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NOVESHIA: novel smart health informatics architecture to cater for the emotional and mental wellbeing of England NHS workers in the United Kingdom
Get PDFOne of the major day-to-day problems confronting NHS health workers in the United Kingdom is the one that conflicts with their emotional and mental wellness. This is because of various factors, namely, huge workloads because of higher number of patients, which currently leads to long waiting times, overstretched health facilities, understaffing, stress experienced during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, workplace abuses, bullying, harassments, discrimination, and stigmatization based on race, gender, sexual preferences, and exposure to occupational hazards, amongst others. The aim of this research is to propose a smart health informatics architecture that will be useful in promoting emotional and mental wellness among National Health System (NHS) Workers in the United Kingdom. The aim of this prPoject was achieved through the following objectives: (i) survey of current causes of emotional and mental health challenges and needs to solve the problem, amongst NHS workers in England. (ii) designing of a web-based app to assist healthcare professionals cater for emotional and mental challenges (iii) evaluating the web-based app and (iv) proposing a novel Smart Health Architecture for emotional and Mental Wellness for National Health System (NHS) Workers in England, United Kingdom. The significance of this smart architecture cannot be over emphasized. This newly proposed smart health architecture will assist NHS staff to overcome emotional and mental health challenges, especially during, before and after major global pandemic
Associations between inter-limb asymmetry in lower limb strength and jump performance in 14–15-year-old basketball players
Get PDFThis study aims to (1) assess the inter-limb asymmetry in hip, knee, and ankle strength and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance among adolescent basketball players and (2) examine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and CMJ performance. Thirty adolescent basketball players (15 boys and 15 girls), aged 14 to 15 years, participated in the study. The strength of the lower limb joints was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60 degrees per second. Three maximal CMJs were performed, and the highest jump was used for the final analysis. The subjects were median-split into high-asymmetry (n = 15) and low-asymmetry (n = 15) groups based on the calculated strength asymmetry scores. The asymmetry scores were calculated using the formula: (dominant – non-dominant) / dominant * 100%. The inter-limb asymmetry da-ta ranged from 12.2% to 21.6%. A Spearman correlation analysis showed that only the inter-limb asymmetry of the ankle plantar flexor was significantly correlated with the CMJ heights (ρ = –0.56, p = 0.001). An independent t-test revealed no significant differences in strength asymmetry between boys and girls (all p > 0.05). The low-asymmetry group demonstrated significantly greater CMJ performance compared to the high-asymmetry group (ES = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.34 – 1.87, p = 0.007), indicating that inter-limb asymmetry of the ankle plantar flexor has a significant negative impact on CMJ performance. Coaches should focus on enhancing both the strength and symmetry of the ankle joints to improve athletic performance and prevent injuries in sports, where jumping is a common movement
Adaptive reuse as social practice for collective interiors
Get PDFThis paper positions adaptive reuse as a social practice integral to fostering community connections within urban landscapes. It challenges the notion that architecture's impact is confined to physical alterations, asserting that sites themselves play a profound role in shaping perceptions of identity. Beyond this premise, the study explores innovative concepts that leverage existing structures to create social impact, providing platforms for community engagement with spatial production and collective memory.
The concept of "collective Interiors" is introduced, advocating for ‘architectural’ decisions that mirror community choices over individual preferences. KilburnLab, an interdisciplinary research initiative by Middlesex University's Interiors Programmes in collaboration with local interested parties, exemplifies this approach. Through active participation, KilburnLab empowers communities to envision futures to repurpose neglected spaces.
Navigating the nuanced landscape of urban regeneration, the paper recognizes the intricacies of balancing positive revitalization with safeguards against gentrification. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive approaches that carefully evaluate the benefits of urban renewal against potential risks of displacement and cultural homogenization
Assessment of the relationship between physical performance and percentage change-of-direction deficit in highly trained female football players
Get PDFPurpose: Different studies indicate that female players in team sports, such as soccer, tend to have a lower change of direction deficit (CODD) than their male counterparts and that players who performed better in linear and curved sprints tended to have a worse CODD, suggesting that maximum speed does not equate to a faster change of direction (COD). This study assessed how performance variables related to speed and jumping influence the variability of %CODD among adult highly trained female soccer players. Methods: Fifty-two highly trained female soccer players (age: 23.1 ± 3.25 years; height: 163.6 ± 5.49 cm; weight: 59.7 ± 5.71 kg) participated in this study and performed 180COD, 40-m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ) tests. Results: Significant correlations were found between 180CODL, %CODDR, %CODDL, and between-limbs SBJ asymmetry (r = 0.28 to 0.74). A very large correlation existed between %CODDR and %CODDL (r = 0.91). Regression analyses indicated a strong inverse relationship between the 10-m sprint time and %CODDR and %CODDL. No predictive models were found for 180COD in either limb. Differences in performance variables such as 180CODR, 180CODL, and asymmetry %CODD were significant between the high and low %CODD groups, with moderate to large effect sizes. Conclusions: The present study suggests that specific physical performance variables, particularly acceleration and unilateral horizontal jumping, are vital to improving COD in highly trained female soccer players, highlighting the need for specific training interventions
Making connections: Pia Arke and feminists using photography
No full textThe works of Pia Arke (1958-2007) have remained visible primarily in Denmark and Kalaalit Nunaat (Greenland). The co-curated between John Hansard Gallery, Southampton and KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin exhibitions Pia Arke: Silences and Stories (at John Hansard Gallery February 10th to May 11th 2024) and Pia Arke: Arctic Hysteria (KW, Berlin, 6th July to 20th October 2024) bring Pia Arke's work to new audiences and contexts. In my essay for the KW/John Hansard catalogue- Making Connections: Pia Arke and Feminists Using Photography- I situate Arke's uses of photography as a tool to unpack colonialist legacies and histories, in relation to feminist practices that were evolving through the 70s, 80s and 90s in parallel contexts. In this way Arke's practice is brought into dialogue with Maud Sutter, Carrie Mae Weems, Adrian Piper, Lorna Simpson, Laurie Anderson, Carolee Schneemann and Trina T. Minh-Ha. Pia Arke wrote that "My pictorial work deals almost exclusively with the silence that surrounds the bonds between Greenland and Denmark. I was myself born into that silence. I am a mongrel. It is probably no coincidence that I turned to photography, which in many ways is the bastard of art forms", 1995. The essay draws parallels between different methodologies and 'uses of photography' put to work by Sutter, Weems and others, in order to tease out the particularities of Arke's approach and position her work within a wider feminist discourse
Indonesian stakeholders' perspectives on warning signs and beliefs about suicide
Get PDFThe suicide rate in Indonesia is considered low among Asian countries, but the underreporting rate is at a staggering 303%, and the latest reports suggest an increase in suicidal behaviour, particularly among young people. As a multicultural country, Indonesia has a complex system of beliefs about suicide. Thus, various aspects specific to Indonesia must be considered in understanding and preventing suicide. This paper explores Indonesian stakeholders’ perspectives through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 9 participants were individually interviewed, and 42 were involved in focus group discussions. They were mainly people with lived experiences of suicide. The other stakeholders were Indonesian experts who have experience in dealing with suicidal behaviour, helping people with a lived experience of suicide, or were involved in suicide prevention. Indonesian stakeholders highlighted various general and contextualised aspects concerning suicide. These aspects included a wide range of cultural beliefs and culturally specific warning signs, which included “bingung” (confusion) and longing for deceased persons. Other cultural beliefs such as viewing suicide as infectious, unpreventable, and guided by ancient spirits, and as an honourable act in some circumstances, also emerged. These findings can inform suicide prevention programs, including suicide prevention guidelines for Indonesia
Ermittlung und Priorisierung relevanter Einflussfaktoren im Produktideenbewertungsprozess für die Fertigteilproduktion von Stahlbeton-Großbauteilen
Get PDFThis thesis investigates which influencing factors are relevant in the product idea evaluation process in the manufacturing reinforced concrete construction industry and which priorities can be assigned to these influencing factors. There are no freely available characteristic values, key figures or statistics and research results, which address the management of the product idea evaluation process in the reinforced concrete construction industry. In order to fill this knowledge gap, this work focuses on identifying, prioritising and making the relevant influencing factors on the product idea evaluation process in the reinforced concrete construction industry manageable.
This focus is achieved by working out general knowledge about the product idea evaluation process from relevant specialist literature and by analysing it while comparing experience and requirements in practice. The investigation is carried out in the form of expert interviews, which focus on the concentrated knowledge of the participating experts. Qualitative methods are used to collect and evaluate the data. Extensive methods are used to evaluate the data and gain knowledge, including literature reviews, qualitative content analysis and case studies.
This thesis presents relevant influencing factors within the product development process at various levels, which were prioritised in the special area of the manufacturing reinforced concrete construction industry. Network-like models and processing landscapes were developed based on these categorised and prioritised influencing factors. On the basis of which the handling of research findings was made usable for research as well as practice. Based on the presented research results on relevant and prioritised influencing factors, manufacturing reinforced concrete construction companies are now able to use important key parameters in a simple way. The network-like models allow further studies in the field of research. The developed processing landscapes can be used in the area of process-oriented practice. The models and processing landscapes can also be used without restriction in case of any priority and/or relevance changes. The results show sufficient structural flexibility to react to changes in an application-oriented manner and to be able to adapt to laboratory and real-life conditions
Analysing contemporary Shi'a political landscape in post-2003 Iraq: a Bourdieusian perspective on power dynamics
Get PDFThis dissertation investigates the evolving power dynamics within the Shi'a political landscape in post-2003 Iraq. The study employs Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework and conflict resolution theories to dissect the interplay of historical legacies, cultural, symbolic, and coercive capital among Shi'a factions. The research also highlights the significance of the hawza (Shi'a religious seminary) and religious authority in shaping political alignments and power relations, underscoring the complex and heterogeneous nature of the Shi'a community. Furthermore, the research examines the Muhāsasa system, a post-2003 political patronage system in Iraq, and its influence on intra-sect power dynamics and political divisions.
Employing qualitative methodologies, including Political Discourse Analysis (PDA) and Thematic Analysis (TA), and drawing on semi-structured interviews, the study conceptualises the power dynamics and explores how cultural and symbolic capital are utilised to establish and maintain power relations.
The study’s findings reveal that intra-Shi'a power conflicts manifest through elite discourse, with political actors strategically utilising religious symbolism and coercion to assert dominance. This strategic manipulation is exemplified by figures such as Muqtada al-Sadr, who leverages his symbolic capital and coercive power to navigate and influence the Shi'a political field, positioning himself as a nationalist and protector of Iraqi interests.
The dissertation also examines the role of foreign intervention, particularly by Iran and the United States, in shaping Shi'a political dynamics. It highlights the challenges posed by the proliferation of paramilitary groups like the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which operate outside state control, undermining governance and stability.
Furthermore, the study addresses the need for constitutional and political reforms to address the pervasive issues of corruption, sectarianism, and ineffective governance. It emphasises the importance of developing a more unified foreign policy and engaging in comprehensive security sector reforms to mitigate the influence of coercive capital and promote inclusive governance.
By applying Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, field, and capital, this research offers a nuanced understanding of the power structures within the Shi'a political landscape in Iraq. The dissertation provides valuable insights into the socio-political complexities of post-2003 Iraq, contributing to the broader discourse on stability, state-building, and political development in the region
Is student wellbeing better served by an ethic of care or a duty of care? A perspective on the current debate in English higher educational establishments
Get PDFConcern for the well-being of UK higher education students is highlighted by the tragic number of student suicides. In response, in England there have been calls for a statutory duty of care to be imposed upon universities, which is currently being resisted. In a recent debate in the UK Parliament, the Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education said, “this government does not believe that [a statutory duty of care] is the most effective way to improve outcomes for students” and argued that a general duty of care already exists in common law. Yet it is not clear, in the current formulation, how the implementing of such a duty could be effective, for it is wholly dependent upon staff will, competence, and capability—all attributes of an ethics of care. Moreover, there is no call for an ethics of care even given the inconsistencies in practice within the sector. In these circumstances there seems no doubt that care ought to be provided but without a clarification of the nature of this, it is not clear if an institutional duty or a care ethics is required. This clarification is attempted by drawing a distinction between the ontic and ontological phenomenon of duty and ethics of care
Revitalise and revolutionise: a student-centred curriculum
Get PDFGiven the unique challenges encountered by midwifery
students, it's imperative that the curriculum is tailored to their requirements, rather than constrained by institutional frameworks. During a curriculum review we had the opportunity to revitalize our BSc Midwifery programme. Alongside the 2019 Standards for pre-registration midwifery education1 we put into action a flexible personalised curriculum that suits the
needs of modern midwifery students