University of the West of Scotland
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Influence of exercise training on nitric oxide pathways and their physiological effects
Full text linkNitric oxide (NO) is a critical signalling molecule in cardiovascular, metabolic, and muscular function. Endogenous NO production occurs via two primary metabolic pathways: 1) the classical nitric oxide synthases (NOS) pathway, and 2) the alternative (nitrate–nitrite–NO) pathway, in which inorganic nitrate (NO3-) is sequentially reduced to nitrite (NO2-) and other NO intermediates (e.g., S-nitrosothiol). The latter pathway relies heavily on the oral microbiota, which catalyze the two-electron partial reduction of NO3- to NO2-, which is influenced by oral physiology, microbial composition and salivary flow. While the role of exercise training in enhancing NOS-derived NO is well established, emerging evidence suggests that it may also augment NO bioavailability through the NO₃⁻–NO₂⁻–NO pathway. Furthermore, exercise training may influence the composition and functionality of oral microbiota, thereby indirectly modulating NO metabolism and oral health. However, the synergistic effects of exercise and oral microbiota on NO production remain underexplored. This review synthesises current evidence on how physical exercise may modulate both NO pathways and discusses the broader physiological implications
Building teacher capacity for curriculum renewal:insights from Scotland
Full text linkThis article examines Scotland’s twenty-year curriculum reform journey by applying strategic state governance and strategy-as-practice perspectives. Drawing on commissioned evaluations and research studies spanning 2004-2025, it analyses how teachers were positioned as curriculum makers across successive collaborative initiatives. The findings reveal persistent tensions between rhetorical positioning of teachers as strategic practitioners and the contextual conditions needed to enable meaningful agency. The analysis demonstrates how curriculum renewal depends on alignment between governance principles, resource allocation, and professional capacity – insights relevant to comparable reform contexts within the UK and internationally
A comparison of UK and Malaysian customers’ attitudes towards private label grocery goods in a major supermarket:a case study
Full text linkThis study identifies factors that most influence customers’ attitudes toward and intention to purchase private label grocery goods (PLGG) in a major international supermarket by comparing the views of customers in the United Kingdom and Malaysia, focusing on product packaging, price, place and promotion using a case study, survey approach. 209 customers completed a questionnaire, providing an overview of factors affecting their attitudes. The results revealed similar attitudes in both countries. Structural equation modelling produced a model identifying the factors that most influenced customers’ intention to buy PLGG. The results of this study offer organisations such as grocery stores and supermarkets, particular insights regarding intrinsic and extrinsic that most inform customers’ attitudes towards and intention to buy PLGG. These findings give this particular business sector insights into customers’ behaviour. This knowledge can be used to inform how they can optimally present their PLGG
Understanding pathways to low educational attainment:a multidimensional poverty and educational achievement model
Full text linkWhile the link between poverty and educational achievement is well-established, the mechanisms through which poverty impacts learning remain poorly understood, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explores the pathways from poverty to educational attainment in two LMIC contexts – Ghana and Malawi. We employed a qualitative multi-perspectival research design, conducting in-depth interviews with 103 participants in both countries, including pupils (n = 34), teachers (n = 31), headteachers (n = 11), education advisors (n = 8), and parents (n = 19) from schools with historically low academic performance. These schools primarily serve pupils living in poverty. Using a semi-structured interview approach, we elicited participants' understandings of the factors and mechanisms that account for low educational achievement of pupils from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The qualitative data were analysed using the grounded theory method to identify key concepts and develop a theoretical understanding of how poverty influences achievement. We present a Multidimensional Poverty and Educational Achievement Model (MPEAM) that identifies three key dimensions of poverty – school resources, household conditions, and accessibility. These dimensions affect educational outcomes by shaping the learning environment, influencing learner participation and concentration, contributing to absenteeism, and limiting interactions among pupils, teachers, and communities. The study offers new insights into the complex, context-specific pathways linking poverty to educational outcomes. It highlights the need for integrated policies and interventions that address the multifaceted nature of poverty to support improved learning for socioeconomically disadvantaged learners
Optical, composition, durability, and environmental properties of the microwave plasma-assisted sputter-deposited silicon nitride
Full text linkA study is presented of the optical, mechanical, composition, durability, environmental, and structural properties of silicon nitride thin films deposited at room temperature using a vertical axis rotating drum-based microwave plasma-assisted sputter system. The deposited material composition was investigated using both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and elastic recoil detection analysis with time of flight (ERDA-TOF). The results indicate that the layers present a uniform composition with thickness and despite the incorporation of impurities, the Si/N ratio remains close to stoichiometric Si 3 N 4 . The deposited material provides homogeneous low dispersion—with a refractive index of approximately 1.98 over a wide transmittance range (350 nm to 5 µm). Additionally, the single layer silicon nitride was found to be durable with a hardness, Young’s modulus, and compressive stress of 31 GPa, 240 GPa, and −454MPa, respectively. The coating was subjected to and passed external surface environmental tests covered by MIL-C-48497A durability requirements (adhesion, abrasion, and temperature/humidity cycling) and MIL-C-675C (para 4.5.9) salt spray. Moreover, 10,000 wipes on the TS1888 (para 5.4.3) sand slurry abrasion test were achieved with no visible signs of damage. A silicon nitride/silica multilayer durable broadband visible anti-reflection coating is demonstrated, passing the same range of durability and environmental tests as single layer silicon nitride
Shaping the future:exploring the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) endorsed undergraduate sport and exercise science curricula in the United Kingdom
Full text linkDespite high popularity, economic and social value of the sport and exercise sciences (SES) courses in the United Kingdom (UK), there has been no attempt to provide an overview of its higher education (HE) provision. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold. Firstly, to provide a thorough overview of the curricula of the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) endorsed undergraduate SES degree programmes in the UK. Secondly, to present a foundation of discussion points and considerations for those shaping and (re)designing sport degree programmes. Curricula data from 2024 to 2025 were collected from 53 UK universities (44 English, 4 Scottish, 4 Welsh and 1 Northern Irish) offering CASES endorsed SES courses. Due to different degree structures in Scotland (a 4-year BSc (Hons) degree) and the rest of the UK (a 3-year BSc (Hons) degree), the data were summarised and presented separately as ‘Scotland’ and ‘RUK’. A total of 1328 modules were analysed by type (either ‘core’ or ‘optional’) and categorised into one of fifteen domains. The results show that RUK universities were more prescriptive than those in Scotland, with 57 % of all SES modules being core compared to 45 % in Scottish institutions. However, the number of optional modules increased over the years in both systems reflecting the generally flexible structure of the SES degree. The curricula of Scottish and RUK SES degree programmes were predominantly multidisciplinary allowing institutions to tailor content in response to emerging fields and/or staff expertise. These findings have implications for future (re)design of SES degree curricula, not just in the UK but in similar settings. The current challenges curriculum developers face in keeping SES programmes relevant and preparing graduates for the workplace are discussed. Finally, we offer recommendations for overcoming these challenges
The antimicrobial potential of marine fungal derived natural and semisynthetic butyrolactones analogues against MRSA
No full textIn our search for new antimicrobial agents from nature, the initial antimicrobial effect of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus strain 15F6 against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA demonstrated promising effect. Large scale fermentation and bio-guided isolation led to the isolation of two natural butyrolactones (1 and 2). To study the structure activity relationship, we have prepared a few semisynthetic butyrolactone analogues with different substituents. Surprisingly, the semisynthetic analogue 1a demonstrated promising antimicrobial effect against MRSA but not S. aureus with MIC below 3 µM. Using in silico studies to unlock the potential mechanisms behind these observations, we have found that the new semisynthetic butyrolactone analogues successfully bind to the Mur-B binding site
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in agricultural soils for greenhouse gas mitigation
Full text linkGreenhouse gases (GHG), accumulated in the atmosphere, are the main cause of climate change. In 2017, the increase in average temperature was about 1 °C (between 0.8 °C–1.2 °C) above pre-industrial levels. Global warming refers to the increase in air surface, sea surface, and soil surface temperature and according to IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change), since the industrial revolution, C emissions are due to land use changes like deforestation, biomass burning, conversion of natural lands, drainage of wetlands, soil cultivation, and tillage. As the world population has increased, world food production has risen too with a subsequent increase in GHG emissions and agricultural production, which is worsened by climate change. Negative consequences are well known such as the loss in water availability and in soil fertility, and pest infestations which are climate change’s effects on agriculture activity. Climate change’s main aftermath is the frequency of extreme weather events influencing crop yields. As climate change exacerbates degradation processes, land management can mitigate its impact and aid adaptation strategies for climate change. About 21–37% of GHGs have been caused by the agriculture activity, so the application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) like sustainable agriculture could be a way to reduce GHGs worldwide. The aim of this article is to review how NbS may mitigate GHG emissions from soil, with solutions defined as an integrated approach to tackle climate change and to sustainably restore and manage ecosystems, delivering multiple benefits. NbS is a low-cost tool working within and with nature, which holds many benefits for people and the environment
Keyworkers' experiences of leader recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic::a dilemma of moral values
Full text linkThis study explores keyworkers' perceptions of managerial recognition during the COVID-19 crisis and examines how the quality of leader–member relationships shaped their motivation and well-being. Ten keyworkers were interviewed at the height of the pandemic, and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo. Findings reveal substantial variation in how recognition was experienced across sectors, with perceptions closely tied to relational quality, fairness, and the presence or absence of bias. These results highlight that recognition functions not only as a relational exchange central to LMX theory but also as a morally meaningful practice that affirms dignity and fosters resilience during crisis. To minimise favouritism and strengthen equitable recognition, HR practitioners should implement standardised recognition systems and leader development initiatives. This study provides novel qualitative insight into manager–keyworker recognition and extends LMX scholarship by illustrating how recognition practices shaped employee outcomes in an extreme work context
Regulation of flagellar architecture and metabolic pathways associated with the <i>Leishmania mexicana</i> SUMO protease
Full text linkLeishmaniasis, is a neglected tropical disease of global importance with rising incidence due to climate change, limited therapeutic options, and increasing drug resistance. Novel strategies targeting parasite biology are urgently needed. In this study, we propose that the functionality and regulation of the parasite's sole SUMO-specific protease, poorly understood to date, represent a tractable biological target. Using an integrated approach combining bioinformatics, biochemical assays, SUMOylation reconstitution, proteomics, and infection models, we characterised the localisation, enzymatic properties, and phenotypic consequences of dysregulating this protease. GFP-tagged domain fragments localised predominantly to mitochondria with additional puncta at the nuclear periphery and exhibited canonical SUMO processing and deconjugation activity. An in vitro SUMOylation reconstitution assay demonstrated that both cysteine synthase (CS) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) are SUMOylated, with CS displaying a pronounced RanBP2-dependent enhancement of conjugation, confirming substrate-specific E3 ligase activity. Overexpression of the protease catalytic domain triggered profound cellular remodelling, including severe flagellar shortening (CD-GFP, 1.10 ± 1.05 μm and WT, 17.95 ± 4.35 μm, p < 0.05), disrupted vesicular trafficking (p < 0.05), and an ∼11-fold depletion of sterols (CD-GFP, 4.48 × 108 ± 2.90 × 108 AU and WT, 49.00 × 108 ± 59.3 × 108 AU, p < 0.05). Quantitative proteomics identified significant alterations in 135 proteins (76 upregulated, 59 downregulated; p < 0.05), encompassing pathways linked to energy metabolism, oxidative stress responses, ribosome biogenesis, and sterol biosynthesis. Parasite infectivity in mammalian macrophages at macrophage-to-parasite ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 were comparable (p > 0.05), with only a modest increase at 1:40 in CD-GFP-infected macrophages (p < 0.05). Collectively, our findings establish the SUMO protease as a key regulator of parasite morphology and metabolism. By revealing its broader roles in cellular adaptation and stress resilience, this work positions SUMO-dependent pathways as a promising regulatory axis for understanding, and ultimately disrupting, the transmission cycle of Leishmania and related kinetoplastid pathogens