11913 research outputs found
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Building Connections and Striving to Build Better Futures: A Qualitative Interview Study of Alcohol Recovery Navigators’ Practice in the North East of England, UK
Full text linkTo address the holistic and continuity of care needs of people who attend North East hospitals frequently for alcohol-related reasons, Recovery Navigator (Navigator) roles were introduced into Alcohol Care Teams in six hospitals in the North East of England, UK, in 2022. The Navigators aimed to provide dedicated holistic support to patients experiencing alcohol harms, starting whilst in the hospital with the potential to continue this beyond discharge. This qualitative study explores the contributions that the Navigators make towards integrated alcohol care. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 7 patients, 1 carer, and 17 staff. We used reflexive thematic analysis and applied the concept of continuity of care and Self-Determination Theory. The findings suggest that all of the participants value Navigators having dedicated time to work with patients to address their social needs, that patients benefit from having someone who provides relational support and is ‘gently persistent’, and that most of the Navigators have good relationships with community providers and have supported the transition of patients to these services. Staff recognise the challenges of holistic alcohol care in hospitals, and the support of the Alcohol Care Teams and Navigators is seen as invaluable. Navigators help to address gaps in the provision of holistic support for patients who experience significant health inequalities
International Perspectives of Neuroscience in the Youth Justice Courtroom
No full textThis edited collection will present international viewpoints on interdisciplinary problems that fall under the new and emerging field of neurojustice. The chapters will critically explore a wide range of legal problems in youth justice for children and young persons through a neuroscientific lens. This global view will be informed by analyses from academics and legal practitioners based in England and Wales, Ireland, the United States, and New Zealand.
This book brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to discuss the use and relevancy of neuroscience in the youth justice courtroom, and how neuroscience is currently benefiting and impacting children and young persons in international youth justice trials. The book makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature in this field by offering a thorough examination of the intersection between these disciplines for children and young individuals at different stages of the trial process, including unfitness to plead, sentencing, and mens rea
Social innovation and value creation in Africa: An overview
Full text linkPurpose
This paper aims to highlight different dynamics associated with social innovation and value creation, particularly by multinational corporations (MNCs) in the African context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a systematic literature review of 159 published studies.
Findings
The literature review revealed corruption, nepotism, a lack of transparency and accountability, lack of trust in African government and numerous policy voids as barriers to social innovation activities particularly by MNCs in the region. Multinational corporations as well as social activists face further challenges in balancing the conflicting value logics between different interest groups. Also, the weak educational system, the African thought system and management approaches being used in Africa tend to limit MNCs’ social innovation possibilities.
Originality/value
The current paper enriches Africa-focused social innovation literature, along with contributing to the debate on the influence of management thinking by establishing a link between the African thought system and the social innovation activities, particularly by MNCs in that context
Planar optical fibre sensor systems for real-time structural health monitoring of advanced composite structures
Full text linkStructural health monitoring (SHM) of composite materials is critical for ensuring the reliability and longevity of high-performance engineering systems. This review comprehensively examines the advancements, challenges, and applications of flat optical fibre sensors (FOFS) for real-time strain monitoring in composite structures. Traditional electrical strain gauges and piezoelectric sensors face limitations in multiplexing, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and integration within composite layups. In contrast, FOFS offer unique advantages, including high spatial resolution, compatibility with composite manufacturing processes, and immunity to EMI. This paper analyses the working principles of FOFS, their fabrication techniques, integration methodologies, and signal interrogation systems. Case studies from aerospace, civil engineering, and renewable energy sectors underscore their practical efficacy. Challenges such as signal attenuation, temperature cross-sensitivity, and long-term durability are critically evaluated. The review concludes with future directions, including nanotechnology-enhanced sensors and machine learning-driven data analytics
Digital Leadership
No full textDigital leadership is a commonly used term in today’s digital age. On one hand, it is linked to the latest industrial revolution (IR 4.0) which is changing almost all aspects of our organizational lives, and on the other hand, it is about leadership, one of the most valuable skills required by organizations. Yet, despite its importance, no comprehensive and universally accepted definition for digital leadership currently exists.
In this chapter we are sharing different views about the concept of digital leadership and categorize different perspectives towards it. We learn that whilst some people interpret digital leadership as a kind of organizational position, others view it as a set of skills and competencies. Others take the view that digital leadership is merely a status of using digital technologies in products or services, business models, systems and processes. There are also those that take a more profound view, believing that digital leadership represents a shared culture and way of doing things in the digital age
Exploring the Perspectives and Expectations of Special Educational Needs Coordinators on the Use of Special iApps for Children
Full text linkThe digitalization of education has significantly transformed special education practices and the roles of Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs). One area of rapid growth is the use of learning applications for children with severe intellectual disabilities, with many apps promising both new ways to engage and educational benefits. Despite this potential, research examining the impact of these tools remains limited. This chapter addresses this gap by exploring SENCOs' perspectives and expectations regarding learning apps, specifically Special iApps, for children with severe intellectual disabilities. Through qualitative research methods and an inductive approach, the study investigates the overarching question: “What do SENCOs perceive and expect from learning apps designed for children with severe intellectual disabilities?” The findings shed light on SENCOs' views on the educational effectiveness of these apps and offer critical recommendations to support the integration of mobile technologies in teaching practices
The Relationship Between Blood Omega‐3 Levels and the Small Vessel Disease in Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Case‐Control Study
Full text linkBackground: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it can lead to the development of small vessel disease in the brain, which in turn exacerbates the unintended and long‐term consequences of this condition. Given that various factors are involved in the development and exacerbation of this disease, the aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between blood omega‐3 levels and the small vessel disease in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: The present study is a case‐control study. The target population in this study consists of ischemic stroke patients enrolled in a hospital through a census over the course of 1 year. The sample size was 72 patients, who were assessed using MRI and/or CT scans for the extent of small vessel blood vessel changes. They were then divided into two groups: those with small vessel changes (31 individuals—cases) and those without small vessel changes (41 individuals—controls). Subsequently, individuals in both groups were evaluated for their blood omega‐3 levels. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS‐20. Results: The research findings revealed that the majority of individuals in both the case and control groups were in the 51–70 age range and were female. Apart from the gender variable, the two groups did not significantly differ in other variables. Upon comparing the two groups, it was evident that men comprised a larger portion of the case group. Analytical findings also indicated a significant relationship between blood omega‐3 levels and small vessel changes in the brain. This is because the results of the mean blood omega‐3 levels of the two case and control groups showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.001 < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the research findings, there is an association between low levels of omega‐3 in blood and the occurrence of small vessel changes in the brain
Deconstructing dangerous discourse: an analysis of personal safety advice to students on UK universities’ websites
Full text linkIn a society pre-occupied with managing risks, individuals are responsibilised to ensure their own safety. In the context of higher education, this might seem useful advice because young university students are at risk of violent victimisation, and they migrate to cities with which they are unfamiliar. However, using Foucauldian discourse analysis, we analysed text about personal safety on all UK universities’ websites to draw-out the underlying discourse embedded in the safety advice. We find that students are advised where to walk, when to walk, how to walk or not to walk, and who with. In seeking to control the movements of potential victims to avoid victimisation, a victim-blaming discourse is evident. The offender is rarely mentioned. Such overt safety advice often impacts upon women more than men. It is argued that given the duplication of such advice across university websites as well as its dated nature, it is likely that universities have given little thought to how they advise their students to keep safe and the impact of this. We provide recommendations on how universities can update their personal safety advice to students to be more empowering
Enhancing Sustainability and Functionality with Recycled Materials in Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing
Full text linkThis study presents a novel multi‐material additive manufacturing (MMAM) strategy by combining virgin polylactic acid (vPLA) with recycled polylactic acid (rPLA) in a layered configuration to improve both performance and sustainability. Specimens were produced using fused deposition modelling (FDM) with various vPLA: rPLA ratios (33:67, 50:50, and 67:33) and two distinct layering approaches: one with vPLA forming the external layers and rPLA as the core, and a second using the reversed arrangement. Mechanical testing revealed that when vPLA is used as the exterior, printed components exhibit tensile strength and elongation improvements of 10–25% over conventional single‐material prints, while the tensile modulus is largely influenced by the distribution of the two materials. Thermal analysis shows that both vPLA and rPLA begin to degrade at approximately 330°C; however, rPLA demonstrates a higher end‐of‐degradation temperature (461.7°C) and increased residue at elevated temperatures, suggesting improved thermal stability due to enhanced crystallinity. Full‐field strain mapping, corroborated by digital microscopy (DM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed that vPLA‐rich regions display more uniform interlayer adhesion with minimal voids or microcracks, whereas rPLA‐dominated areas exhibit greater porosity and a higher propensity for brittle failure. These findings highlight the role of optimal material placement in mitigating the inherent deficiencies of recycled polymers. The integrated approach of combining microstructural assessments with full‐field strain mapping provides a comprehensive view of interlayer bonding and underlying failure mechanisms. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that both layer placement and material ratio have a significant influence on performance, with high effect sizes highlighting the sensitivity of mechanical properties to these parameters. In addition to demonstrating improvements in mechanical and thermal properties, this work addresses a significant gap in the literature by evaluating the combined effect of vPLA and rPLA in a multi-material configuration. The results emphasise that strategic material distribution can effectively counteract some of the limitations typically associated with recycled polymers, while also contributing to reduced dependence on virgin materials. These outcomes support broader sustainability objectives by enhancing energy efficiency and promoting a circular economy within additive manufacturing (AM). Overall, the study establishes a robust foundation for industrial-scale implementations, paving the way for future innovations in eco-efficient FDM processes
Navigating Liminal Spaces: Identity Development and Professional Competencies of Doctoral Scholar-Practitioners
Full text linkPurpose: This conceptual paper explores identity formation and competency development of doctoral scholar-practitioners navigating liminal spaces between academic scholarship and professional practice. It moves beyond dismissive identity development and liminality concepts as solitary to explore socially constructed discourses in discursive environments.
Design: The paper adopts a reflexive and theoretical approach, drawing upon the concepts of community socialisation and interrogates identity formation of doctoral scholar-practitioners. Focusing on Early Career Academics (ECAs), it explores the
dynamic interplay of being and becoming within academic communities. Findings: The exploration highlights how becoming a scholar-practitioner is marked by iterative transitions and recursive competency development. These transitions are framed by intellectual and emotional challenges, promoting reflexivity and integration of theoretical and practical knowledge. The findings suggest liminality promotes nuanced identity reconstruction, bridging disciplinary divides.
Research Limitations/Implications: The proposed framework serves as a directional model for ECAs, supporting their sense of self, career development, and professional practice application while shaping identity (re)formation within an academic community. However, empirical validation is required to confirm its pertinency and effectiveness.
Practical Implications: The findings highlight the necessity for educational interventions to help scholars navigate academic and professional domains. They also inform the design of programmes that support reflexive identity formation, preparing graduates for diverse roles to enrich dynamic scholarly communities. Subsequently leading to increased transparency among doctoral researchers and enhancing understanding of knowledge co-creation.
Originality/Value: Centring the doctoral scholar-practitioner in a liminal context offers narrative insights into identity evolution and professional competency development. It advances understanding of how doctoral education serves as crucibles for interdisciplinary integration, reflexivity, and growth