11237 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigating the resilience potential of heritage in response to climate change-related conflict with UK-based Syrian refugees
No full textThis research explores the role of heritage within refugee resilience for those who have experienced displacement, following climate change-related conflict. While heritage is known to play a role in identity and belonging, the role it can play as a source of resilience post-displacement remains unexplored. This research also interrogates the complex relationships within the climate change-conflict-migration nexus. In Syria these relationships have seen exploration, but the studies here have been almost entirely focused on quantitative data and there remains considerable disagreement around the connections within the nexus. This research addresses these gaps in understanding by seeking to learn from the experiences of Syrian people, a voice largely missing from previous research.Working with a small group of Syrian refugees in the UK, this research utilises an interdisciplinary approach, with storytelling and participatory methodologies, including object interviews, semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops. These methodologies enable the thesis to explore how heritage, as identified by the participants and co-creators, assists with their connection to a sense of identity, home, and belonging and the importance of heritage preservation, whilst placing their lived experience and voices up front and centre. It also examines the types of heritage that facilitate these connections, and the barriers these participants face in accessing and practising heritage in the UK.The analysis finds that climate change in Syria is likely to have played an indirect role in the onset of conflict in the country through its impact on other key drivers, and the failure of the Syrian regime to mitigate these impacts. Further, although the consequences of climate change, conflict and migration to heritage in Syria have been profound, the participants’ concerns around heritage frequently related to items, places and practices considered “everyday heritage”. This finding expands our ideas around heritage and heritage protections. On the issue of resilience, the research found that heritage, as identified by the participants, enhances their connection to home, sense of belonging, well-being and overall resilience. This research develops our understanding of the relationships between climate change, conflict and migration, particularly in the context of Syria, and how heritage contributes to community and individual recovery after displacement.</p
Long-term sequelae of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of symptoms three years post-SARS-CoV-2 infection
No full textThe symptoms of long COVID are well-documented. However, the long-term effects beyond 2 years remain poorly understood due to a lack of data. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors 3 years following initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception of the databases up to July 20, 2024, by two independent researchers for articles reporting on the prevalence of persistent symptoms 3 years' post-infection of people who survived COVID-19 infection. We employed a random-effect model for the pooled analysis, and the meta-analytical effect size was prevalence for the applicable end-points, I2 statistics, and quality assessment of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Eleven articles were included after the literature search yielded 223 potentially relevant articles. We found that among patients with long COVID, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and dyspnea were the most common symptoms. Pooled analysis showed that the proportion of individuals experiencing at least one persistent symptom 3 years post-COVID-19 is 20% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8–43). The prevalence of persistent symptoms was dyspnea (12%; 95% CI: 10–15), fatigue (11%; 95% CI: 6–20), insomnia (11%; 95% CI: 2–37), loss of smell (7%; 95% CI: 5–8), loss of taste (7%; 95% CI: 3–16), and anxiety (6%; 95% CI: 1–32). Prevalence of other findings include impaired diffusion capacity (42%; 95% CI: 34–50) and impaired forced expiratory volume in 1 s (10%; 95% CI: 8–12). Our findings confirm the persistence of unresolved symptoms 3 years post-COVID-19 infection, with implications for future research, healthcare policy, and patient care.</p
Osteopathic neuromuscular rehabilitation: a novel approach to treat spasticity following systemic illness, brain tumour, and traumatic brain injury in general population
No full textIntroduction: Spasticity is a motor dysfunction represented by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone. About one-third of post-stroke patients are reported to experience symptomatic spasticity. This research examines the effectiveness of Osteopathic treatment with conventional physiotherapy on the spasticity of upper and lower extremities.Method: The study design was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Two hundred and fifty patients with spasticity were randomized into two groups: "conventional physiotherapy" and "conventional physiotherapy with osteopathy". The study was conducted in a private setting (non-NHS) and complied with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guideline. The ethical approval was granted by the ethics committee at Anglia Ruskin University. The qualitative and quantitative measurement of spasticity was done by employing the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Myotonometer (muscle stiffness index), respectively; The effect of the spasticity was also measured by utilizing spasticity related Quality of life (SQoL6D) scoring tool at three different intervals; the beginning of the trial, month three and month six.Result: Three hundred and twenty-five patients agreed to participate in the trial. After thorough physical and higher cognitive examination and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 262 patients were recruited for the study. Conventional physiotherapy and osteopathic intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the upper and lower extremity spasticity at week-six (upper limb P-value= 0.05, Lower Limb Pvalue= 0.05) and week-twelve (upper limb P-value= 0.03, lower limb P-value= 0.03). There was an increase in the MAS Score in both the upper and lower limbs, a reduction in Muscle stiffness index, and an improvement of SQoL6D. The cumulative score of the SQoL6D indicated that the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all the six groups of the muscle, which was pertinent from week six onwards (P-value Conclusion: The result can be used in future clinical guidelines to manage spastic paralysis. Future studies should look at a series of treatments using osteopathy to improve motor function in patients with spasticity due to brain injury in large multicenter trial.</p
Intraspecific variation in the venom composition of wild Vipera berus from two English populations
No full textIntraspecific variation in snake venom composition (protein and peptide toxins) has been documented on numerous occasions, predominantly within the families Viperidae and Elapidae. Known sources of this variation include: snake age, size, sex, feeding ecology, population geography and abiotic ecological factors associated with changing seasons. Such variation has been studied before in venoms of the European adder (Vipera berus) from Eastern European and Russian populations. However, the venoms of wild, British V. berus and their potential variation have never been studied. Two potential sources of British V. berus venom variation were investigated (differing population geography/ecology and snake sex). The two ecologically distinct wild V. berus populations sampled in this study are located in the English counties of Staffordshire and Essex. Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis was used in isolation to separate V. berus venoms into their respective components. Venom composition data analysis involved a combination of Multivariate Analysis (MVA) and hypothesis testing. Subsequent results revealed that venom components varied between all samples. Based on the MVA, some of this venom component variation is attributed to potentially differing population ecology. Hypothesis testing (nonparametric Mann Whitney U test) revealed that the abundance of venom components varied significantly with V. berus sex. Experience gained during this study’s venom collection field work and the results of RP-HPLC analysis will contribute to further research. This includes the search for pharmacologically active venom components, not only in V. berus but also other snake species. Furthermore, this study contributes to addressing whether or not there is the need for locality specific V. berus antivenom development. Knowledge of snake venom composition intraspecific variation being fundamental to antivenom design, production and administration.</p
Is Agentic AI Ethical?
No full textObjective: AI algorithms are under the control of the user or developer. Moving to agentic AI requires users and developers to relinquish control of the algorithm so it can respond independently. This does beg the question how to ensure it does not run amok? What controls need to be put in place to monitor and ensure integrity of performance technically, legally and ethically? The autonomy of agentic AI will create bigger challenges than current AI systems in terms of ethics, legal frameworks and safety. Agentic AI interacts with the user and thus has the potential to be helpful or harmful; this depends on the type of relationship. Who is legally and ethically responsible for the harmful aspects of agentic AI? Responsibility for the legal and ethical behaviour of agentic AI has become a triumvirate: user, developer and owner; this was not necessarily the case with AI assistants because they could only carry out singular tasks. Moving to an interactive AI environment creates additional complexity, which has implications for legal and ethical frameworks that support the guardrail requirements for agentic AI. When decision making is autonomous as the case with agentic AI, legal and ethical frameworks need rigour, resilience and robustness.Methods: The paper is a conceptual paper and is based on a review of the literature.Results: Agentic AI requires guardrails that differ from those for existing AI algorithms because of the independence of actions of agentic AI and the limited control of the owners and developers of the agentic AI algorithm.Scientific novelty: There is limited discussion on the impact of agentic AI and theimpact it will have on user behaviour.Practical significance: The paper contributes to the debate on futures in AI, given agentic AI is a future direction of research in AI.</p
To what extent to perceptions of Salvation Army history interact with a Salvationist's understanding of and engagement in mission?
No full textThis thesis addresses four questions: How do members of The Salvation Army perceive the history of the movement? What is their understanding and experience of mission? To what extent do these two themes interact? What are the implications for Salvationist practice and missiology arising from the analysis of these interactions? As a life-long member of The Salvation Army and a former active officer, now retired, I have a particular interest in the history of the movement and wanted to explore the level of knowledge and how it affected the work of its members.To assess this subject qualitative research methodology was employed using both interviews and focus groups. The five interviewees were selected because I considered that their experience and knowledge would provide useful research data. The twelve participants of the three focus groups were self-selected, allowing those who had an interest in Salvation Army history and mission to be part of this research. The semi-structured interviews were conducted using a set of six questions. The same series of questions were used in the focus groups. The data obtained from the interviewees and focus groups was brought into a critical dialogue with the conceptual framework which drew upon theoretical perspectives of history and missiology.From the analysis of my research material, I offered a missiology that was contextualised with the life and practice of members of The Salvation Army. My research also showed a correlation in the interaction of the knowledge of Salvation Army history and mission which was strongest in those who strongly identified as Salvationists. The differing levels of knowledge of Salvation Army history and understanding of mission between Salvation Army officers and other members of The Salvation Army was noted. The thesis ends by considering the implications for practice within The Salvation Army with the potential of creating an online course to provide education about Salvation Army history and mission.</p
Nonlinear phenomena in mammalian vocal communication: an introduction and scoping review
No full textNonlinear phenomena (NLP) are common elements of mammalian vocalizations. Resulting from irregular sound production, they contribute to perceived harshness and are often present in calls conveying urgency or arousal. Initially dismissed as by-products of vocal production, NLP are increasingly recognized for their adaptive potential. However, NLP have never been the subject of a comprehensive review across vertebrate taxa. Here, we introduce NLP and examine developments in NLP studies in mammals. We found 220 papers published between 1962 and 2023, with publication rates increasing with time. The studies covered a wide range of taxonomic groups but were dominated by artiodactyls, carnivores, bats, rodents and primates. Tinbergen’s questions offer a framework for future investigations, highlighting that while much research has been conducted on adaptive function, our understanding is still lacking in terms of ontogeny, mechanisms and evolution. The existing literature is a testimony to the importance of NLP in animal vocalizations. With the use of novel tools for analysis and playback studies, NLP research can become more cohesive and impactful, fostering better understanding among researchers. We look forward to a new age of NLP research, which we anticipate will lead to a paradigm shift in our understanding of vocal communication in mammals.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Nonlinear phenomena in vertebrate vocalizations: mechanisms and communicative functions’.</p
Industry 4.0 implementation model for the composite manufacturing industry. Case for UK
No full textThis doctoral thesis investigates the critical role of Industry 4.0 technologies in transforming the UK composite manufacturing sector, where reliance on manual processes, variable quality, and labour-intensive knowledge transfer present significant challenges. Industry 4.0 offers promising advancements for improving operational efficiency, scalability, and automation within this sector. However, the unique complexities of composite manufacturing, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), require a customised approach to digital integration. This research aims to address these needs by developing a structured, adaptable framework for Industry 4.0 adoption tailored specifically to the composites industry.The study employs a demonstrator-centered research methodology, beginning with an extensive literature review to identify industry-specific challenges, opportunities, and knowledge gaps in Industry 4.0 applications. An industry-wide survey then assesses the current state of digital readiness within UK composite manufacturers, identifying key readiness factors and barriers to adoption. Insights from the literature and survey inform the design of a bespoke Industry 4.0 implementation framework, grounded in the systems engineering V-model. This framework provides a phased approach to digital transformation, addressing the integration of cyber-physical systems, workforce adaptation, and risk management strategies. Validated through a practical case study, the framework demonstrates its potential to guide composite manufacturers from manual to digital processes effectively.The contributions of this thesis are twofold: (1) a validated, practical framework supporting composite manufacturers in the progressive adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance flexibility, automation, and operational efficiency; and (2) the introduction of demonstrators as vehicles bridging academic insights and industrial practice, showcasing the real-world applicability of theoretical models. Demonstrators across areas such as process automation, digital control, and real-time monitoring validate the framework's effectiveness and highlight the importance of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and iterative assessment for sustainable transformation.This research ultimately offers a scalable roadmap for Industry 4.0 adoption in composite manufacturing, providing industry-specific insights to support standardisation and best practices in digital integration. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of Industry 4.0’s role in complex manufacturing contexts and serve as a foundation for future research into expanding automation for new composite materials, enhancing cyber-physical security, and developing robust implementation models across diverse manufacturing disciplines.</p
Challenges, opportunities, and organisational readiness for simulation-based education in pre-registration nursing: a national survey across the United Kingdom
No full textBackground: Simulation-based education (SBE) fosters the development of competencies and expands clinical placement capacity. However, the underutilisation of simulation-based education is often attributed to a lack of organisational readiness. Aim: To understand organisational readiness for SBE and factors affecting its integration and use in pre-registration nurse education in the UK. Methods: A self-report cross-sectional survey was conducted among universities that are members of the Council of Deans of Health (CoDH) and offer pre-registration nursing courses in the UK. Quantitative data were analysed for staff confidence, usage, and organisational readiness for SBE using the Simulation Culture Organisational Readiness Survey (SCORS), while qualitative data explored challenges and benefits of SBE in nurse education. Data were collected between December 2022 and February 2023. Results: Sixty universities completed the survey, resulting in a 69% response rate. The study found high confidence and usage levels for low-fidelity simulations, while high-fidelity, virtual reality, and augmented reality simulations showed lower confidence and utilisation. SCORS scores indicated moderate organisational readiness for SBE in the UK, with 48% of organisations being highly ready. Significant positive correlations were found between confidence, SCORS scores, and simulation modality usage. Challenges included inadequate resources, staff proficiency, digital skills, and leadership support. The benefits highlighted SBE’s role in enhancing clinical skills, interprofessional education, and building capacity for clinical education. Conclusion: Focusing on staff development, particularly in digital and simulation skills, is essential to optimise facilitators’ readiness for SBE. Organisational readiness also requires further development in areas such as resource availability and necessitates leadership engagement. Understanding the challenges, developing targeted solutions, and engaging in strategic planning are vital. Addressing these factors would enhance SBE adoption and sustainability, ultimately improving students' clinical competency, preparedness, and clinical placement capacity.</p
Decarbonizing the healthcare estate: lessons learned from NHS Trust green plans in England
No full textClimate change threatens human health and healthcare systems while also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. NHS England has addressed this with the Health and Care Act 2022, which mandates NHS trusts to develop green plans for emission reduction from 2022 to 2025. This initiative presents an opportunity to assess national scale efforts to decarbonize the healthcare sector. The paper identifies the interventions NHS trusts are adopting to decarbonize their estates and meet national net-zero targets while also highlighting opportunities for further progress. A thematic content analysis was conducted on green plans developed by NHS trusts in England to outline their strategies to decarbonize the estate. The main elements the NHS trusts have considered in terms of reaching net zero through built asset management; implementing heat decarbonization; and switching to renewable and low-carbon sources of energy. The analysis has recognized a strategic shift towards decarbonizing the healthcare estate by prioritizing the maintenance, refurbishment, and repurposing of existing buildings over new construction, coupled with a heat decarbonization strategy focusing on the transition to low-carbon technologies. Most long-term decarbonization strategies, particularly for achieving net zero through built asset management, are still in the early stages. There is a lack of comparable KPIs for monitoring progress and insufficient information on essential passive strategies. NHS in England should adopt a more integrated approach to decarbonization including both active and passive interventions, improve the standardization of performance metrics, and establish SMART objectives and standardized KPIs to effectively monitor trusts’ progress towards net-zero emissions in future green plans.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇