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Psychosocial effects of a behavioural augmentation of existing public physical activity programs for middle-aged and older adults in Ireland
No full textThe combination of an ageing population, increasing prevalence of preventable noncommunicable diseases and a decline in physical activity with age emphasizes the need for investment in physical activity programs and services for older people. This study aimed to add to the initial evidence on the effectiveness of the Move for Life (MFL) intervention by examining its effects on psychosocial health outcomes and determinants of physical activity. MFL is an intervention that aims to augment existing community-based public physical activity programs for middle-aged and older adults in Ireland with strategies derived from behavioural theory and support from peer leaders. A 3-arm cluster randomised feasibility trial compared MFL intervention, usual provision (UP) and waiting list control (CON) groups at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1, at 8-, 10- or 12-weeks) and 6-month follow up after baseline (T2). Psychosocial health and determinants of physical activity were assessed at each occasion by validated self-report measures. Linear or generalized linear mixed models were fitted to estimate group differences over time. Of 733 recruited individuals, 601 (mean age: 63.06±8.1 years, 80.4% female) met study inclusion criteria. Significant advantages were found in the MFL group relative to UP in ratings of self-efficacy to over-come barriers to physical activity participation, subjective norms for and attitudes towards participation in physical activity (ps<.05). Subsequent analyses accounting for implementation fidelity revealed additional advantages for the ‘high fidelity’ MFL group relative to other groups, notably regarding loneliness and relatedness to others, perceived behavioural control, attitudes toward and intentions to participate in physical activity (ps<.05). The pattern of results shows the potential of MFL to impact positively the psychosocial health of inactive adults aged 50+ years and change psychosocial determinants of physical activity, particularly when implemented as intended. The results suggest as well that existing physical activity programs may have unexpected psychosocial consequence</p
The health promoting sports coach: theoretical background and practical guidance
No full textThe sports club setting is a key context for health promotion, but it can also be associated with risky behaviours. Sports coaches play a crucial role in supporting the physical, mental and social health of sport participants but often lack the resources and support to do so. This paper proposes a guide to help coaches become health promoters by aligning their actions with the Health Promoting Sports Club model, which represents the setting-based approach applied to sports clubs. An embedded mixed-method study with a QUAL (qual) design was used, where 15 experts took part in 5 meetings and 299 coaches provided input through an online survey. Four steps were carried out: (1) defning the health-promoting sports coach and key action principles, (2) co-constructing progression stages using the settings-based approach, (3) identifying key actions for promoting health in diferent moments of coaching (i.e., before, during, and after training and competition, and outside of coaching), and (4) developing long-term intervention components.A defnition of the health-promoting sports coach was produced, and eight key action principles have been identifed, divided into three dimensions: connection with the system, adoption of a coaching philosophy, and focus on participants. Five stages of progression for integrating health promotion into coaching have been established, ranging from risk prevention to a global approach involving the entire sports system. Specifc actions for each moment of coaching (before, during, and after training and competition, and outside of coaching) have been identifed, such as monitoring the physical, mental, and social health of participants or plan the coaching session to ensure safety, inclusion, and well-being for all sports participants, staying open for last-minute changes. Finally, long-term intervention components to support the implementation of these actions in practice have been developed, based on what coaches are already doing, the skills they possess and the fve stages of progression.This paper enables the development of a guide to help sports coaches promote health by identifying concrete actions and short- and long-term interventions, whilst making links with the health promoting sports club model. It broadens the scope of coaching by incorporating health principles, while emphasising the need to adapt to the environment and context of the club. This work calls for future research to test the efectiveness and feasibility of these approaches in various sporting environments.</p
Interventions to reduce self-stigma among people living with HIV: A Systematic review
No full textOver 4 decades into the global HIV pandemic, HIV-related self-stigma—a mindset of negative beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors a person holds about themselves—remains a major barrier to HIV treatment, management, and care. HIV-related self-stigma is a persistent public health threat and leads to depression and other mental health problems, lowers adherence to antiretroviral medication, and acts as a barrier to health services. Not enough is known about what interventions work and how they work to reduce self-stigma. We conducted a systematic review of existing interventions that address self-stigma among people living with HIV to address this gap. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science; used Covidence review software; dual-screened the results; extracted data from each included study; analyzed the data using Cochrane guidelines and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication Framework; and categorized the content based on emerging themes around the intervention/program. We included 35 studies in the review, with the majority (32/35, 91%) showing promise to reduce HIV self-stigma or components of self-stigma. Intervention approaches included working on thoughts, feelings, and beliefs through a range of cognitive-based, inquiry-based, and mindful-based techniques, often with a forward-looking goal-setting focus. However, comparison of studies was difficult with different definitions and understandings of self-stigma and different measurement scales. Many studies were small-scale and lacked sufficient in-depth descriptions. This study makes an important contribution to the field of HIV more broadly and HIV-related stigma, specifically, in proposing a common definition of self-stigma and providing in-depth descriptions of interventions in terms of content, type, level, and effectiveness.</p
Bipolar electrochemistry-driven wireless drug loading and energy harvesting in conductive hybrid hydrogels
No full textBipolar electrochemistry enables wireless and spatially controlled redox reactions on (semi) conductive objects immersed in an electrolyte. Here, we investigate advanced bipolar electrochemistry applications using flexible bipolar electrodes coated with hybrid films of conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and alginate hydrogels. These coatings allow for the wireless creation of reversible redox and chemical gradients, providing targeted drug loading and energy harvesting opportunities. We use cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize distinct redox regions within the bipolar electrode. The wireless and selective loading of a model drug, fluorescein, into the hydrogel, demonstrated control over drug distribution, suggesting an alternative to conventional uniform doping techniques. Furthermore, cutting the gradient-encoded bipolar electrode and closing an external circuit between the halves, enables energy recovery through a concentration cell mechanism. Our findings illustrate the potential of bipolar electrochemistry in creating versatile platforms that bridge materials science, electrochemistry, and bioelectronics for innovative biomedical and energy applications.</p
Revealing the reverse austenite and martensite transformation pathways in P91 steel through in situ MEMS-heating EBSD investigations
No full textIn situ electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis of martensitic P91 (modified 9Cr-1Mo) steel during heating and after cooling down was carried out. Crystallographic information about α’-to-γ phase transformation with heating reveals that orientation relationships (ORs) between initial martensite and reversed austenite likely follows Pitsch OR. The γ-to-α’ phase transformation that occurred after cooling exhibits multiple possible orientation relationships, with the Kurdjumov–Sachs (K-S) OR showing a slightly better fit. In situ EBSD analysis also provided insights into the nucleation and growth of reversed austenite during heating. γ nucleation initially occurs at high-angle grain boundaries and is characterized by rapid (massive) growth. In addition, it was found that the setup used with the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) heater does not allow for accurate control of cooling rates, and the structural inhomogeneity of the steel samples after rapid cooling affects the interpretation of OR analysis</p
One step further: a flexible metal−organic framework that functions as a dual-purpose water vapor sorbent
No full textWe report a water induced phase transformation in a flexible MOF, [Zn3(OH)2(btca)2] (Hbtca = 1H-benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid), that exhibits a two-step water vapor sorption isotherm associated with water-induced phase transformations. Variable temperature X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the dehydrated phase, LP-β, is almost isostructural with the previously reported solvated phase, LP-α. LP-β reversibly transformed to a partially hydrated phase, NP, at 5% RH, and a fully hydrated phase, LP-γ, at 47% RH. Structural studies reveal that host−guest and guest−guest interactions are involved in the NP, LP-α, and LP-γ phases. The LP-β phase, however, is atypical; molecular modeling studies indicating that it is indeed energetically favorable as a LP structure. To our knowledge, [Zn3(OH)2(btca)2] is only the second sorbent that exhibits water induced LP-NP-LP transformations (after MIL-53) and represents the first regeneration optimized sorbent (ROS) with two steps at RH ranges relevant for both atmospheric water harvesting and dehumidification</p
A needle in a haystack: transient porosity in a closed pore square lattice coordination network
No full textGuest transport through discrete voids (closed pores) in crystalline solids is poorly understood. Herein, we report the gas sorption properties of a nonporous coordination network, {[Co(bib)2Cl2] ⋅ 2MeOH}n (sql-bib-Co-Cl-α), featuring square lattice (sql) topology and the bent linker 1,3-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene (bib). The as-synthesized sql-bib-Co-Cl-α has 11.3 % (313 Å3) of its unit cell volume in closed pores occupied by methanol (MeOH). Upon desolvation and air exposure, sql-bib-Co-Cl-α underwent a single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) phase transformation to sql-bib-Co-Cl-β′, wherein MeOH was replaced by water. Activation (vacuum or N2 flow) resulted in dehydration and retention of the closed pores, affording sql-bib-Co-Cl-β with 7.7 % (194 Å3) guest-accessible space. sql-bib-Co-Cl-β was found to preferentially adsorb C2H2 (at 265 K) over CO2 (at 195 K) through gate-opening mechanisms, at gate-opening pressures of 59.8 and 27.7 kPa, respectively, while other C2 gases were excluded. PXRD was used to monitor transformations between the three phases of sql-bib-Co-Cl, while in situ DSC, in situ SCXRD under CO2 pressure, and computational studies provided insight into the guest transport mechanism, which we attribute to the angular, flexible nature of the bib ligand. Further, the preferential adsorption of C2H2 over CO2 and other C2 gases suggests that transiently porous sorbents might have utility in separations.</p
Design for green lean six sigma to improve sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry – a case study
No full textThis paper’s purpose is to outline the use of the Design for Green Lean Six Sigma (DFGLSS) to evaluate bulk pharmaceutical product packaging and ascertain a path to its reduction and even elimination to improve an organisation’s sustainability. The methodology employed was DFGLSS using the Define, Measure, Analyse, Design and Verify steps. The packaging type responsible for the highest sustainability impact was identified and replaced, resulting in a decrease in overall carbon emissions associated with packaging. Adopting a reuse strategy for this packaging type resulted in cost savings, further reductions in carbon emissions, and in the total weight of bulk packaging waste. This study is one of the first, to the author’s knowledge, to apply DFGLSS within a pharmaceutical organisation or elsewhere and within the wider academic literature to improve sustainability. Thus, it contributes to a research gap by demonstrating how DFGLSS can be successfully applied to promote sustainability in pharmaceutical packaging and product packaging in general.</p
Açaí waste and gypsum rapidly enhance ecological functioning in non-weathered, filter press bauxite residue: A one-year field experiment in the humid tropics of Northern Brazil
No full textIn our study, the average annual precipitation is approximately 2085 mm, with an average temperature around 26.6◦C. In such climate, organic amendments, like açaí seed waste, decompose relatively fast, thus promptly supplying nutrients, and humified organic matter, while promoting microbial activity essential for initiating soil formation processes. Although, the speed and direction of these processes depend on climatic conditions (e.g. rainfall intensity and distribution) their fluctuations are not expected to be such that they will greatly affect the outcome. Also, frequency and abundance of rainfall may vary in the humid tropics thereby affecting the leaching rate of sodium and other soluble contaminants from the BR following gypsum application. This leaching process is important for the rehabilitation of BR as it facilitates the reduction of alkalinity and salinity—critical factors limiting plant growth in untreated BR (Courtney and Kirwan, 2012; Bray et al., 2018; Miura et al., 2024). Intense rainfall events may cause erosion or loss of amendments applied superficially, thus potentially reducing their effectiveness if appropriate erosion controls are not implemented. In the experimental set up the amendments were well mixed into the soil and the test plots were situated in horizontal terrain to limit surface water runoff and erosion. Important in this respect is that, in some experimental plots, where neither açaí seed waste nor gypsum were applied, a slow infiltration of water into the soil was noted (associated with poor aggregation and structure), commonly leading to water ponding in the plots. Bauxite residue (BR), remaining after alumina production, presents high alkalinity and salinity and to its low fertility hindering ecological restoration. This experiment occurred in Northern Brazil’s humid tropics, between August 2021 to August 2022, where we evaluated the effects of adding açaí seed waste (8 % w/w) and gypsum (5 %, 8 %, and 13 % w/w) on plant growth, contaminants uptake and microbial activity in BR. Results showed significant above ground net primary production of Urochloa brizantha up to 1.46 kg/m2 , within 6 months while no growth was observed on unamended BR or on BR amended with gypsum alone. Furthermore, the amendments significantly enhanced microbial and enzyme activities as indicated by increases in dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, and average well color development (AWCD) values, indicating improved microbial metabolic functions essential for ecological restoration. Our study is among the first to show that non-weathered filter-press BR in the humid tropics can be remediated effectively and within a year by a combination of açaí seed waste and gypsum. Our results provide a promising approach for large-scale remediation and ecological restoration of bauxite residue storage facilities (BRSF) in tropical regions, contributing to sustainable land management practices with significant biomass production thereby supporting the broader goals of environmental rehabilitation and sustainable development.</p
Strength and speed training practices of female Gaelic football coaches in Ireland
No full textThis study investigated coaching practices in female Gaelic football in Ireland, with specific emphasis on coaches’ perception of the role of strength and speed training on performance. A questionnaire comprising of five sections (i.e., coaching demographic, strength and speed training, programming, strength and speed testing, and menstrual cycle) was developed and subsequently circulated to female Gaelic football clubs (i.e., senior, intermediate, junior level, and age specific categories) and all 32 county boards in Ireland. Sixty-six coaches completed the survey (43±10 years). Seventy-nine percent of coaches reported including strength and speed training as part of their programming. Additionally, 79% and 90% of coaches indicated that they strongly agree that strength and speed training can positively influence match-play performance, respectively. In the context of programming for strength qualities, practitioners primarily orientated towards the development of strength endurance. Free sprinting was the most popular ‘specific’ method of speed development. Additionally, strength training was a popular ‘general’ method of enhancing speed, with 95% of coaches reporting that they believe strength training has a positive effect on overall sprint performance. Strength and speed testing was implemented by approximately half of the surveyed coaches. Fifty-nine percent of coaches surveyed reported that they do not take the menstrual cycle into consideration when programming for their players. Overall, this study highlights some theory-practice gaps, particularly in relation to the programming of strength qualities and knowledge surrounding the impact of the menstrual cycle in performance. Consequently, coaches should interpret this practice-based information with caution when prescribing strength and speed training with their athletes.</p