Theses: Recent submissions
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Organisational Culture and The Development of Digital Competencies: Experiences of Employees in Nigerian Upstream Oil and Gas CompaniesIn 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.
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Making Sense of Food Safety and Food Waste: Lived Experiences in Food Catering Using Systems ThinkingFood 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.
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Firm growth, innovation and access to finance: Evidence from European SMEsThis 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.
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Ecological footprint as an indicator of national and city level sustainability. A case study of Bangladesh with a focus on NarayanganjThis 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.
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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 sinusThe 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.
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Assessment of visual performance during walkingVision 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.
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Machine Learning for improving total burn surface area estimationBurn 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.
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The Dynamics of Border Disputes in State Making: The Fragile Borderlands in the Northern Region between Nigeria and Benin Republic in West AfricaAfrican 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.
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Seen but not heard: Reconstructing the early life history of the Industrial child through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of dentine collagenObjective 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.
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Clinician measurement of spectacle prescription changes and patient tolerance to themPurpose. 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.
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Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence as Enablers for Circular EconomyThe 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.
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A Semantic Complex Event Processing Framework for Internet of Things Applications. Towards Detecting Complex Events in Stream ProcessingThe 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.
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Developing Digital Transformation Strategy for Manufacturing Firms. Applying Interpretive Structural Modelling to Explore Causal Relationships of Organisational Management FactorsDigital 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.
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Unveiling Employee Crisis Communication on Social Media: Influences and Insights from Experimental Qualitative ResearchBusinesses 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.
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Unravelling the causal associations and path dependencies between Foreign Direct Investment and social development: the case of PanamaAcademics have majorly explored the positive and negative economic spillover and linkages effects of FDI on economic growth, local wages, productivity and technological knowledge. Nonetheless, alternative benefits induced by FDI on social development have been neglected to be explored in-depth, constraining scholarly contributions to welfare economics. Although preceding works have studied social development factors, they traditionally have been addressed as either positive, negative or neutral in different pockets of academic literature. Moreover, none of them offers a robust empirical/structural framework linking FDI and social development. Panel data figures of MNEs classified as FDI recipients in the Republic of Panama are employed in proposing an empirical/structural framework explanatory of the bidirectional association and causal mechanisms between FDI and social development, using the Social Progress Index as a proxy, moderated by proxy variables of productive linkages and household income. A lop-sided circle, negatively inclined on the association flowing from social development to FDI, is suggested to exist. A ‘weak’ positive effect of FDI on social development is found, supported by a locked-in stable loop of FDI yearly feeding on MNEs profit’s reinvestments. Social development is also found to be in a locked-in stable loop, directly exerting a ‘strongly negative’ impact on FDI, which suggests being a constraining determinant for the country to attract ‘green field’ FDI. The empirical/structural framework herein proposed aims to guide future academic research in welfare economics and also serve policymakers in Panama for understanding and structuring national policies to unlock the self-reinforcing path dependency mechanisms preventing social development potential from being unleashed.
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Identity Politics, Indigene-Settler Dynamics and their Implications for Democracy in Jos, NigeriaThis thesis examines the politics of identity construction in contemporary Jos, Nigeria, over a 30-year period (1991-2021). It focuses on the narratives surrounding the Jos City conflict, which primarily revolve around identity issues. While previous literature mainly explores the conflict along ethnic, religious, and ethnoreligious lines, recent discussions have shifted towards the indigene-settler divide. In navigating resource distribution, groups strategically adopt identities to access influence, resulting in the construction and reconstruction of identities. The macro-level conflict involves the Hausa-Fulani against the Berom, Anaguta, and Afizere, while micro-level dynamics emerge among indigenous groups, centring on territory, government participation, and leadership. Identity choices often exploit minority sentiments and target the scope of support and acceptability, drawing attention to discrimination in exclusionary indigeneity politics. Histories of internal migration significantly contribute to the Jos City conflict, with spillover effects in other parts of Nigeria, impacting democracy and democratization processes. To address the conflict's root causes, the government has established panels and commissions. Through qualitative methods and case studies involving 63 participants, this study highlights historical narratives of migration, inheritance, place claims, and place naming. These claims fuel the prominence of identity politics in daily discourse. The thesis provides empirical contributions to our understanding of Jos' politics, filling a significant knowledge gap.
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Can development initiatives reduce the recruitment of adolescents to organised crime groups? Perspectives of the recipients of the Prospera Conditional Cash Transfer Programme in MexicoThis thesis explores the role of Development policy as an alternative to the traditional public security focused strategies for tackling organised crime violence in Latin America and the Caribbean. To do so, it builds bridges between the academic literature of criminology and development. It examines the public experiences of insecurity in Mexico and the social impacts of a development initiative, the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme in two municipalities in Mexico. The thesis poses questions about the impacts of Development initiatives upon organised crime violence from the perspectives of those living within areas affected by violence. The CCT programmes seek to address poverty in the short and long-term and research has begun to explore the potential of these programmes to diminish violence and crime, almost exclusively from a quantitative research approach, whereas this study adopts a qualitative design. This research is based on data gathered through interviews, observations, and focus groups to examine the perspectives and experiences of current and former CCT recipients, CCT administrators, public security officials, members of the public, NGO leads, and ex-gang affiliated individuals. This micro-level qualitative methodology adopted in this research contrasts the almost exclusively macro-level, econometric evaluations which have dominated CCT and organised crime research. The findings demonstrated that respondents perceived CCTs as significant in reducing the propensity of young men participating in organised crime violence in their localities. The perspectives of participants in this study provided enough evidence to overturn a common narrative of ‘prevention doesn’t work’ and suggest that in each of the areas targeted by the study there is potential for a reduction of organised crime rooted in development initiatives according to respondents.
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Doing the ‘right’ thing: A sociological exploration of pro-social behaviour by independent witnessesIndividual pro-social behaviour has been explored by academics and others in a variety of situations and contexts. Why people act selflessly on behalf of strangers is an intriguing topic and has not been studied in the specific context of the Crown courts before. This study has three phases. The first allows independent witnesses to describe their emotions, decision-making and motivations for taking part in the criminal justice process where there is no overt benefit for themselves to do so. The study identifies three key points in the witnesses’ journey through the process and tests the reactions of the witnesses at these points. This approach allows any changes in their thinking to be recorded and analysed. The second phase of the research asks other participants who have not been witnesses to imagine themselves becoming aware of three different scenarios where a violent crime is occurring. These participants are asked to think about their reactions to each scenario, and if they expect themselves to act as witnesses, asks what their motivations would be. The imagining witnesses’ reflections are compared to those of the real witnesses from Phase 1. Finally, phase three disseminates the results from phases one and two to senior professionals working in the criminal justice sector. Their thoughts and suggestions are also applied to the results to identify and encourage best practise.
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Investigation of a Novel Formulation from Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and Antioxidant (Selenium) in Malignant Melanoma CellsIntroduction: Malignant Melanoma (MM), caused by UV radiation-induced DNA damage, is the most invasive form of skin cancer and has an increasing incidence worldwide. The hallmarks of MM include the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and excessive proliferation of tumour cells. Many treatments are available or under investigation as anticancer therapeutics such as cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy and nanotechnology-based strategies but they all have severe complications and side effects that limit their wider use. Methods: The present in vitro study has evaluated the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of Se and CBSC-derived exosomes, individually and in combination, on lymphocytes from MM patients and healthy controls, and on the CHL-1 melanoma cell line. The comet assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were used to measure genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively, in all cell types. Molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects were explored using transcriptional and protein expression profiling of key cell cycle and apoptosis genes, by employing the RT qPCR and Western blotting techniques. Conclusion: Selenium displays antioxidant and genoprotective effects in human lymphocytes, especially in MM patients. Both Se (10 μM) and CBSC-derived exosomes (120 μL) are well tolerated in lymphocytes, but show significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity towards the CHL-1 cell line, with combined administration exhibiting a synergistic effect.
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The Geochemistry of Submerged Marine Landscapes: Lipid, Isotopic and Inorganic composition of Sediment Cores from the Palaeo-landscape of DoggerlandTen thousand years ago Great Britain was a part of the European continent, where the surface of the North Sea was about 70 metres below present sea level. The large, prehistoric submerged landmass that connected the island of Great Britain to the European continent is now widely known as Doggerland. 85 samples from six different cores, which were collected from this prehistoric landscape, were studied using multi proxy -organic and inorganic- geochemical methods. Thermal analysis determined the organic matter and carbonate content, which were utilized as characterizing indices, dividing each core into various depositional units. In addition, lipid analysis studying three sets of biomarkers (n-alkanes, fatty acids and sterols), was used to distinguish between various depositional environments, especially between terrestrial and aquatic. Furthermore, the cores were mineralogically analysed using the detected clay and non-clay minerals as depositional indicators; significant states such as high and low energy environments, palaeosoil, type of weathering and stone types were identified and used to recognize any mineralogical and thus depositional alteration. Finally, the sulfur isotope analysis identified different sources of sulfur, which were then used as environmental distinguishing proxies. An integration of these analytical results provided a detailed geochemical history of each core; importantly, a Storegga tsunami deposit was detected in core ELF01A. The primary contribution of this thesis was establishing an analytical approach using combined results from a range of analytical methods. The established approach can be used to study the depositional settings for any cored sediments.