Effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on simulated soccer performance

Purpose: To determine the effects of acute short-term creatine (Cr) supplementation on physical performance during a 90-min soccer-specific performance test. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design was adopted during which 16 male amateur soccer players were required to consume 20 g/d Cr for 7 d or a placebo. A Ball-Sport Endurance and Speed Test (BEAST) comprising measures of aerobic (circuit time), speed (12- and 20-m sprint), and explosive-power (vertical jump) abilities performed over 90 min was performed presupplementation and postsupplementation. Results: Performance measures during the BEAST deteriorated during the second half relative to the first for both Cr (1.2–2.3%) and placebo (1.0–2.2%) groups, indicating a fatigue effect associated with the BEAST. However, no significant differences existed between groups, suggesting that Cr had no performance-enhancing effect or ability to offset fatigue. When effect sizes were considered, some measures (12-m sprint, –0.53 ± 0.69; 20-m sprint, –0.39 ± 0.59) showed a negative tendency, indicating chances of harm were greater than chances of benefit. Conclusions: Acute short-term Cr supplementation has no beneficial effect on physical measures obtained during a 90-min soccer-simulation test, thus bringing into question its potential as an effective ergogenic aid for soccer players

Electronic commerce e-fulfilment in Gulf Cooperation Council consumer markets

Paper originally presented at the 20th Annual Logistics Research Network Conference, 9th to 11th September 2015. This paper reports on an ongoing study investigating electronic commerce fulfilment (ECF) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, and presents the theoretical background and empirical findings to date. The growth of online retailing in the GCC has motivated this current research

Investigating e-fulfilment in Gulf Cooperation Council business-to-consumer markets

Paper presented at 20th ISL, 5th – 8th July 2015, Bologna Italy This paper reports on a literature review and research objective development pertaining to a current PhD research project on electronic commerce (EC), specifically e-fulfilment, in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) business-to-consumer markets (B2C). The increase in the number of Internet users and GCC government investment has prompted this research to investigate how EC firms provide e-fulfilment services and what kind of logistical processes they implement. This research has also been motivated to explore e-fulfilment logistics in GCC countries, which have similar language, religion and beliefs. The overarching aim of this study is to suggest new strategies to make EC and e-fulfilment more efficient, effective and relevant in GCC countries. The study has the following three research objectives: 1. To investigate extant electronic commerce (EC) and related e-fulfilment logistics processes in GCC B2C markets; 2. To explore differences between international and GCC e-fulfilment purchase and delivery methods; and 3. To determine the extent of a cultural effect on e-fulfilment process in the GCC. This study investigates three categories of actors: pure player (PP) and multi-channel (MC) e-stores, third-party logistics (3PL) service providers, and consumers from different cities within the six GCC countries (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates or UAE, and Bahrain)

E-commerce fulfilment in the Gulf Cooperation Council

Paper delivered at the 21st Logistics Research Network annual conference 2016, 7th-9th September 2016, Hull. Abstract: Purpose: This paper reports on an exploratory study of electronic commerce fulfilment (ECF) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets based on three objectives: effective and efficient operations, a local and global purchase approach using reverse logistics processes, and consideration of cultural factors particular to the GCC countries including differences between small and large cities. Research Approach: There has not been much logistics and supply chain research in the Middle East in general, and the GCC countries in particular. Thus, this study used a qualitative approach to obtain respondent perspectives regarding e-commerce logistics, whether pure player and multi-channel, grocery or non-food, local or global third-party logistics companies (3PLs), or consumers to reflect a suitable model that could fit and help firms in GCC countries develop an online market. One of the cultural factors related to Arabic managers and owners preferring to speak rather than complete surveys or write, hence 55 interviews were conducted with 27 e-commerce firms, 10 3PLs and 18 consumers (men and women equally). Findings and Originality: This study found a lack of communication between e-commerce firms and 3PLs. However, despite this issue 3PLs were focussed more on business-to-business (B2B) activities and relationships rather than business to consumer (B2C). Local 3PLs firms have achieved some success by providing services regionally, with global 3PLs having an advantage in importing and then using local drivers for fast deliveries. Cash on delivery (COD), trust, policy and warehouse management emerged as major issues affecting e-fulfilment with a small scale of satisfaction in small countries like Bahrain and Kuwait and small cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Research Impact: This research enhances the logistics literature through presenting an in-depth study covering aspects of e-commerce in the GCC. Further, the study indicates that 3PLs will have to provide different types of services in these markets e.g. depending on whether they are working under global strategies in UAE or under agents in KSA. Finally, findings related to cultural factors in both business and consumer settings are important for e-commerce firms and 3PLs to consider in this marketplace. Practical Impact: This study investigated electronic commerce fulfilment (ECF) in the GCC, including pure-player and multi-channel e-retailers or Internet firms and global and local 3PL service providers, and provides guidance for all of them regarding the right factors for successful ECF in the GCC, including understanding policy regulation regarding global firms, helping local firms to become aware of the importance of logistic systems and their effectiveness, and dealing with consumer behaviours based on cultural factors

An Oversampled Analog To Digital Converter For Acquiring Neural Signals

A third order delta-sigma modulator and associated low-pass digital filter is designed for an analog to digital converter: ADC) for sensing bioelectric phenomena. The third order noise shaping reduces the quantization noise in the baseband and the digital lowpass filter greatly attenuates the out of band quantization noise, increasing the effective number of bits. As part of a neural signal acquisition system designed by The BrainScope Company to capture Electro-Encephalogram: EEG) and Automated Brainstem Response: ABR) signals, this paper describes the design of a third order Delta-Sigma modulator which meets or exceeds the low noise specifications mandated by previous BrainScope products. The third order cascaded delta-sigma modulator attains a resolution of 12.3 bits in a signal bandwidth of 3kHz and 14.9 bits in a signal bandwidth of 100Hz, operating from a +/- 1.76V reference with a 250kHz clock

Capabilities of logistics and ports in the Humber region

Paper presented at Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2014, 3rd-5th September 2014, Huddersfield