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Disqualification of directors and education requirements; supporting responsible directorship
Get PDFThis paper considers how education can address two persistent problems concerning directors of smaller companies. Virtually anyone can be a company director, even though this is a complex role with significant impacts. Director disqualification is the main filter, to instil market morality and improve standards among directors. Yet disqualification lacks any rehabilitative element, and it is doubtful whether it is effective in raising standards, given persistent problems, including phoenix companies and rogue traders. We consider whether education might usefully improve the effectiveness of disqualification through a rehabilitative element. Rehabilitative approaches can also potentially help other directors, who have failed, to try again. We also consider the potential of an optional education programme for directors who have experienced company failures and have not been disqualified. Drawing upon examples of education being used to raise standards in other contexts, as well as educational theories in relation to adult learners, the paper shows how education might: (1) strengthen the disqualification system; and (2) support directors who are outside the disqualification system to start again after a failure. Both aspects are important to market integrity as well as economic opportunity
Applications of immersive technology in architecture, engineering and construction a handbook
No full textThis edited book addresses a gap in literature by advancing current understandings of the applications of immersive technology within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector.Globally, the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector makes an enormous contribution to the socio-economic development of nations, which is primarily evidenced by its creation/provision of the built environment. The sector has, however, often been criticised for inefficiencies, waste, and diverse forms of adverse impacts that are associated with the lifecycle of the provision of built assets – design, construction, operations & maintenance, and end-of-life phases. Over the years, the inefficiencies, waste and adverse impacts have often been a catalyst for calls and initiatives to transform the AEC sector. The advent of the fourth industrial revolution (commonly referred to as, ‘Industry 4.0’), which entails the automation and digitalisation of production, presents opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to improve the image and productivity of the sector. Prominent among the emerging technologies in the Industry 4.0 era is that of immersive technology, which includes virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality. The capability of immersive technology to deliver beneficial impacts for multiple construction sector stakeholders throughout the construction lifecycle has been acknowledged within the industry and this continues to stimulate interest amongst practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Despite this phenomenon, at present there is no dedicated compendium of research-informed text that focusses on the multifaceted applications of immersive technology throughout the lifecycle of the provision of built assets right from concept design to end-of-life.This book thus addresses this gap in literature by advancing current understanding of the applications of immersive technology within the AEC industry. Readers will understand how the technologies are applied, the resulting array of impacts including benefits, drawbacks, challenges and future directions for applications, research, and development
Vibration energy transfer in nonlinear coupled near-identical systems
No full textThis study investigates the dynamic response and vibrational energy transfer characteristics of coupled near-identical systems, with a focus on coupled discrete oscillators and coupled cantilever beams. Using analytical approximations based on the averaging method and harmonic balance-alternating frequency time (HB-AFT), alongside numerical integration, the dynamic responses and vibration transfer behaviour are analysed. The influence of both linear and nonlinear coupling stiffness is thoroughly examined. Comprehensive experimental results and finite element analysis (FEM) are conducted, focusing on mode shape and frequency response under motion excitation. For the motion excitation analysis, our findings reveal that even minor variations in mass can disrupt symmetry, resulting in the emergence of an additional resonant peak and illustrating the unique frequency response behaviours of near-identical systems. Notably, power flow analysis indicates that energy is transferred from the lighter oscillator to the heavier one across different frequency ranges, with distinct patterns observed during both in-phase and out-of-phase oscillations. For the power transfer curves, both linear and nonlinear cubic coupling stiffness ratio controls the location of the second resonance frequencies. It is also shown that the second resonance peak bends to a higher frequency when the cubic stiffness ratio increases. The results offer valuable implications for the design and optimization of coupled systems in various engineering applications
“It’s a kind of double-edged sword”: exploring the social media-related experiences of adults with visible differences using photo-elicitation interviews
Get PDFObjectives: Visible differences are associated with experiences of stigma, discrimination, anxiety, and social isolation. Social media provides a space to connect with others with the same condition, gain information and support, raise awareness, and challenge misconceptions. This study aimed to explore the social media experiences of adults with visible differences. Methods: An inductive qualitative design was employed, using online participant-driven, semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews with seventeen adults (14 female, 2 male, 1 non-binary) with a range of visible differences. Participants selected screenshots of social media posts which were used to guide the interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and identify common themes, using NVivo 14 software. Findings: Three over-arching themes were generated: (1) Filtered realities: feeling self-conscious in a landscape of appearance ideals; (2) Developing my online self: a pathway to accepting my offline self; and (3) A place to belong: building visible difference communities online. Discussion: Adults with visible differences face similar appearance pressures on social media to the general population; however, the visible nature of their condition makes it more difficult for them to adhere to these norms. However, some had learned to use social media in a positive way to develop confidence and it provided a space to connect and gain advice from experts by experience. Participants felt that social media was a platform to increase representation of visible differences and normalise conditions; yet they acknowledged that balancing authenticity with content that received the most favourable engagement was a challenge
Blood loss and transfusion in assisted vaginal birth: A retrospective, single centre cohort study
No full textTo evaluate blood loss, blood product use and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes following attempted assisted vaginal birth (AVB). Retrospective cohort study of women who had an attempted AVB during 18-months (01/08/2019 - 31/01/2021) at a tertiary level maternity unit (North Bristol Trust, UK). total weighed blood loss (WBL), PPH≥1,000mLs and≥1,500mLs, blood transfusion, blood cell salvage, maternal and neonatal length of stay (LOS), NICU admission and neonatal IV antibiotics. Data analysis used SPSS. 1,061 attempted AVBs were included: 989 (93.2%) successful and 72 (6.8%) unsuccessful, converted to CS. Median total WBL was significantly higher in those with a successful AVB (673mLs [IQR 406,1065]) compared to those converted to CS (501mLs [377,712]), p=0.002. Other significant risk factors for PPH≥1,000mLs following AVB included: longer second stage (p<0.001), non-rotational forceps (p<0.001), augmented labour (p=0.012), OASI (p<0.001), nulliparity (p=0.002), high maternal BMI (p=0.003) and high neonatal birthweight (p<0.001). Rate of blood transfusion (p<0.001), rate of neonatal IV antibiotics (p<0.001) and maternal LOS (p=0.006) were significantly higher after AVB-associated PPH. Of those who had an attempted AVB in theatre, the rate of PPH≥1,000mLs was significantly higher in those who had a successful AVB than in those converted to CS (p<0.001). This study demonstrates the importance of considering blood loss following AVB. Maternal, intrapartum and neonatal factors contributing to higher blood loss were identified together with the post-natal impact of PPH. This highlights the potential role for blood conservation strategies such as cell-salvage during AVB. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Living kombucha electronics with proteinoids
Get PDFThe work introduces a composite material that combines Kombucha cellulose mats with synthetic thermal proteinoids to create electroactive biofilms, capable for sensing and computation. The synthesis of proteinoids involves heating amino acid mixtures, which leads to the formation of proto–cell structures capable of biological electrical signalling. We demonstrate that these hybrid biofilms exhibit adjustable memristive and memfractance properties, which can be utilised for unconventional computing tasks. The potential applications of living biofilms extend beyond neural interfaces, encompassing ioinspired robotics, smart wearables, adaptive biorobotic systems, and other technologies that rely on dynamic bioelectronic materials. The composite films offer a wide range of options for synthesis and performance customisation. Current research is dedicated to customising the composition, nanostructure, and integration of proteinoids in hybrid circuits to achieve specific electronic functionalities. Overall, these cross–kingdom biofilms are an intriguing category of materials that combine the unique properties of biological organisms and smart polymers. The Kombucha–proteinoid composites are a significant step forward in the development of future technologies that bridge the gap between living and artificial life systems. These composites have the remarkable ability to support cellular systems and demonstrate adaptive bioelectronic behaviour
Are we all in it together? Constructions of responsible leadership through speechmaking at COP26
Get PDFThe need for an alternative understanding of leadership that can address grand societal challenges, like the climate crisis, has inspired a rich research field under the umbrella of responsible leadership (RL). This paper explores how alternative meanings and understandings of RL emerge through the language leaders use. Using discourse analysis of speechmaking at COP26, we show how different leadership actors (politicians and climate activists) engage in sensemaking when constructing an RL discourse. We find that RL emerges in the ways in which leaders talk about separation versus unification of plan and action, chronological versus existential time, and individualistic-anthropocentric versus collective-ecocentric understanding of responsibility. We show that RL originates neither in the virtuous qualities of the leader nor in the social interactions and relations that the leader cultivates with stakeholders, but in the meaning-making practice worlds they inhabit. We discuss the theoretical relevance of these findings for developing an alternative sensemaking of responsible leadership outside the traditional business and corporate sphere
Modulation of proteinoid electrical spiking activity with magnetic nanoparticles
Get PDFThis study looks at how proteinoid microspheres and their magnetic polystyrene (PS) hybrids behave electrochemically. It also explores their computational abilities. These systems show complex membrane potential dynamics. Pure proteinoids spike without external influence, ranging from 5.39 to 9.81 mV. In contrast, PS-modified variants exhibit sinusoidal oscillations. Their behavior can be described by the equation ( ) = sin(2π ) + , where is about 1.5 mV and is around 0.05 Hz. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows key differences in charge transport. The PS-modified systems have better conductivity: | | = 7.22 × 10 Ω compared to | | = 2.03 × 10 Ω. The systems can perform Boolean logic operations with a 5 mV threshold. They show time-dependent gate behavior, making them suitable for unconventional computing applications. Doping with Fe(NO ) changes the electrical response. This happens through redox processes where Fe gains an electron to become Fe . As a result, there are greater potential differences and more complex timing behaviors. These findings help us understand proteinoid-based bioelectricity better. They also show how these building blocks can be used in biomolecular computing systems
Lanes, clusters, sightlines: Modelling patient flow in medical clinics
Get PDFLengthy waiting times for ophthalmology appointments in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a different approach to triaging patients safely and swiftly. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust therefore opened an additional clinic designed with a linear spatial layout and patient flow system, which is analysed in this paper in comparison with an existing clinic. By integrating direct observations of patient flows and an architectural layout analysis based on space syntax methods with queuing simulations from operational research, the results indicate that each clinic operates in line with its spatial logic and has its advantages and disadvantages. The newly opened clinic with a lane system supports flows and coordination through sightlines between stations, whereas the existing clinic with clusters of stations compensates by enabling a more organic flow, especially in conjunction with experienced technicians, which is beneficial when the clinic becomes busy. When high patient load is simulated in the queuing model, lanes result in slightly bigger bottlenecks and longer clinic durations. An ideal allocation of the number of stations to diagnostic activities based on clusters is suggested. This work contributes to combined architectural and operations research and the understanding of routines as performative
‘Explosions are always entertaining but…’: Investigating the impacts of science shows on high school students
Get PDFScience shows are often posited as a route to encourage young people to engage with science. Using a mixed methods approach, our research investigated the impact of attending a science show on high school students’ intentions to study science or pursue a career in science. We found that while a single visit to a science show has little impact on students’ aspirations, it can reinforce students’ confidence in their ability to succeed in science. In terms of design and performance, the best-received shows included ‘real-world’ content that students could identify as relevant to their lives