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Colloidal silica grout for the formation of hydraulic barriers : an investigation of the hydro-mechanical and gelling behaviour
Get PDFHazardous waste sources such as heavy metals, chemical substances, gases, asbestos, and radioactive substances situated in the subsurface due to historical urban and industrial activities have contributed to a considerable legacy of contaminated sites both in the UK and worldwide. It is estimate that in England and Wales there is potentially 300,000 ha across 325,000 sites of contaminated land (Environment Agency, 2005). Furthermore, the numbers of potentially contaminated sites may increase from future closures and decommissioning of sites across various industries such as nuclear facilities (NDA, 2016). Contamination and its implications cannot be avoided; thus, remediation ofcontaminated waste sites and improvements to current technologies can provide global environmental benefits (Rivett et al., 2002). The Sellafield site located in northwest England is regarded to be one of “the most hazardous places in Europe” (McKie, 2009). With the most hazardous facilities including four legacy ponds, silos that hold large quantities of nuclear material, and stores housing the UK plutonium inventory. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estimate costs of £121 billion for the completion of decommissioning work at the Sellafield site by 2120 (NAO, 2018). Statutory guidelines by DEFRA (2012) outline the legal obligations to minimise the risk posed to both humans and the environment from land contamination. In addition, specific industrial licence regulators state requirements ofredundancy in the case of leakages (i.e. secondary containment systems) (ONR, 2016). Assessment of contaminated land and appropriate remediation method can be examined by considering three key factors: hazard, pathway, and receptor. The relationship between the three factors is known as pollutant linkage and can be used to determine risks (Angel et al., 2005, DEFRA, 2012). Remediation strategies adopted to minimise or control risks in contaminated land scenario typically comprise three main techniques: hazard reduction (e.g. removal or treatment of the contaminant), pathway modification (e.g containment barrier prevent contact between receptor and hazard), or receptor control (e.g modify the location or nature of the receptor). However, it is usually very difficult to modify receptor behaviour (i.e. humans/biological receptors). Therefore, remediation technologies generally fall into two categories: (i) hazard reduction and (ii) pathway modification. Hazard reduction methods include pump and treat, sparging, and venting. These methods can be implemented to remove and treat contaminated groundwater and volatile compounds. However, contaminants may still remain in situ sorbed onto soil particles. Permeable reactive barriers may also be used as an engineered treatment zone placed to remediate contaminated groundwater as it flows through utilising the mechanism of sorption, oxidation/reduction, precipitation, fixation, and biodegradation. Several other methods also exist including electro-remediation and phytoremediation treatment, these techniques can typically be applied both in-situ and ex-situ. (Nathanail et al., 2007, DEFRA, 2010, Angel et al., 2005). A common strategy for pathway modification is excavation and disposal, the main advantage is that it removes the contaminated soils and breaks the contaminant pathway. However, high costs with transporting and handling of waste, in addition to on site restrictions of operational structures or services are driving the development of alternative remediation strategies (SEPA, 2017). Hydraulic containment is another method of pathway modification utilising pumping to lower the water table to isolate contamination. However, the use of pumps to achieve hydraulic containment can be expensive due to the need for long-term intervention and monitoring. Physical containment barriers use low permeability barriers constructed in the subsurface to inhibit contaminant transport by controlling ground water flow (Persoff et al., 1998, Mulligan et al., 2001). For sites, with very large volumes of contamination or contamination beneath remaining buildings containment may be the only practical option. The advantage of physical containment systems is that they can be widely applied to sites with a range of different contaminants.Hazardous waste sources such as heavy metals, chemical substances, gases, asbestos, and radioactive substances situated in the subsurface due to historical urban and industrial activities have contributed to a considerable legacy of contaminated sites both in the UK and worldwide. It is estimate that in England and Wales there is potentially 300,000 ha across 325,000 sites of contaminated land (Environment Agency, 2005). Furthermore, the numbers of potentially contaminated sites may increase from future closures and decommissioning of sites across various industries such as nuclear facilities (NDA, 2016). Contamination and its implications cannot be avoided; thus, remediation ofcontaminated waste sites and improvements to current technologies can provide global environmental benefits (Rivett et al., 2002). The Sellafield site located in northwest England is regarded to be one of “the most hazardous places in Europe” (McKie, 2009). With the most hazardous facilities including four legacy ponds, silos that hold large quantities of nuclear material, and stores housing the UK plutonium inventory. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estimate costs of £121 billion for the completion of decommissioning work at the Sellafield site by 2120 (NAO, 2018). Statutory guidelines by DEFRA (2012) outline the legal obligations to minimise the risk posed to both humans and the environment from land contamination. In addition, specific industrial licence regulators state requirements ofredundancy in the case of leakages (i.e. secondary containment systems) (ONR, 2016). Assessment of contaminated land and appropriate remediation method can be examined by considering three key factors: hazard, pathway, and receptor. The relationship between the three factors is known as pollutant linkage and can be used to determine risks (Angel et al., 2005, DEFRA, 2012). Remediation strategies adopted to minimise or control risks in contaminated land scenario typically comprise three main techniques: hazard reduction (e.g. removal or treatment of the contaminant), pathway modification (e.g containment barrier prevent contact between receptor and hazard), or receptor control (e.g modify the location or nature of the receptor). However, it is usually very difficult to modify receptor behaviour (i.e. humans/biological receptors). Therefore, remediation technologies generally fall into two categories: (i) hazard reduction and (ii) pathway modification. Hazard reduction methods include pump and treat, sparging, and venting. These methods can be implemented to remove and treat contaminated groundwater and volatile compounds. However, contaminants may still remain in situ sorbed onto soil particles. Permeable reactive barriers may also be used as an engineered treatment zone placed to remediate contaminated groundwater as it flows through utilising the mechanism of sorption, oxidation/reduction, precipitation, fixation, and biodegradation. Several other methods also exist including electro-remediation and phytoremediation treatment, these techniques can typically be applied both in-situ and ex-situ. (Nathanail et al., 2007, DEFRA, 2010, Angel et al., 2005). A common strategy for pathway modification is excavation and disposal, the main advantage is that it removes the contaminated soils and breaks the contaminant pathway. However, high costs with transporting and handling of waste, in addition to on site restrictions of operational structures or services are driving the development of alternative remediation strategies (SEPA, 2017). Hydraulic containment is another method of pathway modification utilising pumping to lower the water table to isolate contamination. However, the use of pumps to achieve hydraulic containment can be expensive due to the need for long-term intervention and monitoring. Physical containment barriers use low permeability barriers constructed in the subsurface to inhibit contaminant transport by controlling ground water flow (Persoff et al., 1998, Mulligan et al., 2001). For sites, with very large volumes of contamination or contamination beneath remaining buildings containment may be the only practical option. The advantage of physical containment systems is that they can be widely applied to sites with a range of different contaminants
Obesity and neuroinflammation : the impact of adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles on microglial cell signalling
No full textBackground: Obesity is becoming an increasingly prominent disease associated with many comorbidities. Although it is well established that obesity is a chronic inflammatory disorder, the mechanisms involved in this process are not fully known. The onset and development of obesity-induced neuroinflammation is poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from most cell types and aid in cell-cell communication. Adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (AT-EVs) are known to be involved in interorgan crosstalk during obesity and therefore may be a key component in obesity induced neuroinflammation.Aim and Hypothesis: To understand the effects of AT-EVs on microglial cells and if this may be a contributing factor in the link between obesity and neuroinflammation. We hypothesise that AT-EVs will enhance the expression of pro-inflammatory signalling (pNF-κB expression) within microglial cells.Methods: Using morphological and cell viability techniques, two microglial cell lines, HMC3 and BV2 cells were characterised under normal and inflammatory conditions (1μg/mL and 10μg/mL of LPS). AT-EVs were isolated and characterised using ultracentrifugation and light scattering techniques (dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis). Immunofluorescence measured vesicle uptake in microglial cells. Silver staining was done to detect total protein content within EV samples. Western blotting analysed pNF-κB expression in microglial cells after co-culturing with AT-EVs.Results: HMC3 and BV2 cells express a morphologically inflammatory phenotype when stimulated with LPS. Healthy AT-EVs are of certain size (~180nm) and concentration (~3x108particles/mL) and are found to contain protein. AT-EVs are successfully internalised by BV2 cells and healthy AT-EVs (5μg/mL) grown under normal conditions result in pNF-κB upregulation. Conditioned EVs express differences in vesicle concentration (hypoxic EVs have higher concentration [3.5 x 108 particles/mL] compared with healthy [2.5 x 108 particles/mL] and IR EVs [2.1 x 108 particles/mL]) as well as protein content.Conclusion: AT-EVs evoke pro-inflammatory signalling in BV2 cells. In depth characterisation of the pro-inflammatory phenotypes for both cell lines were incomplete and must be further addressed. Future work must explore the functional effects of conditioned AT-EVs on microglial cells to examine if these vesicles exacerbate the pro-inflammatory phenotype.Keywords: Adipocytes, Extracellular vesicles, Microglia, Neuroinflammation, ObesityBackground: Obesity is becoming an increasingly prominent disease associated with many comorbidities. Although it is well established that obesity is a chronic inflammatory disorder, the mechanisms involved in this process are not fully known. The onset and development of obesity-induced neuroinflammation is poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from most cell types and aid in cell-cell communication. Adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (AT-EVs) are known to be involved in interorgan crosstalk during obesity and therefore may be a key component in obesity induced neuroinflammation.Aim and Hypothesis: To understand the effects of AT-EVs on microglial cells and if this may be a contributing factor in the link between obesity and neuroinflammation. We hypothesise that AT-EVs will enhance the expression of pro-inflammatory signalling (pNF-κB expression) within microglial cells.Methods: Using morphological and cell viability techniques, two microglial cell lines, HMC3 and BV2 cells were characterised under normal and inflammatory conditions (1μg/mL and 10μg/mL of LPS). AT-EVs were isolated and characterised using ultracentrifugation and light scattering techniques (dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis). Immunofluorescence measured vesicle uptake in microglial cells. Silver staining was done to detect total protein content within EV samples. Western blotting analysed pNF-κB expression in microglial cells after co-culturing with AT-EVs.Results: HMC3 and BV2 cells express a morphologically inflammatory phenotype when stimulated with LPS. Healthy AT-EVs are of certain size (~180nm) and concentration (~3x108particles/mL) and are found to contain protein. AT-EVs are successfully internalised by BV2 cells and healthy AT-EVs (5μg/mL) grown under normal conditions result in pNF-κB upregulation. Conditioned EVs express differences in vesicle concentration (hypoxic EVs have higher concentration [3.5 x 108 particles/mL] compared with healthy [2.5 x 108 particles/mL] and IR EVs [2.1 x 108 particles/mL]) as well as protein content.Conclusion: AT-EVs evoke pro-inflammatory signalling in BV2 cells. In depth characterisation of the pro-inflammatory phenotypes for both cell lines were incomplete and must be further addressed. Future work must explore the functional effects of conditioned AT-EVs on microglial cells to examine if these vesicles exacerbate the pro-inflammatory phenotype.Keywords: Adipocytes, Extracellular vesicles, Microglia, Neuroinflammation, Obesit
Design of a wearable LED-based phototherapy device
Get PDFThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from 23/03/2021 to 23/03/2022The aim of the work described in this thesis is to design a wearable phototherapy device utilising LEDs. Phototherapy is the use of light to treat medical conditions, such as, eczema, psoriasis and newborn jaundice. Treatment usually takes place in a clinical environment, but a recent focus for phototherapy is the development of at-home devices. Currently available technologies consist of rigid LED arrays; identifying the treatment regime with these devices is diffcult due to the non-uniform light distribution. A poten-tial solution to this problem is to create a flexible and conformable device that allows for uniform light distribution over the treatment area by incorporating light scattering features.Broad area LEDs (UV and blue) and blue micro-sized LEDs are utilised as the light source coupled into the end of a thin polydimethylsiloxane membrane. High refractive index nanoparticles are embedded in a substrate and used to extract light from the surface of the membrane. By changing the size of these substrates, or by changing the nanoparticle concentration inside the substrates, uniform irradiance is demonstrated over an area of 15 x 15 mm2. Though not demonstrated in this thesis, there is potential for treatment over larger areas.Colloidal quantum dots can be embedded in elastomeric materials and used to down-convert the LED light into lower energy wavelengths. This is shown with red wavelength emitting quantum dots, producing a uniform red irradiance over the substrate area. A similar technique is shown to produce multi-wavelength blue and red uniform emission over the extraction area. The output of the device can be optimised by adding flexible reflective layers to one side of the membrane. This increases the light output from the extraction substrates, whilst maintaining the device flexibility. The light output can also be increased by adding secondary embedded waveguides into the membrane. These are coupled to the micro-LED light and can potentially produce structured emission over the treatment area.The device platform is also shown to be effective as a fluorescent evanescent waveguide sensor, utilising quantum dots as the fluorescent molecules and a smart phone camera to measure the fluorescence.The aim of the work described in this thesis is to design a wearable phototherapy device utilising LEDs. Phototherapy is the use of light to treat medical conditions, such as, eczema, psoriasis and newborn jaundice. Treatment usually takes place in a clinical environment, but a recent focus for phototherapy is the development of at-home devices. Currently available technologies consist of rigid LED arrays; identifying the treatment regime with these devices is diffcult due to the non-uniform light distribution. A poten-tial solution to this problem is to create a flexible and conformable device that allows for uniform light distribution over the treatment area by incorporating light scattering features.Broad area LEDs (UV and blue) and blue micro-sized LEDs are utilised as the light source coupled into the end of a thin polydimethylsiloxane membrane. High refractive index nanoparticles are embedded in a substrate and used to extract light from the surface of the membrane. By changing the size of these substrates, or by changing the nanoparticle concentration inside the substrates, uniform irradiance is demonstrated over an area of 15 x 15 mm2. Though not demonstrated in this thesis, there is potential for treatment over larger areas.Colloidal quantum dots can be embedded in elastomeric materials and used to down-convert the LED light into lower energy wavelengths. This is shown with red wavelength emitting quantum dots, producing a uniform red irradiance over the substrate area. A similar technique is shown to produce multi-wavelength blue and red uniform emission over the extraction area. The output of the device can be optimised by adding flexible reflective layers to one side of the membrane. This increases the light output from the extraction substrates, whilst maintaining the device flexibility. The light output can also be increased by adding secondary embedded waveguides into the membrane. These are coupled to the micro-LED light and can potentially produce structured emission over the treatment area.The device platform is also shown to be effective as a fluorescent evanescent waveguide sensor, utilising quantum dots as the fluorescent molecules and a smart phone camera to measure the fluorescence
Tiv-Model : an empirically validated design methodology for complex space systems
Get PDFIn response to emergent space systems engineering industry challenges, this thesis explored work on the following; 1. The development of engineering design methodologies, following a design process and proposing a baseline of requirements for new methodologies called the “Methodology Requirements Document”. 2. A new design engineering methodology called the “Tiv-Model”, which combines novel academic research into a space systems engineering life cycle model that addresses the emergent challenges. 3. A procedure for verifying and validating design models, based on an existing technique called the “Validation Square”, incorporated to boost the waning confidence industry drivers have of academic models. Through literature research, the Methodology Requirements Document is formed, and the TivModel is created with the aim of optimising the development of space systems. Its novel aspects include a model-based verification technique (called multi-perspective modelling), a focus on teachability for novice engineers and incorporation of other new academic findings, to utilise useful research. The verification and validation of the Tiv-Model is used as an example to create a procedure for academics to validate their own models. A combination of comparative benchmark studies and a focus group was used to continuously improve the model and drive it through the design process. The Tiv-Model rated better in student projects than its benchmark (V-Model) in 13 out of 24 survey categories in a t-test study, and underwent changes requested by industry veterans to finalise the model.In response to emergent space systems engineering industry challenges, this thesis explored work on the following; 1. The development of engineering design methodologies, following a design process and proposing a baseline of requirements for new methodologies called the “Methodology Requirements Document”. 2. A new design engineering methodology called the “Tiv-Model”, which combines novel academic research into a space systems engineering life cycle model that addresses the emergent challenges. 3. A procedure for verifying and validating design models, based on an existing technique called the “Validation Square”, incorporated to boost the waning confidence industry drivers have of academic models. Through literature research, the Methodology Requirements Document is formed, and the TivModel is created with the aim of optimising the development of space systems. Its novel aspects include a model-based verification technique (called multi-perspective modelling), a focus on teachability for novice engineers and incorporation of other new academic findings, to utilise useful research. The verification and validation of the Tiv-Model is used as an example to create a procedure for academics to validate their own models. A combination of comparative benchmark studies and a focus group was used to continuously improve the model and drive it through the design process. The Tiv-Model rated better in student projects than its benchmark (V-Model) in 13 out of 24 survey categories in a t-test study, and underwent changes requested by industry veterans to finalise the model
Denied and disowned motherhood in the works of Dacia Maraini and Annie Ernaux
No full textThis thesis was previously held under moratorium from 12th May 2022 until 12th May 2024.This comparative literature thesis examines the portrayals of motherhood in selected autobiographical, fictional and autofiction works by Dacia Maraini and Annie Ernaux. In particular, it explores the concepts of denied and disowned motherhood, arguing that the authors’ personal experiences of abortion and miscarriage affected, in more ways than one, their literary production on the same topic. The interdisciplinary nature of this research is introduced early in Chapter One with a literature review on motherhood studies, which highlights gaps in the field and explains why a literary studies approach to such a relevant topic is needed. Context and background information on the authors’ lives and upbringing are provided in Chapter Two, while Chapter Three traces the socio-political developments in Italy and France throughout the twentieth century, looking at portrayals of motherhood and the binomial mother-wife in Ernaux and Maraini’s narratives. Particular attention is paid to the 1970s movements, the legalisation of abortion in France and Italy respectively, and how these events altered the authors’ works. The literary analysis in Chapter Four delves further into Ernaux and Maraini’s representation of denied and disowned motherhood, with a comparative scrutiny of the ways in which the authors address and write about the trauma of abortion and miscarriage.This comparative literature thesis examines the portrayals of motherhood in selected autobiographical, fictional and autofiction works by Dacia Maraini and Annie Ernaux. In particular, it explores the concepts of denied and disowned motherhood, arguing that the authors’ personal experiences of abortion and miscarriage affected, in more ways than one, their literary production on the same topic. The interdisciplinary nature of this research is introduced early in Chapter One with a literature review on motherhood studies, which highlights gaps in the field and explains why a literary studies approach to such a relevant topic is needed. Context and background information on the authors’ lives and upbringing are provided in Chapter Two, while Chapter Three traces the socio-political developments in Italy and France throughout the twentieth century, looking at portrayals of motherhood and the binomial mother-wife in Ernaux and Maraini’s narratives. Particular attention is paid to the 1970s movements, the legalisation of abortion in France and Italy respectively, and how these events altered the authors’ works. The literary analysis in Chapter Four delves further into Ernaux and Maraini’s representation of denied and disowned motherhood, with a comparative scrutiny of the ways in which the authors address and write about the trauma of abortion and miscarriage
Molecular manipulation and new antimicrobial identification in Acanthamoeba spp
Get PDFAcanthamoeba spp. are causative agents of a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness known as Acanthamoeba keratitis and a subacute disease in the brain which is usually fatal known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Over the last few years, there has been a notorious increase in the number of infections due to Acanthamoeba spp. Poor diagnosis, problems of side effects, toxicity of the current drug treatment and the lack of gene editing tools as potential future therapy contribute to a high mortality rate. Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs), compounds that bind to the minor groove of the DNA that designed and synthesised at University of Strathclyde were evaluated as potential alternative inhibitors against Acanthamoeba infections. Through cell viability microplate alamarBlue assays 42 S-MGBs were screened from which S-MGB 235 showed the most potent inhibitory effect with IC50 in the nanomolar range against five Acanthamoeba isolates after 24 h and 96 h incubation. Confocal microscopy of trophozoites labelled with fluorescent S-MGB 363 (analogue of S-MGB235) showed this compound in the nucleus, nucleolus and distributed over the granuloplasm causing cell lysis, supporting the potent effect observed in vitro by S-MGB 235. Furthermore, conditions were standardised to establish Galleria mellonella larvae as a new in vivo infection model for A. castellanii Neff infections to assess the efficacy and toxicity of voriconazole, miltefosine and S-MGB 235. Voriconazole and miltefosine did not protect larvae from trophozoite infection, however S-MGB 235 significantly protected larvae when compared with the negative control. It was attempted to establish a CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene editing in Acanthamoeba. The plasmids pBRFPT7NeoCas9 and pBRFPT7PhleoCas9 (containing genes for the red fluorescent protein, T7 RNA polymerase, Cas9 along with the neomycin and phleomycin resistance genes, respectively, were constructed and transfected into A. castellanii Neff trophozoites using Xfect. Expression of RFP was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting.Acanthamoeba spp. are causative agents of a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness known as Acanthamoeba keratitis and a subacute disease in the brain which is usually fatal known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Over the last few years, there has been a notorious increase in the number of infections due to Acanthamoeba spp. Poor diagnosis, problems of side effects, toxicity of the current drug treatment and the lack of gene editing tools as potential future therapy contribute to a high mortality rate. Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs), compounds that bind to the minor groove of the DNA that designed and synthesised at University of Strathclyde were evaluated as potential alternative inhibitors against Acanthamoeba infections. Through cell viability microplate alamarBlue assays 42 S-MGBs were screened from which S-MGB 235 showed the most potent inhibitory effect with IC50 in the nanomolar range against five Acanthamoeba isolates after 24 h and 96 h incubation. Confocal microscopy of trophozoites labelled with fluorescent S-MGB 363 (analogue of S-MGB235) showed this compound in the nucleus, nucleolus and distributed over the granuloplasm causing cell lysis, supporting the potent effect observed in vitro by S-MGB 235. Furthermore, conditions were standardised to establish Galleria mellonella larvae as a new in vivo infection model for A. castellanii Neff infections to assess the efficacy and toxicity of voriconazole, miltefosine and S-MGB 235. Voriconazole and miltefosine did not protect larvae from trophozoite infection, however S-MGB 235 significantly protected larvae when compared with the negative control. It was attempted to establish a CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene editing in Acanthamoeba. The plasmids pBRFPT7NeoCas9 and pBRFPT7PhleoCas9 (containing genes for the red fluorescent protein, T7 RNA polymerase, Cas9 along with the neomycin and phleomycin resistance genes, respectively, were constructed and transfected into A. castellanii Neff trophozoites using Xfect. Expression of RFP was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting
Beyond the pail : accounts of life with(in) water
Get PDFIn this thesis I enact an interdisciplinary investigation into water’s multiplicity of social-ecological values. I seek to open-up, and represent, different intrinsic, symbolic, and place-based values embedded in water; values that are in addition to the material characteristics of the substance that are often limited to quantified, and often economic, expressions. I do this in the context of the research’s empirical site, the southern African nation of Malawi. Herein my central research question is: ‘What are different values of water in Malawi, and how can they be represented?’. I draw on, and develop, the concept of dialogics from its application in social and environmental accounting to consider water in broad social-ecological terms. I furthermore apply theoretical insights of assemblage, drawing on interdisciplinary influences including cultural and ecological anthropology, political ecology, and the arts to conceptualise and represent my evidence. I employ autoethnographic methodology and methods to elucidate my encounters with water, centred around the performative practice of water walks undertaken in Malawi. My methodological orientation and practices illustrate that water has a multiplicity of social, cultural, political, cosmological, and symbolic values in addition to its material uses that are conventionally represented in quantified and economic terms. These values are locally embedded in place, emerge from historical and spatial influences, and are iteratively linked to regional and global social systems (such as land use and climate). These entanglements collectively shape and determine ways people relate to, and are affected by, water. My research contributes to social and environmental accounting and interdisciplinary water studies literature through the exploration of its methodological orientation, and subsequent application of theoretical insights, to frame and represent evidence of water relations in social-ecological assemblages. It has a social/practical contribution by providing empirical insights of water relations in Malawi, developed through its holistic social-ecological and place-based research approach.In this thesis I enact an interdisciplinary investigation into water’s multiplicity of social-ecological values. I seek to open-up, and represent, different intrinsic, symbolic, and place-based values embedded in water; values that are in addition to the material characteristics of the substance that are often limited to quantified, and often economic, expressions. I do this in the context of the research’s empirical site, the southern African nation of Malawi. Herein my central research question is: ‘What are different values of water in Malawi, and how can they be represented?’. I draw on, and develop, the concept of dialogics from its application in social and environmental accounting to consider water in broad social-ecological terms. I furthermore apply theoretical insights of assemblage, drawing on interdisciplinary influences including cultural and ecological anthropology, political ecology, and the arts to conceptualise and represent my evidence. I employ autoethnographic methodology and methods to elucidate my encounters with water, centred around the performative practice of water walks undertaken in Malawi. My methodological orientation and practices illustrate that water has a multiplicity of social, cultural, political, cosmological, and symbolic values in addition to its material uses that are conventionally represented in quantified and economic terms. These values are locally embedded in place, emerge from historical and spatial influences, and are iteratively linked to regional and global social systems (such as land use and climate). These entanglements collectively shape and determine ways people relate to, and are affected by, water. My research contributes to social and environmental accounting and interdisciplinary water studies literature through the exploration of its methodological orientation, and subsequent application of theoretical insights, to frame and represent evidence of water relations in social-ecological assemblages. It has a social/practical contribution by providing empirical insights of water relations in Malawi, developed through its holistic social-ecological and place-based research approach
What agency do students with complex additional support needs have in educational subject choice in Scotland and what are the factors that determine this?
Get PDFUnder the overarching concept of Additional Support Needs (ASN) there are many different categorisations of presentation. Students with Complex Additional Support Needs (CASN) are a small and exceptional group with multiple, overlapping and significant disabilities who are hard to characterise due to the heterogeneous nature of their presentation. Students with CASN have been noted to be marginalised in many ways including omission from policy, lack of research participation and restriction of access to certain educational subjects, as a result of restriction of agency. Attitudes of others have played a huge part in this restriction of agency because there has been a historical focus on remediating perceived deficits for this group, with adults often making decisions on behalf of pupils. My research aimed to uncover the factors that influence the educational experiences of pupils with CASN and illuminate ways forward in order to reduce marginalisation. The voices of these wonderful and unique learners are rarely heard in research and policy related to Scottish education. This research gives students a voice and proposes how exclusion and restriction of agency can begin to be rectified.Six pupils from a large ASN school in Scotland took part in a semi-structured interview on their experiences. Significant consideration was given to ethical aspects of the study and communication supports were used. Ten teachers from the CASN department of the same school also took part in a semi-structured interview to uncover their views on the education of pupils with CASN. In addition to the interviews, 124 teachers with CASN experience took part in an online questionnaire about their views and experiences. Following transcription of data, thematic analysis was conducted which revealed key findings. The key findings from the study were that pupils’ experiences are influenced by a variety of factors, including the attitudes of others. The ways that teachers think about education in the field of CASN can be hugely influential, this research found that most teachers had views that tallied with Social and Capability models of education. In addition, teachers’ experience of and commitment to inclusive pedagogy where the learning is tailored to each pupil as an individual was clear. Lack of experienced staff in the field of CASN was an issue that teachers felt very strongly about. Newer staff benefitted from the expertise of more experienced staff, and little was available in terms of more formal training to meet the needs of this diverse group.Teachers indicated that awareness raising around CASN and of the issues and challenges within the field must be carried out in order to improve pupils’ experiences. In the school studied, pupils could make choices and a sense of agency was evident. However, this was based on their experiences in that particular setting hence, this research comes from a relativist position.In conclusion, I found that there were many different factors that influenced pupils’ experiences and impacted on their agency to make choices across the curriculum. However, awareness raising in the form of a professional learning package for all staff, specific inclusion in policy and a charter of ‘educational rights’ could serve to improve the picture of education in Scotland for pupils with CASN.Under the overarching concept of Additional Support Needs (ASN) there are many different categorisations of presentation. Students with Complex Additional Support Needs (CASN) are a small and exceptional group with multiple, overlapping and significant disabilities who are hard to characterise due to the heterogeneous nature of their presentation. Students with CASN have been noted to be marginalised in many ways including omission from policy, lack of research participation and restriction of access to certain educational subjects, as a result of restriction of agency. Attitudes of others have played a huge part in this restriction of agency because there has been a historical focus on remediating perceived deficits for this group, with adults often making decisions on behalf of pupils. My research aimed to uncover the factors that influence the educational experiences of pupils with CASN and illuminate ways forward in order to reduce marginalisation. The voices of these wonderful and unique learners are rarely heard in research and policy related to Scottish education. This research gives students a voice and proposes how exclusion and restriction of agency can begin to be rectified.Six pupils from a large ASN school in Scotland took part in a semi-structured interview on their experiences. Significant consideration was given to ethical aspects of the study and communication supports were used. Ten teachers from the CASN department of the same school also took part in a semi-structured interview to uncover their views on the education of pupils with CASN. In addition to the interviews, 124 teachers with CASN experience took part in an online questionnaire about their views and experiences. Following transcription of data, thematic analysis was conducted which revealed key findings. The key findings from the study were that pupils’ experiences are influenced by a variety of factors, including the attitudes of others. The ways that teachers think about education in the field of CASN can be hugely influential, this research found that most teachers had views that tallied with Social and Capability models of education. In addition, teachers’ experience of and commitment to inclusive pedagogy where the learning is tailored to each pupil as an individual was clear. Lack of experienced staff in the field of CASN was an issue that teachers felt very strongly about. Newer staff benefitted from the expertise of more experienced staff, and little was available in terms of more formal training to meet the needs of this diverse group.Teachers indicated that awareness raising around CASN and of the issues and challenges within the field must be carried out in order to improve pupils’ experiences. In the school studied, pupils could make choices and a sense of agency was evident. However, this was based on their experiences in that particular setting hence, this research comes from a relativist position.In conclusion, I found that there were many different factors that influenced pupils’ experiences and impacted on their agency to make choices across the curriculum. However, awareness raising in the form of a professional learning package for all staff, specific inclusion in policy and a charter of ‘educational rights’ could serve to improve the picture of education in Scotland for pupils with CASN
The possibility of an impact-related origin of quasi-conglomerate pseudotachylytes on Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, an integrated study
No full textThis study investigates the origin of the quasi-conglomerate pseudotachylytes in the Lewisian Gneiss on Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. These exceptionally large pseudotachylytes have either been ascribed to the Outer Hebrides Fault Zone (OHFZ) or considered to be at a distance from the OHFZ. The Barra quasi-conglomerates visually resemble the Sudbury Breccia and the Vredefort pseudotachylytes, both of which are situated in and related to two of the largest impact structures known on Earth. This thesis examines the evidence for an impact related origin of these enigmatic rocks.;A nested multi-scale mapping method was developed to capture the extent and structures of the pseudotachylytes. On the macro scale, outcrops in one square kilometre were mapped using a colour code for the pseudotachylyte mode of occurrence. Pseudotachylyte veins, networks and quasi-conglomerates were distinguished. Meso scale maps covered 10 x 10 cm, 30 x 30 cm or 1 x 1 m and were used to calculate the amount of pseudotachylyte (sensu stricto) versus clasts and host rock, with a resolution of up to a millimetre, and to document and illustrate structures and clast rotation. Thin sections were used for microstructural analyses by optical and electron beam microscopy. Stereographical data was collected to document a potential relationship between pseudotachylyte veining and pre-existing anisotropies. Geochemical analyses of the Sm / Nd and Rb / Sr isotopes were performed to exclude a fluid assisted process of quasi-conglomerate formation or a remobilisation during the later intrusion of the abundant dykes.;In the mapped area, all outcrops show some degree of pseudotachylyte occurrence. The quasi-conglomerates are found in two thirds of all outcrops and seem to occur in three quasi-continuous, foliation parallel zones. However, due to the outcrop situation, the preferential exposure of quasi-conglomerates on vertical outcrops, and their complicated three-dimensional nature and lack of a clear boundaries, it was not possible to map these zones with the methods available. Between 1 and 14% of the mapped square kilometre consists of pseudotachylyte sensu stricto. The meso and micro structures point to a formation of pseudotachylyte in situ rather than intrusion from an external generation locus.;There is a markable lack of finite shear displacement, apart from clast rotation. Pseudotachylyte formation appears to have been initiated by two separate processes: mafic minerals melted (though seemingly not by contact melting), producing a dark, opaque fluid characteristic for pseudotachylyte, and felsic minerals deformed cataclastically, forming a granular fluid. The two visually and geochemically different fluids mingled, creating schlieren or flow structures, and eventually mixed. The initial processes of mafic melting and felsic cataclasis continued to be initiated during progressive deformation. The results of the isotopic analyses confirm the formation of the quasi-conglomerates in a closed and dry system without later remobilisation.;The observations suggest that the quasi-conglomerates formed by seismic shaking rather than frictional (heat induced) melting along a (super) fault. Visually, in terms of size, and in terms of amount of pseudotachylyte sensu stricto, the quasiconglomerates are more similar to the pseudotachylytes from two of the largest impact structures on Earth than to any documented fault related ('tectonic') pseudotachylytes. There is a strong likelihood that the quasi-conglomerates formed during an impact cratering event.This study investigates the origin of the quasi-conglomerate pseudotachylytes in the Lewisian Gneiss on Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. These exceptionally large pseudotachylytes have either been ascribed to the Outer Hebrides Fault Zone (OHFZ) or considered to be at a distance from the OHFZ. The Barra quasi-conglomerates visually resemble the Sudbury Breccia and the Vredefort pseudotachylytes, both of which are situated in and related to two of the largest impact structures known on Earth. This thesis examines the evidence for an impact related origin of these enigmatic rocks.;A nested multi-scale mapping method was developed to capture the extent and structures of the pseudotachylytes. On the macro scale, outcrops in one square kilometre were mapped using a colour code for the pseudotachylyte mode of occurrence. Pseudotachylyte veins, networks and quasi-conglomerates were distinguished. Meso scale maps covered 10 x 10 cm, 30 x 30 cm or 1 x 1 m and were used to calculate the amount of pseudotachylyte (sensu stricto) versus clasts and host rock, with a resolution of up to a millimetre, and to document and illustrate structures and clast rotation. Thin sections were used for microstructural analyses by optical and electron beam microscopy. Stereographical data was collected to document a potential relationship between pseudotachylyte veining and pre-existing anisotropies. Geochemical analyses of the Sm / Nd and Rb / Sr isotopes were performed to exclude a fluid assisted process of quasi-conglomerate formation or a remobilisation during the later intrusion of the abundant dykes.;In the mapped area, all outcrops show some degree of pseudotachylyte occurrence. The quasi-conglomerates are found in two thirds of all outcrops and seem to occur in three quasi-continuous, foliation parallel zones. However, due to the outcrop situation, the preferential exposure of quasi-conglomerates on vertical outcrops, and their complicated three-dimensional nature and lack of a clear boundaries, it was not possible to map these zones with the methods available. Between 1 and 14% of the mapped square kilometre consists of pseudotachylyte sensu stricto. The meso and micro structures point to a formation of pseudotachylyte in situ rather than intrusion from an external generation locus.;There is a markable lack of finite shear displacement, apart from clast rotation. Pseudotachylyte formation appears to have been initiated by two separate processes: mafic minerals melted (though seemingly not by contact melting), producing a dark, opaque fluid characteristic for pseudotachylyte, and felsic minerals deformed cataclastically, forming a granular fluid. The two visually and geochemically different fluids mingled, creating schlieren or flow structures, and eventually mixed. The initial processes of mafic melting and felsic cataclasis continued to be initiated during progressive deformation. The results of the isotopic analyses confirm the formation of the quasi-conglomerates in a closed and dry system without later remobilisation.;The observations suggest that the quasi-conglomerates formed by seismic shaking rather than frictional (heat induced) melting along a (super) fault. Visually, in terms of size, and in terms of amount of pseudotachylyte sensu stricto, the quasiconglomerates are more similar to the pseudotachylytes from two of the largest impact structures on Earth than to any documented fault related ('tectonic') pseudotachylytes. There is a strong likelihood that the quasi-conglomerates formed during an impact cratering event
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