Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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Quantifying the Social Value of the UK Construction Industry
No full textSince the introduction of the Social Value Act in 2012, a focus on time, cost, and quality is no longer sufficient to guarantee procurement success. However, to only communicate social value achievements as part of tender submissions may be viewed suspiciously. Therefore, many construction contractors produce annual reports showcasing their social value. Despite this, the construction industry is often viewed negatively, with even positive benefits (such as those arising from social value action) often ignored when forming industry perceptions. However, construction has been a leading industry for creating social value. Yet, as an industry, it often fails to effectively illustrate and quantify the positive societal benefits it creates. This failure is a problem for the whole construction industry as it proliferates the negative perceptions amongst stakeholders and serves to obfuscate the benefits the industry brings to society. The aim of this research is to quantify the annual social value construction contractors create to illustrate the positive benefits that result from industry action. A qualitative content analysis of leading contractor annual reports is undertaken. The results reveal that contrary to some stakeholder perceptions, the social value created each year by the construction industry is substantive and impressive. This research contributes to addressing negative industry perceptions and illustrating the positive societal benefits the construction industry brings above and beyond those of designing, constructing, and maintaining the built environment itself.</p
Pioneering Large-Scale Construction through 3D Printing: A Critical Review
No full textThe integration of 3D printing technology in the construction industry presents a change in thinking in the conception, design, and construction of large-scale structures. This paper provides a critical review of pioneering endeavors in utilizing 3D printing for large-scale construction projects. Drawing from extensive literature and discussions, we examine the multifaceted aspects of 3D printing, including materials, methods, case studies, structural performance, sustainability, challenges, and future directions. The review begins with an exploration of the materials and methods employed in 3D printing for construction, highlighting advancements in materials such as concrete, fiber, and composites. Case studies of notable projects, ranging from houses to architectural pavilions, are analyzed to elucidate design, construction processes, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. Structural performance and engineering considerations are critically assessed, evaluating the mechanical properties, durability, and safety of 3D-printed components and structures. Sustainability emerges as a key theme, with discussions centering on the environmental benefits and challenges of 3D printing in construction, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and life cycle assessments. The review concludes with an examination of the challenges and future directions of 3D printing in construction, identifying scalability, regulatory constraints, and technological advancements as areas requiring further attention and research. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of 3D printing in pioneering large-scale construction projects. Insights gleaned from this review inform ongoing efforts to advance the field of 3D printing technology and its application to sustainable and innovative construction practices. Furthermore, the potential outcome of this research is to leverage the insights gained to develop an in-house 3D concrete printer. This endeavor aims to utilize the knowledge and understanding acquired to construct a bespoke 3D printer tailored to the specific needs and requirements of our organization, thereby enabling us to explore novel avenues in large-scale construction projects.</p
Systematic Analysis of Capability Maturity Models for Enhancing Circular Economy Adoption in the Construction Supply Chain
No full textThe global climate crisis requires bold steps to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050, to keep global warming below 2°C, and to reduce it to 1.5°C by increasing international cooperation. Therefore, the current business models should transform their organizational capabilities to tackle the negative impacts of everyday activities. The construction industry, known for its significant environmental impact and as an essential contributor to resource depletion and waste generation, is increasingly pressured to transition towards sustainable practices. This pressure promoted the exploration of new methods that facilitate the integration of circular economy (CE) practices within industrial activities. Accordingly, individuals, organizations, and governments seek solutions to set the objectives for a successful transition. Capability maturity models (CMM) are used to develop comprehensive decisions for a successful transition. Thus, individuals, organizations, and governments can define, manage, control, and monitor the organizational capabilities and objectives for an achieved transition. However, there is a need to explore CMM, which facilitates the integration of CE practices within the construction supply chain. Therefore, this paper conducts a systematic literature review to examine existing CMM critically and compares the strengths and limitations of the results. The research results are twelve journal articles that do not consider the construction industry. The CMM focuses on CE from resource, waste, culture, stakeholder, and value and supply chain perspectives. Thus, the study highlights the emergence of hybrid models that combine CMM and CE to address construction supply chain challenges. In conclusion, it proposes a process-based view to define new avenues for stakeholder engagement, innovation diffusion, resource optimization, organizational culture, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics for CE-CMM. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on circular organizations in construction by synthesizing these findings, and it guides individuals, organizations, and governments to navigate the complexities of implementing CE in construction supply chains.</p
Value for Money Assessment Approaches in Public-private-partnerships: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textValue for Money (VfM), a major criterion for assessing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), has created debate among researchers as to whether PPPs offer more opportunities as opposed to traditional methods in the delivery and operation of public infrastructure projects. PPP is an effective procurement method for delivery of infrastructure projects worldwide, however, their ability to provide taxpayers, users, and society with VfM remain controversial. While studies on VfM assessment in PPP arrangement exist, there is limited literature that comprehensively evaluates the VfM assessment approaches. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a systematic review on VfM assessment approaches in PPP infrastructure projects. A five-step PRISMA approach was used to search, select, and analyse twenty-eight relevant articles. The findings revealed that cost benefit analysis, competitive bidding method, outline business case and public sector comparator are the main methods used to assess VfM in PPPs. Prevailing VfM techniques such as the public sector comparator, tend to focus on achieving cost saving rather than value itself. As a result, the public sector has struggled to ensure and deliver VfM, leading to the combined use of the public sector comparator and cost-benefit analysis in developed countries. In addition, it was noted that, governments have created country specific and project specific frameworks to guide VfM assessment process in PPP infrastructure projects. Although the research used 29 articles, the results reveal significant gaps for further research in PPP infrastructure projects.</p
Earthquake, Aftershocks and Rebuilding: A hermeneutic phenomenological exploration of the experiences of the Criminal Justice System for men investigated for Child Sexual Exploitation Material offences in the UK
No full text“So basically, ‘the knock’ feels like it was like the epicentre of a big earthquake, and then had these knock on effects that we weren't even anticipating” [Hugh]
Previous research has demonstrated collateral consequences for those convicted of child sexual offences, including Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) offences, in particular around suicide and mental health; however there is a lack of current evidence centering the experiences of the men themselves across their journey of the CJS. The aim of my research was to explore the experience of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) with men under investigation and convicted of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM), from their arrest through to sentencing and beyond. I also aimed to incorporate how any support that they have accessed (including that from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, LFF) may have affected their experience.
After an initial scoping review to understand the research landscape I used Hermeneutic Phenomenology (HP) as a research approach and recruited nine participants (six through LFF and three through criminal justice organisations). Conducting repeated interviews over twelve months, alongside researcher directed diaries, and an ethnographic approach, I collected a rich data set. Through the engagement with HP philosophy, I was able to understand and describe the men’s experience of the CJS as being in five distinct phases, from life before their arrest, through to the life altering effects that they encountered, to their attempts to build a future. The ‘earthquake’ of their arrest and the many aftershocks epitomised their experiences, which were characterised by ‘unexpectedness’ at many points throughout their journeys. Their abilities to make connections and to manage their visibility and their identities, with the help of formal and informal support, were key to navigating the journey.
My research concludes with the implications of my findings for strategy and policy for organisations within and closely aligned to the CJS and those that provide support to those under investigation and convicted. The CJS, in relation to CSEM offences, is disjointed and lengthy, providing little help, information or support to those being prosecuted, or their families. Changes to the way that the CJS operates and manages these offences will reduce the current burden that the CJS finds itself under as well as improving the circumstances of those under investigation and convicted. Working more closely with support organisations, such as LFF, the CJS can foster an environment where improved prevention and early intervention, alongside vital, consistent and coordinated support, reduces the occurrence of these offences and improves the lives of those who have committed them and their families.</p
An expanded computational model of cell envelope biogenesis for Escherichia coli
No full textA computational systems approach has been used to investigate the biogenesis of the
outer envelope of Escherichia coli. Specifically, a deterministic model incorporating the
lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and phospholipid components. The expanded model
now contains 195 reacting species, making up 145 biochemical reactions, making it the
largest dynamic model published. The model was used to understand key regulatory
elements underpinning pathway regulation and its findings extrapolated to account for
phenotypic effects such as growth rates and cell envelope health. The model was capable
of producing the known amounts of endpoint metabolites for each of the relevant
pathways- Indicating that the parametrisation is reasonable for this network with steady
state achieved for most reactions. However, there are numerous nodes which are fitted
which can be a source of error. In order to test model predictions a strain library of
tuneable CRISPR recombinant E. coli, which can downregulate specific genes (between
5-30%) within this network was generated. During strain validation it was found that
genetic perturbation resulted in an associated accumulation at the metabolic level. This
strongly suggests that the effect observed in these recombinant strains is likely a result of
the perturbation of the specific gene of interest, making it an appropriate method to
constrain the metabolic model. Intriguingly, one of the recombinant strains (MsbA- LPS
flippase), when repressed caused a build up of DSMP which is the substrate for LpxK.
This association has not been published previously and potentially represents a novel
regulatory mechanism. However, more work is required in order to constrain and test the
model accuracy.</p
Does adding anti-F actin antibody assay to the testing protocol help in diagnosis and monitoring of patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis?
No full textBackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease that effects around 0.025% of the population. Without treatment the autoimmune response can cause progressive liver damage and deterioration of liver function leading to cirrhosis which can ultimately prove fatal.Diagnosis can be challenging due to the heterogeneity of presentation. Four diagnostic indicators are used raised immunoglobulins, absence of viral hepatitis, liver histology compatible with AIH and presence of autoantibodies (ANA, SMA or LKM).ObjectiveSmooth muscle antibodies are the predominant autoantibody found in AIH, with those directed against F-actin proposed to be the most clinically significant. This study assessed three F-actin specific assays to ascertain whether they could replace or enhance the current immunofluorescence testing method.MethodSera of 133 patients who had liver autoantibody test requests were collected and tested using the current methodology and the three new assays. Current practice utilizes rodent liver kidney stomach tissue indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) microscopy to distinguish tubular staining pattern (F-actin specific) from that of a vascular staining pattern. This study assessed three F-actin specific assays (Euroimmun VSM47 IFA, INOVA NOVALite IgG F-actin IFA and the INOVA QUANTALite IgG F-actin ELISA).All the results generated were designated positive, negative or equivocal to allow comparison between methods. Their performance was assessed against the current method and the clinical outcome (whether the patient had AIH). Qualitative results from the ELISA were analysed to determine optimal cutoff value using Youden’s J.Results All three assays showed strong correlation with a diagnosis of AIH (p=The specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se) of each as a stand-alone assay was similar or improved when compared to the current LKS method (Sp=81.31%, Se= 86.67%), VSM 47 (81.31%, 92.86%), NOVALite (85.98%, 85.71%), QUANTALite cutoff ConclusionsAll three assays would be suitable as first line screening for AIH-1, although the realities of liver autoantibody screening mean this would be impractical currently. All three assays would provide clinical benefit as a second line test, especially the ELISA with the altered cutoff of 28AU.</p
An Investigation Into The Current Use Of Dysfunctional Breathing Assessment Within Musculoskeletal Therapy Practice
No full textThe purpose of this dissertation was to explore the relevance of dysfunctional breathing (DB) in musculoskeletal (MSK) practice. As exposure to breathing practices become increasingly more prevalent across healthcare professionals and the public, and progressively more treatment modalities related to breathing mechanics are emerging, it is important to explore whether breathing mechanics are a relevant consideration within MSK practice.
Initially, a critical review was conducted to explore the term ‘dysfunctional breathing’, its definition and the current evidence around DB in MSK health. One suggested formal definition of DB was identified, by Barker and Everard (2015), but there remains no consensus on what DB is within the reviewed literature. One model of DB was also identified (Barker and Everard, 2015), but it needs further modification and adaptation to meet the requirements of the most
recent research published on DB.
In addition, a literature review of the potential effects that DB can have on the MSK system was conducted. Anatomical, biomechanical, physiological and neurological effects of DB on the MSK system were identified, some grounded in research and others more narrative in nature and needing further exploration.
Finally, an explorative focus group interview and one individual interview were conducted to acquire the beliefs and opinions of current MSK practitioners on the relevance of DB, their assessment methods, interventions and their beliefs on what effects DB can have on the MSK system. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes and classifications. This study revealed that DB assessment methods can be classified into three categories: observational assessment, manual assessment, and subjective assessment. Three types of breathing intervention were identified: breathing re-education, breathing exercises, and manual therapy. In total, fourteen potential effects of DB on the MSK system were identified by the participants.
Unlike previous research exploring DB this dissertation has only focused on the implications within MSK health as opposed to exploring DB within respiratory and cardiovascular medicine. It adds to the debate of the need for a formal definition of DB and has identified areas for further research that are needed around the perceived effects of DB on the MSK system. In the absence of an overarching and accurate definition a new model of DB has been produced as a result of this dissertation to provide a suggested framework of what DB could potentially look like, when divided into three subcategories. These subcategories are biomechanical DB,
biochemical DB and psychophysiological DB It is proposed by this author that the work produced in this study enables a future consensus to be reached on the formal definition, model and signs and symptoms of DB.</p
A Parametric Framework and Tool for Posing Photorealistic Facial Expressions in 3D Characters
No full textThis research introduces a parametric framework to address the lack of educational resources for teaching realistic facial animation in digital characters, focusing on developing a Parametric Framework and Tool for Posing Photorealistic 3D Character Facial Expressions. The research applies the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), essential for understanding a wide range of realistic facial movements and enhancing digital characters' emotional depth and reliability. A novel innovation of the thesis is a tool that offers animators control over the range of movement of facial expressions. This tool's parametric functionality enables detailed, incremental adjustments, capturing human emotions' subtleties in digital form. The study demonstrates a systematic approach to developing a Parametric Framework and Tool for posing photorealistic 3D character facial expressions. It employs a Design Science Research Methodology, focusing on practical solution-oriented research. Key stages include problem identification, defining objectives, design and development of the tool, demonstration, evaluation, and communication. The process is iterative, integrating knowledge from facial expression theory, animation, computer graphics, and user interface design. The methodology emphasises user testing with animators and learners, incorporating feedback to refine the tool, ensuring practicality and utility for its intended users. The thesis emphasises successfully developing a Parametric Framework and Tool and highlights advancements in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in facial animation. The thesis concludes by underscoring the potential impact of this work on the animation industry, improving the emotional depth and realism of digital characters. Future directions for research and development are suggested, focusing on further enhancing the tool's capabilities and exploring new applications in various digital media contexts.</p
Reticence, motivation, and interpersonal closeness: a study in an EFL university classroom in Spain
No full textThis research aims to understand reticence in adult multilingual learners in the EFL University classroom by discovering the underlying influencing factors for motivation and meaningful interpersonal L2 discourse in addition to transactional output through teacher prompted interaction. It operates from the premise that verbal participation and spontaneous discourse is associated with motivation and with learning, and that language learning is a deeply social event. Reticence (Li and Liu, 2011) hinders efficiency and reduces the potential of learning from others’ insights, observations, and experiences, as well as preventing the automatization of the speaking skill. The context of this study is Barcelona, Spain with adult undergraduate students in EFL. It was a common occurrence in all EFL classes, even in advanced and proficiency levels, that students exhibited reticent behaviour.
This thesis Reticence, Motivation, and Interpersonal Closeness: A study in an EFL university classroom in Spain explores the answers to four research questions: What are the factors that cause students to remain silent and refrain from oral participation in the classroom? Do reticent students share certain feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that their un-reticent counterparts do not? Can including the social dimension and interpersonal closeness as a strategy be effective in addressing reticent behaviour? Does the role of interpersonal closeness increase frequency of L2 use and motivated spontaneous interpersonal participation?
A total of 166 multilingual EFL learners in 11 classes carried out in self-disclosure task questions, adapted from Aron et al´s 1997 study: The Experimental Generation of interpersonal Closeness: A Procedure and Some Preliminary Findings. The data was analysed using Stream Analysis (Porras, 1987) to simplify and understand complex behaviour, and to distinguish the problems from the symptoms, together with data collection from teacher observations of the participants during the study.
The contributions to the field of research are a heightened understanding that some students can transition from the silent learning period to transactional and self-initiated peer to peer interpersonal discourse and other students experience persistent interpersonal reticence which blocks them from this transition with a potentially detrimental effect on acquisition. It also positions the teacher as an important figure in the transfer of benefits of interpersonal closeness to classroom discussions and to teacher-student interactions. It presents a new theory of interpersonal reticence and discusses a transformational language framework, a conceptualisation of where the learner experiences periods of silent learning (individual internal processing), and experiences episodes of collaborative peer interaction (transactional – teacher prompted) and ultimately peer to peer interpersonal discourse. It also introduces interpersonal closeness as a practical intervention, adapted from the main study and new to EFL and a practical application The Intimate Discourse Guide for Teachers, Trainers, and Materials Developers: How to reduce Interpersonal Reticence, and move from transactional to meaningful discourse. This application is aimed at teacher awareness, material development but most of all for students – so they may find their L2 social voice in the EFL classroom reality and so we are able to credit them with true understanding