Theses

Permanent URI for this collection

https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/586

Browse

Electrochemical synthesis of polyesters and polyamides. A study of the polymerisation of lactams, lactones and the anhydride/propylene oxide system by direct electrolysis of their conducting solutions
Ghous, G.; Tidswell, B.M.
Preliminary experiments describe the electroinitiated polymerisation of phthalic anhydride/propylene oxide, maleic anhydride/propylene oxide, caprolactam, laurolactam and E-caprolactone in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran (THF) using alkali metal salts or quaternary ammonium salts as supporting electrolytes. Electrolysis were performed in the single and divided cell under an atmosphere of purified nitrogen. Polymerisation of propylene oxide/phthalic anhydride occurred in both cells. In the case of the divided cell the polymerisation occurred in both compartments but the yield and molecular weight of products were low. Similarly polymerisation of propylene oxide/maleic anhydride occurred in both cells and in the case of t.he divided cell in both compartments when using DMF as solvent. Polymerisat:lon of caprolactam and laurolactam did not occur in either of DMF or acetonitrile solution. In DMF/alkali metal salts polymerisation of E-caprolactone occurred readily in the cathode compartment only whereas polymerisation in DMF /quaternary ammonium salts polymerisation occurred in both compartments. The conversion of E-caprolactone in the single cell was very low when using DMF/alkali metal salts but in the case of divided cell the conversion in the cathode compartment was 100%. The rate of disappearance of E-caprolactone with time was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. The gas-liquid chromatographic analysis showed that three oligomeric products were formed apart from polymer which were identified by the use of ·various analytical techniques. A detailed investigation into the kinetics and mechanism of electropolymerisation of E-caprolactone in DMF and using LiCl or KNO3 as supporting electrolyte was undertaken. In the case of both supporting electrolytes it was found that the initial rate of polymerisation was directly proportional to the initial monomer concentration and the current. Further experiments showed that two initiating species were produced during the electrol:y.sis of DMF/LiCl. An acceleration in the rate of polymerisation was apparent which considered to be due to the formation of second type of initiating species. Some transfer to solvent took place. The molecular weight and % yield was independent of the current. The kinetics and mechanism of electropolymerisation of E-caprolactone in THF and NaBPh4 was studied. The results showed a "living" system but it was found that the increase of initial monomer concentration, the molecular weight did not increase. It was also found that calculated molecular weights and molecular weights obtained by viscosity measurement showed a remarkable agreement. In this system some oligomeric products were formed apart from polymer but there was no dimer peak present in the GLC trace as in the case of DMF alkali metal salts. Block copolymerisation of styrene and E-caprolactone was attempted by preparing living polystyryl anions electrochemically followed by the addition of E-caprolactone. The analysis by differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography showed that the attempted block copolymer was composed of entirely mixtures of two homopolymers. The poly (E-caprolactone) produced was found to be highly crystalline and crystallite size was also calculated. The other properties were found to be similar to those reported in the literature. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that the monomer is not reduced directly but instead alkali metal ions are reduced to alkali metals which either react with the monomer to produce radical anions which dimerise very quickly or react with DMF to produce some active species which are believed to be DMF dianions.
The manufacturing and plating technology used in the production of mid-3rd/ 4th century AD Roman coins - An Analytical Study
Vlachou, Constantina; McDonnell, Gerry; Janaway, Robert C.
The integrated approach utilising documentary evidence, numismatics, analyses of the coins and the experimental data have combined to present a powerful model for the monumental changes that occurred in coin and metallurgical technology in the 3-4th Centuries AD. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the manufacturing technology of the nummus, the new coin introduced by Diocletian in his monetary reform (293/4AD). For the production of these coins, copper based quaternary copper-tin-lead-silver alloys were used and their surface was covered by thin silver plating. Later, the coin sample was extended to include dates before and after this period aiming to study if there were similarities in the production of these coins with the technique used for the nummi production. Could the date of the introduction of this technology be established and did it continue after the nummi? In this study 503 coins issued from 240 to 395 AD were examined. Optical microscopy SEM examination of the nummi revealed that the silver plating survived mainly in protected areas, between the letters in their inscriptions or in other features. Results from the metallographic examination showed that the plating was very difficult to trace. Its thickness was approximately a few microns. The examination of the antoniniani (coins issued before the nummi from 240-393/4 AD) showed that during Gallienu’s reign the silver content dropped drastically (less than 5%) and the applied silver layer was introduced as a plating method. During this period quaternary alloys (Cu-Sn-Pb-Ag) replaced the binary Cu-Ag alloys in coin production. The examination of the coins issued during the 4th century showed that this technology was in use for 100 years after its first introduction. A review of ancient sources and historic literature indicated that the most probable method that might have been used for the production of the plating was amalgam silvering. Combined application of LA-ICP-MS and EPMA analyses of the coins proved for the first time, that mercury was correlated with silver in the plating area. Much higher concentrations of mercury occurred on the surface than in the silver rich pools in the coin core. This evidence strongly implies that the possible method for the production of the plating was amalgam silvering. However, little is known about early amalgam silvering. Prior to this research no evidence existed for its earliest widespread use, nor was there any evidence for its early technology. A series of experiments were undertaken to investigate the technology. The results from these experiments demonstrate that a layer much lower in mercury (less than 0.5%) than previously achieved, was prepared, with a thinness (2 microns approximately) comparable to those observed in the coin plating layers.
The behaviour of freely bubbling fluidized beds
Geldart, Derek; Williams, J.C.
Gas fluidized beds have provided fascinating and infuriating problems for both the academic and industrial engineer. Although fluidization phenomena have been the subject of many hundreds of papers we still cannot dispense with experimentation in order to predict bed behaviour even for relatively simple operations, let alone complex chemical reactions. This thesis provides a broad but brief scrutiny of the fluidization behaviour of a wide variety of powders and then focuses on one specific but important question: how can we predict the sizes of bubbles under given conditions in a large fluidized bed? Experimental work on a wide variety of sands and other materials has been carried out in cylindrical columns 5 cm and 50.8 cm diameter, and in addition films from two two-dimensional beds have been analysed. Fluidized solids have been classified into four groups characterised by density differences Pg-Pf, mean particle size, and gas viscosity. A critical examination of the results of previous workers together with the new experimental work has shown that within one of the largest groups, bubble size is independent both of mean particle size and - more significantly - of particle size distribution. An equation has been developed which relates bubble size to the gas distributor design, distance above the distributor and the excess gas velocity U-U0 , and good agreement is obtained with published data relating to larger beds fitted with commercial distributors. Measurements of bed expansion combined with the analysis of films from two- and three-dimensional equipment have proved useful in evaluating the distribution of gas between dense and bubble phases. For a given value of U-U0, the visible bubble flow rate decreases as particle size increases. This is because the through-flow of gas from bubble to bubble is proportional to the minimum fluidization velocity U0. As a result both bubble concentration and bed expansion decline with increasing particle size but bubble size is not affected. An equation has been developed which enables the visible bubble flow rate to be calculated from measurements of bed expansion and U-U0 alone. bubble concentration, frequency and size have been compared at the surfaces of two- and three-dimensional beds under corresponding conditions of distributor design, bed height and gas velocity. Bubble sizes are significantly larger in the three-dimensional equipment and this is believed to be due to the predominance of out-of-line coalescence. A transformation procedure has been developed for the prediction of dimensional bubble sizes from two-dimensional data, and has been successfully applied to the only sand so far tested.
The Effect of Mebendazole and RAN Mediated Pathways on Human Breast Cancer Cells
Shahid, Muhammad A.; Kantamneni, Sriharsha; isreb, mohammad; El-Tanani, Mohamed; Morgan, Richard
Breast cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide, accounting for 25% of all female cancers and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, following lung cancer. Breast cancer metastasis to other body parts is expected, with bones, liver, lungs, and brain as the most frequent sites. Ran, a protein highly expressed in cancer cells, facilitates cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. This study investigated the hypothesis that Mebendazole has anti-cancer activity via Ran and has antiangiogenic effects, which can be repurposed as a therapeutic for breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, the project aims to establish the efficacy of Mebendazole in combination with the known chemotherapy drug Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin, to reduce its dosage concentration and associated side effects and cost of treatment. This study found that Mebendazole reduces cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells via Ran inhibition. New proteins were identified by determining the Mebendazole effect on the mRNA expression of a panel of 54 genes. This study further analysed the knockdown effect of RAN, RCC1, SKIL, and METTL7A invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Mebendazole also reduced the IC50 of Paclitaxel and downregulated Ran expression in MCF10A, MDA MB231, and MCF7 breast cell lines. Finally, in vivo, a chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) was conducted to establish the antiangiogenic effect of Mebendazole. This study presents significant steps toward the clinical validation of Mebendazole as a combination therapy for reducing the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells.
The damaging potential of pesticide formulations on human skin. A study of the damaging activity of commercial pesticide formulations and their components on the barrier function of human skin, and methods by which to reduce such damage
Eagle, Sandra C.; Barry, Brian W.
Percutaneous absorption is the major route of pesticide entry into the body. Impairment of skin barrier function may increase systemic exposure and toxicological risk. This project examines barrier function impairment of human skin in vitro due to commercial liquid formulations of the pesticides pirimphos methyl and pirimicarb. Water permeation studies demonstrated stratum corneum damage due to emulsifiable concentrate formulations, damage being time and concentration dependent. The major excipient responsible was the divalent anionic surfactant Phenylsulphonate CA. Another divalent anionic surfactant Empicol ML26/F also caused stratum corneum barrier function impairment. Protection against anionic damage was achieved using polyoxyethylated nonionic surfactants of the Synperonic NP and PS ranges incorporated in mixtures and as stratum corneum pretreatments. Mechanisms of surfactant damage and protection were assessed. Both anionic surfactants were shown to partition into the stratum corneum, damage being related to the extent of partitioning. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the anionic surfactants disrupt the intercellular lipid bilayer structure with a small effect on intracellular keratin. Therefore, molecular penetration through stratum corneum is principally enhanced via the intercellular route. Photon correlation studies evidenced micellar interaction of the anionic and nonionic surfactant molecules in aqueous solution. This may occur in stratum corneum surface water, thereby reducing the number of anionic monomers available to partition and cause damage. Supportive skin damage assessment studies were performed. Changes in electrical conductance of human stratum corneum confirmed barrier impairment due to the emulsifiable concentrates and anionic surfactants. An alternative membrane, shed squamate skin was shown to be an unsuitable model for human skin damage assessment. To reduce human skin damage due to pesticide formulations alternative safer anionic surfactants and polyoxyethylated nonionic surfactants should be incorporated.
The continuity of status in Iron Age settlements through metallurgical craft specialisation and material wealth: An investigation of iron and copper alloy artefacts and indicators of their production within the social hierarchy represented by broch and post-broch settlements in the Northern Isles
Milns, Julie; Dockrill, Stephen; McDonnell, Gerry; Bond, Julie
Brochs are found mainly along the Atlantic seaboard of Scotland. This research focuses on the period from approximately 500BC to 850AD and aims to demonstrate that the status settlements seen in the broch period in Orkney and Shetland retain this status in the post-broch period. Broch settlements reflect status and the control and use of metal is embodied within the social system. On certain sites, this system continues into the Late Iron Age and although monumentality recedes, control of craft specialisation metalworking is sustained. The natural resources required in order to have the ability to produce metal and the types of debris resulting from copper alloy and iron production are investigated. Evidence from the on-going excavation at Old Scatness Broch is examined in depth and in particular an assemblage of metalworking moulds. The XRF analysis of these led to experimental work on the absorption of zinc into the fabric of fired clay moulds during the casting of copper alloys and to a review of previous XRF analyses of some Iron Age copper alloy artefacts and metalworking debris from N orthem Isles and some British sites. Experimental casting was carried out at Old Scatness Broch so that the type and spread of metalworking debris could be assessed. Archaeological evidence for metal use, metalworking and imported artefacts, which are taken to reflect high status, are examined and together with documentary and ethnographic evidence are used to propose models for broch and post-broch society in the Northern Isles.
Organisational Culture and The Development of Digital Competencies: Experiences of Employees in Nigerian Upstream Oil and Gas Companies
(2022) Akpan, Odiong; Sivarajah, Uthayasankar; Wilmot, Natalie; Weerakkody, Vishanth J.P.
In today’s upstream oil and gas industry, employees are encouraged to develop digital competencies to support their organisations’ digital transformation initiatives. However, there is limited understanding from the employee viewpoints, of what influences their motivation to support digital workforce transformation in the context of upstream oil and gas companies’ organisational culture. This study proposes the need to comprehend the relationship between organisational culture and employees’ motivation to develop and use digital competencies from the employees’ viewpoints rather than from managers and business leaders only. Building on the digital workforce transformation and employee-driven innovation literature, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of employees who are required to develop and use digital competencies in their companies. Specifically, the guiding principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis were adapted in a qualitative approach to explore the employees’ experiences. Data was collected from sixteen employees selected from across four of the five international oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The findings show that three core modalities of the organisational culture (Digital Transformation Messaging & Resource Availability; Leadership and Management Styles; and Employee Mindsets & Change Management Inertia) are important considerations for the motivation of employees to develop and use digital competencies. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of employee mindsets regarding digital workforce transformation and highlight the relevance of incorporating employee viewpoints in the planning and implementation of change management initiatives required for digital transformation. Theoretically, the contribution from this study is a demonstration of the use of a qualitative interpretive approach to update the digital workforce transformation body of knowledge.
Firm growth, innovation and access to finance: Evidence from European SMEs
(2023) Shafiuzzaman, Mohammad; Wu, Steven; Li, Jing
This thesis examines three issues about European SMEs. Chapter Two examines how sustainable growth firms obtain external finance during and after the 2008 financial crisis. Although sustainable growth firms have past growth records and future growth aspirations; however, those firms may face challenges in obtaining external finance. We find that those firms increase their demand for external finance after the financial crisis and obtain finance from suppliers during this period to implement their growth activities. In contrast, firms are less likely to secure loans from banks during this period. Chapter Three examines how SMEs can reduce information asymmetry and increase the probability of obtaining a bank loan. SMEs can easily establish a lending relationship with suppliers, which may improve firms’ creditworthiness and reduce information asymmetry. We show that SMEs that suffer information asymmetry can obtain bank finance if these firms establish a significant relationship in the past with suppliers. This finding is more prominent for small firms as banks refuse their loan applications due to information asymmetry. Chapter Four examines financially constrained SMEs for increasing sales growth through innovation activities. As innovation has a positive effect on sales growth; therefore, conducting innovation activities can improve cash flows to constrained firms. We find that financially constrained SMEs can obtain sales growth if they conduct innovation activities. Our results suggest that product and process innovation are significant for financially constrained SMEs as those innovations provide additional cash flow in firms to reduce the adverse effect of the constrained condition.
Genotoxic effects of a novel form of Gold Nanoparticles loaded with Hesperidin on head and neck cancer lymphocytes compared to effects from healthy control lymphocytes and Squamous cell Carcinoma of Maxillary sinus
(2023) Fida, Mehwish; Anderson, Diana; Najafzadeh, Mojgan
The head and neck cancers (HNC) are a group of cancers that begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Therefore, they are commonly known as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus (MC) is a rare type of HNC, and it is a very aggressive tumour. This cancer is typically diagnosed at a very advanced stage and most patients have a poor survival rate and prognosis. This study is based on the synthesis and applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with hesperidin (Hsp) as a targeted drug delivery system. AuNPs are ideal for loading different drugs and delivering them to targets sites due to their stability, small size, substantial surface area, non-cytotoxic and inert nature. Hsp is a naturally occurring substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. The main aim of this research was to develop a highly efficient and safer method to deliver Hsp to the target sites. The Hsp with poor solubility and bioavailability render it only slightly absorbed, requiring a delivery system to reach its therapeutic target. This study focused on the effects of 15μg/ml Hsp loaded on gold nanoparticles (Hsp-AuNPs) on 20 healthy individuals’ lymphocytes as compared to 20 HNC patients’ lymphocytes using the alkaline Comet assay. While enzyme-based Comet repair was performed on 5 healthy individuals’ lymphocytes as compared to 5 HNC patients’ lymphocytes. The Hsp-AuNPs reduced the DNA damage in HNC patients’ lymphocytes compared to the healthy lymphocytes (***p<0.001). Furthermore, the 15μg/ml of Hsp-AuNPs significantly reduced the oxidative stress caused by H2O2 and appeared to be effective in both groups using the Comet and Comet repair assay. Results from Comet and Comet repair assay were consistent. The human squamous cells of maxillary sinus (MC) were also treated with 5μg/ml of Hsp-AuNPs. The alkaline Comet assay results showed that Hsp-AuNPs induced DNA damage in MC cells (***p<0.001). Therefore, Hsp-AuNPs demonstrated the most substantial genotoxic effects and confirmed a possible anticancer agent. The Hsp was also used to treat lymphocytes from healthy individuals as compared to HNC patients’ lymphocytes they reduced the DNA damage, but they were less effective as compared to Hsp-AuNPs. Published data shows that using the AuNPs as a drug carrier has a more potent therapeutic effect against different diseases including cancer. Also, this study investigated the gene protective and genotoxic impact of bulk Hsp in Maxillary sinus carcinoma cells. The data obtained indicated that Hsp-AuNPs might possibly be effective for the treatment of MC and demonstrated the ability of Hsp-AuNPs to increase the DNA damage more than the bulk form of Hsp (***p<0.001). The outcomes of this study are consistent with the viewpoint that the Hsp-AuNPs might have a substantial role in cancer treatment, including MC. The concentration of 5μg/ml Hsp-AuNPs was used to treat the MC cells in Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was based on a preliminary test for the optimal dose. The data obtained indicated that Hsp-AuNPs might potentially be effective for the treatment of HNC and showed the ability of Hsp-AuNPs to reduce DNA damage more than the bulk form of Hsp. Hsp-AuNPs has also shown anti-cancer potential in the MC cells by up-regulating the expression of p53, p21, PPAR gamma, and Caspase 3, at mRNA and protein levels by up-regulating the p53, PPAR gamma, Caspase 3, and p21 to mediate apoptosis and DNA repair in MC cells. The findings of this study are consistent with the view that the Hsp-AuNPs could have a significant role in cancer treatment, including HNC and MC.
Ecological footprint as an indicator of national and city level sustainability. A case study of Bangladesh with a focus on Narayanganj
(2023) Hoque, Muhammad N.; Anand, Prathivadi B.
This thesis addresses urban sustainability from an ecological footprint viewpoint to make cities inclusive, safe and livable in Bangladesh under the SDG-11 of the Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals-2030. Previous empirical studies on Bangladesh do not focus on Ecological Footprint (EF), and Naryanganj City’s (NC) EF has yet been explored. Previous studies also focused on only specific dimension of sustainability. This study aims to meet these gaps by linking the existing facilities and required initiatives under all dimensions of sustainability, e.g., social, economic, environment and institutions. Both secondary and primary data were used. Secondary data were collected from the World Bank and Global Footprint Network. Primary data were collected by a survey of 500 households in NC and twenty in-depth semi-structured interviews with experienced urban experts from academics, NGOs, government, voluntary and independent urban research organizations in Bangladesh. STIRPAT model was used to analyze the secondary data, and interview data were analyzed following theoretical thematic analysis. The empirical findings suggest that Bangladesh can still afford more urbanization. However, the high EF of NC is a concern of this affordability. The interview data analysis indicates that the government can promote the current opportunities for a relatively quick result for urban sustainability without imposing any extra burden on citizens. A sustainable urban development framework (SUDF) and based on this SUDF, a set of policy recommendations is also proposed. Further research options and limitations of this study have also been identified.
Making Sense of Food Safety and Food Waste: Lived Experiences in Food Catering Using Systems Thinking
(2023) Tenywa, Paul I.; Sharif, Amir M.; Eldabi, Tillal
Food safety and food waste have many strands and perspectives; one is how managers and staff make decisions. There is limited research on food catering services, how managers and staff deal with food safety and waste, and their decision approaches. To obtain a better understanding, this research sought the lived experiences of managers and staff. The research aim is to explore the lived experiences of managers and staff to better understand their decision behaviour approaches in controlling food safety and food waste. The way forward is to conduct a qualitative phenomenological research focusing on twenty-five purposefully selected managers and staff in Vancouver. Using organisational theory as a lens, data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations. The research used inductive thematic analysis, resulting in nineteen themes. The key findings were inadequate training and planning, improper practices and customer behaviours attributed to internal and external processes and systems; managers and staff lacked appreciation for using a specific approach to support decisions. The researcher introduces systems thinking as one approach to support decision making to enhance control of food safety and waste. The implications include appreciating the interrelationship of factors influencing food safety and food waste. The research limitations were the COVID-19 pandemic, time and resources, and insufficient participant experiences. The research contribution was using systems thinking as one of the approaches to make decisions to enhance control of food safety and food waste in food catering services.
Assessment of visual performance during walking
(2023) Barañano, Alejandro R.; Barrett, Brendan T.; Buckley, John
Vision and locomotion are crucial for humans. Traditional (stationary) vision tests are unlikely to reflect how vision functions dynamically. The walking-induced movements of head and eyes challenge vision in different ways, and because of age-related changes in various systems, including the visual system, acquiring accurate visual information of both stationary and moving objects may become challenging with age. New techniques for assessing dynamic visual performance with simultaneous evaluation of head and eye kinematics may help in comprehending visual capabilities during walking, with the potential to identify age-related changes specifically present in dynamic conditions. This thesis presents new techniques for the assessment of dynamic vision: a task for studying the visual limitations of reading from a handheld smartphone during walking; a novel method, “Assumed-gaze approach”, to determine gaze location/orientation during walking without an eye-tracker; and a visual acuity (VA) test for the assessment of static and dynamic VA, with simultaneous study of the walking-induced head kinematics. Key findings from this research include: phone-reading performance decays at increasing walking speeds, explained by increased motion-variability between the head/eyes and the handheld phone. The Assumed-gaze approach shows good agreement with the gaze measures from a head-mounted eye-tracker, validating this technique for assessing assumed-gaze location/orientation. VA determined with the new test developed here is similar to the VA obtained using the goldstandard chart. This new test is hence valid for assessing static and dynamic VA. However, the dynamic conditions studied did not reveal age-related changes in vision nor association with head kinematics.
Machine Learning for improving total burn surface area estimation
(2022) Smith, Kirsty M.; Poterlowicz, Krzysztof; Thornton, M. Julie; Tobin, Desmond J.
Burn injuries are a common presentation to the accident and emergency department in the UK and account for a significant cost to the NHS. The accurate assessment of these injuries by determining area and depth can ensure the patient receives the most appropriate treatment. If these assessments are incorrect, it can result in inadequate treatment or unnecessary transfer to specialists' centres causing distress to the patient and a significant cost to the NHS. The accuracy of the initial assessment can vary depending on the experience of the assessor. This study explores if machine learning methods can aid in a more accurate diagnosis of these burn injuries which may in future help to develop models that can be used in clinical practise to aid clinicians. The initial stage will assess how accurately specialists can assess burn injuries compared to a true calculated body surface area. The second stage will assess if a new model can be created to determine the difference between images of normal skin and a burn injury. This will be through a deep learning approach. The third stage will assess if a model can be created to determine the difference between full thickness burns, partial thickness burns and normal skin. Finally, we will determine if a code can be created to extract the burn from an image of burn and normal skin. Initial results have shown that specialist burn surgeons have a tendency to overestimate burns. We have also been able to develop a model that is able to accurately place a burn into the correct category 97% of the time when compared to images of normal skin.
The Dynamics of Border Disputes in State Making: The Fragile Borderlands in the Northern Region between Nigeria and Benin Republic in West Africa
(2021) Tarfa, Usman F.; Bluth, Christoph; Morvaridi, Behrooz
African borders were arbitrarily drawn by the European powers. The post-independence African leaders agreed to maintain the inherited arbitrary partitions as discarding them would open doors for more crisis between African states. However, sixty years after independence, border disputes continued to persist. This study investigates why border disputes persist between Nigeria and Benin Republic despite available regional and bilateral mechanisms, the area in contention has no strategic value or economic significance, and no overlapping power struggle between the states and the border communities. Empirical data were collected using the case study method. The key finding of the study revealed that the domestic politics in the challenge state, Benin Republic played an important role in the initialization and persistence of the border dispute. The initialization of the border dispute was linked to tenure elongation in the challenger state while the persistence of the dispute was due to the challenger state’s resilience and dependence on policies and decisions of their previous Government and the nonchalant attitude of the target state, Nigeria towards its borders and borderland communities.
Seen but not heard: Reconstructing the early life history of the Industrial child through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of dentine collagen
(2023) O’Donoghue, Ruth N.; Koon, Hannah E.C.; Buckberry, Jo
Objective This project reconstructs the early life history of the child in industrial London using incremental dentine analysis of both adults (survivors) and children (non-survivors) within a single 19th century London burial population to investigate the effects which changing social and economic conditions during Industrialisation had on their diet, health, and quality of life. Materials & Methods Macroscopic analysis was performed on the excavated assemblage (n=514) of New Bunhill Fields burial ground, Southwark, London (1821-53) to identify those with skeletal evidence of childhood stress (LEH, rickets, residual rickets) who were suitable for isotopic analysis. Radiographic analysis of the dental pulp chamber was also performed on these individuals to identify childhood vitamin D deficiency. A total of 20 adults (20/157) and 22 non-adults (22/357) were chosen for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analysis. Incremental dentine analysis was performed on the first permanent molar and isotopic profiles were created spanning from birth until tooth completion/death during tooth development. Results The isotopic data indicated that adult and non-adult diet was consistent with that observed in other 19th century London burial populations. Evidence for breastfeeding was widespread amongst survivors and non-survivors. Radiographic results indicated that vitamin D deficiency during early childhood was much more prevalent within the burial group than skeletal evidence suggested, and it was observed more frequently in those who survived into adulthood (80%) than in those who died during childhood (42%). Concurrent evidence of isotopic physiological stress with LEH formation was observed in some but not all individuals. A pattern of opposing co-variance was observed often in early infancy, most frequently in non-survivors, and isotopic evidence for physiological stress was also observed in the final dentine increments of some who died during tooth development. There was a tentative association observed between adult age-at-death and skeletal stress indicators in early childhood, where the average age-at-death was older in those with fewer childhood stress indicators. Conclusions & Significance This research project found that early life stress was common within this urban community and was associated with negative outcomes later in life, especially amongst those who died in childhood.
Clinician measurement of spectacle prescription changes and patient tolerance to them
(2024) Beesley, Jeremy; Elliott, David; Davey, Christopher J.
Purpose. To investigate the subjective refraction techniques of UK optometrists and their influence on patient-reported problems with new spectacles. Methods. First, an investigation from optical practices’ perspective, with a study investigating the frequency and causes of patient complaints. Three questionnaires follow; i) quantification of patient-reported symptoms with new spectacles, ii) the methods of refraction used by clinicians and iii) part-refracting as a special case of part-prescribing. Finally, the typical cylinder changes prescribed in patients’ refractive history are examined. Results. 2.3% of eye examinations resulted in rechecks. Cylinders were implicated in 38% of causes, of which 42% were oblique. 83% of rechecks were due to inaccurate measurement of prescription; presenting symptoms, prescription changes and improvements in visual acuity (VA) were often not reconciled and 93% reported not measuring VA to full threshold. The change in ocular astigmatism from with- to against-the-rule with age was more than three times more likely to pass through oblique axes than a spherical prescription. 36% of eyes were found to have an oblique cylinder prescribed at least once and of these, 78% were transitory in nature. Conclusions. Subjective refraction, visual acuity measurement, analysis of refractive change and prescribing techniques were often poor and cylinder changes, particularly oblique, were identified as a cause of increasing rechecks with patient age. These are fundamental aspects of optometry, yet need to be more prominent in continuing professional development.
A Semantic Complex Event Processing Framework for Internet of Things Applications. Towards Detecting Complex Events in Stream Processing
(2023) Yemson, Rose A.; Kabir, Sohag; Konur, Savas; Thakker, Dhaval
The rapid growth of the internet of things (IoT) has led to an overwhelming volume of data generated by interconnected devices. Effectively extracting valuable insights from this data in real-time is crucial for informed decision-making and optimizing IoT applications. This research explores the integration of traditional complex event processing (CEP) with semantic web technologies to detect complex events in real-time streaming data analysis within the IoT domain. The research develops a semantic complex event processing framework tailored specifically for IoT applications. By leveraging the strengths of traditional CEP in detecting complex event patterns and semantic web technologies in providing standardised data representation and reasoning capabilities, the integrated approach proves to be a powerful solution for event detection. The framework demonstrates enhanced accuracy, real-time analysis capabilities, and the ability to handle heterogeneous data sources. The proposed traditional CEP with semantic web technologies framework is thoroughly evaluated and experimented with to assess its performance and effectiveness in real-time event detection. Performance metrics, including event detection efficiency, scalability, and accuracy of generated insights, are used to compare the framework against traditional CEP. The research findings emphasize the significance of integrating traditional CEP with semantic web technologies in real-time IoT analytics. The proposed framework improves event detection efficiency, scalability, and accuracy, empowering IoT applications with intelligent event processing capabilities. These results provide valuable insights into IoT data analytics and have the potential to revolutionise the way we analyse and leverage IoT data for informed decision-making and optimised system performance.
Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence as Enablers for Circular Economy
(2023) Mboli, Julius S.; Not named
The traditional linear economy, using a take-make-dispose model is resourceintense and comes with adverse environmental impacts. Circular economy (CE) is regenerative and restorative by design and intention and is recommended as the business model for efficient use of resources. Despite the push for businesses and organisations to switch from linear to CE, there are several barriers/challenges that need solving such as business models and the criticism of CE projects often being small scale. Technology can be an enabler toward scaling up CE; however, the prime challenge is to identify technologies that can allow predicting, tracking and proactive monitoring of product's residual value, that can potentially motivate businesses to pursue circularity decisions. In this thesis, an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled decision support system (DSS) for CE business model is proposed. The aim is to effectively enable tracking, monitoring, and analysis of products in real time with focus on residual value. The business model is implemented using an ontological model. This model is complemented by a semantic DSS. The semantic ontological model, first of its kind, is evaluated for technical compliance, quality of modelling and domain coverage, for final reengineering and re-evaluations. The DSS and the ontological model is applied in a real-world use case and demonstrate viability and applicability of the approach to businesses and sustainability via Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) lens. The results of the comparison of this novel model to the linear economy is promising with the novel model proving more profitable and resource efficient.
Developing Digital Transformation Strategy for Manufacturing Firms. Applying Interpretive Structural Modelling to Explore Causal Relationships of Organisational Management Factors
(2022) Buhmann, Klaus P.; Sivarajah, Uthayasankar; Rana, Nripendra P.; Vincent, Charles
Digital transformation represents an unprecedented strategic challenge for established manufacturing companies, but the theoretical understanding of its implications is still lacking. It is accordingly difficult for management to develop an adequate digital transformation strategy and decide on appropriate organisational implementation measures. The aim of this work is therefore to address the organisational management challenges related to digital transformation of manufacturing companies through strategic digital transformation programmes. It is based on the input of 39 managers with diverse backgrounds, digital and non-digital, within the manufacturing industry. This study enhances the open systems organisational theory approach and the concepts of temporary organisations. It identifies 21 different organisational management factors that are relevant for the digital transformation of a manufacturing company. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) has been applied to derive an empirical model that organises those factors according to their level of influence. The factors related to organisational leadership, internal organisational structures and operational capabilities have the strongest influence on the digital transformation challenges. This includes the understanding that in the context of digital transformation, a strategic programme cannot be conceived separately to the embedding company organisation. The practical implications of the empirical model on management are derived by this study as well. It suggests that the non-linear nature of digital transformation requires management to continuously embrace and not restrict organisational and operational complexity. Instead, focus should be placed on establishing frameworks that provide operational guidance, supported by substantial management efforts to foster commitment across all organisational levels towards digital transformation goals.
Unveiling Employee Crisis Communication on Social Media: Influences and Insights from Experimental Qualitative Research
(2022) Mohammad, Amneh A.M.; Tamilmani, Kuttimani; Lal, Banita; Vincent, Charles
Businesses are increasingly using social media for crisis communication messages, and so do employees. Given the special relationship with employees, organisations should pay attention to understanding employee communication behaviour (ECB) during an organisational crisis. Drawing from the Situation Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) and the perspective of employees as active participants in crisis communication, this study proposes an evidence-based employee-focused conceptual framework of the anticipated ECBs on social media during an organisational crisis and in response to crisis type and the crisis response strategy utilized by organisations. This research aims to examine the impact of crisis types and crisis response strategies on employee communication behaviour outcomes in social media. The research employs a 2 (crisis type: victim crisis or preventable crisis) * 2 (crisis response strategy: accommodative or defensive) qualitative experimental design. 36 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in Kuwait with employees working in different industries in the private sector to investigate: 1) ECB on social media in response to defensive and accommodative crisis response strategies in a preventable crisis type, 2) ECB on social media in response to defensive and accommodative crisis response strategies in a victim crisis type, and 3)Employee-organisation relationship (EOR) influence on ECB on social media during an organisational crisis. This research argues that the anticipated ECB is within four classifications 1) Proactive advocacy ECB, 2) Reactive advocacy ECB, 3) neutral ECB, and 4) Adversary ECB. The findings show that employees are more likely to engage in advocacy ECB if the crisis response is informative, regardless of the crisis type. An adversary ECB is expected when the organisation faces a preventable crisis type and utilizes a defensive response strategy. Additionally, a positive EOR encourages a more advocacy ECB.

Browse

Recent Submissions