Evolution of anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of international male cricketers from 2014 to 2020 in a World Cup winning nation

The aim of the study was to firstly present a comprehensive physical profile of international cricketers in a World Cup winning cricket nation. Secondly, to describe changes in physical profiles across seven years. Fifty-two senior international cricketers’ physical profiles were retrospectively analysed across seven years. Using linear mixed-modelling, changes in stature, body mass, sum-of-8 skinfolds, sprinting time (10 and 40 m), run-2 time, counter movement jump (CMJ), push and pull strength capacity and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1) were analysed during a seven-year period. There were no significant changes in body mass (p = .63) or stature (p = .99) during this time. However, there was a significant (p < .001) mean decrease of ∼14 mm in the sum-of-8 skinfolds. Distance covered in the Yo-Yo-IR1 also showed a significant (p = .002) effect of years, with a mean increase of 459 m in 2017 when compared with 2014. A significantly (p = .01) more balanced push-to-pull strength capacity ratio was also evident across years as a result of a significant (p < .001) increase in pull strength capacity. Significant (p < .05) fluctuations in CMJ, sprint and run-2 time were seen, with no obvious trends. International cricketers within our study have gone through a notable physical transformation that has likely resulted in an increase in lean mass and aerobic capacity. The change across time to a more balanced push-to-pull strength capacity may be beneficial for injury prevention

Multiple novel prostate cancer susceptibility signals identified by fine-mapping of known risk loci among Europeans

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous common prostate cancer (PrCa) susceptibility loci. We have fine-mapped 64 GWAS regions known at the conclusion of the iCOGS study using large-scale genotyping and imputation in 25 723 PrCa cases and 26 274 controls of European ancestry. We detected evidence for multiple independent signals at 16 regions, 12 of which contained additional newly identified significant associations. A single signal comprising a spectrum of correlated variation was observed at 39 regions; 35 of which are now described by a novel more significantly associated lead SNP, while the originally reported variant remained as the lead SNP only in 4 regions. We also confirmed two association signals in Europeans that had been previously reported only in East-Asian GWAS. Based on statistical evidence and linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure, we have curated and narrowed down the list of the most likely candidate causal variants for each region. Functional annotation using data from ENCODE filtered for PrCa cell lines and eQTL analysis demonstrated significant enrichment for overlap with bio-features within this set. By incorporating the novel risk variants identified here alongside the refined data for existing association signals, we estimate that these loci now explain ∼38.9% of the familial relative risk of PrCa, an 8.9% improvement over the previously reported GWAS tag SNPs. This suggests that a significant fraction of the heritability of PrCa may have been hidden during the discovery phase of GWAS, in particular due to the presence of multiple independent signals within the same regio

Hiding in Plain Sight

NPS NRP Executive SummaryProject Summary: This study was undertaken to assist Commander Logistics Force Western Pacific in understanding vulnerabilities in a supply chain that includes United States Naval Ship (USNS) ships, United States Navy (USN) ships, operating companies, civilian military unions, and a large contracting footprint in order to minimize operational risk to mission and optimize logistics resources and operations, while maintaining command and control (C2) of operational forces. The study included Red Teaming of current practices, distributed logistics, and optimized routing; supply chain management and the impact of reliability, availability, and maintainability on readiness; and social network analysis of the maritime logistics network in Western Pacific (WestPac) and a social media vulnerability assessment. An assessment was made of logistics risks associated with surge/peak demand at a single facility, and a prototype module was developed, as a proof-of-concept. This tool can be used to perform what-if analysis, in the evaluation of policy changes related to technology purchases, pre-positioning plans, or outsourcing decisions. The research constructed a discrete-time optimization model and used this model to analyze a variety of finite- duration operational scenarios. The model was also used to perform sensitivity analysis on various parameters of ship design, including amount of storage space for palletized cargo and the breakdown of the liquid capacity need for each type of fuel (JP5 and DFM). Sociograms were produced to depict the maritime logistics network and a separate assessment of social media vulnerabilities was provided. An interactive tool was developed to allow Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (CTF-73) to further analyze aspects of the logistics network to include ships, ports, and loitering areas.Task Force SEVEN THREE, Logistics Group, Western PacificUSFFNPS-18-N077-AApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Variability of test match cricket and the effects of match location on physical demands in male seam bowlers

The physical demands of test match cricket in seam bowlers during fielding are currently unknown. Similarly, analysis of between-match variability and the effects of playing home vs. away is required. Nine international male seam bowlers across 28 test matches (n= 9 home; n= 19 away) were investigated over five years (2015-2019). Seam bowlers wore global positioning sensors during match play fielding to quantify physical demands. Absolute and relative (per hour) distances covered in five velocity bands, total distance, and number of accelerations and decelerations were assessed for each match. Coefficient of variation (CV%) and smallest worthwhile change were used to calculate between-match variability. Mixed linear modelling was used to analyse home vs away matches. Seam bowlers covered up to 50 km, with maximal durations of >21 hours during test match fielding. Small between-match CV% (8.3) were found for maximal velocity with large (CV% = 21-192) between-match variability across most other variables. Greater distances were covered at 15-20 km·h-1 (p= 0.02) and >25 km·h-1 (p= 0.04) when playing at home. The results demonstrated substantial, highly variable physical demands. Practitioners should adapt training retrospectively to the match demands encountered and should anticipate that match intensity may be higher during home matches

Phosphorus management of beef cattle in Northern Australia

In many of regions of northern Australia, phosphorus (P) is a serious nutritional limitation to cattle production, reducing herd efficiency and profitability. • Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutritional requirement in cattle. • Many soils across northern Australia are deficient in P, thus pastures growing on these soils do not contain enough P for cattle nutritional requirements. • Signs of acute phosphorus deficiency include bone chewing, broken bones, peg-leg, poor body condition of breeders and botulism. • Deficient animals respond best to P when pastures contain adequate energy and protein for cattle growth and reproduction. • Soil analysis of P analysed using the Colwell P test (bicarbonate extracted phosphorus) can determine P status of the soil (where different soil types are present in a paddock, all should be tested). • Deficiency is related to soil P status. As a general rule, where soil Colwell P levels: » are deficient (5mg/kg or less), all classes of stock are likely to respond to feeding P » are marginal (6–8mg/kg), young cattle are likely to respond to feeding P »exceed 8mg/kg, the economic benefit from feeding P diminishes. • Responses to P supplement may be lower if animals running on P-deficient country have access to adjacent areas of high-P soils, such as frontage country. • There are no simple diagnostic tests for the P status of cattle. Soil, blood and faecal P are useful indicators. • A blood test for plasma inorganic phosphorus (PIP) should ideally be combined with diet quality measured by Faecal Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (F.NIRS) analysis of dung samples. • Cattle grazing P-deficient pastures require a P supplement to meet their nutritional requirements, relying on bone mobilisation of P will erode herd productivity. • Cattle grazing deficient pastures and fed an effective P supplement will eat 10–30% more pasture (deficient cattle have a depressed intake). • If P is fed over the wet season on deficient country: » young growing stock can increase their growth by up to 90kg above base growth »breeders can increase weaning rates by 10–30% and mature breeders can maintain an additional 100kg over the wet season. • Stocking rates must be matched to carrying capacity to ensure cattle have enough pasture for requirements. • Supplement blocks and loose licks each have merits – to attain production goals, cattle must eat it. Monitor intakes and adjust recipe when required to avoid wasting money on supplement that sits in the paddock. • On deficient pastures, wet season supplement intakes should aim to provide at least 6g P/head/ day to young growing cattle and 10g P/head/day to breeders. • Dry season supplement mixes should contain a source of protein (e.g. urea) with sufficient P content to provide 2–5g P per day per animal. • The economic benefits from feeding P are maximised when done in conjunction with other aspects of good herd management. • Order P supplement early and make realistic calculations for how much P you need to last the entire wet season

Evolution of Anthropometric and Physical Performance Characteristics of International Male Cricketers from 2014 to 2020 in a World Cup Winning Nation

The aim of the study was to firstly, present a comprehensive physical profile of international cricketers in a World Cup winning cricket nation. Secondly, to describe changes in physical profiles across seven years. Fifty-two senior international cricketers’ physical profiles were retrospectively analysed across seven years. Using linear mixed-modelling, changes in stature, body mass, sum-of-8 skinfolds, sprinting time (10 and 40 m), run-2 time, counter movement jump (CMJ), push and pull strength capacity and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1) were analysed during a seven year period. There were no significant changes in body mass (p = 0.63) or stature (p = 0.99) during this time. However, there was a significant (p < 0.001) mean decrease of ∼ 14 mm in the sum-of-8 skinfolds. Distance covered in the Yo-Yo-IR1 also showed a significant (p = 0.002) effect of years, with a mean increase of 459 m in 2017 when compared to 2014. A significantly (p = 0.01) more balanced push-to-pull strength capacity ratio was also evident across years as a result of a significant (p < 0.001) increase in pull strength capacity. Significant (p < 0.05) fluctuations in CMJ, sprint and run-2 time were seen, with no obvious trends. International cricketers within our study have gone through a notable physical transformation that has likely resulted in an increase in lean mass and aerobic capacity. The change across time to a more balanced push-to-pull strength capacity may be beneficial for injury prevention

Processes and Procedures for Data Publication: A Case Study in the Geosciences

The Peer REview for Publication and Accreditation of Research Data in the Earth sciences (PREPARDE) project is a JISC and NERC funded project which aims to investigate the policies and procedures required for the formal publication of research data, ranging from ingestion into a data repository, through to formal publication in a data journal. It also addresses key issues arising in the data publication paradigm, including, but not limited to, issues related to how one peer reviews a dataset, what criteria are needed for a repository to be considered objectively trustworthy, and how datasets and journal publications can be effectively cross-linked for the benefit of the wider research community. PREPARDE brings together a wide range of experts in the research, academic publishing and data management fields both within the Earth Sciences and in the broader life sciences with the aim of producing general guidelines applicable to a wide range of scientific disciplines and data publication types. This paper provides details of the work done in the first half of the project; the project itself will be completed in June 2013

Development and evaluation of a collaborative care intervention for male prison leavers with mental health problems: the Engager research programme

BackgroundMany male prison leavers have significant mental health problems. Prison leavers often have a history of trauma, ongoing substance misuse and housing insecurity. Only a minority of prison leavers receive mental health care on release from prison.ObjectivesThe aim of the Engager research programme was to develop and evaluate a theory- and evidence-informed complex intervention designed to support individuals with common mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, depression) and other complex needs, including mental health comorbidity, before and after release from prison.MethodsIn phase 1, the intervention was developed through a set of realist-informed substudies, including a realist review of psychosocial care for individuals with complex needs, case studies within services demonstrating promising intervention features, focus groups with individuals from under-represented groups, a rapid realist review of the intervention implementation literature and a formative process evaluation of the prototype intervention. In a parallel randomised trial, methodological development included selecting outcome measures through reviewing literature, piloting measures and a consensus process, developing ways to quantify intervention receipt, piloting trial procedures and modelling economic outcomes. In phase 2, we conducted an individually randomised superiority trial of the Engager intervention, cost-effectiveness and cost–consequence analyses and an in-depth mixed-methods process evaluation. Patient and public involvement influenced the programme throughout, primarily through a Peer Researcher Group.ResultsIn phase 1, the Engager intervention included multiple components. A practitioner offered participants practical support, emotional help (including mentalisation-based approaches) and liaison with other services in prison on the day of the participant’s release and for 3–5 months post release. An intervention delivery platform (i.e. training, manual, supervision) supported implementation. Outcome measures were selected through testing and stakeholder consensus to represent a broad range of domains, with a general mental health outcome as the primary measure for the trial. Procedures for recruitment and follow-up were tested and included flexible approaches to engagement and retention. In phase 2, the trial was conducted in three prison settings, with 280 participants randomised in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive either Engager plus usual care (n = 140) or usual care only (n = 140). We achieved a follow-up rate of 65% at 6 months post release from prison. We found no difference between the two groups for the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure at 6 months. No differences in secondary measures and sensitivity analyses were found beyond those expected by chance. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that Engager cost significantly more at £2133 (95% of iterations between £997 and £3374) with no difference in quality-adjusted life-years (–0.017, 95% of iterations between –0.042 and 0.007). The mixed-methods process evaluation demonstrated implementation barriers. These barriers included problems with retention of the intervention team, and the adverse health and criminal justice system context. Seventy-seven per cent (108/140) of individuals had at least one community contact. Significant proportions of participants engaging received day release work and practical support. In contrast, there was evidence that the psychological components, mentalisation and developing a shared understanding were used less consistently. When engagement was positive, these components were associated with positive achievement of goals for individuals. We were also able to identify how to improve the intervention programme theory, including how to support individuals who were unrealistic in their perception of their ability to cope with challenges post release.Strengths and limitationsOur development work provides a worked example of the development of a complex intervention, particularly given little prior evidence or theory specific to male offenders to build on. Our trial methodological development enabled the completion of, to the best of our knowledge, the first fully powered trial of a mental health intervention for prison leavers with common mental health problems. There were potential weaknesses in the trial methodology in terms of follow-up rates and outcome measures, with the latter potentially being insufficiently sensitive to important but highly individual changes in participants who responded to the intervention.ConclusionsDelivering a randomised controlled trial for prison leavers with acceptable levels of follow-up is possible, despite adverse conditions. Full intervention implementation was challenging, but this is to be expected. Some individuals did respond well to the intervention when both practical and psychological support were flexibly deployed as intended, with evidence that most components were experienced as helpful for some individuals. It is recommended that several key components be developed further and tested, along with improved training and supervision, to support delivery of the Engager intervention within existing teams working with prison leavers

The necessity of historical inquiry in educational research: the case of Religious Education

publication-status: PublishedThis is an Author's Original Manuscript of an article whose final and definitive form, the Version of Record, has been published in the British Journal of Religious Education, July 2010. Available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/ or DOI: 10.1080/01416200.2010.498612This article explores the mixed fortunes of historical inquiry as a method in educational studies and exposes evidence for the neglect of this method in religious education research in particular. It argues that historical inquiry, as a counterpart to other research methods, can add depth and range to our understanding of education, including religious education, and can illuminate important longer‐term, broader and philosophical issues. The article also argues that many historical voices have remained silent in the existing historiography of religious education because such historiography is too generalised and too biased towards the development of national policy and curriculum and pedagogical theory. To address this limitation in educational research, this article promotes rigorous historical studies that are more substantially grounded in the appropriate historiographical literature and utilise a wide range of original primary sources. Finally, the article explores a specific example of the way in which a historical approach may be fruitfully applied to a particular contemporary debate concerning the nature and purpose of religious education