policy piloting: Process, programs, and politics
Get PDFFrom Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2021-03-28, rev-recd 2021-09-28, accepted 2021-10-07, pub-electronic 2021-10-25Article version: VoRPublication status: PublishedFunder: NIHR Policy Research Programme; Grant(s): PR‐R16‐0516‐22001Abstract: Research has demonstrated that pilots contain multiple shifting purposes, not all of which relate to simple policy testing or refinement. Judging the success of policy pilots is therefore complex, requiring more than a simple judgment against declared goals. Marsh and McConnell provide a framework against which policy success can be judged, distinguishing program success from process and political success. We adapt Boven's modification of this framework and apply it to policy pilots, arguing that pilot process, outcomes and longer‐term effects can all be judged in both program and political terms. We test this new framework in a pilot program in the English National Health Service, the Vanguard program, showing how consideration of these different aspects of success sheds light on the program and its aftermath. We consider the implications of the framework for the comprehensive and multifaceted evaluation of policy pilots
Alcohol misuse is associated with poor response to systemic therapies for psoriasis: findings from a prospective multicentre cohort study
Get PDFFrom Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-06-13, pub-electronic 2021-08-13Article version: VoRPublication status: PublishedFunder: AbbVie; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100006483Funder: Medical Research Council; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000265; Grant(s): MR/1011808/1Funder: Pfizer; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004319Funder: Eli Lilly and Company; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004312Funder: Novartis; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004336Funder: Janssen CilagFunder: Samsung BioepisSummary: Background: Factors that might influence response to systemic treatment for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis are varied, and generally, are poorly understood, aside from high bodyweight, suggesting that other unidentified factors may be relevant in determining response to treatment. The impact of alcohol misuse on treatment response has not been previously investigated. Objectives: To investigate whether alcohol misuse is associated with poor response to treatment for psoriasis. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study in which response to systemic therapies was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener) questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol misuse. A multivariable factional polynomial linear regression model was used to examine factors associated with change in PASI between baseline and follow‐up. Results: The cohort comprised 266 patients (biologic cohort, n = 134; conventional systemic cohort, n = 132). For the entire cohort, the median (interquartile range) PASI improved from 13 (10·0–18·3) at baseline to 3 (1·0–7·5) during follow‐up. A higher CAGE score [regression coefficient: 1·40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·04–2·77]; obesity (1·84, 95% CI 0·48–3·20); and receiving a conventional systemic rather than a biologic therapy (4·39, 95% CI 2·84–5·95) were significantly associated with poor response to treatment; whereas a higher baseline PASI (–0·83, 95% CI –0·92 to –0·74) was associated with a better response to treatment. Conclusions: The poor response to therapy associated with alcohol misuse and obesity found in people with psoriasis calls for lifestyle behaviour change interventions and support as part of routine clinical care. Targeting interventions to prevent, detect and manage alcohol misuse among people with psoriasis is needed to minimize adverse health consequences and improve treatment response
Nutritional parameters and outcomes in patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19: a retrospective single-centre service evaluation
Get PDFBackground: COVID-19 is an inflammatory syndrome caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms range from mild infection to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring ventilation and intensive care. At the time of data collection, UK cases were around 300 000 with a fatality rate of 13% necessitating over 10 000 critical care admissions; now there have been over 4 million cases. Nutrition is important to immune function and influences metabolic risk factors such as obesity and glycaemic control, as well as recovery from acute illnesses. Poor nutritional status is associated with worse outcomes in ARDS and viral infections, yet limited research has assessed pre-morbid nutritional status and outcomes in patients critically unwell with COVID-19. Objectives: Investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI), glycaemic control and vitamin D status on outcomes in adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Retrospective review of all patients admitted to a central London ICU between March and May 2020 with confirmed COVID-19. Electronic patient records data were analysed for patient demographics; comorbidities; admission BMI; and serum vitamin D, zinc, selenium and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations. Serum vitamin D and HbA1c were measured on admission, or within 1 month of admission to ICU. Primary outcome of interest was mortality. Secondary outcomes included time intubated, ICU stay duration and ICU-related morbidity. Results: Seventy-two patients; 54 (75%) men, mean age 57.1 (±9.8) years, were included. Overall, mortality was 24 (33%). No significant association with mortality was observed across BMI categories. In the survival arm admission, HbA1c (mmol/mol) was lower, 50.2 vs 60.8, but this was not statistically significant. Vitamin D status did not significantly associate with mortality (p=0.131). However, 32% of patients with low vitamin D (26 IU/L. Serum zinc and selenium, and vitamin B12 and folate levels were measured in 46% and 26% of patients, respectively. Discussion/conclusion: Increased adiposity and deranged glucose homeostasis may potentially increase risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, possibly relating to impaired lung and metabolic function, increased proinflammatory and prothrombotic mechanisms. Vitamin D deficiency may also associate with poorer outcomes and mortality, supporting a possible role of vitamin D in immune function specific to pulmonary inflammation and COVID-19 pathophysiology. There are plausible associations between raised BMI, glycaemic control, vitamin D status and poor prognosis, as seen in wider studies; however, in this service evaluation audit during the first wave of the pandemic in the UK, with a limited data set available for this analysis, the associations did not reach statistical significance. Further research is needed into specific nutritional markers influencing critical care admissions with COVID-19
Socio-economic and demographic impacts on the full awareness of the methods for controlling/preventing the spread of COVID-19 among social media users in some African countries at the onset of the pandemic
Get PDFFrom Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2021-05-21, accepted 2021-08-11, registration 2021-08-12, pub-electronic 2021-08-27, online 2021-08-27, collection 2021-12Publication status: PublishedAbstract: Objective: In Africa, most countries continue to battle COVID-19 with cases of newly infected still being recorded. In this note, we investigate how socioeconomic and demographic factors affected individuals awareness on the methods for controlling/preventing the spread of COVID-19 in some parts of Africa at the onset of the pandemic. Results: Based on regression modelling, we find that having full awareness does not depend on religious affiliation. Men, urban dwelling, holding bachelors or higher degrees, operating multiple social media accounts or being employed are associated with having full awareness of the recommended practices for the prevention and control of COVID-19 at the early stage of the pandemic. No occupation, business or older people are associated with not having full awareness
The implications of outcome truncation in reproductive medicine RCTs: a simulation platform for trialists and simulation study
Get PDFFrom Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2020-11-06, accepted 2021-07-22, registration 2021-07-23, pub-electronic 2021-08-06, online 2021-08-06, collection 2021-12Publication status: PublishedFunder: Wellcome Trust; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004440; Grant(s): 204796/Z/16/ZAbstract: Background: Randomised controlled trials in reproductive medicine are often subject to outcome truncation, where the study outcomes are only defined in a subset of the randomised cohort. Examples include birthweight (measurable only in the subgroup of participants who give birth) and miscarriage (which can only occur in participants who become pregnant). These outcomes are typically analysed by making a comparison between treatment arms within the subgroup (for example, comparing birthweights in the subgroup who gave birth or miscarriages in the subgroup who became pregnant). However, this approach does not represent a randomised comparison when treatment influences the probability of being observed (i.e. survival). The practical implications of this for the design and interpretation of reproductive trials are unclear however. Methods: We developed a simulation platform to investigate the implications of outcome truncation for reproductive medicine trials. We used this to perform a simulation study, in which we considered the bias, type 1 error, coverage, and precision of standard statistical analyses for truncated continuous and binary outcomes. Simulation settings were informed by published assisted reproduction trials. Results: Increasing treatment effect on the intermediate variable, strength of confounding between the intermediate and outcome variables, and the presence of an interaction between treatment and confounder were found to adversely affect performance. However, within parameter ranges we would consider to be more realistic, the adverse effects were generally not drastic. For binary outcomes, the study highlighted that outcome truncation could cause separation in smaller studies, where none or all of the participants in a study arm experience the outcome event. This was found to have severe consequences for inferences. Conclusion: We have provided a simulation platform that can be used by researchers in the design and interpretation of reproductive medicine trials subject to outcome truncation and have used this to conduct a simulation study. The study highlights several key factors which trialists in the field should consider carefully to protect against erroneous inferences. Standard analyses of truncated binary outcomes in small studies may be highly biassed, and it remains to identify suitable approaches for analysing data in this context
Redistribution, power sharing and inequality concern
Get PDFFrom Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2017-12-30, registration 2021-01-27, accepted 2021-01-27, pub-electronic 2021-03-10, online 2021-03-10, pub-print 2021-08Publication status: PublishedAbstract: We analyze a political competition model of redistributive policies. We provide an equilibrium existence result and a full characterization of the net transfers to the different income groups. We also derive several testable predictions about the way in which the net group transfers and the after-tax Gini coefficient vary with the main parameters of the model. In accordance with the theory, the empirical evidence from a sample of developed and developing democracies supports a highly statistically significant association between: (i) the net group transfer and the gap between the population and the group mean initial income, and (ii) the net group transfer (and resp., the Gini coefficient) and power sharing disproportionality. In addition, the data also provide some empirical evidence confirming a significant relationship between the net transfers to the poor (and resp., the Gini) and the concern of the political parties with income inequality
Synthesising Facial Macro- and Micro-Expressions Using Reference Guided Style Transfer
Get PDFFrom MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-08-06, pub-electronic 2021-08-11Publication status: PublishedLong video datasets of facial macro- and micro-expressions remains in strong demand with the current dominance of data-hungry deep learning methods. There are limited methods of generating long videos which contain micro-expressions. Moreover, there is a lack of performance metrics to quantify the generated data. To address the research gaps, we introduce a new approach to generate synthetic long videos and recommend assessment methods to inspect dataset quality. For synthetic long video generation, we use the state-of-the-art generative adversarial network style transfer method—StarGANv2. Using StarGANv2 pre-trained on the CelebA dataset, we transfer the style of a reference image from SAMM long videos (a facial micro- and macro-expression long video dataset) onto a source image of the FFHQ dataset to generate a synthetic dataset (SAMM-SYNTH). We evaluate SAMM-SYNTH by conducting an analysis based on the facial action units detected by OpenFace. For quantitative measurement, our findings show high correlation on two Action Units (AUs), i.e., AU12 and AU6, of the original and synthetic data with a Pearson’s correlation of 0.74 and 0.72, respectively. This is further supported by evaluation method proposed by OpenFace on those AUs, which also have high scores of 0.85 and 0.59. Additionally, optical flow is used to visually compare the original facial movements and the transferred facial movements. With this article, we publish our dataset to enable future research and to increase the data pool of micro-expressions research, especially in the spotting task
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