Static performance of square CFDST chord to steel SHS brace T-joints

In this paper, static performance of square concrete-filled double-skin steel tube (CFDST) chord to steel square hollow section (SHS) brace T-joints are investigated through experimental and numerical studies. Twelve specimens, including 8 T-joints with square CFDST chord, 2 T-joints with square concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) chord and 2 T-joints with steel SHS chord as counterparts, were tested under continuously increasing compressive force on the brace with concentric compression load applied simultaneously to the chord. The influence of chord type, brace-to-chord width ratio (β) and concentric compression level of the chord (n) on the static performance of the T-joints was examined. It is found that the composite T-joints have enhanced static performance than their steel counterparts. For the composite T-joints, the failure pattern varies from compression-flexure-shear failure of composite chord to local buckling of steel SHS brace when β reduces. Moreover, while only the composite chord failure occurs, the bearing capacity of the specimens augments with growing of hollow ratio of CFDST chord (χ), β and n; however, when only steel SHS brace of the composite joints fails, the chord type has a moderate influence on the bearing capacity of the specimens. The static performance of the T-joints was simulated using a finite element (FE) model, which is validated against the observations in the experiment. On the basis of the experimental and numerical research, the design formulae for bearing capacity of the composite T-joints were developed, and a good accuracy of the computations was achieved

Athlete support personnel and anti-doping: knowledge, attitudes, and ethical stance

Athlete support personnel (ASP) failing to meet responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code risk sanction. It is unclear whether the poor knowledge of responsibilities seen in sports physicians and coaches applies to other ASP (e.g., administrators, chiropractors, family, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and trainers). A purposive sample of Australian ASP (n = 292) responded to a survey on knowledge of anti-doping rules (35 true/false questions), ethical beliefs and practice, and attitudes toward performance enhancement. Some ASP declined to participate, claiming doping was irrelevant to their practice. Physicians were most knowledgeable (30.8/35), with family and trainers the least (26.0/35). ASP reported that improvements were needed to support anti-doping education (e.g., basis for anti-doping) and practice (e.g., rules). ASP also had a slightly negative attitude toward performance enhancement. Linear regression showed that being a sports physician, providing support at the elite level, and 15 years of experience influenced knowledge. The results confirm gaps in knowledge, suggesting that stronger engagement with ASP anti-doping education and practice is needed. Applying the principles of andragogy could help foster active engagement through emphasis on active inquiry, rather than passive reception of content. Future work on the context within which ASP experience anti-doping is needed, exploring acquisition and translation of knowledge into practice