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STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABLE SMARTPHONE DESIGN: A CASE STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
No full textSmartphones are the most commonly used devices in universities, accounting for 66.74% of device usage, compared to 42.80% and 6.61% computer/laptop and tablets/iPads usage, respectively, but present a significant environmental challenge throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable smartphone design emerges as a critical approach to mitigate these environmental concerns; hence, this qualitative study sought to explore students’ awareness and perceived value of sustainable smartphone design at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Specifically, the study aimed to determine students' understanding and awareness of sustainability in smartphone design at UCLan, and to explore UCLan students' perceived value of sustainable smartphone features. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design, where data were collected using semi-structured interviews from twelve UCLan students who were sampled using a purposive sampling technique. The study revealed that while students possessed a general understanding of sustainability concepts such as recycling and reusing, their knowledge of how these principles apply to smartphone design is still limited. The study also found that students valued energy efficiency and end-of-life management practices, such as tradein and recycling programs, viewing them as tangible and convenient sustainability features. This study concludes that sustainable transformation in smartphone consumption among students requires a dual approach, involving the strengthening of sustainability education within higher learning institutions and the promotion of industry practices that align environmental responsibility with functionality and affordability
Erratum: Evaluation of Autograft Contamination in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Its Clinical Impact: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textCOMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF SCAPULAR STABILIZATION VERSUS SCAPULAR FUNCTIONAL EXERCISES ON CHRONIC NECK PAIN
No full textObjective: To determine the effects of scapular stabilization versus scapular functional exercises on pain severity, neck function and cervical range of motions in patients with chronic neck pain.
Study design: It was a randomized clinical experiment.
Place and duration of study: The study setting was Amina Physical therapy and Rehab Centre Lahore The study completed in a period of eight months, from July 2023 to december 2024.
Methods: Data collected from the Amina Physical therapy and Rehab Centre Lahore, after inclusion exclusion criteria 42 participants by the process of randomization 21 participants included in Group A and 21 participants were included in Group B. Both Males and females between 18 to 35 years were selected for study. After selection group A received scapular stabilization exercises along with the conventional treatment of hot pack and ultrasound and Group B received Scapular functional exercises along conventional physical therapy. The participants were examined at the beginning of treatment, then at 4th week and again at 8th week for 3 sessions per week for eight weeks for visual analogue scale, neck disability index and cervical range of motions.
Results: In this study 42 participants included by randomization, after criteria and drop off 39 participants were analyzed in two groups 20 in A and 19 in B group with the mean age and standard deviation(25.20 ±4.62) and mean age and standard deviation(25.26± 3.76) respectively. For normality used Shapiro-wilk test, after this applied parametric test for analysis. Across the group comparison determined by independent t-test they showed statistical non-significance with p-value>0.05 for pain and disability. Within the group analysis showed statistical significance between group A and Group B cervical range of motions as p-value<0.001.
Conclusion: The study concluded both groups were effective on pain, neck function and cervical range of motions but scapular functional exercises were more effective in improving cervical range of motions as compared to scapular stabilization exercises
Dynamic time course of muscle proteome adaptation to programmed resistance training in rats
No full textResistance training promotes muscle protein accretion and myofiber hypertrophy, driven by dynamic processes of protein synthesis and degradation. Muscle adaptations to on going resistance training occur over weeks but most molecular knowledge on the process of adaptation is derived from static measurements at specific time points, which do not capture the dynamics of the adaptation process. To address this, we utilised deuterium oxide labelling and peptide mass spectrometry to quantify absolute protein content (grams) and synthesis rates (grams/ day) in skeletal muscle during a timeseries experimental design. A daily programmed resistance training regimen was applied to male rat tibialis anterior via electrical stimulation of the left hind limb for 10, 20, and 30 days (5 sets of 10 repetitions daily). Muscle samples from stimulated and contralateral control limbs were analysed, quantifying 658 protein abundances and 215 protein synthesis rates. Unsupervised temporal clustering of protein responses revealed distinct phases of muscle adaptation. The early (0-10 days) response was driven by greater rates of ribosomal protein accretion and the mid (10-20 days) response by expansion of mitochondrial networks. These findings highlight that subsets of proteins exhibit distinct adaptation timelines due to variations in translation and/or degradation rates. The new understanding of temporal patterns highlighted by our dynamic proteomic data help interpret static data from studies at isolated time points and could improve the development of strategies for optimising muscle growth and functional adaptation to resistance training
The current state of paediatric gastroenterology in under resourced nations
Get PDFBackground: Paediatric gastroenterology (GI) care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faces substantial challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a shortage of specialized healthcare professionals. These challenges lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, exacerbating the morbidity and mortality associated with paediatric GI diseases, which include both infectious conditions like diarrhoea and chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver diseases. Aim: The aim of this review is to examine the current state of paediatric GI care in LMICs, identify the key challenges these regions face, and propose strategies to improve healthcare outcomes for children affected by GI disorders. Methods: This review synthesizes existing literature from a range of LMICs, analyzing factors such as the economic burden of healthcare, barriers to access, the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic services, and the state of paediatric hepatology and endoscopy. Studies included in the review were sourced from countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and other LMIC regions, focusing on paediatric GI disorders and healthcare delivery. Results: Economic Burden: Families in LMICs face significant economic barriers in accessing paediatric GI care, with treatment costs often exceeding household income, especially in private healthcare settings. Healthcare Access: Limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, coupled with the shortage of trained paediatric gastroenterologists and necessary medical equipment, leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care for conditions like Helicobacter pylori infections and chronic liver diseases. Sanitation and Infectious Diseases: Poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water contribute to the high prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases, which can be reduced through better hygiene practices and improved infrastructure. Training Gaps: The shortage of trained healthcare workers, particularly paediatric specialists, hinders effective care delivery, with healthcare workers often overburdened due to workforce migration and low salaries. Hepatology and Endoscopy: Paediatric hepatology, especially in the context of viral hepatitis, and the availability of paediatric GI endoscopy are severely limited in LMICs, further complicating the management of liver diseases and GI conditions in children. Conclusion: Improving paediatric GI care in LMICs requires addressing systemic challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited financial resources, and a shortage of trained professionals. Prevention strategies like vaccination, sanitation improvements, and public health education campaigns are crucial for reducing the prevalence of paediatric GI diseases. In addition, enhancing access to specialized training, healthcare services, and diagnostic tools will improve outcomes for children in resource-limited settings. Continued international collaboration and investment in local healthcare systems are essential for creating sustainable solutions and bridging the gap in paediatric GI care
AI-Driven Advances in Low-Dose Imaging and Enhancement—A Review
Get PDFThe widespread use of medical imaging techniques such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) has raised significant concerns regarding ionizing radiation exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations requiring frequent imaging. Achieving a balance between high-quality diagnostic imaging and minimizing radiation exposure remains a fundamental challenge in radiology. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative solution, enabling low-dose imaging protocols that enhance image quality while significantly reducing radiation doses. This review explores the role of AI-assisted low-dose imaging, particularly in CT, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlighting advancements in deep learning models, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and other AI-based approaches. These technologies have demonstrated substantial improvements in noise reduction, artifact removal, and real-time optimization of imaging parameters, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy while mitigating radiation risks. Additionally, AI has contributed to improved radiology workflow efficiency and cost reduction by minimizing the need for repeat scans. The review also discusses emerging directions in AI-driven medical imaging, including hybrid AI systems that integrate post-processing with real-time data acquisition, personalized imaging protocols tailored to patient characteristics, and the expansion of AI applications to fluoroscopy and positron emission tomography (PET). However, challenges such as model generalizability, regulatory constraints, ethical considerations, and computational requirements must be addressed to facilitate broader clinical adoption. AI-driven low-dose imaging has the potential to revolutionize radiology by enhancing patient safety, optimizing imaging quality, and improving healthcare efficiency, paving the way for a more advanced and sustainable future in medical imaging
The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Emotion Dysregulation and Personality Disorder Traits: A Systematic Review and Mediation Analysis
No full textThis multi-study aimed to elucidate the complex relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), emotion dysregulation and personality disorder (PD). The systematic review included 14 studies that simultaneously analysed/modelled the relationship between all three variables. All were cross-sectional and explored childhood abuse rather than the broader term of ACEs. All investigated only borderline personality disorder (BPD). All but one showed emotion dysregulation mediated, or was associated with, BPD and childhood abuse. Study Two investigated all PDs to extend knowledge beyond BPD, finding emotion dysregulation mediated between childhood abuse (an ACEs subtype) and all PDs. These effects did not hold when ACE was modelled instead of abuse. The studies highlight the centrality of abuse, and emotion dysregulation as transdiagnostic across all PDs
Mapping the research journey – a visual and reflexive ethnographic framework
No full textMy PhD research explores identity and leadership in football through an ethnographic lens. My field research was 4 years embedded within a football club to examine social dynamics, coaching methodologies and performance cultures that shaped leadership. Using participant observation and reflexive narrative techniques, my research investigates how coaches and players navigate power structures and team cohesion in competitive sport. Stemming from this broader doctoral project, this presentation introduces a methodological framework by conceptualising the research process as a transport system, inspired by the London Underground map. This concept map sets out phases of the research journey, covering pre-fieldwork, field immersion, and postfieldwork synthesis, providing a clear yet flexible guide for qualitative researchers.
Using commonly recognised symbols to signify entering and exiting the field, the framework highlights the emotional and methodological transitions of my ethnographic research (Hammersley and Atkinson, 2019). Interchange stations represent reflexivity and data interpretation, aligning with Goffman’s (1959) theory of identity performance. Thematic elements illustrate storied analysis (Frank, 2010), emphasising narrative ethnography. By mapping my research as a structured yet evolving system, this schematic makes
qualitative research more accessible, bridging academic rigor and creative representation (Pink, 2007). My concept map acts as an ongoing reflexive tool, reinforcing the non-linear nature of ethnographic inquiry (Finlay, 2002; Madden, 2010). This presentation will conclude on how my concept map has helped me to envisage, conduct and conceptualise my research in sports ethnography, identity, and leadership research
Long acting injectable buprenorphine: Perspectives from service-users, staff and stakeholders
Get PDFIntroduction
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) is a relatively novel pharmacological treatment for people with opioid dependence. Despite growing qualitative evidence, there is limited research on practitioner insights, and effectiveness of LAIB in a community setting.
Methods
Thirteen service-users (11 currently prescribed LAIB), 6 practitioners, and 4 stakeholders (public health workers) took part in semi-structured interviews (n = 23) to glean their perspectives on LAIB. They were recruited through a community drug treatment service in the NW of England. The interview schedule was informed by previous literature and co-produced with a peer worker with lived experience of drug recovery treatment. Transcripts were analysed thematically by the research team.
Results
Four major themes were identified from the interviews: A change of focus; challenges; wrap-around support; and target groups.
Discussion
Our findings support existing evidence around the individual benefits to service-users such as changes to lifestyle and reduction of stigma, as well as challenges such as the need for wrap-around support and accessible information. We found that commissioning considerations such as geographical inequalities and the need for multi-service collaboration are important in this setting.
Conclusions
LAIB treatment works well for many people in a community context that offers significant wrap-around support to service-users. The novelty of this research lies in bringing together the views of practitioners and stakeholders as well as treatment/service beneficiaries in evaluating the introduction of LAIB in a community service