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Quantifying the impact of environmental changes on migratory species: a model perturbation framework
Get PDFMigratory species use different habitats and pathways across their migratory route. Pathway contribution metrics are transient metrics of population growth, derived from population models, and quantify the predicted contribution of an individual, travelling along a specified migratory route, to the total population over a specified length of time. Environmental disturbances or management actions may occur temporally or spatially throughout the process of migration. The impact that a given perturbation may have on pathway contribution metrics is not always obvious owing to the propagation of the perturbation through the migratory cycle. Here, we develop a general modelling framework that incorporates perturbations into a class of matrix migratory population models, and which quantifies the effect that perturbations to the model, in terms of the transition rates of habitats and pathways, have on pathway contribution metrics. We also detail how to calculate the sensitivity of pathway contribution metrics to the perturbations considered. Our framework may be used to provide insights into the impact that environmental disturbances or management actions have on migratory populations. These insights may be used to inform management actions which either buffer against possible deleterious disturbances or increase the population size through targeted interventions. Our theoretical results are illustrated via hypothetical examples and a model inspired by the monarch butterfly; we uncover results that are not clear from the calculation of the pathway contribution metrics alone
OPEN Individual and neighborhood-level social and deprivation factors impact kidney health in the GLOMMS-CORE study
Get PDFProspective cohort studies of kidney equity are limited by a focus on advanced rather than early disease; and selective recruitment. Whole population studies frequently rely on area-level measures of deprivation as opposed to individual measures of social disadvantage.We linked kidney health and individual census records in the North of Scotland, 2011-2021 (GLOMMS-CORE). We identified incident kidney presentations at thresholds of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 (mild/early), <45 (moderate), <30 ml/min/1.73m2 (advanced), and acute kidney disease (AKD). We compare household and neighbourhood socioeconomic measures, living circumstances, and long-term mortality. We used case-mix adjusted multivariable logistic regression (for living circumstances), and Cox models (for mortality) incorporating an interaction between household and neighbourhood.Among 458897 census respondents, there were 48546, 29081, 16116, 28097 incident presentations of eGFR <60, <45, <30 and AKD; mean ages 70-77; 52-55% female. Classifications of socioeconomic position by household and neighbourhood were related but complex, and frequently did not match. Compared to households of “professionals”, people with early kidney disease in “unskilled” or “unemployed” households had increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratios, HR, and 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.26, 1.19-1.32 and 1.77, 1.60-1.96). Those with either a deprived household or deprived neighbourhood experienced greater mortality, but those with both dimensions had the poorest outcomes. “Unskilled” and “unemployed” households more frequently reported being “limited a lot” by ill health, adverse mental health, living alone, basic accommodation, no car, English language difficulties, visual and hearing impairments.The impacts of deprivation on kidney health are spread throughout society, complex, serious, and not confined to those living in deprived neighbourhoods
Identification of core competencies for exercise oncology professionals: A Delphi study of United States and Australian participants
Get PDFIntroduction: Integration of exercise into standard oncology care requires a highly skilled workforce of exercise professionals; however, competency requirements have not kept pace with advancements in the field. Therefore, the aim of this study was to obtain consensus on core competencies required for an exercise professional to be qualified to work with adults undergoing active cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: A three‐round modified electronic Delphi process was used. In Round 1, an international group of 64 exercise oncology stakeholders (i.e., exercise oncology professionals (n = 29), clinical referrers (n = 21), and people with lived experience (n = 14)) responded to open‐ended prompts eliciting perspectives regarding competencies needed for an exercise oncology professional to work with adults receiving active cancer treatment. Subsequently, only exercise oncology professionals participated, ranking the importance of competencies. In Round 2, professionals received summary feedback, ranked new competencies generated from open‐ended responses, and reranked competencies not reaching consensus. In the final round, professionals finalized consensus ranking and rated frequency and mastery level for each. Results: Consensus was reached on 103 core competencies required for exercise professionals to be qualified to deliver care to adults undergoing active cancer treatment. The core competencies represent 10 content areas and reflect the needs of clinical referrers and people with lived experience of receiving cancer treatment. Conclusions: The core competencies identified reflect significant advancements in the field of exercise oncology. Results will underpin the development of education, certification, and employment requirements for exercise oncology professionals, providing a critical step toward achieving routine integration of exercise into standard oncology care
Implementing a scoping review to explore sport officials' mental health
No full textIntroduction: Sport officials are tasked with applying rules, maintaining fairness, and ensuring athlete safety. However, sport officials experience anxiety, burnout, and non-accidental violence, with the incidence of these events increasing worldwide. This has led to rising attrition rates among sport officials, with many sport organizations concerned for their operational capacity. The effects of anxiety, burnout, and non-accidental violence might contribute to or be indicative of sport officials' negative mental health outcomes. To develop a clear understanding of how sport officials' mental health is affected by their occupation, it is necessary to identify the mental health outcomes and predictors they experience, and to what extent. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and examine the empirical research and policy documents surrounding sport officials' mental health.Method: One thousand, two hundred six articles were identified across four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and PsycINFO. Next, a policy search was conducted on the respective international governing body websites from English-speaking countries for the 60 included sports. Following screening, 18 studies and one policy document met the inclusion criteria for exploring sport officials' mental health.Results: Participants (N = 7,941) in the studies were mainly European male soccer and basketball referees. Most studies utilized quantitative inquiry (n = 15) rather than qualitative methods (n = 2) or framework development (n = 1). The research demonstrated that sport officials frequently experienced negative mental health outcomes and predictors including anxiety, depression, burnout, lower mental health literacy, and high levels of stigmatization towards mental health.Discussion: These outcomes were influenced by gender/sex, age, and experience. There is a need to explore personal and environmental (including occupational) factors that cause or contribute to sport officials' mental health symptoms and disorders
Eurocode 5: Introduction
No full textThe Eurocode System is designed to ‘eliminate technical obstacles to trade and the harmonisation of technical specifications’ in construction within the EEA. It covers all main construction materials, including concrete, steel, masonry, timber, aluminium, and glass, as well as geotechnical design. This common set of rules facilitates the free movement of construction materials and design professionals within the EE
Role of Slag Replacement on Strength Enhancement of One-Part High-Calcium Fly Ash Geopolymer
Get PDFThis paper reports the effect of slag (SL) replacement and water-to-binder (w/b) ratio on properties of one-part geopolymer derived from high-calcium fly ash (FA) and sodium silicate powder (NP). The FA was replaced by SL at the rates of 20% and 40%, respectively. This study focused on conducting experimental tests to evaluate the relative slump, setting time, compressive strength, and flexural strength of one-part FA-based geopolymer. The relationship between compressive and flexural strengths of one-part geopolymer mortar was expressed using the simplified linear regression model whereas the normalization of compressive and flexural strengths with SL replacement by the strength of one-part geopolymer mortar without SL as the divisor was also evaluated. Experimental results showed that the increasing of SL replacement and w/b ratio significantly affected the workability and strength development of one-part geopolymer mortar. Higher SL replacement exhibited a positive effect on their compressive and flexural strengths; however, a reduction in its setting time was obtained. The enhancement in strength development of one-part geopolymer was primarily due to the increased calcium content of SL. Similarly, reducing w/b ratio in the production of one-part geopolymer resulted in a decrease in setting time and an increase in strength development. Based on the relationship between compressive and flexural strengths, the prediction coefficient value (R2) obtained from the curve fitting procedure was 0.835, indicating a good level of reliability and acceptability for engineering applications
Guest editorial: Paradigm shift towards sustainable resilient built environment
No full textAbstract unavailable
Editorial: Moving Artificial Intelligence Scholarship: Navigating the AI Frontier in Higher Education
Get PDFThe swift and pervasive rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI (GenAI), is reshaping the educational landscape globally. As we navigate a future shaped by developments in AI, the need for critical engagement, ethical frameworks, and innovative learning designs becomes paramount. This special issue of AJIMS, titled Moving Artificial Intelligence Scholarship, emerges at a crucial juncture. Employers today expect graduates to embody an entrepreneurial mindset, possess higher-order literacies, and demonstrate global relevance beyond discipline-specific expertise. This issue interrogates how AI intersects with these expectations, advancing conversations about the future of higher education and professional practice development, particularly navigating the perspectives from China and South Africa. The eight papers in this issue reflect the complexities of integrating AI into education, offering perspectives that span disciplinary, institutional, and cultural contexts. They collectively underscore the transformative potential of AI while highlighting the ethical, relational, and pedagogical challenges it introduces. In this editorial, we synthesise the contributions of these works and their implications for academia
Volumetric Modular Construction research
No full textBuilding on a pledge to support Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in its Autumn Budget of 2017, the 2019 Conservative party manifesto reaffirmed the target of 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s and made explicit commitment to support MMC. The need to accelerate housebuilding is a critical driver for greater adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Responding to this need, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has a programme of work to support MMC, including through its housing funding and land programmes, and to tackle strategic barriers, notably the lack of product standardisation across the industry and the difficulties in obtaining product warranties - and therefore insurance and mortgages.This policy commitment towards greater use of MMC, however, is coupled with the recognition that the existing regulatory framework was set out in relation to traditional construction. There may therefore be aspects of the system of regulation which are not tailored to MMC, or gaps which could result in issues with building quality, performance, and safety.The aim of this research is therefore to investigate potential risks to safety and performance posed by volumetric construction and identify potential options for mitigating those risks.The scope of this research is limited to one type of MMC – offsite manufactured volumetric construction. Volumetric construction is a type of offsite construction, whereby fully enclosed, six-sided building modules – i.e., floor, four walls and ceiling – are manufactured offsite in a factory and assembled onsite, most commonly by stacking and/or joining together. Modules can also be five-sided, without a floor or roof. Once site installation is complete, in most cases, buildings will need only limited additional work to be considered complete and ready to use.This research has identified risks that may occur across each stage of the modular construction lifecycle, and cross-cutting risks which underpin every stage. There is not enough evidence to estimate the frequency with which these risks occur, and it should not be construed that this report is stating that all these risks occur on every volumetric construction project. While the scope of this research relates to risks in volumetric construction, it is emphasised that many of the risks identified are also present in traditional construction
Global Policies Influencing the Greater Adoption of Timber in Construction
No full textThis report prepared on behalf of the Timber in Construction Steering Group and Forest Industries Ireland and authored by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), emphasises the critical role of increasing timber use in construction as a strategy to mitigate climate change impacts and drive economic growth.It investigates the significance of timber in construction within the context of substantial investments in the private forestry sector since 1985, amounting to approximately €3 billion. This financial commitment underscores the pivotal role of the forestry and timber sector in Ireland's sustainable economic, environmental, and social development.The report’s primary objective is to detail policy mechanisms, initiatives, and strategies that foster the adoption and integration of timber in the built environment, specifically focusing on the relevance of these in an Irish context
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