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Failing School or Failing System? A complexity-led exploration of organisational failure in the context of an English
No full textThis study explores the concept of a ‘failing school’, a topic that has been underexplored in existing literature, particularly in the context of how schools reach failure and the factors contributing to this process. Education is a cornerstone of societal development, and understanding the dynamics that lead to school failure is essential for developing effective policies and practices that can improve educational outcomes for all students.This study uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate this phenomenon, utilising document reviews, Q-methodology, and semi-structured interviews. The study examined how various stakeholders working in a school judged to be failing perceived the causes and characteristics of failing schools. Through these methods, the research sought to uncover staff perceptions of policy and institutional practices that contribute to the failure of schools with a view to providing practical insights which could be used to prevent failure.The findings indicate that government policies, particularly the evolving criteria set out by Ofsted’s inspection framework, play a significant role in creating conditions for school failure. Furthermore, the study highlights how deficits in key components typically associated with effective schools, such as leadership, organisational culture and system complexity can lead to a decline in performance. Crucially, the research also reveals that the warning signs of failure often become apparent well before the official designation of a school as ‘failing’, suggesting that earlier intervention is possible in mitigating future failure.In conclusion, this study demonstrates that failing schools are not solely the result of internal deficiencies but are also shaped by external policy pressures. The research contributes new insights into how school failure is defined, its causes, and the potential for early intervention, ultimately providing a foundation for further exploration and policy development in education.</p
The development of targeted phage metagenomics
No full textBacteriophages drive microbial ecology, gene transfer, and host evolution, yet linking them to hosts remains a challenge with no clear answer to “who infects who.” Culture based methods detect only plaque-forming phages, underestimating diversity, while metagenomics, though powerful for assessing richness, cannot resolve host specificity. To address this gap, we developed a culture-independent approach using a nucleated bacterial minicells with metagenomics, enabling selective enrichment and characterisation of host-specific phages within complex microbial communities. Minicells were purified from three representative Gram-negative hosts, modified to produce minicells (Escherichia coli PB114, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium STM14-2193, and Klebsiella pneumoniae KP06714). Minicell preparations yielded high concentrations of cells (>107/mL), with intact surface receptors required for phage adsorption. Furthermore, preparations contained minimal parental DNA. As a proof of principle, in known mixtures of host-specific and non-host-specific phages, minicells selectively enriched host-specific phages with adsorption efficiencies mostly above 98%, while depleting non-host-specific phages. Selectivity was confirmed by plaque assays, electron microscopy, and sequencing, demonstrating minicells could serve as functional, label-free capture systems for host-phage interactions. Application to sewage-derived viromes demonstrated, for the first time, minicell enrichment of a natural viral community. E. coli minicells reliably enriched coliphages with < 2% host DNA contamination, recovering novel species and genera. Over 25% of viral operational taxonomic units were complete or high quality, exceeding typical viromics reports. In contrast, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, minicells showed variable outcomes, underscoring host-specific differences in enrichment performance. This study established the use of minicells as a reproducible platform for enriching host specific phages from both defined mixtures and environmental samples. By combining the biological specificity of adsorption with the resolution of metagenomics, minicell enrichment bridges the gap between culture-based and sequencing-based approaches. This proof of principle advances phage discovery pipelines and provides a foundation for ecological studies and virome characterisation.</p
Exploration of quantum vortices in superfluid helium and the use of helium droplets for the fabrication of magnetic nanoparticles
No full textSuperfluid helium droplets represent a unique state of matter, which are large clusters of helium typically containing approximately 103-1011 helium atoms and exhibit remarkable properties such as superfluidity, a very low temperature (0.37 K) and high thermal conductivity. This PhD project investigates two novel aspects of superfluid helium droplets: the use of superfluid helium nanodroplets as the nanoreactors to grow magnetic nanoparticles and the generation and exploration of quantum vortices in a controlled manner. In the first part, we exploit the very low temperature and rapid cooling to develop a new approach for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles. For the very low temperature and the ultrahigh thermal conductivity, superfluid helium can suppress thermal effects during the atom-by-atom growth of magnetic nanoparticles, making the relatively weak exchange interactions (compared with metallic bonding) the driving force. As a result, the atomic spins align for ferromagnetic elements and thus the magnetic moments of nanoparticles are maximized. In particular, we focus on iron nanoparticles coated by a gold shell and investigate their properties by electron microscopy (for structural investigation) and x-ray circular dichroism (XMCD), for magnetic property measurement) at the Diamond Light Source. We first study mass spectrometry of small iron clusters and observed abnormal behaviours. Unlike other molecular clusters formed in helium droplets such as water, gold and silver, which typically follow a Poisson distribution, Fe+ channel was found to be far greater than that of FeN+ (N = 2-8) clusters. We postulate this as an indicator for the formation of high-spin iron clusters inside superfluid helium and attempt to provide an interpretation based on DFT calculations. However, XMCD showed an expected low magnetisation for Fe/Au core-shell nanoparticles which is even lower than iron oxide nanoparticles, indicating that the neutral Fe atoms are oxidized into Fe2+ within the nanoparticles which is magnetically inert. This is accounted by the very high electron negativity of Au atoms and the alloying effect during the growth of nanoparticles, which dismisses the magnetic properties. Our work shows that the choice of protective shell is important to maintain the magnetic properties of iron nanoparticles and points the direction for the next-step research. The second part presents a breakthrough in quantum vortex research. We demonstrate a novel method for generating controlled vortex arrays in superfluid helium droplets through collisions with cesium ions. Subsequential addition of metal atoms (Ag and Au) to helium droplets and the formation of nanodroplets allow the vortex lattices to be imaged after the nanoparticles are deposited onto a solid surface. By this approach we have revealed a record-high vortex density of 5.6×10¹⁴ m⁻², exceeding previous observations in bulk superfluid helium by more than six orders of magnitude. This unprecedented vortex density opens new possibilities for studying quantum hydrodynamics at extreme angular momenta and investigating quantum turbulence in previously inaccessible regimes. Through detailed theoretical analysis and experimental characterization, this work establishes superfluid helium droplets as a versatile platform for both materials synthesis and fundamental research. Our findings not only advance the understanding of superfluidity but also provide a new pathway for developing high-performance magnetic nanomaterials that can potentially revolutionize biomedical science and technologies.</p
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufactured Niobium Silicide Alloys
No full textNb-Si alloys, noted for their high-temperature strength, may outperform nickel-based superalloys in demanding applications. However, further research is needed to optimize their composition and understand the impact of alloying elements on their microstructure and properties. This project seeks to study the fracture mechanisms of Nb-Si alloys, the effect of alloying elements on their properties, and analyze materials from the Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) 3D printing method, considering the impact of post-processing via Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and Heat Treatment (HT).A greater amount of γ silicide improves fracture toughness, which is promoted by Ti, Mo, and B, and stabilized by Zr and V. Fracture toughness relates to Geometrically Necessary Dislocation (GND) density and dislocation distribution. Y stabilizes α and β silicide phases but may reduce toughness. Ta encourages α silicide formation and increases hardness over the base alloy, with its atomic size enhancing silicide grain resistance. LMD can result in material voids, which can be eliminated by methods like HIP and HT.The materials display a hypereutectic structure with primary γ-silicide shapes affected by the thermal gradients of 3D printing. These gradients promote grain growth aligned with heat flow, creating a dominant γ-silicide orientation. Post-processing did not alter the bulky silicide structure, likely due to insufficient temperature and duration. Higher γ-silicide volumes enhance fracture toughness because of their favourable Bulk to shear modulus (B/G) ratio, which enhances resistance to cracks.Dominance of Ti in the composition favours Nb5Si3 formation over Nb3Si. Besides the Niobium solid solution matrix and silicide, other orthorhombic or trigonal phases arise from residual liquid elements post-formation. This may be caused by powder segregation before 3D printing, where minor elements cluster. Shorter transport and feeding distances can reduce this effect. Divorced/anomalous eutectic microstructures arise due to cooling rates, alloy composition, impurities, and melt superheat.</p
Five weeks is a long time in politics: A campaign dynamic approach to issues and opinion polls
No full textIn this analysis, we want to examine, firstly, how the General Election was reported by the mainstream legacy news media (which are still highly influential in shaping the campaign agenda [see Deacon, Smith, et al., 2024]). Secondly, we then consider how and to what extent polling data informed and influenced coverage of the campaign. As Matthews et al (2012) remind us, the margins between parties have less influence on coverage of polls than the extent to which the polls diverge from prior expectations. As we shall show, the rise of Reform offers a pertinent example of expectations being defied.To complete our analysis we draw upon comparative data from television and print news reporting of previous General Elections and provide a campaign dynamic approach that traces changes in coverage over the five-week period leading up to the 2024 election. The results form part of an unbroken series of UK election news audits conducted by Loughborough University’s Centre for Research in Culture and Communication since the 1992 campaign1. A manual thematic content analysis was conducted of election related news broadcast or published on weekdays between 31 May and 3 July 2024. The media titles sampled were (Television) BBC1 10 p.m. news, ITN 10 p.m. news, C4 7 p.m. news, C5 Five News Tonight, Sky News 10 p.m. news, (Newspapers) Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, The Guardian, The i, The Times, and The Sun.</p
Exploring Multisensory Storybooks for Children with Visual Impairment: A Scoping Review
No full textMultisensory storybooks are widely used to support shared book reading for children with a visual impairment (VI). However, little is known about the consistency in the methods used or the effectiveness of multisensory shared book reading in providing a learning experience for children with VI. Accordingly, we conducted a scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley (2005), following PRISMA-ScR standardized reporting guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018). Four databases were included in the literature search, and eight peer-reviewed articles, four book chapters, and five theses/research reports met the eligibility criteria. Our review indicates that multisensory storybooks are rarely developed exclusively to meet the needs of children with VI, employ a heterogenous set of guidelines, and their effectiveness is rarely tested empirically. Given the increasing interest and potential value of using multisensory storybooks to support shared book reading by children with VI, we provide recommendations for establishing empirically-tested guidelines to support their effectiveness.</p
Prognostic models for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetes: Systematic review.
No full textAIMS: The elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has led to growing efforts to develop prognostic models for early identification of high-risk individuals. This systematic review synthesised existing models to inform future model development, enhance predictive performance and guide targeted prevention strategies in diverse clinical and population health settings. METHODS: We systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science for studies published between January 1, 2015, and June 11, 2024, reporting prognostic models developed and/or validated to predict all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in individuals T2DM. Data were extracted following the CHARMS checklist, and risk of bias assessed using the PROBAST tool. RESULTS: The search yielded 18,126 records; 10,921 were screened after deduplication. Of 147 full texts assessed, 26 cohort studies met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes (median [IQR]: 20,554 [1931-59,180]). Models were developed in diverse regions, with the highest number from Taiwan (n = 5) and the USA (n = 5). Most studies focused on all-cause mortality (n = 26); eight addressed cardiovascular mortality. Prediction horizons varied from 1 to 15 years, with 5-year risk being the most common (n = 10). Discrimination had a median C-statistic of 0.77 (IQR: 0.72-0.81). Calibration was reported in 20 studies, though methods varied. Cox regression was the most common statistical method (n = 16). CONCLUSIONS: Prediction models for mortality in T2DM show considerable heterogeneity in methodology, performance and validation. Limited external validation and inconsistent calibration reporting highlight the need for robust, generalisable and transparently reported models to improve clinical risk stratification in diabetes care.</p
Global multi-ancestry genome-wide analyses identify genes and biological pathways associated with thyroid cancer and benign thyroid diseases
No full textThyroid diseases are common and highly heritable. We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies from 19 biobanks for five thyroid diseases: thyroid cancer (ThC), benign nodular goiter, Graves' disease, lymphocytic thyroiditis and primary hypothyroidism. We analyzed genetic association data from ~2.9 million genomes and identified 313 known and 570 new independent loci linked to thyroid diseases. We discovered genetic correlations between ThC, benign nodular goiter and autoimmune thyroid diseases (rg = 0.16-0.97). Telomere maintenance genes contributed to benign and malignant thyroid nodular disease risk, whereas cell cycle, DNA repair and damage response genes were associated with ThC. We propose a paradigm that explains genetic predisposition to benign and malignant thyroid nodules. We found polygenic risk score associations with ThC risk of structural disease recurrence, tumor size, multifocality, lymph node metastases and extranodal extension. Polygenic risk scores identified individuals with aggressive ThC in a biobank, creating an opportunity for genetically informed population screening.</p
Computationally guided design of N4-(2-methyl-2H-indazol-6-yl)-N2-phenylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine inhibitors of EGFR kinase targeting Cys797
No full textThe epidermal growth factor receptor kinase (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase (TK) implicated in the uncontrolled growth of non-small cell lung cancer. EGFR-TK inhibitors have been used extensively, however inhibitor resistance often develops leading to disease progression. In this work, we report the computationally guided design and preparation of novel covalent 2,4-diaminopyrimidine EGFR-TK inhibitors, inspired by Osimertinib. Molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical (QM) calculations were performed on novel designs incorporating a 2-methyl-2H-indazol-6-amine at the 4-position of pyrimidine as well as various linkers and electrophiles. Calculations suggested swapping the 5-pyrimidine H atom for Cl would lead to a preferential "out" ligand conformation that favored T790M enzyme which was later confirmed experimentally. Compound 19 was the most potent inhibitor of WT EGFR (3.0 nM) observed, more potent than the EGFR WT inhibitor Erlotinib (5.9 nM). Compounds 48 and 49 demonstrated better activity for the double-mutant EGFR (3.0 & 2.0 nM, respectively) than Osimertinib (12.8 nM). The selectivity of these compounds for the DM was found to be comparable to Osimertinib (∼20 fold) while their phosphate buffer solubilities were > 50-fold better than both marketed drugs. Kinetic evaluation of 48 (propenamide moiety) vs 49 (acrylamide electrophile) confirms kinact/Ki values consistent with a covalent mode of action for the latter, but not the former. </p
Unbounded: The multiplicity of bodies and beings in Viking worlds
No full textThe Vikings have been characterised as one of the most stereotyped past cultures. This articlechallenges static representations of Viking bodies by exploring their diverse and referentialbody-worlds. We propose a more dynamic view where Viking bodies could be fluid, unbounded,and entangled with human and non-human entities. Using a more-than-representational approachand concepts of body-worlding, we move beyond conventional categorisations and dichotomiesto reveal the complex network of bodies and beings populating this period. Through three casestudies – body modification, portrayals of differently-abled bodies, and multitemporal burialpractices – we argue that Viking bodies encompassed unique ontologies that differ profoundlyfrom modern perspectives, and invite readers to rethink the Viking past on terms closer to itsown.</p