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Reactive plasma deposition of high quality single phase CuO thin films suitable for metal oxide solar cells
No full textCopper oxides are of great potential as active optical absorbing materials for low-cost solar cells based on sustainable and green materials resources. In this work, CuO thin films are deposited at room temperature by reactive sputtering deposition using a novel high target utilization system (HiTUS). The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV–vis-near infrared absorption spectroscopy, and Hall measurement. The results showed that the deposition rate, phase structures, optical, and electrical properties of copper oxide films were strongly dependent on the sputtering power and the oxygen flow rate. The as-deposited films were characteristically polycrystalline, without evident preference in crystal orientations. This led to highly compact films without the formation of through-thickness columnar grain boundaries typical to conventional reactive magnetron sputtering deposited films. Optical absorption spectroscopy showed that all the CuO films from this work exhibited an indirect optical bandgap about 1.5 eV, without evident effect from the oxygen flow rates. Hall measurement revealed that the CuO films were of p type conductivity, with their hole concentration being readily tunable in a wide range of 1017–1022 cm−3. The ability for refined tuning of the concentration of charged carriers (holes) is critical in realizing the great potential in engineering delivery of CuO photovoltaic (PV) cells with high efficiency
The importance of a victim’s age-inappropriate behaviour on public perceptions of adolescent sexual assault: further investigation of the victim pseudomaturity effect
No full textThermal, spectral and morphological studies on cellulose, cellulose ethylthiophosphate and its metal complexes in air
No full textMetal complexes of thiophosphorylated cellulose, when heated, give rise to high char yields. These and related observations suggest that such derivatisation may give rise to novel flame retardant treatments for cellulosic materials.The kinetics of thermal degradation of cellulose, cellulose ethylthiophosphate (CESP) and metal complexes of the CESP have been studied by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) from ambient temperature to 700°C in dynamic air to investigate the potential flame retardance of the CESP and its metal complexes. Various parameters such as energy, entropy, enthalpy and free energy of activation have been calculated using the Broido method and transition state theory. For the decomposition stage of thermal degradation, the activation energies of the CESP samples lie in the range 53-133 kJmol−1 and of the metal complexes, 108-177kJmol−1, which are found to be lower than that of cellulose (187 kJmol−1). Scanning electron micrographs of the CESP show that the fibrillar structure of cotton has become more evident and chars retain the general morphology of the original fibre although severe, localised zones of damage reflect the gross chemical and physical changes occurring during pyrolysis. The IR spectra of chars of modified samples indicate formation of compounds containing C=O, C=C and P=O groups. The mechanisms of thermal degradation of the CESP and its metal complexes have been proposed
Remarkable Lives: Shaun Hunt in conversation with Jerome Carson
No full textPurpose: The purpose of the article is to provide a profile of Shaun Hunt.Design/methodology/approach: Shaun provides a short biographical description of his life. He is then interviewed by Jerome.Findings: Shaun tells us about the long journey of recovery that he has made to the point where he is now a University lecturer.Research limitations/implications: In large group studies the individual gets lost in statistical tables and the lived experience is absent. Single case studies provide us with stories to nurture and encourage us all.Practical implications: Shaun says that we often miss the obvious question in our interactions with people with lived experience. “What happened to you?” seems a simple but telling conversation opener.Social implications: As Shaun says there are some amazing people who work in mental health services, but they are the ones who spoke to him and not to a “schizophrenic.” Originality/value: As Shaun also says, “Never, ever give up hope, no matter how dark and bad things become, there is always a way back.
Towards an optimal product portfolio of liquid fuels for the Malawi energy market: development of a strategic framework for enhancing pathways of ethanol production and use.
No full textEthanol has been blended with petrol in Malawi for over thirty years. However the strategic decisions for energy security regarding liquid fuels conspicuously omit ethanol. Fossil fuels continue to occupy first place in spite of the acknowledged fact that fossils reserves are getting exhausted and unsustainable. The goal of the research was to develop a strategic framework for sustainably promoting ethanol production so as to make it a significant part of the liquid fuels portfolio and reduce fossil fuel dependence in Malawi. The purpose of the research was to find possible pathways for increasing the production of and use of ethanol.Five pathways for increased ethanol production and use emerged from the interviews. An analysis of the interview findings identified three pathways for increased ethanol production. These were increasing feedstock for ethanol production, increasing sugarcane yields and increasing land under sugarcane. The analysis of the interviews identified two pathways for increasing ethanol use, one was government incentives and the other was the reduction of the ethanol price. Three interventions by government for achieving an optimal liquid fuel portfolio were identified as the introduction of ethanol driven vehicles, importation of flexi-fuel vehicles and the inclusion of ethanol tanks in the strategic fuel storage plan.There has been no research which explored strategically increasing ethanol in the liquid fuels portfolio in the Malawi context, as such this represents a significant contribution to knowledge. Specifically seventeen sustainability criteria for ethanol production and use were ranked and six were found to be most relevant. The positive economic contribution criterion was seen as the most relevant by the respondents in contrast to the European Union, Brazil, America and elsewhere where green house gas (GHG) mitigation is number one. The land use change (LUC) or indirect land use change criterion had mixed responses signifying that it is not well known. Both the goal and purpose of the research were achieved. A strategic framework was developed and pathways identified
A study on the relationship between tourism and regeneration policies for historic buildings in the Maltese Islands
No full textHistoric buildings promote continuity of a place and represents nation’s cultural values and identity. Despite their wide acknowledged contribution to the tourism and leisure industry, several historic buildings are left abandoned, misused or demolished by neglect. The aim of this research was to examine regeneration policies for historic buildings on the Maltese Islands and their impact on the tourism and leisure industry.This research, based on a pragmatic philosophical stance, employed a mixedmethods sequential explanatory design, whereby a quantitative survey study was followed by qualitative interviews and focus groups for triangulation purposes. A pre-piloted questionnaire comprising of open, closed and 5-point Likert scales was developed from existing policies and distributed amongst all mayors from each of the 68 local councils within Malta and Gozo. Interviews followed with architects, investors, community representatives and decision making stakeholders representing national authorities. The final data collection phase included focus groups that convened all stakeholders that participated in the research. Thematic analysis was conducted from transcribed audio recorded interviews and focus groups.Response rate of questionnaire was 65% (44/68). Less than half of respondents (45%) strongly agreed/agreed that they were aware of the existing national legislation. Only 16% claimed that there is no conflict between planning policies as set out by the policy makers of national authorities and government. Key themes generated from all phases of this study were ‘regeneration potential for tourism and leisure industry, ‘governance for regeneration’ and ‘societal aspirations by regeneration’. This research highlighted the importance of encouraging a culture-led, “bottom-up” approach for regeneration rather than “top-down”. Research is original contribution to knowledge as it identified gaps in policies, and developed insights for niche markets in tourism and leisure industry.The setting up of a single entity responsible for regeneration is recommended to lead regeneration supported by evidence based policies and community participation to ensuring that a sustainable contemporary layer will eventually form part of heritage of future generations
The development of pressure relieving devices by using three-dimensional knitting structures for healthcare and wellbeing
No full textA critical and recurrent problem for wheel chair users are the development of decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers, pressure sores or bed sores. For some wheelchair users, this can be life threatening, whereas for the majority, it is a huge disruption and major complication in their personal life.During this research a series of pressure relieving cushions were created. Three innovative contoured prototype wheelchair cushions were developed and fully characterised, utilising 3D warp knitted spacer fabrics. A uniquely constructed contoured recess was developed for each prototype wheelchair cushion, which successfully protected the most vulnerable part of the human buttocks, the Ischial Tuberosities. Using a methodology which utilised a pressure mapping system; a simulated human buttocks template, the Rigid Loading Cushion Indenter and a computerised universal tester, the prototype cushions were characterised for their pressure distribution properties. This allowed the measuring of pressure distribution while under simulated loading conditions. These prototype wheelchair cushions were able to demonstrate low peak pressures in the area of the vulnerable Ischial Tuberosities, which ranged from 17.7mmHg – 32.9mmHg. This measuring system was also used to compare, the prototype 3D spacer wheelchair cushions against a small selection of commercially available foam wheelchair cushions. Pressure results for the commercial foam cushions ranged from 50.4mmHg – 79.0mmHg peak pressure in Ischial Tuberosities area. The flammability behaviour of 3D warp knitted spacer fabrics, in the context of pressure relieving cushions, were also investigated by using a modified ‘Mydrin’ test method, adapted to test the multiple layers found within the prototype cushions. The resulting outcome was a better understanding of the flammability behaviour of the warp knitted spacer fabrics within multiple layers, as well as enhancing the flame retardancy properties of the prototype wheelchair cushions. These prototype cushions satisfied the requirements of BS 5852 Ignition Source 5 (Crib 5) and BS 7175: 1989 Section 3 Ignition source 5.Leading on from this research, a patent application is being processed, covering the successful development of the three prototype contoured 3D spacer fabric wheelchair cushions, ASD4, ASD4-S and ASD450-S.The prototype wheelchair cushions have been designed and developed with the following characteristics:1. A shaped/contoured surface which can re-distribute high pressure points normally located in vulnerable areas of an immobile and seated person, to under 50.0mmHg in the Ischial Tuberosities.2. Peak pressures could be reduced and distributed evenly over a much larger area of these cushions than basic PU foam.This series of prototype 3D warp knitted spacer fabric wheelchair cushions will assist in the prevention of debilitating pressure ulcers
Happiness in Worktown in 1938 and Bolton 2014
No full textThe chapter gives a brief background of the foundation of Mass Observation; explaining how Bolton was studied as “Worktown” representing the industrial north of England. It provides details of the 1938 Happiness competition, the letters received, and the subsequent questionnaire. It outlines the background, methodology and processes of the replication of the 1938 Happiness competition by the University of Bolton’s Centre for Worktown Studies in collaboration with The Bolton News in 2014. It provides a summary of the main findings of both 1938 and 2014 surveys and considers the strengths and weaknesses of this method of data collection. An outline of the industrial and social conditions of Bolton in the 1930’s is contrasted with those of the twenty-first century
Inclusion: the role of special and mainstream schools
No full textFor children with special educational needs, seeds were sown for the move away from segregated settings to inclusion in mainstream settings following the 1978 Warnock Report. However, the ‘special versus mainstream school’ debate was re-ignited in 2005 when Warnock recommended a more significant role for special schools than previously envisaged. Furthermore, an increase in special school placement has been reported, prompting this investigation of the role of special schools in the current climate of inclusion. Literature from Britain, Europe and New Zealand, including research that listens to ‘the voice of the child’, which compares experiences of children with special educational needs in special and mainstream schools, is reviewed. The findings give no clear indication that either setting leads to better outcomes. Tensions between the inclusion agenda and standards agenda are highlighted. It is concluded that special schools in reduced numbers are likely to remain a feature of the inclusive education system, with recommendations for the development of special–mainstream school partnership links. The quality of the setting, regardless of the type of setting, is emphasised, highlighting implications for staff training in special and mainstream schools. Further research comparing outcomes for children educated in different types of provision is recommended
Sustainable supply and demand chain integration within global manufacturing industries
No full textGiven the emerging industrial management strategies considering three pillars of sustainability in particular, there is a vital need to determine the differences of sustainability practices within both supply and demand distribution systems through global manufacturing environments providing with the successful global trade and logistics. This research paper aims to explore the interactions and advantages of sustainability applications within both supply and demand chain management. The research framework adopted consists of survey questionnaire method which is conducted within a global tyre manufacturing company. The research results and analysis justify the need for the application of ethical codes, supply chain transformation and the effective association of industry executives, professional bodies and the government. The research study also identifies that the vital incentive factors for the organisation towards sustainable supply demand chain (SSDC) are mostly the financial benefits of doing so and therefore, a positive mind-set shift towards greening practices is required