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The contemporary scholar in higher education: forms, ethos and world view
No full textThis book examines what a scholar looks and feels like in contemporary times. It suggests that scholars are more than people employed as academics and discusses how different world ideologies, cultures and systems view their scholars and how they might be considered in the changing and challenging nature of higher education. The book includes discussion from Islamic, Confucian, postcolonial and post-Soviet perspectives, alongside other approaches such as the scholar-artist, thinker, teacher and activist. It will appeal to students and scholars working in the philosophy of higher education, higher education practice and comparative studies
Adjuvant administration of probiotic effects on sexual function in depressant women undergoing SSRIs treatment: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Get PDFBackground
According to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Health Data Exchange (2023) it is estimated that 5% of all adults will experience depressive disorder. Amongst the general loss of pleasure and interest in everyday activities that are symptoms of low mood, reduced sexual desire and sexual dysfunction can be particularly overlooked. Human sexuality is complex, but finding solutions based on scientific evidence to limit the symptoms of depressive disorder and the iatrogenic impact of antidepressant treatment to improve this outcome is an important step in promoting psychological health and general wellbeing.
Objective
The present study aimed is to provide scientific evidence to assess the effect of oral probiotic on sexual function in women with depressive disorder treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in an Iranian population.
Design
This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Eligible women were assigned to lactofem plus SSRIs (n = 58) or SSRIs alone (n = 54). In group A, SSRI antidepressants were prescribed together with Lactofem, and in group B, SSRI antidepressants were prescribed alone. Lactofem including Lactobacillus acidophilus 2 × 109 cfu/g, Bifidobacterium bifidus 2 × 109 cfu/g, Lactobacillus rutri 2 × 109 cfu/g, Lactobacillus fermentum 2 × 109 cfu/g; capsule weight of 500 mg bio-capsule administered orally and daily. The duration of intervention in two groups was two months. All questionnaires were completed by the patients before and after the intervention. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to evaluate sexual function, severity of depressive disorder and sexual satisfaction, respectively.
Results
Based on the results of the present study, there was a statistically significant difference in sexual satisfaction and severity of depressive disorder between the groups before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). Also, our findings showed that after eight weeks, the Lactofem plus SSRIs group showed significant improvement in FSFI domains and total scores compared to SSRIs alone group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The results of the present study show that taking probiotics for eight weeks may improve the severity of depressive disorder, sexual function and sexual satisfaction in depressed women treated with SSRIs.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govidentifier: IRCT20160524028038N14 (19/12/2022
Does user-generated video content motivate individuals to visit a destination? A non-visitor typology
Get PDFΝon-visitors comprise a lucrative but underexplored segment in the tourism literature. This study fills a research gap on non-visitors by proposing a new typology contributing to a better understanding of their travel motivations and intentions to visit or not a destination, after being exposed to user-generated video content online. Semi-structured in-depth interviews facilitated via two tourist videos of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, available on YouTube, were conducted with 31 Indonesians and 30 British non-visitors. Findings indicate the presence of five types of non-visitors based on travel motivations: neophiles, nationalists, narcissists, volunteers, and reluctant non-goers. The study contributes to a better understanding of non-visitors’ motivations across different cultures and sheds some light on how user-generated video content shapes visit intentions among those who have never visited a destination. In practical terms, the study offers prudent knowledge on enhancing the possibility that non-visitors will turn into goers
Digital forensics readiness in big data networks: a novel framework and incident response script for Linux-Hadoop environments
Get PDFThe surge in big data and analytics has catalysed the proliferation of cybercrime, largely driven by organisations’ intensified focus on gathering and processing personal data for profit while often overlooking security considerations. Hadoop and its derivatives are prominent platforms for managing big data; however, investigating security incidents within Hadoop environments poses intricate challenges due to scale, distribution, data diversity, replication, component complexity, and dynamicity. This paper proposes a big data digital forensics readiness framework and an incident response script for Linux–Hadoop environments, streamlining preliminary investigations. The framework offers a novel approach to digital forensics in the domains of big data and Hadoop environments. A prototype of the incident response script for Linux–Hadoop environments was developed and evaluated through comprehensive functionality and usability testing. The results demonstrated robust performance and efficacy
Critical social psychology, qualitative research and on being a research butterfly/magpie: 'Feel the fear and do it anyway'
Get PDFHannah Frith is a critical social psychologist and is Associate Professor in Psychology and Research Director for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Surrey. Her work draws on interdisciplinary theory and research to examine the intersections of sexuality, gender and embodiment, using creative qualitative research methods. Hannah has published numerous research articles and texts, illustrating a wide range of topics and research methods, including her latest book ‘A Feminist Companion to Research Methods in Psychology’, with Rose Capdevila. The interview was conducted by one of our editors (Deborah Bailey-Rodriguez) together with a Psychology PhD student (Tilbe Nur Aslan) and centred on Hannah’s journey and work as a critical social psychologist, using qualitative and creative qualitative research methods, as well as pointers on how to branch out both in research topic and method. The interview was a thoroughly enjoyable, lively and vibrant experience
Authenticity in learning, teaching and assessment
Get PDFMathematics graduates traditionally are recognised for their problem solving, critical thinking, and analytic skills. However, the methods often used to hone these skills at university are often abstract and decontextualized. This can often create a disconnect between expected capabilities of a mathematics graduate from employers and the actual problem-solving skills required in their career. In this case-study we will outline how the programme team has developed our approach to authentic learning and authentic problems to bridge this gap and ensure graduates are prepared for the workforce
Empresarios políticos y grupos de interés en el proceso de ratificación del CPTPP en Chile: ¿un caso de politización?
No full textThis study examines the strategies employed by Chilean political parties and interest groups to politicise the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). To achieve this goal, political entrepreneurs and anti-trade lobbies opposed the CPTPP using a distinct strategy to shape the debate. The idea of trade politicisation helps understand how these key actors expanded the scope of topics, mobilising political action from various groups such as environmentalists, unions, indigenous activists, and advocates for gender equality. Furthermore, this strategy involves shifting the discourse away from the traditional dichotomy of free trade versus protectionism and redirecting the debate towards ideological and cultural dimensions such as legitimacy and sovereignty
The Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) role in supporting and advocating for neurodivergent colleagues
No full textProfessional Midwifery Advocates (PMA) are perfectly positioned to support, nurture and aid midwives. Neurodivergent colleagues may require a safe space to discuss support needs and with appropriate training PMAs can be a stable point of contact to ensure our diverse workforce is better supported
Transparency vs explanation of machine learning algorithms: perspectives from recent legal proceedings
No full textThe extensive use of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms has significantly altered decision-making processes, societal structures, and power dynamics. These algorithms, known for their efficiency, are increasingly making critical decisions. However, concerns about their opacity and biases persist. Some legal scholars and data scientists argue that the GDPR includes a right to explanation to address ML opacity, while others advocate for transparency as a better solution. This study explores the debate between transparency and explanation within the GDPR's regulatory framework, focusing on Articles 15, 22 and recent EU court rulings. By examining judicial developments and scholarly perspectives, the study highlights the GDPR's efforts to promote transparency and accountability in automated decision-making. Despite the GDPR's provisions, the lack of an explicit right to explanation has led to ongoing legal and ethical discussions. This research aims to provide insights into how transparency, explanation, and individual rights intersect in the realm of algorithmic decision-making under the GDPR
Ultra-low temperature heating system based on dual-source solar assisted heat pump using compound parabolic concentrator-capillary tube solar collector
Get PDFThe fifth-generation heating – ultra-low temperature heating benefits to reduce electricity consumption and achieve the net zero goal. The dual-source solar assisted heat pump based heating system has been demonstrated to be an attractive green heating technology for the domestic sector. However, the slower response speed of the low temperature heating to the variation of heating load in responding to the variations of weather conditions limits its thermal comfort performance. The enhancement in solar collector performance brings valuable improvements in response speed of the heating system. In the present work, a heating system based on solar assisted air source heat pump using a compound parabolic concentrator-capillary tube solar collector (CPC-CSC) is investigated with the set heating temperatures of 40, 45, 50, and 55 °C. This heating system works for both space heating and hot water under the weather conditions in London. The results suggest that using a concentrated solar collector improves the response speed of the heating system at low set heating temperatures. For such a heating system, the ultra-low heating temperature increases the application of renewable energy and passive heating (by 6.4%). Compared with the dual-source indirect expansion solar assisted heat pump using flat plate collector, the heating system using CPC-CSC can reduce TEWI by 4.6% with a slightly longer (1.9%) payback period. As the set heating temperature decreases from 55 to 40 °C, the seasonal and yearly system seasonal performance factors significantly increase by 17.1% and 20.5%, respectively