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Exploring the effectiveness of feedback techniques in cognitive behavioural and compassion focused therapy.
Get PDFThis thesis portfolio comprises three parts:Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewPart one systematically reviewed the effectiveness of two feedback tools and delivery procedures applied within cognitive behavioural therapy for social anxiety, with anxiety and self-perception utilised as outcome variables. This included reviewing the effectiveness of audio and video feedback, alongside the different procedures utilised to deliver these interventions: CP, CR and AF. 14 studies were extracted and synthesized using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. The findings highlighted the effectiveness of audio and VF for social anxiety, particularly when combined with CP, CR and AF. Recommendations for future research and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.Part Two: Empirical PaperPart two includes an experimental study investigating the effectiveness of alternative mediums to deliver compassionate letter writing via audio-feedback, VF and the mirror. Negative and positive-soothing affect were used as outcome variables. 66 participants, who experienced a self-criticism induction, were randomly assigned to three conditions where they read aloud a previously developed compassionate letter in front of a mirror or viewed a recording of themselves reading aloud the letter via audio or VF. Findings highlighted improvements across all conditions; however, no group differences were found. The compassion intensity of participants letters was found to be important across the whole sample, with higher intensity letters associated with greater reductions in negative affect. The clinical implications and recommendations for future research are further discussed.Part Three comprises the AppendicesPart three compromises of supplementary resources, materials and information employed within part one and two of the thesis. The researcher’s reflective statement and epistemological statement are further included in the appendices
Inclusive Heritage: Hidden Pasts, Reconciling Presents, Diversifying Futures
No full textThis book focuses on the global goal of inclusivity and sustainability in heritage as defined by the United Nations and UNESCO. A detailed Introduction forms a commentary on the state of the field of heritage studies. The book is written by a cross-disciplinary team working in the GLAMA sector. It features contributions on decolonisation in museums and archives, co-production between heritage professionals and communities, the meaning of cultural memory and commemoration in anniversaries and monuments, and innovative uses of digital methods in heritage research. The chapters analyse the practices of the past that have led to power inequities in heritage representation and they stress the importance of multiculturalism for the future through practices such as preservation of Indigenous languages and material culture. Wide-ranging case studies and discussions come from the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Canada, Southeast Asia, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
A Change of Hallmark: An Update
Get PDFWe review the latest development in non-angiogenic tumours. We focused on the last 3 years except the rarer tumours, for which the papers are older. Following the explanation of the modified hallmark of cancer, inducing angiogenesis and/or accessing vessels, the authors review primary and metastatic tumours growing into lung, liver and brain, plus oral cancer, lymphomas and node metastasis. Also progress in treatment, not many unfortunately, and techniques in non-angiogenic tumours are discussed
Digital Sovereignty in Global Trade: Analysing WTO Governance of Data Flows
Get PDFThis paper examines the evolving landscape of cross-border data flows within the international trade law framework, with particular focus on the World Trade Organization's governance mechanisms. While digital trade and data transfers have become central to global commerce, the pre-internet WTO agreements present significant interpretative challenges in regulating these phenomena. Using doctrinal analysis, this paper critically assesses the application of GATT and GATS provisions to cross-border data flows, evaluates emerging regional approaches such as the RCEP and CPTPP, and examines the tension between trade liberalisation objectives and domestic policy priorities including data privacy and digital sovereignty. The paper argues that while existing exceptions within WTO agreements potentially accommodate legitimate public policy objectives, the current fragmented regulatory approach creates legal uncertainty and risks undermining both free trade principles and legitimate regulatory interests. The paper contributes to scholarly discourse by proposing a balanced framework that reconciles trade facilitation with recognition of national regulatory autonomy in the digital sphere
Cool facial airflow hastens exertion recovery in chronic breathlessness: Randomised crossover trial of different fan airflow speeds
Get PDFObjectives: Facial airflow from a hand-held fan (fan) hastens recovery from exertional breathlessness. We aimed to determine the effect of different airflow speeds on recovery from exertional breathlessness in patients with chronic breathlessness. Methods: A prospective, unblinded, randomised crossover trial. Participants with chronic breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council ≥3) completed five 1 min sit-to-stand (STS) tests to induce breathlessness. After each STS test, participants used a fan with one of four airflow speeds or control (no fan) during 10 min recovery. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) breathlessness intensity, airflow pleasantness, heart rate, oxygen saturation and facial skin temperature were recorded. Results: 10 participants were recruited (n=1 withdrew due to health concerns) and 9 (mean±SD age 66±14 years; 5 men; 8 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 1 long covid) completed the trial. Per-protocol analysis identified no difference in NRS breathlessness recovery across fan speeds (p>0.05). Sensitivity analysis (n=1 excluded due to low exertional NRS breathlessness post STS test) identified a significant interaction effect for fan speed over time (p=0.010). Fan speed 2.85 m/s reduced NRS breathlessness compared with control at minutes 4-8 during recovery (p<0.05), whereas fan speeds 1.98 m/s, 3.70 m/s and 4.91 m/s only differed from control after 7 min recovery (p<0.05). The perceived most pleasant and preferred airflow rate was 2.85 m/s. NRS pleasantness decreased with faster airflow speeds, suggesting a ceiling limit to net benefit. Conclusion: Our novel data suggest the optimal airflow speed to hasten recovery from exertional breathlessness in people with chronic breathlessness is 2.85 m/s. Net benefit reduces at higher flow rates
Adaptive Reconfigurable Learning Algorithm for Robust Optimal Longitudinal Motion Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Get PDFThis study presents the formulation and verification of a novel online adaptive reconfigurable learning control algorithm (RLCA) for improved longitudinal motion control and disturbance compensation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The proposed algorithm is formulated to track the optimal trajectory yielded by the baseline Linear Quadratic Integral (LQI) controller. However, it also leverages reconfigurable dissipative and anti-dissipative actions to enhance adaptability under varying system dynamics. The anti-dissipative actor delivers an aggressive control effort to compensate for large errors, while the dissipative actor minimizes control energy expenditure under low error conditions to improve the control economy. The dissipative and anti-dissipative actors are augmented with state-error-driven hyperbolic scaling functions, which autonomously reconfigure the associated learning gains to mitigate disturbances and uncertainties, ensuring superior performance metrics such as tracking precision and disturbance rejection. By integrating the reconfigurable dissipative and anti-dissipative actions in its formulation, the proposed RLCA adaptively steers the control trajectory as the state conditions vary. The enhanced performance of the proposed RLCA in controlling the longitudinal motion of a small UAV model is validated via customized MATLAB simulations. The simulation results demonstrate the proposed control algorithm’s efficacy in achieving rapid error convergence, disturbance rejection, and seamless adaptation to dynamic variations, as compared to the baseline LQI controller
Talent Management and Talent Retention in SMEs in Emerging Markets: A case study of the Nigerian context
Get PDFTalent Management (TM) is a new field of study within the Nigerian context, particularly among SMEs. As with other management disciplines, TM is intrinsically linked to the environment in which businesses operate, making the Nigerian national context a major influence on TM practices. Despite its significance, there remains a notable gap in research on the conceptualisation of Talent management within Nigerian SMEs. Moreover, the application of TM practices for talent retention in the context of Nigerian SMEs is a highly unexplored area. As talent management is a holistic strategy (which needs to be implemented in full to get the best results) for businesses, it is, therefore, necessary to explore TM practices in Nigerian SMEs through a holistic lens which explores the processes of talent identification and definition, talent attraction, talent development, and talent retention. Nonetheless, existing TM studies are focused on exploring TM concepts from a Western and multinational companies’ perspective; thus, there is a lack of empirical investigations on TM practices in the context of Africa, especially Nigeria. This study explores talent management from a holistic perspective, linking TM practices to the influence of internal factors such as organisational size, financial capacity, and management’s orientation about HRM and TM, and external factors such as national business environment, national politics, national economy, sociocultural norms, and legal requirements.Adopting an interpretivist perspective and an inductive approach, this study employs a case study methodology. Data was gathered from five case companies through primary sources (interview participants) and analysed qualitatively. The theoretical foundation of this study is primarily based on existing TM literature, with a focus on talent identification, definition, attraction, development, and retention as key processes. Resource-based view, social exchange theory, and institutional theories serve as the primary theoretical frameworks for understanding talent definitions, talent management, and talent turnover within case study SMEs.In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity of viewing TM in Nigerian SMEs through a comprehensive understanding of the national context in which they exist. The study offers both theoretical contributions and practical strategies for effective talent retention. This approach not only addresses the current research gap but also enhances the overall understanding and implementation of TM in the distinctive context of Nigerian SMEs
Investigating Egyptian Athletes Visual Self-Presentation Strategies on Instagram
Get PDFThe study of visual self-presentation strategies on social media has captivated the attention of numerous academics and scholars, particularly those who specialise in the disciplines of sports communication and self-image branding among professional athletes. This investigation aims to examine the visual self-presentation strategies implemented by Egyptian male and female athletes on Instagram to effectively display their image to their fans and sports stakeholders. The analysis of self-presentation strategies involves the examination of the online tactics employed, the utilisation of pictures in the strategy, and a comparison of the online usage of Egyptian male and female athletes. To investigate the visual self-presentation strategy on Instagram, the study implemented mixed research methods. This involved conducting a visual content analysis of 1,000 images from 10 Instagram accounts of professional Egyptian athletes, of which five were male and five were female. The second method entailed interviews with three experts from Egypt's sports digital marketing agencies and six professional athletes, who were divided into three males and three females. The findings demonstrated the significance of Egyptian athletes' utilisation of images to effectively position themselves, contingent upon the content they post. The findings indicate that Egyptian athletes recognise the importance of their visual self-presentation, despite the apparent disparities in online utilisation between male and female athletes, which are a result of cultural issues and the predominant role of men in the Egyptian sports industry. Nevertheless, they are unable to effectively employ online strategies due to a lack of resources and knowledge. The practical implications of this study highlight the significance of athletes developing a customised online strategy that aligns with their specific online objectives and the desired image they intend to project to their fans. This strategy should be tailored to the individual athlete's current performance status and the stage of their sports career. It is imperative to strike a balance in the content shared, encompassing both on-field and off-field images, while considering the type of content that resonates most effectively with fans. Moreover, it is essential to address the unique challenges faced by female Egyptian athletes in establishing a strong online presence, considering the cultural constraints that may hinder their progress. By creating a common ground and fostering an environment that supports the growth of female athletes' online personas, a robust online presence can be achieved without compromising cultural sensitivities. Furthermore, it is crucial for Egyptian sports federations, teams, and athletes to recognise and emphasise the significance of cultivating a positive image and maintaining a strong online presence. This recognition should extend to all stakeholders involved in the sporting setting, including sponsors, media outlets, and fans. By collectively acknowledging the importance of online branding and presence, athletes can enhance their marketability, attract sponsorship opportunities, and engage with a wider fan base
Functional goals and outcomes of rehabilitation within palliative care: a multicentre prospective cohort study
Get PDFBackground: Rehabilitation is an integral component of palliative care. An understanding of functional goals can help tailor interventions and support the evaluation of services. This study examined the nature and timescale of functional goals in palliative care, attainment of goals following personalised rehabilitation, responsiveness relative to health-related quality of life across, and factors associated with goal achievement. Methods: Prospective, observational cohort study of adults with advanced progressive illness from 10 UK hospices referred for rehabilitation assessment. Urgency of care needs and functional status were assessed using the palliative Phase of Illness (stable, unstable, deteriorating) and Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS, ≥ 60,60 − 50, ≤ 40) respectively. Health-related quality of life was assessed using EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5 L) utility score. Functional goals were set collaboratively with patients using SMART goal statements, mapped onto the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) was used to evaluate achievement against an anticipated outcome using a T-score. Ordinal logistic regression was sued to identify factors associated with goal achievement. Results: 364 patients (54% female, mean (SD) age 68 (14) years, 71% cancer, 71% stable Phase, median AKPS 60) took part. They set a median (range) of 2 (1–4) goals; 645 in total. Goals had a median (range) timeframe of 28 (1-196) days and spanned 13/30 ICF domains; most frequently mobility, general tasks and demands, mental functions, community, social and civic life, and self-care. The majority focused on activity (51%) and participation (20%). Following personalised rehabilitation, GAS T-scores improved overall (mean (SD) change 8.9 (13.4)) and for each subgroup by Phase and AKPS (all p < 0.01). EQ-5D scores improved overall, but not for those with a deteriorating Phase or AKPS ≤ 40. Living alone or receiving multiple interventions increased the likelihood of goal achievement, whereas being wheelchair or bedbound, receiving a generic exercise intervention, or having goals rated as very difficult reduced it. Conclusions: Functional goals in palliative care typically focus on optimising activity and participation in the short term. Progress towards personalised goals can be achieved through personalised rehabilitation, including among people with deteriorating health or largely confined to bed. Goal Attainment Scaling can help direct and evaluate rehabilitation interventions in this setting
Trust and technology: barriers to police–prison cooperation in addressing organised crime in UK prisons
No full textThis article explores barriers to police–prison cooperation in tackling organised crime groups (OCGs) in the United Kingdom. The UK Government’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy (2018; 2023) calls for multiagency collaboration supported by technology-driven intelligence sharing. However, our research shows that human factors, rather than technical limitations, remain the primary obstacles. Based on 55 interviews with police, prison, and probation officers, alongside documentary analysis, the study identifies mistrust, divergent professional cultures, and bureaucratic inefficiencies as key challenges. Although new technologies and data infrastructures are intended to streamline cooperation, respondents described informal networks and liaison officers as more reliable mechanisms for information exchange. The findings suggest that technological solutions alone cannot overcome entrenched cultural divides. Instead, trust-building and collaborative practices are essential to enable effective implementation of the strategy. The article contributes to socio-technical debates in policing by demonstrating how cooperation against OCGs is shaped through the interplay of digital infrastructures and human relationships