Loughborough College

The objective of this study is to determine the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) of male English Premier League (EPL) players during one-game-per-week (1GW) and two-game-per-week (2GW) microcycles, thereby informing carbohydrate (CHO) guidelines aligned to the increasing physical demands of the game. Nine male players from an EPL club were assessed over a 15-day in-season period, including a 1GW followed by a 2GW. Measurements included TDEE (doubly labeled water (DLW)), energy intake (EI) (remote food photography method (RFPM)), and external physical loading. Accumulative training and match duration was greater during 1GW (335 ± 22 min) compared with 2GW (307 ± 32 min, P = 0.013), whereas average speed was higher in 2GW (73 ± 7 m·min -1 ) versus 1GW (63 ± 4 m·min -1 , P = 0.012). No differences were observed in accumulative total (25552 ± 3502 m vs 26360 ± 5462 m), high-speed running (1744 ± 536 vs 1705 ± 752 m) and sprint distances (372 ± 150 vs 324 ± 252 m) between 1GW and 2GW (all P < 0.05). Mean TDEE was 3551 ± 507 kcal·d -1 , with no difference between 1GW (3554 ± 963 kcal·d -1 ) and 2GW (3467 ± 821 kcal·d -1 , P = 0.781). Self-reported EI using RFPM (2975 ± 292 kcal·d -1 ) underestimated DLW-derived EI estimates (3663 ± 665 kcal·d -1 ) by 724 ± 722 kcal·d -1 (18% error, P = 0.026). TDEE in male EPL soccer players does not differ between 1GW and 2GW microcycles, likely because of the comparable external loads. Data provide further evidence that daily CHO intakes should likely range from 4 to 6 g·kg -1 on training days, increasing to 6 to 8 g·kg -1 for match day preparation, match day, and recovery.

Dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation has been reported to improve cardiovascular health, but beyond its effects on brachial artery blood pressure (BP), dose-response effects on other cardiovascular variables are unclear. This study assessed the effects of three acute NO3- doses (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg NO3--rich beetroot powder) on brachial and aortic BP, arterial stiffness and macrovascular endothelial function, in a double-blind, randomised, crossover design. Cardiovascular variables and venous blood samples were measured prior to (control) and 2.5 h post supplement ingestion. Dietary NO3- supplementation increased plasma [NO3-] and plasma [nitrite] but had no effect on cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration. Arterial stiffness markers improved following all NO3- doses, with no between-dose differences. However, endothelial function only improved following 400 mg (+3.07% compared to control) and aortic systolic BP only improved following 800 mg (-4 mmHg compared to control) dietary NO3- supplementation. Acute NO3- ingestion improved some cardiovascular risk factors, including arterial stiffness, macrovascular endothelial function and aortic systolic BP with different dose-response effects, but had no effect on brachial BP or plasma [cGMP]. These findings improve our understanding of NO3- supplementation and cardiovascular function in healthy adults.

Monitoring the internal conditions of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry-storage casks is essential for ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of radioactive waste containment. This study addresses the critical challenge of early detection of potential failures within sealed SNF casks by introducing a novel gas sensor based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The sensor is specifically designed to detect nitrogen concentration in helium, an important indicator of canister degradation, particularly cracks and leaks that may compromise the sealed environment. The proposed sensor utilizes an aluminium nitride (AlN) piezoelectric micromachined structure comprising weakly coupled bridge and cantilever resonators to measure changes in gas thermal conductivity. Electrothermal excitation revealed distinct vibration modes, including a fixed first global mode, a highly variable second global mode, and two instances of mode veering at defined voltage thresholds. Nitrogen sensitivity was quantitatively assessed using the dimensionless Frequency Localisation Factor (FLF), capturing the sensor’s responsiveness to gas composition changes. Experimental validation confirmed the sensor’s high sensitivity, strong linearity, and low power consumption, making it well-suited for integration into Internet of Things (IoT) platforms and wireless sensor networks. By combining the precision and scalability of MEMS technology with robust gas detection capabilities, this work provides a practical and effective solution for enhancing safety monitoring in SNF dry-storage systems.

ABSTRACT Drawing on Critical Race Theory and Black Feminist Thought, this study critically explores the lived experiences of racialised minority women (n = 15) in sport boardrooms via semi-structured in-depth interviews. We explore their perceptions, experiences and interactions across a range of sport organisations in the United Kingdom (UK); National Governing Bodies (NGB), not-for-profit organisations, sport charities, and private sporting organisations. Findings illustrate how institutional arrangements designed to uphold Whiteness and patriarchy not only manifest within some sports boardrooms but also during preparatory stages and interview processes. Racialised minority women drew attention to exclusionary racialised and gendered practices including tokenism, microaggressions and a series of power dynamics which resulted in them feeling silenced, undervalued and isolated. Challenges to such exclusionary behaviours are explored through examples of micro-resistance practices. We argue that despite the representation of racialised minority women on sport boards, their presence may function as a performative gesture, masking deeper structural inequalities and keeping them on the peripheries of decision-making processes. To address inequitable boardroom cultures, stakeholders and policy-makers must (1) revise the current Code for Sports Governance to include requirements for boards to monitor and make changes to address inequitable board cultures; (2) provide mandatory anti-discrimination education for Chairs, CEO’s and board members-; (3) establish appropriate independent channels for board members to seek support and report incidents of discrimination.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamics of social control in emerging market (EM) international joint ventures (IJVs). In particular, the study draws on the social exchange theory to examine the factors that influence the use of specific social controls in an EM IJV. Design/methodology/approach The study’s contribution is developed in the context of a Nigerian Chinese IJV. Data for the inquiry comes from 20 semi-structured interviews with senior and mid-level employees of the IJV and its parent firms. This was supplemented with observational data. Findings The study reveals that knowledge transfer, cultural adaptation, and trust-building are the factors that contribute to shaping the IJV’s adoption of specific social controls, namely, training, socialization, communication, and site visits. In addition, each social control is influenced by a combination of factors rather than a single factor. Originality/value The study provides a holistic understanding of how social control is designed in EM IJVs drawing from multiple perspectives involving the IJV firm, and local and foreign partners. It also uncovers the complementary role of factors in the use of specific social controls in an IJV from a Nigerian context.

The rapid rise in urbanization across many African countries is contributing to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in both adults and children and presents a significant challenge to health services across the continent. In May 2023, a 2-day workshop was held in Ghana, coordinated by the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB) at Loughborough University and in collaboration with partners from three Ghanaian Universities. The workshop brought together academics, clinicians, public health specialists and civil society organizations from Ghana, UK, France, the Netherlands, the USA, and Kenya. Our main objective was to identify scalable lifestyle interventions to address the growing burden of NCDs in Ghana. The 2-day workshop focused on identifying salient research priorities for the prevention of NCDs. The immediate research priorities outlined were (1) conduct observational research in Ghana to identify feasible dietary and physical activity changes to reduce NCDs; (2) undertake a Delphi Study to -prioritize a research agenda on NCDs, focusing on lifestyle behaviors and involving researchers, policymakers, and implementers; (3) perform a comprehensive mapping and realist synthesis of diet and physical activity interventions, policies, and programs in Ghana and across Africa to assess their effectiveness and relevance; and (4) evaluate contextual factors influencing physical activity participation in the regions of Ghana and Kenya. Workshop participants highlighted the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary research approach and emphasized the critical need for strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including the public, for implementing effective lifestyle interventions to improve the health of Ghanaians.

ObjectiveWith the prevalence of mental health problems in children increasing, identifying and addressing the factors underlying children’s mental health is a growing priority. This research is using administrative data linked to survey and contextual data to elucidate the various factors and complex inter-relationships contributing to this mental health crisis. MethodsTo identify the drivers of child mental health holistically, an innovative data infrastructure has been built, which links a child’s educational (National Pupil Database) and health records (Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)) to the health records and sociodemographic characteristics of their parents (using Census 2021, NHS Talking Therapies and HES), as well as contextual factors (Ordnance survey, Indices of Multiple Deprivation and Police data). Complex econometric modelling is being employed to test both associations and causal links. Initial analysis is cross-sectional, applying matching and instrumental variable estimators among other techniques, and sensitivity analysis to assess causal relationships. ResultsAnalysis currently focuses on a subset of 1.15m children aged 5-16 who were living with two parents at the time of Census 2021. The study controls for a rich array of household and parental socioeconomic characteristics. Early analysis has identified a strong and statistically significant causal relationship between the mental health of a child and the mental health of their co-habiting parents. We have found heterogeneity across genders in the intergenerational transmission, with the maternal influences being larger than paternal influences. Results also indicate increased absence from school increases the likelihood of mental health issues. This relationship is influenced by the presence of special education needs support and chronic physical health conditions. Bi-directional relationships, as well as age and ethnicity differences, are also explored. ConclusionA holistic approach is needed, which recognises the importance of supporting the mental health of both parents and children if we are to address the growing mental health crisis in the UK. It is hoped that further analysis of this rich linked dataset will provide further areas for intervention.

ABSTRACT Drawing on instrumental stakeholder theory, this study investigates the impact of supplier social sustainability practices (i.e., internal and external) on export performance and the mediating role of operational performance, addressing a critical yet underexplored area in the international business and supply chain sustainability literature. While previous research has extensively examined environmental sustainability development and economic performance, little attention has been given to the social dimension of supplier sustainability, particularly its role in shaping export outcomes. Using in‐person survey data collected from suppliers engaged in global ready‐made garment supply chains and their workers in a developing country (Jordan), as analyzed through partial least structural equation modeling, the results reveal that only supplier internal social sustainability practices directly drive export performance, while both internal and external social sustainability practices improve operational performance. However, external social sustainability practices were found to improve export performance indirectly by enhancing operational performance. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the strategic value of social sustainability in the supply chain and offers practical implications for managers aiming to improve global competitiveness through social sustainability development.