23343 research outputs found
Sort by
Spatially resolved source apportionment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within a post-industrial river catchment
Get PDFSource apportionment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in rivers is typically based on water concentrations, which cannot quantify PFAS loads or define geographical source areas. This study applied a river catchment-scale approach to identify PFAS source zones and assess the relative importance of industrial PFAS sources in the River Mersey, UK – a post-industrial, densely populated catchment with diverse PFAS sources. Synoptic sampling and PFAS river load analysis identified key sub-catchments and river stretches contributing the majority of PFAS. Notably, the highest PFAS concentrations did not always correspond to the greatest loads. Most PFOS (64 %), PFOA (49 %), 6:2FTS (46 %) and PFHxS (56 %) were exported from the Upper Mersey sub-catchment, despite higher concentrations in northern sub-catchments, emphasising the importance of load-based monitoring. Mass balance analysis of loads highlighted substantial inputs from specific river stretches, notably the Lower Irwell (Bolton to Manchester City Centre), River Tame (Marple Bridge to Stockport), and Upper Mersey (Stockport to Urmston). While PFAS loads generally scaled with catchment area, yield (load per unit area) analysis identified disproportionately high exports from small headwater catchments, notably the upper River Roch (PFOA, PFHpA and PFHxA) and Glaze Brook (PFBS). Industrial sources in these sub-catchments (a waste management facility and landfills, respectively) were confirmed using gadolinium anomaly analysis and consented discharge records. More widely, gadolinium data suggested industrial discharges may contribute to PFAS occurrence at 62 % of our sample sites throughout the catchment. These findings demonstrate that spatial analysis of PFAS loads, rather than concentrations alone, is critical for identifying PFAS source areas. We present a scalable monitoring framework for PFAS source apportionment applied at the river catchment-scale that can be used by environmental managers to target and prioritise PFAS source areas for detailed monitoring and remediation
Beyond the Burden: Exploring Gratitude Among Informal Caregivers of People Living with Chronic Health Conditions
Get PDFThis portfolio thesis consists of three parts. Part one is a systematic literature review, part two is an empirical paper, and part three forms the supporting appendices. Together, they offer an exploration of the meaning of gratitude and the ways in which it is experienced by individuals living as informal caregivers to a person diagnosed with a long-term physical health condition (LTHC).Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewPart one presents a qualitative systematic literature review which explored the lived experiences of gratitude among informal caregivers of individuals living with a LTHC. Following a systematic search, eleven empirical research papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis to develop a nuanced understanding of how gratitude was experienced in participants’ accounts and defined within the qualitative literature. The methodological quality of studies was assessed via the CochrAne qualitative Methodological LimitatiOns Tool (CAMELOT). Three higher-order themes with five subthemes captured both the inter- and intrapersonal experience of gratitude among informal caregivers, these included: 1) Gratitude in the Moment, centring present-focused gratitude and an appreciation for daily life; 2) Gratitude for Growth, reflecting thankfulness for both personal and care-recipient transformation; and 3) Gratitude in Interpersonal Connections. The findings are explored in relation to the broader literature, and the implications for clinical interventions and future research on gratitude are discussed.Part Two: Empirical PaperPart two is an empirical study that used a qualitative approach to explore the meaning and experience of gratitude, specifically for spousal caregivers of people living with dementia in the community setting. Nine participants took part in semi-structured interviews, and qualitative data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three group experiential themes with eight underlying subthemes were identified. These captured how: 1) gratitude was relational in nature, emerging through meaningful social connection, recognition of caregivers’ individual identities, and the preservation of couplehood and partner dignity; 2) gratitude stemmed from both the availability of external resources and internal reflective efforts; and 3) gratitude was experienced as a dialectical process, often coexisting with experiences of loss and intertwined with other emotions like sadness, frustration, and guilt. Findings highlight the potential value of gratitude-centred interventions tailored to caregivers' lived experiences, offering a foundation for future positive psychology approaches to support caregiver wellbeing.Part Three: AppendicesPart three comprises the appendices, wherein the supporting documentation for the systematic literature review and empirical paper is listed. This section also includes a reflective statement (Appendix A) and an epistemological statement (Appendix B) which provide personal insights into the research process and outline the philosophical foundations and assumptions within this research
Exploring Chronic Pain: Family Perspectives and Individual Experiences Following Spinal Cord Stimulation
Get PDFEntrepreneurship Policy: Its importance in spurring innovation among Black Indigenous-owned businesses in Malawi
Get PDFMicro-, Small-, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries like Malawi face ongoing challenges in promoting innovation. Despite these obstacles, Indigenous Black-owned MSMEs use various strategies to improve their competitiveness, including participating in public procurement and engaging with Business Membership Associations (BMAs) to stay updated on government policies and initiatives. This study examines the factors that influence innovation within Indigenous-owned MSMEs and investigates how these enterprises establish a competitive advantage in Malawi. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature concerning the innovation dynamics of Indigenous-owned MSMEs in under-researched, resource-constrained settings like Malawi. Specifically, it investigates the factors that drive innovation within these enterprises and explores how they build competitive advantage despite systemic policy and institutional limitations.Using a mixed-method sequential explanatory approach, the research analyzes empirical data from MSMEs in the Construction, Agro-Processing, Business Services, and Manufacturing sectors. The quantitative phase employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine six interconnected constructs: the connection between entrepreneurship policy and innovation; the role of policy development and review processes; the impact of Indigenous Empowerment Initiatives on innovation; the effect of BMA membership on participation in public procurement; and the relationship between public procurement and innovation. Results showed a negative but statistically insignificant link between entrepreneurship policy and innovation, indicating a limited perceived influence of policy on innovative activity.The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with MSME owners and policymakers to explore how these businesses navigate policy challenges and utilize existing government initiatives. Findings emphasize indigenous entrepreneurs' adaptive strategies and the limitations of current policy frameworks.The study advances the conceptualization of entrepreneurship policy through a comprehensive framework that integrates Public Choice Theory, Principal-Agent Theory, Institutional Theory, Complexity Theory, and Governance Theory. This framework fosters the development of sustainable, transparent, and responsive entrepreneurship policies. It provides practical and policy recommendations to promote a more inclusive and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malawi
Exploiting tissue on-chip technology to predict treatment responses in HNSCC
Get PDFCulture models have advanced significantly in recent years, especially for studying disease in 3-dimensions. However, these models have rarely been used to correlate in vitro response with the clinical response in diseases like head and neck cancer (HNC). The work in this thesis aimed to use a microfluidic model that could maintain biopsies of tissue in a viable state to investigate response of tissue to clinically relevant drug and radiation treatments; changes in the secretome; and whether this type of tissue-on-chip technology could predict patient outcome in response to treatment. In total biopsies of HNC tumour were collected from 18 HNC patients, following informed, written, consent. The biopsy was sub-divided and either fixed immediately upon excision or maintained in a tissue-on-chip device for 72 h. During incubation the tissue was treated with chemo- (Cisplatin, Cetuximab, Nivolumab and a triple combination of the three), radio- (5 x 2Gy) and chemo-radiotherapeutic (Cisplatin + 5 x 2Gy) treatment regimens. The tissue response was measured by immunohistochemistry with a proliferation marker (ki67), an apoptotic marker (cleaved-PARP), and nuclear area was quantified to measure tissue integrity. The secretome of the tissue was analysed using a multiplex assay to analyse 108 different cytokines simultaneously, and ELISA (IL-8 and VEGF). Clinicopathological data and patient status (alive or deceased since last appointment) were recorded.The tissue response and cytokine expression between patients showed a large amount of variability, however generally there was less proliferation, more cell death and similarity in the cytokine profiles of the biopsies treated with an anti-cancer treatment than without. HNC control tissue-maintained ex vivo showed a marginal decrease in proliferation and marginal increase in cell death; thus, demonstrating that the tissue remains functional and largely unaffected by the perfusion model itself. IL-8 and VEGF expression was found to have three distinct expression profiles (sporadic, like the overall average, higher expression in the 24 h and 48 h, and a decrease after 72 h). However, due to the large inter-patient variation no statistically significant differences were detected. Nivolumab and the triple combination seemed to give the largest impact on proliferation, cell death and tissue integrity and, although not significant in comparison to the control, they were statistically significant when compared to the ‘pre’ tissue. The study has shown the feasibility of using this perfusion platform in a tissue and secretome analysis for patient outcome in HNC, which, with a larger patient cohort and more standardised treatment regimen criteria, has potential for investigating correlation(s) between an in vitro model and clinical response to the same treatment regimen
Global Fan Activism in Sports: Digital Collective Action and the Case of #EmptyOldTrafford
Get PDFPurposeAt a time of growing consumer activism facilitated by digital communications, the phenomenon of collective action increasingly confronts sports clubs. This study aims to examine an episode involving fans of a globally recognised football club (Manchester United) who were able to make the hashtag #EmptyOldTrafford trend globally in protest towards the club’s ownership at the time.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on collective action theory, this study focuses specifically on X, where fans coalesced quickly and at scale to influence business behaviours through digital collective action. Using social network analysis techniques, this study focuses specifically on sampling data from when the hashtag #EmptyOldTrafford was trending. The authors extract 21,610 posts from this time period and identify social network shapes, key nodes in these networks and the roles specific groups play in collective action.FindingsThe analysis reveals how social media facilitates global collective action among sports fans, including those without direct geographical ties to the team, enabling them to amplify calls for change and influence brand behaviour. A typology derived from the collected data provides insights into the intentions and behaviours of those engaging in collective action.Originality/valueThis research contributes to understanding digital consumer activism, offering guidance to sports clubs on managing engagement with consumers displaying behaviours of collective action. Crucially, it extends collective action theory by illustrating its application within globally dispersed digital fan communities. The findings help identify key social network shapes and nodes, enhancing strategies for sports clubs to effectively respond to and engage with consumer activism
Long-distance migrations of catfishes in two large tropical rivers: The Ayeyarwady and Mekong rivers
Get PDFUnderstanding fish migration ecology is crucial for fisheries management. In this study, trace element and strontium isotope ratios were analysed in otoliths (ear-stones) of four economically important catfish species (Pangasiidae): Pangasius krempfi and P. mekongensis in the Mekong River, and P. pangasius and Pangasius sp. in the Ayeyarwady River to understand their migratory behaviour. Our findings showed that all four catfish species exhibited long-distance migrations: specifically, growth occurred in marine and brackish environments but migrations to fresh water were undertaken for spawning (anadromy). We identified cyclical variation in otolith elemental concentrations, suggesting these catfishes either migrated repeatedly between brackish and marine environments, or remained in estuarine areas where water chemistry varied seasonally. Additionally, evidence of multiple migration strategies was found among these catfishes. Regardless of species or river system there was consistent evidence supporting long-distance migrations that extended up to 3000 km on a return trip between feeding (marine) and spawning grounds (freshwater). To maintain viable populations of these long-distance migratory catfishes, ensuring river-to-sea connectivity is essential for the completion of their life cycles. Local and regional management plans should be developed to regulate anthropogenic pressures (e.g. dams and fishing) along their migration routes and current or planned water infrastructure should address the requirement for unimpeded bi-directional movement
From Coroners’ Rolls to the Classroom: Engaging Students with the Medieval Murder Map
No full textThe Medieval Murder Map is an innovative digital humanities project that visualises homicides drawn from the coroners’ rolls of three English towns: London, York, and Oxford. Entries of homicide cases from the coroners’ rolls have been translated and modernised to ensure that students can engage with the stories and then pinned onto the maps. Each pin on the map marks the site of a felonious killing, linking archival narratives with spatial context. The result is a compelling glimpse into the realities of medieval urban life, and a surprisingly powerful teaching tool
The Ethics of Travel: Balancing Safety, Sustainability and Personal Autonomy
No full textThe role of established and emerging IT technologies in creating a safe and sustainable transport system is vital. Those in control of procuring, developing, supporting and using new systems must make ethically informed decisions, balancing benefits and risks (and minimising the latter)
Role of shock waves in materials processing: Fundamentals and Applications
Get PDFIn recent years, ultrasonic processing (USP) technology has led to some of the most promising scientific breakthroughs in the field of pharmaceutical, food, environmental and material sciences leading to advancements in manufacturing, process efficiency, and material performance. However, the industrial scalability of USP still remains a key challenge, largely due to the lack of awareness, standardization and predictive multiphysics models. Optimizing this technology necessitates a bottom-up approach, emphasizing fundamental understanding of the physical phenomena at play prior to scaling-up. Despite the advancements of opto-acoustic characterization tools, the underlying root-cause driving these technological innovations remains unexplored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of our work carried out in the last 5 years to uncover the fundamental mechanism that governs the deployment of USP in areas related to metal casting, additive manufacturing, production of nanomaterials and composites by employing in-situ high-speed visualizations techniques and characterization of acoustic emissions. The results presented and discussed in this article offer a new perspective on the pivotal role of cavitation-induced shock waves, shifting the focus from being just a by-product, to a primary driver of material modification during USP