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Thematic analysis in sport studies
No full textThis chapter is designed to provide readers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively use thematic analysis as a data analysis method in qualitative sport studies. It is organised into four key sections: 1) introducing thematic analysis, 2) doing thematic analysis, 3) researcher vignette and 4) critical and seminar questions. The first section provides an overview of what thematic is, its strengths and when and how to use it. The second section discusses the importance of being reflexive, inductive and deductive orientations and the six phases of thematic analysis. In the third section, Thalia Holdom reflects on her experiences of doing data analysis as a UG and PG research student to offer five key tips and strategies designed to support your engagement with thematic analysis. The fourth section presents a set of critical and seminar questions to stimulate reflection on the practice of thematic analysis, along with recommended readings to reinforce your understanding of this approach
A challenge to the contemporary notion of high-performance work systems? The case of Sri Lankan tea plantations
Full text linkPurposeThis study investigated human resource (HR) practices on Sri Lankan tea plantations regarding the degree to which these fit into the extant notion of High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS). The Sri Lankan tea plantations meet the criteria for sustainable organizational long-term performance.Design/methodology/approachInterviews, thematically analysed, were conducted with the management, the workers and the unions.FindingsBoth the nature of practices within each HPWS sub-system (people flow, performance and rewards and opportunities for employee involvement), and partly the sub-systems themselves, are substantially different in the plantations from those presumed in the HPWS literature. To illustrate, the following key ingredients of HPWS as seen in the literature were in essence absent: sophisticated recruitment and selection, systematic training and development, internal promotion opportunities and broad career paths, formal appraisal mechanisms, job design to allow worker autonomy, open communication and information sharing. Teamwork, though utilized, was seen as problematic by all parties. Nonetheless, these HR systems have enabled bottom-line performance along with employee well-being and stability in the local communities over many decades. The data also suggested that company paternalism served as an overarching mentality in the way employees were managed.Practical implications“State-of-the-art” HR practices that aim at a lean workforce that is constantly stretched to perform and develop themselves without consideration of the workers’ personal lives and the sustainability of the community may not be the only alternative. Organizational performance that is sustainable in the long-term may be feasible under a paternalistic HR philosophy that manifests itself in HR practices geared towards the interests of all stakeholders, including the workers and the local community.Originality/valueThe study contributes by demonstrating that the way high-performance HRM is typically considered may not be the single alternative available, especially if we aim to achieve a balance between performance in the long-term, the well-being of employees and serving the community
Malat1 is a Sex-Specific Determinant of Th Cell Differentiation
Full text linkUnderstanding cell intrinsic mediators of sexual dimorphism in lymphocytes is critical to addressing differences in incidence and severity of immunopathologies between females and males. Here, we demonstrate that the nuclear speckle-associated lincRNA Malat1, one of the most highly abundant transcripts in mammalian cells, exerts a sex-specific function in Th2 differentiation by controlling early differentiation and endpoint cytokine expression in female cells. Malat1 deficiency impairs in vitro Th2 differentiation only in female mice, characterised by transcriptome-wide suppression of differentiation associated gene expression and cytokine expression, with particularly strong effects on IL10. Using an in vivo model of lung inflammation, we validated the sex-specific effects of Malat1 loss, demonstrating altered Th2 differentiation in both the lung and spleen for only female mice. Mechanistically, naïve T helper cells from Malat1-/- female mice demonstrate impaired early differentiation in the gene expression programme, along with upregulation of an interferon stimulated gene module associated with naïve CD4+ T cells. This is followed by suppression of the IL2 receptor, which in turn inhibits IL2 mediated differentiation. Male Th2 differentiation was less sensitive to effects of Malat1 loss due to stronger early activation, higher constitutive interferon responsive gene expression, and lower sensitivity to exogenous levels of IL2. Malat1 deficiency during early Th2 differentiation suppressed differentiation-associated changes in nuclear architecture in a sex-specific manner, with effects on nuclear speckle biogenesis, Xi complex localisation, and H3K27me3 deposition. Overall, this suggests that, despite neither being X/Y linked nor sex hormone responsive, Malat1 is a critical sex-specific regulator of Th cell differentiation, with profound implications in our understanding of how non-coding RNA drives immune sexual dimorphism
Characteristics of alcohol care teams in England: results of the ProACTIVE National Survey
Full text linkAims: This study aimed to identify (i) the number of alcohol care teams (ACTs) in England, (ii) the characteristics of patients supported by ACTs, and (iii) the service structure and care components offered by ACTs. Methods: All acute hospitals (i.e. those providing short-term high-dependency medical care) in England were approached to complete a survey of alcohol care provision. Surveys were completed through researcher-guided interviews by staff familiar with the hospital’s alcohol provision. It featured questions on service structure, patient characteristics, service functions, and policies. Data collection took place between May and October 2023. Results: Of 170 hospitals approached, 122 completed a survey and 80 reported having an ACT. Most ACT patients were male (mean 64.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 61.8–66.4), white (mean 79.2%; 95% CI 75.1–83.4), aged 45–54 (mean 27.8%; 95% CI 25.0–30.5), and experiencing severe alcohol dependence (mean 66.2%; 95% CI 36.8–95.7). Most services had a clinical lead but only 58% funded this role. Fifty-nine percent of services operated 7 days per week. Most services reported identification and brief advice, though it was rarely systematized. Nearly all supported medically assisted alcohol withdrawal, though a quarter of patients did not complete medically assisted alcohol withdrawal before discharge. Conclusions: ACT numbers increased significantly between 2019 and 2024. They offer a clinical service to highly vulnerable and complex patients. There is significant variation in ACT operational models, training, and leadership which will impact the effectiveness of identification strategies and management of patients with comorbid alcohol use disorder within acute medical settings
Green Chemistry Approaches to Chain Extension of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids using Meldrum's acid
No full textFrom theory to practice: a methodological roadmap for mapping, assessing, and implementing industrial symbiosis
Full text linkIndustrial symbiosis (IS) is a collaborative approach where industries share and reallocate resources, such as materials, energy, water, and by-products, create mutual benefits and contribute to a circular economy. This concept is limited due to the complexity of implementation and challenges with understanding the roadmap for their establishment. This study aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by developing a comprehensive, methodologically grounded roadmap for implementing industrial symbiosis. The research combines a review of existing literature with the analysis of real-world case studies to identify and systematize the essential phases, tools, and success factors involved in the industrial symbiosis implementation process. A detailed roadmap comprised key phases: mapping the current situation, identifying potential synergies, assessing feasibility, selecting the most appropriate opportunities, and implementing initiatives. The paper analyzes the relevant methods, tools and criteria for each phase. Particular attention is paid to key success factors, including resource and technology compatibility, geographical aspects, environmental impact, economic viability, and regulatory compliance. The importance of collaboration between different stakeholders and the role of intermediaries in the industrial symbiosis implementation process are highlighted. Based on the realized industrial symbiosis case studies, a few recommendations are given to support adopting industrial symbiosis strategies. The proposed roadmap emphasizes the importance of detailed resource flow mapping, multi-criteria assessment, and stakeholder collaboration with key success factors laying in evaluating technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory dimensions using appropriate tools. Based on the research findings, the proposed roadmap consolidates fragmented approaches, supports strategic planning and provides practical guidance for companies and practitioners looking to integrate industrial symbiosis into their business. It contributes to a better understanding of the complexity of industrial symbiosis implementation and provides a framework for the wider adoption of these practices in the industry. This research contributes to the operationalization of industrial symbiosis by offering a replicable and adaptable roadmap. Further research should explore digital tools for synergy identification and assess policy mechanisms that can incentivize industrial symbiosis implementation at regional and national levels
Uncovering UK coastal legacy wastes and their potential contaminant release risks through mineralogy and geochemistry
Full text linkFor centuries, coastal zones have been used as disposal sites for industrial and municipal wastes, often without adequate records of their composition, raising long-term concerns regarding the potential release of contaminants. The absence of detailed mineralogical and geochemical data has limited the ability to evaluate the mobility of metal(loid)s and to design effective protection strategies. In this study, 83 samples of legacy wastes were collected from coastal sites in England, Wales, and Scotland to investigate the influence of mineralogy on the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Samples were collected from 18 priority sites, selected to be representative of the major legacy waste types found along the UK coastline. Non-ferrous slags displayed variability in mineralogy and PTE concentrations, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn. These elements were predominantly hosted in stable silicates (e.g., sorosilicates, olivine) and oxides (e.g., cassiterite, spinel), with minor associations in sulfides, sulfates, and carbonates. Coal and metal mining wastes contained PTEs in redox-sensitive sulfides and secondary phases such as sulfates and iron oxides, representing the highest potential for contaminant release under seawater inundation and erosion. Bauxite waste exhibited the greatest median concentrations of Cr and V, whereas municipal solid wastes were enriched in Pb and Ni compared to ferrous slags and colliery wastes, with Ni median concentrations being the highest among all waste types. These insights emphasise the importance of mineralogical characterisation in assessing risks and managing coastal legacy wastes under climate change scenarios
Gravitational potential drives the concentration dependence of the stellar mass–halo mass relation
Full text linkWe investigate the origin of the scatter in the stellar mass-halo mass (SMHM) relation using the colibre cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. At fixed halo mass, we find a clear positive correlation between stellar mass and halo concentration, particularly in low-mass haloes between 1011 and, where all halo properties are computed from the corresponding dark-matter-only simulation. Two scenarios have been proposed to explain this trend: the earlier formation of higher-concentration haloes allows more time for star formation, or the deeper gravitational potential wells of higher-concentration haloes enhance baryon retention. To distinguish between them, we examine correlations between halo concentration, stellar mass, stellar age, and stellar metallicity. While, at fixed halo mass, halo concentration correlates with stellar age, stellar age itself shows only a weak correlation with stellar mass, indicating that early formation alone cannot account for the concentration-dependence in the scatter of the SMHM relation. In contrast, both stellar metallicity and halo concentration exhibit correlations with stellar mass. The connection between halo concentration and stellar metallicity persists even when simultaneously controlling for both halo mass and stellar mass. These results support the scenario in which the deeper gravitational potentials in higher-concentration haloes suppress feedback-driven outflows, thereby enhancing both baryon and metal retention
How Important Is Solid Phase PFAS Release from Legacy Coastal Landfills to the Water Environment?
Full text linkHighlights: What are the main findings? Legacy PFAS are detectable in 47% of solid phase samples at eroding historical coastal landfills. Consistent detection of PFOA and PFOS at a waste disposal site operating in the 1970s and 1980s. Flux (mass over time) of PFAS in solid phase release is similar in magnitude to documented PFAS release via leachate at landfills. What are the implications of the main findings? The age of the landfill has a bearing on PFAS detection. The rapid sampling method demonstrated here is suitable for PFAS risk assessment at other eroding legacy waste sites. Flux data are important for contextualising the significance of PFAS release to the water environment. Historical landfills in coastal environments are at increasing risk of erosion under changing climate conditions. Various studies have highlighted pollutant release associated with potentially toxic elements and flame retardants from such erosional processes, but there has been little focus on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) release as a result of physical erosion at such sites, despite landfills being highlighted as a key source of PFAS to the water environment. This study presents a rapid screening approach that could be adopted at scale by regulators to assess the presence and potential flux of PFAS released at three historical municipal waste landfill sites in the UK. The sites selected cover a range of epochs prior to rigorous environmental regulation from the second half of the twentieth century. At the older waste deposits (Withernsea: 1950s–1960s; Hessle: 1930s–1970s), all 52 PFAS analysed in solid materials were below the detection limits except for two samples where modest concentrations (0.92–1.98 ng/g) of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFecHS) were detected. At the more recently operational site (Crosby: 1970s–1980s), the legacy PFAS chemicals, PFOS and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), were present in all samples in modest concentrations (6.01–8.22 ng/g for PFOS; 0.62–1.20ng/g for PFOA) below contaminated land thresholds. At this site, it was possible to model the flux of PFAS release based on LiDAR surveys of the eroding waste terrace over an 18-year period. This showed an annualised total solid phase PFAS (PFOS plus PFOA in this case) flux in the region of 2.5–16.9 g/yr, which is towards the lower end of the reported landfill leachate flux at inland sites. While such releases are relatively modest on an individual site basis, in transitional and coastal waters in heavily urbanised and (post-)industrial regions, the aggregated solid phase PFAS flux from the large number of eroding historical landfills (n = 114) could be significant
Numerical modelling of wind turbine resin infusion manufacturing processes
No full textThe aim of this thesis is to develop, validate and deploy numerical modelling techniques to further understand and optimise the resin infusion and curing strategies of wind turbine blade manufacturing. To further develop the accuracy and understanding of the flow phenomina that occur during wind turbine blade manufacturing, three key goals are achieved:• A model is developed and validated that is accurate in the simulation of resin infusion into blade relevant geometry and under appropriate conditions without the presence of resin distribution blocks.• The effect of blocks on infusing flow are isolated and quantified under relevant geometry and conditions on two scales: scale of a single block, and a wind turbine blade subcomponent. The interactions between these two scales is studied, demonstrating the effect of each flow mechanism on the infused structure.• These models are implemented into blade relevant conditions using the same materials, resins and processes to optimise the infusion and cure strategies of blade resin infusion processes.This work integrates and validates the time-temperature-cure-viscosity relationship into a fully flexible CFD solver (named VRTMFoam) built upon the openFoam framework, allowing for the specific traits of individual resins to be assessed under conditions akin to that seen in the manufacturing of wind turbine blades by SGRE. VRTMFoam was validated in stages; attaining a 0.04% error when simulating isothermal, non-curing flows, and attaining less than 5% error when simulating non-isothemal curing flows; a significant step closer to full blade complexity models. The strategic inclusions of processes such as heat transfer between the resin and reinforcement phase also allow it to act as a test-bed for further development into the optimisation of the infusion and curing process.The time-temperature-cure relationship is also developed as a stand-alone system, allowing for a light weight, lumped parameter version of the modelling technique to be used to optimise the post-infusion temperature profiles. Using this technique a curing strategy with a 40% reduction in processing time was developed for the manufacturing of a key subcomponent of the Siemens Gamesa B108 blade.The effects of both resin distribution grooves and the bulk balsa core material itself is investigated. From this, it is shown that the balsa core absorbs resin into its structure, inturn slowing the infusing flow along its surface. Each standard size, 0.6m by 1.2m block absorbs around 1.8kg of resin, equating to over 200kg of the SGRE B108 weight being resin held within the balsa, around 30% more than the expected weight of the balsa. Whilst this does increase the weight of the structure significantly, it does however mean that the high interface area between the balsa and the composite contributes significantly to the interface strength. The passing of resin through the balsa also couples the infusing flow on top and below the core material, with the balsa ensuring that the flow front on one side cannot move significantly faster than another (proven for the structures investigated, theorised for larger layup structures). This builds in some ’safety factor’ into an infusion, meaning that if any issues occur on one side of the balsa, the flow of resin from the other side would ensure that the flow would still reach both sides of the core.Whilst distribution grooves do move resin at the scale of one block, the main distribution mechanism found within this body of work is actually the cracks and gaps between the balsa blocks, with the channels acting as a secondary distribution method at the scale of a block. From this, two scales of the flow are defined, macroscale; governs the bulk of the flow at a larger scale, moving along the cracks and gaps between blocks, and then the second mesoscale, local scale where the grooves distribute resin at the scale of one block with the flow often not just being in the shortest path from inlet to outlet