Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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International Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) Conference 2022 - Conference Proceedings
No full textConference Theme: United Nation’s Sustainable Development GoalsIt has been thirty-five years since the seminal report Our Common Future (often referred to as the Brundtland Report), published by the World Commission on Environment and Development, proposed progressive environmental strategies and recommendations towards the attainment of the United Nations “A Global Agenda for Change”. Since then, we have seen many pivotal international actions, summits, frameworks, protocols, conventions, and declarations proposed. Amongst the most important was the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), established by the United Nations in 2000, with 191 nations committing towards their delivery by 2015. Moving forward, the United Nations “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, adopted by all Member States in 2015, proposed a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, both now and into the future. At its core are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries to join in a global partnership towards their achievement. We are almost mid-way through the timeframe for the delivery of the seventeen SDGs so it is apt that society takes an opportunity to reflect on many of the triumphs towards their realisation and also seek steer on the directions of their future travel.Drawing on the themes of all the SDGs, the 2022 International Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) conference offers an integrated platform for academics and practitioners to reveal their personal and collective contributions towards the seventeen priorities.</p
“Can a Hybrid Approach to Indian Kathak and Jazz Dance Techniques Assist in Devising a Pedagogic Method for Contemporary Dancers?”.
No full textThe blending of dance styles for creativity is an established practice within hybridity. Traditional and contemporary dancers/dances are recognised for their diverse training methods and performance approaches. I was curious about learning their modes of operation in hybrid, artistic and training practices. In developing a research inquiry, I excavated that the training and performance processes/philosophy in traditional dance reveal a rigid approach, that limits the extent to which practitioners can experiment. In response to this strict attitude, my Ph.D. through practice as research investigates the development of a somatic approach to the hybridization of the traditional dance techniques of South Asian Kathak and Western Jazz dance, in an attempt to define a hybrid, dance, pedagogic method and movement system for traditional and contemporary dancers. This thesis contextualises the studio-based, research practice undertaken throughout 4-years. It provides a dialogue surrounding the development of new approaches in somatic pedagogy. The methods drawn from somatic research and pedagogic approaches the hybrid, dance, pedagogic, strategy that emerges, is embedded in the theoretical and conceptual domain of hybridity, phenomenology and auto-ethnography. The research practice, whilst drawing on the ideologies of critical pedagogies and research, systematically questions the current structures in traditional and contemporary dance pedagogy and practice. As a contribution to existing knowledge, the research attempts a somatic dance training method for traditional dancers arising from the self-subjective discovery of the body. The method aims to propose autonomy to the artists in democratically exploring their embodied knowledge through modes of reflective and experiential learning. Contemporary dancers are generally more versed in reflective practices and somatic training methods. Recognising this given facility, it is the hybrid, dance, pedagogic method that arises from hybridising culturally defined and distinctive traditional techniques of Kathak and Jazz dance. This new knowledge emerges despite the aim being to predominantly support ‘traditional’ dance modes, the method also extends itself to training and performance strategies in contemporary dance. This thesis supports the practice research and should be read alongside the practical submission. Threaded through the thesis are web links where videos of the practice research are held, including a lecture demonstration which constitutes the final submission as part of the PhD viva examination.</p
The influence of social media on transgressive behaviours among young people in Nottingham, United Kingdom
No full textAs previous research suggests, young people continue to use the digital environment to explore important life experiences. With a lack of support from the immediate offline environment, research indicates that young people may try to gain recognition, acceptance and a sense of belonging from engagement with the online environment. As the offline space has always played a vital role in the history and life span of peer influence, the online environment continues to provide young people with virtual space to explore and construct behaviours. Although it has been acknowledged that young people are influenced by their immediate environments, there is a dearth of literature exploring social media use, features and affordance and its relationship with transgressive behaviour among young people in Nottingham.Consequently, the gap this research sought to address is whether exposure to or engagement with social media platforms and activities influences online and offline transgressive behaviour amongst young people in Nottingham. To examine, this study investigates the influence of aggressive peer interaction, behavioural construction and use of social media platforms among young people in Nottingham. Using a multiple qualitative method and a thematic analysis approach, this study presents the findings of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with young people aged 18-25 years in Nottingham.Findings from this study suggest that social media features such as comments, tags, location settings, video streaming and image and video sharing heighten threats on SNS, thereby increasing the likelihood of perpetrating transgressive behaviour offline. Findings also suggest that young people can exercise self-control and make rational choices regardless of their existing ability to construct Identity and learn the methods and motives to become offenders from their online and offline environment. Findings further indicate that the fear of missing out and the fear of social exclusion impacts and determines young people’s continuous use of social media and their response to transgressive behaviour among peers online and offline.Finally, this study concludes that critical consideration should be given to the evolving and continuous use of SNS and how harmful materials and activities online can shape and influence transgressive behaviours among young people in Nottingham.</p
Interdisciplinary Exploration of Sustainability Through BIM: Advancing Sustainable Environmental Design Through Collaborative and Data-Driven Approaches
No full textThe construction sector is a major contributor to global energy use and carbon emissions, making sustainability a critical priority. Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers a powerful, data-driven platform to enhance ecological performance through interdisciplinary collaboration. Despite its potential, limited research exists on BIM’s role in optimising ecological outcomes across the project lifecycle in alignment with the UK’s 2050 net-zero targets. This study explores BIM’s capacity to support sustainability through expert interviews involving fifteen purposively selected professionals from architecture, engineering, and environmental disciplines. The findings examined BIM’s capabilities in energy modelling, material efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction, alongside its use of tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to support evidence-based decisions.Analysis revealed 11 key themes, including material and resource optimisation, carbon reduction, interdisciplinary collaboration, predictive data integration, ecosystem-based design, energy-water nexus modelling, climate resilience, circular economy practices, policy alignment, stakeholder engagement, and site planning. The findings indicated BIM’s transformative potential as both a sustainability optimisation tool and a platform for innovative, data-driven solutions that align interdisciplinary practices with ecological engineering and sustainable development goals.</p
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Old Stone Buildings with Natural Insulation: Exploring Further Potential with Building Simulation
No full textThis study investigates the thermal performance of natural insulation materials, specifically sheep wool, hemp wool, and wood fibre compared to synthetic alternatives such as mineral wool and polyisocyanurate. Field measurements were conducted on two pre-1910 buildings retrofitted with these materials, analysing both northwest and southeast orientations across all seasons to gather comprehensive annual performance data. The collected data facilitated a comparative analysis to determine which natural insulation materials perform optimally and assess their viability as substitutes for synthetic options. To deepen the analysis, U-value data from the field tests were input into dynamic thermal models using DesignBuilder software. This simulation provided insights into energy consumption patterns and internal temperature variations within the retrofitted living spaces. Findings revealed that wood fibre insulation exhibited thermal performance closely matching that of polyisocyanurate. Moreover, the study highlighted significant reductions in energy consumption when employing both natural and synthetic insulation materials, underscoring the potential of certain natural insulations to serve as effective, sustainable alternatives in building retrofits.</p
Enhancing Irish Compliance Practices: An Examination into International Construction Compliance Policies with a specific focus on Ireland
No full textCompliance checking is an important aspect of any built environment life cycle. However, on construction sites, the process of compliance checking is largely done manually. In person inspections create error rates of 20- 30% depending on the type of tasks being performed. Non-compliance issues have significant consequences, leading to increased project costs and posing risks to life and property. High profile incidents such as the Priory Hall scandal in Ireland and the Grenfell fire disaster in the UK illustrated the pressing need for more rigorous enforcement and auditing mechanisms. The implementation of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 regulations in Ireland aimed to address the issues of ‘self-certification’ and bring in statutory compliance certification. However, compliance issues persist.To address this, it is imperative to identify the specific compliance challenges faced in Ireland and explore policy frameworks of other European countries. This paper initially explores the compliance defects, and the organisational, managerial, and regulatory challenges faced through online surveys (n=31) targeting regulatory inspectors and construction professionals. Further, based on the international compliance policy frameworks, recommendations are made on specific policy measures implementation to improve overall construction compliance.The findings reveal prevalent construction defects in fire safety installations, water leakage, material damage, and improper installation. These issues stem from underlying regulatory factors of inadequate worker education, skill training, low inspection frequency, and poor coordination. The implementation of independent third-party inspections, coupled with the elimination of potential conflicts of interest in the role of assigned certifiers, can pave the way for enhancing regulatory efficiency. These empirical findings hold significant impact in the formulation and refinement of future compliance policy frameworks, not only in Ireland but also on a global scale. The results underscore the importance of impartial oversight and the need for structural reforms to ensure robust adherence to compliance standards and regulations.</p
The Construction Workers' Perspectives on Occupational Stress in the South African Construction Industry
No full textThis study aimed to identify the construction workers' perspectives on the most stressful activities on construction sites and their perceived interventions. This qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among large general contractors in South Africa. A survey questionnaire with open-ended questions was administered to the construction workers, specifically focusing on general labourers and trades personnel/artisans. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. This method allowed for identifying key themes and patterns within the responses. Each response was carefully reviewed and coded to categorise the various stressors and perceived intervention strategies. The findings revealed that the most common stressors were pressure to perform, unfair remunerations, excessive workload, job insecurity, poor health and safety, lack of resources and management-related issues such as unrealistic expectations and poor communication. The construction workers proposed improved communication, a supportive work environment, and professional services such as counselling and clean workplaces as probable interventions for alleviating stress-related issues. This study is important because the construction industry faces pressing issues concerning occupational stress that adversely impact the well-being and performance of workers. Despite the industry's inherent demands and challenges, there is a notable lack of systematic understanding and targeted interventions to address occupational stressors. It is particularly important that many of the occupational stress studies have focused mostly on construction professionals, and there have been relatively few studies published on causes of stress among construction workers, more so in the context of developing countries such as South Africa.</p
Preface and Editorial
No full textSociology sets out to develop the sociological imagination of those who study it, allowing us to think critically and reflexively about the social world around us and make sense of the relationship between our personal experiences and wider society. This approach to interrogating the world is embodied in this collection of critical reflections written by final year students on the Sociology degree programmes here at Leeds Beckett University. The reflections in this volume underline both the breadth of the subject and its power to shed light on the familiar and the taken for granted. They tackle a wide range of contemporary issues such as mental health apps, online sex work, femvertising, sharenting, commodification of women and of crime. To do this, they apply theory as an interrogative and explanatory tool, tackling these subjects through the lens of, for example, neoliberalism, surveillance, risk society, commodification, and cultural production, underlining its central role in Sociology.</p
Assessing the Sustainability Potential of Using Hempcrete
No full textHempcrete is a construction material construed of hemp and lime, its profile has begun to favour sustainable construction methods. The material is grown without chemicals and requires little water. Hempcrete removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process carbon sequestration. Hempcrete improves the energy efficiency of walls, flooring, and roofs. The use of the material however has had skilled labourers and contractors unsure of its use, it’s clear that a future in hempcrete requires further education for those that are installing hempcrete. The aim of this research was to review the sustainability benefits of hempcrete and how it can educate the construction industry in lowering carbon output through material selection. The objectives of this research were to investigate the properties of hempcrete when used as a building material contrasting with the barriers in practice when selecting materials. The second objective was to analyse hempcrete product data to reiterate its benefits against traditional materials. The research was guided by a pragmatic worldview, with a quantitative phase assessed technical data supplied by manufactures of hempcrete worldwide; the materials thermal conductivity, compressive strength and carbon footprint was compared against concrete. As a result of the data a set of questions were developed for the qualitative phase. The survey was deployed to the architecture and construction industry (ACI) with the highest denominator being Architectural Technologists and establishing why these stakeholders do not currently use hempcrete. The pragmatic approach facilitated the integration of quantitative and qualitative data, with the technical data providing the justification for the survey questions. The conclusion of the survey is that the ACI lacks knowledge within the area of hempcrete and its comparison to traditional materials. To combat this gap, recommendations of cpd, further research into case studies where hempcrete has been used and attendance of workshops addressing different sustainable materials.</p
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF OIL EXPLORATION: STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE REGENERATION OF THE NIGER DELTA
No full textThe Niger Delta has been immensely subjected to huge environmental, social and economic (ESE) challenges arising from oil exploration and production. Despite being blessed with abundant natural oil and gas resources, the region possesses some of the lowest developmental indices known in the modern world. To many, the negative outcomes rendered by crude oil exploration and production in the region have outweighed the positive contributions culminating in the absence of visible sustainable development. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the impacts of the oil exploration activities with a view to recommending practical strategies for the regeneration of the region. The study adopted a mixed method research approach to gain an in-depth insight into the Niger Delta crisis and obtained primary data using 15 semi-structured interviews and 262 questionnaires which were administered to government ministries, departments, agencies, key leaders of the affected communities and representatives of oil producing companies operating in the area. Participant selection during both surveys was based on residency in the area, knowledge of the oil industry and experience of the impacts of industry-related operations. Findings from the study revealed that the Niger Delta is plagued by colossal environmental, social and economic challenges that must be addressed for any meaningful and sustainable development to occur. The degradation of the environment - which included pollution of lands, water systems and the air quality - has negatively impacted the biodiversity and caused irreversible damage to the built environment and sustainable development goals of the communities. Consequently, the paper recommended some notable solutions for the ESE regeneration of the area which included total environmental cleanup and remediation of the polluted water bodies and farmlands, economic empowerment, diversification of the local economy away from oil, accelerated energy transition to sustainable renewables, policy reforms, strict regulatory compliance and enforcement regimes.</p