University of the West of Scotland
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An exploration into coaches’ perceptions of the technical, physical and psychological requirements for successful, developing pace bowlers
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to identify coaches’ perceptions of the technical, physical and psychological requirements for successfully developing pace bowlers. Six international male pace bowling coaches were interviewed with their responses analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: 1) no one size fits all, 2) the catalysts for developing pace bowlers and 3) identifying and developing talent. Additionally, coaches identified bowling action, particularly the balance between control and bowling fast, and the role of the strength and conditioning coach as being important to the progression of developing pace bowlers. The findings highlight the need for a collaborative approach between coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and sports psychologists which is vital when supporting the development of young pace bowlers. Further studies are needed to develop a more standardised approach to the criteria used for identifying and developing pace bowlers
Emergence of PHMB resistance in <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i> and observations on cross-resistance to other frontline therapeutics
Get PDFPurpose Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight threatening infection of the cornea caused by opportunistic pathogens belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba. AK is commonly associated with contact lens use, and treatments are currently limited and ineffective. As such, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Acanthamoeba poses a significant challenge to the management of AK. This study investigates the development of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) resistance, a frontline therapeutic, in Acanthamoeba trophozoites and explores potential cross-resistance to hexamidine and voriconazole. Methods Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites were exposed and maintained in PHMB starting at 2 µg/mL and increasing upon reaching confluence. Cells were subsequently exposed to incrementally higher doses of PHMB in a stepwise manner (2, 4, 5.5, and 7 µg/mL). When sustained growth under PHMB exposure was observed, morphology was assessed by imaging flow cytometry and susceptibility assays were performed by incubating resistant strains with PHMB, hexamidine, and voriconazole for 24 h, and viability determined using alamarBlue. Results Trophozoites surviving exposure at 2 µg/mL reached confluence within 11 days. Stepwise increases to 4 µg/mL, 5.5 µg/mL, and 7 µg/mL were achieved within 6–7 days at each stage. PHMB-resistant Acanthamoeba strains exhibited a 9-fold increase in resistance to PHMB relative to naïve cells, alongside significant cross-resistance to voriconazole (159-fold) and hexamidine (8.4-fold). No significant change in trophozoite or cyst morphology was observed relative to the naïve cell line. Conclusions These findings represent the first known laboratory-induced PHMB-resistant Acanthamoeba strains, raising concerns regarding the longevity of current therapeutic options and the potential for cross-resistance to alternative treatments. This highlights the need for clinical vigilance and further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of resistance to better inform treatment strategies
Online marketing tools and students’ career decision processes:managerial insights from Iraqi higher education
Get PDFThis study explores how digital and traditional marketing tools influence higher education students’ career decision-making, satisfaction, and career commitment during students’ educational trajectories in Iraq’s rapidly expanding university sector. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, a survey of 622 students was analysed with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), followed by 24 semi-structured interviews with marketing and recruitment professionals. The quantitative findings show that students’ first-choice preferences, demographic factors, and engagement with LinkedIn, WeChat, blogs, and university webpages significantly shaped their career choices and satisfaction levels. Qualitative insights reveal that authenticity, transparent communication, and alignment between institutional messaging and lived experiences were key to sustaining trust. Traditional channels such as brochures and fairs remained important for credibility, supporting a hybrid marketing approach. The study contributes to management theory and practice in universities by linking digital communication strategies to student engagement and institutional performance. It also highlights the need for inclusive, transparent, and culturally adaptive marketing that reflects local and global contexts. These findings provide actionable guidance for higher education administrators seeking to build sustainable student trust, enhance recruitment effectiveness, and strengthen institutional reputation in competitive and resource-constrained systems
Preparing graduate entry nursing students to successfully complete research projects:a scoping review
Get PDFThis scoping review investigates how graduate entry nursing (GEN) programs prepare students to successfully complete research projects. For many decades, GEN programs have been offered internationally as an accelerated pathway to nursing registration for graduates. Students who enrol have completed a baccalaureate/bachelor’s degree in a prior discipline, but previous research experience is not a prerequisite. Our review spans GEN programs where English is the language of instruction. With a focus on teaching interventions, the databases included ERIC, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, Sage, CINAHL, Medline and EMcare, with additional citation searching. We followed Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework for scoping reviews. Of the initial 537 studies, five were identified for inclusion. The findings show considerable variation in what aspects of literacy were taught and how literacy teaching was integrated into programs. The reported benefits include improvements to program progression and completion, academic performance, as well as a heightened sense of belonging and positive learning experiences. However, the absence of detail about literacy practices, and reporting on findings only within one course – rather than across a program – poses future difficulties for generating recommendations about program design or refinement. In this regard, specific areas of future research are suggested
Improving chatbot efficiency for sentiment analysis using NLP
Get PDFThis Project aims to create an arrangement to assist businesses make strides their client encounter and upgrade their chatbot capabilities. The arrangement includes examining a financial services company’s information collected by a chatbot (Chat log, a collection of conversational information between the bot and the client) and utilizing assumption investigation to understand user sentiments when employing a specific item or benefit [2]. By analyzing client criticism, the arrangement will recognize the ranges that require change and prioritize them based on the negative assumptions produced. The result of the investigation will help businesses make educated choices to hold clients, move forward their items, and eventually upgrade their commerce. The proposed arrangement can be quick in progressing the UI/UX involvement, giving a viable approach for basic considering, asset arranging, and budgeting [18]. This thesis explores the upgrade of chatbot effectiveness through estimation investigation utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) strategies [4]. By allotting sentimental scores to client intuitive and categorizing them into positive, negative, neutral, frustrated, and curious assumptions, the think about points to refine chatbot reactions and move forward by and large client encounter [15]. The investigation utilizes Python programming language to conduct estimation investigation and develop a CHAID choice tree to recognize designs in client behavior [16]. The discoveries of this think about are anticipated to contribute to the improvement of more brilliant and sympathetic chatbots able of viably tending to client needs and feelings. In conclusion, this research presents the progression of chatbot innovation and illustrates its potential to revolutionize client intelligent within the keeping banking industry. For future research about ought to center on creating strong end-to-end testing components to guarantee ideal chatbot execution and distinguishing inventive ways to utilize assumption examination to advance modern monetary items and administrations [3]. By continuously refining chatbot innovation and adjusting it with advancing client needs, money related teach can make more locks in and personalized client encounters
Smart tourism in the age of IoT:a futures study of Fars Province, Iran
Get PDFPurpose This study aims to examine the key factors influencing the successful implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in transforming tourism destinations into smart ecosystems. Through an in-depth case study of Fars Province, a prominent tourist hub in Iran, this research provides an empirical framework for understanding the drivers and barriers of IoT adoption in smart tourism.Design/methodology/approach A multi-method approach is employed in this study. Data are collected through a systematic literature review, interviews, and questionnaires. Scenario Wizard and MICMAC software are used for data analysis, with MICMAC identifying critical variables that impact IoT implementation. The study further develops two future scenarios based on favorable and critical conditions surrounding IoT adoption in tourism.Findings The MICMAC analysis reveals 14 key variables that significantly influence the implementation of IoT technologies for smart tourism in Fars Province. These variables serve as the foundation for constructing two potential future scenarios, offering insights into both favorable and challenging pathways for IoT adoption.Originality/value This research provides tourism stakeholders, particularly decision-makers in the field, with valuable tools for long-term strategic planning. By identifying the key factors driving IoT adoption and exploring potential future outcomes, the study empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and actively contribute to the development of smart tourism ecosystems, promoting sustainable and prosperous tourism destinations
A systematic review investigating emerging trends between Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) and infectious disease outbreaks in South Africa
Get PDFExtreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, exacerbating health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Infectious diseases are climate-sensitive, yet microbial dynamics during and after EWEs remain poorly understood. This systematic review examines if there are emerging trends and associations in infectious disease outbreaks and health care following EWEs in South Africa. A comprehensive search across fifteen electronic databases was conducted using Cochrane systematic review principles, including double screening and double extraction. Studies describing outbreaks of infectious diseases related to EWEs in South Africa were included, considering all study designs. A PRISMA diagram details the screening process, and quality appraisal was conducted using JBI checklist tools or a mixed-methods assessment tool. The review did not identify any primary studies that explicitly examined the presence of specific pathogens contaminating the environment in relation to EWEs in South Africa. Instead, the available literature predominantly focused on clinical symptom patterns or broader syndromic descriptions, with limited attention to pathogen-specific detection or characterisation. This highlights a significant evidence gap in microbial-level assessments of how EWEs influence environmental contamination. However, findings indicate the presence of infectious diseases post-EWEs, with three key themes emerging: (1) climate variables, (2) population vulnerabilities, and (3) policy effects. The review highlights the need for longitudinal microbiological data to improve outbreak prediction and preparedness. This review underscores a significant research gap and calls for an integrated approach combining environmental monitoring with pathogen diagnostics. Large-scale longitudinal studies and enhanced collaboration public health, environmental surveillance, laboratory capacity, and disaster preparedness are needed. Early Warning Systems should incorporate climate variables to predict disease outbreaks, addressing the limited diagnostics, lack of environmental microbiology, fragmented surveillance data effectively
Lightweight deep learning-driven secure communication architecture for Internet of Things enabled government applications
Get PDFInternet of Things (IoT)-based devices are extensively utilized for data transmission to the cloud across various organizations. Nonetheless, there are notable limitations in the conventional approach, such as in critical situations, where transmitting sensitive data, secure communication across the cloud is not guaranteed, and the memory, processing power, and bandwidth constraints in these IoT devices present significant challenges. The suggested model employs a bespoke Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to categorize sensitive and non-sensitive images on the device, utilizes Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) for safe session key sharing, implements SHA-512 hashing for integrity verification, and applies the ChaCha20 stream cipher for rapid, random encryption for sensitive images. The mean entropy of the proposed technique is 7.9976, and the correlation coefficients approximate zero. The histogram distributions are balanced, rendering statistical attacks exceedingly difficult. This approach surpasses AES+RSA-1024, SPECK, and PRESENT by reducing the average encryption time by up to 99%, enhancing throughput by over 647%, and consuming up to 99.79% less energy. This proposed solution offers a robust, efficient, and secure framework for managing sensitive government data, effectively addressing both the resource constraints of IoT devices and the necessity for privacy in governmental communication systems
Trauma-informed support within a dementia helpline:a retrospective framework analysis of call-logs
Get PDFBackground:People with dementia and their caregivers experience significant psychological distress and may be at risk of trauma when coping mechanisms are overwhelmed. Specialist dementia helplines play a vital role by offering immediate support and information, however, little is known about how call handlers account for potential trauma in their responses. This study explored the extent to which trauma-informed principles are evident in the responses provided by call handlers on the UK’s only 24-hour dementia helpline.Objective:To explore the type and nature of calls to the only UK 24-hour dementia helpline and the extent to which trauma-informed principles are evident within helpline staff responses to carers and people with dementia.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 anonymised call-logs from Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour helpline. Data from call-logs were analysed using framework analysis informed by trauma-informed principles (safety, trustworthiness & transparency, choice, collaboration, and empowerment). Data is also reported by theme frequency and theme strength: theme frequency captured how often each theme appeared across the dataset (expressed as a percentage), while theme strength represented the researcher’s subjective assessment of the theme’s intensity within each call-log, measured on a Likert scale.Results:Most calls (86%) were made during daytime hours by a ‘carer/family member/friend,’ with 'emotional support' and 'carer stress' being the primary reasons for contact. Call-log responses aligned with several trauma-informed principles, with ‘collaboration’ being the most frequent response for daytime calls (69.5%) and 'safety' for night-time calls (79.4%). Across all responses, 'empowerment' emerged as the strongest theme, characterised by empathetic, non-judgmental responses that acknowledged caller strengths. Overall, 'collaboration' (27%) was the most frequently observed theme, reflecting efforts to share knowledge and engage callers with relevant resources. Call handlers tailored their approach based on the caller’s identity, with responses to ‘carers/family/friends’ most frequently displaying collaboration (70.4%). Analysis of calls from individuals seeking information for themselves revealed collaboration and empowerment were the most frequent themes (73.7%).Conclusions:The findings highlight the helpline's role as a critical resource for emotional support for individuals experiencing stress. They also contribute to understanding how a trauma-informed approach can be effectively applied in such interactions. Implications for developing a trauma-informed framework to guide helpline responses, particularly for high-risk groups such as dementia family carers, are explored. Clinical Trial: N/
Exploring Scottish addiction services:provider-based stigma, addiction aetiology beliefs, treatment bias, and burnout among addiction treatment providers
Get PDFBackground Drug related deaths continue to increase in Scotland. Many barriers to addiction treatment exist and are often related to poor provider-client relationships possibly caused by stigma, burnout and differentiating beliefs and attitudes among addiction treatment providers. This study investigated the prevalence of provider-based stigma (PBS) including four stigma variants (dangerousness, blame, social distance, fatalism) and its relationship to burnout, job satisfaction, attitudes towards addiction treatment approaches, and beliefs regarding addiction aetiology in a sample of addiction treatment providers. MethodsCross-sectional online survey was completed by 64 addiction treatment providers currently working in Scotland. Online survey was comprised of validated and adapted measures, extensive statistical analysis was conducted, including ANOVAs and Regressions to examine the outcomes of interest. Results Over 30% of participants had elevated scores on PBS variants dangerousness and blame and these were found to predict higher acceptance of abstinence-based treatments, and lower endorsement of harm reduction approaches (dangerousness: b = 0.41, p <.001; blame: b = 0.23, p = 0.010). Burnout was high in this sample, and PBS variant blame predicted higher client-related burnout (b = 7.35, p = 0.009). Moreover, the belief in the disease model predicted higher acceptance of abstinence-based treatments (b = 0.30, p <.001), whereas belief in the psychosocial model predicted higher acceptance of harm reduction-based treatments (b = -0.25, p = 0.008). Lastly belief in the disease model predicted higher scores on dangerousness (b = 0.19, p = 0.016) and fatalism (b = 0.29, p = 0.002) PBS variants. Conclusions The findings from this study provide insights for policy and addiction treatment improvements. Efforts to alleviate addiction treatment providers stigmatising attitudes, especially perceptions of people who use drugs as dangerous, blameworthy, and incapable of recovery are needed. Interventions and policy improvements need to include stigma reduction workshops and consider addiction treatment providers attitudes and beliefs to limit treatment bias, stigma and burnout to foster better relationships between clients and the workers who support them.<br/