11913 research outputs found
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Pathway to Environmental Resilience: Analyzing Financial Dimensions to Curb Energy Security Risks
No full textGiven the importance of environmental sustainability, energy security risk in ensuring stable energy supply, minimizing business risks and costs, and supporting long-term investment and sustainable growth, and the examination of the energy security risk and financial development in terms of strategic business aspect is crucial in academic literature. For this, the current study establishes the quantile-dependent association between business development indicators and the environmental sustainability in broader sense. Precisely, this study investigates the role of energy security risk (ESR) and its four sub-indices, with diverse measures of firm’s financial performance in the United States from 1970 to 2020. The novel Wavelet Quantile Correlation (WQC) methodology is selected to obtain the study results. The outcomes of the wavelet quantile correlations expose the non-linear behavior of the variables chosen, acknowledging the method's utility. Regarding the connectedness of financial development with energy security risk indices, the overall results reveal that the various indicators of banking sector are positively associated while majority stock market indicators negatively correlates with the energy security risk at various bearish and bullish market conditions in the short and medium run. With the geopolitical risk, the banking sector is negatively affected, while stock market variables possess an escalating impact. Various indicators of banking sector are negatively correlated with economic risk, while stock market is positively tied with economic risk. Similarly, the reliability risk is negatively secured to the quantile association with the most of the banking sector indicators. Also, the environmental risk has an increasing negative impact on banking sector indicators at various bearish, stable, and bullish quantiles, specifically in the short and long run. For robustness, the Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (QQR) analysis has been performed to validate the outcomes. In light of the outcomes, policies regarding the enhancement of business strategy development and eliminating the impact of environmental risks in developed countries like the USA have been furnished
Under the Lens Episode 2
No full textDr Callum Cooper joins Professor Emmanuel Adukwu to talk about all things bacteriophage, from alternatives to antibiotics, social impact, and regulation
Neurodivergence as a Risk Factor for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
Full text linkObjectives: Neurodivergent (ND) individuals (e.g., autistic people) are more likely to experience health problems that are characterised by ‘Central Sensitisation’ (CS). Recent research suggests that a so-called ‘Long-COVID’ syndrome might also be explained by a heightened response to internal physiological stimuli, much like in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The primary objective of this study was to establish whether individuals who scored highly on a measure of CS would be more likely to experience long-term symptoms of COVID-19. A secondary aim considered if having a Type D personality was also linked to ongoing COVID-19 symptoms. Method: Using a standardised assessment tool, we examined whether traits associated with autism would predict long-term COVID-19 symptoms in 267 Healthcare Workers (HCWs). We also used a measure of Type D personality to establish if negative affect and social inhibition were related to Long-COVID. Results: A higher number of autistic traits predicted COVID-19 symptoms that lasted more than 12 weeks regardless of formal autism diagnosis. A personality measure also showed that negative affect was associated with experiencing COVID-19 symptoms for 4–12 weeks, though the direction of causality in this case is uncertain. Conclusions: Our main findings were (i) more HCWs scored above threshold for neurodivergence than those who were self-declared as having been diagnosed as neurodivergent; (ii) while there was no association between long-term COVID-19 and self-declared neurodivergent status, scores for the ‘sensory reactivity’ item of a standardised autism scale was predictive of COVID-19 symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks post-infection; and (iii) HCWs with Type D Personality were not more likely to experience long-term COVID-19
Anti-Hype Irony: Keeping Up with New Media Artists in Whatever Discipline
No full textCurating new media art across disciplines from live art to media art: Is this fake or manipulated media? Is this like curating Live Art or Performance Art? Aren’t computers the opposite of live—the ersatz android, or merely artificial intelligence? Was Alexei Shulgin’s immaculate sense of Russian irony an essential tool for defusing the commercial hype around new technology, and rendering it as art? Afterwards: Art in the Time of Change. Russia: CURA. https://curamagazine.com/product/afterwards/. 118-127
Magnetic-Responsive Triple Shape Memory Polymer from Bio-Based Benzoxazine/Urethane Polymer Alloys with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Full text linkNovel magnetic-responsive triple shape memory polymers (SMPs) derived from bio-based benzoxazine-urethane (V-fa/PU) polymer alloys containing iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) were developed in this work. Shape memory effect and curing behavior of the alloys were investigated at various bio-based PU contents. The polymerization of V-fa/PU polymer alloys with a heterogeneous network generated a broad glass transition temperature, which is a crucial feature for the development of triple SMPs. The influence of Fe3O4 NPs incorporation into the polymer nanocomposites on the SMP performance triggered by magnetic fields was also investigated. It was found that the addition of Fe3O4 NPs can enhance the dynamic mechanical properties and magnetic characteristics of the V-fa/PU polymer alloys thanks to the superparamagnetic property of Fe3O4 NPs. Moreover, the performance of the SMPs based on V-fa/PU polymer nanocomposites filled with Fe3O4 NPs showed high shape fixity of up to 98%, a shape recovery of 98%, and a recovering time of 8 s. Furthermore, bio-based V-fa/PU polymer alloys containing Fe3O4 NPs were developed as magnetic responsive triple SMPs with shape fixity in the range of 95–97% and shape recovery in the range of 85–95%. The results suggested that magnetic responsive triple SMPs from bio-based V-fa/PU polymer alloys filled with Fe3O4 NPs are promising candidate for advanced applications
Robots Playing Fair? – How Embodiment Shapes Trust and Perceptions of Cheating in AI
No full textThis study explores how the physical presence of an AI system influences user trust, fairness perceptions, and engagement in AI-driven decision-making. We designed a human-AI Rock-Paper-Scissors game and compared user interactions with Pepper, an embodied robot, and Amazon Alexa, a disembodied voice assistant. 71 participants provided quantitative and qualitative data on their experiences, allowing us to examine factors like trust, perceived cheating, and enjoyment. Our results show that participants placed significantly greater trust in Pepper, underscoring the importance of embodiment in fostering trust. Pepper's transparency, achieved through its physical actions and cues, contributed to a stronger sense of fairness, while winning or losing the game did not significantly impact trust levels. These findings support established theories like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) paradigm, highlighting the crucial role of embodiment and transparency in facilitating positive human-AI interactions. This research offers valuable guidance for designing AI systems that leverage physical embodiment and transparency-enhancing features to promote trust and engagement, with potential applications across diverse fields such as education, healthcare, and customer service
Rethinking Sustainability Consciousness: A Holistic Approach to Understanding Its Determinants in the Food Industry
Full text linkConsumers increasingly seek sustainable food options, yet behavior lags stated concern. However, a gap existed on how valuebelief–norm and ecological worldviews shaped sustainability consciousness, especially across cultures. Addressing this gap, we integrated Value–Belief–Norm theory with New Ecological Paradigm dimensions to analyze student surveys from the United Kingdom and Türkiye using PLS- SEM and permutation- based multi- group analysis. Headline effects (standardized β): altruistic → consciousness (UK 0.275; Türkiye 0.247), anti- exceptionalism (UK 0.244; Türkiye 0.202); biospheric significant only in the UK (0.291); anti- anthropocentrism significant only in Türkiye (0.253). Egoistic and hedonic values are non- significant. Explained variance in sustainability consciousness: R2UK = 0.537; R2TR = 0.410. MGA indicates no significant cross- group differences in path strengths. Findings highlight culturally contingent pathways and inform education and communication tailored to locally salient values and beliefs in the food industry. The paper advances a holistic framework for understanding sustainability behavior across cultures, enriching sustainability theory and global discourse
Action Research - Issue 2
Full text linkWelcome to the second issue of Action Research, where our Learning and Skills Teacher apprentices share their Joint Practice Development projects. Each study reflects a commitment to learner-centred practice, demonstrating how research undertaken in professional contexts can directly shape teaching, learning, and progression in the Further Education and Skills sector.
This issue brings together projects on learner confidence, assessment, and inclusion. From questioning strategies for EAL learners and adaptive teaching approaches, to community wellbeing initiatives, the focus on building confidence and learner voice is clear. Alongside this, research into formative assessment, retrieval practice, and practice assessment documents shows how assessment can move beyond measurement to actively drive engagement and learning.
A further strand of inquiry highlights organisational change, with projects such as workplace passports for neurodiverse learners exploring how educational support can be sustained into employment. Together, these studies underline the sector’s role in fostering equity, wellbeing, and opportunity. Above all, they show the power of practitioner research to reimagine practice and improve outcomes for learners
Overcoming Oral Cavity Barriers for Peptide Delivery Using Advanced Pharmaceutical Techniques and Nano-Formulation Platforms
Full text linkTherapeutic peptides have gained significant attention due to their high specificity, potency, and safety profiles in treating various diseases. However, their clinical application via the oral route remains challenging. Peptides are inherently unstable in the gastrointestinal environment, where they are rapidly degraded by proteolytic enzymes and acidic pH, leading to poor bioavailability. Additionally, their large molecular size and hydrophilicity restrict passive diffusion across the epithelial barriers of the gastrointestinal tract. These limitations have traditionally necessitated parenteral administration, which reduces patient compliance and convenience. The oral cavity, comprising the buccal and sublingual mucosa, offers a promising alternative for peptide delivery. Its rich vascularization allows for rapid systemic absorption while bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism. Furthermore, the mucosal surface provides a relatively permeable and accessible site for drug administration. However, the oral cavities also present significant barriers: the mucosal epithelium limits permeability, the presence of saliva causes rapid clearance, and enzymes in saliva contribute to peptide degradation. Therefore, innovative strategies are essential to enhance peptide stability, retention, and permeation in this environment. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including lipid-based carriers such as liposomes and niosomes, as well as polymeric nanoparticles like chitosan and PLGA, offer promising solutions. These nanocarriers protect peptides from enzymatic degradation, enhance mucoadhesion to prolong residence time, and facilitate controlled release. Their size and surface properties can be engineered to improve mucosal penetration, including through receptor-mediated endocytosis or by transiently opening tight junctions. Among these, niosomes have shown high encapsulation efficiency and sustained release potential, making them particularly suitable for oral peptide delivery. Despite advances, challenges remain in translating these technologies clinically, including ensuring biocompatibility, scalable manufacturing, and patient acceptance. Nevertheless, the oral cavity’s accessibility, combined with nanotechnological innovations, offers a compelling platform for personalized, non-invasive peptide therapies that could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient quality of life