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A critical reflection from inside, looking back and forward: Theorising perspectives on decolonising occupational science theory and practice
Get PDFThe paper seeks to provide a critical reflection on theorising perspectives in relation to decolonising occupational science from an insider’s perspective. In this paper ‘theorising’ refers to the means of identifying and collating some of the characteristics that form the problem of coloniality in the discipline of occupational science, and hence contribute to developing ways and means of decolonising occupational science. Various literature sources and theories from occupational science and beyond are addressed to engage the reader in this topic and critical reflection. The paper seeks to encourage the reader to critically review the current occupational science theory/ies, and practice, by offering a critical provocation that asserts that occupational science is institutionally racist and continues to perpetuate and recycle coloniality. A significant aspect of this critical reflection is framed around an adapted version of Professor Leon Tikly’s three pillars of decolonising the university, which has been applied to the topic of decolonising occupational science. The paper concludes by invoking the reader to look inward at the discipline of occupational science and to join in collaboration/s to generatively disrupt the current coloniality of the science, further providing suggestions on ways to do so
Green finance instruments: Exploring minibonds issuance in I taly
Get PDFIn the context of green finance, minibonds play a crucial role. This financial instrument was introduced in 2012 as a valid alternative to bank credit for corporate financing, aimed mainly at small and medium-sized enterprises. Minibonds also represent useful support for implementing the ecological transaction agreed upon in COP 21, held in 2015 in Paris. Indeed, as of 2017, this instrument has been expanded from an environmental perspective by allowing the issuance of green minibonds. This article contributes to the debate on minibonds and the companies issuing them. Specifically, it proposes a cluster analysis approach for comparing the issuance level of minibonds in 2016 and the subsequent performances of the issuing companies in the triennium 2017–2019. Performance is divided into three macrocategories: profitability, productivity, and growth opportunities. The results suggest a nonlinear connection between the variables of interest, showing heterogeneous effects of minibonds on performance. However, the statistical data analysis seems to establish a positive relationship between minibonds' issuance level and companies' performance
Acoustics of a Sitzprobe rehearsal
Get PDFA Sitzprobe rehearsal is normally the first-time singers and orchestra play together. It requires the fire curtain to be lowered pushing the vocalist to the very edge of the stage. A series of acoustics tests were undertaken on behalf of The Royal Opera House to establish this change in the environment as far as the musicians were concerned. Measurements were taken at two key positions, 2nd violins and the conductor location whilst a single sound source was positioned centre stage, the control condition, front of stage and around the auditorium. In addition, sound control solutions were tested and proposes to reduce sound exposure are presented
Additive Manufacturing and Physicomechanical Characteristics of PEGDA Hydrogels: Recent Advances and Perspective for Tissue Engineering
Get PDFIn this brief review, we discuss the recent advancements in using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. PEGDA hydrogels are highly attractive in biomedical and biotechnology fields due to their soft and hydrated properties that can replicate living tissues. These hydrogels can be manipulated using light, heat, and cross-linkers to achieve desirable functionalities. Unlike previous reviews that focused solely on material design and fabrication of bioactive hydrogels and their cell viability and interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), we compare the traditional bulk photo-crosslinking method with the latest three-dimensional (3D) printing of PEGDA hydrogels. We present detailed evidence combining the physical, chemical, bulk, and localized mechanical characteristics, including their composition, fabrication methods, experimental conditions, and reported mechanical properties of bulk and 3D printed PEGDA hydrogels. Furthermore, we highlight the current state of biomedical applications of 3D PEGDA hydrogels in tissue engineering and organ-on-chip devices over the last 20 years. Finally, we delve into the current obstacles and future possibilities in the field of engineering 3D layer-by-layer (LbL) PEGDA hydrogels for tissue engineering and organ-on-chip devices
Cycling Time-trial Performance in Hot Conditions
Get PDFThe overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of cold-water ingestion and pouring on 30min cycling time-trial performance in hot and dry, and hot and humid environmental conditions.
Study one (i) determined the impact of multiple vs single feedback on 30min cycling time-trial performance in experienced cyclists-triathletes’ and non-cyclists-triathletes’, and (ii) investigated experienced cyclists-triathletes’ information acquisition during a 30min cycling time-trial. The findings from this study highlighted that experienced cyclists-triathletes’ 30 min cycling time-trial performance was impaired with multiple feedback (227.99±42.02W) compared to single feedback (287.9±60.07 W; p 0.05). In addition, cyclists-triathlete’s primary and secondary objects of regard (i.e. main variable of focus) were power (64.95s) and elapsed time (64.46s). Notably, total glance time during multiple feedback decreased from the first 5 min (75.67s) to the last 5 min (22.34s) which may have resulted from a mental overload (exercise and cognitive task). The findings from this study were used to inform the subsequent studies in this PhD in an attempt to minimise any external impact on performance. Therefore, participants in study 2 and 4 were only given feedback on elapsed time whilst completing the time-trial.
Study two investigate the effect of heat (hot vs thermoneutral) and humidity (dry vs humid) on physiological and perceptual responses during a 30min cycling time-trial in experienced cyclists-triathletes. The findings from this study highlighted that performance was significantly impaired in hot and dry conditions compared to thermoneutral/control conditions (177.35±1.68W vs 236.86±1.83W). This impairment was accompanied by a higher Trectal and thermal discomfort ratings during the TT. Trectal was significantly greater in hot (38.05±0.15°C) compared to control (38.55±0.04°C) throughout the TT p=0.001). Thermal comfort ratings were also significantly lower in thermoneutral/control (0±0(0%)) compared to hot (12±2(60%)) during the TT (p = 0.003). Secondly, power was also significantly impaired in hot and humid compared to thermoneutral/control conditions (160.12±3.43W vs 235±2.48W; p=0.001). This impairment was accompanied by a higher Trectal and thermal discomfort ratings during the TT. Trectal was significantly greater in hot (38.85±0.09°C) compared to control (38.55±0.12°C) throughout the TT (p=0.004). Thermal comfort ratings were also significantly lower in thermoneutral/control (0±0(0%)) compared to hot (19±3(95%)) during the time-trial (p = 0.001). Thirdly, power was significantly impaired in hot and humid compared to hot and dry (160.12±3.43W vs 177.35±1.68W, p =0.038). This impairment was accompanied by a higher Trectal and thermal discomfort ratings during the TT. Trectal was significantly greater throughout the TT in hot and humid (38.7±0.09°C) compared to hot and dry (38.49±0.07°C; p = 0.043). Thermal comfort ratings were significantly higher in hot and humid compared to hot and dry during the TT (19±3(95%)) vs 12±2(60%)); p = 0.029). Overall, cycling power output was significantly impaired in hot and dry and hot and humid conditions compared to thermoneutral conditions, and hot and humid conditions caused a greater impairment to cycling power output compared to hot and dry conditions. All impairments were accompanied by a greater thermal strain (physiological (rectal temperature) and/or perceptual responses (thermal comfort)). The findings from this study highlight an impairment in cycling performance in hot conditions (dry and humid) and therefore athletes should use heat alleviation strategies to minimise this impairment.
Study three investigated (i) the level of perceived heat strain cyclists-triathletes (recreational, competitive and professional) experience during competitions in hot conditions, (ii) which heat alleviation strategies (i.e. hydration and cooling) athletes use during competitions in hot conditions, and (iii) whether or not these strategies are dependent on the environmental heat (i.e. dry vs humid heat). The findings from this study highlighted that the type of per cooling strategies currently employed by competitive and professional cyclists-triathletes during training and competition are condition (dry vs humid) dependant. Specifically, cold water ingestion was the most employed strategy in hot and dry conditions (HD), whereas a combination of cold-water ingestion and pouring was the most employed strategy in hot and humid conditions (HH). The timing of application was pre-planned based on ‘distance’ and supplemented with ‘how participants felt during’ and ‘when pit stops were available’ in HD. Whereas timing of application was pre planned based on ‘distance’ and ‘how participants felt during’ only in HH. The justification for type and timing of strategies was previous experience/perceived effectiveness (e.g., trial and error). An additional finding of this study was that competitive athletes found benefits from mental strategies, such as imagery and modelling; whereas professional athletes found benefits from positive self-talk and locus of control during competition in hot conditions. The findings from the questionnaire were used to inform the cooling methods used in study four (i.e. type of cooling, amount of cooling, frequency of cooling etc). Therefore, the two cooling methods that were used in study four were cold-water ingestion and cold-water pouring.
Study four investigated the effect of cold-water ingestion and pouring on 30min cycling time trial performance in hot and dry, and hot and humid conditions in experienced cyclists triathletes. Participants were assigned to a group; Group 1 - hot and dry, or group 2 - hot and humid. Within their group participants completed 4 x 30min cycling time-trials on separate occasions: (i) thermoneutral, (ii) hot with no cooling (dry or humid, group dependant), (iii) cold-water ingestion, and (iv) cold-water pouring. The findings from this study showed that cold-water pouring was more beneficial compared to cold-water ingestion for power output in hot and dry conditions (Mean±SD 199.40±0.82W vs 180.35±1.51W, p = 0.023). This performance benefit occurred in absence of a significant difference in rectal temperature between cold-water pouring and ingestion (38.18±0.13°C vs 38.38±0.14°C, p = p=0.121). There was also no difference in thermal comfort between cold-water pouring and ingestion (11±1(55%) vs 12±2(60%); p = 0.067). Conversely, cold-water ingestion was more beneficial compared to cold-water pouring for power output in hot and humid conditions (Mean±SD 173.77±0.97W vs 165.16±1.31W, p=0.760). This was supported by physiological responses such as rectal temperature which was significantly lower with cold-water ingestion compared to cold-water pouring (37.9±0.1°C vs 38.5±0.19°C, p = 0.001). This was also supported by perceptual responses such as mean±SD thermal comfort ratings which was significantly greater with cold-water pouring than cold-water ingestion during the time-trial in hot and humid conditions (14±3(70%) vs 12±1(60%); p = 0.004). Power in the hot and dry conditions with cold-water pouring (199.40±0.82W) was significantly greater compared to hot and humid condition with cold-water pouring (165.16±1.31W, p =0.001). This difference occurred in absence of a difference in physiological responses such as rectal temperature as there was no difference between groups respectively (38.18T ±0.13 vs 38.4±0.22, p = 0.253). However, this performance difference was supported by perceptual responses such as thermal comfort ratings which were significantly greater with cold-water pouring during the time-trial in hot and humid conditions compared to hot and dry conditions (14±3(70%) vs 12±2(60%); p = 0.021). In conclusion, cold-water pouring provided a greater ergogenic effect on 30min cycling time-trial performance in HD conditions compared to cold-water ingestion. Whereas cold-water ingestion provided a greater ergogenic effect on power output during a 30min cycling time-trial performance in HH conditions compared to cold-water pouring. Collectively, the findings from this study show that athletes and coaches should not only consider the condition (dry vs humid) but also which cooling strategy is best suited for said condition (internal vs external) when preparing for training and/or competing in hot conditions.
The distinction of the effect of hot and dry, and hot and humid conditions on 30min cycling time-trial performance and subsequent physiological, and perceptual responses are a particular novel and applicable aspect of this thesis and contribute new data and interpretations to this area of research
A Guiding Framework for Process Parameter Optimisation of Thermal Spraying
Get PDFCurrently, most thermal spray coating service providers expect original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to suggest the coating recipe, comprising of the right coating equipment, starting process parameters, type of inert gases, and robot program. The microstructure and mechanical properties may not comply in the first few runs. Feedback from a competent material testing service provider forms the initial step to adjust the parameters in the development journey, toward identifying the processing parameters required to obtain an acceptable coating. With the surge of interest in sustainable manufacturing, the time spent on trials in the future will shrink, and a more rigorous process needs to be applied to achieve the “right-first-time manufacturing” approach in thermal spraying. However, a framework for the systematic development of thermal spray parameter optimisation is lacking. This article provides a framework, based on a logical acumen, in selecting the right process parameters, using available data and prior knowledge about the thermal spraying process. To that end, the article summarises the extant developmental journey of thermal spray process parameters, by covering the aspects of equipment choice, robot and spray parameters, and how to minimise iterations, using diagnostic tools to get to the end solution most efficiently. This article, in its current form, will serve as a good guide for early career engineers and scientists or workers, to minimise the time processing window, by avoiding endless iterations to deposit a certain type of coating using thermal spraying. Besides, this work is also aimed at transforming academic research innovations to a robust and repeatable industrial manufacturing process
Radiation-free Microwave Technology for Breast Lesion Detection using Supervised Machine Learning Model
Get PDFMammography is the gold standard technology for breast screening, which has been demonstrated through different randomized controlled trials to reduce breast cancer mortality. However, mammography has limitations and potential harms, such as the use of ionizing radiation. To overcome the ionizing radiation exposure issues, a novel device (i.e. MammoWave) based on low-power radio-frequency signals has been developed for breast lesion detection. The MammoWave is a microwave device and is under clinical validation phase in several hospitals across Europe. The device transmits non-invasive microwave signals through the breast and accumulates the backscattered (returned) signatures, commonly denoted as the S21 signals in engineering terminology. Backscattered (complex) S21 signals exploit the contrast in dielectric properties of breasts with and without lesions. The proposed research is aimed to automatically segregate these two types of signal responses by applying appropriate supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm for the data emerging from this research. The support vector machine with radial basis function has been employed here. The proposed algorithm has been trained and tested using microwave breast response data collected at one of the clinical validation centres. Statistical evaluation indicates that the proposed ML model can recognise the MammoWave breasts signal with no radiological finding (NF) and with radiological findings (WF), i.e., may be the presence of benign or malignant lesions. A sensitivity of 84.40% and a specificity of 95.50% have been achieved in NF/WF recognition using the proposed ML model
Worldview Literacy as Transformative Knowledge
Get PDFThis book unites and explores different approaches to understand and develop knowledge-based religious education. While the importance of methodological issues in RE is understood and acknowledged, the editors and contributors interrogate what kind of knowledge should be explored, how this knowledge is defined and what the consequences would be. Subsequently, the book focuses on the concept of powerful knowledge which transcends students' everyday experiences, and how it can be incorporated into the RE curriculum. Drawing together international research from RE teaching and learning, the book explores various paths to integrate a truly knowledge-based religious education. The book will appeal to students and scholars of religious education, sociology of education and the philosophy of religion
The muddled middle of management
Get PDFIn management, there are rather simple principles that impact the work on an individual basis as well as simple principles on a large scale that define a company’s organizational basis. Yet much available management material focuses on the activities at the scale of middle managers, though it is not entirely clear it creates the desired effect or pushes organizations in the right direction. Process changes aimed at the muddled middle incur costs to implement and often offer no clear indication that a benefit equivalent to the cost was realized. Such initiatives and corresponding data can bog down organizations