8251 research outputs found
Sort by
Disaster mental health in India: a long journey ahead
Full text linkThis is a book chapter published in Leadership in Indian psychiatry: converting thoughts into practice 1947-2025. Essays in honour of Professor B.S. Chavan edited by R. Srinivasa Murthy & Nitin Gupta.India is vulnerable to catastrophic natural events due to its geo-climatic conditions and man-made disasters. There is a need to study the mental health consequences of the disasters and their intervention efforts. A comprehensive literature search was done regarding the mental health of the disaster survivors in India based on the epidemiological and interventional studies from electronic databases and manual searches. Large proportions of disaster survivors in India suffer from diagnosable psychiatric disorders, mostly depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders. While there are many studies following natural catastrophic events; there are an inadequate number of studies on industrial disasters, mass conflicts, and riots. Prevalence figures of psychiatric disorders have varied depending upon the disaster, exposure and methodology. Many post-disaster interventions have been tried; however the literature about the interventions is not robust. There is a need for studies related to the support for the mental health consequences of disasters in the community and their effectiveness. Culturally appropriate coping activities have been observed amongst the survivors, which need to be explored further as possible intervention methods. Mental health related assessments and interventions need to be prioritised in disaster related support activities and policies. Public education about dealing with disasters, their impact on mental health, self-care and opportunity for professional care are essential. There is a need for an appropriate system to be in place for immediate, short and long term mental health support for the disaster survivors
An analysis of the potential lessons that can be learned from UK and US financial services regulation in the context of the UAE
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.This research embarks on a comparative analysis of regulatory landscapes in the financial sectors of the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The investigation was driven by the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) which exposed significant vulnerabilities within existing financial regulatory frameworks. The study examines a series of regulatory reforms and measures instituted by financial regulators and agencies across these jurisdictions, encompassing capital adequacy requirements, securitisation regulations, corporate governance practices, and the processes for risk management, approval, licencing, and supervision. And the adoption of the Islamic Finance as an alternative option in reforming the financial system.
A pivotal finding of this analysis is the acknowledgment of resilient measures and regulatory reforms introduced post-GFC in the UK and the US, aimed at fortifying the financial system's stability. Despite these strides towards robust regulatory frameworks, instances of institutional failures within the US question the comprehensive effectiveness of these reforms. Moreover, the exploration into the UAE's adaptation of Islamic finance rules unveils that despite its ethical and risk-sharing underpinnings, Islamic finance is not devoid of financial distress, challenging its immunity to the factors that precipitated the GFC. The research draws upon an extensive thematic analysis, leveraging NVivo software to dissect the complex perceptions of financial system participants towards these regulatory adaptations. Key themes emerge, illustrating the critical role of corporate governance in Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), the varied interpretations of the causes of financial crises among financial system participants in the UK, the US, and the UAE, and the integration challenges and opportunities of Islamic finance within international standards, notably Basel III.
Significantly, the research underscores a shared recognition among regulatory bodies in the UK, US, and UAE of the necessity for more proactive and stringent regulatory measures to avert future financial crises. This entails a revaluation of governance structures, the introduction of tailored regulatory standards for Islamic finance, the promotion of innovative and authentic financial products, and enhanced transparency and education in Islamic finance practices.
In conclusion, this study advocates for a holistic and adaptable regulatory approach that not only addresses the lacunas revealed by the GFC but also embraces the unique attributes of Islamic finance to potentially offer a more stable and ethical alternative financial system.
The recommendations propose further integration of Basel III Accords, refinement of corporate governance, and elevation of risk management and disclosure standards as pivotal to ensuring the robustness and resilience of the financial system against evolving risks and challenges
Written evidence submitted to the Public Accounts Committee inquiry into the Use of AI in Government (UAIG0022)
No full text© 2025 UK Parliament. Written evidence submitted to the Public Accounts Committee inquiry on the use of AI in Government. Available online: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8580/use-of-ai-in-government/publications
The effects of 8-week dance and tai chi randomised controlled trial on balance, wellbeing and moods among healthy adults aged 18-60: a study protocol
No full text© 2025 The Authors. Published by SAGE. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.
The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X251323669Purpose: The aim of the proposed randomised controlled study is to compare the effects and efficacy of a dance, a Tai Chi and a waiting list control group intervention over an eight-week period on physical functions and mental benefits among non-clinical adults aged between 18 and 60. Method: A double-blind, randomised controlled trial will be adopted to evaluate the effects and efficacy of an eight-week dance intervention compared with Tai Chi and a control group on physical and mental benefits. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups, dance, Tai Chi, and Control group, using stratified random sampling based on sex. Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP), YBalance test (YBT), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) are utilized for collecting physical and mental data. All measurements will be conducted by research assistants blinded to participants’ group allocation and analysis will be carried out by statistician blinded to the group and test parameters. Expected result: Mental wellbeing parameters are predicted to be increasing during the learning phase and the physical parameters are predicted to have an improvement in the practising phase
Ultrasound elastography in the assessment of rigidity in Parkinson's disease: a scoping review
No full text© 2025 The Authors, published by Elsevier. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.
The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106680Background
In individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), rigidity is a form of muscle hypertonia which manifests as muscular stiffness, leading to altered mechanical properties of muscle tissue. Ultrasound elastography (UE) is an emerging diagnostic imaging technology that can assess muscle stiffness. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current literature on muscular rigidity in PD as measured by UE, examine existing UE assessment methodologies, and propose future directions when measuring muscular rigidity in PD using UE.
Methods
This scoping review was conducted following specific guidelines and searching these databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE and CINAHL Ultimate.
Findings
Ten studies were included after screening, using either strain elastography (SE) or shear wave elastography (SWE) to measure muscular rigidity in PD. Muscular rigidity was typically greater in individuals with PD compared to controls, with minimal bilateral differences within PD patients. UE-derived muscular rigidity was associated with clinical manifestations of PD, and rigidity was influenced by joint angle, medications, and therapeutic interventions. However, the included studies assessed rigidity using a wide range of methodologies (e.g., protocol design, system specification, and acquisition methods), which restricts comparability.
Significance and interpretation
UE demonstrates strong potential as a non-invasive tool for quantifying muscular rigidity in PD, which is increased in these patients. Nevertheless, small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies undermine definitive conclusions. Future studies should adhere to the methodological recommendations outlined in this review, including the adoption of standardised protocols, larger sample sizes, and robust longitudinal and reliability designs.Published onlin
The changing landscape of traumatic brain injuries at a district general hospital in a trauma network
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis on 22/02/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/02688697.2025.2468951
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.Background: Major trauma networks were introduced in 2012 onwards with a major trauma centre (MTC) linked to district general hospitals (DGH). Most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are managed in DGHs, without on-site neurosurgical services. It is unclear whether the characteristics of TBIs at DGHs have differed since the network was introduced. We compare outcomes of TBI patients pre- (2008–2012) and post-MTC (2013–2021) network implementation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of TBI patients admitted to a 500-bedded DGH, before and after the introduction of a trauma network. We compared the characteristics of patients, including age, mechanism of injury, imaging findings, and length of stay. All statistical analyses were carried out in SPSS v29 (IBM). Results: Overall, 876 patients (males = 56.1%; median age 67 years) were included. Mean yearly cases pre-MTC was 76 compared to 55 in the post-MTC period. Mean age was significantly higher, and patients had more co-morbidities, in the post-MTC period (p < 0.001). Mean GCS at presentation was not significantly different between the pre- and post-MTC periods (13.7 vs 13.8, respectively). Referrals to the regional neurosurgical centre were significantly higher in the post-MTC period. The overall mortality rate was 33.7%. Increasing age (OR = 1.072), higher comorbidities (OR = 1.243) and intracerebral haematoma (OR = 6.269) were associated with a higher risk of death. The post-MTC period was associated with a lower risk of death (OR = 0.501). Conclusions: Fewer patients with less severe mechanisms of injury, and a more elderly population are now being managed at our DGH in the post-MTC period. Mortality was similar to published literature but the introduction of the trauma system was associated with lower risk of death. Although fewer TBIs help to optimise service delivery by maintaining orthopaedic bed capacity, the reduced exposure to these patients may lead to lowered expertise in managing these complex cases.Published versio
Embeddedness in the startup and growth of black women entrepreneurs in the West Midlands (UK)
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Black women-owned businesses exhibit one of the highest rates of start-up activity, yet they also face the highest rates of failure. Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of research specifically addressing the entrepreneurial activities of black women. Existing literature predominantly focuses on women entrepreneurship and ethnic minority entrepreneurship, often overlooking the unique challenges encountered by black women in establishing and scaling their businesses. It is crucial to examine this demographic to uncover the multifaceted barriers they face throughout their entrepreneurial journey and to explore potential strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
This research aims to investigate the role of embeddedness in accessing essential resources for business growth, while also highlighting the lived experiences of black women entrepreneurs. To achieve this aim, the research employs a mixed methodology, using both secondary data from the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (LSBS) and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 24 black women entrepreneurs operating their businesses in the West Midlands. This study also draws on institutional theory to explore their experiences and mixed embeddedness theory to illustrate the significance of embeddedness in overcoming barriers and accessing growth resources.
The data indicates that factors influencing startup and growth of these businesses are both internal and external. Additionally, black women entrepreneurs continue to face institutional barriers rooted in historical contexts, which impede the growth of their entrepreneurial activities. On the other hand, the data indicates that embeddedness facilitates access to valuable resources, including up-to-date information, free training opportunities, financial support, mentorship programs, increased visibility, cost reduction and expand market share through referrals.
This research advances theory by applying mixed embeddedness frameworks, including a new technological dimension to explain black women’s entrepreneurship. It highlights how structural and cultural factors shape their ventures and reveals internal and external barriers to growth, including limited community support and cultural perceptions within the black community
Investigation and performance optimization of lead-free CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 based perovskite solar cells
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier on 24/12/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2025.101215
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.The recent progress in lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) triggered worries regarding their acceptability for large-scale production and potential detrimental impact on the environment. Concerns about the environmental impact of lead-based PSCs have driven a shift toward lead-free alternatives. This study concentrates on the advancement of environmentally friendly CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based perovskite solar cell and presents an optimized design technique that can be replicated on a large scale. Within our research, we look into how different types of hole and electron transport layer parameters affect the performance of CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based device. The study used numerical simulations to examine crucial parameters, such as the perovskite layer thickness, ETL/HTL layer thickness, and defect density. We demonstrate an optimized device configuration, FTO/SnO2/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3/NiO/Au, with an open-circuit voltage of 1.22 V, a short-circuit current density of 28.29 mA/cm2, fill factor of 89.42%, a theoretical power conversion efficiency of 30.81%, and quantum efficiencies of 99% over the visible wavelength range. This study shows that CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 is a promising lead-free perovskite for renewable energy. The findings address concerns about solar cell toxicity and enable ecologically benign and sustainable solar cell manufacture
Policies, programs, and action plans in geriatric mental health in South Asia
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of a chapter published by Springer in Kar, N., Kar, S.K., Arafat, S.M.Y. (eds) Geriatric Psychiatry in South Asia. South Asian Perspectives in Mental Health and Psychology, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-7469-5_12
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.
For re-use please see Springer's terms and conditions.Matching with the growing population of older adults in South Asian countries, the number of people having health-related problems, including mental illnesses, needing medical treatment, care, and support is increasing. Depression and dementia are common concerns, along with suicide. Financial problems, high cost of care, lack of support, lack of availability of appropriate professional care, and struggles associated with informal family caregiving are some of the contributing factors. The increased need for old-age mental healthcare is well reported, and countries have developed various policies, and programs to support older adults, along with different laws to protect their interests. However, the gaps in the needs and available supportive facilities are obvious and the specific support for the mental health-related concerns of older adults is minuscule in most areas. Lack of appropriate resources, manpower, and training are obvious reasons, which need to be addressed as a priority by the countries, to avoid the situation becoming a crisis.Geriatric care and research organization (GeriCaRe), India; Quality of Life Research and Development Foundation (QoLReF), India; the Institute of Insight, UK; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK
The psychological stress of returning to in-person institution-based educational activities by students in college and universities following the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey
No full text© 2025 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence.
The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://journals.lww.com/odjp/fulltext/2025/01000/the_psychological_stress_of_returning_to_in_person.3.aspxBACKGROUND:
COVID-19 necessitated a change in the educational delivery system during and following the pandemic.
AIM:
This study explored the psychological stress of the students about returning to in-person (face-to-face) education and examination following the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated factors.
METHODS:
It was a cross-sectional survey of college and university students returning to usual in-person education following COVID-19, conducted in Odisha from May to June 2022, through an online questionnaire. Students’ psychological stress, level of comfort, and future preferences were assessed, along with their COVID-19 history of self and family.
RESULTS:
The sample consisted of 304 students. A considerable proportion (37.5%) of them felt stressed about the return to the in-person education system following COVID-19. A history of COVID infection of self or a family member was significantly associated with stress, but not with taking COVID vaccines or medications for any current illness. Students reporting stress were significantly uncomfortable reverting to the usual in-person class or examination system, and a significantly higher proportion of them preferred online and hybrid (a mixture of online and in-person) methods. Major themes regarding stress were the continuing fear of COVID-19 infection, appearing examinations in-person after a gap of 2 years, and readjusting to the changes; however, some students looked at this positively for activities and socializations. It was evident that the stress of the changes has led to anxiety, depression, and a decrease in self-confidence among students.
CONCLUSIONS:
A proportion (37.5%) of students experienced stress as the education system reverted to the pre-COVID norms. This suggested the need to identify the affected students and arrange appropriate support