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“It's hard to explain what I do, but I change” Flow state within Expressive and Creative Arts Therapies: A pluralistic enquiry
No full textExpressive and Creative Arts Therapies (ECATs) offer unique advantages for clients who may find traditional talking therapies inaccessible. However, the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness remain underexplored. One such potential mechanism, psychological Flow—a state of deep focus within an intrinsically rewarding yet challenging activity—is extensively studied in performative fields like sports and the arts but has received little attention in ECAT research. Understanding Flow as a therapeutic property could enhance ECAT practice and inform broader creative interventions.This thesis critically examines seven of the author’s publications to explore the intersection of Flow, ECATs, and their underpinnings using a pluralistic and anti-oppressive lens. The research first examines experiential perceptions of Dance Movement Psychotherapy in a secondary school setting, identifying barriers, enabling factors, and client engagement processes. A review of helpful factors for depression across various therapies then informs the development of Arts for the Blues (A4B), a multimodal creative therapy. Pilot workshops in educational conference settings evaluate A4B, particularly its capacity to elicit Flow. Findings suggest that A4B may facilitate and support Flow experiences, mood improvement, and personal goal attainment. Additionally, qualitative data from one pilot were crystallized into a musical composition, embodying Flow and introducing Creative Therapeutic Flow (CTF) as a new concept.This thesis identifies institutional barriers that hinder Flow, requiring compassionate containment, and highlights the role of fostering psychological safety and client-led engagement in overcoming creative challenges. Empowerment and therapeutic alliance are emphasised as essential for marginalised and trauma-affected individuals. Intuition is proposed as integral to CTF and its transformative potential, and A4B is affirmed as a flexible, pluralistic therapeutic model. Additionally, pluralistic, emancipatory research approaches are advocated. By extending Flow theory within ECATs and research, this work promotes innovative, creative epistemologies that challenge hegemonic norms and drive future advancements in Flow, therapy, education, and research
Telemedicine via Edge-Cloud Healthcare: A Federated Semi Supervised Learning Resource Recommendation Approach towards Building Sustainable Framework
No full textInterplay between Leptin and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 in Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer Cells
Get PDFObesity, a global health challenge, contributes to various cancers, including breast cancer (BC). Complex metabolic dysregulation marks the development of both BC and obesity. Here, the interplay between the obesity-derived adipokine leptin (LEP) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD), a critical enzyme in fatty acid (FA) metabolism, was explored. STRING database analysis reported a significant protein-protein interaction between LEP and SCD. Functional processing of the differential expressed genes (DEGs) in LEP-treated BC cells revealed a critical involvement of SCD in the interactome of DEG-coding proteins. Kaplan-Meier analyses linked LEP/SCD expression to poorer recurrence-free survival in Estrogen Receptor (ER) α luminal A-like BC patients. Functional studies demonstrated that LEP up-regulated SCD expression in luminal A-like BC cells through LEP receptor-mediated signaling and activation of SREBP1 (Sterol-Regulatory-Element-Binding-Protein-1), a key transcription factor modulating SCD gene transcription. Lipidomic profiling showed that SCD inhibition using MF-438 reduced LEP-induced FA desaturation, characterized by a shift from saturated to monounsaturated FAs. SCD inhibition also abolished the LEP-mediated mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. Additionally, LEP-induced oncogenic features, including enhanced growth and motility, were counteracted by pharmacological/genetic SCD blockade, confirming SCD’s role in leptin’s pro-tumorigenic effects. This study highlights LEP-SCD axis as a driver of metabolic and functional alterations in ERα-positive BC, providing insights into the obesity-BC link and identifying potential therapeutic targets (i.e. SCD) to counter obesity-driven BC progression
2D Modelling Of Sediment Dynamics In High Energy Gravel Bed Rivers And Climate Impacted Glacier Fed River Basins
No full textThis thesis sets out a novel method of 2D sediment modelling in high energy mountain systems. A new combined methodology using lidar, drone and dGPS survey along with HEC-RAS 2D river simulation has been developed. This methodology has been validated against survey on a high gradient UK gravel bed river (Blaze Beck) to identify the accuracy of the model. It was found that even when using the optimum parameters, the model shows an underprediction in area and an overprediction in volume when compared to the survey data. This methodology was then applied to two proglacial study sites (Findelngletscher and Gornergletscher) to investigate proglacial sediment dynamics. Simulations confirmed observations from prior studies regarding the loss of sediment connectivity in proglacial environments as the glacier retreats due to changes in basin morphology. At Findelngletscher most material is not delivered downstream, with most material being held on the alluvial fan. This results in similar exported material quantities despite increasing sediment input as the glacier retreats. At Gornergletscher, without an alluvial splay, there is better sediment connectivity. However, most material was held in the system due to a reducing slope downstream, allowing for similar processes to Findelngletscher. These results provide a novel high-resolution insight into likely coarse and fine sediment dynamics beyond that of previous studies. Therefore, the unique contribution of this thesis is twofold. Firstly, in the establishment and validation of a 2D sediment modelling methodology, performed at a higher resolution (1-2 m compared to typical 10 m or higher in other studies) and applied to higher energy river systems than contemporary studies (using high mountain systems at over 60 m3/s of discharge over steeper systems). And secondly in the successful application of said methodology in a proglacial environment to model and confirm theoretical unobserved understandings of proglacial sediment connectivity
Towards Harmonisation Of Internal Sharia Audit In The Gulf Cooperation Council's Islamic Banks
Get PDFThis research examines the critical role of internal Sharia audits in ensuring compliance with Sharia principles within Islamic banks, focusing on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. While Islamic banks operate under both conventional corporate governance and Sharia governance frameworks, most previous studies have focused on the Sharia Supervisory Committee, which oversees compliance but is not involved in day-to-day operations, potentially leading to gaps in accurately assessing the Sharia compliance of Islamic banks. This study shifts attention to the underexplored internal Sharia audit department, responsible for providing assurance to the Sharia Supervisory Committee and other stakeholders on whether Islamic banks adhere to Sharia principles.Through semi-structured interviews with 14 practitioners, significant gaps in internal Sharia audit practices across the GCC were identified. Additionally, interviews with a senior representative of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and a GCC regulatory advisor provided deeper insights into these shortcomings. The research also used documentary analysis, applying an index based on AAOIFI’s internal Sharia audit standard to assess regulatory requirements for internal Sharia audit. The results revealed that no Sharia audit regulatory requirements in the GCC fully adhere to AAOIFI internal Sharia audit standard, with scores ranging from 7 to 17 out of 25. This points to a need for stronger regulatory enforcement, particularly as some GCC countries exhibit more significant deficiencies.Key findings highlight that the internal Sharia audit is often viewed as a cost centre rather than a value-adding function, contributing to compliance weaknesses. Interviews with regulatory experts reinforce the need for a more robust regulatory approach to Sharia audits, akin to the European corporate governance model. The research suggests that regulators should treat Sharia compliance as seriously as other regulatory concerns, such as fraud or money laundering, to enhance Sharia governance and protect stakeholders.The study offers recommendations for improving internal Sharia audit practices, with implications for regulators, Islamic banks, and standard-setting bodies, ultimately aiming to strengthen internal Sharia audit and integrity in the Islamic banking sector
Telling real stories to make a difference! Podcasting for inclusivity in higher education
Get PDFIn the 21st century, there is a growing demand fordecolonizing, globalising, and de-nationalising higher education curricula.However, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) struggle to achieve practicalinclusivity due to neoliberal perspectives that marketize inclusivity, leadingto structural, systemic, and implicit biases. Reflecting broader inequality inthe UK Higher Education systems, severe disparities affect marginalised,minoritised, and underrepresented students, creating significant gaps inunderstanding implicit bias and unintentional discrimination that obscuresaddressing and dismantling discrimination. This paper highlights unintentionaldiscrimination in HEIs using innovative storytelling and proposes inclusive frameworksthrough diverse lived experiences to improve outcomes.Employing interpretive narrative, thematic analysis andstorytelling methods through a series of podcasts; hidden commentaries wererevealed. Participants included current and former students and staff withdiverse characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, neurodiversity, anddisability, were recruited voluntarily. The participants’ experiences coalescedaround six themes informed by the literature review. These themes aredecolonization of the curriculum and cultural sensitivity, inclusivity andflexibility, addressing unintentional exclusion, practicalising inclusivity,improving students' experience, and exploring lived experiences. Each themeembodies the voices and experiences of participants, highlighting the existenceand impact of unintentional discrimination and implicit bias in highereducation. The study affirms the existence of unintentional discrimination inHEIs and importance of comprehensive and practical inclusive pedagogicalapproaches using storytelling for authenticity and rigour, advocating thepractical application of the generated themes (using a framework and toolkit) todevelop inclusive learning environments.Keywords: Unintentional Discrimination, Implicit Bias, Discrimination, Lived Experience, Storytelling, Podcastin
Navigating the Unseen Path: Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education
Get PDFThis paper explores the hidden curriculum, often described as the "untaught" aspect of the educational journey, which comprises explicit knowledge, norms, and behaviours essential for success. It becomes most apparent when students begin their university experience, as a smooth transition to university life significantly influences academic achievement and continuity. Before students engage with subject-specific learning, there is a transitional phase where students adapt to new environments, social circles, unfamiliar processes, and institution specific terminology. Given these adjustments, it is not surprising that some first-year students feel overwhelmed. To address this issue, an online resource has been developed, focusing on the hidden curriculum. The resource aims to guide students, covering crucial areas such as teaching and learning, assessments, marking, and available support services. First-year undergraduate students, subject heads and EDI leads within SEE were consulted in the resource development process. To ensure the accessibility of the online resource, marketing supported the development, to ensure its distribution before the 2024/25 academic year commences. The objective was to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of belonging, for example, for mature students, those from working-class backgrounds, minority ethnic students, and first-generation students. Longer-term outcomes will include determining if the resource has supported academic achievement and Pedagogy: LTEC Learning and Teaching Showcase Vol 1 (1) Whitehead 2 retention. The resource is initially available to undergraduate students within SEE but will subsequently be distributed to all schools across the university
Numerical study of hybrid binary Al 2 O 3 -Cu-H 2 O nanofluid coating boundary layer flow from an exponentially stretching/shrinking perforated substrate with Cattaneo-Christov heat flux, heat source, suction and multiple slip effects
Get PDFNumerical study of hybrid binary Al2O3-Cu-H2O nanofluid coating boundary layer flow from an exponentially stretching/shrinking perforated substrate with Cattaneo-Christov heat flux, heat source, suction and multiple slip effects. ABSTRACT: Modern coating systems are increasingly deploying nanomaterials which offer improved thermal performance. The optimization of these systems can benefit from more elegant fluid dynamic models of the coating process. Inspired by these advancements, the present investigation introduces a novel mathematical model to analyze the boundary layer transport in Al2O3-Cu-H2O hybrid binary nanofluid coating deposition on an exponentially stretching porous substrate (sheet). Lateral mass flux (suction) at the wall is also considered as is heat source (generation) for hot spot manufacturing effects. To add further sophistication to the thermal conduction model, a non-Fourier approach is adopted which accurately incorporates thermal relaxation effects i. e. the Cattaneo-Christov heat flux (CCHF) model. The Tiwari-Das volume fraction nanoscale formulation is implemented for different combinations of Alumina (Al2O3) and Copper (Cu) metallic nanoparticles in an aqueous base fluid (H2O). Hydrodynamic wall and thermal slip are also included as they feature in coating processes. The fundamental equations governing mass, momentum, and energy conservation, along with the corresponding conditions at the wall (substrate) and free stream, are made dimensionless through suitable scaling similarity transformations. The resulting nonlinear coupled ordinary differential boundary value problem is subsequently addressed using the efficient MATLAB bvp4c routine. Special cases of the non-Fourier model are validated against published results, and the general model is further confirmed through validation using an Adams-Moulton 2-step predictor-corrector algorithm (AMPC)
A novel deep synthesis-based insider intrusion detection (DS-IID) model for malicious insiders and AI-generated threats
Get PDFInsider threats pose a significant challenge to IT security, particularly with the rise of generative AI technologies, which can create convincing fake user profiles and mimic legitimate behaviors. Traditional intrusion detection systems struggle to differentiate between real and AI-generated activities, creating vulnerabilities in detecting malicious insiders. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel Deep Synthesis Insider Intrusion Detection (DS-IID) model. The model employs deep feature synthesis to automatically generate detailed user profiles from event data and utilizes binary deep learning for accurate threat identification. The DS-IID model addresses three key issues: it (i) detects malicious insiders using supervised learning, (ii) evaluates the effectiveness of generative algorithms in replicating real user profiles, and (iii) distinguishes between real and synthetic abnormal user profiles. To handle imbalanced data, the model uses on-the-fly weighted random sampling. Tested on the CERT insider threat dataset, the DS-IID achieved 97% accuracy and an AUC of 0.99. Moreover, the model demonstrates strong performance in differentiating real from AI-generated (synthetic) threats, achieving over 99% accuracy on optimally generated data. While primarily evaluated on synthetic datasets, the high accuracy of the DS-IID model suggests its potential as a valuable tool for real-world cybersecurity applications
Ureteral Peristaltic Flows in the Presence of Microliths: A Review.
Get PDFA detailed review is presented on research contributions in peristaltic transport in the human ureter in the presence of microliths. The studies reviewed are differentiated based on methodologies deployed, namely analytical, numerical and CFD simulation techniques and also experimental (clinical) investigations. Various 2D and 3D models are discussed along with more advanced fluid structure interaction (FSI) studies. The propagation of the incompressible urine flow results in reflux nephropathy. As such, the peristaltic waves spread near the outlet of the tube which manifests in a depletion in the flow rate. Due to the maximum pressure gradient, urine backflow occurs. A full understanding of ureter reflux has however not yet been achieved. This review surveys approximately 101 journals addressing the obstruction inside the ureter and the associated hydrodynamics. As such it consolidates many different efforts in the field in a single source which will serve as a guide to both clinical researchers (e.g., physicians) and also mathematical and engineering research groups and is hoped that it will assist in the development of new integrated approaches for robust treatments. The extensive survey of the scientific literature in this review article confirms that stones (monoliths) detected in the proximal part of the nephron are generally larger than those identified in distal parts. These papers defined the position and shapes of microliths. Due to bolus transport inside the ureter flow, varying pressure and velocity balances are also appraised. The more advanced FSI simulations provide much-needed insight into visualizing actual ureteral transport. Some future pathways for collaborative efforts in improving healthcare for patients are also suggested
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