Prof Richard Davison @Rich_D@qoto.org

@UniWestScotland is delighted to be the hosts of the ECSS Glasgow 2024 Congress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urmuivr2edo and look forward to welcoming delegates 2-5th July. Just 9 days left to submit your abstract so don't miss the deadline. https://sport-science.org/index.php/submission-2024/general-fields

This is an excellent resource to guide and inform sport and exercise scientists in relation to sex and gender identity for research and support work. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.12.005

@freemo @tatzelbrumm I tend to agree. In most western countries have a progressive tax system and the rich are heavily taxed, in the UK for example the top 5% provides 50% of the tax income. The USA is higher at 60%. While not all of this supports the poorer in society a significant proportion does. I don't get the idea of equality except when it comes to equal opportunity to better oneself. Over taxing the rich is a disincentive to those who have the ability to earn more.

Many of you coming to the ECSS Glasgow 2024 Congress will be aware that Scotland is the 'Home of Golf' so if you are a big golf fan you may want to extend your stay in Scotland to attend The Open, taking place nearby in Troon 14-21st July https://www.theopen.com/ Remember the deadline for Abstracts is the 15th Feb https://sport-science.org/index.php/submission-2024/abstract-submission.

We are gearing up for ECSS 2024 Glasgow and it is now time to submit your application for an open presentation at this years congress. Deadline is the 15th Feb and you can find all the details here https://sport-science.org/index.php/submission-2024/abstract-submission. With delegates from 80 countries this is an ideal opportunity to get your research out there to a global audience and at the same time enjoy the culture of Glasgow and Scotland, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbmz_nuAMQA

Well that is my cycling target (10k miles) for the year accomplished with over a couple of weeks to spare. Its been a busy year with only one real disappointment and that was the DNF in the Gralloch UCI Gravel Qualifier in May after a major puncture just 10 minutes into the race. Otherwise there was the win in the IoM Gran Fondo which led to the qualification for the Gran Fondo World Championship in Perth where I was the 2nd British finisher and 20th overall. The final main event was the 5-day Haute Route Dolomites whare I achieved my target of finishing in the top 50 and was 8th in my age group. Just one final target to reach before the end of the year, 600h of cycling so just 24h to go. Next year ?? Firstly unfinished business with the Gralloch.

@toolsontech 👍

@toolsontech for some reason wasn't able to access your videos?

Love this cartoon

Some impressive stats for UWS

Sport is important for all, some good advice here about keeping children active in sport. https://theconversation.com/what-makes-kids-want-to-drop-out-of-sport-and-how-should-parents-respond-195115?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1671689499

Portugal is the first EU country to reduce VAT on bicycle purchases as part of its goal to increase cycling modal share to 10% by 2030. Starting from 1 January 2023, consumers will be able to buy bicycles at the lowest VAT rate of 6%, resulting in potential savings of hundreds of Euros.

How will recent advances in teaching and learning technology impact on the delivery of TNE?

The COVID pandemic had an immediate and profound impact on higher education, with universities needing to quickly pivot to online delivery in response to the sudden lockdown measures put in place. While some institutions were better prepared for this shift, all academics and professional staff have worked hard to ensure that students continue to receive a high-quality education.
One outcome of the pandemic has been the rapid implementation of technology to enable online learning, accelerating the trend towards a more blended delivery model that was already taking shape in some institutions. This has shown that the shift to online education on a large scale is possible, and that there are already a wide range of technology solutions available to support it. However, it's important to note that this transition cannot be solved solely by technology. It also requires a different mindset and approach to teaching and learning in higher education.
The result of this shift is that higher education will never go back to what it was before 2020. This raises questions about the future of transnational education (TNE) delivery, can the more online, blended practices in the UK be delivered globally?
One issue to consider is whether partners and their students have access to the technology infrastructure required to support this model. Additionally, do partner academics have the training and skills to adapt to this new way of teaching?
It's worth noting that the current shift towards blended learning, supported by advanced virtual learning environments (VLEs), is only the beginning of the educational revolution. The next step will involve the use of personal knowledge management platforms with embedded artificial intelligence (AI) to support the development of a "second brain" for learners. It's crucial that universities quickly evolve their pedagogical model to incorporate these new tools, as students and workplaces are already using similar technology to complete their work.
UK TNE providers have an opportunity to be at the forefront of these developments, offering greater flexibility in their international programs. By being the first to market with these new approaches, they can gain a significant advantage. This flexibility will allow for the development of personalised learning programs based on individual progress, as well as the creation of supplementary educational programs that provide international students with micro-credentials that are immediately relevant to their work.
AI, when appropriately designed, has the potential to provide exponentially greater student support than is currently possible with academic staff alone. In order to maintain their reputation for high-quality education, UK TNE providers must begin now to redevelop their offer to embrace these recent technological advances. #highereducation University of the West of Scotland #tne

@Pat Yes looking at some other data i might agree, obviously Australia and New Zealand were less than half of Sweden but the UK figures were still poor despite lockdowns. Was the difference around the timing?

Just reading about the much lower COVID death rates in Sweden which resisted lockdowns and school closures. I am sure that the explanation is complex and I don't necessarily subscribe to the ones suggested in the article but there must be an explanation. As we say further research required! https://dailysceptic.org/2022/11/08/sweden-wins-country-that-refused-lockdown-and-kept-schools-open-has-lowest-pandemic-cumulative-excess-mortality-in-the-world/

#introduction I am a Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of the West of Scotland, interests include cycling physiology and performance and disability and sport. Host of the Cycling Science Podcast, when I get time to interview some interesting guests. A 6 time Scottish cycling champion but these days cycle more for pleasure.