27716 research outputs found
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An Inter-Indonesian Postcolonial Trauma Reading of the Book of Ecclesiastes
No full textThis thesis develops a postcolonial trauma reading of the Book of Ecclesiastes by placing it in dialogue with Inter-Indonesian novels, specifically Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s Buru Quartet, Soe Tjen Marching’s Dari Dalam Kubur, and Felix Nesi’s Orang-orang Oetimu. Using Michael Rothberg's Multidirectional Memory theory, this work aims to ground Ecclesiastes in Indonesia's postcolonial context and introduce an Indonesian perspective to global biblical studies.
The study explores Ecclesiastes alongside the novels through the lenses of postcolonial literary theory, trauma, mourning, and affect. It argues that most Indonesian biblical scholarship simply applies Western methods. In contrast, this thesis critically develops a uniquely Indonesian reading of Ecclesiastes. By fostering a multidirectional dialogue between Inter-Indonesian novels, global scholarship, and the biblical text, this research contributes an interpretation rooted in the Indonesian context rather than merely repeating Western academic traditions
The communal production of death acceptance at a Buddhist temple hospice in northeast Thailand
Get PDFDeath acceptance (DA) is a process of spiritual transformation that uproots fear of dying. Research on DA to date, situated in nursing, largely examines DA through the lens of individuals—conceptualising DA as an internal, cognitive process. Existing literature tends to overlook the social and embodied dimensions of DA. This study addresses this gap by shifting the lens toward anthropology, analysing how living as a community impacts the DA process at Arokhayasala, a Buddhist temple hospice for cancer patients in northeast Thailand. This thesis examines DA through the analytic lenses of body, space, and community to draw attention to the phenomenological training of DA through somatic experience, symbolism, and institutionally mediated power within the collective. Following a grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews with the community’s ‘experts on dying’ and participant observation of communal life were conducted to examine how social dynamics, shared rituals and practices, and sociomaterial factors shape the DA process. The data reflect that at Arokhayasala, DA is an active, embodied, and participatory transformative process—a ‘skill’ to be continuously developed through practice. DA is produced socially through ritualised exposure to death and dying, including communal chanting for dying patients, open-air cremations, and symbolic death rehearsals. Developing emotional resilience through chanting and meditation is crucial to DA because it equips individuals with tools to manage their fear of pain, which underlies fear of dying. DA is a sociomaterial process; it is actively shaped by Arokhayasala’s ‘spiritually engineered’ environment—from its pyramids to its funeral pyre. The act of giving manifests as an outcome of DA practice and as a mechanism for developing DA through karmic cleansing. Arokhayasala’s ‘frameless, freedom, flexible’ model both empowers individuals with opportunities to give and relies on communal participation in caregiving to function smoothly and to facilitate continuity of care and home deaths. The DA process cultivates a ‘culture of giving’ which cares for the ‘social body’ and maintains social harmony. Arokhayasala embodies a ‘compassionate community’ where the production of DA responds to the demands of Thailand’s ageing society by redistributing end-of-life care responsibilities away from the hospital and into the community, challenging the dominance of wider biomedical paradigms and offering a counter-hegemonic alternative to the over-medicalised death. The communal practice of DA at Arokhayasala resists biopower in what this study introduces as ‘dyingpower’—the reclamation of agency over the dying process
Unsupervised Detection and Synthesis of Speech and Environmental Sounds Using Generative Networks
Get PDFThe task of isolating specific sounds in a noisy environment is known as the “cocktail party problem”, where an individual needs to filter out all the irrelevant sounds and speakers to focus on a specific individual, for either localisation or understanding. Humans do this in a variety of settings outside of speech, such as focusing on individual instruments or vocals in a piece of music. This isn’t unique to just humans, as most animals capable of hearing need to focus on specific environmental noises for their own safety, whether that’s localizing where a branch just broke warning of an encroaching predator or tracking the sounds of potential prey. Filtering out irrelevant or unnecessary sounds to focus on a specific source is a natural function for hearing creatures, but a challenging mechanism to replicate in machines. Great advances have been made in the areas of speech denoising and music source separation, but the holy grail of universal sound separation that humans are capable of is still out of reach. Whilst there have been attempts to produce models that can separate several arbitrary sources, most make assumptions on either the number of sounds in a mixture and/or the number of classes in the dataset. Furthermore, these separation models are computationally expensive to train, often requiring multiple GPUs and large amounts of memory. To address these problems, first we combine the efficiency of convolutional networks with the global receptive field of axial transformers to produce a model for separating arbitrary sounds from entangled audio mixtures by capturing longterm dependencies within the data whilst reducing memory requirements. We then utilize the structured latent space of unsupervised VAEs to perform semi-supervised labelling of multi-class input such as audio mixtures by measuring the divergence between the latent distributions of a given sample and a set of given classes. Finally, we propose a generative audio framework using infinite generative adversarial networks for performing audio synthesis, class detection and audio
classification
Dynamics of membrane proteins using High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy
No full textCell membranes are dynamic and complex structures that regulate fundamental biological processes through their interactions with proteins. Both the physical properties of membranes and the conformational flexibility of proteins play central roles in determining function. This thesis applies atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high-speed AFM (HS-AFM) to investigate protein dynamics at high spatial and temporal resolution, with a focus on membrane curvature, peripheral enzymes, and transmembrane ion channels.
First, nanoparticle-supported curved membranes were developed as platforms to mimic nanoscale curvature. Supported lipid bilayers were formed on polystyrene beads, gold nanoparticles, and gold nanorods under varied conditions. AFM imaging and quantitative analysis showed that particle geometry and surface chemistry strongly influence bilayer formation, with gold nanoparticles offering the most stable coverage. These systems provide a controlled means of studying curvature-dependent protein behaviour.
Second, the membrane-modifying enzyme phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PSD) was examined on supported bilayers. AFM and HS-AFM revealed that PSD preferentially associates with membrane edges and curved regions, displaying dual roles as both an enzyme and a structural organiser. On PScontaining bilayers, active PSD produced ordered ripple-like assemblies, whereas inactive PSD generated disordered spiral-like structures, confirming that enzymatic activity is required for organised remodelling. These findings suggest PSD contributes not only to lipid metabolism but also to the physical regulation of membrane architecture.
Finally, TRPC5, a calcium-permeable ion channel, was studied in reconstituted lipid bilayers. HS-AFM captured tetrameric TRPC5 assemblies
consistent with cryo-EM dimensions, and rare subunit dissociation events suggestive of reversible symmetry changes. Pharmacological modulation by Englerin A and Pico145 showed height changes, while activation induced multiple oligomeric forms, including pentamers, similar to observations inTRPV3 [2] . These results provide new insights into the structural dynamics of TRPC5 under near-native conditions.
Overall, this work demonstrates how AFM-based approaches can bridge static structural data with dynamic membrane behaviour, offering new
perspectives on protein-lipid interaction with implications for biophysics and therapeutic discovery
Exploring the Practices of Assessment in Pre-registration Midwifery Clinical Education: An Actor Network Theory Study
No full textBackground: The assessment of clinical competency is a complex activity. Prospective midwives in the United Kingdom (UK) are required to demonstrate competency in providing midwifery care. Evidence is sought and gathered from a range of sources to inform the assessment of a student midwife. However, there is limited understanding how student midwives are assessed in clinical practice employing an evidence-based assessment approach.
Aims: To explore the practices of assessment within clinical pre-registration midwifery education employing a sociomaterial approach to understand how student midwives are assessed in clinical practice.
Methods: A qualitative case study was employed drawing on the principles of Actor Network Theory (ANT). Individual interviews with eight human participants were undertaken using an Interview to the Double technique (Nicolini, 2009). Non-human actors including professional standards and the e-portfolio were ‘interviewed’ to gain a heterogenous understanding of assessment practices. The data were analysed using an iterative approach, drawing on the work of Callon (1986), Adams and Thompson (2016) and a Tetrad Analysis (McLuhan and McLuhan, 1988).
Results: Student midwives, clinical midwives, and academic assessors strived towards facilitating evidence-based assessment, constituting multiple realities and a ‘knowing’ about a student’s competency. This evidence extends beyond what is described as ‘evidence’ by professional regulators. The e-portfolio was a focal actor in mediating, expanding and facilitating assessment practices. However, this was challenging in contemporary midwifery practice, as network effects emphasised the power of student midwives and the subsequent disempowerment of clinical midwives.
Conclusions: The unique enactments of assessment practices challenge the assumption in achieving an objective, reliable and valid assessment assumed by employing an evidence-based approach. Strengthening the connections between students, midwives, academic assessors, and the e-portfolio in relation to consistency, accessibility and availability requires consideration to promote stability in assessment practices
Strigolactones Mediate Reproductive Development in Response to Nitrate Deficiency in Wheat
Get PDFFood security is a critical global challenge amidst growing populations, shifting environmental conditions and climate change. As a key staple crop, wheat provides a fifth of global calories and protein, making its sustainable production crucial. However, wheat yields are often limited by nitrate availability. Previous research indicates nitrate impacts reproductive development of shoot apical meristems (SAMs), influencing the rate of development and ear morphology, impacting grain yields. Previous research also suggests that strigolactones are upregulated in response to nitrate deficiency, potentially affecting shoot architecture and development. In this study, I aimed to explore the role of strigolactones in wheat’s reproductive development and yield formation under nitrate stress. I hypothesised that strigolactones mediate reproductive responses to nitrate stress by examining changes in SAM development and gene expression in response to varying nitrate levels in wild-type (WT) and strigolactone mutant wheat in the UK model Cadenza. My findings revealed distinctly different reproductive responses between moderate and severe nitrate stress. Under severe nitrate deficiency, SAM development in primary shoots accelerated, while under moderate limitation, multiple tillers emerged, but their reproductive development was deprioritised. Strigolactone signalling was found to be essential for these responses. In strigolactone signalling mutants (d14), primary SAM development did not accelerate under nitrate stress, and reproductive development in higher-order tiller SAMs was not delayed. Under severe nitrate deficiency, strigolactone signalling led to the upregulation of FT2, VRN1, FUL2, and FUL3, and the downregulation of TFL1, promoting faster reproductive development. Conversely, under moderate stress, strigolactones suppressed these genes in higher-order tillers, delaying their development, effectively deprioritising them. These results highlight the critical role of strigolactones in redistributing reproductive efforts and regulating wheat’s response to nitrate availability, offering insights into potential targets for optimising reproductive development. This knowledge is essential for enhancing wheat yields in nitrate-limited environments, supporting sustainable agriculture and global food security
Peptide-Enhanced Calcium Phosphates (CaPs) for the Management of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)
No full textMedication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious condition
associated with antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates (BPs). It involves
exposed necrotic bone, often accompanied by microbial colonisation, which
contributes to its pathogenesis. Calcium phosphate (CaP) materials can reduce local
BP concentrations, while antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising due to broad
spectrum activity.
This thesis aimed to develop a local therapeutic delivery system for MRONJ
management by functionalising synthetic ReproBone (RB) calcium phosphate discs to
induce antimicrobial activity through covalent immobilisation of AMPs. The
antimicrobial, osteogenic, and biocompatibility properties of peptides KR-12, HHC-36,
and KRSR, as well as peptide coated discs, were investigated.
Swabs from MRONJ patients at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital (REC: 20/WS/0165)
were analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing, revealing diverse mixed communities of
microorganisms. Four species, Actinomyces oris, Prevotella buccae, Fusobacterium
nucleatum, and Cutibacterium acnes, were chosen for antimicrobial testing as they
are frequently isolated and well documented in MRONJ.
KR-12 and HHC-36 displayed antimicrobial activity, while KRSR, without antimicrobial
properties, acted as an osteogenic control. KR-12 also showed time dependent
inhibition in mixed cultures. KR-12 and KRSR were biocompatible with MG-63 cells,
whereas HHC-36 was cytotoxic at high concentrations. Osteogenic effects of KR-12
and KRSR, assessed by ALP activity, indicated enhanced osteogenic potential under
osteogenic conditions.
RB discs were functionalised via plasma polymerisation of acrylic acid (ppAAc) to
introduce carboxylic groups, confirmed by toluidine blue O (TBO) assay, FTIR, andIV
XPS. Peptides were covalently attached using EDC/NHS chemistry, verified by FTIR
and XPS. All antimicrobial and biocompatibility experiments were performed in
triplicate, while osteogenic assays with peptide treatments were conducted in
duplicate. Where applicable, representative images and graphs are presented for each
experiment, with similar results obtained in all repeats.
KR-12 and KRSR coated RB discs were biocompatible with MG-63 cells. KR-12
coated discs exhibited antibacterial effects against MRONJ isolates through dose
dependent inhibition. TEM imaging showed bacterial morphological disruption after
exposure, supporting the potential of KR-12 peptide functionalised RB discs as future
MRONJ management strategies
Who speaks and who listens? Parliamentary e-petitions and the connections between campaigners and the UK Parliament
Get PDFIn the context of declining public faith in democracy and rising democratic disengagement, this thesis explores how the UK Government and Parliament e-petition system is being used by members of the public to engage with parliament and how those in parliament come to listen back. Whilst the literature on parliamentary e-petition systems across the world is extensive, it has been largely concerned with the design and procedures of the systems, neglecting to consider how citizens engage with, discuss and disseminate their e-petitions, how they come to be used in wider campaigning objectives and how a range of intermediaries may bring the voices of the public to the ears of policy makers. Through qualitative document analysis and semi-structured interviews with petitioners and parliamentary actors, this thesis explores the campaign processes, strategies and experiences of petitioners and the parliamentary actors who supported them across a total of nine different animal welfare e-petitions submitted in the 2019-2024 Parliament. It underscores the everyday online practices undertaken by petitioners as central to the process, explores the role of well-known voices such as celebrities, and emphasises that the benefits that arise from the use of parliamentary e-petitions should be viewed widely in terms of the doors that are opened into wider parliamentary networks and processes. In doing so, this thesis makes important original contributions to the academic community, but also to petitioners and practitioners about how new participatory tools like e-petitions can amount to a much wider repertoire of democratic action
Understanding structure and function relationships in gastropod mucus
No full textGastropods use adhesive locomotion to successfully traverse a range of substrates by adapting the properties of a thin mucus layer. The mucus is a complex natural material with interesting viscoelastic, rheological properties whose biomimetic potential is hindered by our limited understanding of its native state. This thesis seeks to bridge this gap by developing methods that attempt to capture the native state of mucus, enabling the relationship between gastropod locomotion and the mucus trail to be studied without losing the biological context of the material.
A scientometric literature review revealed a knowledge gap within the foundations of the gastropod mucus field and highlighted the necessity to reassess fundamental assumptions, such as trail thickness and topography, that locomotion models, biomimetic solutions and malacological studies are based on. Furthermore, the citation network highlighted that gastropod mucus is often studied in isolation from the animal, where biological function can only be extrapolated from research undertaken in a purely engineering context.
This thesis utilised a range of non-destructive techniques to study mucus in its native state. This provided a comprehensive overview of the mucus layer from the dried trail to the in-situ deposition of the hydrated mucus trail under the slug. The native hydrated mucus was characterised for the first time. This provided empirical evidence for current theories on the role of mucus in gastropod locomotion, which rely on a consistent mucus layer between gastropods and the substrate.
Contextualising these results within the framework of its native state and animal behaviour uncovered a previously overlooked cost and limiting factor to mucus production, the water cost. This highlighted that mucus should be considered more akin to a composite, especially within the context of energetic costs. Finally, a model for adhesive locomotion, based on the observations in this thesis, was proposed
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