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The countermovement rebound jump: between-session reliability and a comparison with the countermovement and drop jump tests
No full textThe countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) are widely used jump tests to evaluate an athlete's neuromuscular performance. Nevertheless, conducting both the CMJ and the DJ assessments during one testing session can demand a considerable time investment that practitioners or coaches might not always have available. This study investigated whether the countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ) could be considered a viable alternative to the CMJ and DJ tests, respectively. Thirty-three physically active students volunteered as subjects (age: 27.2 ± 5.9 years, height: 1.78 ± 0.8 cm, body mass: 77.5 ± 11.5 kg), with 18 jumps completed for each subject across 2 testing sessions. The jump height (JH) and strategy-based metrics (time to take-off [TTTO], countermovement depth [CM depth], and reactive strength index [RSI] modified for CMJ and the first jump of the CMRJ; leg stiffness [Kleg], ground contact time [GCT], and RSI for DJ and the second jump for the CMRJ) were calculated simultaneously via the impulse-momentum, flight time, double integration, and motion capture methods. All variables were examined by repeated-measures analysis of variance, 2-way random effects model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and standard error of measurement, with the significance set at p ≤ 0.05. All 3 jump tests showed good-to-excellent relative reliability (ICC = 0.79–0.98) and good-to-moderate CV (≤9.83), with the only exception being Kleg measured during the DJ and in the second jump of the CMRJ assessment (CV ≤ 16.01%). Of all measured metrics, significant differences were only observed regarding TTTO between jumps (p ≤ 0.027, effect size [ES] ≤ 0.49). The comparison of calculation methods indicated that the JH calculated by 4 methods were not significantly different between jump actions (p ≥ 0.254). These findings support the use of the CMRJ as a reliable alternative to the CMJ and DJ tests. However, practitioners should be mindful of using Kleg as a metric, whereas practitioners are also advised to allocate sufficient familiarization trials before implementing the CMRJ into their routine test batteries
Transforming smart factories: real-time optimisation of cyber-physical systems with digital twins
Get PDFSmart factories represent the forefront of modern manufacturing, driven by advancements in technology and the integration of digital tools with physical systems using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. This work presents the integration of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) with Digital Twin (DT) technology to enhance the efficiency and real-time optimisation within a smart factory assembly line environment. Central to the study is the automation and integration of a Siemens-Festo Assembly (SFA) within a smart manufacturing lab, where the primary goal is to establish a robust system for seamless data retrieval and communication between the CPS and its DT. The SFA is equipped with multiple sensors that monitor and control various stages of production assembly and is controlled by stage-by-stage programmable logic controller (PLC)’s. These sensors mimic the IIoT setting and produce vital data aiding the monitoring of processes in real time. Programming environments, such as TIA-Portal and Codesys facilitates the extraction of sensor data i.e., the PLC Tags, that are exported by OPC-UA protocols via Node-RED, to entities outside the closed system. The DT, a simulation model created with Unity, receives this data via a TCP connection, guaranteeing that the physical functions of the Siemens-Festo machine are accurately reflected. An environment for visualizing, tracking, and real-time process optimization in manufacturing is provided by the DT model. It is designed in Blender and incorporated into Unity to produce a detailed model of the SFA. The project shows how these technologies can be successfully integrated, allowing real-time sensor data from the physical machine to be accurately mirrored to the DT. To support the safe and effective operation of a smart factory, this data is further examined and stored
How to undertake and record a 12-lead electrocardiogram
No full textA 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a painless procedure commonly undertaken in healthcare practice. An ECG machine uses cables or 'leads' attached with stick-on electrodes to specific parts of the body to create a series of ECG traces, which are then printed onto graph paper. This provides a recording of the cardiac electrical activity measured from different angles or perspectives. • A 12-lead ECG is a valuable diagnostic tool that has proven effective in detecting various cardiac abnormalities or enabling healthcare professionals to rule them out. • It is a cost-effective investigation that can be performed by any appropriately trained healthcare professional. • Careful preparation and correct electrode and lead placement are crucial to ensure accuracy when recording a 12-lead ECG. How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when recording a 12-lead ECG. • How you could use this information to educate students or colleagues about the preparation and recording of a 12-lead ECG. [Abstract copyright: © 2024 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.
Digital-twin-driven end-to-end network slicing toward 6G
Get PDFThe diverse use-case requirements and strict expectations of latency on shared infrastructure, from future networks, calls for networking paradigms that can provide efficiency and flexibility. Network slicing is a network paradigm introduced with 5G, which is a key in realizing diverse service requirements and meeting expectations of future 6G networks. A network digital twin (NDT) model can benefit the management and orchestration of a network slicing lifecycle and provide a clear visual representation of the physical entities of a network slicing model while enabling experimentation with different resource allocation schemes without actually affecting the physical network. An NDT bridges the gap between the physical world and the digital world by having constant bidirectional communication. Hence, in this article, we make a case for NDTs as a key enabler of network slicing in 6G networks while integrating an artificial intelligence-based network slicing strategy to enable end-to-end quality-of-service provisioning
Greening the pharmaceutical supply chain
Get PDFThe pharmaceutical sector is critical from a life-saving perspective. However, it also poses significant environmental challenges due to large consumptions of non-renewable materials and energy, as also extensive by-product and waste generation. Addressing these issues is paramount, though surprisingly, research on it has largely been theoretical, fragmented and incomplete. These shortcomings are sought to be addressed in this work where a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) framework for the sector is first developed through a systematic literature review. It is then empirically assessed and validated for UK's pharmaceutical sector through 47 interviews and analyses of 112 corporate environmental reports that covered all key stakeholders. Innovative and Bio-pharma players were found to be at the forefront of the greening efforts with generic players lagging behind. High levels of solvent recycling, AI-based drug design, and emphasis on Ecopharmacovigilance were observed for the Innovative players. The key drivers for greening were found to be regulatory pressures (e.g., f-gas, ERA, IED) and cost saving potential, with their influence being particularly greater for the Innovative players. Similarly, complex marketing authorization process, high investment requirements, lack of green culture and time pressure were revealed as the key barriers to greening. On the downstream side, lack of environment-related regulatory guidance on prescribing and contradictory regulatory guidance on disposing unused/expired drugs were identified as factors having a significant impact on the environmental loading of drugs. Overall, the study findings can help assess the green readiness of the sector, as also develop stakeholder-specific policy interventions and support mechanisms to increase green adoption
The promise and limitations of student belonging as a predictor of retention
Get PDFEfforts to improve student retention are regularly explored within higher education literature and practice due to their status as a noble aim shared by governments, universities, and students themselves. To this end, students’ sense of belonging has become an increasingly popular topic of study due to its comprehensive links to student success. However, while student retention is understood as a binary, externally defined metric, student belonging is subjective, messy, and dynamic. This study utilises a longitudinal design to explore the changing relationship between student belonging, intention to persist, and eventual continuation with 101 first-year undergraduate students at two English universities. Regression analyses were utilised to build on previous research showing the near-perfect correlation between belonging and students’ intention to persist. Sense of belonging was also a strong predictor of eventual continuation status for all time-point measures of belonging except at the start of the first academic year. These findings provide further evidence for the promise of student belonging as a tool for practitioners to pre-empt risks of withdrawal. However, the findings also suggest that early measurements of a sense of belonging could be less reliable
Reimagining neuroscientific and andragogical principles for dementia care education
Get PDFThis article aims to explore the integration of Louis Cozolino’s (2013) andragogical strategies with the tenets of person-centered dementia care practices to enhance dementia care education. The article examines the multiple dimensions of learning in adulthood, highlighting the role of neural plasticity and lifelong brain adaptation in shaping learning and experiential strategies. This in-depth evaluation underscores the significance of tailoring andragogical approaches to the needs of adult learners, who, in this context, are care providers for persons with dementia. This is done through proper understanding of the neurobiological realities and the unique learning needs of adults. Such tailored approaches can be aligned with the brain’s adaptive nature by recognizing the intricate interplay of cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. Highlighting the need for including lessons on the person-centered approach in dementia care education, the paper argues that adult learners – who are essentially part of the dementia care workforce – first need to learn, appreciate, and embrace the approach before applying it in their caregiving practices. This article presents an overarching argument that integration of Cozolino’s principles of adult learning with tenets of person-centered dementia care could provide a robust framework for dementia care education
Undergraduate and postgraduate strength and conditioning course recognitions and accreditations in the United Kingdom: a report study
Get PDFAs the popularity of strength and conditioning (S&C) continues to grow, there are now an increased number of S&C degrees offered in the United Kingdom (UK). These degrees can be recognised and accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity in collaboration with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (CIMSPA-UKSCA), and the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA). As each association requires different and specific criteria to be met this paper aimed to summarise this information and present the number of S&C degrees recognised and accredited in the UK. Criteria for each awarding association were obtained and consolidated into a check-list format. The number of courses recognised and accredited by each awarding association was obtained by reviewing the websites of each S&C degree, which were sourced from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), NSCA, UKSCA, and IUSCA directories. In total, 20 undergraduate and 29 postgraduate courses were identified. The NSCA recognised 10 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate courses, CIMSPA-UKSCA accredited 11 undergraduate and 7 postgraduate courses, and IUSCA accredited 5 undergraduate and 2 postgraduate courses. Our findings show that recognitions are inexpensive compared to accreditations due to fewer criteria. Most undergraduate degrees held 1-2 recognitions or accreditations, which was 0-1 for postgraduate degrees. All recognitions require specific module, practical, and assessment content to be covered, which in part should be delivered by staff holding a discipline-specific undergraduate or postgraduate degree accompanied with a professional S&C certification. All accreditations require courses to include supervised practical experience and evidence suitable learning environments. The NSCA and IUSCA accreditations require degree titles to indicate the course specialisation (e.g., BSc in S&C) and include a site visit to validate and accredit each course. The CIMSPA-UKSCA and IUSCA accreditations require courses to evidence that transferable graduate knowledge and skills are being developed. This paper may inform (a) course representatives of the criteria to obtain each recognition or accreditation; (b) prospective students to understand and distinguish between each recognition and accreditation, and observe which degrees have received each award; (c) potential employers to tailor job profiles to align with graduate capabilities; and (d) awarding associations to compare and review their recognitions and accreditations with others, to support their continued enhancement or diversification
Exploring the experience of psychotherapists offering dance movement therapy online: an embodied artistic inquiry
No full textDance movement psychotherapy is an established psychotherapeutic intervention that engages clients in a creative process using body movement and dance to assist in the integration of emotional, cognitive, physical and social aspects of self. I undertook this embodied artistic inquiry to explore how psychotherapists experience using dance/movement in online therapy, a practice traditionally rooted in shared physical space. As both a psychotherapist and dancer, I was curious about how embodied connection translates through the online environment and how practitioners adapt creatively to this shift. Eight participants took part in an experience-based, body-anchored interview online via videoconferencing. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a hybrid method combining aesthetic analysis based on Hervey’s (2000) aesthetic criteria and thematic analysis. The results were presented through both creative outputs and qualitative analysis consisting of five main themes and nineteen subthemes. Key embodied themes such as ‘reaching through the screen’, ‘disjointed connection’, and ‘therapist health and safety’ emerged from participants’ narratives and nonverbal movements. These were expressed through movement sequences, dance reflections, and thematic analysis, capturing both the felt sense and the meaning-making processes of using dance/movement in online therapy. The results reveal that different electronic devices (i.e., phones, iPad, laptops, desktop computers etc.) are used by therapists and clients in sessions and movements are used differently with each one. In some cases, the device can become a therapeutic tool to explore movement and can be used creatively, and in others it is simply a platform facilitating sessions. It demonstrates that there were some client groups that psychotherapists either struggled to, or could not, work online with, but also celebrates surprises of working effectively online with new clients using specific dance/movement interventions. In addition, some therapists viewed working online no differently to in-person while others had found it to be a different practice altogether. Key findings show that avoidant behaviours were often seen as opportunities to invite trust and deepen the therapeutic alliance. The process of adaptation was not merely intellectual but deeply embodied; embodied challenges called for embodied solutions. The study, overall, highlights the importance of self-care, movement, and collaboration in sustaining therapeutic presence online and throughout the research process, reflecting both participants’ and my own experiences of how virtual spaces can still nurture connection, growth, and healing. The study recommends further investigation into online dance movement psychotherapy practice and recognises the need for structured support in converting body-based psychotherapeutic interventions for online delivery
The Newham Plays: towards the making of a pro-localist theatre in Newham, East London
No full textThe use of public environment as alternative auditoria and ‘mixed economy’ participation to create new writing which originates from, and is rooted in, a community’s history, culture, and people.
This essay contends that a localist and grassroots approach is the most effective way of empowering wider access to the arts. It argues for an increased emphasis on performance in local spaces rather than in mainstream auditoria. The Newham Plays series have marked out a distinct territory by making a virtue of the absence of elements most commonly associated with conventional theatre spaces, e.g., a stage, scenery, lighting, seating.
The Newham Plays, are a critically acclaimed series of site-specific, localist-focussed plays shows rooted in Newham's history, culture, and people, created, and written by James Kenworth. The plays are a unique collaboration between a writer, director, designer, and professional actors working alongside students from Newham schools and young actors from local youth groups/theatres