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Arboreal Methodologies: the promise of getting lost (with feminist new materialism and Indigenous ontologies) for social studies
No full textThis chapter materialises
‘arboreal methodologies’
as a way to push social studies, of childhood specifically, in other directions. The problematic divide between theory and practice in early childhood education has long been recognised (Lenz Taguchi, 2010), it is our intention
to pursue ways to ‘go beyond’ this divide by enacting feminist new materialist
praxis to actively engage in world-making practices (Haraway, 2008). We consider this to be a generative experiment in bringing practices, philosophies and activisms together in order to (re)imagine social studies in other (worldly) ways (Haraway, 2016). The arboreal methodologies we work with are situated, material and affective, they involve metaphorical and material practices of weaving, crafting and entangling strings. We pursue seriously playful questions about how else knowledge gets produced, by whom and with what consequences. We wonder how arboreal methodologies might offer ways to live differently in the world, and to recognise ethical response-abilities in our teaching, research and activis
ADAMTS13 activity measurement by ELISA and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay
No full textAccurate estimation of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity level is crucial in the diagnostic setting of differentiation between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and other thrombotic microangiopathies. The original assays were too cumbersome and time-consuming for use in the acute situation, and treatment was often based on clinical findings alone, with confirmatory laboratory assays following days or weeks later. Rapid assays are now available that can generate results fast enough to impact on immediate diagnosis and management. Assays based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or chemiluminescence principles can generate results in less than an hour, although they require specific analytical platforms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) can generate results in about 4 h, but do not require specialized equipment beyond ELISA plate readers that are in regular use in many laboratories. The present chapter describes principles, performance, and practical aspects of an ELISA and a FRET assay, for quantitative measurement of ADAMTS13 activity in plasma
Assessment of movement variability and time in a football reactive agility task depending on constraints
Get PDFThe aims of this study were to: (1) analyze time and movement variability in a football (soccer) agility task performed with or without ball, both in the following situations a) reacting to the movement of two players with a single exit gate (R1), b) reacting to the movement of one player with two possible exit gates (R2) and c) not reacting to a stimulus; and, (2) analyze the relationship between time and movement variability. Seventeen semi-professional female football players participated in the study. Acceleration was measured using an inertial measurement unit attached to each player through an elastic belt close to the sacrum. Entropy was calculated from the acceleration signal and time was extracted using a magnet-based timing system. Movement variability was reduced whereas time increased when adding the ball and/or the reaction, finding no differences between R1 and R2. A moderate negative correlation was found between time and movement variability (r=-0.56, p<0.01). Our findings demonstrate that increasing the difficulty and/or the amount of information from the environment, decreased movement variability and increased the time. The measurement of movement variability in addition to time in an agility task can be used to determine the mastery level of players
Factors influencing the realisation of the social impact of urban nature in inner-city environments: A systematic review of complex evidence
Get PDFThe beneficial health, wellbeing and liveability impacts of urban nature are broadly evidenced and increasingly engaged with in planning and policy. But anomalies in empirical evidence suggest that benefits do not flow equally to all. This review paper analyses the contribution of existing research on how the material and social context and subjective factors shape the social impact of urban nature. We review 46 international papers published between 2019 and 2021 that present findings from inner-city metropolitan contexts. The findings evidence variations in benefits and some dis-benefits derived from urban nature associated with features of the material context (e.g., urban and greenspace form, infrastructure and facilities), the social context (e.g., demographic diversity and socio-economic standing) and subjective factors such as gender and cultural identity. We recommend an inclusive research and planning approach that is attuned to the role of the human experience in the realisation of the social impact of urban nature to ensure that the prevalent urban greening agenda actually benefits all city dwellers and does not unintentionally contribute to further inequality. We recommend a shift of focus from ‘physical access to nature’ to ‘actually realised access to its benefits’ for more inclusive policy and planning
Practices of strength and conditioning coaches across Chinese high-performance sports
Get PDFThis study used an online survey to investigate the practices and perspectives of strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) across different high–performance sports in China. The survey comprised of the following sections: (a) background information, (b) muscular strength and power, (c) speed, (d) endurance, (e) plyometrics, (f) flexibility, (g) physical testing, (h) technology use, and (i) programing. In total, 93 SCCs from 44 high–performance sports across 25 provinces/municipalities participated in this study (age 31.5 ± 6.9 yrs, experience as a SCC 5.5 ± 4.4 yrs). Periodization strategies were used by 97% of SCCs. Clean and derivatives (37%) were deemed the most important exercises for strength and power development. Heart rate (85%) and repetition maximum (72%) were the most used methods for determining set loads in endurance and strength training, respectively. Box drills (91%) were the most prescribed plyometric exercise, and dynamic stretching (91%) was the most prescribed flexibility exercise. All SCCs physically tested their athletes and 95% frequently used technology–based equipment. For open–ended questions, 30% of SCCs would change their programs by improving monitoring, testing, equipment, and facilities. Thirty-nine percent of SCCs believed digitization and monitoring will be prominent future trends. The results indicated that most practices of SCCs in Chinese high performance–sports were dissimilar to those of SCCs in other countries. SCCs generally prescribe training according to the needs of sports. However, the interferences of many external factors also affected the scientific nature of training prescription
Understanding the links between diversity and creativity as assessed in the boroughs of London
Get PDFThis paper analyses the links between creativity and diversity in the different boroughs of London. Based on rich data from the UK Census of Population of 2011 and other sources, we specifically analysed the correlations between creativity and diversity within the London boroughs. The main results of this study indicate that there is no direct correlation between creativity and diversity. Some significant correlations have been observed, however, between variables that shape such indices. Namely, the “creative class” tend to live in more diverse, more heterogeneous neighbourhoods (alongside people from many different countries) and they are more prepared to tolerate such diverse environments. The study also shows that diversity of geographical origin (measured by country of origin) is a more relevant factor for boosting creativity than variables such as religious diversity. This article contributes to the theoretical field of research exploring the impact of diversity on creative people and cities
Green bonds in the transport sector
No full textThis paper aims to highlight the benefits of transportation companies to issue unsecured and covered green, social and sustainable bonds, which are well suited to promote environmental and social investment in the sector. These benefits have already been illustrated for many participants. Green bonds represent an effective and accessible way for the environmental and social agenda to be advanced throughout the transport industry, and to raise the sector’s standing globally in addressing climate change and social issues, through strengthening of environmental, social and governance (ESG) structures. Data and methods: The study examines the evolution of covered and uncovered green bonds and their application in the transport industry. Different characteristics of green bonds are explored, including issuance process, use of proceeds, eligible assets for covered bonds, disclosure standards, project evaluation and selection, and reporting. The approach contrasts European and North American experience with what more emerging economies can expect going forward, in an effort to deliver some recommend dations in view of future prospects. Results: Green, social and sustainable (GSS) bonds only account for 3% of total GSS bonds, issued globally in the debt markets, suggesting substantial growth potential (Caron and Munoz, 2021). There is mounting interest in green bonds globally, where they are proven to be efficacious in helping to meet financing and environmental targets. While social or green classifications are not always directly credit relevant, if they support demand leading to narrower spreads, this can be positive for credit ratings, other things being equal (Pagani et al., 2021; Zerbib, 2019). The social and environmental challenges of the carbon intensive transport industry require substantial funding in a resource-driven context. The increasing use of green bonds, already under way in many sub-sectors, is found to be an effective solution to help meet these challenges, while driving the agenda of responsibility forward (Tang and Zhang, 2018).
Conclusions:This focused overview of green bonds reveals them to be effective instruments for promoting environmental and social responsibility, for transport entities, both public sector and corporations (Valavina et al., 2021). They ought to form an integral and increasing component of funding plans going forward
Multicultural identity integration versus compartmentalization as predictors of subjective well-being for Third Culture Kids: The mediational role of self-concept consistency and self-efficacy
Get PDFGlobalization has resulted in an exponential increase in the number of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), defined as being raised in a culture other than that of their parents (or the passport country) and meaningfully interacting with different cultures. Inconsistencies regarding the effect of multicultural and transient experiences on well-being exist in the psychological literature. We aimed to reveal associations between multicultural identity configurations (integration, categorization, compartmentalization) and well-being with the mediating role of self-concept consistency and self-efficacy. Participants ( = 399, = 21.2 years) were students at an international university in the United Arab Emirates. We used the Multicultural Identity Integration Scale, the Berne Questionnaire of Subjective Well-Being, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Self-Consistency Subscale from the Self-Construal Scale. The findings suggest that not merely exposure to diversity but also internal integration versus identity compartmentalization moderate the well-being of TCKs. We explained such mechanisms via partial mediation of self-consistency and self-efficacy. Our study contributed to a better understanding of the TCKs' identity paradigm and pointed to multicultural identity integration as vital to TCKs' well-being via its effect on self-consistency and self-efficacy. Conversely, identity compartmentalization decreased well-being via a reduction in the sense of self-consistency
Comparison of strength and power characteristics before ACL rupture and at the end of rehabilitation before return to sport in professional soccer players
Get PDFBackground: Strength and power is often reduced on the involved vs. contralateral limb and healthy controls following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction but no study has compared to pre-injury values at the time of return to sport (RTS).
Hypothesis: Divergent recovery patterns in strength and power characteristics will be present at RTS relative to pre-injury baseline data and healthy matched controls.
Study design: Cohort study
Level of evidence: Level 3
Methods: Isokinetic strength tests, bilateral and single leg countermovement jumps (CMJ; SLCMJ) were measured prior to ACL rupture in 20 professional soccer players. These then had surgical reconstruction (ACL group) and completed follow up testing prior to RTS. Healthy controls (uninjured group) were tested at the same time as the ACL group pre-injury. Values recorded at RTS of the ACL group were compared to pre-injury. We also compared the uninjured and ACL groups at baseline and RTS.
Results: Compared to pre-injury, ACL normalised quadriceps peak torque of the involved limb (% difference = -7%), SLCMJ height (% difference = -12.08%) and Reactive Strength Index modified (RSImod) (% difference = -5.04%) were reduced following ACL reconstruction. No significant reductions in CMJ height, RSImod and relative peak power were indicated at RTS in the ACL group when compared to pre-injury values but deficits were present relative to controls. The uninvolved limb significantly improved quadriceps (% difference = 9.34%) and hamstring strength (% difference = 7.36%) from pre-injury to RTS. No significant differences from baseline were shown in SLCMJ height, power and reactive strength of the uninvolved limb following ACL reconstruction.
Conclusion: Strength and power in professional soccer players at RTS following ACL reconstruction were often reduced compared to preinjury values and matched healthy controls.
Clinical relevance: Deficits were more apparent in the SLCMJ suggesting dynamic and multijoint unilateral force production is an important component of rehabilitation. Use of the uninvolved limb and normative data to determine recovery may not always be appropriate
Sibling aggression between Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks
Get PDFSiblicidal aggression has been documented in Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) by many researchers. First hatched (alpha) chicks attack and evict beta chicks, leading to the death of the younger bird. The infrequent nature of siblicide makes collecting consistent data difficult, but aggressive interactions between chicks are more readily captured. It is possible that patterns in aggressive behaviour will provide insight into the antecedents of siblicide. In this study, we used film footage collected during the breeding seasons from 2018-2021 to analyse aggressive interactions. First, we explored frequency differences in key behaviours between alpha and beta chicks. We then looked at the behavioural sequences within nests to describe aggressive interactions. Alpha chicks were consistently the aggressor in all samples, and beta chicks acted defensively. We comment on these findings and their relation to siblicidal aggression