17628 research outputs found
Sort by
Stabilising Sound: A Perceptual Audio Framework for Balance Support Inspired by Vestibular Stimulation
Get PDFThis note outlines a proposal for a perceptual audio system that may help stabilise balance and reduce fall risk using low-frequency sound cues delivered through everyday listening devices. It is inspired by recent findings showing that 100 Hz auditory stimulation can reduce motion sickness by activating the otolithic organs of the inner ear. The approach discussed here is non-invasive, low-risk, and suitable for wide deployment. It could complement existing hearing aids, wearables, or public address systems in transport and care environments. This framework is not a commercial product, but an openly shared concept intended to encourage discussion and collaborative refinement
Analysis of energy consumption for residential building- A case study in Libya
Get PDFAn energy-efficient building maximises the utilisation of resources by providing comfortable living conditions to occupancy inside; while consuming the lowest amount of energy required. Building materials and electrical appliances used in a structure affect how power is consumed; hence, a building's characteristics are essential for further development. Notwithstanding, throughout the year, either in cold or hot weather, buildings are designed to provide comfort for their residents. Households in Libya turn on their air conditioning throughout the day to decrease the impact of the summertime weather, so the rise of temperature. That significantly demands more energy from the grid, and during peak energy demand might cause a deficiency in power generation. In residential houses, air conditioning units consume a large volume of Libya's electricity consumption, approximately 36% of the total electricity generated. Therefore, to obtain an overview of the amount of power required for cooling in Libyan homes; an investigation was created with an emphasis on air conditioning usage, followed by modelling of energy consumption. This work aims to minimise the amount of electricity required from a design perspective. It used surveys and modelling to determine the cooling requirements of different types of architectural buildings (ABs). Besides, the investigation indicated there is a substantial excessive waste of energy in the dwelling when using air conditioning units (ACUs). The analysis deduced consumption patterns of Libyan households are high in electricity, whereas approximately 40.6% of the respondents live in a one-floor house, which needs further consideration. At the same time, it addresses the challenges of electricity demand from the architectural viewpoint. Graphical abstract
Carbon emission trading policy and energy transition: Perspective from natural gas consumption in China
No full textAdopting natural gas as a transitional clean energy source is integral to China's energy transition, aiming to reduce reliance on high‑carbon fuels. This research utilizes a quasi-natural experiment created by the implementation of the Carbon Emissions Trading (CET) Policy to scrutinise its impact on natural gas consumption and the underlying mechanisms. Employing double differencing with annual city-level data spanning from 2006 to 2020, our analysis reveals several key findings. Firstly, the CET policy not only amplifies total natural gas consumption but also elevates the proportion of natural gas usage. Secondly, the boosting effect of CET on the proportion of natural gas consumption is reinforced by the proportion of tertiary industry and investment in innovation, although not affecting the total amount. Lastly, the promotional impact of CET policy on total natural gas consumption is more pronounced in eastern China, while the impact on the proportion of natural gas consumption is stronger in midwestern China. This study therefore elucidates vividly the CET policy's mechanism in driving China's energy transition through the promotion of natural gas consumption
The EU Court of Justice rejects an action for damages brought for excessive length of the proceedings in a case before the General Court (Guardian Europe)
No full textCase comment on an EU Court of Justice's decision on damages for excessive length of proceedings, adopted in September 2019
Factors contributing to the quality of the junior-to-senior transition in Greek athletes
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to investigate which factors contribute to the quality of the junior-to-senior transition (JST) which includes adjustment to senior level, sport and life satisfaction in Greek athletes. The sample consisted of 177 aspiring young Greek athletes who were in the process of JST. Participants completed a Greek version of the Transition Monitoring Survey (TMS) developed by Stambulova et al. (Stambulova, N., Franck, A., & Weibull, F. (2012). Assessment of the transition from junior-to-senior sports in Swedish athletes. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10(2), 79–95). Multiple regressions were used to assess how key factors related to the JST contribute to the adjustment of athletes to senior level in sport, to their sport and life satisfaction. Results showed that personal resources (p
A grounded theory exploration of programme theory within waves of wellness surf therapy intervention
Get PDFObjectivePoor mental health represents a large proportion of disease burden faced by young Australians, which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the reluctance of this population to seek support. Surf therapy is a novel form of intervention targeting mental health. The objective of this study was to interrogate programme theory within surf therapy, as delivered by the Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) in Australia.Methods and MeasuresThe study utilised grounded theory to understand or develop theoretical mediators for WOW surf therapy based on interviews exploring the experiences of previous intervention participants (n = 16; mean age = 18.4 years, SD = 2.8, range 14–24). Data were analysed through constant comparative analysis.ResultsFive categories emerged from participant data as foundational to WOW programme theory: (a) Safe Space, (b) Social Support, (c) Sensory Grounding, (d) Mastery and (e) Respite. These categories have novel theoretical and practical implications for both surf therapy and wider clinical practice, especially around concepts such as delivering ‘mental health by stealth’ and fostering longer term ‘mental health maintenance’ for participants.ConclusionThe study developed an initial WOW programme theory, highlighting the importance of foundational therapeutic structures beyond simply going surfing
Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour around concussion at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: part 1 - medical staff
Get PDFThe objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of medical staff participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 regarding the assessment and management of concussion in football. Medical staff from 32 teams qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 were invited to answer an online survey. Results were analysed descriptively. 47 participants completed the survey. Concussion knowledge: 98% were aware of concussion protocol(s). Most concussive signs or symptoms were recognised, though only 36% of participants (n = 17) correctly reported potential symptom onset time. Knowledge on assessment and return to play elements varied. Attitude: 77% (n = 36) reported being very confident or confident in recognizing a suspected concussion. When assessing a suspected concussion on the pitch, 55% (n = 26) reported to have felt pressured by the player sometimes, very often or always, and 47% (n = 22) by the coaching staff. Behaviour: Among doctors, 70% reported their national team performs baseline concussion assessments. Reported use of on-field assessment elements suggested in concussion guidelines varied between 5% and 95%. In conclusion, most medical staff participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 were generally knowledgeable about concussion, reported on-pitch and return to play attitudes and behaviours aligning with evidence-based standards for safeguarding players’ health. However, gaps were observed in all three domains, compared to guidelines. Expanding education to players and coaching staff is suggested to facilitate the delivery of evidence-based best practice
Patient and public perspectives of involvement in cardiovascular research in Scotland, UK. A report of the NHS Research Scotland Heart Engagement And Research Talks
No full textBackground: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating extensive research efforts. In Scotland, the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Cardiovascular Network plays a pivotal role in coordinating cardiovascular research. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is crucial for shaping meaningful research strategies, yet barriers to such engagement persist.Methods: We organised a hybrid PPI event, bringing together patients, researchers, and stakeholders. Interactive sessions explored barriers and enablers of PPI. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected, focusing on communication, commitment, and value as key themes.Results: Participants highlighted communication challenges, emphasizing the need for clear, accessible information about research involvement. Commitment barriers included costs, travel, and time constraints. Feeling valued as research participants was essential, emphasising recognition of diverse experiences. Running the event as hybrid facilitated broader participation, employing professional notetakers, BSL interpreters, and moderators.Conclusion: Holding this event emphasised the importance of PPI in cardiovascular research, outlining communication, commitment, and value as key facets. Hybrid events enhance inclusivity but demand careful planning. Meaningful PPI, as exemplified in this study, informs and enhances research quality, underscoring the need for continued investment in patient involvement initiatives
Impact of the Finch case on EIA and the carbon accounting space
Get PDFThe UK Supreme Court's ruling in "R (on the application of Finch on behalf of the Weald Action Group) (Appellant) v Surrey County Council and others (Respondents)" marks a pivotal moment in environmental law and greenhouse gas emission responsibility. The court's decision to include greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of oil extracted from a project site within the Environmental Impact Assessment significantly broadens the scope of GHG assessments. This landmark ruling mandates a comprehensive examination of the entire project lifecycle and value chain actions, setting a precedent for more rigorous environmental accountability. The judgment emphasises causation and responsibility, underscoring the necessity for transparent and traceable environmental assessments. These are crucial for promoting best practices in sustainability and fostering innovation toward a lower-carbon economy. The article delves into the implications of this decision on the EIA process, focusing on GHG emissions and the importance of including downstream emissions in environmental assessments. It also explores the concepts of enabled emissions, control, influence, and responsibility within the value chain, highlighting the collective role of all stakeholders in mitigating environmental impacts. This collective responsibility is a call to action for everyone involved. The article references relevant judgment paragraphs (Para X) where appropriate
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Repository@Napier? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!