Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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The Integration of Self-Service Machines in Contemporary Consumer Environments: Are They There To Aid Us or Replace Us?
No full textThe rapid advancement of technology is a defining feature of contemporary society. In all aspects of life, technology is integrated into everything from home appliances to streamlining the production of commodities. An ideology has emerged that technology can provide unlimited opportunities and accessibility to goods and services. This leads to a society of consumption which is not only an action but an identity, with companies using technology to generate more profit by making the consumption process effortless and widely available (Arnould and Thompson, 2018). One example of this technology is the development of self-service machines within consumer environments. With the use of this technology the question arises, as to whether technology truly benefits the customer or if technology is detrimental to human connection as it promotes an antihuman experience?</p
The development of first-class cricket umpires: Holistic exploration into the demands, competencies, and learning of the role
No full textWithin the world of sport, individuals always aspire to work at the top of their profession. As a result, there has been a growing amount of interest in the study of expertise and what makes an elite performer (e.g., Baker & Farrow, 2015; Farrow, Baker, & MacMahon, 2013). Bourne, Kole and Healy (2014) described expertise as elite, peak, or exceptionally high levels of performance on a particular task or within a given domain. Whilst expert performance and expertise has been widely documented in the athlete, research has paid less attention to the expert performance of other key stakeholders e.g., officials. A sports official is “someone who controls the actual play of a competition (e.g. umpire, referee or judge) and administers the rules and laws of the sport to ensure the proper conduct of a sporting fixture in a safe environment.” (Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, 2023). Although officials are considered vital to the sporting environment, as their decisions have the potential to influence the overall outcome of the match (Larkin et al., 2011), research has shown an increase in the scrutiny of officiating decisions and consequently an increase in the volume of verbal abuse directed towards officials (Dawson et al., 2022; Livingston et al., 2020). The current research attempts to provide a valuable contribution to the sparse officiating literature, but it also provides knowledge of expertise within an unexplored population within the officiating world: the cricket umpire. Moreover, the programme of work had the umpire at its centre by offering umpires a platform to voice their opinion of the i) demands of high-performance cricket umpiring; ii) the key competencies of high-performance cricket umpires; and iii) the opportunities that high-performance cricket umpires' access to facilitate the development of the competencies that, consequently, enable them to meet the demands of the role. Adopting Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as a theoretical lens, a total of 11 demands (aligned with the Micro-, Meso- Exo-, and Macro- levels of the environment), 6 Competencies (Cognitive, Functional, and Social), and 7 Learning Opportunities (Formal, Informal, and Non-formal) were extrapolated from the data to form a framework for the professional development of cricket umpires. The results were discussed in-line with previous literature and recent organisational advancements (e.g., a competency framework for recreational officiating).</p
Woodchuck Cinema: Alternative practices in DIY documentary film production. A Practice as Research enquiry.
No full textThis thesis seeks to investigate through practice research, approaches to documentary film production that embrace DIY cultures of production. The thesis aims to establish and define a form of practice called Woodchuck Cinema. It investigates how positionality, regional identity and class might inform a production methodology that is situated and operates in parallel to the academy and the film industry. It examines past scholarship surrounding punk, folk and lo-fi approaches to music and film, and how these approaches and methodologies intersect, inform and shape a production ethos. It explores the possible influence of filmmakers including David Lynch, Jem Cohen and John Smith and how they can be considered influential in situating the concept of Woodchuck Cinema. The thesis examines and defines the importance of cultural experience within post-industrialism to investigate possible strategies of production located within a post-industrial film industry. It explores and defines a new conceptual development mode of ideation called Materials Psychogeography. It explores the modes and methods of production, the use of materials and the manifestation of the political and aesthetic within the production of a published feature documentary, two short films and the construction of an art motorcycle
Exercise-induced endothelial progenitor cell mobilisation: acute and chronic effects on cardiovascular health in diverse populations
No full textEndothelial dysfunction, a key contributor to atherosclerosis, begins early in life and leads to vascular damage. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), primarily derived from the bone marrow, play a crucial role in endothelial repair and vascular health, while reduced EPC levels are associated with cardiometabolic diseases and elevated cardiovascular risk. Exercise is known to improve endothelial health and influence EPC mobilisation. This thesis investigates the effects of various types of exercise on circulating EPCs, and angiogenic and inflammatory responses, through systematic review approaches and analytical methods. The first systematic review focuses on the acute and chronic effects of exercise in patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, showing that EPC mobilisation is influenced by exercise intensity, particularly high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICON), and the clinical condition. Chronic trials revealed that MICON, alone or combined with resistance exercise (RE) or HIIE, enhances resting EPC levels. The second systematic review focuses on the prospective cohort studies in healthy adults. Acute trials found that prolonged exercise, RE, and maximal exercise significantly increased EPCs, while chronic trials demonstrated improvements in both EPC mobilisation and vascular function following HIIE and MICON. The experimental chapter presents a randomised cross-over pilot study in healthy young males, comparing the effects of HIIE, RE, and MICON on EPC mobilisation, angiogenic factors, and inflammatory markers. Although no significant condition-by-time-point interactions were observed (p = 0.249, η²p = 0.145), exploratory analysis revealed a statistically significant difference, with HIIE eliciting a greater acute response in EPC mobilisation compared to RE at the two-hour time point (78.5 ± 88.7% vs. -2.02 ± 68.4%, p = 0.017). Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size and limited blood collection points. Strong associations were observed between exercise-induced EPC responses, endothelial function, and cardiometabolic health markers. The final chapter identifies limitations and proposes future research directions, emphasising the variability of EPC responses based on exercise type and individual health status. This thesis provides valuable insights into exercise as a mechanism to enhance EPC mobilisation and supports its role in cardiovascular health interventions. Future research involving diverse populations is needed to determine optimal exercise protocols for EPC enhancement.</p
The Substance: Have You Ever Dreamt of a Better Version of Yourself?
No full textThe Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat, examines the obsessions with being youthful and ageing “correctly” in a society which is based upon patriarchal and consumerism standards. It is largely about the relationship women have with their bodies as they age, and how far they may go to reverse the “faults” in which society has deemed ugly with the female body. The film follows character Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), who is a Hollywood star who finds herself at a standstill in her career and life, where the men around her are looking for a younger, “perkier” replacement.</p
Haunted American Blood: The Gothic Fictions of William Faulkner, Ralph Ellison, and Toni Morrison
No full textThis study seeks to investigate the extent to which American literature is inherently Gothic. Its significance lies in shedding light on the relevance of history to Gothic literature, particularly in revealing the American Gothic's distinctiveness. The study focuses on the American Gothic mode in the works of three writers, William Faulkner, Ralph Ellison, and Toni Morrison. It employs textual, historical, and psychological methodologies to demonstrate the convergence of these approaches in what constitutes the American Gothic. The study's primary finding is that all three writers used the Gothic mode for different purposes. Faulkner employed it to explore the Gothic nature of the “white psyche” and its struggle to come to terms with its past. On the other hand, Ellison used it to examine the inherently Gothic nature of the African-American experience and the struggle to be recognised in a society that denies one's existence. Morrison used it to give African-Americans a collective voice. The study also finds that all three writers used Gothic and non-realist writing techniques to parallel real-life Gothic events through the literary Gothic form. This created a “Gothic unreal” style for white writers, who portrayed how the “white psyche” creates psychological fears, alongside the “Gothic real” for African-American writers, where reality is shown to be just as true in reality as in the mind. These findings suggest that studying Gothic texts through a historical lens can provide fascinating insights into their inherent prejudices and traumas. This nuanced examination of the links between history and the Gothic mode highlights the importance of understanding how Gothic literature can serve as a vehicle for exploring complex social and cultural issues.</p
MANTIS WP2 Water Users questionnaire responses
No full textThe dataset includes 39 questionnaire responses from water consumers in an Indian case study context. These were conducted as part of the MANTIS - Monitoring and ANalytics To Improve Service project.</p
Uncovering Systemic Barriers to BAME Leadership in the UK Construction and Railway Sectors
No full textDespite growing attention to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), leadership roles in the UK construction and railway sectors remain disproportionately inaccessible to individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. This study explores the systemic, cultural, and structural barriers affecting leadership diversity through a qualitative investigation involving seven semi-structured interviews with professionals from these sectors. Thematic analysis identified two primary themes (Career Development Mechanism and Barriers; Structural Barriers to Inclusion) and six subthemes: Representation Disparities, Organisational Culture Fit, Unconscious Bias and Manifestations, Sponsorship Dynamics, Mentorship Availability, Professional Development Support. The findings illustrate that leadership progression for ethnic minorities is hindered by embedded biases, a lack of inclusive networks, and performative diversity strategies. The study highlights the need for authentic allyship, leadership sponsorship, and institutional accountability. By contextualising these challenges within the broader theoretical frameworks of implicit leadership theory and social dominance theory, the research offers practical and policy-oriented recommendations to advance diversity in leadership. These insights contribute to the growing discourse on race, representation, and leadership equity in UK infrastructure industries.</p
Beyond Units: Regional insights into the creation of sustainable communities
No full textThe English housing development sector is often described as being in crisis, facing complex challenges - for and from - multiple stakeholders. A key issue is sustainability and its connection to building healthy communities. This research examines structural shifts over the past 40 years, including the decline of regional SMEs and the dominance of a few large developers, which has shaped current housing discourse.Rather than reducing success to the number of units built, this study reintroduces regionalism, place, and sustainable community development into the debate. It critically examines how ‘region’ is defined and its implications for housing, sustainability, and community-building. The research explores regional identities through an institutional lens such as planning and policy, highlighting shifting stakeholder interests and power dynamics.Currently, housing rhetoric is largely shaped by national developers, often serving their own agendas. This study challenges prevailing narratives, arguing that regional definitions are fluid and shaped by those who conceptualise them. It underscores the potential of regional SME housebuilders to contribute to more sustainable and contextually relevant housing solutions.</p
Tailoring Minecraft sessions on the Sustainable Development Goals and engineering to the needs of educators
No full textThe UK-based Science Hunters programme uses Minecraft to engage children with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. Its Engineering for Sustainable Societies project engaged children from under-represented backgrounds with engineering and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through school and community group sessions. Designed for learners aged 7-14, the project integrated real-world engineering challenges into creative, child-led Minecraft sessions to explore sustainability and future-focused problem-solving.Mixed-methods interviews were conducted with teachers to inform delivery. These interviews captured educators’ perceptions of using Minecraft to teach sustainability and engineering, the anticipated benefits and challenges, and how content could be better aligned with curriculum needs. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was published in late 2024 and identified three key areas: (1) immediate benefits, including engagement, inclusivity, and accessibility; (2) anticipated future benefits, such as improved understanding of sustainability and informed citizenship; and (3) practical concerns, including curriculum pressures and technical barriers. Quantitative data highlighted which SDGs educators found most relevant for engaging students, strongly emphasising climate action, responsible consumption, and equitable education. The qualitative data analysis indicated the importance of the creative aspects of the game and real-world relevancy. Exploring engineering and the SDGs in this way was seen as an opportunity to explore topics in depth, improve understanding of sustainability and think about the future of our world. This information was used to adapt sessions and select topics for each group.This paper addresses a gap in STEM outreach by explicitly incorporating the SDGs into engineering-focused education for underserved groups. By using Minecraft, a familiar and flexible platform that encourages experimentation and creative expression, students could meaningfully explore abstract concepts such as sustainability through tangible, immersive learning experiences. This practice-based insight offers reflections on the educators' perspectives and incorporates these into engagement delivery, with recommendations for other practitioners.</p