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Exploiting microplastics and the plastisphere for the surveillance of human pathogenic bacteria discharged into surface waters in wastewater effluent
Get PDFDischarge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a well-characterised source of human pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes entering the environment. However, determining whether pathogens released from effluent into surface waters are viable, and consequently pose a risk to human health, is hindered by the use of transient grab-sampling monitoring approaches. Here we present a novel surveillance system using low-cost microparticles (polyethylene, cork and rubber) deployed upstream and downstream of a WWTP effluent pipe, that exploits the ability of bacterial pathogens to form biofilms. Using quantitative culture-based and molecular methods, viable E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Citrobacter spp., and Enterococcus spp. were identified after only 24-hour of deployment. Moreover, these pathogens were continually present at each timepoint (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14 and 23 days) as biofilm communities matured, with all pathogens detected at higher concentrations downstream of the WWTP effluent pipe. Long-read whole genome sequencing revealed a suite of plasmids, virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance genes in bacterial pathogens isolated from biofilms formed downstream of the effluent pipe. Furthermore, recognising that pathogens are typically present at proportionally low concentrations within mixed biofilm communities, total biofilm pathogenicity was confirmed using a Galleria mellonella infection model. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that human pathogens present in microplastic biofilms (the ‘plastisphere’) dominated the microbial community of infected G. mellonella larvae within 24 hr, suggesting these bacteria remained highly virulent. Overall, this study demonstrated the efficacy of an easy-to-deploy system for the surveillance and rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria being discharged from point-source pollution. We envisage that if used as part of an integrated environmental management approach, this approach could help to reduce the public and environmental health risks of human pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes, by monitoring viable human pathogens entering surface waters
Impact and Potential Influence Mechanism of Paternalistic Leadership on Team Performance: From a Resource Allocation Perspective
No full textAn important impetus for this DMan research project stemmed from the author’s observation in management practice. Specifically, it was observed that the same paternalistic leader can elicit differing levels of team performance when leading distinct teams. Additionally, some successful entrepreneurs in China’s business Organisations often display pronounced authoritarian traits; however, the effectiveness of authoritarian paternalistic leadership (APL) has remained a subject of debate. Furthermore, the supervisor-subordinate Guanxi (SSG) within the Chinese context frequently exerts a substantial influence on leadership behaviours. Through a comprehensive literature review, the author identified the following insights: The existing literature exhibits a notable gap in investigating the effectiveness of paternalistic leadership at the team level, and the limited studies available on this topic have yielded inconsistent findings. Moreover, the differentiation of SSG within the Chinese context displays distinct characteristics compared to Leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation observed in Western settings. However, this distinction has been frequently overlooked by scholars when studying Chinese management practices.
From a resource allocation perspective, the study examines the relationship between two types of paternalistic leadership and team performance (TP), as well as its mechanism of influence. The sample consisted of 104 teams from state-owned, private, and foreign-funded enterprises in China, with 676 participants. The findings revealed a U-shaped relationship between APL and TP. Furthermore, this U-shaped relationship was moderated by task interdependence (TI), being significant only when TI is high. Additionally, this study revealed that SSG differentiation mediates the negative effect of APL on TP; this mediating effect was also moderated by TI. Regarding benevolent paternalistic leadership (BPL), the results revealed its significant positive impact on TP, rather than the expected inverted U-shaped relationship as hypothesised. Moreover, the expected mediating role of the SSG differentiation in the positive relationship between BPL and TP, as well as the moderating role of TI in this relationship, were not supported. By bridging theory and practice, this study offers novel and actionable insights into the field of paternalistic leadership research
More than just co-working? How co-working spaces frame their role and impact in entrepreneurial ecosystems
Get PDFLittle is understood of how enterprise support organisations frame their role and impact in entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE). To explore this gap, we conduct a narrative analysis of co-working spaces’ (CWS) impact and evaluation reports. Our analysis reveals the use of three frames. Objective frames, which include scaling technology ventures, facilitating social innovation, or developing specific communities. Impact frames which include well-being and productivity, venture creation and growth, and community outreach. Driving these objectives are specific coordinating frames, peer support, bespoke support, EE facilitation, and mentor networks. The implications of these heterogenous narratives are discussed in relation to the current literature that considers the role of ESOs in EE coordination
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke (HEADS: UP): An Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Stroke Survivors
Get PDFObjectives The purpose of this study was to assess feasibility and acceptability of a stroke-specifc mindfulness-based intervention called Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke (HEADS: UP). Method This study was a mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial comparing HEADS: UP to treatment as usual (TAU). HEADS: UP is a 9-week mindfulness intervention for stroke survivors. UK (United Kingdom)-based stroke survivors were recruited and attended HEADS: UP Online. Psychological functioning outcomes measures and other data were collected online at pre-intervention (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 9), and follow-up (months 3 and 6). Participants were randomized 1:1 to either HEADS: UP or TAU. Results Sixty-two participants completed baseline questionnaires and were randomized to HEADS: UP (n=30) or TAU (n=32). Retention rates were as follows: HEADS: UP (n=25, 83.30%) versus TAU (n=25, 78.10%) at post-intervention, HEADS: UP (n=24, 80%) versus TAU (n=26, 81.30%) at 3-month follow-up, and HEADS: UP (n=20, 66.70%) versus TAU (n=25, 78.10%) at 6-month follow-up. The mean age for HEADS: UP was 56.0 years versus 56.80 for TAU. The HEADS: UP group was 30% male, while the TAU group was 56% male. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)-21 total mean score for HEADS: UP improved in the direction of expected effect (baseline 46.20, SD (standard deviation)=24.00; post-intervention 24.00, SD=16.10) indicating recovery versus no reliable change for TAU (baseline 36.10, SD=18.70; post-intervention 31.60, SD=20.40). HEADS: UP and TAU scores continued to improve over time. Between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d) at post-intervention were large for BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory) (d=0.91), DASS-21 total (d=0.89), and BDI (Beck Depression Inventory)-II (d=0.86), highlighting the potential of HEADS: UP for improving depression and anxiety symptoms. At the six-month follow-up, the attrition rate was higher in the HEADS: UP group (33.30%) compared with TAU (21.90%). Conclusions HEADS: UP is feasible and acceptable and has potential to improve depression and anxiety symptoms for stroke survivor
Water conflicts: Exploring how stakeholder behaviours influence conflict (de-)escalation in practice
Get PDFSocial mobilisation to demand access to safe drinking water has led to increased water justice in many places across the world in recent years. Often, the impetus for change has relied on disempowered citizens taking action. In this study, we explored the experiences of residents (n = 22) in Aviemore (Scotland) who have been challenging the safety of their drinking water for over a decade. We also interviewed water company employees and drinking water regulator employees (n = 7) who were involved in the subsequent water quality investigations. Here we frame the events in Aviemore as a ‘water conflict’, which clarifies that movements for water justice involve multiple stakeholders all with capacity to act. We examined the relationship between behaviours adopted by different stakeholder groups and their consequences for conflict intensity (escalation/de-escalation). Using the Thomas-Kilmann conflict instrument to assign conflict behaviours to stakeholder actions, we found, as in other social movements for water justice, the progression and escalation of this conflict was mainly driven by the citizens taking some form of action. Furthermore, prolonged passive behaviours led to conflict escalation and conflict avoidance can lead to de-escalation, but not reconciliation. Here, we offer a new approach for evaluating water conflicts by assessing the relationship between stakeholder behaviours and conflict intensity. Using this approach, we propose that case-specific insights may be identified to support the prevention of, and intervention in, real-time conflict scenarios, as well as untangling the deeper structural and relational issues contributing to repeated conflict escalation to achieve constructive change
'Zombie drugs': Dehumanising news frames and public stigma towards people who use drugs
Get PDFBackground News media is an important determinant of public understanding of drug policy topics. Recent media reporting around the use of synthetic drugs such as xylazine makes frequent use of non-human metaphors, including reference to the effects of ‘zombie drugs’. We investigated whether presentation of news stories which included such dehumanising frames were associated with i) increased stigmatising attitudes towards people who use drugs; and ii) lower support for relevant harm reduction programmes. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional online experimental study with a randomised factorial design, using a nationally representative sample (UK). Participants (N = 1417) were randomly presented with one of six simulated news stories based on recent reports of the identification of xylazine in the drug market. Stories differed with respect to text (neutral or referred to either a ‘zombie drug’, or a drug that ‘turns people into zombies’); and accompanying imagery (neutral or depicting immobile people under the influence of drugs). Stigmatising attitudes and support for harm reduction were assessed using instruments including an adapted version of the Attribution Questionnaire-Substance Use Disorders (AQ-SUD) and analysed using MANOVA. Results Data were obtained for 1235 participants (52 % female; mean age 47 ± 16). Attitudes towards people who use drugs were more stigmatising amongst participants presented with either of the dehumanising text conditions (both p < 0.001). There was no main effect of imagery and no interaction between text and imagery on stigma scores. Support for harm reduction programmes did not differ between conditions. Conclusion Our study is the first to show that dehumanising ‘zombie’ framing frequently used in news reporting is associated with higher public stigma towards people who use drugs. News media is an important source of public education on drugs, so to avoid reinforcing stigma the use of dehumanising language and framing, such as ‘zombie’ metaphors, should be avoided. Organisations working to reduce stigma towards people who use drugs should encourage news outputs and journalists to avoid this type of representation
Urban waste piles are reservoirs for human pathogenic bacteria with high levels of multidrug resistance against last resort antibiotics: a comprehensive temporal and geographic field analysis
Get PDFInadequate waste management and poor sanitation practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) leads to waste accumulation in urban and peri-urban residential areas. This increases human exposure to hazardous waste, including plastics, which can harbour pathogenic bacteria. Although lab-based studies demonstrate how plastic pollution can increase the persistence and dissemination of dangerous pathogens, empirical data on pathogen association with plastic in real-world settings are limited. We conducted a year-long spatiotemporal sampling survey in a densely populated informal settlement in Malawi, quantifying enteric bacterial pathogens including ESBL-producing E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Vibrio cholerae. Culture-based screening and molecular approaches were used to quantify the presence of each pathogen, together with the distribution and frequency of resistance to antibiotics. Our data indicate that these pathogens commonly associate with urban waste materials. Elevated levels of these pathogens precede typical infection outbreaks, suggesting that urban waste piles may be an important source of community transmission. Notably, many pathogens displayed increased levels of AMR, including against several ‘last resort’ antibiotics. These findings highlight urban waste piles as potential hotspots for the dissemination of infectious diseases and AMR and underscores the need for urgent waste management interventions to mitigate public health risks
Exploring stakeholders' perspectives on esports players’ wellbeing and career prospects
Get PDFThis study aims to explore the perceptions of key stakeholders in the esports industry regarding how players can ensure their wellbeing while practicing and competing, as well as their perspectives on the career prospects of esports players. While there has been a growing body of research on esports, including the topic of players' wellbeing, there is a lack of studies that explore stakeholders' perspectives on players' wellbeing and career prospects in the esports industry. This study employs a qualitative case study approach using semi-structured interviews to explore key stakeholders' perceptions including event organisers (n = 2), an international esports association (n = 1), a national esports federation (n = 1), a professional team (n = 1), and a sponsor (n = 1). The key stakeholders interviewed for the study are prominent and influential leaders in the esports industry. Through thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (a) Importance of Maintaining Physical Health, (b) Developing Life and Transferrable Skills, and (c) Understanding Esports Careers and Developing Future Plans. The findings highlight the significance of physical health, psychological resilience, communication skills, financial management, and career planning. These factors positively impact on players' wellbeing and career prospects, not only during their active esports career but also in their post-esports career. This exploratory study, thus, offers in-depth insights from key industry leaders, emphasising the need for focused support mechanisms for esports players. This encourages further investigation into players’ wellbeing and career prospects, providing additional empirical evidence to establish effective support systems
Principled and practical approaches to data flows in international commercial arbitration -case study of England and Singapore
No full textA web of data flows captured by the data protection legislation prompts the need to raise awareness for partakers of an international arbitration and their multiple roles and responsibilities attaching to them. This paper will explicate the data flow/roles among the stakeholders and across borders examining the legal implications of data flows in international commercial arbitration. Focusing on England and Singapore, an in-depth legal examination of the local regulatory duty and the scope of data protection exemptions will be carried out. It will address specifically the interaction of data protection law and arbitration administered by LCIA and the SIAC. To do so, firstly, the research starts with a general discussion on arbitrator’s liability. Secondly, it provides an analysis of the data flows and partakers’ role at the intersections between data protection and arbitration. Thirdly, the risks and requirements relating to data flows, the use of cloud service, and beyond are examined. Fourthly, the extra-territorial effects of data protection laws and their intersection with the limitation of exemptions is highlighted with a case study of the practice of LCIA and SIAC. Finally, the research concludes with the recommendations of data mapping, risk assessment and raising awareness of regulatory duties imposed by extra territorial reach of “local” data protection laws.
A comparison of attitudes towards animal welfare between British and Japanese zoo visitors: Where and when do cultural differences diverge?
Get PDFScientific evidence should form the basis for policy and practice decisions concerning animal welfare. However, cultural attitudes inevitably influence decision-making processes. We conducted a survey of general attitudes towards the welfare of zoo-housed animals, live prey feeding and trust in zoo management in British and Japanese zoo visitors (1,611 visitors aged over six years from one British zoo and two Japanese zoos). We asked respondents about their general attitudes towards animals, concepts of animal welfare, and acceptance of using a range of vertebrates and invertebrates as live prey. Overall, both British and Japanese respondents were concerned about animal welfare. However, when considering what is important for animal welfare, Japanese respondents mostly limited responses to basic factors such as food and sociality, whilst British respondents referred more to providing stimulation in the captive environment and positive emotions. The level of tolerance regarding live prey feeding was similar between countries, except for feeding octopuses which was less acceptable to British zoo visitors. Respondents differed in their reasons for this distinction; Japanese respondents often referred to personal preference and feelings in deciding which prey is acceptable to live feed, while British respondents often referred to animal intelligence and behavioural and life complexities. The tendency in trust in governing countries, zoos, and caregivers was similar between the two countries. Overall, British and Japanese respondents showed many similar views, but Japanese respondents tended to make more subjective decisions than British respondents. These attitudes are not directly reflected in legislation concerning animal welfare in each country
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