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Mad Zine pedagogy: using zines in critical mental health learning and education
Get PDFThis article explores how zines might be used as a medium for generating and communicating alternative forms of Mad-centred knowledge in diverse learning contexts. It draws on our research project about ‘madzines’ which involved identifying madzines; ‘being with’ them; sharing examples with others, and facilitating madzine workshops across both formal and informal settings. Here, we use these activities to reflect on the possibilities, as well as the limitations, of using these informal DIY publications as a form of critical mental health learning, focusing on social work education. Drawing on Alison Piepmeier’s idea of zines as pedagogies of hope, we explore how using madzines in teaching might help: enable learners to: process alternative knowledge and understanding; actively critique existing services and the policy that informs them; and imagine alternatives. We also identify several limitations to be aware of when introducing zines in formal educational settings: decontextualisation, unethical sharing, the othering of madness; and instrumentalising zines. We suggest that our reflections have wider applications across professional, and indeed non-professional, settings
A graphic design framework for effective out-of-home social cause advertising
Get PDFSocial cause advertising aims to raise awareness and address societal issues by connecting emotionally with audiences, influencing attitudes, and inspiring behavioural change. Unlike traditional advertising, which focuses on product promotion, social cause advertisements are often more emotionally driven, aiming to foster deeper connections with their viewers. When designing for social change, designers apply a universal framework that incorporates various elements and styles to shape the composition of advertisements. However, it is important for designers to differentiate social cause advertising from traditional advertising as the objectives and strategies behind each differ significantly. To the best of our knowledge, such framework does not exist in social cause advertising. Existing research has been conducted, though such studies examined different aspects of graphic design and social cause advertising.
By developing a tailored framework with specific graphic design principles, elements and styles, designers can engage with their target audience more effectively, fostering positive attitudes towards the cause and increasing the likelihood of public action. This approach allows the advertisement's visual elements to resonate more deeply with viewers, aligning with the emotional goals of social cause campaigns.
This research explores which graphic design elements and styles could be used for effective out of-home social cause advertising, addressing a gap identified in the literature. Additionally, regarding out-of-home advertising, literature suggests that such medium is vital in providing information, enhancing knowledge and creating awareness.
More specifically, the aim of this research was to develop a framework with guidelines (presented as a toolkit) for designers/practitioners to design more effective out-of-home social cause advertisements. Although incorporating elements from traditional advertising can be effective in social cause advertising, this research developed a toolkit with its own components, providing designers with a framework for tailoring their designs. Effectiveness is defined as creating more attractive visuals that will draw more public attention and lead towards more chances to act towards the social cause. Furthermore, as this research is practice-based, the toolkit was applied in a self-evaluation exhibition, which provided an opportunity to showcase the research findings, and raise awareness on cardiovascular disease.
The research followed a deductive approach supported by mixed methods: a convergent parallel design approach (qualitative and quantitative data). Quantitative data (a total of three surveys) and qualitative data (interviews) were collected and combined in order to incorporate professional and public perspectives. The combination of responses was beneficial as this emphasises that social cause advertising indeed differs to traditional advertising, and by creating a tailored framework with key elements, designers will have the ability to customise their campaigns and create more effective out-of-home social cause advertisements e.g. designers frequently used organic shapes, however the public find geometric shapes more attractive.
Findings of this research showed that if designing to attract the general public (regardless of age, and gender etc.), elements like delineating lines, geometric shapes, monochromatic colour schemes, graphics and typefaces like Garamond, are the most attractive. Such elements are perceived as the most attractive that will influence individual perception and attitude towards a social cause. The elements and styles used in this research are likely to be effective for other types of advertising. Lastly, this study recommends future research within the multidisciplinary fields of graphic design and advertising, in addition to investigating research findings in relation to other types of advertising
Integrated Evaluation of The Clean-Up Performance of Unconventional Gas Plays: Investigating the Impact of Desiccation and Low Permeability Jail
Get PDFTight and ultra-tight gas formations refer to low permeability gas bearing formations that predominantly produce dry gas. Literature reviewed shows no study has been carried out to investigate the effects of desiccation and low permeability jail on fracture-fluid clean-up. In previous literatures (Tannich, 1975; Cheng, 2012), investigated the effects of inefficient fracture-fluid clean-up on gas production. It was discovered that liquid removal from damaged matrix, capillary pressure and relative permeability are governing characteristics of the flow of water in a fracture.
The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of weak permeability jail and desiccation in fracture-fluid clean-up of unconventional gas plays. Analyzing the effects of these factors will help to mitigate the impact of residual water and maximize the recovery of natural gas.
A numerical model was developed using CMG software, which was then validated by comparing the simulated model to the analytical model. Several geo-mechanical properties and their effects on the reservoir formation, gas and water production and fluid dynamics were also compared.
Some preliminary results gotten from this research are both critical gas saturation and irreducible water saturation have a negative relationship with porosity as well as permeability. Towards the end of production life of the well; there are gas bubbles, which means the gas is not completely dissolved in water due to the average water saturation in the later stages of the well production.
Preliminary conclusions drawn from investigations are presence of water changes the gas percolation. When there is high water saturation within the formation, then gas-water two-phase flow takes place. Gas-water ratio increases with the drawdown pressure, this agrees with the assumption in (Tannich, 1975). Both bottom-hole pressures from analytical and CMG simulation models are overlapping and almost on top of each other, wher
Exploring the interplay of psychological states and outcomes, and the mediating effect of resilience in type 1 and 2 diabetes
Get PDFType 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, which prevents the body from producing sufficient insulin to adequately regulate blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a result of insufficient insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance, which are strongly correlated with poor diet, sedentary lifestyle habits, and polygenic components (i.e., multiple associated genes). The prevalence of diabetes globally is estimated to be 415 million (90% T2DM) and is expected to rise to 642 million by 2040, placing increased demands on individuals, carers, health systems and society. The relationships between psychological states (e.g., anxiety, fatigue), resilience and diabetes outcomes (e.g., diabetes distress, cognition) are complex, multifaceted, and not well understood. This research focuses on the association between psychological states (anxiety and fatigue) and diabetes outcomes (diabetes distress and cognition), and the potential for resilience to act as a mediator in relation to those relationships. This research is the first to examine all of the aforementioned variables simultaneously, within one model. The overarching aim of this thesis was to develop a novel model to provide recommendations for intervention design, for individuals with T1DM and T2DM. Theoretical understanding and models are important in guiding clinical applications, and are associated with longer lasting intervention changes than those without.
Resilience is a fundamental factor in health psychology and health-based interventions, and so understanding of these underlying relationships in diabetes is necessary to improve health outcomes. Psychological well-being is not only an important outcome, but arguably a pre-requisite for optimal diabetes self-management; Despite this, current UK funding for psychological research in diabetes remains inadequate. Existing findings account for a mediating effect of resilience between variables such as diabetes distress and anxiety, but no studies have examined this mediation effect in these factors simultaneously within one study and therefore, not capturing the complexity of these underlying relationships. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, where correlational and SEM (Structural Equation Modelling; A combination of factor analysis and regression statistical techniques) analyses examined the proposed model, and a combination of deductive and inductive thematic analyses examined the lived experiences behind the relationships/variables within and outside the model. The findings were evaluated against existing research to compile a list of intervention recommendations.
Study 1: This study explored whether resilience mediated the association between psychological states (anxiety, fatigue) and diabetes outcomes (diabetes distress, cognition) within one model, and if any differences existed between diabetes types. Data was collected via an e-survey using the platform Qualtrics. Preliminary correlation analyses followed by SEM revealed a significant mediating effect of resilience between psychological states (anxiety and fatigue) and diabetes outcomes (diabetes distress and cognition), with no difference between T1DM and T2DM groups (n =307; T1 = 129, T2 = 178). These findings supported the proposed model to explain the underlying relationships between resilience and psychological factors.
Study 2: This study explored the lived experience of individuals with T1DM and T2DM in the context of the model variables in study 1 (e.g., anxiety, fatigue, resilience, diabetes distress, cognition), and examined factors outside of the model that were relevant to diabetes self-care (e.g., healthcare experiences). Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were performed on responses from questions relating to the lived experiences of diabetes, in the context of variables within the model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in T1DM (N=12) and T2DM (N=14) participants. Analyses identified five main themes, three of which were deductive: (a) psychological states: MH (Mental Health; a state of well-being enabling individuals to cope with the stresses of life, identify their abilities and function effectively), anxiety, fatigue, cognition; (b) Resilience: anxiety and fatigue, cognition, diabetes distress, coping styles; (c) diabetes management: glucose monitoring and medication, daily functioning. The remaining two themes were inductive: (d) healthcare experiences and attitudes: healthcare provider interactions, healthcare system; and (e) diabetes education and intervention experiences: education, interventions. Findings here provided some support for the model in study 1. Participants highlighted how resilience was an important part of their diabetes management, and generally helped reduce feelings of anxiety, fatigue and diabetes distress. Over half of participants (T1- 58%; T2- 64%) described how resilience aided cognition (i.e., through planning, decision making), but participants were generally more unsure regarding cognition than other factors. Participants also discussed other prevalent factors in their diabetes healthcare experiences that influenced self-management, such as education and lack of support. Intervention uptake rates and satisfaction of these courses (e.g., content, delivery) were generally low. These findings provided insight for intervention-based research and clinical applications.
Study 3: This study investigated the lived experience of the study 1 model variables in a broader sample, and conducted a closer examination of inductive aspects of living with diabetes outside of the model (identified in study 2), such as mental health, education and interventions. Data was collected via an e-survey using the platform Qualtrics (N= 53; T1=20; T2=33). Deductive Thematic Analysis identified three overarching themes: (a) Mental healthcare: accessibility, approaches, quality of care satisfaction; (b) Psychological correlates of diabetes: MH impact (including model variables), cognition, resilience in diabetes self-management; and (c) Education and interventions: education from healthcare providers, intervention experiences and recommendations. Findings provided some support for the model in study 1, and provided more insight into factors identified outside of the model. Both diabetes groups felt there was: a lack of integration of mental healthcare and support within primary healthcare (i.e., healthcare provider and service issues); participants described a range of psychological difficulties in line with the model; and psychological education regarding living with diabetes is lacking in both the public population (diabetes and non-diabetes) and in healthcare providers. Participants made a range of recommendations for interventions: to raise awareness of MH and psychological difficulties; use more layman-friendly language; and improve certain areas of knowledge (e.g., how individualised diabetes can be regarding symptoms, and how unpredictable blood sugars can be, making them hard to control). These findings support the need to increase psychological and MH-based education as part of diabetes care.
Collectively, the thesis findings provide support for the proposed model, and analyses of lived experiences provide insight into the problems diabetes patients are facing. There is a need to develop research-based models, and a need to integrate psychological and MH-based education in primary care and existing interventions; this will help patients feel supported in further understanding their diabetes symptoms, and to improve self-efficacy in managing their diabetes. Taking account of current findings and existing literature, the following recommendations are suggested for intervention design: 1) Implementing theoretical-based interventions; 2) Incorporating mental health and psychological education into primary care and existing interventions; 3) Addressing care approaches and the need for a holistic understanding of diabetes self-management; 4) Better coordination of diabetes and MH care services and signposting; and 5) Integrating patient recommendations and improving intervention uptake
Trans-Resveratrol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Formulations for Pulmonary Drug Delivery Using Medical Nebulizers
Get PDFAerosolization is a non-invasive approach of delivering drugs for both localized and systemic effects, specifically pulmonary targeting. The aim of this study was to deliver trans-resveratrol (TR) as an anti-cancer drug entrapped in a new generation versatile carriers nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) to protect degradation and improve bioavailability via medical nebulizers. Twelve TR-NLC (i.e., F1-F12) formulations were prepared using different combinations and ratios of formulation ingredients via hot high-pressure homogenization. Upon analysis, formulations F1 and F2 demonstrated a particle size of 94%. The aerosolization performance of the F1 and F2 formulations was performed via a next generation impactor (NGI), using medical nebulizers. The air jet nebulizer demonstrated lower drug deposition in the earlier stages (1-2) and significantly higher deposition in the latter stages 3-5 (for both formulations), targeting middle to lower lung deposition. Moreover, the air jet nebulizer exhibited significantly higher emitted dose (ED) (87.44 ± 3.36%), fine particle dose (FPD) (1652.52 ± 9.68 µg) fine particle fraction (FPF) (36.25 ± 4.26%), and respirable fraction (RF) (93.41 ± 4.03%) when the F1 formulation was used as compared to the F2 formulation. Thus, the TR-NLC F1 formulation and air jet nebulizer were identified as the best combination for the delivery and targeting peripheral lungs
SESAME: Automated Security Assessment of Robots and Modern Multi-Robot Systems
Get PDFAs robotic systems become more integrated into our daily lives, there is growing concern about cybersecurity. Robots used in areas such as autonomous driving, surveillance, surgery, home assistance, and industrial automation can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which could have serious real-world consequences. Modern robotic systems face a unique set of threats due to their evolving characteristics. This paper outlines the SESAME project’s methodology for the automated security analysis of multi-robot systems (MRS) and the production of Executable Digital Dependability Identities (EDDIs). Addressing security challenges in MRS involves overcoming complex factors such as increased connectivity, human–robot interactions, and a lack of risk awareness. The proposed methodology encompasses a detailed process, starting from system description and vulnerability identification and moving to the generation of attack trees and security EDDIs. The SESAME security methodology leverages structured repositories like Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE), Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE), and Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC) to identify potential vulnerabilities and associated attacks. The introduction of Template Attack Trees facilitates modeling potential attacks, helping security experts develop effective mitigation strategies. This approach not only identifies, but also connects, specific vulnerabilities to possible exploits, thereby generating comprehensive security assessments. By merging safety and security assessments, this methodology ensures the overall dependability of MRS, providing a robust framework to mitigate cyber–physical threats
Exploring the Intersection of Cancer, Domestic Homicide, and Domestic Abuse-Related Suicides Using Domestic Homicide Reviews
Get PDFPurpose
Research about the overlap between cancer and domestic abuse (DA) is limited. We analyzed Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) reports from England and Wales where the victim or perpetrator had a cancer diagnosis to investigate the nature of DA in a cancer context, and cancer care and other healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) responses to DA.
Methods
We adopted the READ approach to document analysis: Readying materials (including manually searching reports for the term ‘cancer’); Extracting data; Analyzing data; and Distilling findings (using thematic analysis). We framed results using the social-ecological model of violence.
Results
We retrieved 24 DHR reports, which covered 27 domestic homicides/DA-related suicides. Victims had cancer diagnoses in 15/27 cases, perpetrators in 8/27, and both in 1/27. Three cases involved two homicides. Victims were mostly older (median 67). Most (19/24) domestic homicides/DA-related suicides occurred within 3 years of diagnosis, yet cancer HCPs rarely made explicit contributions to the DHR process. Our qualitative themes explain how: (1) cancer and DA affected each other; (2) professionals missed opportunities to identify and respond to DA (including because cancer masked DA indicators, turning down care and support offers were underrecognized indicators, and care was fragmented and non-holistic with insufficient information-exchange); and (3) cancer diagnoses were under-considered and misunderstood in the DHR process.
Conclusions
Since cancer masked DA indicators, professionals working with affected people and families should have a low threshold for concern. More explicit contributions to DHRs by cancer HCPs may improve understanding of this intersection and improve future practice
Interventions That Support Lifestyle Behavior Change for Secondary Prevention of Stroke: A Scoping Review
No full textLifestyle behavioral change is a critical component for secondary prevention of stroke. Although evidence for the effectiveness of lifestyle behavior change is growing, methods to promote and maintain behavior change remain unclear. In this review, we aimed to synthesize the evidence for lifestyle behavior change interventions among patients living with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We searched seven databases to identify studies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and longitudinal studies examining changes in cardiovascular risk factors. Data were extracted regarding participant characteristics, intervention attributes (e.g., provider, behavior change techniques, modality), and effectiveness for control of risk factors. From 4620 records identified, 73 studies were included. Information regarding the type of behavior change theory applied were reported in 36% of studies. The social cognitive theory and transtheoretical models were the most commonly cited frameworks. Changes in physical activity (63%) and blood pressure (63%) were the most frequently assessed outcomes. Fewer than half of the studies assessed changes in weight (40%), blood cholesterol (40%), diet (34%), smoking cessation (33%), alcohol consumption (19%), and blood glucose (19%). No studies assessed sleep as a risk factor. Most studies had mixed effects or no change for the risk factor measured. No studies reported negative effects. Interventions associated with improvements were more commonly delivered by a multidisciplinary team and informed by behavior change techniques. Further research is required to identify the most effective methods to promote and sustain lifestyle behavior change among people living with stroke or TIA
Solution Focused Practice and Autism Within the Primary Classroom: A Retrospective Case Study
Get PDFSolution Focused Practice (SFP) is a forward thinking, psychotherapeutic approach which emphasises the use of language to co-construct an individual’s preferred future. This retrospective case study sought to explore if SFP could be utilised within a primary education setting to support an autistic pupil with their well-being when individually adapted to support their communicative needs. The case study aim was to observe if the autistic pupil would engage with and respond to SFP within an educational environment with a safe and familiar adult, in this instance their teacher. The aim was explored through three SFP sessions which predominantly comprised of best hopes, the miracle question and scaling.
Findings suggest that through a holistic understanding of the pupil, coupled with appropriately modified communication according to individual need, the use of an adapted SFP approach to support autistic pupils could potentially have significant and positive benefits to their well-being. Further research is needed to explore its success with a range of practitioners within classroom settings with a particular focus on the relationship with practitioner, support and structure within the setting
Prepare: Improving End of Life Care Practice in Stroke Care: A National Survey and Qualitative Interview Study
Get PDFBackground: Stroke has high mortality. Challenges in providing end-of-life care include uncertainty among healthcare professionals about when to start care. While generic tools and guidelines exist, which outline components of quality end-of life care, they may not fully address stroke’s unpredictable trajectories, complicating care planning. Objective: To enhance understanding of end-of-life care post-stroke. Methods: We undertook an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, including a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews. All 286 United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) hospitals providing inpatient stroke care were approached for participation in an on-line cross-sectional survey. The survey of healthcare professionals from UK stroke units was used to map current stroke end-of-life care and models of care. Fourteen staff who completed the survey and agreed to a future interview were purposively selected. The semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals involved in delivering end-of-life care post-stroke were conducted and interpreted using the Theoretical Domains Framework. We aimed to enhance our understanding of the experiences, expectations, challenges and barriers in providing end-of-life care post-stroke, including effective clinical decision-making. Results: Across 108 responding survey sites, 317 responses were received. Results showed a lack of structured tools and approaches, an absence of stroke-specific guidance and variable delivery of end-of-life care post-stroke. Thirteen staff (nurses, occupational therapists, medical stroke consultants, and a speech and language therapist) agreed to be interviewed. The data provided a fuller understanding of the context within which end-of-life care post-stroke is delivered. The varied challenges faced include: uncertain prognosis, complex decision-making process, varying skill levels, staffing levels, the hospital environment, emotional strain on both families and staff, inequitable access to specialist palliative care, and difficulties associated with different models of care (stroke service structures and cultural context). Conclusions: Provision of end-of-life care post-stroke is complex, challenging, uncertain, and inconsistent. There is limited evidence or guidance to support healthcare professionals. There is a need for implementation support, which includes education, to better enable quality and more consistent end-of-life care post-stroke. Further research is required to assess interventions that can support end-of-life care post-stroke to aid clinicians in providing quality palliative care for stroke patients