Furthering the understanding of silicate-substitution in α-tricalcium phosphate : an X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance study

High-purity (SupT) and reagent-grade (ST), stoichiometric and silicate-containing α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP: ST0/SupT0 and Si-TCP x = 0.10: ST10/SupT10) were prepared by solid-state reaction based on the substitution mechanism Ca3(PO4)(2-x)(SiO4)x. Samples were determined to be phase pure by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Rietveld analysis performed on the XRD data confirmed inclusion of Si in the α-TCP structure as determined by increases in unit cell parameters; particularly marked increases in the b-axis and β-angle were observed. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the presence of expected levels of Si in Si-TCP compositions as well as significant levels of impurities (Mg, Al and Fe) present in all ST samples; SupT samples showed both expected levels of Si and a high degree of purity. Phosphorus (31P) magic-angle-spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) measurements revealed that the high-purity reagents used in the synthesis of SupT0 can resolve the 12 expected peaks in the 31P spectrum of α-TCP compared to the low-purity ST0 that showed significant spectral line broadening; line broadening was also observed with the inclusion of Si which is indicative of induced structural disorder. Silicon (29Si) MAS NMR was also performed on both Si-TCP samples which revealed Q0 species of Si with additional Si Q1/Q2 species that may indicate a potential charge-balancing mechanism involving the inclusion of disilicate groups; additional Q4 Si species were also observed, but only for ST10. Heating and cooling rates were briefly investigated by 31P MAS NMR which showed no significant line broadening other than that associated with the emergence of β-TCP which was only realised with the reagent-grade sample ST0. This study provides an insight into the structural effects of Si-substitution in α-TCP and could provide a basis for understanding how substitution affects the physicochemical properties of the material

A grounded theory of positive youth development through sport based on results from a qualitative meta-study

The overall purpose of this study was to create a model of positive youth development (PYD) through sport grounded in the extant qualitative literature. More specifically, the first objective was to review and evaluate qualitative studies of PYD in sport. The second objective was to analyze and synthesize findings from these studies. Following record identification and screening, 63 articles were retained for analysis. Meta-method analysis revealed strengths of studies were the use of multiple data collection and validity techniques, which produced high-quality data. Weaknesses were limited use of ‘named’ methodologies and inadequate reporting of sampling procedures. Philosophical perspectives were rarely reported, and theory was used sparingly. Results of an inductive meta-data analysis produced three categories: PYD climate (adult relationships, peer relationships, and parental involvement), life skills program focus (life skill building activities and transfer activities), and PYD outcomes (in personal, social, and physical domains). A model that distinguishes between implicit and explicit processes to PYD is presented

Positive youth development in swimming: clarification and consensus of key psychosocial assets

The purpose of this study was to gain a more cohesive understanding of the assets considered necessary to develop in young swimmers to ensure both individual and sport specific development. This two stage study involved (a) a content analysis of key papers to develop a list of both psychosocial skills for performance enhancement and assets associated with positive youth development, and (b) in-depth interviews involving ten expert swim coaches, practitioners and youth sport scholars. Five higher order categories containing seventeen individual assets emerged. These results are discussed in relation to both existing models of positive youth development and implications for coaches, practitioners and parents when considering the psychosocial development of young British swimmers

Sport-based youth development interventions in the United States: a systematic review

Abstract Background The growing number of sport-based youth development interventions provide a potential avenue for integrating sport meaningfully into the U.S. public health agenda. However, efficacy and quality must be reliably established prior to widespread implementation. Methods A comprehensive search of databases, peer-reviewed journals, published reviews, and both published and unpublished documents yielded 10,077 distinct records. Title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening using 6 criteria, resulted in 56 distinct studies (coalescing into 10 sport-based youth development intervention types) included in the synthesis. These studies were then independently assessed and critically appraised. Results Limited efficacy data were identified, with the quality of methods and evidence largely classified as weak. Processes likely to contribute to the outcomes of sport-based youth development interventions were identified (e.g., predictors of ongoing engagement, alignment between target population and intervention, intervention design), although more rigorous research is needed on these and other processes. Physical health outcomes were only studied in 3 of the 10 intervention types. Conclusions The evidence base does not yet warrant wide-scale implementation of sport-based youth development interventions for public health goals within the U. S., although there is promising research that identifies areas for further exploration

Factors associated with using research evidence in national sport organisations

The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with the use of research evidence in Canadian National Sport Organisations (NSOs). Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews with 21 representatives from Canadian NSOs. A qualitative description approach was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to an inductive-to-deductive thematic analysis. A research implementation framework (Rycroft-Malone, 2004) was used to organise inductively derived themes into the higher-order categories of evidence (use of evidence, disconnection between research and practice), context (lack of capacity, organisational structure), and facilitation (personal connections with researchers and sport scientists, formal meetings with stakeholders). Overall, NSO representatives did not have a clear understanding of evidence and lacked capacity to access and translate research. However, some context factors, along with internal and external facilitators, were in place and could be used to enhance research implementation.This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [890-2014-0022]

Роль спортивної діяльності в розвитку життєвого досвіду прийняття рішень: психологічна перспектива

Purpose:It is generally believed that sports can play an important role in developing life skills and positive youth development. The purpose of this study was to determine the views of Gomal University students’ athletes on the role that sports played in developing the important life skill of decision making. The time management, planning, dealing with adversity and adapting new situation were taken as decision-making skills. Materials:A sample of n=375 (male=334, female=41 completed questionnaires. The researchers collected the required information with the help of self-administered structured questionnaire encompassing the selected variables of the study. The responses were tabulated and analyzed with the help of computer software. Results:The results showed participants attributed a significant role for sports in developing decision-making skills such as time management, planning, dealing with adversity and adapting new situation (603** at 0.01) and significant correlation between sports participation and the development of various decision-making skills among its participants (603** at 0.01). The results indicated that demographic characteristic such as gender, age, and level of sports participation of the athletes brings variations in the mean score of research variables (0.003, 0.004 & 0.001 < 0.05). conclusions:Results of the study indicated that sports provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn skills that can help them in taking positive as well as effective decision. The present exploration affirmed that students can acquire a) time management skill, b) proper planning, c) dealing with adversity, and d) the ability to adjust in a new situation through active participation in sports activities. However, some demographic characteristics of the sports participants such as gender, sports experience, and format of sports have an influence upon the development of these skills through sports.Цель: Считается, что спорт может сыграть важную роль в развитии жизненных навыков и позитивного развития молодежи. Цель этого исследования состояла в том, чтобы определить взгляды спортсменов студентов Гомальского университета на роль, которую спорт играл в развитии важного жизненного навыка принятия решений. Тайм-менеджмент, планирование, решение проблем и адаптация новой ситуации были приняты в качестве навыков принятия решений. Материалы: выборка из n = 375 (мужчина = 334, женщина = 41 заполненный вопросник. Исследователи собрали необходимую информацию с помощью самостоятельного структурированного вопросника, охватывающего выбранные переменные исследования. Ответы были сведены в таблицу и проанализированы с помощью компьютерного программного обеспечения. Результаты: Результаты показали, что участники приписывают значительную роль спорту в развитии навыков принятия решений, таких как управление временем, планирование, решение проблем и адаптация к новой ситуации (603 ** при 0,01) и значительная корреляция между участием в спорте и развитием различных Навыки принятия решений среди участников (603 ** при 0,01). Результаты показали, что демографические характеристики, такие как пол, возраст и уровень участия спортсменов в спорте, приводят к изменению среднего балла переменных исследования (0,003, 0,004 и 0,001 <0,05). Выводы. Результаты исследования показали, что занятия спортом предоставляют студентам отличную возможность приобрести навыки, которые могут помочь им принять положительное и эффективное решение. Настоящее исследование подтвердило, что студенты могут приобрести: а) навыки управления временем, б) правильное планирование, в) преодоление трудностей и г) способность приспосабливаться к новой ситуации посредством активного участия в спортивных мероприятиях. Однако некоторые демографические характеристики участников спорта, такие как пол, спортивный опыт и формат спорта, влияют на развитие этих навыков посредством спорта.Мета: Вважається, що спорт може зіграти важливу роль у розвитку життєвих навичок та позитивного розвитку молоді. Мета цього дослідження полягала в тому, щоб визначити погляди спортсменів студентів Гомальского університету на роль, яку спорт грав у розвитку важливого життєвого досвіду прийняття рішень. Тайм-менеджмент, планування, вирішення проблем і адаптація нової ситуації були прийняті в якості навичок прийняття рішень. Матеріали: вибірка з n = 375 (чоловік = 334, жінка = 41 заповнений запитальник. Дослідники зібрали необхідну інформацію за допомогою самостійного структурованого опитувальника, що охоплює вибрані змінні дослідження. Відповіді були зведені в таблицю і проаналізовані за допомогою комп'ютерного програмного забезпечення. Результати: Результати показали, що учасники приписують значну роль спорту у розвитку навичок прийняття рішень, таких як управління часом, планування, вирішення проблем і адаптація до нової ситуації (603 ** при 0,01) і значна кореляція між участю в спорті і розвитком різних навички прийняття рішень серед учасників (603 ** при 0,01). Результати показали, що демографічні характеристики, такі як стать, вік і рівень участі спортсменів в спорті, призводять до зміни середнього бала змінних дослідження (0,003, 0,004 і 0,001 <0,05). Висновки. Результати дослідження показали, що заняття спортом надають студентам відмінну можливість набути навичок, які можуть допомогти їм прийняти позитивне і ефективне рішення. Це дослідження підтвердило, що студенти можуть придбати: а) навички управління часом, б) правильне планування, в) подолання труднощів і г) здатність пристосовуватися до нової ситуації за допомогою активної участі в спортивних заходах. Однак деякі демографічні характеристики учасників спорту, такі як стать, спортивний досвід і формат спорту, впливають на розвиток цих навичок за допомогою спорту

A qualitative study of research priorities among representatives of Canadian Provincial Sport Organizations

Objectives: The overall purpose of this study was to examine Canadian Provincial Sport Organization representatives' research priorities in order to provide directions for future research and knowledge translation initiatives in youth sport. Design: Qualitative description methodology. Method: Interviews were conducted with 60 representatives of Canadian PSOs from five provinces. Analysis followed the process of data condensation, data display, and drawing conclusions. Results: The most frequently reported research priorities were athlete development systems, participation and retention, parenting, benefits of sport, and coaching. Conclusions: Research that addresses the priorities of stakeholders may increase the adoption of research evidence in practice, program, and policy contexts. This study provides directions that may help inform future research agendas in youth sport. Conversely, the study also revealed that extensive previous research exists in several of the priority areas identified. These findings suggest that knowledge translation research is required in these areas. Knowledge tailoring may be a useful strategy for improving knowledge translation in these areas. Ultimately, it appears that efforts to increase connections between researchers and other stakeholders in youth sport are importantThis research was supported by a Partnership Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada