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Photoluminescent carbogenic nanoparticles for potential healthcare applications
Get PDFCarbon dots (C-dots) are zero-dimensional fluorescent nanomaterials typically measuring below 10 nm. They have gained attention for their unique structure and properties, including cost-effective fabrication, easy chemical functionalization, high photoluminescence, tunable optical properties, resistance to photobleaching, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. Their growing use in biomedical applications is driven by their impressive potential as highly responsive optical sensors, monitoring probes, antimicrobial agents, and trackable carriers for drug delivery. This thesis explores two distinct methods for modifying the structure, and therefore their properties, of C-dots, each based on different precursor materials: one involves electrochemical surface functionalization, while the other employs an oxidizing agent to modify structural properties. The study examines how these approaches uniquely impact the optical and structural properties of each C-dot system, as well as their potential applications in the biomedical field.
Firstly, a novel electrochemical mechanism is presented, that significantly transforms the structural and optical features of C-dots that were synthesized via pyrolysis of citric acid and ethanolamine at 300°C. This method uses electrogenerated hypochlorite for electrochemical etching, which causes intense oxidation and breaks carbon-carbon bonds on the nanoparticle surface. As a result, the particle size is progressively reduced while the quantum yield increases dramatically, reaching an enhancement of up to 640%. This research is the first to provide concrete evidence of this highly efficient reshaping mechanism in C-dots, enabling precise control over particle size and photoluminescence emission properties.
Secondly, this chapter investigates the structural, optical, and biological properties of C-dots (CU100D) synthesized via pyrolytic treatment of citric acid and urea at 230°C, particularly after oxidation treatment with NaClO. This treatment reduced the particle size from 4.3 nm to 2.9 nm, enhancing the surface area-to-volume ratio and altering the physicochemical properties, while FTIR analysis showed improved dispersibility. Optical properties underwent notable transformations, as NaClO treatment decreased UV intensity and increased transparency, while boosting the quantum yield by up to 350%, addressing the common challenge of low quantum yield compared to commercial graphene quantum dots. The irreversible destruction of the 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzothiazole (HTTP) fluorophore, a byproduct formed during synthesis, upon interaction with NaClO, suggests potential for novel functionalities beyond fluorescence imaging. This cost-effective and scalable method yielded nanoparticles with high cell viability and strong antifungal activity, demonstrating their excellent performance for biomedical applications.
Finally, the citric acid-urea-derived C-dots, following NaClO treatment, were compared to commercially available surface-modified graphene quantum dots functionalized with amine groups and imidazole. This comparison underscored the CU100D nanoparticles' cost efficiency, superior optical properties—such as a markedly higher quantum yield—and enhanced cell viability, showcasing their benefits over functionalized graphene quantum dots.
In conclusion, this thesis presents simple, green, cost and time-efficient, and scalable strategies for generating multifunctional C-dots with improved optical properties and versatile chemical compositions. Both approaches allowed the fine-tuning of the structural characteristics, and thereby the optical properties of C-dots, with significant quantum yield improvements. Treatment with NaClO enhances the C-dots' optical properties, biocompatibility, and biological activity. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of C-dots as a promising, cost-effective alternative to conventional fluorescent materials in various applications
The Effects of Complex Training on Performance Variables in Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textBasketball requires explosive power, agility and change of direction (CoD) ability. Although often used interchangeably with agility, CoD is distinct: it involves rapid directional changes in response to a pre-planned stimulus, while agility also requires perceptual cognitive responses to unpredictable cues. In this review agility is considered under CoD, emphasizing the physical component that can be directly trained. Improving CoD and power is essential for optimal basketball performance. Complex training (CT), which combines strength and plyometric exercises, has emerged as a promising method. However, its specific effects on basketball player's physical performance variables remain unclear, warranting a focused systematic review and meta-analysis. A structured search strategy was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines and the PICOS framework. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to identify appropriate Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) relating to CT in basketball players, up to May 2025. Standardised mean differences (SMDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity (I2), sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed using standard methods. Seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Analysing within-group effects following CT demonstrated significant improvements in CoD speed (SMDs: 1.11; 95%CI: 0.56 to 1.66; p<0.001, I2:53), and vertical jump performance (SMDs: -1.44; 95%CI: -2.16 to -0.72; p<0.001, I2:91). However, between-group comparisons (CT vs. active controls) revealed significant improvements only in CoD speed (SMDs: - 1.04; 95%CI: -1.61 to -0.47; p<0.001, I2:57) and vertical jump performance (SMDs: 1.01; 95%CI: 0.46 to 1.56; p<0.001, I2:86). Funnel plot analysis indicated moderate asymmetry for CoD speed and clear asymmetry with outliers for vertical jump performance. Our findings demonstrate that CT significantly enhances jump performance and CoD speed in basketball players. This study highlights the efficacy of CT in significantly improving CoD speed and jump performance in basketball players. These findings support its inclusion in athletic conditioning programs and offer valuable insights for coaches and practitioners aiming to optimize sport-specific performance through targeted training interventions
Clinical Methods Supporting Initial Recognition of Early Post-Stroke
No full textStroke is a leading cause of seizures and epilepsy, both of which are linked to increased mortality, disability, and hospital readmissions. Early recognition and management of seizures in acute stroke are crucial for improving outcomes. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is not routinely used for post-stroke seizure monitoring and is typically initiated only after clinical suspicion arises—making bedside recognition essential. This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on clinical methods used for identifying and observing early post-stroke seizures (EPSS) at the bedside. Methods: We included literature involving adults involving adults with acute ischaemic stroke or primary intracerebral haemorrhage who were diagnosed or suspected of having inpatient EPSS. Searches were conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for English-language publications up to April 2023. Eligible sources included primary research, case reports, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, consensus statements, and expert opinion. Reference lists of included articles were also reviewed. Data were charted and synthesised to assess the scope, type, and gaps in the evidence. Results: Thirty papers met inclusion criteria: 17 research studies, 6 expert opinions, 4 case reports, and 3 clinical guidelines. Empirical evidence on clinical methods for seizure recognition and monitoring in acute stroke was limited. No studies evaluated the effectiveness of different approaches, and existing recommendations lacked detail and consensus. Conclusion: Accurate EPSS diagnosis is vital due to its impact on outcomes. This review highlights inconsistency in monitoring methods and a clear need for targeted research into effective clinical identification strategies in acute stroke care
Barriers experienced by visually impaired rugby players when undertaking concussion assessment: a qualitative investigation
Get PDFPrevious work has conjectured that visually impaired athletes may face barriers when attempting concussion assessments because they can present with signs of concussion as part of their condition. The present study aimed to explore the qualitative experiences of visually impaired players undertaking the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5). Four visually impaired Physical Disability Rugby League players completed the SCAT5 neurological assessment (i.e. read aloud and visual tracking sections) prior to attending an online focus group discussion. Thematic analysis was performed, revealing numerous barriers and consequent additional needs experienced by the athletes. The present results support the removal of the read aloud section from the SCAT5 and suggest that the SCAT6 may thus be a more appropriate assessment tool for visually impaired athletes. Clinicians using the SCAT6 may want to make adjustments to meet the additional needs of visually impaired athletes when completing the visual tracking section
How equitable is digital rehabilitation for people after stroke? A systematic review using an equity approach
No full textIntroduction: Stroke is the largest global cause of adult neuro-disability. Health inequities increase the risk of stroke and are likely to influence overall recovery. Rehabilitation after stroke seeks to restore function and independence and may utilise digital technologies to augment usual care. This study systematically investigates the reporting of equity factors in digital stroke rehabilitation research. Methods: This systematic review examined equity factors contained in the PROGRESS-Plus framework in a random sample of clinical trials of technologies used as part of stroke rehabilitation published in 2011-2021. Four reviewers double-screened titles and abstracts of 14,724 papers. A random selection was carried out across all potentially eligible papers (n=821) and 135 papers were reviewed for data extraction. Each study was coded with 36point PROGRESS-plus criteria for inclusion, exclusion, and baseline characteristics. ANOVA and multivariable linear regression were used to assess the variation in PROGRESS-Plus reporting by year of publication, location, type of technology used, intervention target, number of comparison groups and sample size. Results: 87 studies were included with a mean PROGRESS-Plus score of 7.05 (SD=2.06), minimum score of 0 and maximum score of 14. Despite their importance to health outcomes, education, social capital and socioeconomic status were reported by less than 5% of studies. The most commonly reported equity factors were age, disability and gender. There were no significant differences in reporting by technology used, target of the intervention (upper or lower limb), sample size, location, number of comparison groups and sample size. Variation in equity reporting was not explained through multiple linear regression factors. There was a small positive correlation between the year of publication and the PROGRESS-Plus score (r=.26, n=87, p<0.05).Discussion: Few studies of digital rehabilitation interventions considered several key equity factors, including those recognised to precipitate digital exclusion and influence health
‘It's so beneficial to be able to stop the cycle’: Perceptions of intergenerational transmission of violence and parenting practices among pregnant women and their abusive partners
Get PDFPurpose: This study aimed to explore how pregnant women who experience Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) and men who commit DVA understand the impact of their childhood environment on their current parenting practices and how a DVA psychological intervention may shape their parenting.Methods: Repeated individual qualitative interviews were conducted with pregnant mothers and fathers who reported DVA and were taking part in a psychological intervention to address DVA. Interviews were carried out at the start (during pregnancy) and end of the intervention (two years post-childbirth). Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse interviews. Results: 56 interviews (26 mothers; 13 fathers) were analysed. Five themes were identified: (1) Acknowledging childhood experiences of DVA; (2) The scars of traumatic experiences; (3) Challenging the silencing of abuse; (4) The transmission of parenting styles and behaviours from one generation to another; (5) Becoming the best parent one can be. Ninety-one percent of the participants providing information on their childhood family environment experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) and the intergenerational transmission of violence was identifiable in most narratives. Despite this, several participants described skills they acquired during the intervention (e.g., emotional regulation strategies) as assisting in interrupting violence and improving their relationships with their children.Conclusions: Participants with at least one ACE identified it as one of several risk factors for DVA in adulthood and how the intergenerational transmission of violence and poor parenting practices may be mitigated through trauma-informed, targeted interventions
Quantitative evidence for relational care approaches to assessing and managing self-harm and suicide risk in inpatient mental health and emergency department settings: a scoping review
Get PDFThere is an over-reliance on structured risk assessments and restrictive practices for managing self-harm and suicidality in inpatient mental health and emergency department (ED) settings, despite a lack of supporting evidence. Alternative ‘relational care’ approaches prioritising interpersonal relationships are needed. We present a definition of ‘relational care’, co-produced with academic and lived experience researchers and clinicians, and conducted a scoping review, following PRISMA guidelines. We aimed to examine quantitative evidence for the impact of ‘relational care’ in non-forensic inpatient mental health and ED settings on self-harm and suicide. We identified 29 relevant reviews, covering 62 relational care approaches, reported in 87 primary papers. Evidence suggests some individual-, group-, ward- and organisation-level relational care approaches can reduce self-harm and suicide in inpatient mental health and ED settings, although there is a lack of high-quality research overall. Further co-produced research is needed to clarify the meaning of ‘relational care’, its core components, and develop a clear framework for its application and evaluation. Further high-quality research is needed evaluating its effectiveness, how it is experienced by patients, carers, and staff, and exploring what works best for whom, under what circumstances, and why
Enabling Access to Enhanced Care Models for Vulnerable Women
Get PDFEnhanced pregnancy care models for vulnerable women could increase utilisation of services and improve clinical outcomes for the mothers and their babies. This commentary critically appraised a systematic review which looked at the change in service utilisation and effectiveness of enhanced care for women in high-income countries, and found methodological limitations that should be considered when interpreting the review’s results. Expanding from the findings of the review, we drew implications for practice focused on the UK context as well as recommendations for future research
Air foil thrust and journal bearing coatings: A review
Get PDFSurfaces of air foil thrust and journal bearings in high-speed turbomachinery are coated to improve their operational integrity, particularly when the aerodynamic load carrying capacity is reduced during instances of startup and shutdown. Surface coatings, as protective barriers in air foil bearings, can mitigate the adverse effects of direct surface interactions on such occasions. This paper provides an in-depth review of the body of important research conducted for study of coated air foil thrust and journal bearings, highlighting the state of the art in coating technology. The review features the role of composite coatings, designed to provide favourable thermal, mechanical, and frictional characteristics. The paper also highlights the trends in selection of coatings for air foil bearings pertinent to desired thermomechanical performance
111 Dark Places in Scotland That You Shouldn't Miss
No full textWe live in a dominion of the dead. With sites of remembrance, our noteworthy deceased are scattered throughout touristic landscapes. Yet, commemoration of the significant dead is often contested, and ‘heritage that hurts’ is imbued with politics of remembrance. As a proud and strong country within the United Kingdom, Scotland often calls upon it's symbolic departed to give credence to its national identity and to serve as a warning for the future. This visitation to sites of momentous death, disaster, or the macabre is known as ‘dark tourism’.
In Scotland, a country born out of turmoil with its dominant neighbour, England, many places are associated with cultural trauma. Indeed, battlefields of yesteryear have shaped Scottish nationhood, with the bloody carnage of the past influencing modern-day ‘Scottishness’. Other sites, associated with rebellious acts or the casualties of religious bigotry or political persecution, are integral to Scottish dark tourism. Moreover, victims and villains from Scotland’s tragic past, often obscured by time, offer us counsel regarding our own modern fights, follies, and misfortunes.
This guidebook will take you to places of ‘pain and shame’, as well as sites of difficult heritage throughout Scotland. From the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, this book will allow you to explore the history of Scottish places associated with fatality and spaces of ruination or forgotten traumascapes. However, as you engage in dark tourism, you are not a ‘dark’ tourist, but merely someone interested in understanding your own sense of being in a fragmented world built upon a turbulent past. As our significant dead become spectacular in a society that values spectacle, this unique guidebook permits you to sightsee in the mansions of the departed. As you do, have reverence for those who came before us and heed the messages each ‘dark place’ can impart