Birmingham City University Open Access Repository
Not a member yet
8823 research outputs found
Sort by
Imagining, Documenting, and Reimagining the Everyday: DIY Technologies as the Catalyst for Crafting Interdisciplinary Composition
No full textThis portfolio of works highlights the creative possibilities embedded within the mundane aspects of our lives. I explore how art can emerge through interdisciplinary compositional methods obtained from observing and engaging with day-to-day activities. By focusing on the ordinary and the routine, these compositions demonstrate how DIY technologies – the accessible and intuitive tools of our daily life that we can operate ourselves – can inspire spontaneous artistic expression.
Through interdisciplinary compositions, the research conducts an examination of various aspects of everyday life, an area that we recognise and is well-supplied by intuitive sources of inspiration. DIY technologies around us can be conveniently used as vehicles for creation, while the authenticity inherent in daily life strongly stimulates artistic production.
Since the project began during the global pandemic in 2020 it has evolved dynamically, capturing how COVID-19 has transformed the way we observe, search for media and inspiration and create. The project emphasises the relationship between evolving situations and creative processes, establishing a foundation for the use of DIY technologies in various types of media. It encourages experimenting with compositional aesthetics based on the context of daily life and its DIY technologies, promoting intuitive artistic expression and celebrating the underlying capacity for creativity within our everyday live
Cultural capital and the potential of RE: insider perspectives from trainee teachers
No full textIn England, the concept of cultural capital (CC) has been introduced to educational discourse by including it in the frameworks of Ofsted, the body responsible for monitoring the quality of education and social care. To increase the CC of all children, schools are now expected to ensure their curriculum on offer is ambitious and consists of essential knowledge that introduces pupils to the best that has been thought and said and that engenders an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. This research reports the views of trainee primary teachers about the link between CC and RE. One hundred and fifty-seven trainees from a university in the West Midlands, England completed a questionnaire to select activities they perceived as contributing to CC through RE. Some also participated in discursive engagements during taught sessions. Overall, those activities which are perceived to be specifically RE orientated have been selected by more trainees than the generic activities in increasing CC. The article argues that RE has potential of making a valuable contribution to increasing pupils’ CC
De/Construction(s) of Gay Men in Twenty-First Century British Theatre: 2001—2016
No full textThis study gives critical attention to the representation(s) of gay men in twenty-first century mainstream British theatre. In doing so, this research furthers discussions surrounding the development of British gay theatre by exploring how gay playwrights de/construct gay characters in their plays. Focusing on Mark Ravenhill’s Mother Clap’s Molly House (2001), Alexi Kaye Campbell’s The Pride (2008), Jonathan Harvey’s Canary (2010), John Donnelly’s The Pass (2014), and John Fitzpatrick’s This Much (or an Act of Violence Towards the Institution of Marriage) (2016) as case studies, I propose that these playwrights reject the rise of homonormativity. In doing so, I argue these playwrights utilise the British stage to offer alternative narratives that focus largely on the (re)invention of gay identities through staging a dialogue between the past and present.
Using queer theory as a theoretical framework, I identify and explore three key themes that emerge from my analysis of gay narratives presented in my chosen plays that, in turn, shape the structure of my thesis: first, the importance of staging alternative queer temporalities to explore the past and present to create a better future, second, gay shame and its effect on the de/construction of gay identities, And third, the staging of queer utopias that challenge the notion of homonormativity for gay men. In the pages that follow, I explore the ways in which contemporary mainstream British gay playwrights construct their gay characters and their comment on gay identities
Understanding mental health content on social media: A mixed methods study exploring perceptions, motivations, and impacts on mood.
No full textBackground. Evidence suggests that mental health and ADHD related content is being shared regularly on social media; leading to positive outcomes for some, such as an increased sense of community, feelings of support and decreases in depressive symptoms. However, there are also indications of negative affect; with some exposure to mental health and ADHD related content resulting in increases in anxiety, or depressive mood. Others report that content was overwhelming or could cause anxiety and anger for those exposed. Further, some mental health content (particularly ADHD content) has also been noted to increase in online self-diagnosis after exposure. There are also concerns for the authenticity of those that post mental health and ADHD content (e.g. Mental health influencers) due to financial rewards for virality, or popularity online.
Rationale. Until 2022-2023 there was no existing literature that investigated any negative associations with viewing mental health (or ADHD) content online, with all previous research only exploring the positive associations such as spreading awareness and decreasing stigma. There was also limited research that explored perceptions of mental health influencers and public and user perception of financial incentives for mental health content posted online. Additionally, there were only a handful of naturalistic studies that incorporated the use of the TikTok API (the application software for TikTok, including all posts, comments and informatics), with limited investigations into interactions with mental health content, particularly when it comes to exploring perceptions of and motivations for self-diagnosis.
Overall aim. The thesis aimed to explore mental health and ADHD content that can be seen on social media, with a particular focus on content that related to symptoms of mental health disorders and ADHD. As a part of these explorations, the thesis also aimed to further understand concepts that are connected to this content type such as motivations for and perceptions of online self-diagnosis, and mental health influencers, including the ethics surrounding financial incentives for sharing mental health and ADHD content.
Methods. Mixed methods with three studies: Study one: Quantitative study investigating fluctuations in positive and negative mood, pre and post content exposure (PANAS). Participants were randomised into three groups: Symptom, wellbeing, and image only, current mental health status was also explored as a contributor. Study 2: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 15 people: exploring perceptions of different content types and of self-diagnosis; using content to self-diagnose; ‘mental health’ social media influencers; financial reward for virality, and motivations for posting mental health content. Study 3: Quantitative data analysis and an inductive thematic analysis was conducted for TikTok user data and comment sections using #Mentalhealth, #Depression, #Anixety, #Selfdiagnosis, and
#ADHD via TikTok researcher API. This was to explore how people interact with mental health content online, including perceptions of, and motivations for self-diagnosis.
Findings. Study one: Mixed-ANOVAs revealed no significant differences for the main effects for mood between the three content conditions, and mental distress for both positive and negative affect. However, a Chi Squared analysis highlighted significant associations for the symptom-based group (negative) and wellbeing group (positive). Study 2: A deductive Thematic Analysis generated 4 themes: (1) Mixed perceptions of symptom-based content on social media; (2) conflicting views on self-diagnosis, from encouraging misdiagnosis to pathways for clinical diagnosis, (3) questioning influencer authenticity and motivations for sharing mental health content and (4) the positive influence of wellbeing content. These findings suggest that mental health overall was a positive, but symptom-based content should be approached with caution as it may cause relatability and lead to self-diagnosis. Mental health content was also not deemed appropriate for those in a mental health crisis. Study 3: Quantitative data reports high frequency of engagement on mental health related hashtags across the three time points. The Inductive Thematic Analysis generated 6 themes: (1) showing support and empathy towards posters; (2) relatability of content, personal declarations, and experience coherence; (3) indirect and direct cries for help; (4) affirming those that self-diagnose; (5) motivations for avoiding formal diagnosis; (6) negative perceptions of online self-diagnosis. Findings suggest that people engage with mental health and ADHD content in a positive manner through words of kindness and affirmation. People relate to the ADHD content and use the comment sections to report their relatability. Self-diagnosis was seen as being both negative and positive. Motivations for self-diagnosis were also discussed such as access to services, distrust of mental health professionals, and perceived stigma.
Implications and conclusion. Findings generate new knowledge and support education for social media information sourcing. Social media companies could look to implement disclaimers for sensitive topics, symptom discussion and financial incentives. Findings overall detail that mental health and ADHD content as a whole has its place online, but users should apply caution when symptoms, financial inventive and content creators are involved. Self- diagnosis is known to occur, and people report a range of motivations as to why they chose to do this. However, some of these motivations may be for financial reward, attention or online popularity
Should the Equality Act be Amended to Make Explicit Reference to ‘Conscience’?
No full textThis article assesses the case for explicitly including conscience alongside ‘religion and belief’ to form an expanded protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. The function of conscience as a critic and judge of an individual’s actions is discussed and the imperative for accommodating conscience thereby established. The current specific statutory protections for conscience at work are considered and it is noted that these are predominantly within the healthcare field and narrowly drawn such that they provide protection for a small number of people in narrowly defined circumstances. The extent to which conscience is protected under Article 9 ECHR is also explored, as a possible model for the Equality Act, and some ambiguities noted. How far the Equality Act currently protects conscience is considered through a discussion of relevant case law and it is observed that conscience is only protected when it overlaps with religion and belief and that protection is qualified to a significant degree. It is concluded that there are likely to be benefits to including conscience explicitly within the Equality Act but those benefits are likely to widen the scope of, rather than necessarily deepen, existing protections, as there is little evidence that conscience would be accorded more weight than religion or belief when balanced against other rights
Innovation Dynamics in Contrasting Agri-Food Systems: An Agent-Based Simulation of STI Policies in Colombian Coffee and Avocado Chains
No full textSTI policies are key drivers of innovation but require context-specific approaches. While combining technology-push, market-pull, and systemic policies is widely advocated, empirical evidence on their effectiveness in agricultural innovation systems remains limited. This study applies the Adaptive Innovation System Model (AdaptISM), an Agent-Based Model grounded in prior theory, to analyse innovation in Antioquia, Colombia’s coffee and avocado production chains - two sectors with distinct innovation patterns. Using empirical data for model validation, we test how different policy mixes affect innovation performance and economic outcomes. The analysis reveals trade-offs and synergies across policy instruments, offering practical insights for STI design. Our findings demonstrate how established innovation models can guide evidence-based policymaking in developing economies, particularly within diverse agri-food systems. This computational approach supports more targeted resource allocation and strategy formulation, grounded in local dynamics
DeepEGFR a graph neural network for bioactivity classification of EGFR inhibitors
No full textEpidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in the development of several cancers. Thus, modulation/inhibition of EGFR activity is an appealing target of developing novel cancer therapeutics. With the advent of modern machine learning technologies, it is now possible to simulate interactions with high precision between EGFR and small molecules to predict inhibitory/ modulatory activity at an unprecedented scale. In this work, we propose a novel machine-learning method to fast and precise classification of small compounds that are active, intermediate or inactive in inhibiting/modulating EGFR activity. We developed DeepEGFR, a novel multi-class graph neural network (GNN) model, to classify compounds into Active, Inactive, and Intermediate functional categories. DeepEGFR leverages complementary molecular representations, combining SMILES strings and molecular fingerprint matrices (Klekota-Roth and PubChem) to capture both structural and property-based features of compounds. The model constructs an advanced molecular graph representing atom type, formal charge, bond type, and bond order, through nodes and edges. DeepEGFR achieved superior performance compared to baseline machine learning algorithms (e.g., SVM, Random Forest, ANN), with approximately 94% F1-scores across training and test datasets for all activity classes. To ensure interpretability, the top 20 features identified by DeepEGFR were validated against the five key characteristics of FDA-approved EGFR inhibitors (Afatinib, Gefitinib, Osimertinib, Dacomitinib, Erlotinib), confirming the biological relevance of the features. Moreover, DeepEGFR successfully identified 300 underexplored EGFR-targeting compounds, demonstrating its potential to accelerate the discovery of therapeutic agents. These results highlight the effectiveness of graph neural networks in advancing molecular activity classification, setting a potential new benchmark for EGFR inhibitor prediction. These findings demonstrate the DeepEGFR’s ability to highlight the promising EGFR inhibitors, that have received limited prior investigation, thereby supporting its role in facilitating the rational development of targeted therapies for precision oncology
The impact of entrepreneurial education and green markets on entrepreneurial intentions: a mediation-moderation study
No full textBesides traditional business models, entrepreneurial ventures harness innovation and sustainability. Educating students about green startups has been an increasing trend amid the situation of global job markets. Based on the above fact, we investigated the causal link between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intentions with the perceived attributes of the green market and social support. CFA was applied using AMOS software on survey collected data from university students. The results show that entrepreneurial education is a catalyst for starting business. Results from the moderation mediation analysis indicate that social support moderates between entrepreneurial education and perceived attribute of the green markets. Moreover, this research also tested the indirect influence of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intention through the perceived attribute of green market. Also, this research shows that the perceived attribute of the green market as a mediator between the predictor and the dependent variable is insignificant. The study provides an optimal point of insights for the educators and policymakers as well, as for the entrepreneurs on developing a sustainable entrepreneur landscape. This research is intended to take aspiring entrepreneurs down a greener, more Entrepreneurial path
The Normalisation of Transphobic Victimisation
No full textThis chapter examines the experiences of transgender individuals in relation to transphobic hate crime, with a specific focus on micro-crime victimisation. Micro-crimes, which include verbal abuse, harassment, and other subtle forms of victimisation, are often overlooked within mainstream criminological discourse despite their profound impact on marginalised communities. Drawing upon feminist and queer theoretical frameworks, the chapter explores how trans individuals interpret and respond to these experiences within a socio-political context that has seen rising hostility towards gender variance. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, the study reveals that transphobic victimisation is frequently encountered in routine, everyday settings, including public spaces, workplaces, and social interactions. Participants’ narratives highlight the normalisation of these experiences, as many victims come to anticipate and internalise such abuse as an inevitable aspect of their daily lives. The chapter also considers the broader implications of these experiences, including the psychological, emotional, and practical consequences faced by victims, as well as the barriers that prevent effective institutional responses to such crimes. By situating transphobic hate crime within wider discussions of social power, gender essentialism, and systemic inequalities, this chapter underscores the need for policy reforms, increased legal protections, and improved social support mechanisms for transgender individuals. The findings contribute to a growing body of research advocating for a more inclusive and intersectional understanding of hate crime victimisation. Ultimately, this chapter calls for a shift in societal attitudes and institutional practices to better recognise, address, and prevent transphobic victimisation in all its forms
Muslims and the COVID-19 pandemic: myth-busting the demonisation of Muslim communities
No full textThis article draws upon research carried out in Muslim communities in the UK throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and the experiences of religious and community leaders in responding to the challenges facing Muslims as a disproportionately impacted group. We apply a Critical Race Theory framework and draw upon Muslim stakeholder voices to provide a counter-narrative which confronts highly racialised narratives around Muslims in the context of Covid-19. The pandemic saw Muslims depicted in online spaces as resistant to public health directives and contributing to the spread of Covid-19. These narratives demonised Muslims through re-appropriating pre-existing tropes around Muslims as a threat, in the process re-affirming these racialised narratives in the context of Covid-19. Identifying the content of these narratives against a CRT theoretical backdrop allows for an understanding of how Muslims’ relationality to whiteness informs their demonisation in online spaces. Having established the claims made around Muslims in online spaces, we draw upon real-world data driven accounts of Muslim community-led interventions in response to the threat of Covid-19