OARS - Open Access Repository Suffolk
Not a member yet
2036 research outputs found
Sort by
Reinforcement learning under uncertainty: expected versus unexpected uncertainty and state versus reward uncertainty
Get PDFTwo prominent types of uncertainty that have been studied extensively are expected and unexpected uncertainty. Studies suggest that humans are capable of learning from reward under both expected and unexpected uncertainty when the source of variability is the reward. How do people learn when the source of uncertainty is the environment's state and rewards themselves are deterministic? How does their learning compare with the case of reward uncertainty? The present study addressed these questions using behavioural experimentation and computational modelling. Experiment 1 showed that human subjects were generally able to use reward feedback to successfully learn the task rules under state uncertainty, and were able to detect a non-signalled reversal of stimulus-response contingencies. Experiment 2, which combined all four types of uncertainties—expected versus unexpected uncertainty, and state versus reward uncertainty—highlighted key similarities and differences in learning between state and reward uncertainties. We found that subjects performed significantly better in the state uncertainty condition, primarily because they explored less and improved their state disambiguation. We also show that a simple reinforcement learning mechanism that ignores state uncertainty and updates the state-action value of only the identified state accounted for the behavioural data better than both a Bayesian reinforcement learning model that keeps track of belief states and a model that acts based on sampling from past experiences. Our findings suggest a common mechanism supports reward-based learning under state and reward uncertainty
Rationale and practical recommendations for testing protocols in female soccer: a narrative review
No full textBeato, M, Datson, N, Anderson, L, Brownlee, T, Coates, A, and Hulton, A. Rationale and practical recommendations for testing protocols in female soccer: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the presented literature on tests (aerobic, speed, changes of direction [COD], strength, power, jump, and anthropometry) of the varied components of female soccer and to draw attention to the most suitable protocols to allow practitioners to accurately track players' fitness status. The 2 most common field tests used to assess aerobic fitness are the Yo-Yo intermittent test (level 1 and level 2) and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test because of an ability to measure multiple players at once with a soccer-specific intermittent profile. The sprinting performance can be assessed on distances of <30 m; however, longer distances (e.g., 40 m) allow for achieving peak speed (flying sprint test), which can be assessed using global navigation satellite system. Changes-of-direction capacity has been found to be an important component of players testing and training programs, although there is no "gold standard" to assess COD or repeated sprint ability performance in female players. Lower-limb power can be assessed using jump tests that can use force platforms, jump mats, and optoelectronic devices, while maintaining a good reliability. Several in-direct tests are currently available for assessing anthropometry parameters, such as skinfold thickness, hydrodensitometry, and ultrasound. However, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is the most valid and reliable method for assessing body composition in team sport athletes, with the addition of bone health that is a key measure in female athletes. In conclusion, the evidence reported in this review will be able to aid practitioners, coaches, and researchers to decide which tests meet the requirements of their environment
Denial, disbelief & delays: examining the costs on the NHS of delayed Child Sexal Abuse disclosures in England and Wales
No full textThis report provides new information on the costs of delayed disclosures of CSA (child sexual abuse) on the NHS in England and Wales. The costing indicates that the highest costs were accrued before disclosure, supporting the finding that delayed disclosure leads to higher costs to the NHS and to CSA survivors. Average lifetime health cost per CSA survivor was estimated to be £4.9m, while the total lifetime health-related economic burden was estimated to be 2.9b. One implication of these findings is that interventions provided by the NHS are an important part of the overall response. Recommendations include better preparing NHS staff to recognise and manage disclosures effectively and utilise trauma-informed models, and additionally that more investment is needed in identifying and preventing CSA on the same scale as the efforts involved in tackling domestic abuse
A thematic analysis of narratives about birth satisfaction and health awareness from postnatal Women who have high and low trauma scores on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist
No full textBackground: Around one third of women experience childbirth trauma, with 3-15% developing Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PP-PTSD).
Aim: Explore birth satisfaction and health perception across two groups of postnatal women with either high or low trauma scores.
Method: Forty postnatal women were divided into groups dependent upon Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) scores: high-severity (n=20; range 25-57) or low-severity (n=20; range 0-7). Semi-structured interviews explored women’s childbirth experiences related to birth satisfaction and reports of postnatal health. Thematic analysis was performed.
Findings: Narrative content differed appreciably between High(A) and Low(B) scoring groups. Group A narratives were more negative (A1: Overall, a negative recall), referencing lack of autonomy, support or being heard (A2: Missing needs) and negative influences (A3: Disrupting my bubble). Group B recalled more birth satisfaction (B1: Mostly positive recall) associated with (B2: Autonomy; B3: Being cared for; B4: Intuition, instinct, and primal force). Group A narratives focused strongly on mental health (A4: Reduced awareness; A6 Experiencing PTSD; A7: Needing help); with some focus on physical health (A5: How I feel physically); Group B spoke less about health (B5: My health).
Discussion: High-quality psychological care during labour, with continuity, choice, support, and control, alongside postnatal health follow-up may improve birth satisfaction and reduce incidence of PP-PTSD.
Conclusion: To increase birth satisfaction and reduce trauma maternity care providers must be supported to prioritise high-quality psychological care to women during labour, providing choice, control, and continuity within trusting relationships. Trusting relationships are key to ongoing conversations regarding health and seeking/receiving help. Routine birth satisfaction screening and education for care providers about signs of trauma are important
Black lives matter in gang research
No full textPaul Andell argues that the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a White police officer, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) highlights the current crisis in criminal and social justice. He notes that in the US public demonstrations were met with attempts, by the now defeated President Trump, deploying active duty troops under the 1807 Insurrection Act against the wishes of state and city authorities (Borger 2020). These events and others like them, he observes, have prompted questions across the globe about the role and accountability of state agencies in relation to black and working class communities. Aligned to this, further questions are raised about the kinds of knowledge that might be utilised to guide future policy and practice to improve the community safety of populations ‘at risk’ from ‘over-policing’
Is physical co-presence a prerequisite for Durkheimian collective effervescence? Reflections on remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFABSTRACT
This paper explores why it is that so many of us regard virtual communication technologies as imperfect substitutes for co-present organisational interaction. In so doing, it invokes Durkheim’s concept of collective effervescence; that is, the bonding phenomenon experienced between people in physical proximity. Initially, ethnographic data are presented from a Scottish commune known as the Findhorn Foundation, where the word ‘energy’ is widely used by participants to describe the feelings associated with co-present interaction. Macrosocial data are then drawn from the ‘Return, Reimagine, Reinvent’ series of reports published by McKinsey & Co. which documents remote working experiences during the pandemic. Both data sets suggest that even in an era of advanced virtual connectivity, physical co-presence remains a prerequisite for collective effervescence. Furthermore, the data reveal that while virtual connections are useful for routine communication, our sense of collective effervescence must be periodically ‘recharged’ by means of intermittent physical assembly
Identifying which factors impact bowling and batting performances during the “death” phase of an innings in international men’s 50-over cricket
Get PDFIn this study, 3,767 balls bowled by international-level fast bowlers
across two One-Day International (ODI) tournaments were analysed
to determine how to effectively bowl during the “death” phase of
an innings (final 10 overs). The results of chi-squared analyses
revealed that bowling length, bowling line, batter quality and having
wickets in hand were all associated with the concession of runs
during the death phase (all p < 0.001). Specifically, the yorker length
is revealed to be very effective at restricting runs conceded,
whereas the opposite is true for the half-volley and full-toss lengths.
The batting side having five or more wickets in hand results in
greater than expected runs being scored during the death phase.
Furthermore, the results reveal that middle order batters score
more runs than their tail-ender team-mates during this death
phase, suggesting that middle-order batters have to assume the
role of “finishers”. From a practical perspective, the results of this
study clearly identify areas bowlers can target to constrict the
scoring of runs as well as areas they should avoid. Batting strategies
in the death phase should consist maintaining five or more wickets
in hand and thereby not exposing tail-enders to the bowling
attack
Interventions to support mental health in people with long COVID: a scoping review
Get PDFIntroduction: Long COVID (LC) is a multisystem disease with symptoms lasting weeks or months beyond the acute COVID-19 infection. Several manifestations are reported by people with LC, including effects on mental health, with varying degrees of psychological distress and disturbances to daily activities. Research conducted to identify effective interventions to support mental health among people with LC has been limited by the breadth and scope of studies. Aim: This review aims to identify interventions being tested to support mental health of people with LC. Methods: A scoping review was conducted by searching five databases for articles published between January 2020 and early October 2022 to identify research evaluating interventions focused on improving mental health symptoms associated with LC. Results from all sources were checked for eligibility by two reviewers, and agreements were resolved by discussion. Gray literature and reference list of included studies and relevant reviews were scrutinised to identify any additional studies. Data extraction was conducted by one reviewer and checked by another reviewer for accuracy. Results: Of the 940 studies identified, 17 were included, the design of which varied but included mainly case studies (n = 6) and clinical trials (n = 5). Several interventions were described, ranging from single interventions (e.g., pharmacologic) to more holistic, comprehensive suites of services (pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic). Several mental health outcomes were measured, mostly anxiety and depression. All included studies were reported to be associated with improvements in participants’ mental health outcomes. Conclusion: This scoping review identified studies reporting on a variety of interventions to support mental health among people with LC. Although positive changes were reported by all studies, some were case studies and thus their findings must be interpreted with caution. There is a need for more research to be conducted to identify the impact of interventions on mental health of people with LC
Cannabis Use, Neurobiology, Psychology, and Treatment
No full textCannabis Use, Neurobiology, Psychology, and Treatment offers readers a comprehensive reference on neurological changes, both transient and long-term, and other factors surrounding the use of these compounds and extracts. With coverage of both natural and synthetic cannabinoids, this broad coverage allows readers to learn about both adverse and non-adverse effects, including reactivity to pain, changes in behavior, and neuroactivity. This volume provides a platform for research on the effects of these compounds in brain function and neurological dysfunction. Extracts from the Cannabis sativa plant contain scores of psychoactive compounds in addition to the principal agent tetrahydrocannabinol, many of which are neuroactive