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Cultural contouring: how visual arts practice can serve as a catalyst for social resilience in the North Wales Uplands
Get PDFThis article considers ways in which art practices can provide a way of recontouring the physical and cultural landscape of North Wales and serve as a catalyst for social resilience. The article will contextualize iterations of art practices focusing particularly on varying aspects of gesture as a spatial practice. Citing projects that reimagine sites to rediscover a cultural identity and artistic potential through imaginative transformations, the article will discuss aspects of art and gesture, together with the various means of encounter and speculative inquiry that artists adopt to relate or bring art to everyday encounters. The article will outline the notion of artistic activity as a more socially engaged practice and how this seeks to occupy the field of distribution. The article will seek to establish how such projects are part of a broader tendency highlighting the potential of creative indeterminacy to push away from “art” and to restore an embodied relationship to the world. The article examines ways in which “art’s gesture” within a public space can help to disclose potential breaches in the cultural infrastructure and engage the public with selected issues within society
Waiting for inpatient detoxification: a qualitative analysis of patient experiences
No full textAbstract
Background
There is limited provision of inpatient detoxification relative to other treatments for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. This means people often need to wait prior to detoxifying. However, waiting for healthcare is generally perceived as negative and stressful. This paper aims to understand patients’ experiences of waiting for inpatient AOD detoxification to ascertain whether and how service-level policies and practices might be improved.
Methods
Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 32 people (20 males, 12 females; aged 25–67 years) who were waiting for inpatient detoxification. Data collection was part of a wider evaluation of a policy initiative started in 2021 to increase detoxification service capacity in England, UK. Interviews were professionally transcribed and data on waiting experiences were coded using qualitative software. Analyses were informed by new materialist thinking and undertaken via Iterative Categorisation.
Results
We found that waiting was constituted through five dimensions: i. duration; ii. support; iii. information; iv. preparations; and v. emotions. These five dimensions were multi-faceted and operated in and through wider interacting social, material, and affective forces (e.g., professional judgements, formal and informal relationships, the availability of beds and funding, bureaucratic procedures, the utility and relevance of information, and participants’ diverse feelings, including desperation for treatment). Not all accounts of waiting were negative. The experience was complex, non-uniform and variable over time. Moreover, it affected how people felt and how they behaved.
Conclusions
Changes to service-level policies and practices can potentially minimise the stress of waiting for inpatient AOD detoxification. The negative impact of waiting may be reduced if professionals more consistently engage patients in a wider range of constructive pre-treatment activities, offer regular ‘check-ins’ to mitigate any anxiety, explain changes in wait duration to help with planning and demonstrate fairness, and facilitate contact between those waiting to lessen feelings of isolation
Wrexham and Flintshire Children’s University: Pilot Study Evaluation Report
Get PDFChildren’s University (CU) is a charity that works in partnership with schools to foster a love of learning in children through participation in extra-curricular activities offered by the school as well as partnership
organisations. Its aim is to create a “level playing field of opportunity” for children of all backgrounds (Children’s University, 2022) by informing future provision, highlighting barriers to participation, and playing a key role in improving accessibility and opportunities for young people (Nolan & Howard, 2022, p. 7). Wrexham and Flintshire Children’s University (WFCU) is part of the Children’s University Trust, which is the charity at the heart of the Children’s University network. Wrexham & Flintshire Children’s University was reestablished in March 2021 following the recruitment of the Project Manager, Natalie Edwards. It is managed by Wrexham University in partnership with the Wrexham & Flintshire Public Service Board, which includes Coleg Cambria, Wrexham County Borough Council, Flintshire County Council and GwE. WFCU is a key
project within the Civic Mission of Wrexham University which has a central aim to work with partners to help end social inequality across the region by 2030
Unveiling decomposition dynamics: leveraging 3D models for advanced forensic analysis
No full textForensic taphonomy, the study of post-mortem processes, is pivotal in modern forensic science. This short communication illuminates limitations in traditional 2D imaging, specifically digital photographs, within forensic taphonomy, and highlights the vast potential of 3D modeling techniques. Drawing from a recent study in Hawaii’s tropical savanna, we unveil disparities between real-time observations and 2D photographs when assessing decomposition, emphasizing the importance of scoring method selection and the need to scrutinize 2D imaging’s accuracy in forensic taphonomy. Conversely, 3D modeling techniques, an emerging powerhouse in forensic science, offer multidimensional data, including volume, surface area, and spatial relationships, allowing for comprehensive and precise representation of decomposition dynamics. Despite concerns about texture quality, 3D models yield objective data amenable to analysis by multiple experts, thus minimizing subjectivity and augmenting the reliability of forensic assessments. The potential for 3D modeling to bridge the gap between 2D imaging and real-time decomposition requires tailored methodologies. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and fostering collaboration among forensic experts, technologists, and researchers to unleash 3D technology’s full potential in advancing forensic taphonomy.
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Teaching and learning in the outdoors: the current state of outdoor learning in schools in Wales
Get PDFThis report presents the findings from a comprehensive literature review and a validated survey sent out to schools to gain an indicative picture of the current outdoor learning provision in Wales. The project was undertaken as part of the Collaborative Evidence Network. The findings are aimed at policymakers and LAs, who can support schools and practitioners in developing outdoor learning policy, guidance, resources and professional development for the education workforce in Wales.
The findings suggest that a coherent strategy and budget allocation are required to support schools and local authorities in curating outdoor learning resources in an accessible format and single location. Further support should also be given for professional development opportunities for the education workforce, along with increasing awareness of outdoor learning as a viable and effective pedagogy, rather than an enrichment activity in both the existing workforce and in programmes of initial teacher education
Effects of Octenyl-Succinylated Chitosan—Whey Protein Isolated on Emulsion Properties, Astaxanthin Solubility, Stability, and Bioaccessibility
Get PDFThe synthesis of octenyl-succinylated chitosan with different degrees of substitution resulting from chemical modification of chitosan and controlled addition of octenyl succinic acid was investigated. The modified products were characterized using 1H NMR, FTIR, and XRD, and the degree of substitution was also determined. The properties of the modified chitosan oligosaccharide in solution were evaluated by surface tension and dye solubilization, finding that the molecules self-assembled when they are above the critical aggregation concentration. The two methods yielded consistent results, showing that the self-assembly was reduced with higher levels of substitution. The antimicrobial activity of the octanyl-succinylated chitosan oligosaccharide (OSA-COS) derivatives against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cucumerinum was investigated by the Oxford cup method. While the acetylated COS derivatives were not significantly effective against either E coli or S. aureus, they showed significant antifungal activity toward F. oxysporum that was superior to that of COS. The modified product was found to form a stable emulsion when mixed with whey protein isolate. The emulsion formed by the highly substituted derivatives have a certain stability and loading efficiency, which can be used for the encapsulation and delivery of astaxanthin
Assessing the early influence of COVID-19 in an analysis of the immediate implementation of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol on drinkers in Wales
Get PDFBackground: The Welsh Government has commissioned a number of projects to consider the influence their implementation of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol (MPA) legislation in March 2020 had on the alcohol consumption and related behaviours of drinkers. Given the MPA's overlap with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown measures and restrictions, this rapidly became a story about the early impact of COVID-19 as it did MPA. This paper captures the core thematic messages from this specific strand of work, and in doing so reflects on (1) how early experiences of COVID-19 and the first lockdown influenced consumption and purchasing of alcohol behaviours and, in turn, (2) how relevant the introduction of MPA was for any of these. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with 32 drinkers 9 months after the implementation of the legislation in March 2020. The sample was recruited from three sources: the National Survey for Wales; a third sector organisation offering housing support to the homeless; and through an online survey on MPA. Results: COVID-19 had more relevance than MPA to drinkers. Furthermore, when MPA did have an influence on their behaviour, it was felt most keenly by the harmful drinkers in the study. These drinkers described spending more on alcohol, switching to other potentially more harmful substances, such as crack cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids, and more involvement in acquisitive crime and begging after the price increase. While our results might be an early indication of the influence of MPA on harmful drinkers, the small sample of this group in our study limits the generalisability of the findings. Conclusion: To date, the implementation of MPA has had little influence on the drinking patterns or lives of the drinkers in our sample. It is important that future research examines the longer-term influences of MPA before any conclusions on its effectiveness can be drawn
Transcobalamin receptor gene polymorphisms and mutation in an elderly population
Get PDFBackground & aims: Cellular uptake of the essential nutrient vitamin B12 (cobalamin) occurs via the transcobalamin receptor (TCblR/CD320), a ubiquitous membrane receptor. Polymorphisms in the receptor exist, though the effect of such variants across patient populations is unknown.
Methods: We determined CD320 genotype in 377 randomly selected elderly individuals.
Results: Three polymorphisms and a codon deletion were identified in the exon 2 region. Haplotype variants had significantly higher holotranscobalamin (holo-TC) values and a higher holo-TC/total cobalamin ratio. TCblR haplotype explained 46% of the variability in holo-TC values.
Conclusions: This has significant implications for the clinical utility of the 'combined indicator' of B12 status since it is based on a standard rate of intracellular flux via the TC-Cbl receptor. Modification of the model may be required to account for CD320 haplotype
Perspectives on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): A qualitative case study of athletes, coaches and medical professionals from a super league netball club
Get PDFBackground
Research into relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) has increased substantially over recent years given the impact on athletes’ health and performance. Most studies have considered sports that place emphasis on the aesthetics, endurance, or weight-restriction. Fewer studies exist in team sports. Netball is a team sport yet to be explored despite players potentially being at risk of RED-S given the high training volumes, sporting culture, internal and external pressures, and small network of coaches and medical professionals. A qualitative case study was used to explore the perspective of athletes, coaches, and medical professionals on RED-S.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 players, 4 coaches and 4 medical professionals affiliated to a Super League club. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Five main themes were identified in this study. Awareness of RED-S amongst athletes and coaches was generally inadequate whereas medical professionals had some awareness of RED-S. Some athletes used contraception to reduce discomfort/pain during menstruation whilst others expressed concerns around long-term contraceptive use and previous menstrual cycle disturbance. Sporting demands, individual and contextual factors, and a preoccupation with body image were associated with nutritional restriction, whilst appearance was a source of internal and external pressure. External pressures also extended to coaches, assessments/feedback, social media, and commentary. Strategies suggested to reduce the risk of RED-S included “hard hitting cases”, multidisciplinary team involvement, and support from the governing body.
Conclusion
The findings of this study provide insight into factors potentially associated with the risk of RED-S from an athletes, coaches, and medical professional perspective. This insight can be used to increase overall awareness of RED-S in key stakeholders as well as improve the recognition for the pressures netball athletes face that might alter the level of risk
A contextualised enamel growth rate and thickness data set collected from British populations spanning the past 2000 years
Get PDFThis article represents an open repository of human enamel data collected/reconstructed from seven populations covering a 2000 year time period in Britain via five temporally distinct periods. In total data was collected from 285 permanent teeth, including maxillary and mandibular first molars, and maxillary canines and first incisors. Data was gathered through thin histological methods using standard procedures for sectioning human dental material. In regards to enamel growth, data is collected for daily secretion rates (DSRs) for the inner, mid, and outer areas of lateral and cuspal enamel. For enamel thickness average (AET) and relative (RET) enamel thickness, cuspal linear thickness (CT), and lateral linear thickness (LT) was collected. Alongside the data presented this article also provides clear and transparent explanations for all the methods involved in its production, in order to ensure understanding of the rigorous protocol and consistency associated with the data provided. The novel data is also contextualised with a compilation of equivalent data published in past articles