16119 research outputs found
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Through the labyrinth: an inquiry into the lived experiences and leadership characteristics of female leaders in Indian newsrooms.
Full text linkWhile India has one of the most vibrant (Sreedharan & Thorsen 2015, Ismail and Mishra 2009) and fast-growing media landscapes in the world (CRISIL 2021), concerns about the representation of women in the Indian media have been gaining momentum. In 2018, the Network of Women in Media, India found that a major concern for female journalists was the lack of women in positions of leadership within the newsrooms (NWMI 2018). Further, a 2019 report by UN Women titled Gender Inequality in Indian Media found that only 5% of leadership positions in newspapers are held by women, while the numbers for TV channels and magazines stand only marginally better, at 20.9% and 13.6% respectively. This study is undertaken against this backdrop, taking an interdisciplinary approach that draws on Feminist Standpoint (FST), Gatekeeping and Leadership theories to highlight the importance of women’s representation in the industry, arguing that diverse representation in the upper echelons of management is critical to a democratic and fair media. Drawing from FST, this study prioritises the lived experiences and perspectives of women in positions of leadership in understanding how women lead. Through 18 semi-structured interviews with journalists in India, focussing on 4 English language National outlets in New Delhi – 2 print and 2 TV, the study brings the lived experiences of 11 female leaders of Indian newsrooms to the fore, using thematic analysis to better understand the characteristics of and obstacles to female leadership in Indian newsrooms. Seven interviews with journalists reporting to these leaders provide follower perspectives of these women. Finally, using the data from these interviews, the study provides a list of recommendations to remove hurdles to female leadership. This thesis finds that the women tended to favour collaborative and democratic styles of leadership, with a significant emphasis on mentorship. This corresponds with previous studies (Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt, and Engen 2003, Eagly and Karau 2002) that found that women tend to favour more democratic leadership styles, as well as studies that show that women show a higher tendency towards transformative leadership (Eagly and Johnson 1990, Gipson et al. 2017). A significant finding showed the emotional labour performed by these women, and the double bind they felt in simultaneously navigating the expectations placed on them as women, and as leaders. These findings highlight phenomena like Think Manager Think Male (Schein 1973, 1975), and Heilman’s Lack of Fit model (1983). The interviewees described both social and institutional barriers to their progression in the workplace, ranging from gendered expectations to the lack of daycare options. Focussing on the lived experiences of women journalists in Indian newsrooms, this study provides a better understanding of why, despite monumental growth, the Indian media struggle with a dearth of women in positions of leadership
A Spiritual Aesthetic within Islamic Patterns in the Interior Design of Hotel Rooms: A Case Study of Hotels around AL-Haram in the Holy Cities of Saudi Arabia.
Full text linkAccording to the Saudi government’s 2030 vision, numerous modern hotels are planned to accommodate more pilgrims in the holy cities of Saudi Arabia (Makkah and Medina). Normally pilgrims come to these cities to connect with their spirituality and to worship, and so they prefer to stay near the Grand Mosque in Makkah or the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. Typically, designers plan hotel chains based on a predetermined design that lacks an awareness of the traditional designs of a local area, and therefore does not reflect an Islamic identity or the preferences of pilgrims. Consequently, this research aims to realise pilgrims’ preferences for Islamic patterns in hotel rooms by identifying the interior design elements of Islamic patterns in hotel rooms and understanding the perception of Islamic patterns in relation to spiritual aesthetics. This study is based on a qualitative inductive approach. The data was collected using a case study strategy in three phases via semi-structured interviews, and was then analysed according to a thematic analysis technique. The main findings of this research are related to Islamic patterns; key design elements were identified, which include colour, lighting, style, and material. Secondary design elements were also important according to the participants such as: pattern size, pattern form, pattern format and the multi-layers of the pattern. Supplementary design elements are also important, and will increase a user’s satisfaction with their surroundings, which include the room view, room layout and space, and its relationship with nature. The findings of this study also reveal that satisfaction is linked to spirituality in the environment. Pilgrims perceived Islamic patterns in hotel room design holistically. The study also ascertained that Islamic patterns in interior design are critical for informing a pilgrim’s perception of spiritual aesthetics, which is created by combining cognitive, physiological and emotional responses. This research makes both an academic contribution and a design contribution. The academic contribution involves the spiritual aesthetics within the framework of Islamic patterns (the spiritualscape via Islamic patterns). The data has revealed several interesting and valuable elements that effect the perceptions of hotel guests. The design contribution lies in proposing guidelines to help designers enhance the spiritual aesthetics in a hotel room using Islamic patterns in interior design. The research also has commercial importance in raising the awareness of hotel directors regarding the practical and creative value of interior design, and helping to identify the importance of Islamic patterns as an interior design element that affects spirituality. This could enable various stakeholders to improve their hotels, which in turn will affect hotel income
Measuring spinal and trunk shape using an electromagnetic sensor.
Full text linkA critical component in the clinical assessment of spinal and trunk disorders is the analysis of posture. Currently the gold-standard is restricted by repeated radiation exposure and whilst alternative surface methods are available, these are limited to detection of spinal shape only. To date, no surface method has been extended to also quantify trunk shape. In order to address this, the aims of this research were 1) develop a method for measuring spinal and trunk shape using an electromagnetic system; 2) determine the validity and reliability of this method and 3) explore the optimal data processing for this method. Using a repeated measures design, data were collected on phantom models of different shapes using an electromagnetic system. This provided the three- dimensional co-ordinates from which spine and trunk angles were derived. The 6th order polynomial fit was deemed optimal for spinal shape measurements with an electromagnetic system. These measurements were highly reliable (ICC = >0.999), highly repeatable (MDC = <0.018º, SEM = <0.007º) and shown to be valid compared to a flexicurve method. The Lowess function was recommended for trunk shape measurements as it yielded good-to-excellent repeatability (ICC = 0.809-0.999), high absolute reliability (MDC = 0.18-4.0º, SEM = 0.06-0.07º) and angles derived were valid compared to a flexicurve method. This study addressed a clinical need by developing a novel method for measuring trunk shape in addition to spinal shape using a surface method which was shown to be valid and reliable. Exploration of the method’s optimal data processing techniques found the 6th order polynomial fit and Lowess function to be best for spinal shape and trunk shape measurements respectively. Additionally, whilst it is recommended that tangent lengths should not be used interchangeably, the tangent length chosen should not significantly affect measurements if used consistently. Meanwhile, the method’s non-invasive, non-ionising and low-cost features make it clinically attractive. Therefore, this research holds future prospects for the examination and monitoring of disease and treatment outcomes as well as, the understanding of many disorders, such as scoliosis. Although further research is warranted, this method has the potential for use in routine clinical practice
Understanding changes in mangrove forests and the implications to community livelihood and resource management in Kenya
Full text linkMangrove forests support the livelihoods of many coastal communities in developing countries. Mangrove forests around the world are being lost due to a combination of human and natural pressures. There is an intricate relationship between resource use and degradation and resource-dependent communities. Dependency on resources can lead to an ecosystem's degradation if management disregards local people's needs. Degraded mangroves are more vulnerable to environmental changes and may be less able to provide the ecosystem services and goods that are crucial to the livelihood of local people. The key outcome of sustainable resource management is to identify ways to improve both environmental quality and the living conditions of the local communities. Therefore, the sustainable management of mangrove forests requires an understanding of: (a) how mangroves are used by local communities; (b) the local perceptions of changes happening in the mangrove areas and (c) how changes in mangroves are affecting local livelihoods including adaptation options. Focussing on coastal Kenya and using Lamu as a case study, this multi-method research used systematic literature review, household surveys, participatory consultation workshops, land use land cover change analysis, and ecosystem services modelling to understand local mangrove uses, perceptions of change in mangroves and the implications to uses and users, including adaptation options. The thesis first provides an overview of mangrove ecosystem services and the global utilization of mangrove resources. The contribution of mangroves to fisheries is the most researched ecosystem service followed by habitat use and carbon sequestration and storage. The review indicates that wood used for construction and fuel is the mangrove resource most often mentioned in the literature, and it is often associated with the loss of mangrove forests. A survey conducted in 592 households in five locations in Lamu county noted high levels of dependency on mangrove forests and varying perceptions about changes in mangrove areas and drivers of change. The variation is noted across gender, occupation, and location of respondents. Most of the respondents indicated a perceived increase in mangrove cover in the last decade. In contrast, an analysis of land cover data shows a decrease in mangrove cover in Lamu county and Kenya at a very slow rate (0.01% annual average between 2010-2019), with areas closer to settlements exhibiting higher deforestation rates. Mangrove loss also increases the exposure of local areas to coastal hazards. Analysis using the InVEST coastal vulnerability model indicates that 16% of the country’s coastline is currently at a relatively higher risk of exposure to coastal hazards. This may increase to 25% with the loss of mangroves and to 41% if coral reefs are also lost. Although coral reefs contribute the most to reducing the proportion of the country’s coastline to exposure, mangroves contribute the most in Lamu and Tana River counties. Stakeholders’ consultations conducted in Lamu, Kwale and Kilifi counties identified differences between communities regarding perceived key threats and the adaptation options being employed. The threats identified during these consultations were dominantly related to human use and climate change was a lower concern. Although overharvesting of wood resources was identified as a common threat, coping strategies for this threat differ along the coast. While some counties are using an alternative source of wood, others are switching to alternative methods of construction (bricks, cement) and fuel (LPG gas). Subsidies for communities to use alternatives to mangrove products and seasonal or rotational closure of mangrove areas are some of the proposed interventions for mangrove resource sustainability. In addition, while the ban on mangrove harvesting was noted to be beneficial in Kwale county as it supported conservation efforts in place, it was observed to be detrimental in Lamu county due to traditionally depending on mangrove harvesting and use. To be effective and sustainable, the management needs to take into account local perceptions and needs and recognize differences across neighbouring communities. A framework that provides key steps that can be taken to assess adaptation needs and alternatives was developed in this study. The study also identified the need for long-term alternatives for the livelihoods of those depending on mangroves. These alternatives can only be realized if the management of mangrove areas includes opportunities to build local skills and capacity while recognising that needs vary across locations
Media Literacy: A Global Methodology for Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
Full text linkThis body of published research contributes new knowledge to inform robust pedagogy and effective practice for media literacy education that is applicable globally. Conducted over 25 years, this research formulates and verifies an approach to media literacy that is consistent, replicable, measurable and scalable. These academic outputs contribute research- informed frameworks and studies predicated on the proposition that using media literacy processes can be, and should be, the central means through which all citizens acquire, contextualize and apply content knowledge in the 21st Century. The research presented focuses primarily on my research contributions from 2013-2023, although this research needs to be understood in the context of previous research and development begun in 1999 through my work leading the Center for Media Literacy, an independent U.S.-based education organization. The research utilizes mixed methods over the body of publications to investigate how skills and knowledge, process and outcomes inter-relate in media literacy, encouraging critical thinking as process of inquiry; how citizens’ form relationships with media and technology; and the nature of global-local approaches to media literacy. The thematic arrangement of the work as Consistent, Replicable, Measurable and Scalable Scalable demonstrates how my work has contributed to helping provide a foundation for the media literacy field to grow
Assessing factors associated with rising caesarean section rates in urban Nepal: a hospital-based study
Full text linkBackground
Caesarean section (CS) rates are rising in urban hospitals in Nepal. However, the reasons behind these rising CS rates are not well understood. Therefore, this PhD study explores contributing factors to rising CS rates in two urban hospitals and seeks strategies to make rational use of CS.
Methods
This cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in 2021 in two hospitals: Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital (PMWH) and Kathmandu Model Hospital (KMH) in Kathmandu. The quantitative part included a record-based study of 661 births (KMH=276 & PWMH=385) for the fiscal year 2018/19. The qualitative part included interviews with 14 health professionals (doctors, nurses & midwives) and five key informants (two hospital directors and one representative from Nepal Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, one from Midwifery Society of Nepal and one from Ministry of Health and Population Nepal), and four focus group discussions with pregnant women in antenatal clinics. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS v28. Qualitative data were organised through NVivo v12 and thematically analysed.
Results
The overall CS rate was very high (50.2%). CS rate was almost double in KMH than in PMWH (68.5% vs. 37.1%). Previous CS was the leading indication for performing CS. Non-medical indications for CS were maternal request (2.7%) and CS for non-specified reasons (5.7%). The odds of CS were significantly higher in KMH, women aged 25 years and above, four or more antenatal clinic visits, breech presentation, urban residency, high caste, gestational age 37- 40 weeks, spontaneous labour and no labour. Robson group five (13.9%) was found the largest contributor to overall CS rate followed by groups one (13.4%), two (8.8%), three (4.4%) and six (2.9%). Similarly, the risk of undergoing CS was significantly high in Robson group five, six, seven, nine and two. The qualitative analysis yielded five key themes affecting rising CS rates: (1) medical factors; (2) sociodemographic factors; (3) financial factors; (4) non-medical factors; and (5) health service-related factors. Four main strategies were identified to stem the rise of CS: (1) adequate resources (SBAs, midwives and birthing centres); (2) raising awareness on mode of childbirth (antenatal education and counselling); (3) reforming CS policies/protocols; and (4) promoting physiological birth.
Conclusion
The rate of CS was extremely high, particularly in the private hospital. It reflects the medicalisation of childbirth, a public health issue which needs urgent addressing. Multiple factors affecting rising CS rates were identified in urban hospitals. Therefore, a combination of multiple strategies is required to stem the rise of CS rates and to make rational use of CS. This thesis provides basic insights of both factors affecting the rising CS rate and strategies for rational use of CS in urban hospitals in Nepal
Teachers’ embodiment of mental health and movement: Competing narratives in the implementation of a whole-school mental health promotion intervention in UK primary schools
Full text linkThe rising mental health concerns among UK children highlight teachers' importance in school mental health promotion. Yet, there remains a gap in understanding how teachers' perspectives impact interventions. This research aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of mental health and movement in relation to their implementation of Stormbreak, a whole-school intervention in five primary schools in the Southwest of England. A qualitative approach, consisting of two phases, was adopted to gain insights before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were employed to explore the lived experiences of six teachers with a focus on mental health and movement and associated selves and identities. The data underwent structural and thematic narrative analyses. Analyses of teachers' body narratives, framed by the contexts of sports, health, and education, revealed most teachers held positive and evolving views on sports and mental health. Teachers told inspiring stories of resilience, drawing on the dominant narrative of "get on with it" as coping responses for enhancing mental well-being. Male teachers created hypercompetitive athletic identities, reinforcing stereotypically masculine traits, while female teachers constructed strong identities in sports that emphasised traditional feminine characteristics. However, one teacher presented a counternarrative, highlighting the negative aspects of physical activity culture and the exclusion of individuals with larger bodies who challenged societal norms of masculinity and femininity in sports. Crucially, engagement with a movement and mental health programme compelled her to confront and renegotiate her relationship with physical activity. Meanwhile, other teachers adopted more vulnerable narratives of mental health and movement amidst the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These narratives highlight how cultural contexts shape teachers' professional lives and identities. Understanding their body-self relationships, which can drive engagement or resistance to such interventions, is valuable for holistic teacher-led education and well-being programmes. The discussion also emphasises implications and recommendations for future school initiatives
Cybersecurity for the unbanked: usable security heuristics for mobile financial services
Full text linkFinancial service providers leverage the growing adoption of mobile phones to develop and deploy new business models to provide financial services to new and existing customer bases. This has enabled the deployment of innovative financial products via mobile devices to capture new market segments while reducing operational costs. However, the downside of this development is the increased risk of cybersecurity threats to customers. These threats have affected existing users of mobile financial services and have the potential to impact 1.4 billion of the global adult population who are unbanked. Existing technical countermeasures, such as strong encryption algorithms, multi-factor authentication, and higher passcode complexity, have not fully addressed the cybersecurity problem in Mobile Financial Services (MFS). Literature has identified usable security as a problem area that leads to cybersecurity issues that affect users and developers of MFS solutions. While various aspects of this problem have been studied, the nature of usable security in the MFS sociotechnical system and how to address it, from the perspective of stakeholders in the ecosystem, has not been thoroughly examined.
This PhD thesis provides both theoretical and practical contributions by providing an understanding of socio-technical factors in mobile financial services and their impact on usable security from the perspective of stakeholders in the ecosystem. Also, it provides empirical evidence of the impact of user behaviours and DevOps practices on usable security for mobile financial services through a survey of 698 end-users and semi-structured interviews with 37 DevOps participants. Finally, the thesis presents a set of 12 usable security heuristics that were applied in a real-world scenario in the development and usable security evaluation of MFS
Excessive use of digital devices: a qualitative study on perceived causes and impact
Full text linkDigital devices are now used by over 50% of the world's population (Geyser, 2023). This widespread use has raised concerns about the impact of spending excessive time on these devices (Almourad et al., 2020). People use digital devices for various purposes, such as work, communication, and socialising, making them an integral part of daily life (Aleem et al., 2023). The current study aims to explore the experiences of individuals who use digital devices excessively and to understand the perceived causes of this behaviour. Participants were first required to complete a pre-screening survey, and those identified as excessive users were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were conducted with 26 participants, including 3 males and 23 females, aged between 18 and 52. Each interview lasted about 45 minutes, during which participants discussed their digital device usage, the factors leading to excessive use, and the reasons that sustained this behaviour. A Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify four key themes related to the perceived causes of excessive digital device usage: using digital devices for essential purposes, enduring reliance since the COVID-19 pandemic, dependence on digital devices for self-regulation, and the fear of missing out (FoMO). The results indicated that either a combination of these factors or a single factor could lead to and sustain excessive use, depending on the individual. The study also found that these causes were not limited to specific types of digital content users, such as gamers or social media users, but were applicable to any excessive digital device user. Additionally, the study examined psychological theories to understand the reasoning behind excessive usage. The findings validate and update existing research on the causes of excessive digital device use. These insights could help future studies better understand the reasons behind excessive usage and develop targeted interventions or treatments to address this issue