62880 research outputs found
Sort by
Ten questions on indoor greening and environmental quality
No full textWhile outdoor urban greening is recognised for its benefits, indoor green infrastructure (iGI) in shaping indoor environmental quality (IEQ) - including air quality, thermal comfort, and bioaerosols - remains underexplored. This ten-question paper identifies key challenges, opportunities, and research gaps in the iGI-IEQ nexus, organised under 10 questions across five thematic clusters: (1) biophysical and technical performance; (2) ecological and microbiological dynamics; (3) human health and wellbeing; (4) equity, access, and socio-economic factors; and (5) implementation and systems integration. Findings indicate that iGI can improve air quality, regulate humidity, and enhance thermal comfort. However, its performance depends strongly on plant density, species selection, and ventilation. Most evidence comes from controlled settings. iGI may offer positive psychological and cognitive benefits, and can reduce health inequalities through affordable indoor interventions. However, significant data scarcity exists for long-term field studies, indoor microbial ecosystem effects, and socio-economic accessibility. Widespread adoption of iGI requires quantification of proven benefit conditions, followed by overcoming technical, operational, and regulatory barriers via adaptive design, digital monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a culminating synthesis, this study introduces a newly developed comprehensive matrix that classifies twenty-six indoor greening types across twenty IEQ parameters, incorporating an assessment of current data confidence. This matrix lays a foundational framework for informed decision-making and design guidance. This review offers evidence-based insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to effectively leverage iGI where suitable, in creating healthier, climate-resilient residential and commercial buildings, addressing both immediate IEQ challenges and supporting long-term sustainability objectives
Beyond bringing books and children together: International children's literature advocacy in the UK today
Get PDFOnly a tiny percentage of children’s books published in English in the UK in any given year
are translations from other languages. As a result, translating, publishing and promoting
children’s literature in English translation is always already a politically, socially and
artistically ‘committed act’. This project investigates the community of individuals and
organisations whose work is guided by this ‘commitment’ to bringing international children’s
literature to British audiences. These organisations and individuals, this thesis argues, are
part of a transnational tradition of ‘international children’s literature advocacy’ which has its
roots in the work of a small network of mostly European and US American children’s book
professionals active during the post- WWII period. Although this is a field of enquiry which
naturally resists neat division into national sub-fields, this thesis centres primarily on the
contemporary UK manifestations of this international and transnational phenomenon.
The study uses qualitative methods, arguing that international children’s literature
advocacy is best understood using the heuristic of a habitus. This concept was coined by
Pierre Bourdieu in the 1970s and more recently has been developed by translation studies
scholars as part of a ‘human turn’ in the field. This research traces the development of the
phenomenon it identifies as the ‘international children’s literature advocacy habitus’ in the
British context, always with an awareness of international influences and connections. It
identifies the key ‘international children’s literature advocates’ active in contemporary Britain,
traces the networks within which they operate, and explores how the habitus shapes their
work. The thesis concludes with a series of case studies describing the recent
English-language translation of several Latin American children’s books by UK-based
publishers. These cases demonstrate how the framework of an international children’s
literature advocacy habitus offers new ways of understanding the marginal yet resilient
phenomenon of children’s literature in English translation
Sustainable production of mature and stable amendments through biochar-enhanced vermicomposting of cocoa pod husks
No full textA major waste resulting from cocoa production is cocoa pod husk (CPH), which is often piled up on-farm and left to rot. This study aims to valorise CPH through a vermicomposting process to produce stable and mature amendments. Fresh CPH were mixed with cattle manure (ratio 1:1), to this mixture 4% and 8% CPH biochar were added. The earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, which is native to the Ghana region and is readily accessible to local farmers, was used for the vermicomposting over a 60-day duration. Chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, organic C, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and microbial characteristics (culturable bacteria and fungi and DNA sequencing) were monitored during the vermicomposting. The pH, total N and K of the different matrices raised over time and with increasing amounts of biochar. In all treatments, bacterial counts decreased in the first 10 days (between 1.79 and 2.16 times) and then stabilised throughout the process. Biochar inhibited the number of fungi in the first 40 days, but subsequently stimulated their growth. The biochar addition had a significant impact on the dynamics of the bacterial communities, although Streptomyces, Pelagibacterium, Rhabdothermus, Lysinibacillus, Micromonospora, and Mesorhizobium were the dominant genera in all samples. All treatments promoted an increase in microbial taxa involved in carbon and nitrogen cycle.
The results highlighted that CPH can be valorised through the production of vermichar, although scalability and efficiency assessments need to be performed, to ensure the applicability of this bioprocess on large scale in cocoa-growing regions
Food-based strategies to mitigate protein-energy undernutrition in later life
Get PDFEnsuring adequate food intake among older people is essential for maintaining health and preventing malnutrition. This review explores strategies to enhance dietary intake in this population group. Several key interventions are highlighted, including offering high-energy and protein-fortified meals and snacks, optimising the visual appeal and presentation of foods, enhancing flavours, and providing finger foods or modified textures to support consumption. Familiarity with fortified foods may encourage acceptance and increase intake, while improving food aesthetics and incorporating varied flavours can enhance enjoyment and promote consumption. Flavour enhancement may help compensate for decline in smell and taste sensitivity often experienced by older people, helping to sustain interest in food and promote greater intake. Finger foods present a practical solution for older adults with physical impairments, allowing for easier handling and self-feeding. Additionally, for individuals with dysphagia or chewing difficulties, texture-modified diets tailored to their needs support safe food intake. Research suggests that refining food presentation through techniques such as moulding and 3D printing may improve palatability and appeal, potentially boosting consumption among older adults. Addressing sensory preferences and physical challenges associated with eating is critical to ensuring adequate nutrition and promoting overall well-being in the elderly population. This review underscores the importance of multifaceted dietary strategies, advocating for personalised interventions that align with older individuals’ needs and preferences to enhance food intake and nutritional status
Modelling Enceladus’ ocean stratification, circulation, and impacts upon potential observables
Get PDFEnceladus - an ice-covered moon of Saturn - harbours a global subsurface ocean, a prime
target in the search for life. Material lofted into space via plumes erupting from fissures in
its south polar ice shell is believed sourced from the ocean, and has been used to infer the
ocean composition. This thesis highlights the role of ocean stratification and circulation
in modulating the representability of plume material of the bulk ocean, and the sensitivity
of these to ocean salinity effects.
A general circulation model (GCM) is adapted from terrestrial applications for the
study of Enceladus. Leveraging this, it is shown that the ocean beneath Enceladus’ south
polar ocean should be stratified if steady state is assumed for its overlying ice shell. Stratification arises owing to ocean salinity effects via two mechanisms: the reversal in the
thermal expansion coefficient (αT ) at low salinity, and ice melting. Stratification extent
is modulated by mean salinity, ice melting rate, as well as uncertain mixing induced by
eddies (κGM ) and tidal- and librational- energy dissipation (κz). Stratification is shown to
delay transit of hydrothermally- derived particulates to the plumes by 1000s to 100,000s
of years. It is therefore argued that robust modelling of ocean bottom-to-top transport
within Enceladus should account for ice shell freshwater fluxes, and a non-linear equation
of state that permits αT to vary within the ocean.
Assuming a steady state ice shell, constraints are then obtained upon the relative
freshening of Enceladus’ south polar ocean. Relative freshening is found stronger for
larger melting rate, weaker κz and larger bulk ocean salinity. The work suggests that salt
concentrations within plume material may represent an underestimate of the salinity of
the bulk ocean.
Enceladus’ 3D time-mean ocean circulation is demonstrated to produce a motionally
induced magnetic field. This magnetic signature is found to differ at differing ocean
salinity, but is likely too weak to detect using modern fluxgate magnetometers. Results
obtained here inform future efforts to obtain alternative constraints upon Enceladus’ ocean
salinity via its magnetic signature
Emerging hotspots of agricultural drought under climate change
Get PDFClimate change is intensifying drought risk, yet it is unclear which regions will be most vulnerable in the future. Here we investigate emerging hotspots of agricultural drought across the tropics and Northern Hemisphere extratropics using climate reanalysis and model simulations under a range of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Our analysis accounts for soil moisture at the onset of the growing season, as well as variability during the season itself, linking climate change to the land-surface water balance by classifying the dominant controls on evapotranspiration, including a newly defined state governed by plant extraction of water from the root zone. We show that much of Europe, southern Africa, northern South America and western North America are emerging hotspots of agricultural drought, with mechanisms of observed drying consistent with future projections. Drought trends are identified even where precipitation projections diverge. By focusing on growing seasons, our approach captures hotspots overlooked by annual metrics and shows that increasing drought frequency is compounded by shifts towards more severe and intense events. These findings have strong implications for food security and highlight the need for drought-resilient adaptation not only in the global south but also in extratropical regions where risk is already escalating
Exploring the knowledge level and practices of hospital pharmacists in management of oral anticoagulants in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a scoping review of literature
Get PDFAbstract
Introduction: Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are essential for managing thromboembolic events and cardiovascular conditions. However, they carry a significant bleeding risk. Pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of these medications. Within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, hospital pharmacists are involved in managing OACs. However, region specific data on their knowledge and practices remain limited.
Aim: This review analysed existing literature regarding hospital pharmacists' knowledge and practices in OACs dispensing and counselling within the GCC countries.
Methodology: A literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and PsycINFO. Articles that explored the hospital pharmacist's knowledge and practices regarding OACs were included. There were no restrictions on study design, publication date, or language. Searches were undertaken on February 1, 2025 then re-run on October 28, 2025, following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines.
Results: Findings revealed gaps in pharmacists' knowledge and practices regarding OACs management. Out of 75 articles identified, seven met inclusion criteria, representing studies from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All were cross-sectional and utilized validated questionnaires. A study from Saudi Arabia and another from the UAE reported gaps in warfarin knowledge. Counselling practices were suboptimal in both studies. The study by Al-Arifi et al., further identified insufficient knowledge of warfarin interactions. Beyond warfarin, one study reported deficiencies in rivaroxaban knowledge and counselling, while another found moderate awareness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (mean score 41.6% ± 26%). Al-jedai et al., reported inadequate practice in OACs dispensing and monitoring, and another study found greater pharmacists' confidence in counselling on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) (67%) than on DOACs (49%).
Discussion: Findings highlight inadequate knowledge and practice among pharmacists regarding OACs. Although all studies included community pharmacists and other healthcare providers, none focused exclusively on hospital pharmacists, who are more directly involved in OAC management in the GCC. All studies relied solely on self-reported data, increasing bias. Most studies originated from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, reducing generalizability. Nevertheless, addressing knowledge gaps could improve hospital pharmacists' practice on OACs management, improving patient safety, and optimising therapeutic outcomes
From constitutional neutrality to mission-driven capability: oscillatory institutional layering in UK civil service reform (1854–2024)
Get PDFThe United Kingdom’s Civil Service has been described as both one of the most stable administrative systems in the world and one of the most frequently reformed. Since the Northcote–Trevelyan Report (1854), successive governments have launched major reform initiatives to address capability deficits, weaknesses in performance management, coordination failures, fiscal constraints, and concerns about central accountability. Yet despite sustained reform activity, the constitutional foundations of the Westminster system, merit-based recruitment, political neutrality, permanence, and ministerial responsibility, remain intact. This article advances a model of Oscillatory Institutional Layering (OIL) to explain this paradox of continuous reform alongside structural continuity. Drawing on a structured, coded qualitative document analysis of 23 major reform reports and white papers between 1854 and 2024, the study argues that UK civil service reform unfolds through the cumulative layering of governance instruments, combined with cyclical oscillation between decentralised autonomy and recentralised authority. Reform waves do not replace prior administrative paradigms; rather, they recalibrate coordination tensions inherent in constitutionally bounded systems. The contemporary mission-driven “rewiring the state” agenda is interpreted as a neo-Weberian recalibration within this layered architecture. The article contributes to public administration theory by integrating institutional change, coordination dilemmas, and reform cycles into a longitudinal explanatory framework that may have broader relevance beyond the UK context
The acute and chronic effects of Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) extract on sleep quality, mood, cognition and endothelial function in healthy young to middle-aged adults
No full textLemon balm is a perennial herb that has been ascribed actions on sleep,
cognition, mood and vascular health. My thesis aimed to determine these effects
across three randomised controlled trials. Firstly, I determined the 4-week
effects of daily lemon balm extract (LBE) on sleep quality and mood relative to a
placebo in healthy adults with mild sleep complaints showing that both LBE and
placebo had significant effects on sleep quality and mood. Bedtime cortisol also
increased following LBE, suggesting that LBE boosted lower cortisol levels in
adults with mild sleep problems. Secondly, the acute effects of a dose of LBE on
cognition and mood during periods of cognitive overload were investigated in
healthy adults with moderate stress complaints. LBE intervention showed
cognitive benefits at 5 h following supplementation in the hardest executive
trials, where accuracy performance was associated with feeling calmer and more
content. Furthermore, a maintenance of diastolic blood pressure was seen for
LBE during cognitive overload. Finally, the effects of LBE on vascular health in
healthy adults was assessed where LBE showed increases in shear rate at 1.5 h
following intake, and with no changes in endothelial function, indicating an
increase in blood flow velocity. This programme of research is the first to
demonstrate that LBE had acute effects on cognitive performance associated with
changes in transient mood, calmness and contentedness. The greatest effect on
cognitive performance was seen at 5 h, and at 1.5 h for blood flow velocity. It is
still unclear if the increase in bedtime cortisol is associated with sleep quality
following 4-weeks of LBE intake, as the placebo group also improved in sleep
quality. Future work should assess the effects of LBE on cortisol changes
associated with sleep-wake patterns in those with sleep problems and assess the
action of LBE in stressed adults with effects associated with executive function,
mood and blood flow velocity up to 5 h following intake