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Close the gap: contextual influences on defensive dispersion in rugby league
Get PDFOn-field spacing has been linked to successful performance in a number of sportsto date, there is limited research investigating this within rugby league. This study aims to (a) quantify the defensive dispersal during rugby league match-play and (b) identify if contextual factors are associated with the dispersal. Global Positioning System data were analysed from 47 European Super League matches (1598 player files). Defensive dispersal was calculated for 1959 defensive sets of rugby league. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the effects of contextual factors on the average defensive dispersal per set when accounting for team and fixture. On-field position and match half were found to significantly affect defensive dispersal. However, set length, play-the-ball length, and final score difference were found to have minimal impact on defensive dispersal. This study demonstrates that defensive dispersal in rugby league can be measured using GPS data and may be strongly influenced by on-field positioning. As such, it quantifies an important element of tactical preparation for rugby league teams
Advancing AI-Powered BIM for Circularity in Construction in the UK and Turkiye: State-of-the-Art Review and Capability Maturity Modelling
Get PDFThe promotion of uptake of building information modelling (BIM) and circular economy (CE) in the UK and Turkiye construction sectors can be enhanced with the addition of AI. Thus, AI-enabled BIM and CE must be addressed from the viewpoint of current practices and capabilities. This study conducted a comparative study of capability maturity modelling (CMM) backed by a state-of-the-art (SOTA) review of 24 peer-reviewed publications via a validatory approach using a focus group webinar of eight experts in the UK and Turkiye. The findings, as extracted through a validated CMM framework of seven dimensions, were used to identify the position of the UK and Turkiye in terms of AI in BIM and CE. It was discovered that the UK is in a position regarding adoption, government policies and incentives at a defined level. AI growth is required in terms of technological advancement, education and training, industry readiness, cultural attitudes and resistance because they are in a managed phase. It was confirmed that Turkiye is at the initial stage of AI adoption, education, training, incentives, policies, technology and cultural attitudes. The originality of this study lies in the recommendations for a 10-year CMM adoption timeframe towards an optimised level. The conclusions of this manuscript will influence government, education, research and technological policies in the UK and Turkiye
Comment on ‘Acute Sarcopenia: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on Its Incidence and Muscle Parameter Shifts During Hospitalisation’ by Aldrich et al.: The Authors' Reply
Get PDFWe appreciate the opportunity to respond to the comments raised by Silva and Cipriano [1] regarding our recently published systematic review and meta-analysis on acute sarcopenia [2]. Constructive discussions such as this help clarify methodological considerations and enhance scientific understanding.
Firstly, regarding knee extensor strength measurement, Silva and Cipriano [1] note that our review stated their study [3] did not assess knee extensor strength. We acknowledge that they measured strength using neuromuscular electrical stimulation to evoke peak force. However, our review excluded studies using electrically evoked contractions, as voluntary contractions are the recognised standard for sarcopenia assessments. This exclusion criterion was applied consistently across all studies, ensuring methodological alignment. Although we did not explicitly state this in our inclusion/exclusion criteria, we appreciate the opportunity to clarify this point. To further justify our stance on excluding this, we would like to highlight conclusions from Jenkins et al. [4] who acknowledged that voluntary and evoked contractions offer unique information to each other and should not be used interchangeably.
Secondly, with reference to the sample size inclusion, we included only the control group from Silva et al.'s study, as per our inclusion criteria that specified that only control groups from intervention studies would be included. Although their total sample size was 60 participants, we reported only the control group (n = 30) as our review focused on muscle changes during hospitalisation independent of interventions. We acknowledge that this distinction could have been stated more clearly.
We respectfully disagree with the claim that our review contains inaccuracies that could compromise the integrity of the scientific record. Our methodological decisions were carefully considered, transparent, and aligned with standard sarcopenia assessment practices. The exclusion of electrically evoked contraction measures was a deliberate methodological choice, as voluntary contractions are the established standard. Although this criterion was not explicitly outlined in our inclusion/exclusion criteria, it reflects a methodological decision rather than an inaccuracy. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this and believe our approach remains clear to researchers familiar with standard assessment methods.
We thank Silva et al. for their engagement and the opportunity to address these points
Race and Sex Inequalities in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Perspectives from UK Healthcare Professionals – A Delphi Study
No full textBackground
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) provides proven benefits, yet only 50% of eligible individuals participate, with females and ethnic minority groups being particularly underrepresented. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) views on factors influencing referral and attendance to phase III CR services in the United Kingdom (UK), with the purpose of identifying evidence-based recommendations and strategies to enhance access and participation.
Methods
Thirty-eight HCPs involved in the cardiac care or rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) participated in a three-round Delphi study. Participants were asked about staff competencies, CR core components, referral criteria, referral pathways, and the impact of sex and ethnicity on referral and attendance.
Results
108 statements were proposed by the participants. Consensus was achieved on 53 statements covering 10 key aspects of CR. HCPs identified significant disparities in referral practices and attendance, attributing these to HCP knowledge gaps, lack of streamlined referral pathways, and non-inclusive referral processes. They emphasised the need for educational initiatives within general practitioner surgeries and the development of direct referral pathways to improve CR access. Additionally, HCPs highlighted the importance of educating ward staff on inclusive practices and cultural sensitivity to improve referrals, particularly for females and ethnic minority groups.
Conclusions
The study highlights disparities in CR referral and attendance, particularly by sex and ethnicity. It provides evidence-based recommendations to ensure equitable access to CR services. Future interventions should focus on tailored education for HCPs and streamlined, direct referral pathways to ensure inclusive access for diverse populations in the UK
The WavEs: A Project
Get PDFThe text is created from 3D scans of Virginia Woolf’s writing hut and garden located in the house where she lived from 1918 until her death in 1941: Monk’s House in Rodmell, East Sussex. The scans capture the garden in ways that appear both substantial and yet ethereal, tracing contours that explore the physical textures of the site while using movement to allude to the cadences and syntax of the text. The film has been developed using Woolf’s 1931 experimental novel ‘The Waves’ as a narrative armature. The ‘camera’ moves through the garden, mapping out different perspectives with a steady pace and rhythm, tracing dreamlike vectors as if motivated by the desire-lines of Woolf’s restless characters. After a sequence that implies confusion and disorientation, the final tracking shot returns us to the hut, as a voice previously buried and scrambled in the soundtrack reads a particularly poignant section of the novel
As Fire Burns Both Here and in Persia: The Internationalisation of Legal Education as a Cosmopolitan Educational Paradigm
No full textThe discipline of law has to rediscover its original universal educational configuration. The subject of law with its roots lost in the passage of time, from the study of justice, fairness and equity in Greek philosophy to Gaius’s Institutes in the second Century AD and the Institutes of the Justinian codification in the sixth Century AD, is one that was once deemed rather universal in its educational configuration and philosophical outlook. The revival of the study of law otherwise occurred in Bologna in the eleventh Century AD and the subject grew significantly post the 1648 Westphalian paradigm, which marked a new era for the discipline of law altogether: the rise of the modern nation state and, by extension, the legal codifications movement. The paper, taking into account all these developments, posits that the subject of law was once international in and of itself; so were many of its educational aspects. It further posits that law as a discipline has to rediscover its traditional spirit of universality in furtherance of a more cosmopolitan educational paradigm. The paper concludes with an overview of its main findings
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in Construction and Real Estate Finance: Literature-Based Review
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many industries, but its application in the construction and real estate finance sectors
is particularly innovative. This study explores how artificial intelligence is utilised to enhance risk management, refine investment strategies, and optimise project outcomes within these industries. We examine key artificial intelligence technologies, such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and natural language processing, and assess their potential to transform traditional practices.
Case studies and current breakthroughs demonstrate that artificial intelligence can mitigate the risks linked to project delays, cost overruns, and suboptimal decision-making in investment processes. Furthermore, the ramifications of these technologies for future practices are analysed, revealing a propensity for data-driven decision-making procedures that enhance both efficiency and profitability. It is crucial to examine the significant impact that artificial intelligence will exert on strategic management and operational efficiency as it becomes increasingly incorporated into organisational structures. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the applications of artificial intelligence in the construction and real estate financing sectors, highlighting the importance of innovation in these critical industries
The Provision of Social Support in an Online Support Forum for Caregivers of People With Comorbid Dementia and Cancer: Content Analysis Study.
No full textBACKGROUND: A growing number of people are living with comorbid dementia and cancer (CDC), and they are particularly likely to require support from family caregivers. Carers of people with CDC play a vital supportive role but have reported unmet support needs, including a lack of CDC-specific information resources and peer support. A targeted online peer support forum may provide an accessible way to help address unmet needs of carers of people with CDC. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the types and frequency of social support provided on an online peer support forum for caregivers of people with CDC, hosted by a dementia charity in the United Kingdom. METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. All posts (N=893) on the forum since its launch in November 2018 to April 2024 were exported into Microsoft Excel for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to examine forum use and user characteristics. Deductive content analysis was conducted to explore the types and frequency of social support provided on the forum. Posts were analyzed according to an adapted version of Cutrona and Suhr's Social Support Behavior Code, consisting of 5 main categories of support: informational, emotional, esteem, network, and tangible. Coding was completed independently by 2 coders, and any coding disagreements were resolved by reaching a consensus through discussion. RESULTS: A total of 258 usernames posted on the forum since its inception. There were 893 posts; 583 (65.3%) were coded as providing social support. All 5 Social Support Behavior Code categories were present in the forum posts. Informational support was the most common type of social support provided on the forum, which mostly involved providing suggestions for caregiving and coping strategies and sharing personal experiences that provide CDC-specific knowledge or insight. This was followed by emotional support, which consisted mostly of expressing shared understanding and empathy for caregivers in their unique situation of CDC and providing expressions of care for the recipient's well-being. Esteem, network, and tangible support were less common, though they included providing validation and relief of blame to other caregivers, typically in decision-making regarding cancer treatment; reminding caregivers that others were available on the forum for support; and expressing willingness to answer questions about their CDC caregiving experience. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the use and value of a CDC-specific online forum as a source of social support for carers of people with CDC, facilitating users' access to CDC-specific information and peer support. The relatively new forum shows promise as a free and accessible resource that can contribute to addressing carers' informational and peer support needs
'Don't forget the juicy fruits': Khat-chewing, diaspora, and identity amongst young British-Somali men in the North of England
No full textThis ethnographic study examines how young British-Somali men in NorthernEngland utilize khat-chewing as a cultural practice to negotiate hybrid identitiesformed by migration, marginalization, and transnational belonging. Drawing on18 months of fieldwork, the research reveals how khat consumption withinmafrish spaces functions as a ritual of cultural continuity, enabling participantsto maintain symbolic ties to Somali heritage while navigating British urban life.These practices challenge binary notions of identity, illustrating how diasporicyouth construct fluid, contextual selves that blend Somaliness with Britishness.Khat-chewing emerges as both a coping mechanism and a form of resistance,offering a sense of belonging amid experiences of exclusion, Islamophobia, andracialization. The study highlights the agency of young migrants in shapingdiasporic spaces and identities, contributing to broader debates on hybridity,glocalization, and the politics of cultural expression in postcolonial Britain
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