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Evaluation on thermochemical processes for bioenergy applications of Bambara groundnut shell (BGS), Shea Nut Shell (SNS), Shea Nut chaff (SNC), and Sweet Sorghum Stalk (SSS)
Full text linkFossil fuel dependency, global threat, and energy crisis drive the need for an alternative and renewable energy source, that's cleaner and cost-effective. Alternative energy like biomass is renewable and remarkable with almost a zero-carbon footprint increasingly gaining attention amidst the environmental challenges of coal and fossil fuels. Bambara groundnut shell (BGS), Sweet Sorghum Stalk (SSS), Shea Nut chaff (SNC), and Shea Nut Shells (SNS) are an underutilized crop-biomass waste after cultivation readily available as industrial and agricultural biowaste for energy generation. This study focused on intermediate pyrolysis, catalytic co-pyrolysis and torrefaction. Firstly, the physicochemical and thermogravimetric analysis of the BGS before and after moisture removal at 105 ℃ for 4 h, coded UT (untreated) and PT (pre-treated), respectively. The coded investigated samples were untreated (UT1, UT2, and UT3) and pre-treated (PT1, PT2, and PT3), with particulate sizes as 1180, 600, and 300 µm, with additional two BG genotypes (BGS-G4 & BGS-G5). The results showed that BGS-UT1 (1180 µm) had the least ash content (AC) of 6.8 ± 0.5 wt. %, with maximum HHV of 18.6 ± 0.5 MJ/kg, activation energy of 21.00 kJ/mol and suitable pyrolysis temperature ≤ 650 ℃. The intermediate pyrolysis (IP) of BGS-G1, SSS, and SNS in a vertical tube reactor at 600 ℃, with an average heating rate ≥ 33.0 ℃/min. The pyrolysis oil and HHV yield was 38.0 ± 6.4, 44.2 ± 6, and 39.7 ± 5.2 wt. % and 23.7 ± 1.8, 23.8 ± 1.8, and 26.5 ± 2.0 MJ/kg for BGS-G1 SSS and SNS, respectively. The biochar recorded the highest HHV for SNS at 26.4 ± 1.8 MJ/kg. The effects of N2, CO2, and N2/CO2 (flue gas) in an IP experiment of BGS did not relatively affect the yields of bio-oil, biochar, and syngas, but had optimum gas flowrate at 17.5 min/s and bio-oil pH within 5.2–5.8 indicating minimum presence of acids in bio-oil. Their CHNS analysis of both bio-oil and biochar carbon content are within 50.04–60.49 wt. %. Intermediate catalytic co-pyrolysis was conducted for SSS and plastic (polypropylene (PP) over amphoteric catalysts (Al2O3, and 25%Ni/Al2O3), acidic catalysts (ZSM-5 and 25%Ni/ ZSM-5) ratios. The mixing ratio of SSS to PP (1:1) at 600 ℃, forming the least oxygenate from SSS (15.1 wt. %) and the highest oxygenate in PP (25.2 wt. %), respectively. The feed-to-catalyst, 25%Ni/Al2O3_0.25 (1:0.25) had the optimum bio-oil and HHV at 49.02 ± 0.26 wt. % and 41.1 ± 0.7 MJ/kg, respectively. The catalytic co-pyrolyzed in the presence of 25%Ni/Al2O3 yielded optimum of excellent C-H-containing FTIR functional groups and aliphatic hydrocarbon corroborated by GCMS analysis. GC-MS analysis categorized the bio-oils as ketones, furans, phenolics, acids, phenols, and benzene derivatives. Finally, wet torrefaction of Shea Nut Chaff (SNC) had an optimum yield (55.5 wt. %) and the least hydrophobicity at 260℃-W/B5R10 (45 bar), energy yield and HHV of 89.54 % and 15.81 MJ/kg. The best-fit model of ANOVA (analysis of variance) is 2FI, with p-values < 0.05, and R2 of 0.9443. In conclusion, the BGS, SSS, SNS and SNC provided liquid and solid fuels after being subjected to treatments to minimize the impact of global warming
Chemical profiling and evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial and antibiotic synergistic activities of Cleistanthus bracteosus Jabl. from Malaysian rainforests
Full text linkPlants are rich and valuable sources of phytochemical constituents that can contribute to a variety of biological activities. The research in discovering novel antimicrobial compounds from plants has been of increased interest due to the global rise of antibiotic resistance. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial, antibiotic synergistic potential and the chemical profile of plant extracts associated with Cleistanthus bracteosus found in Malaysian rainforests. The antibacterial activity and synergistic antibacterial activity of chloroform, methanol and hexane crude extracts of C. bracteosus were determined against bacterial pathogens of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Acinetobacter baumannii. The chloroform stem extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity which indicated a mean inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 10 ± 0.26 mm at its highest concentration against the Gram-positive bacterium B. cereus. The best synergistic activity was shown for chloroform wood extract when combined with ampicillin against A. baumannii with a growth inhibitory index (GIIs) of 1.33. A fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of f <0.5 was indicated for ampicillin and penicillin G when combined with chloroform stem, bark and wood extracts against A. baumannii. Potassium clavulanate profoundly synergized chloroform stem extract against E. coli ATCC 10536 (IZD = 27 ± 0.56 mm) and chloroform bark extract against S. typhi (IZD = 28 ± 0.54 mm). C. bracteosus extracts indicated the presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, coumarins, saponines and traces of terpenes. Chloroform extracts of bark, stem and wood consist of 20 bioactive phytochemical compounds according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). Further analysis with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) implied the presence of digoxigenin and lauric acid, existing as major compounds contributing to antibacterial and antibiotic synergism. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations further elucidated the effects of C. bracteosus chloroform extracts on the morphology of susceptible organisms. The findings of this investigation justify that chloroform extracts of C. bracteosus can function as a novel antibacterial agent with synergistic potential
‘… a highly practical thing for working and fighting…’ : the ecclesiology of G. K. Chesterton
No full textG.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) is perhaps the most widely read Anglophone lay theologian and Catholic apologist of the early twentieth century. Admired for his humor and love of adventure, he is also a profoundly irenic thinker, appealing to Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant readers alike. Despite Chesterton’s theological insights and achievements––one might think, for example, of his celebrated biography of St. Thomas Aquinas (1933), his defense of dogmatic Christianity in Orthodoxy (1908), or his Christocentric reading of history in The Everlasting Man (1925)––and despite, moreover, the numerous scholarly and popular books and articles which explore various aspects of his theology, Chesterton’s ecclesiology––his understanding, that is, of the nature and meaning of the Church––has been largely passed over in silence. In fact, the field of Chesterton studies has yet to yield a comprehensive, sustained analysis of his ecclesiological vision. The aim of this dissertation is to redress that gap in the secondary literature. In a word, this thesis is a scholarly and theological reconstruction of Chesterton’s ecclesiology.
Grounded in a broadly patristic and Thomistic hermeneutical framework and methodology, this thesis identifies and analyzes the leading features of Chesterton’s understanding of the Church. Specifically, this study explores the history of Chesterton’s theological development and the nature of his theological output; his understanding of the dogmatic and hierarchic element of the Church; Chesterton’s ultramontanism; the influence of figures like John Henry Newman on Chesterton’s theology of the Church; the sacramental and graced aspects of Chesterton’s ecclesiology, particularly as they find embodiment and expression in his beloved priest-detective, Father Brown; Chesterton’s understanding of the Church Militant, particularly as it is articulated in his 1911 epic, The Ballad of the White Horse; and the Marian dimension of Chesterton’s ecclesiology, particularly as seen through the aforementioned Ballad and his various Marian poems. In the final analysis, this thesis argues that Chesterton’s ecclesiology is best understood with reference to the Church Fathers; that Chesterton’s understanding of the Church is ordered to her sacramental nature; and that Chesterton’s ecclesiology is characterized by themes of repentance, deification, martyrdom, tradition, universality, and praise. This thesis explores these themes at great length.
Finally, this thesis is interdisciplinary in scope and constructive in approach. As regards the interdisciplinary element, this study is specifically interested in the theological and literary dimensions of Chesterton’s writings. In addition, then, to situating Chesterton within a particular theological context, this thesis is consistently engaged in close readings as it seeks to answer the fundamental question, ‘How does this poem or story or prose text enact and communicate theological meaning?’ In terms of the constructive aspect, this thesis takes inspiration from Chesterton’s irenicism and therefore incorporates, for example, ecclesiological insights and elements from various ecclesial traditions, most notably, Anglican, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox
Loosely Sutured: a reflective practice memoir of a ‘white' art educator’s journey into the impossibilities and possibilities of 'white' anti-racist research in art and design education.
Full text linkThis research is into the formation and disruption of racism, coloniality and whiteness in 'white' art educators, including those who identify as anti-racist such as the author. The researcher is a 'white' middle-class female art educator operating within an activist paradigm of social justice practice in art and design education. The research was conducted in the UK during an era of heightened inequity, fuelled by populism, government-led racism and xenophobia, and draconian cuts across arts education in England from early years to higher education.
The thesis presents an eleven-year research journey that is itself disrupted, running aground four times. Irreconcilable whiteness ambushes the claims to anti-racist design and form for the thesis. Enquiry into these ambushes contributes to understandings of what it can take for 'white' art educators to 'inhabit critique' and maintain anti-racist practice 'with its lengthy duration' (Ahmed, 2004). Thus, the thesis takes the form of a reflective practice memoir that critically contextualises texts, imagery and events from the timeline of the journey, forming evidence towards understanding the ambushes.
The research is rooted in the provocation 'How does it feel to be a white problem?' (Yancy, 2015). Anti-racist 'white' people should 'remain un-sutured' and experience 'crisis' about the fact of their racism, while continuing to act against racism (2015, Yancy's hyphenation).
Parts 1 and 2 feature two 'fieldwork' journeys (with 'white' peers, with Black and global majority peers). Parts 3 and 4 feature two journeys seeking form (image-making, letter-writing). Each came to crisis and un-sutured. I conclude that ‘remaining un-sutured' is vital, yet could for many paralyse anti-racist action. I propose instead a 'loose suturing’ that leaves the 'white' person unable to conceal their racism to themselves, but able to strive towards anti-racist action. Being loosely sutured enabled the submission of this thesis
Towards organophosphonate-functionalised polyoxotungstate-based metal–organic frameworks
Full text linkPolyoxometalates (POMs) are a group of anionic soluble metal-oxide clusters containing d-block elements in high oxidation states. These compounds are highly valued for their wide range of electrochemical, photochemical, and catalytic properties, due to their remarkable flexibility in tuning both composition and structure. One common method of modifying POM is by connecting the electron-withdrawing organophosphonate groups to the active sites of metal oxides. When POMs are functionalised with organophosphorus compounds, it is possible to adjust their electronic structure and photochemical activity based on the electronic properties of the attached organic moieties. However, the high solubility of POMs restricts their application in sensors, electrodes, and catalysis regions.
By linking POMs in a repeating pattern through bridging organic linkers, insoluble metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be formed. These MOFs retain the structural features of the parent molecular POMs and commonly enhance electrochemical activity.
Herein, we report the synthesis of a new hybrid POM, K6[P2W17O57(PO5H9C13)2] using a biphenyl organophosphonate ligand. The hybrid POMs were characterised by FTIR, NMR and ESI-MS. A series of multi-phenyl organophosphonate functionalised POM were synthesised, and all hybrid POMs were applied to construct POM-based MOFs (POMOFs). The structures of resulting POMOFs were analysed by PXRD. Hybridisation with long-chain organophosphonate groups is expected to stabilise electron-conducting pathways of MOFs, potentially overcoming limitations such as its low conductivity and poor electrochemical durability. The design of these new POMOFs offers a promising strategy for the development of advanced materials for various battery systems
Is ‘elderspeak’ always inappropriate? An empirical investigation of the use of elderspeak in dementia care in the acute hospital context
Full text linkThe acute hospital environment is known to be difficult for people living with dementia (PLWD), and healthcare staff often view communication with this group as challenging (Griffiths et al., 2014). Elderspeak has been defined as a form of communication used towards older people, particularly PLWD. It involves features such as high pitch/tone of voice, simplified sentences/grammar, terms of endearment and excessive praise. It is often assumed to be patronising or infantilising (Ryan et al., 1995; Williams et al., 2017; Shaw and Gordon, 2021). However, prior research has neglected to examine interactional functions of elderspeak style talk in real life interactions with PLWD.
This thesis uses conversation analysis to examine functions of elderspeak style talk within a collection of video data recorded on UK hospital wards during two NIHR funded research projects (VOICE and VOICE2). The data comprise routine healthcare interactions between PLWD and healthcare professionals. Findings suggest that aspects of elderspeak are recurrently used in very specific contexts and appear to fulfil important interactional functions in these contexts. For example, terms of endearment serve mitigating functions and can help orient to conversational closings. Praise works as a supportive action to aid orientation to tasks and activities and has implications for the preservation of agency and face (Goffman, 1955). Finally, prosody (pitch, tone, duration and amplitude of talk) has been shown to systematically draw attention to greetings, convey key messages in talk and add additional layers of meaning to turns. These findings suggest that judgements on elderspeak need to be sensitive to context, as well as contributing to the empirical literature on interactions with PLWD and healthcare communication more widely
What are the optimal ways of working in delivering orthotic interventions to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and reduce complications for stroke survivors?: establishing National Statements of Best Practice
Full text linkBackground
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the UK with two thirds of stroke survivors leaving hospital with ongoing functional deficit. For many stroke survivors regaining mobility is a key aim in their rehabilitation, and orthotics have a crucial role to play in achieving this. There are up to two million orthotic users in the UK and with the predicted increase in prevalence of stroke by 60% in the next 10 years, this number is also expected to rise significantly.
Currently there is no evidence for the optimal ways of working when delivering orthotic interventions following a stroke and no guidelines of best practice to inform clinicians, for services to adhere to, and for patients to use to advocate for their care. This contributes to poor consistency in the delivery of orthotic intervention for stroke survivors across the UK.
Aim
The aim of this PhD was to establish the optimal ways of working in the delivery of orthotic intervention after stroke, in order to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and reduce complications for stroke survivors.
Methods
This mixed methods PhD was completed through a five-stage process. Stage one of the PhD programme of work comprised a systematic review of the literature. This provided a comprehensive synthesis of relevant evidence in the field, and a detailed foundation of existing knowledge before undertaking further research. The second stage consisted of a national professional cross-sectional survey designed to provide a baseline of data in the post-covid landscape of how orthotists perceive their role and confidence to inform stroke rehabilitation outcomes. The third stage involved the completion of stakeholder focus groups to determine the perspectives of multi-disciplinary expert clinicians, stroke survivors and carers on the role of orthotics in stroke rehabilitation. Within this, they also explored the similarities and differences to the perceptions identified by orthotists within the cross-sectional survey. The findings from these three studies were converged through a triangulation exercise in the fourth stage of the PhD programme, where the synthesised results were formed into themes from which proposed statements of best practice were developed. The fifth and final stage was to refine and finalise the statements of best practice through expert orthotist agreement via a national professional eDelphi consensus study.
Following the internationally adopted Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, the studies were conducted systematically to produce the first national clinical guidelines for orthotic intervention after stroke in the UK. Additional preparatory studies of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) professional survey and clinical observations were conducted to supplement the substantive work packages within the PhD and offer additional context to the developed statements of best practice.
Results
The preparatory MDT survey laid a foundation for the PhD programme and indicated the perceived importance of timing and means of orthotic delivery after stroke. The clinical observation inquiry provided context for which the subsequent studies were developed and delivered, with a key finding on the importance of the inter-professional relationships within stroke rehabilitation. The systematic review identified six evaluative studies assessing the impact of timing of lower limb orthotic delivery which were all derived from a single trial, and no studies exploring the specific role of the orthotist. The national professional cross-sectional survey received 56 responses, representative of 10% of the UK registered orthotic workforce. It found that multidisciplinary care was not typical, with 46% of respondents reported ‘rarely’ seeing stroke patients in joint assessment with another clinician. However, confidence in managing lower limb gait difficulties was high, with 89% of respondents feeling able to recommend a lower limb orthotic treatment. Ninety-eight percent (n=55) of respondents agreed that orthotic assessment should be an essential element of gait re-education after stroke, however, they reported limited involvement within early stroke rehabilitation currently.
The stakeholder focus group study was the first to explore the collective perspectives of stroke rehabilitation clinicians, stroke survivors, and carers on their perception of optimum orthotic intervention after stroke. Three focus groups were completed. Following a framework analysis of the focus group transcripts, eight core themes were identified: four foundation themes, a further two centred on the person and two on the wider service structure, and a final two overarching themes. The four foundation themes each represent an aspect of orthotic intervention which is not direct but influential to its implementation. Orthotists need to determine best practice; Biomechanics – The Debate; Visibility and knowledge about orthotics and the profession; Different ways of working. Two further themes relating to the person were identified: Home; Independence, and two relating to the service structure: MDT; Accessibility. These themes are directly associated with orthotic intervention in the way it is delivered and the effect it can have on the stroke survivor. Finally, two overarching themes inform the other themes: Acceptability and fidelity of orthotic intervention after stroke; Timeliness, impact of delays and secondary complications.
A triangulation exercise synthesised the findings of these three studies systematically into five themes of within which the proposed statements of best practice were developed. These themes were: The Orthotist; The Orthoses; The Patient; The Orthotic Service; Ways of Working. Finalised statements were then refined and agreed through professional consensus via an eDelphi exercise with expert orthotists from across the UK. Thirty-two responses were received with a retention rate of 87.5% across the two rounds. Ninety percent (n=29) of participants reported being qualified for six years or more indicating a high level of expertise. Sixty-four statements reached consensus agreement across the two-rounds of the eDelphi with an average consensus of 94.31%.
Conclusions
The first national clinical statements of best practice encompass different elements which inform optimum the ways of working when delivering orthotic intervention for stroke survivors. The 64 finalised statements of best practice have been developed systematically following the GRADE approach and from the findings of this five-stage mixed methods study. The statements were constructed directly from the themes and recommendations identified within the results of the concluding national eDelphi exercise which returned a high level of professional consensus, with participants representative of approximately 5% of the national orthotic expert workforce within the UK.
The developed statements of best practice address a paucity of guidance for the therapeutic use of orthotic intervention within mobility rehabilitation post-stroke. The effectiveness and acceptability of these statements within the applied healthcare setting should now be tested in a future evaluative trial
Evaluating acceptance of lateral wedge insoles for knee osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: a mixed-methods study
Full text linkBackground: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative cartilage condition marked by inflammation and mechanical processes. In Saudi Arabia (SA), one in ten older individuals suffer from it. KOA often leads to pain, functional limitations, reduced daily activities, and diminished quality of life. For those with medial knee osteoarthritis, lateral wedge insoles (LWI) can alleviate knee pain and enhance function. While LWI offers biomechanical and symptomatic benefits, the perspectives of Saudi KOA patients and physiotherapists on its clinical use are not well-understood. In addition, there is limited research on gait modification treatment for other types of KOA, especially regarding facilitators and barriers in the Saudi context.
Aims: This study aims to identify the suitability and acceptable use of the gait modification approach for reducing knee pain and enhancing functional ability among KOA patients in Saudi Arabia using a mixed methods approach.
Methods & Findings: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach was employed for this evidence-based study, following the Medical Research Council's (MRC) Framework for Developing Complex Interventions. The research consisted of a systematic review and qualitative investigations, along with the development and testing of a feasibility study.
The first component (Background, chapter 2) assesses the efficacy of various gait modification approaches on knee loading, pain, and function with KOA patients, with evidence from the Saudi healthcare system highlighted. Research goals and questions were set.
The second component (Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, chapter 4) identifies the most effective gait modification approaches and their primary clinical outcomes during walking. The analysis revealed that most gait modification methods did not significantly reduce the KAM 1st peak in the short and mid-terms. However, the systematic review indicated that lateral stiffener shoes could reduce the KAM 1st peak in the short term, and re-gait training with toe-out positioning might significantly improve the KAM 2nd peak. Furthermore, in the short term, LWI significantly impacted both the KAM 2nd peak and the knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI). Despite these specific benefits, the overall effectiveness of gait modification in reducing knee loading was limited.
Subsequently, the third section (Qualitative – chapter 5) utilised semi�structured interviews and focus group discussions to grasp KOA patients' and physiotherapists' views on various gait modification techniques before adapting the LWI approach to the Saudi healthcare setting. This approach aimed to identify key features of gait modification and further understanding of stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes, and challenges in its application for KOA patients. The research indicated that implementing knee braces, canes, footwear and insoles was straightforward for patients and therapists, providing notable benefits and improving daily activities.
Drawing from prior research, a feasibility study was designed, outlining the suggested LWI as a gait modification, implementation duration, outcomes, and satisfaction survey.
The fourth component (Feasibility - chapter 7) evaluated the acceptability, tolerability, and feasibility of personalised LWI for KOA patients at a Saudi centre. This section implemented LWI as a gait modification, measuring recruitment, retention, adherence rates, the Numerical Rating Pain Scale (NRPS), the Osteoarthritis Index (WOAMC), and conducting satisfaction surveys for both patients and therapists.
In the initial session, KOA patients were assigned LWI with baseline records, followed by self-reported outcomes, Then, at the 6th week, clinical outcomes (NRPS & WOAMC) were reassessed, and a survey was collected. Of the 21 KOA participants who consented for the quantitative analysis, 17 completed the final evaluation. The study achieved an 87.5% recruitment rate and an 81% retention rate after six weeks. However, it is important to note that comfort was an issue for some participants, as two withdrew citing insole discomfort. The compliance rate assisting at 5.47 hours/day, indicating a 71% adherence, which was below the targeted value.
After six weeks, KOA participants showed significant improvements in the NRPS. A t-test revealed that these improvements were statistically significant (p = 0.007) with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.98). Similarly, the WOMAC results also demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) and large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.56).
Seventeen KOA patients, who completed a survey, approved the LWI and expressed their satisfaction. They rated their satisfaction with the LWI application's clarity at 5 (extremely satisfied) and their symptoms improved satisfaction with the LWI at (64.7% - very satisfied). In the survey, KOA patients rated LWI as straightforward, well-tolerated and adverse-effect-free.
The overall therapists’ satisfaction median was "Very satisfied," highlighting a positive response towards the practical skills enhancement provided by the insole, while the overall median for agreement items was "Agree," indicating a consensus among therapists on the insole's beneficial impact on their treatment routine. Given these results, the suitability of LWI in KOA recovery remains debatable.
Conclusion: The LWI was viewed as a viable treatment option for KOA in the Saudi context. Both patients and physiotherapists had shown significant interest in this approach. The results of a six-week intervention highlighted its practical benefits, such as reduced knee pain and improved walking capability. Continuous support and guidance from physiotherapists contributed to high levels of adherence, contributing to maintaining activity levels. While LWI offered a promising option in KOA rehabilitation, its full potential remained unexplored. Factors like the current SA KOA clinical protocol, infrastructure difficulties, therapist expertise and LWI availability needed consideration. In the Saudi context, a follow-up trial was essential after this initial intervention to assess the programme's long-term viability and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, Although the physiotherapists' satisfaction survey indicated that the LWI programme was debatable, the physiotherapy educators needed to integrate knowledge about assistive gait modification (LWI) into their academic and clinical programmes to enhance evidence-based practice
Evaluating strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy production systems
Full text linkIt is important that greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) are limited to reduce sea level rise, extreme weather events such as flooding and protect food security (GOV, 2020). The United Kingdom (UK) government have set a goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050 to limit the country’s impact on climate change (Committee on Climate Change, 2019). In 2019, agriculture accounted for 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, which has led to the National Farmers union (NFU) 2040 Net Zero target (NFU, 2019), who require blueprints on how to meet their set goal.
Enteric fermentation makes up most of dairy cattle GHGe, equating to up to 71% (Gilardino et al., 2020). Published prediction equations were collated from the literature and Chapter 3 highlights the large variation in the published enteric methane prediction equations that account for dietary composition. An equation was developed based on the predictions of 32 previously published enteric equations, utilising dietary composition values from a range of diets as inputs. An equation with the dietary composition variables metabolised energy (ME) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was found to be the most accurate in estimating the predicted enteric methane emissions (EME) across all published equations. The devised equation resulting from Chapter 3 was used within the farm simulation modelling in the subsequent chapters.
Utilising the adapted farm simulation model, several aspects of strategies were investigated to reduce the GHGe from dairy production systems in the UK. The GHGe considered were from enteric fermentation, manure management, feed production, and maintenance of the farm, such as electricity and fuel. The total emissions were included with and without the carbon offsetting and sequestration potential of land, woodland, and hedgerows. Milk production impacts were estimated to examine the effect of actions taken to reduce GHGe on productivity and profitability, thus allowing the evaluation of the economic feasibility of the approaches. The strategies analysed included reducing replacement rates, using alternative protein diets to soyabean meal (SBM), and combining multiple management, mitigation, and sequestration strategies to assess whether a UK dairy farm could reach Net Zero by 2040.
Three replacement rates (RRs) were simulated into the model to compare their effect on total farm GHGe and milk production in Chapter 4. The lower the RR the lower the total emissions. However, milk production declined in the low RR scenario and thus, the medium RR was deemed the optimum scenario to avoid compromising productivity and profitability.
In Chapter 5, 13 diets containing different sources of dietary protein were utilised in the model to compare the effect of the alternative sources of protein to SBM on the carbon footprint of the milking herd. The carbon footprint of SBM with and without links to deforestation was compared, which highlighted a potential 7% reduction by using a SBM not associated with deforestation. The alternative proteins showed a potential 28% reduction in total GHGe for the milking herd by converting from SBM completely.
The ability for a UK dairy farm to meet the NFU 2040 Net Zero goal was examined in Chapter 6. A combination of mitigation strategies was analysed such as a medium RR highlighted in Chapter 4, feed additives to reduce EME, anaerobic digestion (AD) of manure to provide renewable energy, reducing the milking herd size, afforestation, increasing efficiency, and removing fertiliser usage. The scenario showed Net Zero is possible, but not without afforestation and carbon offsetting. The modelling showed that, although possible, given the dramatic changes required, it is unlikely that dairy farms will reach Net Zero by 2040, but 2050 is possible, if strategies are implemented in the next six years. The findings from the study provide blueprints on how the UK dairy industry can reach Net Zero and educate farmers on the potential mitigation measures available
MR imaging in Ménière’s Disease - developing a local protocol
Full text linkMénière’s disease (MD) is a debilitating condition typically presenting with slow-developing unilateral symptoms of hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and aural fullness.
The disease progresses to the contralateral ear in up to 50% of cases. Currently, there is a significant delay between symptom onset and diagnosis, and therefore effective
treatment. Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for diagnosing MD is currently used in research settings to detect endolymphatic hydrops (EH), which
can be present in unaffected ears and other audio-vestibular conditions but is universally recognised as a biological marker consistent with the diagnosis of MD.
MRI could expedite diagnosis and guide management as it could detect EH in the unaffected, clinically ‘silent’, ear which would develop symptoms later, detracting from ablative treatments which control symptoms by destroying the function of the ear rendering the patient with severe bilateral hypovestibular function. MRI is currently not used for diagnosis of MD outside of research settings in the UK and
there is no globally accepted scanning protocol adopted in wider clinical practice as image quality and interpretation depend on the different settings and image parameters enabled in different makes of MR scanners, different image acquisition parameters and observer expertise. MRI is not yet a part of the NICE diagnostic pathway for MD.
This motivated an exploratory study at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of Nottingham to develop an MR scanning protocol for MD patients. The
overall aim was to optimise an MR image acquisition protocol for EH detection in MD which would be translatable into clinical practice. This was supported by a comprehensive scoping review synthesising the evidence behind the use of MRI in EH detection and MD diagnosis. First, MR images of 4 healthy participants for anatomical reference and experience of image interpretation were obtained; then images of 4
MD patients were obtained both with and without contrast enhancement and 4 hours post-IV contrast administration using a 3D Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery
sequence on a 3 T MR scanner. One MD patient was also scanned with a 3D Real Inversion recovery sequence and 2 hours post-contrast for a single-case comparison.
The following scanning parameters were adjusted throughout the study for optimisation of the scanning protocol on a case-by-case basis; repetition time, inversion time and slice thickness which also influenced scanning time.
All images were qualitatively and semiquantitatively analysed by a single, unblinded observer. Image quality was measured by contrast to noise ratio and EH was detected
and graded as per established criteria. All MD patients had EH in the affected ears, and 3 MD patients (75%) had EH in the unaffected ear consistently throughout contrast-enhanced scans. All healthy participants showed EH on at least one of the scanning protocols likely due to the quality of images produced by a specific acquisition sequence. Non-contrast enhanced images were inconclusive. The study was limited by a small sample size and a lack of interobserver agreement.
However, the scanning protocol using a 3D Fluid Attenuation Recovery with a repetition time of 12000 ms, slice thickness of 0.7 mm and inversion time of 2500 ms was deemed optimal given the consistency of image quality and accuracy of EH
detection. This constitutes an applicable scanning protocol which was developed and can be implemented into local clinical practice in Nottingham
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