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The Augustae of the Theodosian Dynasty (379 - 455 CE): An Enquiry into their Portrayal by the Contemporary Textual Sources.
Full text linkBetween 379CE and 455CE seven female members of the Theodosian Imperial Family were elevated to the role of Augusta (Empress), thereby enhancing their ability to influence events and causing their deeds to be recorded by the contemporary historians, clergymen and poets. This dissertation explores the possibility that these male authors portrayed the Augustae in a way which adversely shaped public opinion at the time, and still colours our judgment today. It aims to gain a better understanding of these women by first identifying the personal pressures which may have caused the authors to misrepresent them, and then by investigating how the important issues of the day might have affected both the authors and the Augustae themselves. Concentrating on key factors in the lives of three Augustae: Eudoxia, Pulcheria and Galla Placidia, it makes a close study of the contemporary textual sources and then investigates each author's motives and the environment in which he lived and worked. Using modern scholarly research into the role of an Augusta, the lifestyle of women in Late Antiquity, and the effect of gender bias upon a male dominated society, it investigates how the social, religious and political issues which impacted on the life of an Augusta could be used, misused, or ignored by the male authors. It finds that all three Augustae were portrayed by the contemporary authors in a way which gives a misleading, and sometimes unfavourable, view of their conduct and achievements. The dissertation concludes that a better appreciation of the Augustae can be gained by studying the authors themselves, and considering the important issues of the day, rather than by relying solely on the contemporary texts
The Impact of Nutritional Deficiencies and Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Pregnancy Outcome Among Adult Pregnant South Asian Women in the UK: Review of Health Risks, Barriers and Policy Interventions
Full text linkBackground: Nutritional deficiency is an essential factor that impacts pregnancy outcomes. Nutritional deficiency increases the risk of anaemia, and it has different impacts such as gestational diabetes, low birth weight and preterm delivery. The main aim of the study is to examine the effect of maternal nutrition problems and iron-deficiency anaemia on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant South Asian women of reproductive age in the UK and examine related health risks, barriers to get adequate nutrition and existing policy interventions.
Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) is chosen in this review as a research design. We searched PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar and the literature search covered the period from 1st January 2017 to 30th September 2025. Searches combined thesaurus and free‑text terms for "nutrition deficiencies", "iron‑deficiency anaemia", "pregnancy outcome", "South Asian populations", "UK setting", "Health risk", "Barriers" and "Policy interventions".
Results: In this review, poor nutrition was associated with increased health risk in terms of increased risk of gestational diabetes. There is a relationship between maternal anaemia and perinatal mortality. It has also been found that maternal anaemia increases the risk of stillbirth. Increasing haemoglobin level among South Asian women is necessary in order to reduce the risk of perinatal mortality. Inadequate knowledge about nutrition and lack of access to nutrition advice are important barriers to nutrition among South Asian pregnant women. It has also been found that guidance on food by the NHS (National Health Services) is an effective intervention that helps in encouraging pregnant women to improve nutrition. The FIGO nutrition checklist is also another important factor that helps in nutritional screening of women during their pregnancy and helps in routine decision-making regarding weight and nutrition in clinical care. Fortification of food items is another essential strategy of improving maternal nutrition.
Conclusion: This study concludes based on the overall findings and discussion that maternal nutrition and iron deficiency anaemia affect pregnancy outcomes and it is evident among South Asian women of reproductive age in the UK
The hill and forest products of the Tamiḻakam: communication and exchange between southern India and the Roman world
Full text linkThis article examines the historical significance of links between the Roman Empire and southern India through the exchange of a series of goods coming from the Tamiḻakam, namely black pepper, ivory and a variety of gemstones. Particular consideration is given to role of the vēntar in the flow of goods between the coastal and interior regions of the Tamiḻakam. It is argued the relationships which existed between local elites and merchants (including “cross-cultural brokers” inhabiting trade diaspora) from the Mediterranean world helped facilitate this international exchange. This contrasts with the dearth of concrete evidence for more formal diplomatic relations between the Mūvēntar (the traditional term for the three Tamil Kings) and the Roman state
A Study of Open Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises in Hong Kong
Full text linkThe concept of open innovation (OI) has gained significant attention in recent years as a means to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the adoption and implementation of OI practices among SMEs in Hong Kong remain understudied and underdeveloped. This thesis aims to investigate the OI ecosystem of SMEs in Hong Kong by identifying key players and their roles, analysing SMEs’ participation in OI activities, examining the factors that encourage SMEs to engage in OI, and providing recommendations for establishing a support mesh to facilitate their participation.
An explanatory sequential design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative part of the study comprised survey responses from 144 people working separately in 144 SMEs in Hong Kong, while the qualitative part involved 21 interviews with 19 participants. The findings revealed that Hong Kong SMEs have strong relationships with customers and suppliers, indicating the importance of these partnerships in driving innovation. However, there is room for improvement in relationships with large enterprises, government organisations, industry consultants, and other stakeholders. The relationships between SMEs and OI partners are associated with their motives for participating in OI, particularly in technology acquisition, cost reduction, knowledge transfer, and performance improvement (financial and non-financial). The study found that more SMEs participate in inbound rather than outbound OI, and as a consequence, they are naturally less involved in technology spin-off and technology out-licensing but are more inclined to adopt rather than create new technologies.
The study uncovered the roles of previously overlooked OI players, such as financial institutions, agencies, and media, thereby enriching the existing literature on OI ecosystems. Incubators/accelerators provide physical spaces, resources, and networking opportunities to support SMEs in scaling up their operations, while facilitators facilitate collaborations between SMEs, industries, and government departments. Financial institutions provide funding support and guidance to evaluate market prospects, manage risks, and promote and package enterprises. The study also identified media’s crucial role in enhancing visibility and awareness, fostering collaboration and networking, advocating for supportive policies, building a sense of community, and disseminating knowledge.
Broadening sales and marketing channels and cost reduction are the primary motivations for Hong Kong SMEs to engage in OI. Additionally, technology acquisition, talent acquisition, and improving corporate performance are also significant drivers. The research revealed that gaps in not participating in OI activities in Hong Kong include difficulties in finding suitable partners, accessing talents, and securing capital. To further enhance the OI atmosphere in Hong Kong, efforts should be made to address these obstacles and develop targeted strategies to enhance OI adoption and collaboration among SMEs in the region.
The findings of this study not only deepen our understanding of the OI mechanism in the OI ecosystem but also carry practical implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and SMEs themselves to devise targeted strategies for enhancing OI adoption among SMEs in Hong Kong
Toward Sustainable Blockchain- Exploring Eco Friendly Cryptocurrency Puzzle Generation Using Edge Computing
No full textBlockchain technology has revolutionized various industries, but the energy-intensive nature of cryptocurrency mining, particularly with traditional Proof-Of-Work (PoW) mechanisms, has raised concerns about its environmental sustainability. Traditional proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms, while effective, have raised significant environmental concerns due to their energy-intensive nature. Hence a comprehensive analysis of eco-friendly cryptocurrency puzzle generation techniques is the need of the hour to potentially mitigate carbon footprint in blockchain networks. The paper investigates the feasibility of reducing the carbon footprint and introducing eco-friendly puzzle generation techniques that can be used with cryptocurrency mining by exploring the potential benefits of integrating Edge computing architecture. Through empirical evaluation, case studies, and outlook, it offers valuable insights for researchers, developers, and policymakers seeking to address the environmental challenges associated with cryptocurrency mining. This paper proposes potential solutions with plausible benefits when adopted by miners through mitigation of the environmental impact of blockchain technology
‘Pilgrim through this barren land’ Maintaining Welsh Connections and Culture in Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Full text linkOnce considered a last outpost of the British Empire, what is unique about British Columbia, is that being so remote, it was beyond the reach of the earliest waves of Welsh emigrants seeking freedom from poverty or religious oppression. Instead, explorers, gold-miners and entrepreneurs paved the way for economic migrants who continue to seek better opportunities in Vancouver where the diaspora, represented by the Vancouver Welsh Society, gathers in their Cambrian Hall. Besides celebrating Welsh traditions and language, members tell stories of the Welsh who helped found the Province, played key roles in developing Vancouver, and continue to contribute to the business, professional and cultural life of the city.
Canadians are encouraged to integrate while retaining their ethnic customs, but what defines Welshness? Why and how have Welsh migrants or their descendants in Vancouver, tried to maintain their culture, language and connections? Can anything satisfy hiraeth, or bridge time and space to fully belong in the hyphenated worlds of Welsh-Canadians? Those were the questions I set out to answer, documenting the results in this thesis.
Chapter One outlines my motivation, purpose and the scope of this study. Chapter Two, based on a literature and archive search, describes the context of Welsh immigration to B.C., notions of Welshness and identity, and the role of the VWS. Chapter Three summarizes the results of surveying and interviewing members of the VWS. By comparing their responses with historic situations and experiences, recurring themes provide a framework for identifying enduring versus evolving attitudes and values. Chapter Four discusses why Welsh culture is maintained in Vancouver, while Chapter Five explains how it is kept alive by a small minority group. The Conclusion highlights how a sense of Welsh identity, heritage and hiraeth inspire the diaspora to keep their traditions alive while adapting to today’s multicultural societies
The Influence of Digital Marketing Strategies on Consumer Buying Behavior: “A Comprehensive Analysis of Marks and Spencer’s Retail in the UK”.
Full text linkThis dissertation researches how digital marketing techniques impact consumer decision-making while purchasing, especially on the UK retail operations of Marks & Spencer. The study examines how different types of digital advertising including social media, email marketing, search engines, and influencer content, alter consumer engagement and decision-making. The study incorporates a review of the literature, theoretical analysis, and primary research including a survey of 50 participants. In accordance with study findings, social media is the most beneficial platform for brand interaction and product discovery, while email and search engines are less effective. The RACE framework and the Consumer Decision Journey model are employed in the study to determine how digital strategies change consumer choice across various touch-points. Further, key specific recommendations are presented based on the survey results to
enhance Marks & Spencer’s digital engagement. These consist of strengthening personalised service,
promoting video and review-based content, and figuring out the maximal use of neglected digital channels to encourage purchasing intent and brand loyalty
Let the Culture Speak: Teaching Strategies for Children's Picture Book Design with Traditional Chinese Cultural Background
Full text linkThis is a research project concerning the design of children’s picture books by university-level students of digital graphic design and illustration. It offers an original contribution to the research in art and design pedagogy. A literature review, questionnaires, and interviews with design students, together with case studies, are employed to extend the author's comprehension and specific practice of teaching picture book design, and to organize and develop new teaching methods.
The market has seen an increase in the number of picture books that feature traditional cultures as the creative theme in recent years, as a result of the growth of cultural and creative industries and the emergence of traditional culture research. This research endeavours to resolve concerns regarding inadequate student satisfaction and antiquated perspectives in the original course on picture-book design at my university, and to resolve the challenges that are identified during the teaching and research processes. The thesis considers the diverse expressions of Chinese culture, investigates the integration of traditional cultural elements into the creation of contemporary children's picture books, and offers original methods for enhancing design pedagogy within the framework of traditional cultural themes
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