RSS 1.0University of Bedfordshire e-theses
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Investigating potential information obtained from blowfly artefacts deposited by Lucilia sericata flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)Blowflies are amongst the first organisms to arrive at a corpse, their olfactory system attracts these flies to decomposing organic material, where they can feed and deposit their young. It has been accepted that blowflies will regurgitate and defecate as a response to normal feeding behaviours, the resulting stains have been termed fly artefacts. Artefacts have become of interest with the development of techniques to extract DNA from these stains, which have the potential to determine what the blowflies have been feeding on. This information could be of use to forensic casework in cases where the human remains have been removed and only the fly artefacts are available for analysis. The aim of this study was to determine whether artefacts could be differentiated into colour groups for sampling, then to establish whether there is a difference in DNA (food source) quantity between the different groups. Flies were observed depositing artefacts both by eye and through filming, showing that defecated material can be observed in a range of colours (creamy white to deep brown). An artefact sampling colour key was produced to enable a more objective separation of the artefacts into the five colour groups (colourless, very light, light, dark, and very dark) for further analysis. Findings of this study display a correlation between fly artefact colour and the time passed since blowflies ingested food; the longer blowflies were left without porcine liver the lighter the colour of their artefacts became, eventually becoming colourless after a period of 15 days. Adult flies could therefore be collected from a crime scene to enable observation of their artefact, indicating an approximate time since the fly had last ingested food. To determine if there was any advantage in separating the samples for DNA analysis, two real-time PCR DNA assays were developed, one to detect and quantify the food source and blowfly DNA, and the other to detect inhibitors within samples. Very light and light (grouped) artefacts contained the highest mean quantities of DNA (0.62 ng/L and 0.52 ng/L respectively) with no inhibitors detected in any of the colour groups. As the artefacts that gave the best DNA quantities were very light and light, this could make differentiation from blood spatter easier as these are often darker in colour. Based on the findings of this study, a standard operating protocol has been started that can provide guidance for the sampling of artefacts at the crime scene, with scope for further developments identified.
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Object characterisation using radar signalsWith society slowly moving towards a future where autonomous vehicles will soon be implemented into everyday life; this study will help lay the foundation to provide a solution to help aid vulnerable road users. The motivation for this study has stemmed from vehicle to pedestrian collisions and this project looks to provide a solution which will look to aid vulnerable road users, especially highway workers by developing clothing which have enhanced radar reflective properties. With the inconsistent radar cross section of vulnerable road users due to their unpredictable movements, along with the weakness in radar sensors, has meant this study can address the research gap in this department. The study looked at performing an ISO standard level calibration procedure when it came to testing the radar signatures of the selected material. However this procedure could not be conducted due to the challenges in the test environment available during the test scenarios. With this limitation in mind, a much simpler calibration procedure was conducted with a known objects theoretical radar signature. Once each sensor was calibrated, a range of materials were tested and analysed to determine the suitability for this project. The results showed that the materials which incorporated the usage of silver demonstrated a higher radar signature than those that didn’t. This is due to the conductive nature and material properties of silver. Once categorized each material was soon to be implemented into a wearable clothing prototype using a high viz jacket. Angular tests of the dummy pedestrian showed there are still some scenarios where the dummy with and without the high viz jacket did not provide a satisfactory radar signatures. This was highlighted in the 135 degree and 180-degree angular tests also cementing the point that there is a need for RCS enhancement for highway workers in particular, as the high viz jacket does not provide enough support in certain positions. With this in mind the usage of material 5b showed no conclusive evidence that there will be an increase in radar signature when added to the high viz jacket, which in turn prevented the production of further prototypes as each material was then saved till a cleaner test environment was provided for use. Results demonstrated, highly conductive materials provide an enhanced radar signature with pedestrian posture and angles also greatly affecting radar readings. If the major limitations of this project can be addressed, allowing a collection reliable data to be collected, the findings could provide the necessary requirements to developing a low-cost clothing option for vulnerable road users.
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How does social media affect artists’ working methodology and flow?: an exploration of a hypothetical model of iterative feedbackWorking on a hypothesis that there is an iterative feedback model of operant conditioning in studio practice, this research undertakes field research to look at the practice of contemporary visual artists’ use of Social Media as a way of self-promotion. Using art based qualitative research methods, I interviewed and examined 4 contemporary visual artists who share work on Social Media platforms to see if their use of Social Media effects a change in behaviour within the studio environment. This research falls within the methodology of my own visual art practice and as such creates a framework for this project. My artworks Control Models, 2021 - 2023, exhibited December 2021, Basement Gallery, Bedford, and Propaganda Models, 2017, exhibited at 292 New Messages, Luton June 2018 form the basis for my critical reflection of my own work. I interrogate my own practice as well as others by looking at how the personal application of an artist’s methodology and the iterative feedback model affected by operant conditioning impact each other. This thesis seeks to identify how much the use of Social Media within the context of a contemporary arts practice impacts the arts practice itself. To define this the thesis examines: the theoretical writing in the area of Social Media; the structure of Social Media in the current social context; artists’ use of Social Media applications as both an artists’ medium and self-promotion through a survey; the thoughts of a small focus group of artists though self-reflexive autoethnography and the use of the researcher and artists’ own arts practice. The research includes theoretical research into ‘Flow’ as defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, applied to my own practice and that of other self-defined contemporary artists, to examine how the ‘Flow’ of creative practice can be impacted by the use or awareness of Social Media in the studio space. Using these means, I offer conclusions on the level of impact Social Media has on artists’ practice.
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3D inversion techniques for mapping porosity across composite material layersCarbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) are extensively used across various industries, particularly aerospace and other engineering fields, thanks to their exceptional structural and mechanical properties. However, these materials are prone to defects such as delamination, broken fibre, resin cracks, fibre misalignment and void inclusions such as porosity. Among these, porosity remains the most common defect, significantly impairing the performance and durability of CFRP structures by altering their structural integrity and mechanical properties. Traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Computed Tomography (CT), Thermographic Inspection, and Eddy Current Testing (ECT), are commonly employed to map and characterise porosity. However, these methods often face challenges such as high costs, time consumption, limited spatial coverage, and the inability to comprehensively inspect large structures or capture the full extent of porosity distribution. To address these challenges, the present study investigates the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to ultrasound data for mapping porosity across CFRP layers. By leveraging CNN, this research introduces a novel machine learning-based approach to analyse ultrasound imaging data and predict porosity distribution. In this study, the CNN is setup to incorporate the pre-trained VGG-16 architecture and optimised via the OPTUNA framework, is proposed to facilitate fast and accurate porosity assessment in CFRP layers. The CNN is trained and validated on two distinct datasets: simulated ultrasound signals generated by a Finite Element (FE) model, whereas the experimental data is from an ultrasound immersion tank setup. Four samples with different porosity levels across their layers are built and tested in the present work. The CNN model achieved 96.49% training accuracy and 100% validation accuracy on the simulated dataset, while demonstrating 99.66% training accuracy and 99.22% validation accuracy on the experimental dataset. These results highlight the ML model robustness and adaptability in handling both synthetic and experimentally acquired ultrasonic signals for porosity inspection. The CNN consistently identified porosity patterns across different layers, underscoring its efficacy as a non-destructive testing tool with potential for automated data interpretation and streamlined quality control in composite manufacturing processes. Notwithstanding these promising outcomes, this research emphasises the importance of extensive, high-quality datasets to mitigate the risks of overfitting and improve the generalisability of the CNN model. The findings contribute to the broader domain of machine learning (ML)-driven inspection 4 methods, demonstrating that advanced ML algorithms can significantly enhance the detectability and quantification of critical defects in CFRP structures. Consequently, the proposed methodology lays the groundwork for the integration of ML-based non-destructive evaluation systems, with implications for optimising CFRP production, reducing inspection times, and bolstering the reliability of advanced composite components in aerospace, automotive, and other high-performance industries.
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Getting ‘there’: the process of co-creating a good supervisory relationshipThis thesis outlines the findings of a four-and-a-half-year study focusing on clinical supervision and the supervisory relationship. This professional doctorate is rooted in my experience as a systemic family therapist, trainer, and supervisor. Clinical supervision is widely recognised as fundamental to the professional development of individuals in the helping professions, and there is a consensus that the supervisory relationship is central to effective supervision. Despite the existing research on clinical supervision and the supervisory relationship, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the essential factors that supervisors and supervisees consider necessary for good supervision, particularly how they perceive themselves to contribute to these factors. This study aims to better understand the key elements identified by supervisors and supervisees that foster a positive supervisory dynamic and the actions they take to co-create this relationship. Two main research questions guide the research: *What factors are considered essential for a ‘good’ clinical supervisory relationship? *What steps do supervisors and supervisees take to co-create a 'good' clinical supervisory relationship? I employed a reflexive collaborative methodology within a qualitative research framework to explore these questions. The reflexive aspect acknowledges my influence as a researcher, recognising the limitations of my perspective and the inevitability of my subjectivity. Reflexivity allows me to consider my position, its implications, my knowledge, my interpretations and my own reflective processes. The collaborative approach emphasises that my research is a partnership with the participants, the literature and the supervisees I work with, recognising that cultural and social discourses shape knowledge and that all voices contribute equally valid interpretations. Eleven research conversations with fifteen supervisors and supervisees were recorded, watched, and listened to, and the transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six factors were identified as essential in supervision: availability, clarity, disclosure, feedback, power and contextual consciousness. However, these factors do not exist in isolation; they are framed by the meaning-making processes of the participants, informed by their reflectivity and reflexivity. Through a deeper understanding of the critical role that reflectivity and reflexivity play in learning, I argue that these concepts are essential tools for practitioners and ethical imperatives in practice and for learning. I advocate a structured use of reflectivity, critical reflectivity, and reflexivity, which has led to the creation of a model that organises these concepts. This model, the reflect/xivity pendulum, three strolls with an emphasis on reflectivity, critical reflectivity and reflexivity, each consisting of ten steps, is a new model that contributes to the field of life-long learning for practitioners in the helping professions.
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Dance and autism: explorations of unexpected benefits through inclusive practiceIn this research, I conducted a practice-based qualitative study to explore the unexpected exchanges that emerged from inclusive dance activities shared by experienced dancers and autistic individuals. Drawing on my experience in leading community work and engaging with young autistic individuals, I generated new knowledge through dance activities and the observation of these practices. This research acknowledges that autistic individuals are unique, each with their strengths and attributes. The focus is not on the limitations implied by this label, but on recognising the diversity and potential within each person. As the dance practitioner and researcher in the study, I adopted a reflexive approach, reporting the work I have done as a case study centred on creative dance sessions. I aimed to define the nature of the intersection between dance practitioners and autistic individuals, with a focus on the unexpected outcomes and the potential benefits emerging from this intersection. While dance is widely recognised for its mental and physical benefits, my study sought to identify the specific advantages that arise from inclusive practices through experimentation and observation of the phenomenon rather than those with predefined goals and outcomes. The data I collected revealed four fundamental themes from the lived experiences of all involved: Inclusion, Diversity, Exchange, and Accessibility. Based on these findings, I propose the I.D.E.A.L. model—an Inclusive, Diverse, Exchange-driven, and Accessible Learning environment. This model offers flexible guidelines adaptable to various educational contexts. I present my reflections on teaching through autobiographical narratives and vignettes of some participants. I acknowledge that experiences vary from one individual to another and that while participants in this study shared similarities, their experiences were also distinct. Moreover, I recognise that this study does not represent the entire population of individuals with neurodevelopmental differences associated with autism, nor does it encompass the whole community of dance students and practitioners. However, the empirical findings emerging from my practical research can offer valuable tools for other dance practitioners and educators, which can be applied in diverse teaching contexts.
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Optimised 5G Network Sub Slicing Orchestration (ONSSO) in a fully virtualised smart company using machine learningThe traditional method of one size fits all for network resource allocation no longer works for various vertical with the limited available network resource to meet the increasingly rise in demand for diverse requirements to satisfy network quality of service (QoS), quality of experience (QoE) and service level agreements (SLA). The complexity of allocating various network resources to each vertical as required and on-demand has been a major challenge with the flexible 5G network. This research examined existing studies on network slicing, which serves as an enabler for 5G and aim to identify and solve the challenge with efficiently allocating the limited network resource to orchestrate the 5G network slices on-demand. It also investigated the existing challenges of managing current cross domain network resources in an enterprise network with dynamic and unstructured network slice requirements and then proposes a framework to efficiently orchestrate the network slice to meet the varying latency, data rate, mobility, and reliability needs thereby reducing capital and operational expenditure. In this study, the proposed advanced machine learning (ML) algorithm pipeline model designed for optimised sub-slicing of 5G network slice dynamically on demand, re-learning, and service function chaining to orchestrate bespoke network slice is called the Enhanced Subslice Model (eSS). This study further proposes a smart and novel end-to-end adaptive resource management framework which is defined as ONSSO. This proposed framework comprises of functions ranging from the analysis of the diversified network service on a network, to the implementation of the proposed ML-based eSS model which incorporates a series of supervised machine learning algorithms as well as the LazyPredict module to find and suggest the best-fit model, to the making of intelligent decisions for the specific network data environment being monitored in real time or analysed with historical data. It also includes functions ranging from implementing caching to improve the user experience and performance of orchestration right through to employing reinforcement learning techniques for admission control, as well as predicting future network traffic data pattern thereby ultimately adapting slice configurations in real-time and efficiently orchestrating alternative best fit bespoke network slices. This ONSSO is designed to enable and optimise processes within a newly proposed vertical called Enterprise Company Network as a Service (CNaaS) which is based on an industry 4.0 smart company. The integration of the ONSSO into CNaaS provides a scalable and optimised solution to network sub-slicing orchestration in an enterprise network. This CNaaS was ultimately used as a case study in validating the model through simulations conducted using python with MATLAB and Simulink, where different network parameters were analysed under varying conditions. These simulations enabled the identification of optimised resource allocation strategies across multiple slices, considering factors such as latency, bandwidth, and energy efficiency. Results from the MATLAB simulation demonstrate that the proposed model significantly enhances the flexibility and scalability of network subslice orchestration for dynamic and adaptive network management in future mobile networks. When compared with traditional static orchestration methods, the sub-slicing of the network slice with the proposed machine learning-based pipeline exhibited improvements in resource utilisation, enhancing QoS and QoE for end-users and reduced the risk of denial of service. This research offers a novel approach to network slice orchestration, with potential applications in various sectors such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles. The proposed model not only contributes to the ongoing development of 5G and 6G networks but also provides a foundation for future research on adaptive network management. This research aims to initiate discussion on the new suggested concept of enhanced subslice as well as robotic process automation of network slice orchestration, provide the foundation for the application model which application programming interface can be built upon and spur development on true fully automated self-organising network slice orchestration.
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Tourism and the horizons of becoming: the gestation of an ongoing posthuman / post-qualitative inquiry agendaThis study is formed of two main strands. Firstly, this thesis intends to set up a future inquiry agenda where matters of becoming experienced by British Muslim women can be understood. The experiences of British Muslim women who travel internationally will be inspected in order to shed light on how their trajectories of becoming are constructed. Secondly, this thesis will attempt to evaluate the current thinking capacity of the Humanities / Social Sciences and the applied field of Tourism Studies when conceptualising mattes of becoming for these said British Muslim women. This inquiry is heavily guided by the post-humanist philosophies of Deleuze and Braidotti. These hallmark conceptualists will guide how this inquiry approaches and conceptualises becoming, the creation of new possibilities for thinking and in how awarenesses are generated in the understanding of the relationalities between faith / spirituality / mobility / travel / gender. Post-qualitative inquiry will shape the approach to methodology, which is highly emergent, indeterminate and warns against pre-assumptive decision making before the researcher has spent time understanding matters ‘in the field’. Continuing with the Deleuzian intuitions that run throughout this thesis, there are no final, concrete conclusions, instead the last half of this thesis deals with a range of critical implications and future prospects which have been generated in relation to the aims and objectives of this inquiry. Chapter 4, The Implications, explores 10 critical pathways inspired by the nomadic logic of Braidotti (2011) and Deleuzian philosophy to create new visions of subjectivity and more dynamic possibilities of thinking within Tourism Studies as an applied field. Leading on from this, Chapter 5, The Prospects, details 22 areas for possible future inquiry. These 22 possible ‘lines of flight’ dance across the main themes which have been explored in the thesis and display the potential rhizomatic, emergent directions this study could take. Finally, because the 22 areas of possible study are vast and wide ranging, the last chapter, The Recommendations, then go on to select 10 inquiry agendas with more specific areas of investigation which shed light on how the becoming of British Muslim women could be approached through future research. As stated above, this last recommendations chapter focuses on how a selection of these insights and implications can be taken forward to carefully curate a future inquiry agenda based specifically around (i) the inheritances of Islam, (ii) British Muslim women, (iii) matters of spirituality and pilgrimage, (iv) the power of tourism and travel, (v) matters of belonging, (vi) exercise of researcher awareness, (vii) acts of living and aspiration, (viii) deficits of hailed understanding within Tourism Studies, (ix) role and function of research institutions in Tourism Studies and (x) post-human orientations towards globalisation and mobility.
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The socio-cultural dynamics of children’s relationships and mental health: an investigation of street children in PakistanThe phenomenon of street children in Pakistan is complex and multifaceted, deeply intertwined with social and cultural dynamics. Previously, the topic has not been examined through a comprehensive lens. Therefore, this PhD project was designed to thoroughly investigate the phenomenon, from exploring the lived experiences of street children to proposing targeted interventions for the future. The project is structured into three progressive studies, each building on the findings of the previous one. Study 1 was exploratory, involving interviews with 25 street children in Lahore, Pakistan, to understand the reasons they end up on the streets. Through narrative analysis, seven themes were identified, leading to three core narratives: "Born in Poverty," "Parental Illness/Death," and "Working while Attending School." The findings suggest that street life is primarily a consequence of factors such as poverty, an inadequate education system, abuse, or the need to escape adverse conditions. These factors are understood through the lenses of cultural and socioeconomic perspectives. Study 2 was quantitative and assessed common mental health symptoms among street children compared to their school-attending peers. The study involved 116 street children and 116 school-going children, using measures to evaluate mental well-being, trauma, and relationships. The results showed significant differences, with street children exhibiting greater vulnerability to poor mental health outcomes. Study 3 incorporated grounded theory to engage directly with the target population (street children), their parents, the general public, and stakeholders to determine the needs for a potential intervention. The results yielded that a holistic approach is necessary to address the multifaceted issues faced by street children in Pakistan. This approach would integrate financial, psychological, social, and educational support to ensure long-term sustainability. In conclusion, this PhD project highlights important theoretical and practical implications for policymakers and provides a foundation for addressing the needs of street children in the local context of Pakistan. The research underlines the urgency of developing informed, culturally sensitive policies and interventions that address both the immediate and long-term needs of street children.
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Study of electrical properties of nerve cells by conductive atomic force microscopyThe prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy, characterised by deterioration of the nervous system, continues to exhibit an exponential upward trend. Despite decades of research, the understanding of the underlying pathology and mechanisms of these neurodegenerative remains insufficient. Although scientists have proposed various ideas, the development of methods or drugs that can completely cure these diseases still has not yet been achieved. Previous research has focused on using biological methods to study the complex relationship between cells and related diseases. However, the study of the cellular physical properties in diseased states remains limited, especially when patients suffered from neurodegenerative diseases, the changes in the physical properties of nerve cells. In this work, we employed atomic force microscopy (AFM) and conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) to study the physical properties of SH-SY5Y cells, analysing their mechanical and electrical properties. Furthermore, we extend our work to study the pathogenesis and drug screening of related neurodegenerative diseases. The effect of AFM measurement parameters on the detection of cellular mechanical properties was studied to improve the accuracy of the obtained mechanical data. The effects of indentation force, indentation speed, lifting height and cantilever shape on the detection of cellular mechanical properties were studied, and the force curves obtained by detecting A549 cells using different measurement parameters were compared, which helps to choose and determine the most suitable detection parameters for the subsequent experiments. The neurotoxic effect of amyloid-beta (Aβ) on the physical properties of SH-SY5Y cells was studied in this work. Results showed the Aβ25-35, can significantly reducing the cell viability and altering the physical properties of SH-SY5Y cells, including cell morphology, membrane roughness, Young's modulus (YM), and membrane potential. This validated the neurotoxicity of Aβ25-35 from a physical perspective and provides data support for subsequent research. The neuroprotective effect of edaravone (EDA) was analysed from a perspective of cellular physical properties. The SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 20 μmol/L concentration of Aβ25-35 to simulate the AD environment for cells, and the cells of experimental groups were added with different concentrations of EDA simultaneously for 24 h. The results indicated that EDA can effectively protect cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells from being reduced by Aβ25-35, and also can protect multiple physical properties of SH-SY5Y cells affected by Aβ25-35. These results demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of EDA, and providing a new insight for the multi-targeted therapy of AD. Nimodipine (NM) was used to treat on SH-SY5Y cells, as the calcium imbalance was a deep trigger of oxidative stress and can also lead to AD. The effect of Aβ25-35 on the cell membrane was mainly studied, as Aβ25-35 could directly act on the cell membrane and its neurotoxicity could make the cell membrane rough and damage its integrity. The results indicated that NM could protect the viability of SH-SY5Y cells reduced by Aβ25-35 and alleviate related physical properties changes. It also could attenuate the damage of Aβ25-35 to the cell membrane, thereby reducing the impact on the cell membrane potential.
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Healthcare providers’ perceptions of dementia: understanding help-seeking behaviour for dementia in northern region of GhanaBackground. Dementia is a significant global health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Ghana. Research on dementia reveals that there has been a substantial increase in the number of people living with dementia worldwide due to an increasing ageing population. Despite the rapid increase of dementia cases worldwide, symptoms of dementia are often unrecognised in Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, there is very little evidence of research that explore perceptions of dementia and help-seeking behaviour for dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana. Understanding the socio-cultural dynamics of dementia and help-seeking behaviours for dementia in a Sub-Saharan African setting such as Ghana is crucial for developing culturally appropriate health promotion strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to explore healthcare providers’ perceptions of dementia and their perspectives on factors influencing help-seeking behaviour for people with dementia in the Northern Region of Ghana. Method. The PEN-3 cultural model was adopted as the conceptual framework for this research, which aided in the understanding of perceptions and help-seeking behaviour for dementia within a socio-cultural context. An interpretative philosophical stance was adopted to answer the research questions and to achieve research objectives. The study employed two complementary methodologies: a systematic review and a qualitative method. The systematic review critically synthesised and appraised existing primary qualitative evidence-based studies that explored healthcare providers' perceptions of dementia and their perspectives on help-seeking behaviour for people with dementia in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review employed Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical checklist for qualitative research to draw current existing evidence. The primary qualitative approach used semi-structured interviews. A total of 43 interviews were conducted among formal and informal healthcare providers. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) step-by-step guide to thematic analysis approach. Findings. The systematic review's findings revealed that there is limited knowledge and understanding of dementia in Sub-Sahara Africa. It also shows that help-seeking behaviour for dementia is influenced by perceptions of dementia associated with normal ageing, spirituality and the availability of healthcare services. The findings from the primary qualitative study indicate that there is limited knowledge and understanding of dementia, particularly among informal healthcare providers. The findings reveal that healthcare providers in the Northern Region of Ghana hold varying perceptions about dementia; ranging from supernatural beliefs and normal ageing among informal healthcare providers to biomedical models among formal healthcare providers. Furthermore, the findings identified four different help-seeking pathways: first point of call for help-seeking pathway, emergency or deteriorated help-seeking pathway, blended or multiple help-seeking pathway, and informed or advice-based help-seeking pathway. The main factors influencing help-seeking behaviour are identified as: religious or cultural factors, socio-economic factors, trust or reliability of healthcare services, attitudes and professionalism of healthcare providers, and Language barrier. Conclusion and recommendation. The study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance healthcare providers' understanding of dementia and to promote appropriate help-seeking behaviour. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of community engagement, emphasising on collaboration between community-based healthcare providers such as faith healers, traditional healers, and healthcare professionals.
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Child maltreatment and metabolic syndrome in midlife: a life-course approachEvidence suggests that childhood adverse events are associated with an elevated risk of adult diseases in later life. However, there is limited knowledge of child maltreatment (CM) on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood. This study examined the role of CM and the mechanism through which CM influences the development of MetS in midlife. The National Child Development (NCDS) 1958 British birth cohort study in the UK consists of approximately 18,558 babies born in the same week in March in England, Scotland and Wales. At intervals, the NCDS cohort was followed up from birth to the age of 60 in 2018, and information on CM was prospectively measured at ages 7, 11, and 16 and retrospectively at age 45. Also, research professionals measured information on MetS during the biomedical survey when the cohort members were 45 years old. The association between CM and MetS was examined using suitable statistical methods such as Logistic regression and Structural equation modelling, and estimates were presented as odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standardised coefficients. The main finding shows an indirect path where smoking fully mediated the effect of all CM measures obtained retrospectively on the risk of MetS. Hence, the knowledge of the mechanism through which CM influences MetS should play a significant role in the prevention of MetS. Further research is required to consolidate these findings further.
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The feasibility and acceptability of remote positive movement: a remotely delivered adapted mind-body physical activity intervention for older peopleBackground: People are living for longer, and with ageing comes changes in physical, psychological, and social functioning. Due to a decline in overall functioning, there is a need for adapted physical activity interventions. Furthermore, access to such interventions might become challenging with reduced abilities therefore, remotely delivered interventions might provide an avenue for people to remain active. This thesis aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of Remote Positive movement using mixed methods. Methods: The Medical Research Council (MRC) and Person Based Approach (PBA) research frameworks were employed resulting in a mixed methods study. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of adapted mind-body physical activity interventions for older people. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted pre-intervention to explore perceptions and experiences of older people on physical activity and the use of digital technologies, as well as post intervention to identify benefits and challenges to participating in remote Positive Movement. A quantitative approach was utilised to test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, looking at recruitment, study procedures, data collection materials, retention, attendance, and initial impact. The experimental design was conducted in two phases (two sessions/week over eight weeks and one session/week over 20 weeks). Findings: The systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that adapted mind-body interventions for older people could result in small to moderate effects on some components of physical function, quality of life and wellbeing. No remotely delivered interventions were identified in the review, presenting a knowledge gap within the literature. The qualitative findings showed that the target population were willing to participate in the remotely delivered intervention in the context of COVID-19 and absence of face-to-face alternatives. In addition, recruitment, data collection and intervention delivery via Zoom was conducted successfully and deemed a feasible mode of delivery. The retention and attendance rates were reported to be within acceptable ranges, however there were mixed views on whether participants preferred face to face or remote interventions. The quantitative findings reported that remote Positive Movement shows some promise in improving quality-of-life and overall physical function in older people. Conclusions: Older people were willing to engage in remote interventions and some found it beneficial and convenient, whilst others still preferred face to face interventions. A gender bias and addressing digital literacy and access were concerns identified for future research to address. This PhD encourages a culture of developing hybrid interventions that offer the choice of face-to-face or remotely delivered interventions to encourage uptake of physical activity from older adults. The findings reported in this thesis highlight the importance of developing and implementing tailored interventions that aim to cater to the different population needs and the role of joined up working within communities to facilitate this. Additionally, recommendations for future research have been made. In conclusion, remote delivery of the intervention was deemed feasible, a larger study is needed to evaluate its effectiveness. Contribution to knowledge: This thesis includes a systematic review that was to the authors knowledge, the first to look at the effectiveness of adapted mind-body physical activity interventions for older people. No digital interventions were included in the review highlighting a knowledge gap. The delivery of physical activity interventions over Zoom or other video conferencing platforms became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, however there is limited literature on the feasibility of conducting instructor-led, interactive live-stream adapted mind-body interventions for community dwelling older people. This thesis aims to add to this evidence base.
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Development of digital investigation framework for Robot Operating System (ROS)The incorporation of robot use into each industry has made industrial operations dependent on automation and precision in completing tasks. Though it is advanced, security problems within the robots, particularly ROS, are new challenges that pose an even higher risk because of their increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks. One of the most widely used frameworks in robotics, ROS presents unique forensic challenges through its architecture, open communication protocols, and lack of built-in security features. To discuss the above issues, this thesis proposes the ROS Forensic Framework (ROSFF) specially designed to address forensic issues specific to ROSbased environments. The ROSFF is somewhat different from conventional digital forensic frameworks, with a few differences outlined as follows. Unlike the frameworks for traditional systems such as desktop computers, mobile phones, or even IoT devices, ROSFF is custommade to cope with the decentralized and modular nature of ROS. The number of existing systems focused on particular operating systems or isolated forensic phases is on a major increase, whereas ROSFF integrates all aspects - organizational, technical, and legal. The ROS Forensic Framework (ROSFF) is not similar to all the traditional digital forensic frameworks because it addresses the unique characteristics of the architecture, including ROS decentralized and modular. Traditional forensic framework tools are designed for centralized systems that are ineffective for communication across several nodes and topics in ROS. In contrast, ROSFF is specifically designed to collect evidence across these distributed components making sure that complete evidence collection is taken into account with the system's dynamic nature. ROSFF uses decentralized logging. The mechanism of evidence collection from numerous nodes and topics of the ROS system thus ensures comprehensive data collection, with all relevant interactions and communications in a networked environment. It integrates seamlessly with ROS’s architecture to collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence ensuring that every stage of the forensic process is systematically addressed. The immutable data storage system implemented by ROSFF maintains digital evidence without losing its integrity, and the use of ROS-specific tools in real-time analysis ensures critical forensic data capture and interpretation without loss of validity. Moreover, while existing frameworks mostly fail to provide real-time capabilities, in ROSFF realtime monitoring and automated anomaly detection are made, where certain suspicious activities can quickly be marked. By the mechanism of ROSFF, anomaly detection algorithms continuously monitor system activity for suspicious behavior. Any suspicious information is marked, and then this marking allows irregularities to be identified immediately by streamlining the forensic investigation process. Forensic checks in ROSFF are also robust, including systematic data acquisition, verification mechanisms, and reconstruction of incidents. Furthermore, ROSFF provides a flexible meta-model, allowing investigators to adapt the framework to different ROS versions and configurations. ROSFF has a four-phase process in its forensic checks, containing data collection, examination, analysis, and reporting. Unlike most of the frameworks, which rely on general-purpose forensic tools, ROSFF emphasizes flexibility with accuracy, using specially designed ROS-specific tools to extract log files, traces from the system, and histories of events. This leads not only to gathering the evidence but also to understanding an incident in context within the ecosystem of ROS. This ensures both technical and legal aspects of the investigation warrant that the forensic findings are valid and make them reliable for presentation in court. This thesis applies ROSFF to real-world scenarios to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of such an approach. The results indicate that ROSFF enables more comprehensive forensic evaluations in ROS-based systems, better overcoming the limitations of existing digital forensic frameworks. Thus, it concludes by saying that ROSFF offers a novel, systematic approach toward forensic investigations within robotic environments, both opening new avenues for academic research and contributing to reallife digital forensics.
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Exploring motivation in FE adult language settings: Zoltan Dörnyei’s strategies to enhance learner motivationThe teacher’s use of motivational strategies in the classroom is commonly believed to increase student motivation, yet there is limited experimental evidence to support this claim. This action research study explored the impact(s) of motivational practices of an ESOL teacher on students’ second language learning motivation and motivated classroom behaviour in an FE college in England. Data regarding the applied motivation teaching strategies by teachers were collected using a series of lesson observations and the findings were cross-examined by two trained teachers independently to ensure the reliability of the collected data. ESOL students were recruited voluntarily and their motivational behaviour was measured by questionnaires, motivational-adapted observation sheets, and interviews. In the main study, eight groups from eight classes selected to participate. The results compared between the groups that received the motivation teaching strategies and those that did not receive the teaching intervention, aiming to uncover students’ reactions to these strategies. Results, derived from both quantitative and qualitative data, revealed that integrating motivational teaching strategies into the content and processes of L2 instruction and teaching in general correlates with different levels of motivation. Responses from student participants indicated a direct relationship between language teachers’ motivational teaching practices and increased levels of motivated learning performance. This outcome was observed following the implementation of a set of teaching interventions aimed to generate motivation.
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From augmentation to inpainting: improving Visual SLAM with object detection and removal, signal enhancement techniques and GAN-based image inpaintingIn dynamic indoor environments, the operation of Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (vSLAM) systems requires careful consideration of moving objects, as they can significantly affect the stability of visual odometry and the accuracy of position estimation. This challenge requires the exploration of signal enhancement techniques to improve vSLAM performance. This thesis proposes a vSLAM system based on ORB-SLAM3 and YOLOR, augmented with the YOLOX object detection model, which achieves an improvement in accuracy of 2—- 4% compared to previous systems. By utilizing static feature points for camera position calculation and dynamic object tracking, the system effectively mitigates environmental disturbances. Furthermore, a novel approach is introduced that leverages Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for image inpainting following object removal, thereby enhancing both the accuracy and execution speed of the system. Through a comprehensive investigation, this study not only evaluates existing methods, but also proposes innovative denoising techniques. The integration of signal enhancement and advanced denoising contributes to improved accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency in real-world vSLAM scenarios, thereby advancing the field’s capabilities.
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An institutional ethnography of exclusionary processes and practices in English primary schoolsThis thesis investigates the exclusionary processes and practices in English primary schools, examining how school ethos, behaviour policies, and institutional frameworks contribute to the exclusion of vulnerable children. Grounded in Institutional Ethnography (IE), this study uncovers the often-hidden mechanisms that lead to formal and informal exclusions. IE provides a methodological lens that traces how ruling relations, such as behaviour policies, shape local practices, often without regard for the developmental needs of younger children (Smith, 2005). By focusing on primary schools, this research addresses a significant gap in the literature. While much research has been dedicated to exclusions in secondary schools, primary schools remain under-explored, despite growing evidence that exclusionary practices can have long-lasting effects on children’s educational trajectories. Exclusion rates disproportionately affect children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those from minority ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economically disadvantaged children (Gazeley et al., 2020). The study adopts a multi-method approach, combining interviews, observations, and policy analysis. A key finding is that exclusion is not only the result of overt policy decisions but also stems from the informal, everyday practices that reinforce institutional norms. These hidden exclusions, such as the use of isolation rooms or unofficial removals, often escape scrutiny and disproportionately impact vulnerable children (Done & Knowler, 2020). Moreover, this research highlights the tension between national accountability frameworks, which emphasise discipline ii and performance, and the need for flexible, child-centred approaches that can better accommodate the needs of primary-aged children. The findings challenge the notion that exclusion is a necessary response to challenging behaviour, arguing instead that it is often a systemic failure to address the root causes of that behaviour. The research calls for more inclusive, trauma-informed approaches to behaviour management that move away from punitive measures and towards supportive interventions. These approaches not only reduce the risk of exclusion but also foster a more inclusive learning environment, promoting equity and improving outcomes for all children. In conclusion, this thesis makes a significant contribution to the understanding of exclusionary processes and practices in primary schools. It advocates for urgent reforms in national and local policy, promoting inclusive practices that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the unique needs of vulnerable children. By shifting the focus from punishment to support, schools can become environments where all children, regardless of background or challenges, are given the opportunity to thrive.
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How to do things without wordsFor this thesis there are two backgrounds: 1 systemic practice in social work, family therapy, training, coaching and consultancy, and 2 physical theatre, martial arts and other physical practices. As a starting point there is a suspicion or hunch from my own practice that systemic practice overly relies and focusses on verbal communication, missing out on the potential for change that non-verbal communication offers. This was suspected to be particularly the case after the linguistic turn that could be summarised in the sentence: Reality is created in language. Three research questions were developed that build on each other: 1 Is there now a tendency to focus on the spoken and written word or verbal communication in the field of systemic practice? 2 If so, what are the consequences for practitioners of a focus on verbal aspects of communication? 3 Are there ways the practitioner can include non-verbal aspects of communication in a useful way? Methodologically there are two main strands: 1 A review of the literature examines introductions to systemic practice and philosophical, sociological and linguistic trends that underpin and influence developments in systemic practice on the level of approach, to map the terrain of systemic practice. Ideas from communication theory are used to further investigate what is focussed on and what is meant by language. This review offers a new distinction of symbolic and dynamic action instead of verbal and non-verbal communication. Using ideas from process philosophy and affect theory alongside ideas from physical theatre in a framework of metaphors, a new theoretical frame for both practice and the research of it is developed. 2 A series of workshops with systemic practitioners and practitioners from physical practices investigated how (social) reality is also created in dynamic action. These workshops were video recorded and followed up with verbal discussions with the practitioners. Earlier workshops were analysed within a social constructionist framework and later workshops were analysed to incorporate the arguments made when developing a new theoretical frame for both practice and the research of it. Both the practical and theoretical investigations lead to answer the research questions: While practitioners might attend to dynamic action and are certainly influenced by it, this is not theorised much. The literature as well as practitioner interviews (as part of the workshops) indicate that after the linguistic turn in the field the central metaphor has changed from systems and feedback loops to language and meaning. If practitioners respond to dynamic action they do this mostly in symbolic action. But language in form of symbolic action can only ever approximate what it describes and there is a lot of potential for change in using dynamic action. Beyond developing a theoretical frame for attending to and using dynamic action in systemic practice and systemic practitioner research, techniques for use in practice are developed. These ideas, by no means an exhaustive list, are offered as a catalogue of ‘cards’, brief descriptions with some thoughts in which circumstances these ideas might be useful and video examples.
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Understanding transnational online child sexual exploitation and abuse by British men against Filipino childrenOnline child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) causes significant harm to victims, with governments and organisations around the world seeking to prevent and tackle it. To support these efforts, the factors that facilitate this crime must be understood. Research shows that online CSEA offending is facilitated by a range of sexual, psychological, and non-sexual factors, but there is no consideration within the existing literature of the factors that facilitate online CSEA that occurs across national borders. This research helps to address this gap. Specifically, this study explores the factors within Britain that facilitate transnational online CSEA of children in the Philippines by British men. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 CSEA professionals based in the Philippines and Britain, this research explores the range of factors that these professionals perceive as facilitating transnational online CSEA. Many of the factors that apply for online CSEA offending in general apply for transnational online CSEA, including sexual motivations, offenders’ desire for power, and permission-giving thoughts that excuse or normalise abuse. This study uniquely surfaces and examines facilitating factors that may be present in transnational online CSEA offending. A key finding discussed throughout this study is the role of racism, with geographical distance and cultural and physical differences between themselves and their victims providing a means for offenders to dehumanise their victims and justify the abuse. This study also finds that the media, pornography, and online communities can play a significant role in shaping social attitudes about race and sex that can act to facilitate or excuse transnational online CSEA. These factors are explored through the Technology Conscious Socio-ecological Model, developed for this research to enable an exploration of the range of factors that exist within an offender’s whole environment, including the role of the internet and technologies in facilitating this abuse. The findings from this research are used to develop a set of recommendations for government, technology companies and for further research. These should be considered and taken forward to support the development of effective evidence-based solutions that will help to prevent transnational online CSEA from occurring in the first place.
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Navigating the personal and professional: insights from global majority family systemic psychotherapistsThis thesis explores the journeys of Global Majority (GM) Family Systemic Psychotherapists as they navigate the interplay of personal and professional identities in the UK. By centring and co-constructing knowledge through their personal stories and lived experiences, this research asks: What can we learn from the journeys of Global Majority family systemic psychotherapists as they navigate their personal and professional identities within predominantly white contexts? Employing a multi-methodological approach grounded in narrative inquiry, critical autoethnography, critical race theory, intersectionality, and storytelling, the study critically engages with participants’ narratives. One paired interview and individual narrative interviews with six therapists, three of whom further contributed reflections on their interview transcripts, highlight systemic challenges such as racism, cultural marginalisation, and identity negotiation. While all participants were from the UK, limiting generalisability, the combination of narrative, autoethnographic, and storytelling methods provides rich, in-depth insights into their journeys, thereby illuminating an intricate tapestry of personal and professional identities that broadens the discourse on diversity and inclusivity in mental health practice. Findings reveal the complex interplay between personal and professional selves, shaped by systemic biases, cultural heritage, and prevailing professional norms. Some themes that emerged include dual identity navigation, resilience afforded by cultural heritage, and ethical positioning, underscore the ways in which GM therapists adapt to institutional inequalities. Participants identified gaps in training and institutional support, calling for inclusive reforms that acknowledge and integrate the diverse lived realities of therapists from GM backgrounds. This thesis provides original insights into how systemic therapy training and professional practice can evolve to become more inclusive, reflective, and responsive to previously underacknowledged experiences. It emphasises the importance of integrating therapists’ cultural identities into training and practice as assets that enhance therapeutic relationships and foster authenticity. Tailored supervision and peer networks emerge as strategies. Through the transformative power of storytelling and the co-construction of knowledge, this thesis contributes meaningfully to Family Systemic Psychotherapy. It advocates for structural changes, encouraging professionals and institutions to incorporate the nuanced, culturally informed perspectives of GM therapists, enabling more equitable and inclusive therapeutic spaces, ultimately enriching the field of systemic practice.
