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Digital cities and their commercial aesthetics: The celebration of monarchy in Bangkok
No full textThis article argues that the expanding role of digital urban infrastructure in Bangkok has revitalised a visual aesthetic designed to uphold royal authority. This royal aesthetic permeates in intimate and widespread areas of city design and urban life, particularly in regard to everyday consumption. The article examines how digital infrastructures facilitate a cheap and efficient continuation of long-standing practices of publicising royal imagery. This politicised practice visually marks Bangkok with a conservative vision of Thainess inextricably tied to monarchy. The article engages with scholarly critiques of ‘smart cities’, scholarship of digital city imaginaries and the study of urban authoritarianism in Bangkok. Based in a visual anthropological approach, the article draws on ethnographic research, both in person and digital, to analyse digital visual propaganda including a campaign called The Pride of Thailand, eulogistic celebrations of King Bhumibol following his death and birthday celebrations of King Vajiralongkorn. The article argues that in Bangkok, digital infrastructures provide an efficient and cost-effective aesthetic that renders urban inequality ordinary and bolster monarchical authority. Owing to the commercial basis of many mainstream digital infrastructures, these images are circulated regardless of consumers’ political preferences. The everyday encounters with images of the monarchy in commercial spaces and online platforms thus serve as an intimate and unavoidable imposition of royal influence
Academic literacies and the A-B-C-D Formula: Engineering students' use of online activities for critical reading skills development
No full textAcademic literacies are linked to core graduate attributes for engineering programmes, and it is essential for students to develop them so they can meet the professional literacy expectations of the engineering field (Ministry of Education, 2020). Specifically, critical reading and academic writing are interconnected practices, and they require considerable time and training to master. However, some programmes provide few opportunities for students to practice these competencies (Craig & Bielenberg, 2015). Others rely on a bolt-on approach that disconnects academic literacy needs from the discipline (Wingate, 2006). This study takes a more proactive approach by embedding the academic literacies model in a first-year engineering course.
An action research intervention was designed, using blended learning as the vehicle through which engineering students practiced an original reading-to-write formula called the A-B-C-D Formula for Critical Reading. This combination aimed to create stronger connections between the practice of academic literacies, discipline-specific content, and related assessments. Two research questions were explored via this approach:
1. How might undergraduate engineering students' critical reading skills be enhanced by online practice of the A-B-C-D Formula as formative assessment?
2. How does online practice of the A-B-C-D Formula influence student attitudes towards critical reading and the academic writing process?
Quantitative and qualitative data were collected at different stages throughout the intervention via numerous instruments. These included two surveys, interview transcripts, the critical reading rubric, the feedback comment library, the critical reading online activities, my teaching log, and Moodle's tracking function. Even though this study yielded some statistical data, the resulting trends were viewed in relation to qualitative results through the larger lens of thematic analysis.
Data analysis underwent several stages, which established links between results and generated the study's five key themes:
- the need to practice academic literacies in advance of an assessment;
- students' desire for varied and interactive learning experiences;
- the need for plenty of time dedicated to practice;
- the expectation of receiving high-quality feedback;
- connections between the intervention and students' budding professional identity.
Insights gleaned from this action research have aided the refinement of its teaching and learning resources. An updated version is shared as a model for other educators to adapt and use in their courses. In summary, this thesis serves as a bridge between the fields of academic literacies and engineering by developing the communication skills of students who will build the tools and world of our future. It also illuminates student attitudes towards the role of academic literacies in engineering education, including connections to their evolving identity
Essays on Fintech development
No full textFintech is a contraction of the term "financial technology", which has become increasingly popular in the financial sector in recent years. Even the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 has not changed the fact that the Fintech industry is growing. The rapid development of Fintech has significantly impacted the traditional financial landscape, redefining the delivery of financial services, broadening their coverage, and significantly improving efficiency and convenience, injecting new vitality into the global financial industry.
The aim of this thesis is to explore the impact of Fintech on the incumbent financial system and the real economy in the Chinese context. First, to gauge the development of the Fintech area in China, this paper uses various Fintech development indicators. Notably, this thesis builds the Fintech development index by combining the multidimensional information that involves advanced technologies and Fintech-related fields. The study also uses the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index of China (PKU-DFIIC) and hand-collected and constructed datasets of Fintech patents. Second, this thesis comprehensively analyses the implications of Fintech developments on corporate operational strategies in several key areas including risk-taking, liquidity creation, diversification, fraud, tax avoidance, financing, and investment policies. By exploring how Fintech shapes corporate development strategies and influences value growth in these areas, the thesis reveals the role of Fintech in optimizing resource allocation, improving corporate efficiency, and reducing operational risk. Moreover, the study analyses the potential risks and challenges that the Fintech development may pose.
The main contribution of this thesis is to provide new empirical evidence for the impact of Fintech on the development of traditional financial institutions and the real economy and to fill the gaps in existing research. Through an in-depth exploration of the economic consequences of the Fintech field, this paper not only reveals the role of Fintech in promoting the transformation of the real economy but also provides new perspectives on the benign development of the Fintech industry. Meanwhile, the findings provide valuable insights into the transformation of China's existing economic system, especially in terms of how to optimize the financial service system, improve the efficiency of resource allocation, and achieve sustainable growth in the context of the digital economy, which has important political implications
Examining participatory development in internationally funded climate adaptation programmes: Insights from the Marshall Islands
No full textThe Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) faces threats from climate change, necessitating urgent and effective adaptation strategies. This research examines participatory development approaches in climate adaptation within the RMI, assessing their effectiveness, inclusivity, and alignment with local needs and cultural knowledge. Despite global recognition of the importance of participatory development, adaptation projects in the RMI remain largely donor-driven, often failing to integrate local perspectives. Existing literature highlights the theoretical benefits of participatory approaches, yet critiques indicate persistent power imbalances between international donors and local stakeholders. This study evaluates how participatory development principles are applied in RMI climate adaptation initiatives, determining the extent to which they empower local communities and enhance project sustainability.
Utilizing a qualitative methodology grounded in narrative inquiry, the research incorporates semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and an interpretive approach to data analysis. Respondents included RMI government officials, NGOs, development partners, and community members engaged in adaptation efforts. A key methodological feature is the use of Bwebwenato, a traditional Marshallese storytelling approach, to ensure culturally relevant data collection and analysis.
Findings reveal that while participatory rhetoric is prevalent in adaptation discourse, implementation often falls short due to top-down decision-making, rigid funding structures, and limited local autonomy. Although national policies emphasize community involvement, international funding mechanisms frequently dictate project priorities, constraining meaningful local engagement. However, integrating traditional knowledge systems with participatory frameworks presents a viable pathway to more effective and contextually appropriate adaptation solutions. The findings emphasize the need for adaptation strategies that genuinely reflect Marshallese voices, prioritizing equitable stakeholder collaboration. By highlighting gaps in current participatory development practices, the research contributes to discussions on improving climate adaptation governance in the RMI. Its conclusions support advocacy for structural reforms in donor-recipient relationships to enhance the inclusivity and sustainability of adaptation efforts in the RMI and beyond
Neuromolecular basis of impaired conditioned taste aversion acquisition in valproate-induced rat model of autism spectrum disorder
No full textBackground/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), defined by social, behavioral, and cognitive anomalies, is also associated with dysregulated appetite. ASD individuals, often described as “picky eaters”, exhibit restricted dietary preferences and a pronounced avoidance of novel foods. This suggests that the perceived safety of specific tastants may be a crucial determinant of dietary acceptance in ASD. Here, we explore the hypothesis that conditioned taste aversion (CTA), a learned avoidance of foods whose intake promotes sickness, is exacerbated in ASD. Methods: We assessed the magnitude of a lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced CTA in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism versus in healthy control rats. We also examined the effect of a standard 3 mEq LiCl dose on transcript and neuronal activation changes in brain circuits mediating feeding behavior and associative learning. Results: Surprisingly, we found that while 3 mEq LiCl induced CTA in healthy controls, even the 6 mEq dose was ineffective in generating aversion in VPA rats. LiCl at 3 mEq affected c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus and amygdala in controls, whereas in VPA rats it did not produce any c-Fos changes. Gene expression analysis of feeding-related genes (AgRP, NPY, OXT) and those involved in regulating stress and anxiety (DOR and MC3R) were differentially regulated in the VPA rats. Interestingly, transcripts for COMT1, AgRP, OXT, and MC3R were downregulated in saline-treated VPA rats compared to saline-treated controls. Conclusions: We conclude that VPA rats show blunted CTA responsiveness, which is reflected by a differential impact of LiCl on circuits that promote the acquisition of CTA in healthy versus autistic individuals
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of mixing patterns at open channel confluences
No full textOpen channel confluences, where two streams or rivers converge, play a crucial role in hydraulic engineering and river dynamics. These confluences are characterized by complex hydrodynamics influenced by the discharge ratios of merging water bodies. This study investigated the mixing structure at open channel confluences using three-dimensional numerical modeling. A comprehensive three-dimensional numerical model was developed and validated against a dataset obtained from controlled laboratory experiments. This dataset incorporated three-dimensional time-averaged velocity measurements. The skew-induced and stress-induced equation systems were adopted as the core governing equations, providing a framework for simulating various scenarios. A total of ten different cases were analyzed. The results highlighted the effect of discharge ratios on turbulence, lateral and vertical vorticities, and the distribution of mixing, which intensified with higher magnitudes of discharge ratios. The mixing structure, driven by velocity gradients and vorticity, revealed the significant role of lateral and vertical vorticities in determining hydrodynamic behaviors and mixing distributions at confluences. Specifically, the momentum ratio of incoming flows governed the spatial evolution of mixing processes. This study revealed that the distribution of mixing served as a key indicator for identifying the formation of mid-channel scours. High normalized velocities induced toward the left bank led to the superelevation of the water surface, enhancing the potential for bed material and the formation of significant scour holes beneath the elevated water surface. This novel approach provides a deeper understanding of the mixing patterns at confluences, particularly in scenarios with equilibrated discharge ratios but in different magnitudes
The Mentrual cycle's effect on sleep in adolescent female athletes.
No full textSleep is a crucial aspect of recovery and overall well-being, yet many adolescent female athletes
experience disruptions influenced by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. While
research on elite adult athletes has explored sleep disturbances related to training and competition,
there is limited understanding of how menstrual cycle fluctuations impact sleep in younger athletes.
Variations in estrogen and progesterone levels across the follicular and luteal phases are known to
affect sleep patterns, including sleep quality, duration and onset latency. Increased progesterone in the
luteal phase, for example, has been linked to poorer sleep efficiency and greater difficulty falling
asleep. Additionally, menstrual-related symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and mood changes may
further interfere with rest and recovery. Given the importance of sleep for athletic performance and
well-being, the first chapter of this thesis seeks to examine the current knowledge on how different
phases of the menstrual cycle influence sleep in adolescent female athletes.
The second chapter of this thesis presents an original study that examined how different phases of the
menstrual cycle affect sleep in adolescent female athletes. Over the course of three menstrual cycles,
ten participants (14.5 ± 1.9) who were in their early-to-mid and mid-to-late pubertal stages, tracked
their sleep using both subjective and objective methods. They recorded sleep duration and perceived
sleep quality in a sleep diary. Simultaneously, wrist-worn actigraphy devices (Fitbit) measured
objective sleep metrics, including sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep onset latency, wake episodes,
and wake time. The reliability of both subjective and objective sleep measures in adolescent female
athletes during the follicular phase (FP) and luteal phases (LP) of the menstrual cycle was examined.
Subjective measures demonstrated poor reliability in the luteal phase (sleep duration: ICC = -0.22;
sleep quality: ICC = -0.49) but fair to good reliability during the follicular phase for sleep duration
(ICC= 0.69; CV = 4.9%) and sleep quality (ICC = 0.57; CV = 8.9%). Objective measures showed
poor reliability during the luteal phase for sleep duration (ICC = -0.17; CV 11%) and sleep quality
(ICC= 0.00; CV = 9.2%) but fair reliability during the follicular phase for sleep duration (ICC = 0.38;
CV = 7.2%) and sleep quality (ICC = 0.51; CV = 5.8%).
When comparing objective data to subjective data, participants overestimated subjective sleep
duration compared to the objective sleep duration data with the average difference being (1.38 h; p =
3.00 x 10-47; effect size = 1.20). When comparing the two menstrual phases, sleep onset latency was
non-significantly worse during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (LP = 20.8 mins; FP
= 16.0 mins; p= 0.68; effect size = -1.54). Objective sleep quality was non-significantly worse in the
luteal phase in comparison to the follicular phase (LP = 75.4; FP = 77.1%; p = 0.34; effect size = 1.56)
and sleep duration was non-significantly shorter in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase
(LP = 9.04 hrs; FP = 9.09 hrs; p = 0.72; effect size = 0.24). Lastly, the mid-late pubertal group had
3
significantly longer sleep duration during the follicular phase compared to the early-mid pubertal
group (7.98 vs 7.44 h; p =0.03; effect size = -4.36 ± 0.12).
The final chapter discusses the study’s findings, indicating that although both subjective and objective
measures have their advantages, the subjective measures tended to be more reliable during specific
menstrual cycle phases. The participants underestimated their sleep duration, reinforcing the
importance of combining objective and subjective measures to get more accurate assessments of sleep
duration. The adolescent female athlete’s sleep quality and sleep onset latency can slightly be
impacted by the menstrual cycle phases and sleep patterns were subtly worse during the luteal phase
in comparison to the follicular phase; however, there were no statistically significant differences
observed in the sleep measures studied. Sleep patterns do seem to improve in the mid-late pubertal
maturation stage when compared to the early-mid pubertal stage. The data show that it is important to
understand and take into consideration the menstrual cycle phases and the maturation stages of our
athletes when creating training and recovery plans for these adolescent female athletes; however,
more investigation is required to understand the potential effects of the menstrual cycle on sleep
disturbances and its effect on female participation and performance in sport
Sources of stress and students' perceptions of their wellbeing during work placement
No full textWellbeing in society has been subject to increasing discussion, with particular attention to students engaged in higher education. Students in higher education experience stress related to studies and finances in addition to experiencing two major life changes – shifting from school learning to more self-directed learning and becoming more independent and self-reliant. Work placements add further challenges for students, therefore, there is a need to gain new knowledge on the relationship between placements, wellbeing stressors, and support mechanisms to better understand placement challenges and mitigate impacts on students. A total of 146 students who recently completed work placements participated in an anonymous survey and results indicated that students almost unanimously encountered financial stress even if in paid work placements and made lifestyle choices in response to stress that may harm their wellbeing. Students also reported having to actively manage stress but held positive views about life comparable to the general population
The potential of high-entropy alloys as catalyst materials in water-splitting application
No full textHigh-entropy alloys (HEAs), which are characterized by the inclusion of five or more elements in nearly equiatomic configurations, have garnered increasing attention due to their distinct characteristics, including exceptional physical strength, superior corrosion resistance, outstanding microhardness, and long-lasting durability. The existence of multi-constituent elements in HEAs opens up unique possibilities for the development of compatible and innovative electrocatalytic active sites. Through careful selection of elements in terms of their combination and proportions, these electrocatalytic active sites demonstrate the potential of fine-tuning for numerous technical goals. Current studies have demonstrated the promising activities of HEAs into electrocatalytic areas. However, further enhancements in their activity explore interactions among component elements and require a deeper understanding of electrocatalytic active sites, as well as a deeper comprehension of the underlying electrocatalytic mechanisms. This review aims to provide an analysis of the four core characteristics (the high-entropy effect, the severe lattice distortion effect, the sluggish diffusion effect, and the cocktail effect) associated with electrocatalysts based on HEAs. Additionally, we delve into the various applications of HEAs related to electrochemical energy transformation reactions, which encompass both the hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions. The purpose of the review is to unravel the inherent complexities associated with electrocatalytic active sites, the interactions among component elements, and the mechanisms governing reactions in HEAs. Lastly, we highlight the urgent challenges and stress the importance of theoretical and experimental research, along with the underlying raison d’être of HEAs in electrocatalysis for supplying future energy needs. It is our expectation that this review will inspire additional investigation and advancement of HEAs in relevant electrocatalysis applications, particularly in the context of water splitting processes
The craft of creative practice doctoral supervision: Invigorating a field through shared experiences
No full textPurpose:
Creative practice doctoral education and supervision are fields in constant flux, as they require the flexibility to engage with organic and symbiotic processes and complex systems of inquiry. As interdisciplinary educators working across the fields of media and communications studies, cultural studies, art and design, the authors reflect upon supervision experiences to generate insight into current creative practice doctoral education modes and approaches within the academy. These experiences provide tangible examples of the flexible supervision framework developed by the authors as a means to improve the doctoral experience for their students.
Design/methodology/approach:
By sharing the process by which this framework has developed, this paper offers a conceptual take on creative practice doctoral supervision, acknowledging a need for more engaged discussions and exploration of creative practice research and supervision approaches. The authors offer insights about the role supervisors can play in crafting methodology, catalysing innovation and supporting students as they navigate institutional processes and support structures (or the lack of). The authors argue that it is necessary to form a flexible and adaptable framework to support and sustain nuanced modes of creative practice doctoral supervision and research design.
Findings:
Drawing on the authors’ experiences of doctoral supervision and articulating complementary pedagogical approaches, this study offers a flexible supervision framework that provides an adaptable toolbox for supervisors of creative practice doctoral research and incorporates the idea of thinking through making. Moreover, supervisory experiences have led authors to explore ways to enable supervisors to collaborate with doctoral students in carving or weaving methodologies.
Originality/value:
Recognising the exploratory and fluid nature of creative practice research, this paper offers a flexible framework that enables supervisors to draw from and adapt complementary pedagogical tools through different stages of the doctoral project. While this framework supports supervisors to respond with agility and creativity as the project develops, this in turn provides an environment where students can drive the research with confidence and eventual autonomy. In addition to offering a flexible framework, this paper invites further discussions, reflections and sharing of creative practice doctoral supervision as a means to invigorate the field of supervision and improve students’ research journeys