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Measuring women’s economic empowerment at the intersection of gender, law, and development: an exploration of the UN Agenda 2030 Indicator Framework and its effects
Get PDFThis thesis studies how the increased use of indicators as technologies of global governance has shaped understandings of and struggles for women’s economic empowerment, and the role that the law plays in them. It does so by looking at the most ambitious project of governance by indicators to this date: the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At its core, this thesis argues that the turn towards indicators has contributed to cementing a particular understanding of women’s economic empowerment built around formal legal entitlements that does not necessarily match the demands for economic justice put forward by the women’s movement(s).
The thesis is structured by three guiding questions: what role the law plays in women’s economic empowerment targets and indicators in the SDGs; what types of expertise and whose voices shaped the technical discussions behind those targets and indicators; and what we can learn about the national-level effects of those targets and indicators, through studying the case of Argentina. To answer these questions, I rely on a novel multi-method qualitative approach (that includes close reading of official and unofficial documents, interviews, and event ethnography), triangulating the data to produce a rich and multi-faceted understanding of the processes that underpinned the adoption and implementation of the SDG framework.
The findings of the thesis expose how the turn towards indicators as technologies of global governance has favoured certain types of technical expertise while side-lining the voices of women’s organisations. Likewise, the turn to indicators led to a conceptualisation of women’s economic empowerment that gives a very prominent role to legal reform as a tool for change, often disconnected from many women’s experiences of the law in their everyday lives. As a result, and through the case study of Argentina, I found that SDG 5 targets and indicators have underwhelming governance effects, and that the UN Agenda 2030 has very limited utility for feminists in government and civil society for advancing demands on economic empowerment at the national level
A study of a modular microfluidic stabiliser system using fluidic circuit analogy
Get PDFThe thesis presents my PhD study about a novel flow-control solution for typical lab-on-a-chip systems. The design, fabrication, and analysis of a Legolike modular microfluidic stabiliser system are discussed. This system can provide controllable, amplitude-adjustable features for microfluidic systems and offer steady and accurate flow control solutions. The study has three main contributions: (1) it provided a generalised and standardised stabiliser system with adjustable working curves; (2) it established a simplified fluid circuit analogy to present a prediction model for all stabiliser systems; and (3) it improved the universality of microfluidic systems for different applications. For contribution (1), the thesis presents a Lego-like modular stabiliser system. Inspired by Lego toys, the devices are standardised, pluggable and exchangeable. With a simplified design iteration, the 3D-printed modular microfluidic stabiliser system can be quickly assembled with twelve adjustable working states and tunable resistance and capacitance constants (RC constants) ranging from 3.24 s to 12.57 s. The Lego-like design can enlarge the working range of stabilisers and provide more generalised design iterations for microfluidic stabilisers. For contribution (2), by studying the deflection of membranes, this work uses a recursive method to summarise a simplified circuit model for microfluidic stabiliser systems. By borrowing the transfer function and amplitude response law from the digital circuit analogy, the established model has an R-square value of 0.95, which proves the model's accuracy. For contribution (3), to evaluate the system's effectiveness and improve the universality of all microfluidic chips with a common flow-control solution, the stabiliser system is tested when working with typical fluid providers such as gas pumps, piezoelectric pumps, and syringe pumps. The Lego-like system can provide controllable working curves with an optimal stabilisation ratio of less than 1%. The amplitude feature can be controlled numerically by linking different combinations of devices. Furthermore, droplet generation experiments coupled with the proposed system are conducted and discussed. By using the novel flow-control solution, the polydispersity of droplets reduced from 0.13 to 0.07 by using a typical cross-junction droplet generator. The standard deviation of the droplet distribution reduced by over 40% when compared with its original working state without stabilisers. In summary, this thesis presents a novel flow-control solution based on a Lego-like microfluidic stabiliser system with a predictable working curve. The system's adjustability and universality, combined with the simplified prediction model established in this study, make it a valuable tool for a wide range of microfluidic applications
Predictions in open Fan-Jarvis-Ruan-Witten theory via mirror symmetry, modularity and wall-crossing
Get PDFIn recent works of Buryak, Clader, Gross, Kelly and Tessler, genus zero open enumerative theories and their mirrors for the Landau-Ginzburg models W_0 = x^r and W_0 = x^r + y^s were constructed. We build on this work by defining an open mirror B-model with gravitational descendants for any Fermat, chain or loop polynomial. This is done by presenting a recursive algorithm for finding flat coordinates of Dubrovin’s Frobenius manifold for a Landau-Ginzburg B-model. Furthermore, we present formulas for these coordinates for any ADE or elliptic singularity. Although these open Saito potentials do not yet have an enumerative interpretation, we present explicit formulas for these generating functions, together with modularity properties in the elliptic case. Finally, we find that the B-model exhibits a wall-crossing structure. We classify this structure by describing a Lie group action of wall-crossing transformations, which we prove is faithful and transitive in the rank two case
Mixed forest plantation: managing complexity under climate change and innovative silvicultural approaches.
Get PDFMixed forests are receiving increased attention globally. Their potential to contribute to adaptation and mitigation of climate change by improving resilience is considered an opportunity to highlight the role of tree species diversity within complex socio-ecological systems. However, there is a lack of a theoretical framework for effectively managing mixed forests. This thesis aims to advance our understanding of mixed forest management in the face of climate change while investigating active methods to improve forest productivity and carbon sequestration. In the initial study, the hydrological functions of a young mixed forest were compared to those of a mature forest over a five-year period, focusing on their responses to drought conditions. Results revealed that drought events can trigger adaptive responses in a young mixed forest, potentially driven by the diverse water acquisition strategies of different trees, resulting in significant changes in soil moisture levels. These findings also highlight the challenges of climate change-induced droughts for newly planted forests in temperate regions, emphasizing the need for careful management strategies. We further investigate alternative management practices for a four-year old mixed forest plantation, with the combined application of fertilizer and irrigation though to reduce drought susceptibility while enhancing carbon sequestration. Findings indicate an overall increment in tree growth after applying fertilizer and irrigation, although significant variations across species are attributable to the complex site hydrological conditions. In addition, evaluation of the influence of fertilizer application revealed significant alteration of soil greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). This assumes critical importance within the context of afforestation and reforestation initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change. It also underscores the uncertainties of long-term viability of irrigation and fertilization, indicating that these intensive management practices may need to be temporary or site-specific. In summary, these results advance our understanding of managing mixed-forest plantations considering the influence of drought and active management. Findings highlight the substantial impact of intensive fertilization and irrigation on tree growth and the GHG balance within mixed-forest ecosystem, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices
Regulation of neuronal number and connectivity by neurotrophins via Toll receptors in the visual system of Drosophila
Get PDFAs the brain grows, neuronal number is coupled to the emergence of neural circuits ensuring correct connectivity conducive to normal behaviour. Across animals, neurons are produced in excess, neurotrophic growth factors are secreted in limiting amounts and only neurons that receive trophic support are maintained alive (Levi-Montalcini, 1987). In mammals, this is regulated by neurotrophin ligands function via tyrosine-kinase Trk and TNF-family p75 receptors. Drosophila neurotrophins (DNTs) belong to the Spätzle (Spz), paralogue group that function via Toll receptors instead. Intriguingly, the link between these major protein families could be evolutionarily conserved, but still remains unexplored in mammals. DNTs and Tolls regulate cell survival during axon guidance in the Drosophila embryo, and neuronal survival in the adult brain (Zhu et al 2008; McIlory et al 2013; Li et al 2020). However, the optic lobe is the ideal context to further probe neurotrophism in Drosophila : vast number of neurons die naturally during pupal development and connectivity patterns in the visual system are well known. The data show that DNTs and Tolls are expressed dynamically during pupal visual system development, in distinct spatial profiles. Interfering with the functions of DNT-2/spz-5 and DNT-3/spz-3 can either prevent or promote neuronal survival. Data suggest that this is mediated via Toll-2, -6 and -8 as the effects can be rescued with epistasis. Furthermore, the alterations in neuronal number correlate with altered dendrite and axonal patterns and connectivity. Moreover, DNTs can promiscuously bind multiple Toll receptors, confirming previous reports (Foldi et 2017), and implying that this molecular mechanism is unlikely to function in cell-cell contact recognition synaptic matching. Altogether, the data support a function for DNTs and Tolls in the control of cell number and connectivity during visual system development that supports the evolutionary conservation of neurotrophism as a fundamental principle of nervous system development
Developing additive manufacturing methodology towards the in situ repair of articular cartilage defects
Get PDFIn situ additive manufacturing as a next step in the development of technologies towards repair of articular cartilage defects to treat a younger, more active population, and to delay full knee replacement. The main steps in the in situ AM workflow are explored in depth to investigate best-practice and technologies available for development. This thesis covers 3D optical scanning, alignment of conformal prints, toolpath development for in situ additive manufacture of surface additions and filling of surface defects, and in situ additive manufacture of PLA constructs onto ’known’ and ’unknown’ surfaces. Investigation of the 3D scanning parameters presents lighter coloured objects as more accurately captured (compared to darker objects) by the EinScan-SP 3D scanner. The optimum print parameters for dimensional accuracy for additive manufacture of thermally bonded polylactic acid were 40 mm/s print speed and 200 °C. For scan dimensional accuracy, a print speed between 30 and 60 mm/s, and print temperature of 200 °C produced maximum dimension deviations of 0.2 mm. A series of surfaces successfully underwent in situ conformal additive manufacture on the top surface, or the base of a surface defect. First, basic cuboids previously 3D printed, with varying complexity of top surface geometry. Next, clay approximations of the radius of curvature of human knee articular surfaces. Finally, an "unknown" surface (Sawbone bone model). In conclusion, this thesis provides in depth proof-of-concept for the development of a technique for additive manufacturing in situ for conformal additive manufacturing onto ’unknown’ surface
How do young people with first episode psychosis make sense of help-seeking interactions with professionals
Get PDFThis thesis comprises four chapters. The first chapter is a meta-ethnography reviewing the experiences of adults being detained under the Mental Health Act in the UK. This included twelve papers and four themes were identified; interpersonal relationships, a loss of control and power, the use of restrictive practices, containment and medication, and the construction of disorder. The findings from the meta-ethnography have similarities to the principles of the trauma-informed care approach. The second chapter is a qualitative empirical research project using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how young people with first episode psychosis (FEP) experience help-seeking with professionals. Six young people (aged between 17 and 21) were interviewed from the same early intervention psychosis service in an NHS trust in
the midlands, UK. This paper provides experiences of what can be identified as barriers and facilitators to young people with FEP seeking support from professionals. Finally, the third and fourth chapters of the thesis are the press releases for the meta ethnography (chapter three) and the empirical research project (chapter 4)
The experiences of training for trainee clinical psychologists with lived mental health experience
Get PDFAims: This research aims to explore the lived experience of mental health difficulties amongst Trainee Clinical Psychologists.
Background: Previous research highlights the high prevalence of mental health difficulties amongst Trainee Clinical Psychologists. However, there is little research exploring what experiences of training are like for Trainees with lived experience.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were completed for eight Trainee Clinical Psychologists who identified as having lived experience. The interviews explored their experiences of training including teaching, assignments, research and placement. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results: Five overarching themes were found; identity, safe spaces, disclosure, psycho-emotional experiences, and strengths. These themes captured the participants experiences of training and highlight the unique insights these trainees had with being both a professional in mental health services and accessing mental health services.
Conclusion: The experiences of Trainees with lived experience are complex. Whilst the experience can vary, there appeared to be shared experiences for trainees. From the findings of this study training courses need to encourage open conversations about mental health to help reduce barriers and stigma. Courses are recommended to facilitate peer reflective practice groups to create safe spaces for
Trainees to reflect on their experiences in the context of their professional role. Training for course staff, supervisors, and support systems is needed to enhance support for trainees. And finally, courses should utilise implementing disclosure frameworks
Development of novel emulsion-based liquid pharmaceutical formulations to enable combination drug therapy
Get PDFIn recent years, major healthcare and social challenges have made it even more apparent that there is a growing need for the design and development of pharmaceutical modalities with patient centricity as their mainstay. Amongst these approaches, combination drug therapy has been endorsed for the aptitude to achieve improved clinical outcomes and consolidate the patient adherence to treatment regimes. Although technological strategies that enable the co-encapsulation and co-delivery of actives from within a sole microstructure have been realised for solid dosage forms, the liquid-based co-delivery formulations portfolio remains hitherto limited.
This thesis proposes the utilisation of lipid particle-stabilised (Pickering) emulsions as a promising liquid-based structuring strategy for the segregated co-encapsulation and subsequent independent co-delivery of two active ingredients. The impact of varying lipid particle formulation characteristics and encapsulation of a hydrophobic active (curcumin) on key indicators of Pickering behaviour were initially scrutinised. Compatibility between the lipid matrix constituents was suggested as a factor greatly affecting the particles’ characteristics, particularly their crystallinity. The capacity of the particles to serve as colloidal dual functional species was demonstrated, by acting as effective active carriers and release regulators of curcumin, and simultaneously stabilising o/w emulsion droplets through a Pickering mechanism. The particles maintained their dual role, irrespectively of changes in their structural properties. Alterations to the particles’ formulation parameters were shown as a useful means of tuning the release performance both within dispersion and emulsion settings. Part of their functionality as Pickering stabilisers was manifested through their capacity to serve as an interfacial barrier regulating the release of an additional hydrophobic active (cinnamaldehyde) encapsulated within the emulsion droplets. Co-encapsulation of the two hydrophobic actives did not compromise the co-delivery performance of the system, thus corroborating the appealing potential of the developed novel co-delivery formulation approach
Best practice for implementation of patient reported outcomes in real world evidence generation
Get PDFReal world evidence (RWE) plays an increasingly important role within global regulatory and reimbursement processes. RWE generation can be enhanced by collecting and using patient reported outcomes (PROs). They offer valuable insights into the long-term effectiveness, safety and tolerability of treatments from the patient's perspective. Since RWE is not limited by the constraints of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), it can provide a more generalisable picture of how therapies work in real world target populations. Additionally, collecting data during routine clinical care allows researchers to reach patient groups who might be hesitant to participate in traditional clinical trials.
However, collecting PROs in real world settings presents challenges for researchers. The doctoral research constituting this thesis aimed to identify these challenges, characterise the use of PROs in RWE generation, and seek opportunities to successfully implement PROs into real world studies. A mixed-methods approach, comprising a systematic review, quantitative analysis of current practice and qualitative interviews, was adopted to address the overall aims of this research.
Firstly, a systematic review was conducted to identify and summarise existing guidance for using PROs in RWE generation. Seven publications met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. They provided some level of guidance, addressing the following issues: PROM selection, participation and engagement, burden to health care professionals and patients, stakeholder collaboration, education and training, and implementation process. My review demonstrated that current guidance is fragmented and that no international guidelines directly address the use of PROs in RWE generation.
A quantitative analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov database records followed the review. This workstream aimed to characterise the current and past use of PROs among real world studies. Descriptions of phase IV trials were searched using an automated computer algorithm to identify studies which utilised PROs. 21% of phase IV studies between 1999 and 2021 assessed PROs. A steady increase in the utilisation of PROMs in phase IV trials has also been observed in recent years. These results suggest the potential underutilisation of PROs in phase IV trials compared to earlier phases of clinical investigations.
Finally, interviews with international stakeholders were conducted to gain deeper insights and identify challenges and opportunities for collecting and using PROs for RWE generation. Twenty-three semi-structured online interviews were conducted with patients, patient advocates, regulators, payers, clinicians, academic researchers, and industry experts. While participants acknowledged the potential of PROs in RWE generation, they also expressed mixed confidence in their value. Two types of barriers hampering the full implementation of PROs in RWE generation were identified: operational and methodological.
This doctoral research has underscored the promise of PROs in the RWE generation. Nevertheless, it also emphasised the need for further research to fully unlock their potential. Currently, a limited pool of available guidance and recommendations supports the use of PROs for RWE generation. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are needed to establish best practices and generate practice-changing examples of its use
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