12508 research outputs found
Sort by
High-performance metal oxide nanoparticle materials synthesised using polar aprotic solvents for advanced supercapacitor applications
No full textYesWe report on a newly developed, surfactant free and scalable methodology for the synthesis of spherical nanoparticles of nickel hydroxide [Ni(OH)2] and nickel oxide (NiO), employing the polar, aprotic solvent, dimethylformamide (DMF), and evaluate their potential for electrochemical battery-type supercapacitor applications. The material synthesis methodology was extended to the hybrid nanomaterial nickel hydroxide-manganese dioxide [Ni(OH)2-MnO2] and, with the addition of SDBS, manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles. The resulting nanostructured materials were comprehensively characterized by various structural, morphological, and thermal techniques. Of all electrode materials investigated in three-electrode configuration, surfactant free NiO and α-Ni(OH)2-MnO2 exhibit the highest specific capacities with values of 312.42 mAh g-1 and 348.61 mAh g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, respectively. In symmetric devices, where surfactant free NiO and α-Ni(OH)2-MnO2 were employed as the active layers, specific capacities of 94.31 mAh g-1 and 139.43 mAh g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and energy densities of 47.21 Wh kg-1 and 69.72 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 1 kW kg-1 respectively have been measured. The devices have a maximum capacity retention of 86.50% and 90.18% after 5000 charge-discharge cycles at 3 A g-1 demonstrating that they also possess high cycle stability. These results confirm the viability of the rational design methodology employed here for the surfactant free synthesis of electrode materials for deployment in energy storage applications.Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for financial support through the Split-Site programme (PKCN-2019-175). UKIERI-DST Partnership (IND/CONT/G/17-18/36)
Beyond Satisfaction: A Hierarchical Model of Three Distinct Guest Experience Types in Peer-to-Peer Accommodation
No full textYesThis paper develops and empirically tests a hierarchical model of service quality in peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation, focusing on guest experiences and behavioral intentions before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A conceptual model was developed from Airbnb review comments and tested through a survey. Post-pandemic, 47 follow-up interviews informed an updated model, followed by a second survey to capture shifts in guest perceptions. The findings suggest that P2P accommodation guests allocate considerable processing resources to cognitive cues (deliberative route) and emotional ones (experiential route) in decision making. Also, the study indicates that quality evaluation leads to guest experiences, namely, congenial, affective and intellectual, which ultimately result in behavioral intentions. The study advances service quality theory in the sharing economy context, responds to recent calls in the literature for a deeper theorization of P2P accommodation experiences, and offers managerial insights for hosts and policy makers navigating post-pandemic recovery
Utilisation of the support workforce in diagnostic imaging: a mixed-methods investigation
No full textYesBackground
Demand for imaging in England massively outstrips supply in terms of workforce capacity, with well-documented shortages of both radiographers and radiologists. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated already stretched services, which have remained ‘in crisis’. Three high profile national reports highlighted the urgent need to develop the capacity and capability of the imaging support workforce, yet it is unclear how this vital workforce is utilised.
Aim
To investigate the development, deployment and contribution of the support workforce to diagnostic imaging activity across England to determine effective models of practice that will support future workforce transformation and re-design. Research question: What models of deployment of the support workforce exist within diagnostic imaging departments and what service, hospital, regional and national factors may encourage or inhibit implementation of these models?
Design
The study employed a mixed-methods explanatory research design, comprising six consecutive workstreams spanning 27 months: (Workstream 1) scoping review; (Workstream 2) census of imaging workforce; (Workstream 3) engagement with imaging networks; (Workstream 4) deep dive review of selected trusts; (Workstream 5) qualitative case studies; (Workstream 6) determinant framework.
Setting and participants
All National Health Service diagnostic imaging (radiology) services and imaging networks located within England were in scope. Participants included imaging network representatives (n = 18), radiology service managers (n = 24), and Imaging Support Workers and Assistant Practitioners, their supervisors and department managers (WS5, n = 113).
Interventions
This was an exploratory observational study.
Outcome measures
Findings were synthesised to create a determinant framework (Maturity Matrix) for the effective deployment of the imaging support workforce. A Public Summary encapsulated the key findings for imaging services, the wider healthcare community, and for patients and the public.
Data sources
National Health Service Electronic Staff Record database (n = 144 National Health Service Trusts); interviews (n = 38); focus groups (n = 15); documentary analysis (n = 48).
Results
The support workforce (National Health Service pay Bands 2–4) constitutes 23.6% of the non-medical imaging workforce (22.2% median, interquartile range 14.9–29.1). Opposing deployment models were identified, based on grade preference (Band 2 or Band 3) and role flexibility (static or rotational). Wide variations in job titles, roles, grades, competencies and scopes of practice are evident both between National Health Service Trust hospitals and within individual imaging departments. With the exception of breast imaging, assistant practitioners (Band 4) appear underutilised in most imaging services.
Limitations
Inconsistent and incomplete data in the Electronic Staff Records potentially compromised data quality; however, subsequent participant-supplied data were comparable.
Conclusions
Imaging support workers are ‘absolutely pivotal’ to smooth patient workflow and the patient experience; however, unwarranted variations in support workforce deployment and utilisation compromise recruitment, retention, career progression and innovation. This workforce appears to be operationally managed rather than strategically planned which potentially limits the impact of the support workforce on the wider imaging workforce crisis.
Future work
The Imaging Support Workforce Maturity Matrix provides a management tool to support review and harmonisation of the imaging support workforce at national, regional, hospital, imaging department and modality levels. A widespread reluctance to fully utilise Assistant Practitioners and enable them to seamlessly progress to registered practice requires further investigation.Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) Programm
Stable isotope evidence for the participation of commoners in Inka khipu production
No full textYesThis study presents previously unknown evidence about the social status of Inka-era khipu experts. A lack of physical evidence hinders our understanding of the specialists who made Inka khipus (knotted cords that served as writing). On the basis of primarily Spanish-language colonial chronicles, it is thought that khipus were created exclusively by male bureaucratic elites. We analyzed Inka khipu, KH0631, whose primary cord is composed of human hair. Historically, human hair on a khipu served as a “signature” to indicate the khipu’s creator. Recent advances in elemental analysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry allowed us to undertake simultaneous carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur measurements from a single KH0631 hair sample, revealing that this individual consumed a diet characteristic of low-ranking commoners. This finding suggests that commoners participated in Inka khipu production.This work was funded by the British Academy Senior Research Grant, SRF23230249 (S.H.), and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship, “Hidden Texts of the Andes” (S.H.)
The Zenith of Flow Consciousness in Metaverse: Glancing the Consumer Behavior in the Future
No full textYesThis study investigates consumer behavior within the metaverse, focusing on the influence of social presence, flow consciousness, e-trust, and affinity for technology interaction on the propensity to buy online and intentions to prosume. A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected via an online survey from 502 Zepeto users. Hypothesis testing was done to analyze the relationships among variables. The study found significant positive relationships of social presence and flow consciousness with the propensity to buy online and intentions to prosume within the metaverse. E-trust was identified as a moderator, enhancing the effects of social presence and flow consciousness on consumer behaviors. Additionally, affinity for technology interaction moderates the relationship between flow consciousness and consumer actions in virtual environments. This research makes a novel contribution by integrating Social Presence Theory, Flow Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) within an immersive, avatar-based metaverse context, a combination that has not been previously explored in virtual environment or social commerce literature. By addressing this theoretical gap, the study provides a comprehensive framework to understand how emotional, cognitive, and social factors interact to drive behavior in emerging digital ecosystems. The findings offer actionable insights for businesses aiming to enhance virtual experiences by prioritizing social interaction design, fostering immersive flow states, and embedding trust-building mechanisms to support secure and engaging consumer journeys
How Knowledge and Innovation Capabilities Drive Environmental Innovation? Evidence From Global Firms
No full textYesThis paper analyses the impact of knowledge and innovation capabilities on firm-level environmental innovation in 4416 firms across 36 countries from 2013 to 2023. The findings suggest that a national output of knowledge and technology creation makes a significant contribution to environmental innovation. However, this relationship changes as the focus shifts from internal knowledge and technology creation to external knowledge and technology dissemination. While the national knowledge and technology impact output also enhances innovation to a lesser degree, the diffusion of knowledge and technology does not uniformly improve corporate environmental innovation. We suggest that this relationship suggests the existence of a rebound effect like character, indicating that firms should not assume a linear or uniformly positive relationship between increased knowledge
dissemination and environmental innovation outcomes. Additionally, the relationships are income-specific. Furthermore, firms with ongoing renewable energy projects and environmental investments achieve significantly better environmental innovation performance. Sustainability and ESG-related executive compensation have a considerable positive impact on environmental innovation. Country-level energy intensity acts as a significant barrier to progress, whereas firm-level biodiversity disclosure enhances energy intensity
Embedding Rapid 3D Aerial Capture Capabilities in Local Planning Authorites: A Guide for The Use of Light Weight UAV for Scalable 3D Capture
No full textNoA playbook designed to offer guidance and share good practice for local planning authorities to build in-house capacity to deploy lightweight (sub-250g) drone technology and capabilities for rapid 3D capture, processing and integration of building and city models into digital planning
Impact of pH on CuO/SnO2 nanomaterials synthesis in electrochemical reduction of CO2 to produce C1/C2 carboxylic acids
No full textYesThe electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals is a promising solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while producing sustainable fuels. In this study, CuO/SnO2 nanomaterials (NM) were synthesized using the sol-gel technique under varying pH conditions in acidic and alkaline to investigate their impact on material properties and electrochemical performance for CO2 reduction. The synthesized CuO/SnO2 NM were characterized using XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, and FTIR to analyze their morphology, crystallinity, and surface properties. Results revealed that CuO/SnO2 NM prepared in alkaline media exhibited superior homogeneity, stability, and reduced particle size compared to acidic conditions, as confirmed by surface analysis. Electrochemical studies conducted in a two-compartment cell with a Ni foam cathode coated with CuO/SnO2 (1:1) demonstrated higher activity and selectivity in alkaline-prepared NM. Specifically, the alkaline-synthesized nanomaterials achieved a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 87% for the overall of formic acid and oxalic acid at -1.4 V in a 0.5 M KHCO3 electrolyte, producing a maximum formic acid concentration of 1186 mg/L after 3 h. In contrast, materials synthesized in acidic media displayed agglomeration and reduced stability, leading to lower FE and current efficiency. XPS analysis confirmed the partial reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+ in alkaline-prepared nanomaterials during CO2 electrochemical reduction, highlighting their enhanced catalytic activity and stability. The study highlights the critical role of pH in controlling the morphology and electronic properties of CuO/SnO2 nanomaterials synthesized via the sol-gel method. The enhanced CO2 reduction performance in alkaline-prepared nanomaterials is attributed to their higher surface area, uniform distribution, and improved electron transfer characteristics. This work provides a cost-effective strategy for fabricating efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, particularly targeting C1/C2 carboxylic acids production.Qatar Foundatio
Combining the circular economy and bio-based materialsfor alternative waste wood applications for the construction industry
No full textYesSelecting the most sustainable approach for the large amounts of waste wood that arise from demolition is challenging. Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) has the potential to have a major impact on the circularity of building materials if they are retained in line with the principles of the Circular Economy. This study evaluates the environmental implications of managing wood CDW in different ways. Its purpose is to evaluate the benefits of reuse, recycling, and incineration to avoid sending CDW to landfill. Eight scenarios relating to wooden buildings were investigated, with four considering the wood waste replaced by virgin materials and the other four using new wood for the second cycle as building materials. To reduce the cost and environmental impacts and to offer a scientific basis for selecting wood waste management systems, a life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost-benefit of waste approach were used. Firstly, this study highlighted differences between reuse and recycling. Reusing wood can reduce global warming potential (GWP), embodied emissions and cost by 72%, 46% and 51% respectively, compared to recycling for glued laminated timber (GLT), cross-laminated timber (CLT), and particleboard. Furthermore, reuse required a lower embodied energy than recycling by 67%, 14%, and 25% for GLT, CLT and particleboard, respectively. Secondly, recycling the wood waste into CLT after demolition resulted in lower GWP emissions than GLT and particleboard by 47% and 8%. Transforming waste wood to CLT lowers embodied energy by 63% and 12% compared to GLT and particleboard. Conversely, the cost of CLT manufactured from wood waste was lower than GLT and particleboard by 2% and 4%. These results indicate that reusing wood should be in priority for wood waste, followed by recycling into CLT as a secondary usage
Frequency and causes of visual impairment in people attending outreach clinics in Zambia
No full textYesClinical relevance: Preventable visual impairment and blindness represent significant global public health challenges. Expanding access to high-volume eye care services in underserved areas may reduce visual impairment and blindness.
Background: Visual impairment negatively impacts quality of life, education, and employability, but is often treatable with management following a basic eye examination. Access to basic eyecare in Zambia is limited. Vision Action, a UK-based nongovernmental organisation, facilitates eyecare services in Zambia to reduce rectifiable visual impairment by supporting government outreach clinics in underserved communities. This study examines the frequency of presenting visual impairment, uncorrected refractive error, and ocular pathology among outreach clinic attendees in Zambia.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of outreach clinic records between 2012 and 2015 was performed. The available data include patient demographics, presenting symptoms, presenting level of vision, and classification of any ocular pathology present. Levels of visual impairment were categorised according to the World Health Organization's classification for blindness and visual impairment.
Results: Data from 5809 patients were collected (58.5% female, mean age = 41.9 years, SD = 20.7 years). Presenting vision, in the better eye, was classified as ‘moderate visual impairment’ in 14.2% (n = 766), ‘severe visual impairment’ in 0.3% (n = 15) and ‘blind’ in 4.3% (n = 234) of individuals. Uncorrected refractive error was responsible for 62.4% and 57.0% of blindness and severe visual impairment, respectively. Cataract, corneal scarring, and glaucoma were the most common non-refractive ocular pathologies associated with visual impairment.
Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in patients presenting to outreach clinics in Zambia and is particularly significant in a predominantly working-age population. Outreach clinics are an effective method of detecting and treating correctable visual impairment in this population. However, there is a need to expand and enhance primary eyecare services to reduce the burden of visual impairment, through management of uncorrected refractive error.CS is supported by a studentship from the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford and the original data collection was funded by a College of Optometrists undergraduate research scholarship