8251 research outputs found
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Qualifying alienation and de-reification in the capitalocene, or, more anthropocentrism or less anthropocentrism? Yes, please!
No full textThis essay qualifies recent psychoanalytic-Marxist arguments which defend anthropocentrism. These arguments disagree with the ecophilosophical claim that human alienation from the rest of nature is historically contingent, and instead recognize human alienation as constitutive of human subjectivity. The anthropos, in this view, is always-already decentered, and an emancipatory project must recenter it. This essay qualifies these arguments by discussing how alienation is both constitutive and contingent, with the contingency of capitalist modernity producing an illusion of the anthropos as active and centered. It is therefore important to critique anthropocentrism qua a historically contingent ideological illusion, as well as support anthropocentrism qua an emancipatory project. The essay then positions this project within the context of Lacan’s four discourses. It advocates raising nature to the agency and dignity of the hysteric, so that it can help split human subjects interrogate the apocalyptic master signifier which is the capitalist form of anthropocentrism.This is an author's accepted manuscript of an article due to be published by Taylor & Francis in Rethinking Marxism, available online at [link tbc]. The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version
Sustainable transformation of the United Arab Emirates oil and gas sector
No full textThis is an accepted manuscript of a conference paper presented at 39th British Academy of Management Conference, On the Border: Management Challenges, Business Opportunities and Disrupted Institutional Contexts, 1st - 5th September 2025 at Kent Business School, University of Kent.
The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.This paper critically examines the sustainable transformation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil and gas sector in the context of global climate imperatives and economic diversification. The UAE, a major hydrocarbon exporter, faces the dual challenge of sustaining economic growth while achieving ambitious decarbonisation targets, as outlined in the Paris Agreement and the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative. Drawing on transition management and comparative policy analysis, the study explores the UAE’s adoption of advanced technologies—including Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), Direct Air Capture (DAC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)—and evaluates their potential to mitigate emissions and modernise the sector. The analysis benchmarks the UAE’s strategies against global leaders such as Norway, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of policy innovation, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement in enabling a just energy transition. The findings reveal that while the UAE has made substantial investments in clean energy and technological innovation, further progress is needed in regulatory enforcement, carbon pricing, and regional cooperation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for strengthening the UAE’s decarbonisation roadmap, emphasising the integration of advanced technologies, green finance, and workforce reskilling to ensure long-term economic and environmental resilience
Embedding sustainability strategies in the transport sector: strategic review
No full textThis is the accepted manuscript of a conference paper presented at Management Challenges, Business Opportunities and Disrupted Institutional Contexts, 39th British Academy of Management Conference, 1 – 5 September 2025, University of Kent, U.K.
The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.In recent years, the asphalt industry has become increasingly aware of its sustainability impact in surfacing, namely to the three key pillars, being Societal, Economic, and Environmental. This awareness is now driving the leading asphalt companies to research and develop new methods of asphalt creation to make the surfacing industry more sustainable for years to come, particularly as there are both internal and external drivers pushing for a change for the better, categorised thusly as normative, coercive and mimetic. This paper investigates the issues that today’s leading asphalt-producing companies are facing and the solutions that are being adopted by these companies to overcome these challenges. The research methodology used was literature review from current real-world examples from leading asphalt suppliers and academic sources. Both proven and researched methods were selected to review and examine the factors resulting in sustainable solutions being implemented
Green yet constrained: Reassessing Moringa oleifera's role in drinking water and wastewater treatment
Full text link© 2026 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.clwat.2025.100202A comparative bibliometric analysis using Web of Science and Scopus reveals a growing research shift from alum to Moringa oleifera (MO) as a green coagulant for decentralised water treatment. The coagulation efficacy of MO is attributed to its high molecular weight cationic seed proteins, rich in amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide groups, which destabilise colloids via adsorption and charge neutralisation. Extraction in saline medium (0.5–1.5 M NaCl) enhances protein solubility and coagulation, achieving > 90 % turbidity reductions and 1–3 log removal of E. coli and coliforms at doses 50–300 mg L⁻¹ for drinking water and 400–4000 mg L⁻¹ for wastewaters. Optimal coagulation requires rapid mixing (∼130 rpm, 2 min) followed by slow stirring (∼30–40 rpm, 15–40 min) to promote floc growth. Compared to alum, MO generates 3–5 times less sludge, with potential for residue reuse as fertiliser. This review aims to address existing knowledge gaps by consolidating available studies and identifying the conditions under which MO is most effective, as well as the limitations that may hinder its sustainable application. The paper offers a novel synthesis by integrating case studies with sustainability assessments, providing one of the few comprehensive evaluations of MO's performance across both drinking water and wastewater treatment contexts. Our findings indicate that while MO is a viable, low-cost option for household-scale drinking water treatment, its slower coagulation kinetics (1–2 h) and high dosage requirements restrict its suitability for treating highly contaminated wastewaters. In addition, MO is ineffective at turbidity levels below 10 NTU and exhibits limited removal of organics and heavy metals. Because MO is an organic coagulant, its use may increase BOD, COD, and TOC, and interactions with chlorine can lead to the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes. Future research should focus on elucidating toxicological implications, optimising treatment processes, and assessing commercial scalability to support the responsible and sustainable use of MO in water treatment systems.Accepted versio
An illusion of inclusion: charity workers’ views on police responses to D/deaf victims of domestic abuse
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Springer in Journal of Family Violence on 15/05/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-025-00894-1 For re-se please see Springer's terms and conditions. The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.Purpose
D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals are at increased risk of domestic abuse (DA) however they may experience a range of challenges when accessing support or criminal justice services.
Method
Using semi-structured interviews with nine professionals working in a DA or deaf-specific support service/charity (that also provides DA support), we explored how D/deaf individuals access support for DA, report incidents to the police, and pursue cases through the criminal justice system (CJS).
Results
We found that D/deaf DA victims often experience detrimental systematic barriers when trying to access DA support, report DA and participate in a criminal investigation due to a lack of appropriate communication methods being offered or reasonable adjustments being made. A lack of D/deaf and DA awareness within policing was highlighted as a recurrent issue, which impacted upon D/deaf DA victims’ willingness to contact police forces, to continue to pursue justice, and to seek help in the future. We found a small number of charities are striving to encourage D/deaf DA victims to contact the police, seek help and pursue cases but are largely unable to overcome structural deficiencies within policing, and the wider CJS and support service sectors.
Conclusions
There is a lack of official recognition of the gaps between law, policy and practice, which is alienating and excluding D/deaf DA victims. D/deaf communities remember and have lived experiences of poor policing and inadequate treatment. The findings raise important implications for policy and practice, and issues of equality, accessibility, justice and safety.Published onlin
Co-constructing confidence and performance: a study of athlete-coach beliefs in elite judo
No full textThis is an open access article published by SAGE in International journal of Sports Science & Coaching on 19 June 2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541251346907. The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.This study examined beliefs and self-confidence regarding performance factors among UK judo athletes and coaches. A total of 97 athletes (42 elite: 19 male, 23 female; 55 non-elite: 36 male, 19 female) and 61 coaches (31 elite: 25 male, 6 female; 30 non-elite: 23 male, 7 female) completed a 30-item scale based on the UK Coaching Framework (2009). The scale assessed perceived importance and confidence in five subscales: physical development, self-understanding, psychological preparation, relationships, and skills. Analysis revealed significant differences between athletes and coaches in their ratings of relationships, psychological preparation, skills, and self-understanding. Additionally, differences emerged based on biological sex for physical development, skills, and self-understanding. Through a mixed methods design qualitative insights highlighted that athletes value supportive coaching for enhancing self-confidence, while coaches emphasise understanding individual needs for effective training. These findings underscore the importance of a co-construction model that promotes athlete-coach collaboration in developing tailored support strategies to optimise overall performance outcomes
Book of Posters
No full textBook of posters delivered at the International Symposium on Sustainable Smart Innovation. Theme: Green Innovation & Future Healthcare, 22nd April 2025, Wolverhampton-Bengaluru Centre tor Research and Innovation. Bengaluru City University, Bengaluru
Facilitating and hindering factors associated with academic performance in students of business administration: Exploration of strategies for improvement
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/facilitating_and_hindering_factors_associated_with.5.aspxCONTEXT:
Examinations and results are usually psychologically stressful events for students. It is known that various factors may influence examination grades. It was intended to explore the perceived facilitating and hindering factors associated with examination outcomes in adult students.
METHODS:
In a cross-sectional study, we assessed factors associated with examination outcomes using open-ended questionnaires, comparing postgraduate business administration students in a university with high (Grade A, score 5 and above) and low (Grade B and lower, score up to 4.99) grades. The themes of the responses were analyzed qualitatively and categorized.
RESULTS:
There were 24 (47.1%) students with higher grades and 27 (52.9%) with lower grades. Comparatively greater proportion of high performers reported personal skills and the teaching process being helpful, whereas a greater proportion of low performers picked up academic facilities, personality, and environmental factors as positively contributing factors. Factors negatively contributing to educational success as perceived by high performers were teaching method, management issues, and the facilities; whereas low performers suggested personal issues and personality factors.
CONCLUSION:
Students identified many factors contributing to their academic outcomes. A considerable proportion of students reported personality-related factors. The findings suggested strategies that may improve their performance and academic experience
Identification and catalytic mechanisms of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of asperosaponin VI from Dipsacus asperoides
No full textThis is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry on 24/06/2025, available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110166
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.Asperosaponin VI is the major active compound in the traditional Chinese medcinal herb Dipsacus asperoides (Xu-Duan), exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including treating osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory effects, and neuroprotective properties. However, due to limited natural sources and challenges in chemical extraction, heterologous biosynthesis offers a strategy for efficient production of asperosaponin VI and its intermediates and derivatives. Despite its potential, the biosynthetic pathway of asperosaponin VI remains poorly understood, primarily due to its complex multi-step reaction network. Here, key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of asperosaponin VI were identified through transcriptomic, phylogenetic, and WGCNA analysis. Two β-amyrin synthases (DaOSC2 and DaOSC5), two cytochrome P450 enzymes (DaCYP714E29 and DaCYP714E30), and an arabinosyltransferase (DaUGT85J2) were characterized. Moreover, DaOSC2 and DaOSC5 represent the first reported β-amyrin synthases in the Dipsacus genus; DaCYP714E29 and DaCYP714E30 are the first cytochromes P450 enzymes identified in Dipsacaceae family to catalyze the oxidation of oleanolic acid at C-23 position; Additionally, DaUGT85J2 was identified as the first arabinosyltransferase responsible for catalyzing the 3-O-arabinosylation of hederagenin. To further elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of DaCYP714E29 and DaUGT85J2, molecular docking and mutagenesis experiments were conducted. These findings provide insights into the biosynthetic pathway of asperosaponin VI and lay the foundation for engineering efficient production pathways for this valuable compound.Industrial Innovation Talents of Yunnan Province "Xing Dian Talent Support Program" (Certificate No. XDYC-CYCX-2022-0032), the Major Science and Technique Programs in Yunnan Province (202402AA310040), the independent research fund of Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory (2022YKZY001).Accepted versio
Young children’s engagement with art museum objects and spaces: implications for the civic role of museums
Full text linkA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Museums have a role to play in civic life as sites of cultural dialogue and exchange. Our youngest citizens have the right to engage with this discourse (United Nations, 1989a; Anderson, 2012). This study explores the nature of young children’s engagement with an art museum in the context of cultural citizenship(Mai and Gibson, 2011).
Using a case study approach (Stake, 1995; Flyvbjerg, 2011; Yin, 2013), the study uses contextual data alongside accompanied museum visits with individual families to explore the concept of young children’s museum engagement. Data generated by the visits included fieldnotes, photographs, a project scrapbook, children’s artwork, and recordings of follow up interviews. These were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis, during which codes were organised into seven key themes: the nature of objects, physical engagement, sonic engagement, engagement through pattern, emotional engagement, imaginative engagement, and relationships.
These themes were grouped into three arenas of engagement: engagement with materials, personal engagement and social engagement. Findings demonstrated that young children’s engagement with museum objects and spaces was complex and sophisticated. Engagement stemmed from the interconnection between numerous elements of each encounter, and was non-hierarchical, supporting a view of distributed agency between humans and the more-than-human. Time and care were identified as vital components of engagement, alongside interaction with materials, emotions, and other people.
On the basis of the findings, the Solar System Engagement Model was created to support practitioners in noticing and valuing different kinds of engagement. The Solar System Engagement Model, and the evidence underpinning it, demonstrates that children are able to contribute actively to cultural dialogue. However, to maximise this potential, museums have a role to play both in welcoming young children and their families, and in shaping societal perceptions by positioning them as competent cultural citizens