Search

Unexploded ordnance (UXO), often deployed in WWI and WWII, are still present on the seabed posing a risk to seabed construction. UXO surveys identify potential UXO targets which are then investigated and removed where necessary; however, approximately 96 per cent of targets investigated on projects included in this study were non-UXO (false positives). Here we investigate methods of improving statistical confidence in targets picked through the improved classification of magnetic response, utilizing simulation methods and historic data. A simulation of the induced magnetism of UXO was developed to model the most likely dimensions and orientation of a given source item. Modelling results and measured variables were combined in an optimization algorithm, hereon referred to as 'the classifier'. We document the results of integrating the magnetic responses of 3027 targets from 18 offshore wind projects into the classifier. Five of these projects were performed as tests in which the target results were unknown during classification. Finally, the classifier was deployed on a live project, Hollandse Kust Zuid 3 and 4 Offshore Wind Farm, in which it enabled the removal of 67 targets from the from the 1200-target investigation list. The classifier proved to be a valuable additional tool to assist the target rationalization process, reliably and repeatably distinguishing UXO from other items, thereby reducing false positives and repeatably demonstrating no threshold UXO false negatives. Assumptions and limitations of this methodology were highlighted, which must be understood and considered when integrating this approach on future projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a complex syndrome that occurs as a result of prolonged Low Energy Availability (LEA) leading to health and performance impairments. However, whilst the coach plays an important role when working with athletes with RED-S, no research exists specifically exploring their role. Therefore, this study investigates the role of the coach from the athletes' perspective within an ultrarunning context. Ultrarunners are at risk of LEA due to large training volumes and record high incidences of psychological and physiological conditions linked to RED-S, such as disordered eating and bone stress injuries. Two female ultrarunners who had experience with RED-S each participated in three semi-structured interviews. The findings highlight the multifaceted role of the coach which changes depending on the stage of the athletes' RED-S Journey. Of primary importance was that the coach should be educated on RED-S in order to provide value throughout. Secondly, for effective recovery, the coach should embrace working with a multidisciplinary support team of experts. Thirdly, the coach should actively work on establishing strong relationships with the athlete and their support network. This will propagate trust and honest conversations, a key requirement for recovery from, and ongoing training post, RED-S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preconception physical activity is one of the main predictors of continued engagement in physical activity during and after pregnancy and subsequently, improves the health of women and their child. In the UK, guidance states that Primary Care health Professionals (PCPs) should assess and discuss the lifestyle of preconception women, in routine appointments, in order to address potentially modifiable risk factors. However, knowledge and provision of this guidance in the UK is unknown. It is not clear if individuals actively seek preconception guidance from PCPs, what guidance they request, and whether PCPs have the knowledge and skills to provide this support in line with current guidelines. This research aimed to explore current practice and the perspectives of PCPs in delivering physical activity guidance to preconception patients. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with PCPs (GPs and community pharmacists) in the UK. Data was analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Our findings showed patients did not frequently present solely for preconception physical activity guidance, but occasionally enquired when consulting about another issue. PCPs lacked motivation to implement physical activity guidance due to the perception that their advice would have no impact on behaviour change. There were a number of perceived opportunities to implement preconception physical activity guidance. These findings illustrate the need for consistent and specific preconception lifestyle and PA guidance for PCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is research providing physiologically-based guidance for the content of the taper, this study was the first to examine how coaches actually implement the taper. The purpose of this study was to examine the taper planning and implementation processes of successful Olympic coaches leading up to major competitions and how they learned about tapering. Seven track and field coaches participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their tapering processes. To be considered for inclusion, coaches were required to have coached one or more athletes to an Olympic or Paralympic medal. Through a process of axial and open coding interview transcripts were analysed and lower and higher order themes developed describing the coaches’ tapering processes. Our findings indicate that the strategies employed to achieve the desired physiological adaptions of the taper were consistent with research (e.g., reduction in volume whilst maintaining intensity and frequency). However, our findings also suggest that tapering is far from a straight forward “textbook” process. The taper was not restricted to physiological outcomes with coaches considering athletes’ psychological as well as physical state. Coaches also involved the athlete in the process, adapted the taper to the athlete, continually monitored its progress, and adapted it further as required. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The writing of young adolescents was examined for the difference in the quality and quantity of emotional statements contained in (a) a standard essay and (b) writing based on fantasy and artwork. The differences were dramatic. Their implications are discussed in relation to counselling and education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: This study explored contextual factors which influence coach learning of an international cohort of endurance sports coaches., Methods: Following ethical approval, 839 coaches, 612 coached athletes and 8,352 non-coached athletes participated in the research. A critical realist research philosophy was adopted, in which self-completion surveys were developed in consultation with coaches and industry end-users., Results and Discussion: The context was dominated by remote coaching practices and digital technology which shaped how coaches learn and thus, what it meant to be a coach. Unmediated learning sources were biophysically biased and largely delivered through marketised platforms designed to sell products. The study findings have broader implications within sport and education, in which it is suggested that remote coaching and learning platforms may sometimes create a sense of psycho-emotional detachment in which capacity for learning can be limited., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Kirkland and Cowley.)