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Changes in prevalence and patterns of consanguinity in Bradford, UK - evidence from two cohort studies
No full textYesBackground: Research undertaken using the Born in Bradford cohort study identified consanguinity as a major risk factor for congenital anomalies and also reported longer term adverse health outcomes associated with consanguinity.
Methods: We report the prevalence of consanguinity from two cohort studies in the same geographical area with a nine year gap: Born in Bradford (BiB) and Born in Bradford’s Better Start (BiBBS). We examine and compare rates of consanguinity and the characteristics of the consanguineous in each study population to examine if and how these have changed in the years between the recruitment periods of 2007–2010 (BiB) and 2016–2019 (BiBBS).
Results: There had been a substantial decrease in consanguineous unions in women of Pakistani heritage, the proportion of women who were first cousins with the father of their baby fell from 39.3% to 27.0%, and those who were other blood relations fell from 23.1% to 19.3%. Only 37.6% of Pakistani heritage women were unrelated to the father of their baby in BiB, but 53.7% were unrelated in BiBBS. All but one White British respondent was unrelated to their baby’s father in both cohorts, and around 90% of the ‘Other ethnicities’ group (i.e., not White British or Pakistani heritage) were unrelated to the baby’s father in both cohorts. The reduction was most marked in women of Pakistani heritage who were born in the UK, in those educated to A level or higher and in women under age 25.
Conclusions: An appreciation of changing rates of consanguinity and linked health needs will be valuable to those who commission and provide antenatal, paediatric and genetic services in Bradford and in other areas where consanguinity is likely to be a major risk factor. Falling rates in this city may reflect wider changes in partner choices in similar populations.Wellcome (223601) through 'Born in Bradford: Age of Wonder' and The National Institute for Health Research under its Applied Research Collaboration Yorkshire and Humber. The National Lottery Community Fund provided funding for BiBBS through the Better Start Bradford programme
Feasibility and acceptability of NIDUS-professional, a training and support intervention for homecare workers caring for clients living with dementia: a cluster-randomised feasibility trial
No full textYesIntroduction
In the first randomised controlled trial of a dementia training and support intervention in UK homecare agencies, we aimed to assess: acceptability of our co-designed, manualised training, delivered by non-clinical facilitators; outcome completion feasibility; and costs for a future trial.
Methods
This cluster-randomised (2:1) single-blind, feasibility trial involved English homecare agencies. Intervention arm agency staff were offered group videocall sessions: 6 over 3 months, then monthly for 3 months (NIDUS-professional). Family carers (henceforth carers) and clients with dementia (dyads) were offered six to eight complementary, individual intervention sessions (NIDUS-Family). We collected potential trial measures as secondary outcomes remotely at baseline and 6 months: HCW (homecare worker) Work-related Strain Inventory (WRSI), Sense of Competence (SoC); proxy-rated Quality of Life (QOL), Disability Assessment for Dementia scale (DAD), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Homecare Satisfaction (HCS).
Results
From December 2021 to September 2022, we met agency (4 intervention, 2 control) and HCWs (n = 62) recruitment targets and recruited 16 carers and 16/60 planned clients. We met a priori progression criteria for adherence (≥4/6 sessions: 29/44 [65.9%,95% confidence interval (CI): 50.1,79.5]), HCW or carer proxy-outcome completion (15/16 (93.8% [69.8,99.8]) and proceeding with adaptation for HCWs outcome completion (46/63 (73.0% [CI: 60.3,83.4]). Delivery of NIDUS-Professional costs was £6,423 (£137 per eligible client). WRSI scores decreased and SoC increased at follow-up, with no significant between-group differences. For intervention arm proxy-rated outcomes, carer-rated QOL increased, HCW-rated was unchanged; carer and HCW-rated NPI decreased; DAD decreased (greater disability) and HCS was unchanged.
Conclusion
A pragmatic trial is warranted; we will consider using aggregated, agency-level client outcomes, including neuropsychiatric symptoms
Coaxial Electrospinning of Synthetic/Natural Polymer Combinations for Controlled Release of Active Components in Biomedical Applications
Get PDFThe project aims to advance coaxial electrospinning techniques for polymer/protein systems, targeting tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. While electrospinning is increasingly utilised in tissue engineering, challenges arise when incorporating active pharmaceutical ingredients due to solubility and release rate limitations. Coaxial spinning addresses these challenges by enabling precise control over release rates and properties. This research focuses on developing coaxial electrospinning processes, with a particular emphasis on incorporating extracellular matrix proteins and biologically active components.
By systematically investigating process parameters, this study elucidates the structural and functional properties of coaxial fibres and their implications for biological response. Extensive characterisation techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), are employed to analyse fibre morphology, chemical composition, and structural properties.
Specifically, polycaprolactone (PCL) as a shell layer demonstrates sustained prolonged release of active components while gelatin as the shell layer facilitates instant release. These findings underscore the versatility and efficacy of coaxial electrospinning in tailoring scaffold properties for diverse biomedical applications.
The novelty of this work lies in its extensive exploration of coaxial electrospinning techniques and their application in tissue engineering and drug delivery. By controlling release and scaffold properties, this research contributes valuable insights to the field, paving the way for the development of advanced biomaterials with enhanced therapeutic efficacy
Integration of Electricity Distribution Network and Natural Gas Distribution Network
Get PDFThe increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into current electricity network introduces challenges to the planning and operation of electricity network due to the intermittent nature of the resources which will result in variability and uncertainty in electricity supply. The power-to-gas (P2G) technologies, gas-fired units (GFUs) and demand response programs (DRPs) potentials are practical solutions to overcome these challenges and if exploited it will provide some level of flexibility needed in the system. Hence, to achieve this, the effective integration of electricity and gas networks (IEGN) via P2G and GFUs is required, and the process of this integration is known as multi energy systems (MES). This work presents basic principles of integrating RESs into MES and particularly focuses on IEGN via P2G and GFUs.
In this thesis, a novel technique that applied the stochastic approach for the expansion planning model of a IEGN coupled with GFUs. P2G, and RESs is proposed. The projected model minimised the total planning costs of IEGN when compared to the traditional planning models that considered both gas and electricity networks separately. The model is recast using mixed integer linear programming that is solved by the General Algebraic Modelling software. In addition, a bi-level bidding strategy for GFUs, P2G and RESs in a coordinated energy market considering DRPs is proposed. The upper-level model is projected to maximizes profits, while the lower-level maximizes social welfare. Finally, a realistic case study (16-bus UK electricity and 20-node Belgium gas networks) is used to demonstrate effectiveness of proposed method.Petroleum Technology Development Funds (PTDF), Nigeri
Analytical modelling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to evaluate influence of corrosion product on solution resistance
Get PDFYesElectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique used to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of
metallic materials in different environments. In this study, a mathematical model has been developed to analyse
the relationship between solution resistance and concentration conductive-corrosion products (Fe2O3) of metallic
corroded materials. This model has been designed as a part of an experimental series to use EIS as a tool for
mapping the spatial distribution of corrosion by-product from bridge, in order to evaluate the impact of
conductive-corrosion on the properties of the solution. The influence of Fe2O3 on the solution resistance at
varying concentrations, has been modelled. Repetitive electrochemical tests were conducted to investigate the
relationship between the impedance and concentration in three different concentrations of corrosion by-product.
Nyquist and Bode's graphs have been used to quantitatively analyse the EIS data. The implementation of the
proposed mathematical model can quantify the solution resistace based on the mass of presented particles, and
provide significant efficiency and methodological advancement over EIS technique. The experimental outcomes
show a clear link between solution resistance and iron oxide concentration within the solution which is
consistent with the model's finding
Violent Extremism and Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword in the Context of ASEAN
Get PDFYesDigital integration and the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are providing new tools for insurgents to use in spreading their propaganda through violent extremism. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has come to represent a conduit for insurgents in planning and carrying out their extreme agendas. This article provides a deeper understanding of the double-edged sword effect of AI in relation to violent extremism in the ASEAN context. It reveals that, even though AI has been very important in countering violent extremism, it has simultaneously facilitated terrorists in spreading their propaganda in more innovative and covert ways. The legal framework governing AI is still in its infancy and challenges such as the double-edged sword effect in the use of the technology require specific guidelines or legislation for use in effective governance
Isotopic analysis of the human skeletal remains
Get PDFYesThis chapter summarises the isotope analysis undertaken on the human remains from RUX6, in order to estimate their diet and physiological changes during life. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratio analysis was carried out using incremental dentine sectioning for collagen for individuals SF 26319 and SF17642 (giving values for childhood and early adolescence) and bulk sampling of bone collagen for these two individuals plus an ulna from a third, disturbed burial from Square G, SF 17437 (providing an average for each of the diet during last 10 years of life). Contemporary faunal bone collage samples were also measured in order to provide an isotopic baseline. In addition, enamel from the teeth of SF 26319 and SF 17642 was sampled for strontium isotope ratios to assess individual migration.Historic Environment Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Museum nan Eilean, National Museum of Scotland, Hunter Archaeological and Historic Trust, Guard Archaeolog
Stakeholder green pressure and enviropreneurial marketing: Insights from Japanese SMEs
Get PDFYesDespite the recent growth in research on analysing the influence of stakeholders' green pressure on firm performance, our understanding of the subject seems limited, especially regarding the positive and negative influence of many internal and external stakeholders and the mediating roles of environmental orientation and commitment. Analysing primary data from 317 Japanese SMEs, we found that environmental orientation has negative while environmental commitment positively influences firm performance. Besides, the findings also show that green pressure from regulators, competitors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and employees significantly influences the market and financial performance, followed by a discussion of relevant theoretical and practical implications
Looking inside the panarchy: reorganisation capabilities of food supply chain resilience against geopolitical crisis
Get PDFYesPurpose
Drawing on panarchy theory and adaptive cycles, this study aims to investigate the role of reorganisation capabilities on firms' supply chain resilience. The conceptual model underpinned by panarchy theory is tested in the agrifood supply chains disrupted by a geopolitical crisis and faced with material shortage. The study considers circularity as a core reorganisational capability and measures its interplay with two other capabilities: new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities to achieve supply chain resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research design is followed to test the relationships between circularity capabilities, resource reconfiguration capabilities, new product development capabilities and supply chain resilience. The data is collected with a survey applied to a sample drawn from food manufacturers who are dependent on wheat and sunflower oil as raw materials and when faced with material shortages. Measurement models and hypotheses are tested with the partial least squared structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on 354 responses.
Findings
Our results show that new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities fully mediate the relationship between circularity capabilities and supply chain resilience. In other words, the food producers achieved supply chain resilience in response to agrifood supply chain disruption when they mobilised circularity capabilities in combination with new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities.
Originality
The study explores the release and reorganisation phases of adaptive cycles in a panarchy by analysing the interplay between different capabilities for building supply chain resilience in response to disruptions challenging supply chains from higher levels of the panarchy. The results extend the theoretical debate between circularity and supply chain resilience to an empirical setting and suggest the introduction of new variables to this relationship.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that producers in the agrifood industry and even those in other industries need to develop circularity capabilities in combination with new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities to tackle supply chain disruptions. In a world that is challenged by geopolitical and climate-related crises, this means leveraging 3R practices as well as resource substitution and reconfiguration in new product development processes
A bi-level multi-node optimal siting, sizing, and operation of multi energy system in an integrated energy network of electricity-gas-heat with peer-to-peer trading
No full textYesMulti-energy system (MES) technologies, such as energy hubs, link energy networks like electricity, natural gas, and district heating networks. This interlinking enhances the interdependence and interaction of the networks. While the interlinking of the networks to form an integrated energy system (IES) can improve flexibility, there are challenges in coordinating the IES. As a result, the integration and synchronisation of energy flows become challenging, affecting the coordination and optimisation of the overall energy system. This paper presents a novel bi-level optimisation model for the optimal siting, sizing, and operation of MES within an IES encompassing electricity, gas, and heat with peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and demand response. The research addresses the strategic placement and sizing of interconnected energy hubs with various distributed energy resources (DER), including renewable energy sources (RES) and power-to-gas (P2G) systems, to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the IES. The upper-level optimisation aims to minimise the energy hubs' total investment and operating costs, while the lower-level focuses on reducing the cost of energy imports from upstream networks and implementing demand response programs to balance supply and demand, considering the constraints of the IES. By utilising the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions and the big-M method, the bi-level problem is converted into a single-level Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem. The proposed model and methodology are validated through case studies on an integrated energy network based on the 16-bus 33 kV UK generic distribution system, a 20-node gas network and a 30-node heat network, demonstrating their effectiveness in the IES. The research demonstrates that coupled energy networks are viable for creating efficient and flexible IES. The strategic scheduling of energy hubs, equipped with generation equipment such as RES, storage, P2G and other conversion technologies operating within the IES with P2P energy trading, not only meets diverse energy demands but also enhances the sustainability and economic viability of the energy system.The full-text of this article will be released to public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 31 Dec 2026