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The examination of supply chain pressures and worker agency in job quality : the case of Scottish spirits industry
Get PDFThis thesis examines the impact of supply chain pressures and workers' agency on job quality in the Scottish Spirits Industry. The examination of these issues is achieved through exploring how supply chain dynamics influence employers' behaviours, and how these in turn shape job quality at the workplace level. Moreover, this thesis looks at the active role of workers, through collective and individual means, in shaping job quality.The empirical evidence draws on qualitative research from three organisational case studies,in Scottish Spirits Industry, that operate in the same production network. This study reports on 67 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups with senior managers, supply chain managers, site managers, line managers, HR staff or managers,shop-floor workers, and union representatives. Moreover, document analysis and long hours of workplace observation were key methods applied during fieldwork.The research evidence highlighted that supply chain pressures deeply impacted job quality in all three case-studies. The power and control dynamics stemming from product and capital markets were decisive actors which impacted the ways in which employers used specific work and employment patterns in order to cope with these pressures. As a result, there was a clear and marked deterioration of job quality. At the same time, the data demonstrated a latent determination from workers, across all three case-studies, to recast this condition. This was examined, firstly, by examining the ways in which supply chain pressures influence workers' capacity to mobilise; and, secondly, by exploring the ways in which worker agency, through collective and individual forms, was able to regulate and shape job quality.This research study contributes to our understanding of the factors that shape job quality by examining the dynamics happening at the sectoral and supply chain level, by considering the power and control dynamics stemming from product and capital markets,and the dynamics played within the employment relationship between managers and workers. This thesis, then, develops the argument that job quality analysis is strengthened by the examination of factors happening within the national institutional, sectoral, and organisational settings.This thesis examines the impact of supply chain pressures and workers' agency on job quality in the Scottish Spirits Industry. The examination of these issues is achieved through exploring how supply chain dynamics influence employers' behaviours, and how these in turn shape job quality at the workplace level. Moreover, this thesis looks at the active role of workers, through collective and individual means, in shaping job quality.The empirical evidence draws on qualitative research from three organisational case studies,in Scottish Spirits Industry, that operate in the same production network. This study reports on 67 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups with senior managers, supply chain managers, site managers, line managers, HR staff or managers,shop-floor workers, and union representatives. Moreover, document analysis and long hours of workplace observation were key methods applied during fieldwork.The research evidence highlighted that supply chain pressures deeply impacted job quality in all three case-studies. The power and control dynamics stemming from product and capital markets were decisive actors which impacted the ways in which employers used specific work and employment patterns in order to cope with these pressures. As a result, there was a clear and marked deterioration of job quality. At the same time, the data demonstrated a latent determination from workers, across all three case-studies, to recast this condition. This was examined, firstly, by examining the ways in which supply chain pressures influence workers' capacity to mobilise; and, secondly, by exploring the ways in which worker agency, through collective and individual forms, was able to regulate and shape job quality.This research study contributes to our understanding of the factors that shape job quality by examining the dynamics happening at the sectoral and supply chain level, by considering the power and control dynamics stemming from product and capital markets,and the dynamics played within the employment relationship between managers and workers. This thesis, then, develops the argument that job quality analysis is strengthened by the examination of factors happening within the national institutional, sectoral, and organisational settings
Process and product understanding of rapid and continuous wet granulation
Get PDFWet granulation is a common industrial operation for particle size enlargement, which traditionally has been performed in batch-based operations. However, the potential advantages of continuous granulation such as improved quality, rapid API sparing development and greater flexibility have drawn attention to this technology.;One of the common equipment evaluated to perform continuous granulation is the twin-screw granulator (TSG). The advantage of this equipment is the flexibility offered from the high number of possible working environments achieved by changing different sections of the screw assembly, different segment geometries or feed port locations. However, the current state of art of this technology does not yet allow the implementation into the pharmaceutical process. The introduction of this technology requires an increased knowledge of the granules properties as well as the acceptable working limits of the TSG equipment.;In this thesis, both issues have been addressed. On one side, a homogeneity factor to transform particle size distributions in a percentage easing the creation of design workspaces was developed. Also, the verification of the channel fill methodology to an 11 mm twin screw granulator and its relationship with another process parameters was explored. Furthermore, a method to use microencapsulated sensors (CAMES) whose rupture is directly dependant on their experienced shear stress was developed for first time for TSG.;On the other side, an algorithm to extract selected parts from inside the granule was developed and applied to granules obtained by both batch and continuous. In addition, the effect ofthe liquid availability and drying effect in the formation of granules was studied obtaining significant morphological differences depending on the temperature. Furthermore, it was found that nuclei obtained a different liquid to solid ratio were similar in size but different in number which suggest that the granules size is directly dependant on the liquid availability.Wet granulation is a common industrial operation for particle size enlargement, which traditionally has been performed in batch-based operations. However, the potential advantages of continuous granulation such as improved quality, rapid API sparing development and greater flexibility have drawn attention to this technology.;One of the common equipment evaluated to perform continuous granulation is the twin-screw granulator (TSG). The advantage of this equipment is the flexibility offered from the high number of possible working environments achieved by changing different sections of the screw assembly, different segment geometries or feed port locations. However, the current state of art of this technology does not yet allow the implementation into the pharmaceutical process. The introduction of this technology requires an increased knowledge of the granules properties as well as the acceptable working limits of the TSG equipment.;In this thesis, both issues have been addressed. On one side, a homogeneity factor to transform particle size distributions in a percentage easing the creation of design workspaces was developed. Also, the verification of the channel fill methodology to an 11 mm twin screw granulator and its relationship with another process parameters was explored. Furthermore, a method to use microencapsulated sensors (CAMES) whose rupture is directly dependant on their experienced shear stress was developed for first time for TSG.;On the other side, an algorithm to extract selected parts from inside the granule was developed and applied to granules obtained by both batch and continuous. In addition, the effect ofthe liquid availability and drying effect in the formation of granules was studied obtaining significant morphological differences depending on the temperature. Furthermore, it was found that nuclei obtained a different liquid to solid ratio were similar in size but different in number which suggest that the granules size is directly dependant on the liquid availability
The impact of hypoxia on nanomedicine uptake and efflux in human breast cancer cells
Get PDFThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from November 2018 until November 2021.In women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm, with a recognised high mortality burden. Breast cancer cells adapt to the hypoxictumoral environment by undergoing changes in metabolism, cell signalling, endo-lysosomal receptor uptake and recycling. The resulting hypoxic cellphenotype has the potential to undermine the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines designed for endocytic uptake and specific intracellular trafficking (Chapter 1). The aim of this thesis was to examine the impact of hypoxia and simulated reperfusion on the in vitro uptake and release of nanomedicines by human breast cancer cells. Cells were exposed to a hypoxic preconditioning treatment in 1% oxygen for 6 and 24 hours to induce temporal changes in the hypoxic circuit (e.g. HIF1α expression). The preconditioned cells were then dosed with nanoparticles for 45 or 180 minutes emulating nanomedicine access following tumor reperfusion.Hypoxic preconditioning significantly increased nanoparticle retention by up to 10% when compared to normoxic cultures (p<0.001), with the greatest relative difference between normoxic and hypoxic cultures occurring with a45 minute dosing interval (Chapter 3). Similarly, 24 hours hypoxic conditioning significantly increased nanoparticle uptake, in MDA-MB-231 cells, where HIF1α was partially inhibited by digoxin (p<0.001, Chapter 4). Exocytosis studies indicated that the preconditioned cells had a significantly increased nanoparticle efflux (up to 9%, p<0.001) when compared tonormoxic cells (Chapter 3). Overall, this thesis has demonstrated thathypoxic preconditioning regulates both the endocytosis and exocytosis of nanomedicines in human breast cancer cells (Chapters 3 and 4).In women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm, with a recognised high mortality burden. Breast cancer cells adapt to the hypoxictumoral environment by undergoing changes in metabolism, cell signalling, endo-lysosomal receptor uptake and recycling. The resulting hypoxic cellphenotype has the potential to undermine the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines designed for endocytic uptake and specific intracellular trafficking (Chapter 1). The aim of this thesis was to examine the impact of hypoxia and simulated reperfusion on the in vitro uptake and release of nanomedicines by human breast cancer cells. Cells were exposed to a hypoxic preconditioning treatment in 1% oxygen for 6 and 24 hours to induce temporal changes in the hypoxic circuit (e.g. HIF1α expression). The preconditioned cells were then dosed with nanoparticles for 45 or 180 minutes emulating nanomedicine access following tumor reperfusion.Hypoxic preconditioning significantly increased nanoparticle retention by up to 10% when compared to normoxic cultures (p<0.001), with the greatest relative difference between normoxic and hypoxic cultures occurring with a45 minute dosing interval (Chapter 3). Similarly, 24 hours hypoxic conditioning significantly increased nanoparticle uptake, in MDA-MB-231 cells, where HIF1α was partially inhibited by digoxin (p<0.001, Chapter 4). Exocytosis studies indicated that the preconditioned cells had a significantly increased nanoparticle efflux (up to 9%, p<0.001) when compared tonormoxic cells (Chapter 3). Overall, this thesis has demonstrated thathypoxic preconditioning regulates both the endocytosis and exocytosis of nanomedicines in human breast cancer cells (Chapters 3 and 4)
Synthesis of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and novel cementitious materials : characterisation, engineering applications and environmental aspects
Get PDFThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from 4th June 2018 until 4th June 2023.This doctoral dissertation describes the synthesis and characterisation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phase and other cementitious materials. C-S-H is the most important mineral phase in ordinary Portland cement (OPC), accounting for strength and hardening. Its characterisation has been the subject of research in the past 70 years and yet there are still gaps in knowledge and understanding. In this work the development of a novel method process for direct synthesis of solid calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases is proposed, by mixing calcium hydroxide and silica. This method allows crystal structural determination of the synthetic mineral, and permits characterisation at the atomic scale and also mechanical-hydraulic measurements on monoliths, rather than the more traditional slurry format. The method is easy, relatively fast and highly reproducible. In particular, structure evolution of synthetic C-S-H is studied under varying calcium to silica ratio, curing time and silica particle size, using either silica fume or nano-silica (particle size). While this method advantageously produces solid C-S-H, its production at bulk-scale is also evaluated by means of a life cycle assessment and compared to other OPC-free binder materials. Novel OPC-free cementitious binders are in fact developed and characterised in terms of mechanical and thermal performance. Proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement, these innovative cementitious materials have a lower carbon footprint and contribute to reduce Portland cement consumption and its CO2 emissions. Hydrothermal synthesis of C-S-H is carried out to investigate the response to hot and wet conditions, typical of cement encapsulation in deep geological storage of radioactive waste. As a result of these investigations, synthesis conditions have been proven to be the key in "tailoring" and designing the C-S-H structure at the nano-scale. C-S-H produced is used as a crack-sealing agent in aqueous injection. A lab-scale investigation shows that aqueous nano-silica injected through a hardened cement matrix reacts with calcium hydroxide naturally present in hydrated Portland cement producing additional C-S-H and reducing the overall porosity and permeability. This study explores the potential use of solid C-S-H to repair large scale structures which are wet or under water, such as legacy ponds in nuclear waste storage facilities.This doctoral dissertation describes the synthesis and characterisation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phase and other cementitious materials. C-S-H is the most important mineral phase in ordinary Portland cement (OPC), accounting for strength and hardening. Its characterisation has been the subject of research in the past 70 years and yet there are still gaps in knowledge and understanding. In this work the development of a novel method process for direct synthesis of solid calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases is proposed, by mixing calcium hydroxide and silica. This method allows crystal structural determination of the synthetic mineral, and permits characterisation at the atomic scale and also mechanical-hydraulic measurements on monoliths, rather than the more traditional slurry format. The method is easy, relatively fast and highly reproducible. In particular, structure evolution of synthetic C-S-H is studied under varying calcium to silica ratio, curing time and silica particle size, using either silica fume or nano-silica (particle size). While this method advantageously produces solid C-S-H, its production at bulk-scale is also evaluated by means of a life cycle assessment and compared to other OPC-free binder materials. Novel OPC-free cementitious binders are in fact developed and characterised in terms of mechanical and thermal performance. Proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement, these innovative cementitious materials have a lower carbon footprint and contribute to reduce Portland cement consumption and its CO2 emissions. Hydrothermal synthesis of C-S-H is carried out to investigate the response to hot and wet conditions, typical of cement encapsulation in deep geological storage of radioactive waste. As a result of these investigations, synthesis conditions have been proven to be the key in "tailoring" and designing the C-S-H structure at the nano-scale. C-S-H produced is used as a crack-sealing agent in aqueous injection. A lab-scale investigation shows that aqueous nano-silica injected through a hardened cement matrix reacts with calcium hydroxide naturally present in hydrated Portland cement producing additional C-S-H and reducing the overall porosity and permeability. This study explores the potential use of solid C-S-H to repair large scale structures which are wet or under water, such as legacy ponds in nuclear waste storage facilities
MicroRNA detection using silver nanoparticles and SERS
Get PDFMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA sequences with a length of 18 to 24 nucleotides and are known to modulate protein expression by binding to complementary sequences of messenger RNA (mRNA). Despite being discovered only recently, there is growing evidence that miRNAs are involved in key biological processes. Recent studies have shown a correlation between circulating miRNA biomarkers and many diseases including type 2 diabetes. The development of a method for miRNA detection is of great importance as it could allow for early detection of type 2 diabetes, and therefore may have the potential to reduce the number of people with undiagnosed diabetes. Many methods can be used for miRNA detection, however surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ideal candidate as it is considered to be a fast, highly sensitive and an extremely effective technique for miRNA detection when applied with bio-functionalised metallic nanoparticles. In addition, it offers the capability for the simultaneous detection of multiple targets, which provides SERS with major advantages over other techniques. The research began with the functionalization of silver nanoparticles using DNA oligonucleotide sequences and successive testing of their ability to detect miRNA biomarkers with a clinical relevance to type 2 diabetes in a solution-based assay. The silver nanoparticle conjugates were functionalised using thiol modified oligonucleotides and a Raman reporter to aid SERS detection. When the sample was exposed to a complementary strand of miRNA target, the nanoparticles aggregated and increased the SERS signal. Using a similar sandwich assay format, miRNA targets were also detected using a solid phase assay incorporating lateral flow strips. Lateral flow devices (LFDs) are already established for the detection of nucleic acids, and by using SERS, the detection sensitivity for targets in biological samples may be increased. Here we have been able to detect miRNA by direct visualisation of the lateral flow strips, and by SERS detection at very low concentrations difficult to see by the naked eye. These two approaches, towards using SERS for miRNA detection, are very promising and could allow biologists and clinicians to measure and monitor miRNA levels, for use in medical diagnosis and early detection of many diseases, not just type 2 diabetes.MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA sequences with a length of 18 to 24 nucleotides and are known to modulate protein expression by binding to complementary sequences of messenger RNA (mRNA). Despite being discovered only recently, there is growing evidence that miRNAs are involved in key biological processes. Recent studies have shown a correlation between circulating miRNA biomarkers and many diseases including type 2 diabetes. The development of a method for miRNA detection is of great importance as it could allow for early detection of type 2 diabetes, and therefore may have the potential to reduce the number of people with undiagnosed diabetes. Many methods can be used for miRNA detection, however surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ideal candidate as it is considered to be a fast, highly sensitive and an extremely effective technique for miRNA detection when applied with bio-functionalised metallic nanoparticles. In addition, it offers the capability for the simultaneous detection of multiple targets, which provides SERS with major advantages over other techniques. The research began with the functionalization of silver nanoparticles using DNA oligonucleotide sequences and successive testing of their ability to detect miRNA biomarkers with a clinical relevance to type 2 diabetes in a solution-based assay. The silver nanoparticle conjugates were functionalised using thiol modified oligonucleotides and a Raman reporter to aid SERS detection. When the sample was exposed to a complementary strand of miRNA target, the nanoparticles aggregated and increased the SERS signal. Using a similar sandwich assay format, miRNA targets were also detected using a solid phase assay incorporating lateral flow strips. Lateral flow devices (LFDs) are already established for the detection of nucleic acids, and by using SERS, the detection sensitivity for targets in biological samples may be increased. Here we have been able to detect miRNA by direct visualisation of the lateral flow strips, and by SERS detection at very low concentrations difficult to see by the naked eye. These two approaches, towards using SERS for miRNA detection, are very promising and could allow biologists and clinicians to measure and monitor miRNA levels, for use in medical diagnosis and early detection of many diseases, not just type 2 diabetes
Biological warfare spectroscopy : development of rapid reagentless, in situ detection of biological threat agents and assessment and correction of the environmental conditioning on the vibrational spectrum
Get PDFThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from 21st August 2019 until 21st August 2024.Current established bacterial identification techniques (cell culture and
genetic analysis), are often costly and time-consuming processes. The ability to
rapidly identify bacteria offers utility in a number of important areas, especially
where pathogens could be left in a natural environment for a prolonged period of time, on various different backgrounds after their initial release. The 2015 UK
National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review (NSS SD) lists an attack on the UK or its Overseas Territories by another state or proxy using chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) weapons as a tier 2 threat; therefore, methods to identify biological warfare agents (BWAs) are a major priority for bio-defence. Vibrational spectroscopy is a rapid, cheap and non-destructive technique that has previously been used to identify bacteria. This project uses varying temperature and humidity levels to represent a hot dry climate and assess the impact upon the bacteria using vibrational spectroscopy. The main focus of the project looks at the effect that substrate and environmental conditions have on the spectral signature of bacteria. The bacteria chosen for this study include surrogates of BWAs and bacteria that are commonly found in the environment. The results of the project demonstrate that Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy is the optimal method for bacterial identification when compared with Raman for identifying samples found on complex matrices. Supervised and unsupervised multivariate analysis (MVA) of the data was performed using principle component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) to show separation of Gram-type, bacterial strain and time point. This project shows the development of a methodology that can be used on a handheld spectrometer where the spectral contribution from a complex matrix is removed to provide a bacterial spectrum. This methodology has great promise for rapid, in situ identification of ‘real world’ BWA samples.Current established bacterial identification techniques (cell culture and
genetic analysis), are often costly and time-consuming processes. The ability to
rapidly identify bacteria offers utility in a number of important areas, especially
where pathogens could be left in a natural environment for a prolonged period of time, on various different backgrounds after their initial release. The 2015 UK
National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review (NSS SD) lists an attack on the UK or its Overseas Territories by another state or proxy using chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) weapons as a tier 2 threat; therefore, methods to identify biological warfare agents (BWAs) are a major priority for bio-defence. Vibrational spectroscopy is a rapid, cheap and non-destructive technique that has previously been used to identify bacteria. This project uses varying temperature and humidity levels to represent a hot dry climate and assess the impact upon the bacteria using vibrational spectroscopy. The main focus of the project looks at the effect that substrate and environmental conditions have on the spectral signature of bacteria. The bacteria chosen for this study include surrogates of BWAs and bacteria that are commonly found in the environment. The results of the project demonstrate that Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy is the optimal method for bacterial identification when compared with Raman for identifying samples found on complex matrices. Supervised and unsupervised multivariate analysis (MVA) of the data was performed using principle component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) to show separation of Gram-type, bacterial strain and time point. This project shows the development of a methodology that can be used on a handheld spectrometer where the spectral contribution from a complex matrix is removed to provide a bacterial spectrum. This methodology has great promise for rapid, in situ identification of ‘real world’ BWA samples
An introspective approach to robot plan execution
Get PDFA three-tier architecture has been widely adopted for the task of controlling behaviour on board robots. The architecture acts to separate high-level deliberation over the best actions to take, from the low-level reactive task of executing those actions in a real dynamic and uncertain world. An important aspect that supports the efficiency of this architecture is that each tier acts with an increasingly abstract model.;This allows the deliberation layer to construct plans for complex objectives in large domains. However when it comes to execution, the assumptions made to produce these plans can often contradict the realities of the environment they are required to operate in. This has resulted in the need for intelligent plan execution systems, which can monitor the execution of a plan and correct it if it an unexpected outcome is encountered.;An introspective approach is presented, which focuses on increasing the intelligence of a system's executive (the mediating layer between deliberation and execution). This is achieved through the use of introspective models that provide the executive with an understanding of how each of its actions should progress. An introspective execution framework is constructed around these models, extending their use from monitoring into control.;This provides a method for the executive to identify anomalous behaviour within an action's execution, and intervene with a recovery action before it results in a system failure. Problems within an execution can then be overcome at an executive level, without the need to abandon an action or invoke higher-level systems.;The intelligence of a system's executive can then be further enhanced through the implementation of a stochastic controller that sits above the introspective framework. This provides additional reasoning over the executable actions, however it also provides the facility to add an element of learning to the system. By incorporating the observed outcomes from each action into the controller the executive can learn estimations of their success, and use this to refine a plan into a more robust execution strategy.;This provides the executive with an expectation how an execution should be progressing, and raises the level on introspection to plan execution.;This work is concerned with the ability to execute plans reliably on board a mobile robot operating in a dynamic environment and has therefore been implemented and deployed on a robot. Through several trials it is demonstrated that the introspective models can be used to predict action failure during action execution, which supports intervention and recovery. It is also shown that as the learning approach updates the stochastic controller, the system's behaviour changes adapting to its knowledge of the environment.A three-tier architecture has been widely adopted for the task of controlling behaviour on board robots. The architecture acts to separate high-level deliberation over the best actions to take, from the low-level reactive task of executing those actions in a real dynamic and uncertain world. An important aspect that supports the efficiency of this architecture is that each tier acts with an increasingly abstract model.;This allows the deliberation layer to construct plans for complex objectives in large domains. However when it comes to execution, the assumptions made to produce these plans can often contradict the realities of the environment they are required to operate in. This has resulted in the need for intelligent plan execution systems, which can monitor the execution of a plan and correct it if it an unexpected outcome is encountered.;An introspective approach is presented, which focuses on increasing the intelligence of a system's executive (the mediating layer between deliberation and execution). This is achieved through the use of introspective models that provide the executive with an understanding of how each of its actions should progress. An introspective execution framework is constructed around these models, extending their use from monitoring into control.;This provides a method for the executive to identify anomalous behaviour within an action's execution, and intervene with a recovery action before it results in a system failure. Problems within an execution can then be overcome at an executive level, without the need to abandon an action or invoke higher-level systems.;The intelligence of a system's executive can then be further enhanced through the implementation of a stochastic controller that sits above the introspective framework. This provides additional reasoning over the executable actions, however it also provides the facility to add an element of learning to the system. By incorporating the observed outcomes from each action into the controller the executive can learn estimations of their success, and use this to refine a plan into a more robust execution strategy.;This provides the executive with an expectation how an execution should be progressing, and raises the level on introspection to plan execution.;This work is concerned with the ability to execute plans reliably on board a mobile robot operating in a dynamic environment and has therefore been implemented and deployed on a robot. Through several trials it is demonstrated that the introspective models can be used to predict action failure during action execution, which supports intervention and recovery. It is also shown that as the learning approach updates the stochastic controller, the system's behaviour changes adapting to its knowledge of the environment
Caring within constraint : employment relations in voluntary sector social care in the context of personalisation, marketization and austerity
Get PDFThis thesis examines the impact of personalisation, marketization and austerity on voluntary sector social care employment relations in post-recession Scotland. The prevalence of short-term funding contracts characterised by strict and often confining performance criteria has resulted in the emergence of a 'contract culture' whereby funders effectively determine service provision. This quasi-market approach to procurement often manifests itself in a pronounced deterioration in terms and conditions of employment, and an intensification of work.;Personalisation is premised on the notion of empowering service users, which many studies have found increases their satisfaction and wellbeing. However, due to its dual imperative of increasing quality and reducing cost, personalisation can serve to significantly intensify work. In this sense, the demands of austerity and personalisation converge, and create a compound pressure on the voluntary sector employment relationship.;In consequence, this research examines firstly, the implications of austerity and personalisation on voluntary sector employment policies; secondly, the impact of subsequent changes to employment policies within voluntary sector organisations on the attitudes of employees; and finally, whether or not these changes in attitudes create tensions between employees and management.;At an empirical level, this research provides analysis of four comprehensive case studies, comprised of fifty-five interviews overall and a benchmarking survey of each, situated in the under-researched context of voluntary sector social care in Scotland. This is of pressing importance, given that the UK voluntary sector has grown considerably in recent years (NCVO, 2017), and in light of a growing and aging UK population (ONS, 2017), looks set to continue to do so.;This research makes a conceptual contribution to knowledge via a unique conceptual framework, based on the sociology of service work and the psychological contract, as an instrument through which to better understand how personalisation and austerity affect the employment relationship. In doing so, it provides the scope to identify specific issues affecting the workforce, how they respond to them, and what this means for employers, and the sector at large.This thesis examines the impact of personalisation, marketization and austerity on voluntary sector social care employment relations in post-recession Scotland. The prevalence of short-term funding contracts characterised by strict and often confining performance criteria has resulted in the emergence of a 'contract culture' whereby funders effectively determine service provision. This quasi-market approach to procurement often manifests itself in a pronounced deterioration in terms and conditions of employment, and an intensification of work.;Personalisation is premised on the notion of empowering service users, which many studies have found increases their satisfaction and wellbeing. However, due to its dual imperative of increasing quality and reducing cost, personalisation can serve to significantly intensify work. In this sense, the demands of austerity and personalisation converge, and create a compound pressure on the voluntary sector employment relationship.;In consequence, this research examines firstly, the implications of austerity and personalisation on voluntary sector employment policies; secondly, the impact of subsequent changes to employment policies within voluntary sector organisations on the attitudes of employees; and finally, whether or not these changes in attitudes create tensions between employees and management.;At an empirical level, this research provides analysis of four comprehensive case studies, comprised of fifty-five interviews overall and a benchmarking survey of each, situated in the under-researched context of voluntary sector social care in Scotland. This is of pressing importance, given that the UK voluntary sector has grown considerably in recent years (NCVO, 2017), and in light of a growing and aging UK population (ONS, 2017), looks set to continue to do so.;This research makes a conceptual contribution to knowledge via a unique conceptual framework, based on the sociology of service work and the psychological contract, as an instrument through which to better understand how personalisation and austerity affect the employment relationship. In doing so, it provides the scope to identify specific issues affecting the workforce, how they respond to them, and what this means for employers, and the sector at large
Numerical study of wave run-up on semi-submersible platforms
Get PDFFor designing new floating platforms, the model tests in wave tank are carried out to investigate hydrodynamic properties and other parameters during design process. However, even though these experiments are able to help researchers with understanding the physical meaning directly, it has naturally made it to spend lots of time including from manufacturing test model to using the test facilities.;The motions and flow characteristics of a floating hull are closely associated with nonlinearity of incident, reflected and scattered waves, which have undoubtedly made hydrodynamic problems complicated and challenging. The waves around a structure can be amplified by their interaction with the structure and wave to wave interactions, which lead to even higher and steeper wave crests.;In the present study, through comparisons, the main purposes are to understand physical mechanisms of wave run-up phenomenon with relevant parameters. The numerical simulations were performed using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using the commercial software Star-CCM+. In order to validate this work's CFD results, existing experimental data from the open literature were investigated.;The simulated wave run up results of a rigidly fixed semi-submersible geometry were compared against published experiment data, with SESAM program. The influence of higher-order wave components could be investigated by directly comparing both results. Also, for the quick calculations, wave run-ups with different hull displacements were used to derive a simplified estimation formula using wave parameter and column diameter.;Lastly, the survival draft conditions were added to compare with existing operational draft condition. In general, it was found that low draft and high frequency were the main factors influencing the results, particularly in the aft column. In conclusion, this work's CFD results are in reasonably good agreement with experiments and therefore the CFD technique can provide useful guidance for designing platforms in this field.For designing new floating platforms, the model tests in wave tank are carried out to investigate hydrodynamic properties and other parameters during design process. However, even though these experiments are able to help researchers with understanding the physical meaning directly, it has naturally made it to spend lots of time including from manufacturing test model to using the test facilities.;The motions and flow characteristics of a floating hull are closely associated with nonlinearity of incident, reflected and scattered waves, which have undoubtedly made hydrodynamic problems complicated and challenging. The waves around a structure can be amplified by their interaction with the structure and wave to wave interactions, which lead to even higher and steeper wave crests.;In the present study, through comparisons, the main purposes are to understand physical mechanisms of wave run-up phenomenon with relevant parameters. The numerical simulations were performed using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using the commercial software Star-CCM+. In order to validate this work's CFD results, existing experimental data from the open literature were investigated.;The simulated wave run up results of a rigidly fixed semi-submersible geometry were compared against published experiment data, with SESAM program. The influence of higher-order wave components could be investigated by directly comparing both results. Also, for the quick calculations, wave run-ups with different hull displacements were used to derive a simplified estimation formula using wave parameter and column diameter.;Lastly, the survival draft conditions were added to compare with existing operational draft condition. In general, it was found that low draft and high frequency were the main factors influencing the results, particularly in the aft column. In conclusion, this work's CFD results are in reasonably good agreement with experiments and therefore the CFD technique can provide useful guidance for designing platforms in this field
Brainplay : an investigation of serious games that tap into cognitive processes
Get PDFVideo games are a growing industry, one that is exploring markets such as education, healthcare and society. The problem is that video games, or serious games, for health have yet to make an impact in a commercial market. The question that arises is why healthcare has not adopted video games in health care? Previous work in health and psychology has explored the benefits video games can have on the following: cognitive processes; behaviour; and quality of life. However, the gap in previous research does not consider the development of a serious game for health by commercial game developers or investigate what healthcare professionals perceive a serious game to offer. To approach this gap, this research reviewed the literature on game design frameworks and utilised one specific framework, the mechanics dynamics aesthetics (MDA) framework, to design a set of serious games for health referred to as Brainplay. The study involved three user studies to explore the potential usability and perceived usefulness of the games in the intended context: (i) to understand whether Brainplay was still perceived by the general public as a game and elicited 'play' using a quantitative user experience survey; (ii) to understand whether the MDA framework could be understood by commercial game developers through thematic analysis of one-to-one interviews; (iii) to understand whether healthcare professionals would perceive a potential use for Brainplay in healthcare, again through thematic analysis of one-to-one interviews. The conclusions this thesis can make is that Brainplay still elicited play with the public. Yet, when commercial game developers were interviewed, knowledge and usage of the MDA, or other game design frameworks, did not seem necessary to developing games for health. This thesis also concluded that the three healthcare professionals interviewed, from different background of healthcare, perceived different purposes for Brainplay within healthcare.Video games are a growing industry, one that is exploring markets such as education, healthcare and society. The problem is that video games, or serious games, for health have yet to make an impact in a commercial market. The question that arises is why healthcare has not adopted video games in health care? Previous work in health and psychology has explored the benefits video games can have on the following: cognitive processes; behaviour; and quality of life. However, the gap in previous research does not consider the development of a serious game for health by commercial game developers or investigate what healthcare professionals perceive a serious game to offer. To approach this gap, this research reviewed the literature on game design frameworks and utilised one specific framework, the mechanics dynamics aesthetics (MDA) framework, to design a set of serious games for health referred to as Brainplay. The study involved three user studies to explore the potential usability and perceived usefulness of the games in the intended context: (i) to understand whether Brainplay was still perceived by the general public as a game and elicited 'play' using a quantitative user experience survey; (ii) to understand whether the MDA framework could be understood by commercial game developers through thematic analysis of one-to-one interviews; (iii) to understand whether healthcare professionals would perceive a potential use for Brainplay in healthcare, again through thematic analysis of one-to-one interviews. The conclusions this thesis can make is that Brainplay still elicited play with the public. Yet, when commercial game developers were interviewed, knowledge and usage of the MDA, or other game design frameworks, did not seem necessary to developing games for health. This thesis also concluded that the three healthcare professionals interviewed, from different background of healthcare, perceived different purposes for Brainplay within healthcare
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