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This invited discussion paper highlights key updates in the MRC/NIHR's revised framework for the development and evaluation of complex nursing interventions and reflects on the implications for nursing research.

The Australian underground mining industry extensively uses thixotropic cementitious grout as a bonding agent for cable bolts. Grout is very effective as a bonding agent but is prone to issues with consistently achieving full column encapsulation and has operational issues impacting production. An economically viable two-part resin bonding agent is being investigated by Jennmar which offers some operational advantages. This paper explores the bond strength evaluation of the two-part resin against cementitious grout.

Place-based public health evaluations are increasingly making use of natural experiments. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the design and use of natural experiment evaluations (NEEs), and an assessment of the plausibility of the as-if randomisation assumption. A systematic search of three bibliographic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science and Ovid-Medline) was conducted in January 2020 to capture publications that reported a natural experiment of a place-based public health intervention or outcome. For each, study design elements were extracted. An additional evaluation of as-if randomisation was conducted by twelve 12 of this paper’s authors who evaluated the same set of 20 randomly selected studies and assessed ‘as-if’ randomisation for each. 366 NEE studies of place-based public health interventions were identified. The most commonly used NEE approach was a Difference-in-Differences study design (25%), followed by before-after comparisons studies (23%) and regression analysis studies. 42% of NEEs had likely or probably as-if randomisation of exposure (the intervention), while for 25% this was implausible. An inter-rater agreement exercise indicated poor reliability of as-if randomisation assignment. Only about half of NEEs reported some form of sensitivity or falsification analysis to support inferences. NEEs are conducted using many different designs and statistical methods and encompass various definitions of a natural experiment, while it is questionable whether all evaluations reported as natural experiments should be considered as such. The likelihood of as-if randomisation should be specifically reported, and primary analyses should be supported by sensitivity analyses and/or falsification tests. Transparent reporting of NEE designs and evaluation methods will contribute to the optimum use of place-based NEEs.

Background The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers Universal Credit (UC) – the main UK benefit for people in- and out-of-work. UC is being rolled out nationally from 2013 to 2024. Citizens Advice (CA) is an independent charity that provides advice and support to people making a claim for UC. The aim of this study is to understand who is seeking advice from CA when making a UC claim and how the types of people seeking advice are changing as the rollout of UC continues. Methods Co-developed with Citizens Advice Newcastle and Citizens Advice Northumberland we performed longitudinal analysis of national data from Citizens Advice for England and Wales on the health (mental health and limiting long term conditions) and socio-demographic of 1,003,411 observations for people seeking advice with claiming UC over four financial years (2017/18 to 2020/21). We summarised population characteristics and estimated the differences between the four financial years using population-weighted t-tests. Findings were discussed with three people with lived experience of seeking advice to claim UC to help frame our interpretation and policy recommendations. Results When comparing 2017/18 to 2018/19, there was a significantly higher proportion of people with limiting long term conditions seeking advice with claiming UC than those without (+2.40%, 95%CI: 1.31%-3.50%). However, as the rollout continued between 2018/29 and 2019/20 (-6.75%, 95%CI: -9.62%--3.88%) and between 2019/20 and 2020/21 (-2.09%, 95%CI: -2.54%--1.64%), there were significantly higher proportions of those without a limiting long term condition seeking advice than with. When comparing 2018/19 to 2019/20 and 2019/20 to 2020/21, there was a significant increase in the proportion of self-employed compared to unemployed people seeking advice with claiming UC (5.64%, 95%CI: 3.79%-7.49%) and (2.26%, 95%CI: 1.29%-3.23%) respectively. Conclusion As the rollout for UC continues, it is important to understand how ch

Place-based public health evaluations are increasingly making use of natural experiments. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the design and use of natural experiment evaluations (NEEs), and an assessment of the plausibility of the as-if randomisation assumption. A systematic search of three bibliographic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science and Ovid-Medline) was conducted in January 2020 to capture publications that reported a natural experiment of a place-based public health intervention or outcome. For each, study design elements were extracted. An additional evaluation of as-if randomisation was conducted by twelve 12 of this paper’s authors who evaluated the same set of 20 randomly selected studies and assessed ‘as-if’ randomisation for each. 366 NEE studies of place-based public health interventions were identified. The most commonly used NEE approach was a Difference-in-Differences study design (25%), followed by before-after comparisons studies (23%) and regression analysis studies. 42% of NEEs had likely or probably as-if randomisation of exposure (the intervention), while for 25% this was implausible. An inter-rater agreement exercise indicated poor reliability of as-if randomisation assignment. Only about half of NEEs reported some form of sensitivity or falsification analysis to support inferences. NEEs are conducted using many different designs and statistical methods and encompass various definitions of a natural experiment, while it is questionable whether all evaluations reported as natural experiments should be considered as such. The likelihood of as-if randomisation should be specifically reported, and primary analyses should be supported by sensitivity analyses and/or falsification tests. Transparent reporting of NEE designs and evaluation methods will contribute to the optimum use of place-based NEEs.

Background The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers Universal Credit (UC) – the main UK benefit for people in- and out-of-work. UC is being rolled out nationally from 2013 to 2024. Citizens Advice (CA) is an independent charity that provides advice and support to people making a claim for UC. The aim of this study is to understand who is seeking advice from CA when making a UC claim and how the types of people seeking advice are changing as the rollout of UC continues. Methods Co-developed with Citizens Advice Newcastle and Citizens Advice Northumberland we performed longitudinal analysis of national data from Citizens Advice for England and Wales on the health (mental health and limiting long term conditions) and socio-demographic of 1,003,411 observations for people seeking advice with claiming UC over four financial years (2017/18 to 2020/21). We summarised population characteristics and estimated the differences between the four financial years using population-weighted t-tests. Findings were discussed with three people with lived experience of seeking advice to claim UC to help frame our interpretation and policy recommendations. Results When comparing 2017/18 to 2018/19, there was a significantly higher proportion of people with limiting long term conditions seeking advice with claiming UC than those without (+2.40%, 95%CI: 1.31%-3.50%). However, as the rollout continued between 2018/29 and 2019/20 (-6.75%, 95%CI: -9.62%--3.88%) and between 2019/20 and 2020/21 (-2.09%, 95%CI: -2.54%--1.64%), there were significantly higher proportions of those without a limiting long term condition seeking advice than with. When comparing 2018/19 to 2019/20 and 2019/20 to 2020/21, there was a significant increase in the proportion of self-employed compared to unemployed people seeking advice with claiming UC (5.64%, 95%CI: 3.79%-7.49%) and (2.26%, 95%CI: 1.29%-3.23%) respectively. Conclusion As the rollout for UC continues, it is important to understand how ch

The Australian underground mining industry extensively uses thixotropic cementitious grout as a bonding agent for cable bolts. Grout is very effective as a bonding agent but is prone to issues with consistently achieving full column encapsulation and has operational issues impacting production. An economically viable two-part resin bonding agent is being investigated by Jennmar which offers some operational advantages. This paper explores the bond strength evaluation of the two-part resin against cementitious grout.

Introduction The UK social security system is being transformed by the implementation of Universal Credit (UC), which combines six existing benefits and tax credits into a single payment for low-income households. Despite extensive reports of hardship associated with the introduction of UC, no previous studies have comprehensively evaluated its impact on mental health. Because payments are targeted at low-income households, impacts on mental health will have important consequences for health inequalities. Methods and analysis We will conduct a mixed methods study. Work package (WP) 1 will compare health outcomes for new recipients of UC with outcomes for legacy benefit recipients in two large population surveys, using the phased rollout of UC as a natural experiment. We will also analyse the relationship between the proportion of UC claimants in small areas and a composite measure of mental health. WP2 will use data collected by Citizen's Advice to explore the sociodemographic and health characteristics of people who seek advice when claiming UC and identify features of the claim process that prompt advice-seeking. WP3 will conduct longitudinal in-depth interviews with up to 80 UC claimants in England and Scotland to explore reasons for claiming and experiences of the claim process. Up to 30 staff supporting claimants will also be interviewed. WP4 will use a dynamic microsimulation model to simulate the long-term health impacts of different implementation scenarios. WP5 will undertake cost-consequence analysis of the potential costs and outcomes of introducing UC and cost-benefit analyses of mitigating actions. Ethics and dissemination We obtained ethical approval for the primary data gathering from the University of Glasgow, College of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee, application number 400200244. We will use our networks to actively disseminate findings to UC claimants, the public, practitioners and policy-makers, using a range of methods and formats. Tr

The workshop titled "Application of evidence-based methods to construct mechanism-driven chemical assessment frameworks" was co-organized by the Evidence-based Toxicology Collaboration and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and hosted by EFSA at its headquarters in Parma, Italy on October 2 and 3, 2019. The goal was to explore integration of systematic review methods with mechanistic evidence evaluation. Participants were invited to work on concrete products to advance the exploration of how evidence-based approaches can support the development and application of adverse outcome pathways (AOP) in chemical risk assessment. The workshop discussions were centered around three related themes: 1) assessing certainty in AOPs, 2) literature-based AOP development and 3) integrating certainty in AOPs and non-animal evidence into decision frameworks. Several challenges, mostly related to methodology, were identified, and largely determined the workshop recommendations. The workshop recommendations included the comparison and potential alignment of processes used to develop AOP and systematic review methodology, including the translation of vocabulary of evidence-based methods to AOP and vice versa, the development and improvement of evidence mapping and text mining methods and tools, as well as a call for a fundamental change in chemical risk and uncertainty assessment methodology if to be conducted based on AOPs and new approach methodologies (NAM). The usefulness of evidence-based approaches for mechanism-based chemical risk assessments was stressed, particularly the potential contribution of the rigor and transparency inherent to such approaches in building stakeholders' trust for implementation of NAM evidence and AOP into chemical risk assessment.

The 70 t Sumo is a resin point-anchored, pre-tensioned, post-grouted hollow cable bolt for tunnel roof support, particularly in poor ground conditions. An innovative ancillary product to the 70 t Sumo is the Booster cable, which is designed to reinforce the Sumo and enhance the systems shear and tensile performance. The Booster cable is an 11 mm 7-wire PC strand with a nominal breaking load of 15 tonnes, which is inserted into the hollow centre tube of the 70 t Sumo after grouting, while the grout is still pliable. Theoretically, the Booster can increase the tensile and shear capacity of the 70 t Sumo by up to 20%. The Booster reinforced 70 t Sumo is useful in high demand conditions where additional support strength is required without the need to install new support. This paper will present results from laboratory tests undertaken to quantify the tensile and shear characteristics of the 70 t Sumo reinforced with the Booster cable. A case study of a support trial using Booster reinforced 70 t Sumo cable bolts at a Dendrobium is also presented in this paper. The Booster cable successfully reduced 70 t Sumo cable bolt densities by 25%, from four cables per meter to three.

Introduction The UK social security system is being transformed by the implementation of Universal Credit (UC), which combines six existing benefits and tax credits into a single payment for low-income households. Despite extensive reports of hardship associated with the introduction of UC, no previous studies have comprehensively evaluated its impact on mental health. Because payments are targeted at low-income households, impacts on mental health will have important consequences for health inequalities. Methods and analysis We will conduct a mixed methods study. Work package (WP) 1 will compare health outcomes for new recipients of UC with outcomes for legacy benefit recipients in two large population surveys, using the phased rollout of UC as a natural experiment. We will also analyse the relationship between the proportion of UC claimants in small areas and a composite measure of mental health. WP2 will use data collected by Citizen's Advice to explore the sociodemographic and health characteristics of people who seek advice when claiming UC and identify features of the claim process that prompt advice-seeking. WP3 will conduct longitudinal in-depth interviews with up to 80 UC claimants in England and Scotland to explore reasons for claiming and experiences of the claim process. Up to 30 staff supporting claimants will also be interviewed. WP4 will use a dynamic microsimulation model to simulate the long-term health impacts of different implementation scenarios. WP5 will undertake cost-consequence analysis of the potential costs and outcomes of introducing UC and cost-benefit analyses of mitigating actions. Ethics and dissemination We obtained ethical approval for the primary data gathering from the University of Glasgow, College of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee, application number 400200244. We will use our networks to actively disseminate findings to UC claimants, the public, practitioners and policy-makers, using a range of methods and formats. Tr

The workshop titled "Application of evidence-based methods to construct mechanism-driven chemical assessment frameworks" was co-organized by the Evidence-based Toxicology Collaboration and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and hosted by EFSA at its headquarters in Parma, Italy on October 2 and 3, 2019. The goal was to explore integration of systematic review methods with mechanistic evidence evaluation. Participants were invited to work on concrete products to advance the exploration of how evidence-based approaches can support the development and application of adverse outcome pathways (AOP) in chemical risk assessment. The workshop discussions were centered around three related themes: 1) assessing certainty in AOPs, 2) literature-based AOP development and 3) integrating certainty in AOPs and non-animal evidence into decision frameworks. Several challenges, mostly related to methodology, were identified, and largely determined the workshop recommendations. The workshop recommendations included the comparison and potential alignment of processes used to develop AOP and systematic review methodology, including the translation of vocabulary of evidence-based methods to AOP and vice versa, the development and improvement of evidence mapping and text mining methods and tools, as well as a call for a fundamental change in chemical risk and uncertainty assessment methodology if to be conducted based on AOPs and new approach methodologies (NAM). The usefulness of evidence-based approaches for mechanism-based chemical risk assessments was stressed, particularly the potential contribution of the rigor and transparency inherent to such approaches in building stakeholders' trust for implementation of NAM evidence and AOP into chemical risk assessment.

The 70 t Sumo is a resin point-anchored, pre-tensioned, post-grouted hollow cable bolt for tunnel roof support, particularly in poor ground conditions. An innovative ancillary product to the 70 t Sumo is the Booster cable, which is designed to reinforce the Sumo and enhance the systems shear and tensile performance. The Booster cable is an 11 mm 7-wire PC strand with a nominal breaking load of 15 tonnes, which is inserted into the hollow centre tube of the 70 t Sumo after grouting, while the grout is still pliable. Theoretically, the Booster can increase the tensile and shear capacity of the 70 t Sumo by up to 20%. The Booster reinforced 70 t Sumo is useful in high demand conditions where additional support strength is required without the need to install new support. This paper will present results from laboratory tests undertaken to quantify the tensile and shear characteristics of the 70 t Sumo reinforced with the Booster cable. A case study of a support trial using Booster reinforced 70 t Sumo cable bolts at a Dendrobium is also presented in this paper. The Booster cable successfully reduced 70 t Sumo cable bolt densities by 25%, from four cables per meter to three.

We analyze stellar streams in action-angle coordinates combined with recent local direct acceleration measurements to provide joint constraints on the potential of our Galaxy. Our stream analysis uses the Kullback-Leibler divergence with a likelihood analysis based on the two-point correlation function. We provide joint constraints from pulsar accelerations and stellar streams for local and global parameters that describe the potential of the Milky Way (MW). Our goal is to build an ``acceleration ladder", where direct acceleration measurements that are currently limited in dynamic range are combined with indirect techniques that can access a much larger volume of the MW. To constrain the MW potential with stellar streams, we consider the Palomar 5, Orphan, Nyx, Helmi and GD1 streams. Of the potential models that we have considered here, the preferred potential for the streams is a two-component Staeckel potential. We also compare the vertical accelerations from stellar streams and pulsar timing, defining a function $f(z) = \alpha_{1pulsar}z - \frac{\partial\Phi}{\partial z}$, where $\Phi$ is the MW potential determined from stellar streams, and $\alpha_{1~\rm pulsar}z$ is the vertical acceleration determined from pulsar timing observations. Our analysis indicates that the Oort limit determined from streams is consistently (regardless of the choice of potential) lower than that determined from pulsar timing observations. The calibration we have derived here may be used to correct the estimate of the acceleration from stellar streams., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, 1 table. Accepted by ApJ Letters

We describe the discovery of a solar neighborhood (d=468 pc) binary system with a main-sequence sunlike star and a massive non-interacting black hole candidate. The spectral energy distribution (SED) of the visible star is described by a single stellar model. We derive stellar parameters from a high signal-to-noise Magellan/MIKE spectrum, classifying the star as a main-sequence star with $T_{\rm eff} = 5972 \rm K$, $\log{g} = 4.54$, and $M = 0.91$ \msun. The spectrum shows no indication of a second luminous component. To determine the spectroscopic orbit of the binary, we measured radial velocities of this system with the Automated Planet Finder, Magellan, and Keck over four months. We show that the velocity data are consistent with the \textit{Gaia} astrometric orbit and provide independent evidence for a massive dark companion. From a combined fit of our spectroscopic data and the astrometry, we derive a companion mass of $11.39^{+1.51}_{-1.31}$\msun. We conclude that this binary system harbors a massive black hole on an eccentric $(e =0.46 \pm 0.02)$, $185.4 \pm 0.1$ d orbit. These conclusions are independent of \cite{ElBadry2022Disc}, who recently reported the discovery of the same system. A joint fit to all available data (including \cite{ElBadry2022Disc}'s) yields a comparable period solution, but a lower companion mass of $9.32^{+0.22}_{-0.21} M_{\odot}$. Radial velocity fits to all available data produce a unimodal solution for the period that is not possible with either data set alone. The combination of both data sets yields the most accurate orbit currently available., Comment: 30 pages, 17 figures, accepted to AAS journals (various changes in response to referee comments)

Gravitationally lensed supernovae (glSNe) are of interest for time delay cosmology and SN physics. However, glSNe detections are rare, owing to the intrinsic rarity of SN explosions, the necessity of alignment with a foreground lens, and the relatively short window of detectability. We present the Las Cumbres Observatory Lensed Supernova Search, LCOLSS, a targeted survey designed for detecting glSNe in known strong-lensing systems. Using cadenced $r^\prime$-band imaging, LCOLSS targeted 112 galaxy-galaxy lensing systems with high expected SN rates, based on estimated star formation rates. No plausible glSN was detected by LCOLSS over two years of observing. The analysis performed here measures a detection efficiency for these observations and runs a Monte Carlo simulation using the predicted supernova rates to determine the expected number of glSN detections. The results of the simulation suggest an expected number of detections and $68\%$ Poisson confidence intervals, $N_{SN} = 0.20, [0,2.1] $, $N_{Ia} = 0.08, [0,2.0]$, $N_{CC} = 0.12, [0,2.0]$, for all SN, Type Ia, and core-collapse (CC) SNe respectively. These results are broadly consistent with the absence of a detection in our survey. Analysis of the survey strategy can provide insights for future efforts to develop targeted glSN discovery programs. We thereby forecast expected detection rates for the Rubin observatory for such a targeted survey, finding that a single visit depth of 24.7 mag with the Rubin observatory will detect $0.63 \pm 0.38$ SNe per year, with $0.47 \pm 0.28$ core collapse SNe per year and $0.16 \pm 0.10$ Type Ia SNe per year., Comment: 19 pages, 10 figures, 5 tables. Submitted to MNRAS

We present a model for the formation of the Magellanic Stream (MS) due to ram pressure stripping. We model the history of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds in the recent cosmological past in a static Milky Way potential with diffuse halo gas, using observationally motivated orbits for the Magellanic Clouds derived from HST proper motions within the potential of the Milky Way. This model is able to reproduce the trailing arm but does not reproduce the leading arm feature, which is common for models of the stream formation that include ram pressure stripping effects. Our model produces a good match to observations (including the densities and line-of-sight velocities of the stream, as well as the positions and velocities of the satellites at present day) when we include a diffuse halo component for the Milky Way. From analyzing our grid of models, we find that there is a direct correlation between the observed stream length in our simulations and the mass of the Milky Way. For the observed MS length, the inferred Milky Way mass is $1.5 \pm 0.3 \times 10^{12}$ $M_\odot$, which agrees closely with other independent measures of the Milky Way mass. We also discuss the MS in the context of HI streams in galaxy clusters, and find that the MS lies on the low-mass end of a continuum from Hickson groups to the Virgo cluster. As a tracer of the dynamical mass in the outer halo, the MS is a particularly valuable probe of the Milky Way's potential., Comment: Submitted for publication in MNRAS. 12 pages, 12 figures

Background The Medical Research Council published the second edition of its framework in 2006 on developing and evaluating complex interventions. Since then, there have been considerable developments in the field of complex intervention research. The objective of this project was to update the framework in the light of these developments. The framework aims to help research teams prioritise research questions and design, and conduct research with an appropriate choice of methods, rather than to provide detailed guidance on the use of specific methods. Methods There were four stages to the update: (1) gap analysis to identify developments in the methods and practice since the previous framework was published; (2) an expert workshop of 36 participants to discuss the topics identified in the gap analysis; (3) an open consultation process to seek comments on a first draft of the new framework; and (4) findings from the previous stages were used to redraft the framework, and final expert review was obtained. The process was overseen by a Scientific Advisory Group representing the range of relevant National Institute for Health Research and Medical Research Council research investments. Results Key changes to the previous framework include (1) an updated definition of complex interventions, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the intervention and its context; (2) an emphasis on the use of diverse research perspectives: efficacy, effectiveness, theory-based and systems perspectives; (3) a focus on the usefulness of evidence as the basis for determining research perspective and questions; (4) an increased focus on interventions developed outside research teams, for example changes in policy or health services delivery; and (5) the identification of six ‘core elements’ that should guide all phases of complex intervention research: consider context; develop, refine and test programme theory; engage stakeholders; identify key uncertainties; refine the intervention; a

The primary ground support used in Australian underground coal mines is a rebar rock bolt anchored to the rock mass using polyester resin capsules. The key objective of this research project was to benchmark different types of Australian rockbolt resin capsules, including relatively new formulations. Laboratory test methods were developed based on previous studies conducted in South Africa and subsequently at the University of Wollongong, which used 1.8 m JX bolts for installation in internally threaded steel pipes that simulated the borehole. The encapsulated bolts were cut into 80 mm long sections for push testing to obtain around 20 data points from each bolt. Different resin formulation variables were tested; these included three types of limestone fillers and two types of catalyst. The load transfer capacity ofdifferent resins were determined by evaluating the bond strength, peak strength and area under the push test curve. Significant variation in load transfer capacity was found along the length of all 1.8 m bolts tested. The load transfer capacity and its variations along the bolt length were evaluated to be a characteristic of the type of resin formulation tested. Some resin formulations produced upto 20% higher load transfer capacity with better consistency along the length of the bolt. Results from more than 300 push tests were used to assess and validate this study. The findings from this detailed research project can be used for a better understanding of the ground support performance of different Australian resin capsules.

Background The Medical Research Council published the second edition of its framework in 2006 on developing and evaluating complex interventions. Since then, there have been considerable developments in the field of complex intervention research. The objective of this project was to update the framework in the light of these developments. The framework aims to help research teams prioritise research questions and design, and conduct research with an appropriate choice of methods, rather than to provide detailed guidance on the use of specific methods. Methods There were four stages to the update: (1) gap analysis to identify developments in the methods and practice since the previous framework was published; (2) an expert workshop of 36 participants to discuss the topics identified in the gap analysis; (3) an open consultation process to seek comments on a first draft of the new framework; and (4) findings from the previous stages were used to redraft the framework, and final expert review was obtained. The process was overseen by a Scientific Advisory Group representing the range of relevant National Institute for Health Research and Medical Research Council research investments. Results Key changes to the previous framework include (1) an updated definition of complex interventions, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the intervention and its context; (2) an emphasis on the use of diverse research perspectives: efficacy, effectiveness, theory-based and systems perspectives; (3) a focus on the usefulness of evidence as the basis for determining research perspective and questions; (4) an increased focus on interventions developed outside research teams, for example changes in policy or health services delivery; and (5) the identification of six ‘core elements’ that should guide all phases of complex intervention research: consider context; develop, refine and test programme theory; engage stakeholders; identify key uncertainties; refine the intervention; a

The primary ground support used in Australian underground coal mines is a rebar rock bolt anchored to the rock mass using polyester resin capsules. The key objective of this research project was to benchmark different types of Australian rockbolt resin capsules, including relatively new formulations. Laboratory test methods were developed based on previous studies conducted in South Africa and subsequently at the University of Wollongong, which used 1.8 m JX bolts for installation in internally threaded steel pipes that simulated the borehole. The encapsulated bolts were cut into 80 mm long sections for push testing to obtain around 20 data points from each bolt. Different resin formulation variables were tested; these included three types of limestone fillers and two types of catalyst. The load transfer capacity ofdifferent resins were determined by evaluating the bond strength, peak strength and area under the push test curve. Significant variation in load transfer capacity was found along the length of all 1.8 m bolts tested. The load transfer capacity and its variations along the bolt length were evaluated to be a characteristic of the type of resin formulation tested. Some resin formulations produced upto 20% higher load transfer capacity with better consistency along the length of the bolt. Results from more than 300 push tests were used to assess and validate this study. The findings from this detailed research project can be used for a better understanding of the ground support performance of different Australian resin capsules.

Gravitationally lensed supernovae (glSNe) are of interest for time delay cosmology and SN physics. However, glSNe detections are rare, owing to the intrinsic rarity of SN explosions, the necessity of alignment with a foreground lens, and the relatively short window of detectability. We present the Las Cumbres Observatory Lensed Supernova Search, LCOLSS, a targeted survey designed for detecting glSNe in known strong-lensing systems. Using cadenced $r^\prime$-band imaging, LCOLSS targeted 112 galaxy-galaxy lensing systems with high expected SN rates, based on estimated star formation rates. No plausible glSN was detected by LCOLSS over two years of observing. The analysis performed here measures a detection efficiency for these observations and runs a Monte Carlo simulation using the predicted supernova rates to determine the expected number of glSN detections. The results of the simulation suggest an expected number of detections and $68\%$ Poisson confidence intervals, $N_{SN} = 0.20, [0,2.1] $, $N_{Ia} = 0.08, [0,2.0]$, $N_{CC} = 0.12, [0,2.0]$, for all SN, Type Ia, and core-collapse (CC) SNe respectively. These results are broadly consistent with the absence of a detection in our survey. Analysis of the survey strategy can provide insights for future efforts to develop targeted glSN discovery programs. We thereby forecast expected detection rates for the Rubin observatory for such a targeted survey, finding that a single visit depth of 24.7 mag with the Rubin observatory will detect $0.63 \pm 0.38$ SNe per year, with $0.47 \pm 0.28$ core collapse SNe per year and $0.16 \pm 0.10$ Type Ia SNe per year., Comment: 19 pages, 10 figures, 5 tables. Submitted to MNRAS

We present a model for the formation of the Magellanic Stream (MS) due to ram pressure stripping. We model the history of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds in the recent cosmological past in a static Milky Way potential with diffuse halo gas, using observationally motivated orbits for the Magellanic Clouds derived from HST proper motions within the potential of the Milky Way. This model is able to reproduce the trailing arm but does not reproduce the leading arm feature, which is common for models of the stream formation that include ram pressure stripping effects. While our model does not outperform other models in terms of matching the observable quantities in the MS, it is close enough for our ultimate goal -- using the MS to estimate the MW mass. From analyzing our grid of models, we find that there is a direct correlation between the observed stream length in our simulations and the mass of the Milky Way. For the observed MS length, the inferred Milky Way mass is $1.5 \pm 0.32 \times 10^{12}$ $M_\odot$, which agrees closely with other independent measures of the Milky Way mass. We also discuss the MS in the context of HI streams in galaxy clusters, and find that the MS lies on the low-mass end of a continuum from Hickson groups to the Virgo cluster. As a tracer of the dynamical mass in the outer halo, the MS is a particularly valuable probe of the Milky Way's potential., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 15 pages, 14 figures

High precision spectrographs can enable not only the discovery of exoplanets, but can also provide a fundamental measurement in Galactic dynamics. Over about ten year baselines, the expected change in the line-of-sight velocity due to the Galaxy's gravitational field for stars at $\sim$ kpc scale distances above the Galactic mid-plane is $\sim$ few - 10 cm/s, and may be detectable by the current generation of high precision spectrographs. Here, we provide theoretical expectations for this measurement based on both static models of the Milky Way and isolated Milky Way simulations, as well from controlled dynamical simulations of the Milky Way interacting with dwarf galaxies. We simulate a population synthesis model to analyze the contribution of planets and binaries to the Galactic acceleration signal. We find that while low-mass, long-period planetary companions are a contaminant to the Galactic acceleration signal, their contribution is very small. Our analysis of $\sim$ ten years of data from the LCES HIRES/Keck precision radial velocity (RV) survey shows that slopes of the RV curves of standard RV stars agree with expectations of the local Galactic acceleration near the Sun within the errors, and that the error in the slope scales inversely as the square root of the number of observations. Thus, we demonstrate that a survey of stars with low intrinsic stellar jitter at kpc distances above the Galactic mid-plane for realistic sample sizes can enable a direct determination of the dark matter density., Comment: accepted to ApJ Letters

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

We show that Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of dwarf galaxies interacting with a Milky Way-like disk produce moving groups in the simulated stellar disk. We analyze three different simulations: one that includes dwarf galaxies that mimic the Large Magellanic Cloud, Small Magellanic Cloud and the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal; another with a dwarf galaxy that orbits nearly in the plane of the Milky Way disk; and a null case that does not include a dwarf galaxy interaction. We present a new algorithm to find large moving groups in the $V_R, V_\phi$ plane in an automated fashion that allows us to compare velocity sub-structure in different simulations, at different locations, and at different times. We find that there are significantly more moving groups formed in the interacting simulations than in the isolated simulation. A number of dwarf galaxies are known to orbit the Milky Way, with at least one known to have had a close pericenter approach. Our analysis of simulations here indicates that dwarf galaxies like those orbiting our Galaxy produce large moving groups in the disk. Our analysis also suggests that some of the moving groups in the Milky Way may have formed due to dynamical interactions with perturbing dwarf satellites. The groups identified in the simulations by our algorithm have similar properties to those found in the Milky Way, including similar fractions of the total stellar population included in the groups, as well as similar average velocities and velocity dispersions., Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Major revisions in the accepted version of the paper

We show that Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of dwarf galaxies interacting with a Milky Way-like disk produce moving groups in the simulated stellar disk. We analyze three different simulations: one that includes dwarf galaxies that mimic the Large Magellanic Cloud, Small Magellanic Cloud and the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal; another with a dwarf galaxy that orbits nearly in the plane of the Milky Way disk; and a null case that does not include a dwarf galaxy interaction. We present a new algorithm to find large moving groups in the $V_R, V_\phi$ plane in an automated fashion that allows us to compare velocity sub-structure in different simulations, at different locations, and at different times. We find that there are significantly more moving groups formed in the interacting simulations than in the isolated simulation. A number of dwarf galaxies are known to orbit the Milky Way, with at least one known to have had a close pericenter approach. Our analysis of simulations here indicates that dwarf galaxies like those orbiting our Galaxy produce large moving groups in the disk. Our analysis also suggests that some of the moving groups in the Milky Way may have formed due to dynamical interactions with perturbing dwarf satellites. The groups identified in the simulations by our algorithm have similar properties to those found in the Milky Way, including similar fractions of the total stellar population included in the groups, as well as similar average velocities and velocity dispersions., Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Major revisions in the accepted version of the paper

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

It is common to undertake qualitative research alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when evaluating complex interventions. Researchers tend to analyse these datasets one by one and then consider their findings separately within the discussion section of the final report, rarely integrating quantitative and qualitative data or findings, and missing opportunities to combine data in order to add rigour, enabling thorough and more complete analysis, provide credibility to results, and generate further important insights about the intervention under evaluation. This paper reports on a 2 day expert meeting funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Hubs for Trials Methodology Research with the aims to identify current strengths and weaknesses in the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in clinical trials, establish the next steps required to provide the trials community with guidance on the integration of mixed methods in RCTs and set-up a network of individuals, groups and organisations willing to collaborate on related methodological activity. We summarise integration techniques and go beyond previous publications by highlighting the potential value of integration using three examples that are specific to RCTs. We suggest that applying mixed methods integration techniques to data or findings from studies involving both RCTs and qualitative research can yield insights that might be useful for understanding variation in outcomes, the mechanism by which interventions have an impact, and identifying ways of tailoring therapy to patient preference and type. Given a general lack of examples and knowledge of these techniques, researchers and funders will need future guidance on how to undertake and appraise them.

Any study of sport is incomplete without consideration of its social function and structures, its economic impacts both locally and globally, and its political dimension – particularly when used by nations for competitive gain. Sport Sociology provides a comprehensive overview for any student taking a course on the subject at college or university, including both established and emergent themes, from issues around power, diversity and consumerism through to newer topics such as the digital environment and climate change – both now covered in new individual chapters. Other chapters have been fully revised to include up-to-date literature and case studies, as well as new key terms and reflective tasks. A new ‘Key Thinker’ box feature included in each chapter introduces readers to an esteemed theorist relevant for the chapter topic to help link theoretical concepts to practice and offer up suggestive research directions for student assessment.

Any study of sport is incomplete without consideration of its social function and structures, its economic impacts both locally and globally, and its political dimension – particularly when used by nations for competitive gain. Sport Sociology provides a comprehensive overview for any student taking a course on the subject at college or university, including both established and emergent themes, from issues around power, diversity and consumerism through to newer topics such as the digital environment and climate change – both now covered in new individual chapters. Other chapters have been fully revised to include up-to-date literature and case studies, as well as new key terms and reflective tasks. A new ‘Key Thinker’ box feature included in each chapter introduces readers to an esteemed theorist relevant for the chapter topic to help link theoretical concepts to practice and offer up suggestive research directions for student assessment.

To meet the general requirement for transparency in EFSA's work, all its scientific assessments must consider uncertainty. Assessments must say clearly and unambiguously what sources of uncertainty have been identified and what is their impact on the assessment conclusion. This applies to all EFSA's areas, all types of scientific assessment and all types of uncertainty affecting assessment. This current Opinion describes the principles and methods supporting a concise Guidance Document on Uncertainty in EFSA's Scientific Assessment, published separately. These documents do not prescribe specific methods for uncertainty analysis but rather provide a flexible framework within which different methods may be selected, according to the needs of each assessment. Assessors should systematically identify sources of uncertainty, checking each part of their assessment to minimise the risk of overlooking important uncertainties. Uncertainty may be expressed qualitatively or quantitatively. It is neither necessary nor possible to quantify separately every source of uncertainty affecting an assessment. However, assessors should express in quantitative terms the combined effect of as many as possible of identified sources of uncertainty. The guidance describes practical approaches. Uncertainty analysis should be conducted in a flexible, iterative manner, starting at a level appropriate to the assessment and refining the analysis as far as is needed or possible within the time available. The methods and results of the uncertainty analysis should be reported fully and transparently. Every EFSA Panel and Unit applied the draft Guidance to at least one assessment in their work area during a trial period of one year. Experience gained in this period resulted in improved guidance. The Scientific Committee considers that uncertainty analysis will be unconditional for EFSA Panels and staff and must be embedded into scientific assessment in all areas of EFSA's work.

Uncertainty analysis is the process of identifying limitations in scientific knowledge and evaluating their implications for scientific conclusions. It is therefore relevant in all EFSA's scientific assessments and also necessary, to ensure that the assessment conclusions provide reliable information for decision-making. The form and extent of uncertainty analysis, and how the conclusions should be reported, vary widely depending on the nature and context of each assessment and the degree of uncertainty that is present. This document provides concise guidance on how to identify which options for uncertainty analysis are appropriate in each assessment, and how to apply them. It is accompanied by a separate, supporting opinion that explains the key concepts and principles behind this Guidance, and describes the methods in more detail.

To meet the general requirement for transparency in EFSA's work, all its scientific assessments must consider uncertainty. Assessments must say clearly and unambiguously what sources of uncertainty have been identified and what is their impact on the assessment conclusion. This applies to all EFSA's areas, all types of scientific assessment and all types of uncertainty affecting assessment. This current Opinion describes the principles and methods supporting a concise Guidance Document on Uncertainty in EFSA's Scientific Assessment, published separately. These documents do not prescribe specific methods for uncertainty analysis but rather provide a flexible framework within which different methods may be selected, according to the needs of each assessment. Assessors should systematically identify sources of uncertainty, checking each part of their assessment to minimise the risk of overlooking important uncertainties. Uncertainty may be expressed qualitatively or quantitatively. It is neither necessary nor possible to quantify separately every source of uncertainty affecting an assessment. However, assessors should express in quantitative terms the combined effect of as many as possible of identified sources of uncertainty. The guidance describes practical approaches. Uncertainty analysis should be conducted in a flexible, iterative manner, starting at a level appropriate to the assessment and refining the analysis as far as is needed or possible within the time available. The methods and results of the uncertainty analysis should be reported fully and transparently. Every EFSA Panel and Unit applied the draft Guidance to at least one assessment in their work area during a trial period of one year. Experience gained in this period resulted in improved guidance. The Scientific Committee considers that uncertainty analysis will be unconditional for EFSA Panels and staff and must be embedded into scientific assessment in all areas of EFSA's work.

Uncertainty analysis is the process of identifying limitations in scientific knowledge and evaluating their implications for scientific conclusions. It is therefore relevant in all EFSA's scientific assessments and also necessary, to ensure that the assessment conclusions provide reliable information for decision-making. The form and extent of uncertainty analysis, and how the conclusions should be reported, vary widely depending on the nature and context of each assessment and the degree of uncertainty that is present. This document provides concise guidance on how to identify which options for uncertainty analysis are appropriate in each assessment, and how to apply them. It is accompanied by a separate, supporting opinion that explains the key concepts and principles behind this Guidance, and describes the methods in more detail.

Premature failure of rockbolts from stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has been a problem in a limited number of Australian coal mines since into the late 1990’s. Laboratory research into the susceptibility of different steel grades to SCC has been inconclusive with conflicting results where failure could only be achieved in highly acid solutions. Based on anecdotal field evidence, the industry moved to adopting a HSAC840 grade steel having a higher impact toughness of 16 J being more than double that used previously. After several years, mines began reporting significant numbers of failed HSAC840 rockbolts. The industry sought answers that would address the underlying causes. Around 200 broken rockbolts were collected from across a range of underground coal mines in New South Wales and Queensland. The steel grade of the majority of rockbolt was found to be HSAC840. It was found that SCC was the dominant failure mode, but localised pitting corrosion often occurred at the same locations. Underground studies were completed using survey and non-destructive test methods to determine the extent of the problem. It was found that only two mines had significant problems and they became the focus of further research. Groundwater dripping from rockbolts was collected for analysis from 12 mine sites. Mine groundwater with a DIN 50929 corrosivity classification of medium to high corresponded with a limited number of broken bolts, but the groundwater from the two mines with significant problems was not rated corrosive. Claystone mineralogy showed no swelling clays, however they were prone to softening with exposure to water to seal off around rockbolts to retain moisture. Microbiological testing of the groundwater indicated the presence of bacteria that has a known influence on steel corrosion.An in-hole rockbolt coupon was designed for in-situ testing. The unique design allows the coupon to fit inside a borehole exposing it to the same environment as an installed rockbolt. The in

EFSA requested the Scientific Committee to develop a guidance document on the use of the weight of evidence approach in scientific assessments for use in all areas under EFSA's remit. The guidance document addresses the use of weight of evidence approaches in scientific assessments using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Several case studies covering the various areas under EFSA's remit are annexed to the guidance document to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach. Weight of evidence assessment is defined in this guidance as a process in which evidence is integrated to determine the relative support for possible answers to a question. This document considers the weight of evidence assessment as comprising three basic steps: (1) assembling the evidence into lines of evidence of similar type, (2) weighing the evidence, (3) integrating the evidence. The present document identifies reliability, relevance and consistency as three basic considerations for weighing evidence.

Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science behind the risk assessment of plant protection products for in-soil organisms. The current risk assessment scheme is reviewed, taking into account new regulatory frameworks and scientific developments. Proposals are made for specific protection goals for in-soil organisms being key drivers for relevant ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes such as nutrient cycling, soil structure, pest control and biodiversity. Considering the time-scales and biological processes related to the dispersal of the majority of in-soil organisms compared to terrestrial non-target arthropods living above soil, the Panel proposes that in-soil environmental risk assessments are made at in- and off-field scale considering field boundary levels. A new testing strategy which takes into account the relevant exposure routes for in-soil organisms and the potential direct and indirect effects is proposed. In order to address species recovery and long-term impacts of PPPs, the use of population models is also proposed.

EFSA requested the Scientific Committee to develop a guidance document on the use of the weight of evidence approach in scientific assessments for use in all areas under EFSA's remit. The guidance document addresses the use of weight of evidence approaches in scientific assessments using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Several case studies covering the various areas under EFSA's remit are annexed to the guidance document to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach. Weight of evidence assessment is defined in this guidance as a process in which evidence is integrated to determine the relative support for possible answers to a question. This document considers the weight of evidence assessment as comprising three basic steps: (1) assembling the evidence into lines of evidence of similar type, (2) weighing the evidence, (3) integrating the evidence. The present document identifies reliability, relevance and consistency as three basic considerations for weighing evidence.

Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science behind the risk assessment of plant protection products for in-soil organisms. The current risk assessment scheme is reviewed, taking into account new regulatory frameworks and scientific developments. Proposals are made for specific protection goals for in-soil organisms being key drivers for relevant ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes such as nutrient cycling, soil structure, pest control and biodiversity. Considering the time-scales and biological processes related to the dispersal of the majority of in-soil organisms compared to terrestrial non-target arthropods living above soil, the Panel proposes that in-soil environmental risk assessments are made at in- and off-field scale considering field boundary levels. A new testing strategy which takes into account the relevant exposure routes for in-soil organisms and the potential direct and indirect effects is proposed. In order to address species recovery and long-term impacts of PPPs, the use of population models is also proposed.

EFSA requested the Scientific Committee to develop a guidance document on the use of the weight of evidence approach in scientific assessments for use in all areas under EFSA's remit. The guidance document addresses the use of weight of evidence approaches in scientific assessments using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Several case studies covering the various areas under EFSA's remit are annexed to the guidance document to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach. Weight of evidence assessment is defined in this guidance as a process in which evidence is integrated to determine the relative support for possible answers to a question. This document considers the weight of evidence assessment as comprising three basic steps: (1) assembling the evidence into lines of evidence of similar type, (2) weighing the evidence, (3) integrating the evidence. The present document identifies reliability, relevance and consistency as three basic considerations for weighing evidence.

Any study of sport is incomplete without consideration of its social function and structures, its economic impacts both locally and globally, and its political dimension – particularly when used by nations for competitive gain. Sport Sociology provides a comprehensive overview for any student taking a course on the subject at college or university, including both established and emergent themes, from issues around power, diversity and consumerism through to newer topics such as the digital environment and climate change – both now covered in new individual chapters. Other chapters have been fully revised to include up-to-date literature and case studies, as well as new key terms and reflective tasks. A new ‘Key Thinker’ box feature included in each chapter introduces readers to an esteemed theorist relevant for the chapter topic to help link theoretical concepts to practice and offer up suggestive research directions for student assessment.

Resin bolt parameters, such as back pressure and gloving, and their effect on ground support system performance, remains one of the fundamental areas of rockbolt research. The majority of previous studies into resin bolting parameters have utilised various methodologies to investigate the effect of a singular parameter. Unfortunately, due to the variability in methodologies and the relatively narrow field of study of each research project, a holistic conclusion into the exact science behind various results is unable to be drawn. It is the focus of this research project to conduct a detailed and consistent testing program, which attempts to simulate real world conditions as closely as possible, in order to provide the industry with engineered roof bolting solutions to specific underground roof properties. Recently published studies have implemented steel piping as a simulated borehole and have reported relatively high back-pressure measurements. As part of this project, testing conducted both underground and in a cement block, have recorded back-pressures in the range of 4-10 MPa, which are substantially lower than previous tests conducted in steel piping. Rockbolts installed in an underground coal mine using a continuous miner have been over-cored, the core has been cut into 100 mm lengths and each sample has been push tested. After push testing, the samples from the top 300 mm of each bolt were inspected for gloving. Almost all of the recovered rockbolts experienced some degree of gloving within the top 300 mm of its length. The average severity of gloving within these specimens was found to be relatively minor. It was found that gloving can reduce load transfer by 4-6 kN per 10% of gloved surface area.

Bolt installation quality is influenced by various factors, some are well known and others are less recognised. A programme of field and laboratory studies was undertaken to examine various factors of relevance to the load transfer mechanism between the bolt, resin and rock to ensure test methods truly represent field performance. Short encapsulation tests were undertaken as part of the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) funded project (C21011) with the ultimate aim of developing standard test methods for assessing bolt encapsulation with chemical resin anchor installations. The field study consisted of a series of Short Encapsulation Pull Tests (SEPT) carried out in three mines with different geological conditions to determine the most representative and practical method of SEPT. Additional field work included installation of bolts into threaded steel tubes for subsequent removal and laboratory evaluation. A series of pull tests was carried out by installing bolts in overhead rig mounted sandstone block, cast in concrete with controlled encapsulation length. Factors of importance considered included; borehole diameter, resin annulus thickness, installation time (including bolt spin to the back and "spin at back"), the effect of gloving and hole over drill. It was found that the borehole diameter had a detrimental effect on the encapsulation bonding strength. Bolt installation time of approximately 10 s constituted an acceptable time for effective bolt installation and within the resin manufacturers recommended time of 14 s. Maintaining constant length of encapsulation was paramount for obtaining consistency and repeatability of the test results. Finally, a numerical simulation study was carried out to assess the capabilities of FLAC 2D software in simulating the pull testing of rock bolts.