Showing papers by "Coventry University published in 2013"
TL;DR: Progress made during the last two decades in producing transgenic lines of different C3 crops with enhanced photosynthetic performance is discussed, which was reached by either the overexpression of C3 enzymes or transcription factors or the incorporation of genes encoding C4 enzymes into C3 plants.
Abstract: Stressful environments such as salinity, drought, and high temperature (heat) cause alterations in a wide range of physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes in plants. Photosynthesis, the most fundamental and intricate physiological process in all green plants, is also severely affected in all its phases by such stresses. Since the mechanism of photosynthesis involves various components, including photosynthetic pigments and photosystems, the electron transport system, and CO2 reduction pathways, any damage at any level caused by a stress may reduce the overall photosynthetic capacity of a green plant. Details of the stress-induced damage and adverse effects on different types of pigments, photosystems, components of electron transport system, alterations in the activities of enzymes involved in the mechanism of photosynthesis, and changes in various gas exchange characteristics, particularly of agricultural plants, are considered in this review. In addition, we discussed also progress made during the last two decades in producing transgenic lines of different C3 crops with enhanced photosynthetic performance, which was reached by either the overexpression of C3 enzymes or transcription factors or the incorporation of genes encoding C4 enzymes into C3 plants. We also discussed critically a current, worldwide effort to identify signaling components, such as transcription factors and protein kinases, particularly mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) involved in stress adaptation in agricultural plants.
1,435 citations
TL;DR: A non-significant relationship was found between change in self-efficacy and change in physical activity (Spearman’s Rho”= −0.18 p =0.72) and the majority of techniques increased physical activity behaviour, without having discernible effects on self- efficacy.
Abstract: Increasing self-efficacy is generally considered to be an important mediator of the effects of physical activity interventions. A previous review identified which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were associated with increases in self-efficacy and physical activity for healthy non-obese adults. The aim of the current review was to identify which BCTs increase the self-efficacy and physical activity behaviour of obese adults. A systematic search identified 61 comparisons with obese adults reporting changes in self-efficacy towards engaging in physical activity following interventions. Of those comparisons, 42 also reported changes in physical activity behaviour. All intervention descriptions were coded using Michie et al’s (2011) 40 item CALO-RE taxonomy of BCTs. Meta-analysis was conducted with moderator analyses to examine the association between whether or not each BCT was included in interventions, and size of changes in both self-efficacy and physical activity behaviour. Overall, a small effect of the interventions was found on self-efficacy (d = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.29, p < 0.001) and a medium sized effect on physical activity behaviour (d = 0.50, 95% CI 0.38-0.63, p < 0.001). Four BCTs were significantly associated with positive changes in self-efficacy; ‘action planning’, ‘time management’, ‘prompt self-monitoring of behavioural outcome’ and ‘plan social support/social change’. These latter two BCTs were also associated with positive changes in physical activity. An additional 19 BCTs were associated with positive changes in physical activity. The largest effects for physical activity were found where interventions contained ‘teach to use prompts/cues’, ‘prompt practice’ or ‘prompt rewards contingent on effort or progress towards behaviour’. Overall, a non-significant relationship was found between change in self-efficacy and change in physical activity (Spearman’s Rho = −0.18 p = 0.72). In summary, the majority of techniques increased physical activity behaviour, without having discernible effects on self-efficacy. Only two BCTs were associated with positive changes in both physical activity self-efficacy and behaviour. This is in contrast to the earlier review which found a strong relationship between changes in physical activity self-efficacy and behaviour. Mechanisms other than self-efficacy may be more important for increasing the physical activity of obese individuals compared with non-obese individuals.
495 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an energy-efficient model for flexible flow shop scheduling (FFS) is proposed, which is based on an energy efficient mechanism, and an improved, genetic-simulated annealing algorithm is adopted to make a significant trade-off between the makespan and the total energy consumption.
Abstract: The traditional production scheduling problem considers performance indicators such as processing time, cost, and quality as optimization objectives in manufacturing systems; however, it does not take energy consumption or environmental impacts completely into account. Therefore, this paper proposes an energy-efficient model for flexible flow shop scheduling (FFS). First, a mathematical model for a FFS problem, which is based on an energy-efficient mechanism, is described to solve multi-objective optimization. Since FFS is well known as a NP-hard problem, an improved, genetic-simulated annealing algorithm is adopted to make a significant trade-off between the makespan and the total energy consumption to implement a feasible scheduling. Finally, a case study of a production scheduling problem for a metalworking workshop in a plant is simulated. The experimental results show that the relationship between the makespan and the energy consumption may be apparently conflicting. In addition, an energy-saving decision is performed in a feasible scheduling. Using the decision method, there could be significant potential for minimizing energy consumption.
376 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors found that variously developed twisted tape inserts are popular researched and used to strengthen the heat transfer efficiency for heat exchangers and other techniques used for specific work environments are studied in this paper.
Abstract: Enhancing heat transfer surface are used in many engineering applications such as heat exchanger, air conditioning, chemical reactor and refrigeration systems, hence many techniques have been investigated on enhancement of heat transfer rate and decrease the size and cost of the involving equipment especially in heat exchangers. One of the most important techniques used are passive heat transfer technique. These techniques when adopted in Heat exchanger proved that the overall thermal performance improved significantly. This paper reviews experimental and numerical works taken by researchers on this technique since 2004 such as twisted tape, wire coil, swirl flow generator,… etc. to enhance the thermal efficiency in heat exchangers and useful to designers implementing passive augmentation techniques in heat exchange. The authors found that variously developed twisted tape inserts are popular researched and used to strengthen the heat transfer efficiency for heat exchangers. The other techniques used for specific work environments are studied in this paper. Twisted tape inserts perform better in laminar flow than turbulent flow. However, the other several passive techniques such as ribs, conical nozzle, and conical ring, etc. are generally more efficient in the turbulent flow than in the laminar flow.
356 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the impact of remote e-working on the key research areas of work-life balance, job effectiveness and well-being, including building trust, management style and the quality of work and non-working life.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of remote e-working on the key research areas of work-life balance, job effectiveness and well-being. The study provides a set of generalisable themes drawn from the key research areas, including building trust, management style and the quality of work and non-working life. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is an exploratory study into the psychological factors affecting remote e-workers using qualitative thematic analysis of eleven in-depth interviews with e-workers, across five organisations and three sectors. All participants worked remotely using technology independent of time and location for several years and considered themselves to be experts. Findings: The paper provides insights into the diverse factors affecting remote e-workers and produces ten emerging themes. Differentiating factors between e-workers included access to technology, ability to work flexibly and individual competencies. Adverse impacts were found on well-being, due to over-working and a lack of time for recuperation. Trust and management style were found to be key influences on e-worker effectiveness. Research limitations/implications: Because of the exploratory nature of the research and approach the research requires further testing for generalisability. The emerging themes could be used to develop a wide-scale survey of e-workers, whereby the themes would be further validated. Practical implications: Practical working examples are provided by the e-workers and those who also manage e-workers based on the ten emerging themes. Originality/value: This paper identifies a number of generalisable themes that can be used to inform the psychological factors affecting remote e-worker effectiveness.
276 citations
10 Oct 2013
TL;DR: A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of game-based learning in education in the last decade is presented and focuses on usage in formalized school contexts, i.e. pre-school, elementary school, secondary school, high school and higher education.
Abstract: Over the last decade educational games have become more and more popular. There are many games specifically designed as educational games, as well as a number of entertainment games that have been successfully used for educational purposes. The EduGameLab project aims to stimulate the use of games in the classroom. This paper presents a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of game-based learning and focuses specifically on empirical evidence on the effectiveness of using games in education in the last decade. Moreover, the study focuses on usage in formalized school contexts, i.e. pre-school, elementary school, secondary school, high school and higher education. As secondary aims we also assess whether there are any clear methodological trends and whether a link could be found between the outcome of empirical studies and the evaluator being a stakeholder in the game development.
199 citations
TL;DR: The sonochemical technique appears to be a suitable method for producing organic NPs of soluble compounds, without loss of their intrinsic properties, i.e. the antimicrobial activity of chitosan.
Abstract: Nanostructured chitosan (CS) and a chitosan–Zn based (Zn–CS) complex have been synthesized and simultaneously deposited on cotton fabrics using ultrasound. SEM measurements revealed that the coating consists of nanoparticles (NPs) of ca. 40 nm in diameter, homogeneously dispersed along the yarns. XANES studies pointed out that the complex consisted of a less than 2.1 nm ZnO core to which the chitosan was bonded. Additionally, FTIR measurements indicated the in situ formation of a Zn–CS complex which is the only deposited material on the cotton surface. The antibacterial properties of the CS and Zn–CS coated textiles were tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria species. More than two-fold increase of the antibacterial activity of Zn–CS NP coated textiles was detected as compared to the fabrics treated with the sonochemically synthesized CS NPs alone. The sonochemical technique appears to be a suitable method for producing organic NPs of soluble compounds, without loss of their intrinsic properties, i.e. the antimicrobial activity of chitosan. Moreover, hybrid nanoorganometallic particles were simultaneously synthesized and deposited on cotton sonochemically.
181 citations
TL;DR: This article reviewed contemporary evidence from Europe and North America on prevalence, dynamic risk factors, and the efficacy of intervention programs for adolescent dating violence and found that victimization rates are comparable across Europe and America.
174 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify "learning to be a tribal" as a communal practice that occurs through three interconnected processes of engagement, imagination and alignment, and distinguish between the three main forms of communal consumption found in the marketing lite.
Abstract: Purpose – Studies of marketplace cultures emphasize the benefits of communal consumption and explain the ways that brand managers can leverage subcultures and brand communities. The ephemeral and often non‐commercial nature of consumer tribes means that they are more difficult to manage. This paper, aims to suggest that a necessary pre‐requisite for understanding how to engage with consumer tribes is to identify how consumers become members of tribes.Design/methodology/approach – Data are drawn from a five‐year ethnographic study of the archetypical club culture tribe that utilized a variety of data collection methods including participant observation and in‐depth interviewing.Findings – The paper identifies “learning to be tribal” as a communal practice that occurs through three interconnected processes of engagement, imagination and alignment.Originality/value – This paper makes three contributions: it clearly distinguishes between the three main forms of communal consumption found in the marketing lite...
166 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the BAWE (British Academic Written English) corpus contains 2858 essays written by undergraduate and postgraduate students in the UK for assessment purposes, with 13 genre families.
Abstract: As demand for English-medium higher education continues to grow internationally and participation in higher education increases, the need for a better understanding of academic writing is pressing. Prior university wide taxonomies of student writing have relied on intuition, the opinions of faculty, or data from course documentation and task prompts. In contrast, our classification is grounded in analysis of all 2858 BAWE (British Academic Written English) corpus texts actually produced by undergraduate and taught postgraduate university students in England for assessment purposes. This builds on the American tradition of classifying university student writing tasks (e.g. Horowitz 1986; Hale et al. 1996; Melzer 2009) and the very different Australian tradition of classifying primary and secondary school children’s written texts as genres (e.g. Martin and Rothery 1986; Coffin 2006). Understanding our classification of 13 genre families enables more meaningful interrogation of the BAWE corpus by teachers and researchers. The diversity in student genres across disciplines and levels of study is noteworthy for academic writing materials developers and all interested in the nature of higher education.
165 citations
TL;DR: It is essential to include AM association in any study of higher plants in natural environments in order to provide an holistic understanding of ecosystems, and aspects of AM fungal ecology emphasizing past and present importance of the phylum in niche to global ecosystem function are considered.
Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a mutually beneficial biological association between species in the fungal phylum Glomeromycota and higher plants roots. The symbiosis is thought to have afforded green plants the opportunity to invade dry land ca 450 Ma ago and the vast majority of extant terrestrial plants retain this association. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi perform various ecological functions in exchange for host photosynthetic carbon that almost always contribute to the fitness of hosts from an individual to community level. Recent AM fungal research, increasingly delving into the ‘Black Box’, suggests that species in this phylum may play a key facilitative role in below-ground micro- and meso-organism community dynamics, even more perhaps, that of a bioengineer. The ubiquitous nature of the symbiosis in extant flora and the fact that variations from the AM symbiosis are recent events suggest that Glomeromycota and plant roots coevolved. This review considers aspects of AM fungal ecology emphasizing pas...
TL;DR: In this paper, an adaptive approach to improve the process planning of Rapid Prototyping/manufacturing (RP/M) for complex product models such as biomedical models was presented, where NURBS curves were introduced to represent the boundary contours of the sliced layers in RP/M to maintain the geometrical accuracy of the original models.
Abstract: This paper presents an adaptive approach to improve the process planning of Rapid Prototyping/Manufacturing (RP/M) for complex product models such as biomedical models. Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS)-based curves were introduced to represent the boundary contours of the sliced layers in RP/M to maintain the geometrical accuracy of the original models. A mixed tool-path generation algorithm was then developed to generate contour tool-paths along the boundary and offset curves of each sliced layer to preserve geometrical accuracy, and zigzag tool-paths for the internal area of the layer to simplify computing processes and speed up fabrication. In addition, based on the developed build time and geometrical accuracy analysis models, adaptive algorithms were designed to generate an adaptive speed of the RP/M nozzle/print head for the contour tool-paths to address the geometrical characteristics of each layer, and to identify the best slope degree of the zigzag tool-paths towards achieving the minimum build time. Five case studies of complex biomedical models were used to verify and demonstrate the improved performance of the approach in terms of processing effectiveness and geometrical accuracy. Highlights? NURBS curves were introduced to maintain the accuracy of slicing layers. ? A mixed tool-path algorithm was developed to balance accuracy and build time. ? Adaptive algorithms were designed to identify the best slope degree of the zigzag tool-paths. ? Case studies of complex biomedical models were used to verify and demonstrate the approach
TL;DR: Interventions to promote walking in groups are efficacious at increasing physical activity, and the large fail-safe N suggests these findings are robust.
Abstract: Walking groups are increasingly being set up but little is known about their efficacy in promoting physical activity. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of interventions to promote walking in groups to promoting physical activity within adults, and to explore potential moderators of this efficacy. Systematic literature review searches were conducted using multiple databases. A random effect model was used for the meta-analysis, with sensitivity analysis. The effect of the interventions (19 studies, 4 572 participants) on physical activity was of medium size (d = 0.52), statistically significant (95%CI 0.32 to 0.71, p < 0.0001), and with large fail-safe of N = 753. Moderator analyses showed that lower quality studies had larger effect sizes than higher quality studies, studies reporting outcomes over six months had larger effect sizes than studies reporting outcomes up to six months, studies that targeted both genders had higher effect sizes than studies that targeted only women, studies that targeted older adults had larger effect sizes than studies that targeted younger adults. No significant differences were found between studies delivered by professionals and those delivered by lay people. Interventions to promote walking in groups are efficacious at increasing physical activity. Despite low homogeneity of results, and limitations (e.g. small number of studies using objective measures of physical activity, publication bias), which might have influence the findings, the large fail-safe N suggests these findings are robust. Possible explanations for heterogeneity between studies are discussed, and the need for more investigation of this is highlighted.
TL;DR: Analysis of observation data suggests that blending this interactive game-based approach with traditional classroom delivery encouraged the teachers and students to engage in communal discussions and debriefing during and after game play.
Abstract: Didactic approaches to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) have been shown to yield limited outcomes when compared to approaches that stimulate peer discussion and debate. Creating effective interventions, which stimulate peer involvement, remains a demanding task and finding a solution that is not only engaging but also pedagogically sound is vital. A case thus exists for exploring how game technology might facilitate more feasible solutions. This paper presents the development approach of a digital game: PR:EPARe (Positive Relationships: Eliminating Coercion and Pressure in Adolescent Relationships), designed by a cross-disciplinary team of UK researchers from Coventry University's Studies in Adolescent Sexual Health (SASH) research group and the Serious Games Institute (SGI). Psychological targets for game content were identified through Intervention Mapping (IM) and the game design process was based on the Four-Dimensional Framework of Learning (4DF) emphasizing the context of deployment, learner profiling and the pedagogical perspective that influence the mode of representation of the learning content. Early efficacy testing of the game solution was validated through a cluster-randomized controlled trial in local schools (n = 505) indicated some positive outcomes in favour of the game-based approach, based on self-reported measures of psycho-social preparedness for avoiding coercion (F [3, 501] = 15.306, p < .001, @h"p^2 = 0.084). Analysis of observation data suggests that blending this interactive game-based approach with traditional classroom delivery encouraged the teachers and students to engage in communal discussions and debriefing during and after game play. Together, the results demonstrated real benefits for pedagogy-driven game-based approaches to support the delivery of RSE within a classroom setting.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the nature of participation by destination stakeholders in formulating and implementing tourism policy in Cameroon and explored a model of tourism development built around a centrally coordinated but decentralized tourism network that reaches out to all representative stakeholders.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the findings of a study that synthesised the qualitative research literature systematically, through the use of qualitative research synthesis, and examine and present the concepts and themes that recurred across the student engagement literature in terms of students' conceptions of engagement.
Abstract: In recent years, a number of authors have undertaken extensive reviews of the international research literature to investigate student engagement in higher education. This article presents the findings of a study that synthesised the qualitative research literature systematically, through the use of qualitative research synthesis. The purpose of the article was not only to synthesise the literature, but also to examine and present the concepts and themes that recurred across the student engagement literature in terms of students' conceptions of engagement. The implications for enhancing student engagement practices are also considered in relation to pedagogical design decisions.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review consolidates the research on perceptions of risk and its antecedents to improve our understanding of the factors that influence perceptions of risks and their effect on fear of criminal victimization.
Abstract: This review consolidates the research on perceptions of risk and its antecedents to improve our understanding of the factors that influence perceptions of risk. The evidence is evaluated against the available models, theories and explanations. Online databases, relevant journals and books were searched using keywords resulting in a total of 30 papers being included in this review. It was found that the literature provided support for previous victimization, experienced both directly and vicariously, gender, race, income, perceptions of crime rates and incivilities, having a consistent effect on perceptions of risk of criminal victimization. Perceived risk was shown to have a strong influence on fear of crime, and the relationship was also found by one study to be reciprocal (Rader et al., 2007). The risk interpretation model (Ferraro, 1995) was supported by the literature but is still in need of continuing development in light of new research. The findings could be used to help reduce risk perception to a level more in line with actual risk and thus reduce fear of crime and in turn increase quality of life. Language: en
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored visitors' image of a destination using online visitor-generated photography and compared the findings with images of the same destination that marketers create and control on the Internet, and found that visitors' holistic image encompasses notions of Taiwanese uniqueness, ancientness, and authenticity through their perceptions of the natural landscapes, traditional local cuisine, and culture.
Abstract: The study explores visitors’ image of a destination using online visitor-generated photography and compares the findings with images of the same destination that marketers create and control on the Internet. The two studies are conducted with Taiwan as the context-destination. Online visitor-generated photography yielded more than 100 photographs from visitors to Taiwan, and indicates that visitors’ holistic image encompasses notions of Taiwanese uniqueness, ancientness, and authenticity through their perceptions of the natural landscapes, traditional local cuisine, and culture. The second study yielded 1,526 visual image representations of Taiwan collected from a variety of website sources, and findings highlight the disparities between the holistic image construed by visitors to Taiwan and the image created by marketers on the Internet. The findings yield important implications for the effective positioning and promotion of tourism destinations as managers should consider visitors’ holistic images in th...
TL;DR: Kotler, Michael Polonsky, and Gerard Hastings as discussed by the authors have contributed to a special issue on "Social marketing: social change", which is accompanied by three invited reflections.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the editorial is to accompany this special issue on “Social marketing: social change”. Design/methodology/approach – The editorial presents three invited reflections by Philip Kotler, Michael Polonsky and Gerard Hastings. It also discusses the articles in this special issue. Findings – Overall, the contributed papers demonstrate that there are many layers to social marketing. Originality/value – The articles featured in this special issue help to advance social marketing theory as well as offer valuable implications and recommendations for managers, practitioners and policymakers.
TL;DR: The inhibition of mitochondrial fission protects the heart against doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury and is identified as a new therapeutic target in ameliorating dox orubic in-induced cardiotoxicity without affecting its anti-cancer properties.
Abstract: Doxorubicin is one of the most effective anti-cancer agents. However, its use is associated with adverse cardiac effects, including cardiomyopathy and progressive heart failure. Given the multiple beneficial effects of the mitochondrial division inhibitor (mdivi-1) in a variety of pathological conditions including heart failure and ischaemia and reperfusion injury, we investigated the effects of mdivi-1 on doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction in naive and stressed conditions using Langendorff perfused heart models and a model of oxidative stress was used to assess the effects of drug treatments on the mitochondrial depolarisation and hypercontracture of cardiac myocytes. Western blot analysis was used to measure the levels of p-Akt and p-Erk 1/2 and flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the levels p-Drp1 and p-p53 upon drug treatment. The HL60 leukaemia cell line was used to evaluate the effects of pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial division on the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in a cancer cell line. Doxorubicin caused a significant impairment of cardiac function and increased the infarct size to risk ratio in both naive conditions and during ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Interestingly, co-treatment of doxorubicin with mdivi-1 attenuated these detrimental effects of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin also caused a reduction in the time taken to depolarisation and hypercontracture of cardiac myocytes, which were reversed with mdivi-1. Finally, doxorubicin caused a significant elevation in the levels of signalling proteins p-Akt, p-Erk 1/2, p-Drp1 and p-p53. Co-incubation of mdivi-1 with doxorubicin did not reduce the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin against HL-60 cells. These data suggest that the inhibition of mitochondrial fission protects the heart against doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury and identify mitochondrial fission as a new therapeutic target in ameliorating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity without affecting its anti-cancer properties.
TL;DR: By performing a high-statistics simulation of the D=3 random-field Ising model at zero temperature for different shapes of the random- field distribution, it is shown that the model is ruled by a single universality class, and that scaling is described by two independent exponents.
Abstract: We solve a long-standing puzzle in statistical mechanics of disordered systems. By performing a high-statistics simulation of the $D=3$ random-field Ising model at zero temperature for different shapes of the random-field distribution, we show that the model is ruled by a single universality class. We compute the complete set of critical exponents for this class, including the correction-to-scaling exponent, and we show, to high numerical accuracy, that scaling is described by two independent exponents. Discrepancies with previous works are explained in terms of strong scaling corrections.
TL;DR: In this paper, the development and feasibility testing of a smartphone-based attentive eating intervention is reported, in which participants used the application during a four-week trial and semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess acceptability and to identify barriers to usage.
Abstract: Attentive eating means eating devoid of distraction and increasing awareness and memory for food being consumed. Encouraging individuals to eat more attentively could help reduce calorie intake, as a strong evidence base suggests that memory and awareness of food being consumed substantially influence energy intake. The development and feasibility testing of a smartphone based attentive eating intervention is reported. Informed by models of behavioral change, a smartphone application was developed. Feasibility was tested in twelve overweight and obese volunteers, sampled from university staff. Participants used the application during a four week trial and semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess acceptability and to identify barriers to usage. We also recorded adherence by downloading application usage data from participants’ phones at the end of the trial. Adherence data indicated that participants used the application regularly. Participants also felt the application was easy to use and lost weight during the trial. Thematic analysis indicated that participants felt that the application raised their awareness of what they were eating. Analysis also indicated barriers to using a smartphone application to change dietary behavior. An attentive eating based intervention using smartphone technology is feasible and testing of its effectiveness for dietary change and weight loss is warranted.
TL;DR: Results indicated that participants completed significantly greater repetitions to failure, irrespective of exercise, in the presence of caffeine, and acute caffeine ingestion not only enhances resistance exercise performance to failure but also reduces perception of exertion and muscle pain.
Abstract: The efficacy of caffeine ingestion in enhancing aerobic performance is well established. However, despite suggestions that caffeine may enhance resistance exercise performance, research is equivocal on the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on resistance exercise performance. It has also been suggested that dampened perception of perceived exertion and pain perception might be an explanation for any possible enhancement of resistance exercise performance due to caffeine ingestion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of caffeine ingestion on repetitions to failure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscle pain perception during resistance exercise to failure. Eleven resistance trained individuals (9 males, 2 females, mean age±SD=26.4±6.4 years), took part in this double-blind, randomised cross-over experimental study whereby they ingested a caffeinated (5 mg kg(-1)) or placebo solution 60 minutes before completing a bout of resistance exercise. Experimental conditions were separated by at least 48 hours. Resistance exercise sessions consisted of bench press, deadlift, prone row and back squat exercise to failure at an intensity of 60% 1 repetition maximum. Results indicated that participants completed significantly greater repetitions to failure, irrespective of exercise, in the presence of caffeine (p=0.0001). Mean±S.D of repetitions to failure was 19.6±3.7 and 18.5±4.1 in caffeine and placebo conditions, respectively. There were no differences in peak heart rate or peak blood lactate values across conditions (both p >0.05). RPE was significantly lower in the caffeine compared to the placebo condition (p=0.03) and was significantly higher during lower body exercises compared to upper body exercises irrespective of substance ingested (p=0.0001). For muscle pain perception, a significant condition by exercise interaction (p=0.027) revealed that muscle pain perception was lower in the caffeine condition, irrespective of exercise. With caffeine, pain perception was significantly higher in the deadlift and back squat compared to the bench press. However, with placebo, pain perception was significantly higher for the deadlift and back squat compared to the prone row only. Therefore, acute caffeine ingestion not only enhances resistance exercise performance to failure but also reduces perception of exertion and muscle pain.
07 Jun 2013
TL;DR: The benefits of edge mining are examined with respect to three specific algorithms: linear Spanish inquisition protocol (L-SIP), ClassAct, and bare necessities, which are all instantiations of general SIP.
Abstract: This paper examines the benefits of edge mining -data mining that takes place on the wireless, battery-powered, and smart sensing devices that sit at the edge points of the Internet of Things. Through local data reduction and transformation, edge mining can quantifiably reduce the number of packets that must be sent, reducing energy usage, and remote storage requirements. In addition, edge mining has the potential to reduce the risk in personal privacy through embedding of information requirements at the sensing point, limiting inappropriate use. The benefits of edge mining are examined with respect to three specific algorithms: linear Spanish inquisition protocol (L-SIP), ClassAct, and bare necessities (BN), which are all instantiations of general SIP. In general, the benefits provided by edge mining are related to the predictability of data streams and availability of precise information requirements; results show that L-SIP typically reduces packet transmission by around 95% (20-fold), BN reduces packet transmission by 99.98% (5000-fold), and ClassAct reduces packet transmission by 99.6% (250-fold). Although energy reduction is not as radical because of other overheads, minimization of these overheads can lead up to a 10-fold battery life extension for L-SIP, for example. These results demonstrate the importance of edge mining to the feasibility of many IoT applications.
TL;DR: This data indicates that decision navigation (DN) increases prostate cancer patients' confidence and certainty in treatment decisions, while reducing regret associated with the decisions made.
Abstract: Objective
Does decision navigation (DN) increase prostate cancer patients' confidence and certainty in treatment decisions, while reducing regret associated with the decisions made?
Methods
Two hundred eighty-nine newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients were eligible. 123 consented and were randomised to usual care (n = 60) or navigation (n = 63).
The intervention involved a ‘navigator’ guiding the patient in creating a personal question list for a consultation and providing a CD and typed summary of the consultation to patients, the general practitioner and physician.
The primary outcome was decisional self efficacy. Secondary outcomes included decisional conflict (DCS) and decisional regret (RS). Measures of mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and adjustment (Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale) were included to detect potential adverse effects of the intervention.
Results
ANOVA showed a main effect for the group (F = 7.161, df 1, p = 0.009). Post hoc comparisons showed significantly higher decisional self efficacy in the navigated patients post-consultation and 6 months later. Decisional conflict was lower for navigated patients initially (t = 2.005, df = 105, p = 0.047), not at follow-up (t = 1.969, df = 109, p = 0.052). Regret scores were significantly lower in the navigation group compared to the controls 6 months later (t = −2.130, df = 100, p = 0.036). There was no impact of the intervention on mood or adjustment.
Conclusion
Compared to control patients, navigated patients were more confident in making decisions about cancer treatment, were more certain they had made the right decision after the consultation and had less regret about their decision 6 months later. Decision navigation was feasible, acceptable and effective for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients in Scotland. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Incentive spirometry did not improve overall recovery of lung function, frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications or length of stay, and there were larger observed actual differences in the frequency of PPC in favour of the intervention, indicating that investigations regarding the physiotherapy management of these patients need to be developed further.
Abstract: Background Following thoracotomy, patients frequently receive routine respiratory physiotherapy which may include incentive spirometry, a breathing technique characterised by deep breathing performed through a device offering visual feedback. This type of physiotherapy is recommended and considered important in the care of thoracic surgery patients, but high quality evidence for specific interventions such as incentive spirometry remains lacking. Methods 180 patients undergoing thoracotomy and lung resection participated in a prospective single-blind randomised controlled trial. All patients received postoperative breathing exercises, airway clearance and early mobilisation; the control group performed thoracic expansion exercises and the intervention group performed incentive spirometry. Results No difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in the mean drop in forced expiratory volume in 1 s on postoperative day 4 (40% vs 41%, 95% CI −5.3% to 4.2%, p=0.817), the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) (12.5% vs 15%, 95% CI −7.9% to 12.9%, p=0.803) or in any other secondary outcome measure. A high-risk subgroup (defined by ≥2 independent risk factors; age ≥75 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score ≥3, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking status, body mass index ≥30) also demonstrated no difference in outcomes, although a larger difference in the frequency of PPC was observed (14% vs 23%) with 95% CIs indicating possible benefit of intervention (−7.4% to 2.6%). Conclusions Incentive spirometry did not improve overall recovery of lung function, frequency of PPC or length of stay. For patients at higher risk for the development of PPC, in particular those with COPD or current/recent ex-smokers, there were larger observed actual differences in the frequency of PPC in favour of the intervention, indicating that investigations regarding the physiotherapy management of these patients need to be developed further.
TL;DR: Although BMI and WC significantly predict resting blood pressure in adolescents, the use of ABSI explained a greater amount of the variance in BP in this population.
Abstract: Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood and adolescence is associated with overweight and obesity. Recently a body shape index (ABSI) has been suggested as superior to body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC) as a measure of disease risk. Objective: To examine the association between ABSI, BMI, WC and BP in Portuguese adolescents and to consider the role of ABSI, BMI and WC when examining this issue in adolescents. Methods and procedures: Height, body mass, WC and resting blood pressure were assessed in 445 Portuguese adolescents (252 girls and 193 boys) aged 10–17 years. Results: ABSI, BMI and WC were all significantly related to both SBP and DBP (all p = 0.001 or better). ABSI, BMI and WC were all significant predictors of SBP and DBP for the whole sample and when analysed in separate gender groups (p = 0.001 or better in all cases). However, in all cases ABSI was a better predictor of BP than BMI or WC. Conclusions: Although BMI and WC significantly predict resting BP in ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based selective disassembly planning method embedded with customisable decision making models and a novel generic constraint handling algorithm has been developed.
Abstract: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipments (WEEEs) are one of the most significant waste streams in modern societies. In the past decade, disassembly of WEEE to support remanufacturing and recycling has been growingly adopted by industries. With the increasing customisation and diversity of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and more complex assembly processes, full disassembly of WEEE is rarely an ideal solution due to high disassembly cost. Selective disassembly, which prioritises operations for partial disassembly according to the legislative and economic considerations of specific stakeholders, is becoming an important but still a challenging research topic in recent years. In order to address the issue effectively, in this paper, a Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO)-based selective disassembly planning method embedded with customisable decision making models and a novel generic constraint handling algorithm has been developed. With multi-criteria and adaptive decision making models, the developed method is flexible to handle WEEE to meet the various requirements of stakeholders. Based on the generic constraint handling and intelligent optimisation algorithms, the developed research is capable to process complex constraints and achieve optimised selective disassembly plans. Industrial cases on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) televisions have been used to verify and demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the research in different application scenarios.
TL;DR: In wells where the permeability is above 20 mD and the porosity is greater than 15% ultrasonic treatment can increase oil production by up to 50% and in some cases even more, and when ultrasound is applied in conjunction with chemicals.
TL;DR: Cold-water immersion is more useful than massage in the recovery from basketball matches, especially in women, and improves perceptual measures of recovery, as well as improving jump performance.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intermittent cold-water immersion and massage on perceptual and performance markers of recovery by basketball players after competitive matches. Eight men (age 23 ± 3 years; stature 190.5 ± 8.9 cm; body mass 90.3 ± 9.6 kg; body fat 12.8 ± 4.8%) and eight women (age 22 ± 2 years; stature 179.0 ± 8.5 cm; body mass 77.6 ± 9.2 kg; body fat 22.5 ± 6.6%) basketball players participated. Massage, cold-water immersion or control were applied immediately after competitive matches, followed by assessments of perceptual measures of recovery and physical performance, countermovement jump and repeated-sprint ability 24 h after intervention. There was lower perception of fatigue overall and in the legs immediately after the massage and cold-water immersion condition (P < 0.001; = 0.91). Furthermore, women had a lower perception of fatigue in cold-water immersion than massage at any testing time (P < 0.001; = 0.37). Jump performance was greater after cold-wa...