Buckinghamshire New University
Not a member yet
17928 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessment of the diabetic foot in inpatients
No full textDiabetic foot disease is a severe complication of diabetes, leading to significant morbidity and lower limb amputations. This review explores the pathophysiology of diabetic foot disease, highlighting the roles of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and immunosuppression in the development of foot ulcers and infections. Key intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, including long-standing diabetes, poor glycaemic control, inappropriate footwear and trauma are discussed. The importance of comprehensive diabetic foot assessments using diagnostic tools such as the Ipswich Touch Test and Doppler studies is emphasised for early detection and management. Challenges such as delays in referral to specialist care, limited access to multidisciplinary foot teams, and staffing shortages are identified as critical barriers to effective care. The review builds upon extant literature by integrating the most recent evidence, including the 2023 guidelines from the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. It emphasises practical application, detailed referral pathways and multidisciplinary care strategies, offering updated tools and insights to improve clinical outcomes and address the often overlooked aspects within inpatient services. Future directions encompass advances in imaging, telemedicine and patient education, which may further optimise preventive and therapeutic strategies for diabetic foot disease
Finite Element Comparative Study on Creep and Random Vibrations of Solder Joints in BGA Package
No full textAs the demand for increasing miniaturisation and functionality of electronic devices soars, understanding the creep and random vibration of solder joints (SJs) in BGA packages in devices is critical to achieving high device reliability. This research employs Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate the response of four lead-free and one eutectic (Sn63Pb37) solder joints in BGA packages to failure induced by creep and random vibration. Results show deformation and stress damage distributions on the solder joints. The bottom of the solder joint in the BGA assembly is critical to deformation and stress failure induced by thermal and vibration loadings—the stress magnitude of the lead-based solder joint and more than any of the lead-free joints. SAC305 demonstrates the accumulation of the largest volumetric strain energy density (SED) dissipation per cycle loading, while SAC 405 accumulates the least SED. The solder joints of SAC 387 and SAC 405 are observed to amass the highest and least thermal strain, respectively. Stress magnitude in Sn63Pb37 solder joints is highest while that in SAC405 SJs is lowest. Furthermore, SAC405 and Eutectic Sn63Pb37 depict the largest and smallest deformation, respectively. A resilience response of SAC405 to thermal cycle loading is observed. However, the detected susceptibility to deformation-induced failure under random vibration challenges the solder's reliability performance. The findings provide new knowledge that guides the selection of solder alloys for BGA components in electronic devices operating across various sectors that demand higher reliability
Estimating the Replicability of Sports and Exercise Science Research.
No full textThe replicability of sports and exercise research has not been assessed previously despite concerns about scientific practices within the field. This study aims to provide an initial estimate of the replicability of applied sports and exercise science research published in quartile 1 journals (SCImago journal ranking for 2019 in the Sports Science subject category; www.scimagojr.com ) between 2016 and 2021. A formalised selection protocol for this replication project was previously published. Voluntary collaborators were recruited, and studies were allocated in a stratified and randomised manner on the basis of equipment and expertise. Original authors were contacted to provide deidentified raw data, to review preregistrations and to provide methodological clarifications. A multiple inferential strategy was employed to analyse the replication data. The same analysis (i.e. F test or t test) was used to determine whether the replication effect size was statistically significant and in the same direction as the original effect size. Z-tests were used to determine whether the original and replication effect size estimates were compatible or significantly different in magnitude. In total, 25 replication studies were included for analysis. Of the 25, 10 replications used paired t tests, 1 used an independent t test and 14 used an analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the statistical analyses. In all, 7 (28%) studies demonstrated robust replicability, meeting all three validation criteria: achieving statistical significance (p 0.05). There was a substantial decrease in the published effect size estimate magnitudes when replicated; therefore, sports and exercise science researchers should consider effect size uncertainty when conducting subsequent power analyses. Additionally, there were many barriers to conducting the replication studies, e.g., original author communication and poor data and reporting transparency. [Abstract copyright: © 2025. The Author(s).
Examining a model for identifying and managing distress behaviours in people with dementia in acute hospitals: a case study
No full textA qualitative exploration of the role of nursing associates.
No full textUNLABELLED
The nursing associate (NA) programme was introduced to help bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses and free up nurses to undertake more critical care. How well the programme is meeting its objectives warrants continued research to provide learning opportunities on advancing it.
AIM
This study explored the experiences of NAs before and after qualification, especially in light of their role positioned between healthcare assistant and registered nurse. The concept of liminality - being in between two positions - is apt for exploring the experiences of NAs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews with qualified NAs (=14) was undertaken, and thematic analysis employed to generate themes.
FINDINGS
There were uncertainties around how the NA's role was viewed both before and after qualification. However, notwithstanding ambiguities resulting from the liminality of the role, the NAs were making sense of their professional identity and growing in confidence.
CONCLUSION
The autonomy and skills acquired helped NAs climb the career ladder. Some of the qualified NAs planned further progression into nursing. Further research needs to explore how employers can facilitate meaningful assimilation of the NA role
How do physiological ageing and frailty affect human body systems?
No full textPhysiological ageing leads to a progressive decline in the functional reserve of multiple organ systems, contributing to the development of frailty, a multidimensional syndrome observed by increased vulnerability to stressors and adverse health outcomes in older adults. This article explores the physiological changes across various systems, including neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumentary, musculoskeletal and haematological domains, and explores how these changes underpin the clinical features of frailty. By differentiating age-related decline from pathological processes, the review emphasises the importance of system specific knowledge in guiding individualised assessment, prevention and care. Understanding these correlated mechanisms is essential for healthcare professionals managing the complexities of frailty in ageing populations
Sustainability Intelligence: Transforming Denim Industry with Chemically Transparent Jeans.
No full textThis paper is part of a broader research project on the systemic theory of Sustainability Intelligence (SI). It applies the SI framework through the systemic approach of Conscious Business Cycles (CBC) and its derivative, the Apparel Chemical Safety Label (ACSL), enhancing sustainable chemical adoption in the fashion industry. While industry initiatives such as the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) organisation's Roadmap to Zero have advanced chemical management, significant opportunities persist in traceability, accountability, and transparency. The study employs a grounded theory approach, using focus group discussions with professionals from 13 countries, with data thematically analysed through the constant comparative method. An industrial perspective on the ZDHC organisation further explores the systemic challenges and opportunities in scaling chemical sustainability. The findings suggest that SI, CBC, and ACSL enable constructive industry engagement, strengthen supply chain transparency, and bridge sustainability policies with data-driven advancements, ultimately transforming the fashion industry's eco-systems
21 years later: Reflecting on femininity, masculinity, physicality and the English tabloid press
No full textEffect of Hip Exercise Program on pain intensity, balance and disability among low back pain patients - a systematic review.
No full textBackground: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting up to 80% of individuals globally, with significant implications for function and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests a biomechanical link between hip function and lumbar spine stability, highlighting the potential of hip-focused interventions in NSCLBP management.
Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of hip exercise programs on pain intensity, balance, and disability in adults with NSCLBP.
Methods: This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Trip, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2013 and 2023. The PICO framework guided study selection: Population – adults with NSCLBP; Intervention – hip exercises; Comparison – no or alternative intervention; Outcomes – pain, disability, and balance. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASP tool.
Results: Seven RCTs involving 240 participants (aged 18–70) met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included hip strengthening, stretching, and mobilization, often combined with lumbar stabilization exercises. Control groups typically received core or lumbar-focused exercises. Intervention durations ranged from 2 to 8 weeks, with 12 to 30 sessions. Most studies reported significant improvements in pain and disability (p<0.05), with several also demonstrating enhanced balance. Notably, strengthening of the gluteus medius was associated with improved lumbo-pelvic stability.
Conclusion: Hip-targeted exercise programs are effective in reducing pain and disability and improving balance in individuals with NSCLBP. These findings support the integration of hip-focused interventions into multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies. However, variability in exercise protocols and outcome measures underscores the need for further high-quality research to establish standardized guidelines
