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Longitudinal analysis of explosive physical performance outcomes of professional athletes across multiple football codes: an investigation of systematic change and relative variation.
No full textThe aims of this study were to: 1) investigate the within and across season changes in explosive physical performance outcomes including jump height (JH), relative peak power, and maximum sprinting velocity for different football codes; 2) estimate associations between time-lagged training load variables and JH; and 3) quantify levels of within athlete variability and differences between codes. Retrospective physical performance, on-field, and strength and conditioning (S&C) data were collected from 61 athletes across two professional sports teams (Australian Rules Football: n=27; Rugby Union: n=34). Linear mixed models with fixed effects of time (e.g. season and component of season stage), code, and position combined with random effects (e.g. intercepts and slopes for athlete) were used to model changes over time. Additionally, athlete level linear regressions were conducted to describe individual variability. Regression coefficients describing systematic change were small with the largest coefficient identified for within season JH (β = 0.27 [95% CI: 0.08 to 0.46 cm]). Moderate to large negative correlations (r = -0.41 to -0.66) were obtained between random intercepts and slopes for all outcomes. Analysis of within athlete variability identified larger variation for Rugby Union athletes and for latter stages of the season. Collectively, the findings show limited systematic changes in physical performance variables of professional football code athletes and any improvements may be dependent on baseline capacity
Ascertaining the reasons for escalation of disagreements over extension of time assessments from construction delay claims into disputes.
Get PDFDisputes over delay assessments are costly, persistent, prevalent worldwide, often funded by taxpayers, and negatively impact productivity in the construction sector. The identified academic literature argues that the main causes of the escalation of disagreements over delay assessments from contract claims into disputes (or factors) are objective factors, particularly unavailability and/or inadequacy of relevant project data. However, those findings are not based on comprehensive investigations of all factors involved, employing research methodologies that rely upon real-life project data. This article contributes to the fulfilment of the aforementioned knowledge gap. Published literature and twenty-one case studies were evaluated to identify the factors. The research findings revealed that although data-related issues were often important factors, they were not the main and/or most frequently identified ones. Subjective factors, including manipulation of programme activity completion dates, reliance on biased assumptions when data is unavailable, misinterpretation of material records, and self-serving delay analysis, were the main factors. The findings suggest that the root cause of this issue is the exploitation of systemic flaws, including the unavailability of good/best practice guidance on assessing the impact of delays, deficient contract provisions, inadequate impartiality, divergent priority of interests, unexploited technologies, and the confidential nature of dispute resolution methods
Adjunctive multicomponent crystals of two anti-tubercular drugs with pyridoxine.
Get PDFCocrystallisation is a well-established path for altering the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). A common side effect of anti-tubercular medicines is the depletion of group B vitamin reserves in TB patients. Co-administration of supplements such as pyridoxine (vitamin B6) during TB therapy may be used to ameliorate the harmful side effects of vitamin B6 deficiency. Mechanochemical grinding and solvent evaporation experiments using pyridoxine (PN) with 4-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and separately with pyrazinecarboxylic acid (PCBA) were conducted. The bulk powder and crystal analysis was performed using FTIR, PXRD, DSC, TGA and SCXRD. The isolation and characterization of two multicomponent salts containing pyridoxine, i.e., PN-PAS·H2O and PN-PCBA, were completed. Mechanochemistry is an efficient method for the preparation of cocrystals. The drug–vitamin combinations may be useful for the development of new treatment regimens with potentially improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced adverse effects
Ensemble of regressors for gross error identification: an optimisation approach.
Get PDFAccurate measurement is essential for reliable process monitoring and control in the chemical industry. However, measurement systems are often affected by gross errors caused by sensor faults, leaks, or transmission issues. These errors can severely degrade data reconciliation and decision-making, making robust detection methods critical for industrial reliability. In this paper, we present a new approach to gross error detection using an ensemble of machine learning regressors. The method combines predictions from a diverse set of 51 regression models and selects the most effective subset using optimisation algorithms. We explore three nature-inspired optimisers - Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Differential Evolution (DE) - to find the best combination of models. The selected ensemble is then used to predict the magnitude of gross errors in process measurements. We evaluate the approach using ten benchmark datasets with artificially injected errors. Our results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional techniques and individual regressors when using optimisation for ensemble selection. These findings highlight the practical potential of optimised heterogeneous ensembles for improving gross error detection in industrial applications
Revolution or riddle? Decoding the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023.
Get PDFThis paper examines the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 to assess whether it represents a genuine revolution in Scots property law or an interpretative riddle for commercial practice. In force from 1 April 2025, the Act replaces historic publicity mechanisms with a registration-based system centred on the Register of Assignations and the Register of Statutory Pledges. It introduces registration as an alternative to intimation for assignations and creates the statutory pledge, thereby removing the possession requirement for fixed security and expanding the collateral base to include intellectual property and financial instruments. Adopting a doctrinal and comparative approach, the paper situates the reform within its historical context and against international notice filing models. It argues that the Act delivers structural modernisation through digital publicity, broader asset coverage, and clearer ranking rules. However, significant interpretative and operational questions remain, including consent-based extinction under section 52, insolvency cut offs for future assets under section 50(3), and the transfer of accessory security under section 16, as highlighted in McKinlay v Avellierie Ltd [2025] SAC (Civ) 6. The Act is therefore revolutionary in design, yet riddled in execution
Multifunctional passive enhancement of solar desalination using natural materials in an inverted Pyramid Basin: thermal and 4E performance analysis.
Get PDFThis study introduces a novel solar still configuration that integrates multiple natural materials within a geometry-optimized inverted pyramid aluminium basin and presents the first systematic evaluation of their combined thermal behavior using a comprehensive 4E framework encompassing energy, exergy, economic, and environmental criteria. Although previous work has investigated individual natural materials, the synergistic influence of stones, a cotton wick, and luffa on heat transfer dynamics, evaporation behavior, and overall system efficiency has not been examined, particularly within an optimized basin geometry. The present design couples geometric solar intensification with material-driven thermal enhancement to create a low-cost and energy-efficient desalination system. Experimental findings showed that the integrated configuration delivered the highest performance among all tested cases: stones provided thermal storage to stabilize temperature, the wick promoted capillary-driven thin-film evaporation, and luffa facilitated uniform water distribution while reducing thermal losses due to its porous structure. The inverted pyramid geometry further improved solar energy concentration and reduced convective heat losses, strengthening thermal utilization. Under identical operating conditions, the optimal configuration achieved a maximum daily distilled yield of 4.18 kg/m2, corresponding to a 58.3% enhancement over the reference still. Thermal efficiency increased from 26.1%to 41.3% (58.2%improvement), and exergy efficiency rose from 2.03% to 2.92% (43.8% increase). The cost of desalinated water decreased from 0.020 to 0.014 USD per liter, a reduction of 30%, while annual CO₂ mitigation increased from 6.01 to 9.52 tons, indicating a 58.4%improvement. The 4E analysis further revealed a 29.1% reduction in embodied energy and a marked improvement in energy payback time. These results confirm the effectiveness of integrating multifunctional natural materials within an optimized basin as a practical and sustainable pathway for decentralized solar desalination
Rapid and energy-efficient synthesis of nickel borate via solution combustion method for esterification reactions.
No full textIn this study, nanostructured nickel borate (Ni3(BO3)2) catalysts were synthesized via the solution combustion method using six different fuels: glycine, carbohydrazide, citric acid, oxalyldihydrazide, urea, and hexamethylenetetramine. The influence of fuel type on the structural properties of the resulting materials was systematically evaluated, and glycine was identified as the most suitable fuel. The glycine-assisted catalyst exhibited a surface area of 14.67 m²/g along with mesoporosity. Its catalytic performance was evaluated in the esterification of acetic acid with benzyl alcohol. Under optimized conditions (120 °C, 20 mg catalyst, 300 min, alcohol/acid molar ratio of 1:30), complete conversion with 100% selectivity was achieved. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated excellent thermal stability and reusability over multiple cycles with minimal activity loss. This work presents a green, cost-effective, and scalable strategy for the synthesis of nickel borate catalysts and underscores their potential for application in sustainable liquid-phase organic transformations, particularly esterification reactions
Interface issues of inorganic solid‐state electrolytes in secondary magnesium batteries.
Get PDFSolid-state magnesium batteries (SSMBs) have gained significant attention as promising candidates for next-generation safe energy storage systems because of the abundance of magnesium (Mg) in the earth's crust, superior energy density, and inherent nonflammability. However, the development of inorganic solid-state electrolytes (ISSEs), which are critical for SSMBs, is hindered by two major challenges: the limited diffusivity of Mg2+ and inefficient interfacial charge transfer kinetics between the electrodes and electrolytes. Recent advancements in material design and interfacial engineering have addressed these challenges with remarkable progress. Therefore, this review systematically discusses the mechanisms for optimizing the performance of ISSEs, focusing on ion transport kinetics, mechanical strength, and electrochemical stability. A crystal-structure-based classification framework is employed to critically analyze three major ISSE categories, including boride, oxide, and chalcogenide electrolytes. In addition, current engineering strategies for interfacial optimization in magnesium batteries are summarized. Finally, this review also highlights current challenges and possible directions for improving interfacial contacts in future practical applications. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide theoretical guidance for the development of high-energy-density SSMBs
Aerobic exercise training and VO2max: a scoping review of study populations and protocols.
No full textMaximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) is a well-established predictor of cardiovascular health, morbidity, and all-cause mortality. While many systematic reviews and meta-analyses have characterized the effects of aerobic exercise training on VO2max, they fail to capture the state of the literature as a whole. This scoping review aims to summarize the populations and training protocols used in the current literature and highlight gaps in our current understanding of the VO2max response to aerobic training. 617 studies were selected and analyzed in this review. The majority of exercise protocols used were moderate intensity continuous training (MICT; n = 363). Few studies employed high intensity interval training (HIIT; n = 102), sprint interval training (SIT; n = 70), or a combination of exercise modalities (n = 82). A large number of studies only included male participants (n = 264) while few studies only included female participants (n = 83). The majority of training interventions were shorter than three months (n = 399). Many studies failed to report information regarding participant health (n = 169) and physical activity status (n = 290). Exercise modality, sex representation, the effects of long-term training, and reporting practices represent key gaps within the literature that should be further explored in the future
Engineering students and AI in education: aTAM-based study of perceptions, acceptance, and barriers to adoption.
Get PDFArtificial intelligence (AI) is gradually being accepted into education and has the potential of transforming learning and teaching. It is therefore important to understand the perceptions of various stakeholders on the impact of AI in engineering education. This study is framed with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and employs a mixed-method approach to assess the perception of engineering students on the adoption of AI. The quantitative analysis of the survey findings using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), reveals that perceived usefulness and the ease of use has a statistically significant relationship with AI adoption amongst engineering students. Moreover, their attitude towards AI did not influence their intention to use AI in their education. Through the qualitative analysis, the perceived usefulness of AI in personalized learning, solving complex problems, increasing efficiency and solving global problems were highlighted. However, it was noted that wider adoption of AI would be achieved when there are strategies to address the institutional barriers, ethical issues and funding. Another interesting finding is that students raised concern about the potential impairment in their cognitive abilities if they over-rely on AI
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