Digital Commons Network^™

5-Ht2 Receptor Antagonism Reduces Human Motoneuron Output To Antidromic Activation But Not To Stimulation Of Corticospinal Axons, Jacob R. Thorstensen, Janet L. Taylor, Justin J. Kavanagh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The intrinsic electrical properties of motoneurons strongly affect motoneuron excitability to fast-acting excitatory ionotropic inputs. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurochemical that alters the intrinsic properties of motoneurons, whereby animal models and in vitro experiments indicate that 5-HT increases motoneuron excitability by activating 5-HT2 receptors on the somato-dendritic compartment. In the current study, we examined how antagonism of the 5-HT2 receptor affects motoneuron excitability in humans. We hypothesised that motoneuron excitability would be reduced. The 5-HT2 antagonist cyproheptadine was administered to 10 healthy participants in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Electrical cervicomedullary stimulation was used to deliver a synchronised excitatory volley …

Curriculum Reform In Wales: Physical Education Teacher Educators' Negotiation Of Policy Positions, David Aldous, Victoria Evans, Dawn Penney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper reports on research that explored the experiences of secondary Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) professionals' simultaneous negotiation and implementation of the new Curriculum for Wales (CfW) Health and Well-Being (HWB) Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) and policies focused on the transformation of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in Wales. The study was an exploratory case study of PETE professionals working within one university's ITE programme. Data were generated through documentary analysis of PETE and ITE programme materials and semi-structured interviews with staff involved in programme management and delivery. Data analysis employed Ball and colleagues' conceptualisation of policy actors …

Epidemiology Of ∆8thc-Related Carcinogenesis In Usa: A Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The use of ∆8THC is increasing at present across the USA in association with widespread cannabis legalization and the common notion that it is “legal weed”. As genotoxic actions have been described for many cannabinoids, we studied the cancer epidemiology of ∆8THC. Data on 34 cancer types was from the Centers for Disease Control Atlanta Georgia, substance abuse data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ethnicity and income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and cannabinoid concentration data from the Drug Enforcement Agency, were combined and processed in R. Eight cancers (corpus uteri, liver, gastric cardia, breast …

Lenses Of Understanding: Socially Constructed Meaning Making In Education Abroad, Callie Dominique Speer

Education

The purpose of this study was to explore meaning making in the context of education abroad. This was conducted through three articles exploring elements of this process, including how programs may be framed through marketing and advising practices; the foundational importance of social and geographic place; the dialectical interactions between embodied experience with conceptual schema, figurative language, and narratives; and the role of student agency within these processes.The first article explored the relationship between virtual delivery and student development as mediated by embodied experience. Through this analysis, concerns about the possibility for the creation of a simulacrum of education abroad …

“It’S Like Bluetooth. I Felt Like I Was In Rhythm With Him:” An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Ipa) Of The Lived Experiences Of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth (Csey) In A Residential Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (Eap) Program, Jenna Hershberger

Education

Human sex trafficking is a grave human rights violation that impacts the dignity of millions both globally and in the United States. The International Labor Organization estimates 4.5 million children are trafficked around the global at any given time (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2017). Within the United States, approximately two in five human trafficking offenses reported to federally funded human trafficking task forces from 2008 to 2010 involved the sex trafficking of minors (Banks & Kyckelhahn, 2011). Childhood traumas, including childhood sexual abuse and rape, emotional abuse, running away from home, and family members’ involvement in sex work or friends …

Loot Boxes And Problem Gambling: Investigating The “Gateway Hypothesis”, Stuart Gordon Spicer, Chris Fullwood, James Close, Laura Louise Nicklin, J Lloyd, H Lloyd

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Comment On: Disease Gene Identification Strategies For Exome Sequencing By Gilissen Et Al. 2012, Julia Baptista

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Development And Validation Of The Short Version Of The Sense Of Humor Scale (Shs-S), Sonja Heintz, Willibald Ruch, Chloe Lau, Donald H. Saklofske, Paul Mcghee

School of Psychology

Abstract. Humor training has become increasingly popular to enhance the “sense of humor” and well-being and to decrease depressive symptoms. Despite the wide applications of these training programs, the assessment of training efficacy has attracted less attention. The Sense of Humor Scale (SHS; McGhee, 1996 , 1999 ) recently was expanded to a long version (SHS-L) to enhance its internal consistency ( Ruch & Heintz, 2018 ). At the same time, there is also the need for a brief version of this scale. The purpose of the present study is to develop a short version (SHS-S) in both German- and …

A Meeting Of Positive Behaviors: The Relations Of Three Aspects Of Flexibility With Character Strengths., Valentina Vylobkova, Sonja Heintz

School of Psychology

INTRODUCTION: The adaptation of own plans and behaviors to new circumstances seems to be a desirable personal quality in the modern world. it has been assumed that adaptability cannot be transferred to a single character strength. METHODS: The present research examines this assumption using typical and daily behaviors of three aspects of flexibility (predictability, adaptability and orderliness) and 24 character strengths across two studies (N1 = 283, N2 = 188). RESULTS: Flexibility showed a consistent and large overlap with character strengths. Adaptability was positively related to most of the strengths. Predictability was positively related to humility and prudence, and orderliness …

Microbial Selenate Detoxification Linked To Elemental Sulfur Oxidation: Independent And Synergic Pathways, L Li, Baogang Zhang, L Li, Alistair G.L. Borthwick

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

A Neural Network-Based Model For Lower Limb Continuous Estimation Against The Disturbance Of Uncertainty, Wanting Li, Keping Liu, Zhongbo Sun, C Li, Yuanyuan Chai, Jian Gu

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

In this paper, a novel prediction model is proposed to estimate human continuous motion intention using a fuzzy wavelet neural network (FWNN) and a zeroing neural network (ZNN). During walking, seven channel surface electromyography (sEMG) signals and motion data of hip and knee are collected, and two signals are selected and processed from the seven muscles based on physiological and correlation analysis. Then, FWNN is built as an intention recognition model, with sEMG signals as input and physical hip and knee information as output. Meanwhile, ZNN is exploited into the FWNN model, forming a hybrid model to eliminate the prediction …

Crowdsourcing Platform For Qoe Evaluation For Cloud Multimedia Services, A Laghari, Hui He, Asiya Khan, R Laghari, Shoulin Yin, Jiachi Wang

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

This paper presents a novel web-based crowdsourcing platform for the assessment of the subjective and objective quality of experience (QoE) of the video service in the cloud-server environment. The user has the option to enter subjective QoE data for video service by filling out a web questionnaire. The objective QoE data of the cloud-server, network condition, and the user device is automatically captured by the crowdsourcing platform. Our proposed system collects both objective and subjective QoE simultaneously in real-time. The paper presents the key technologies used in the development of the platform and describes the functional requirements and design ideas …

An Exploration Of The Contribution Of Embodied, Situated Research Strategies To Cultural Ecosystem Services And Landscape Assessment Frameworks: An Environmental Empathy Case Study, K Łucznik, Jv Serrano, J Martin

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Since the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in 2005, interest has increased in cultural ecosystem services (CESs) research to understand the complexity of the non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. The intangible and interactive characteris-tics of CESs present many challenges regarding how to approach, quantify and even de-fine CESs. In this paper, we suggest looking at CESs through the lens of embodied and situated cognition theories. We advocate that such an approach should be applied to the development stage of CES research projects, as the embodied and situated experience of the site aids the development of research questions and future interventions. …

One-Year Post-Operative Comparison Of Visual Function And Patient Satisfaction With Trifocal And Extended Depth Of Focus Intraocular Lenses, Elizabeth M. Law, Rajesh K. Aggarwal, Hetal Buckhurst, Hosam E. Kasaby, Jonathan Marsden, Gary Shum, Phillip J. Buckhust

School of Health Professions

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual performance with trifocal and extended depth of focus IOL at 1 year post-operatively.

SETTING: BMI Southend Hospital.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

METHODS: An age-matched cohort of forty subjects bilaterally implanted with the AT LISA 839MP trifocal IOL (20 patients, 40 eyes) and the Tecnis Symfony extended depth of focus IOL (20 patients, 40 eyes) were assessed at 3-6 months and 12-18 months post-operatively. Primary outcome measures were distance (6 m), intermediate (70 cm), near visual acuity (40 cm), and analysis of defocus profiles. Secondary outcomes included contrast sensitivity, Radner reading performance, quality of vision and assessment of …

Effect Of Different Durations Of Using A Standing Frame On The Rate Of Hip Migration In Children With Moderate To Severe Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility Study For A Randomised Controlled Trial, R. Rapson, T. King, C. Morris, R. Jeffery, J. Mellhuish, C. Stephens, J. Marsden

School of Health Professions

Aim To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of different doses of standing time on hip migration rate in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method Children aged 1–12 years with CP GMFCS levels III–V were recruited and randomised to either doubling or continuing with their usual time in their standing frame. Caregivers kept a standing time diary. The primary outcome measure was Reimers hip migration percentage, measured at baseline, 12 and 24 months. A blinded assessor measured secondary clinical outcomes at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Feasibility results are reported following CONSORT guidelines. …

Informing Versus Generating A Discussion: Comparing Two Approaches To Encouraging Mitigation Of Soil Erosion Among Maasai Pastoralists, Anna Rabinovich, Vladimir Zhischenko, Mona Nasseri, Stacey C. Heath, Alpha Laizer, Francis Mkilema, Aloyce Patrick, Maarten Wynants, William H. Blake, Kelvin Mtei, Patrick Ndakidemi

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Soil erosion is a critical problem for pastoralist societies that rely on healthy grazing land for their livelihoods. Previous research suggests that unsustainable land management practice is one of the factors exacerbating soil erosion, and that willingness to adjust this practice is closely linked to community land protection norms. The present research explores approaches to building stronger community norms and intentions linked to mitigating soil erosion among Maasai pastoralists in Northern Tanzania. In particular, we compare two impact approaches based on the information deficit model (exposure to scientific information) and the social identity framework (a group-based discussion). The results demonstrate …

Theory Protection: Do Humans Protect Existing Associative Links?, Stuart G. Spicer, Chris J. Mitchell, Andy J. Wills, Katie L. Blake, Peter M. Jones

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Quantifying The 3d Structure And Function Of Porosity And Pore Space In Natural Sediment Flocs, Tj Lawrence, Sj Carr, Jat Wheatland, Aj Manning, Kl Spencer

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Purpose Flocculated cohesive suspended sediments (flocs) play an important role in all aquatic environments, facilitating the transport and deposition of sediment and associated contaminants with consequences for aquatic health, material fluxes, and morphological evolution. Accurate modelling of the transport and behaviour of these sediments is critical for a variety of activities including fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and waste and pollution management and this requires accurate measurement of the physical properties of flocs including porosity. Methods Despite the importance of understanding floc porosity, measurement approaches are indirect or inferential. Here, using μCT, a novel processing and analysis protocol, we directly quantify porosity …

Effect Of Post-Operative Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (Gdft) On Organ Function After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Secondary Outcome Analysis Of The Colt Randomised Control Trial, Farid Froghi, Vignesh Gopalan, Zachos Anastasiou, Rahul Koti, Kurinchi Gurusamy, Christine Eastgate, Margaret Mcneil, Helder Filipe, Manuel Pinto, Jeshika Singh, Louise Longworth, Susan Mallett, Nick Schofield, Douglas Thorburn, Daniel Martin, Brian R. Davidson

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Past, Present And Future Of Conservative Oxygen Therapy In Critical Care, Daniel Martin, David Harrison, Paul Mouncey, B. Ronan O'Driscoll, Mike Grocott, Lorna Miller, Doug Gould, Alvin Richards-Belle, Kathryn Rowan

Peninsula Medical School

Conservative oxygen therapy (COT) is the administration lower levels of supplemental oxygen than usual in order to tolerate a lower level of arterial oxygenation (either the partial pressure (PaO2) or haemoglobin saturation (SaO2)) than normal. Its purpose is to reduce a patient’s overall exposure to additional oxygen in order to minimise the risk of oxyen toxicity.1 This approach to oxygen therapy has also been called permissive hypoxaemia (PH) and the terms are frequently used interchangeably; here, we refer to all efforts to reduce supplemental oxygen administration or arterial oxygenation as COT. Studies have been conducted across a wide range of …

The Thermal Performance Prospects Of Courtyards In Cold Conditions, Omar Al-Hafith, Bk Satish, Pieter De Wilde

School of Art, Design and Architecture

Aiming at developing more thermally comfortable and energy efficient buildings,some studies have been advocating using traditional architecture’s passive design strategies.Among the rarely investigated architectural elements to achieve this objective in cold climatesis the courtyard space. This environmental element, in most cases, has been examined andsuggested for hot conditions. However, some studies have shown indications of its potentialenvironmental efficiency in cold conditions as well. In principle, courtyards enable havingsheltered outdoor spaces to regulate indoor spaces’ interaction with the outdoor climate insteadof having them outward oriented to directly face outdoor conditions. This research aims todetermine whether this thermal performance of courtyards can …

Early Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography In Adults Presenting With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Rapid-Ctca Rct, Alasdair J. Gray, Carl Roobottom, Jason E. Smith, Steve Goodacre, Katherine Oatey, Rachel O’Brien, Robert F. Storey, Nick Curzen, Liza Keating, Attila Kardos, Dirk Felmeden, Robert J. Lee, Praveen Thokala, Steff C. Lewis, David E. Newby

Peninsula Medical School

Background Acute coronary syndrome is a common medical emergency. The optimal strategy to investigate patients who are at intermediate risk of acute coronary syndrome has not been fully determined. Objective To investigate the role of early computed tomography coronary angiography in the investigation and treatment of adults presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Design A prospective, multicentre, open, parallel-group randomised controlled trial with blinded end-point adjudication. Setting Thirty-seven hospitals in the UK. Participants Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) presenting to the emergency department, acute medicine services or cardiology department with suspected or provisionally diagnosed acute coronary syndrome and at least …

What Matters Most To Adults With A Tracheostomy In Icu And The Implications For Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Systematic Review And Metasynthesis, Helen Newman, Gemma Clunie, Sarah Wallace, Christina Smith, Daniel Martin, Natalie Pattison

Peninsula Medical School

Purpose Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure in ICU. Whilst often life-saving, it can have important impacts on patients. Much of the literature on tracheostomy focuses on timing and technique of insertion, risk factors and complications. More knowledge of patient experience of tracheostomy in ICU is needed to support person-centred care. Materials and methods Qualitative systematic review and metasynthesis of the literature on adult experience of tracheostomy in ICU. Comprehensive search of four bibliographic databases and grey literature. Title and abstract screening and full text eligibility was completed independently by two reviewers. Metasynthesis was achieved using thematic synthesis, supported by …

Development And Evaluation Of A Collaborative Care Intervention For Male Prison Leavers With Mental Health Problems: The Engager Research Programme, Richard Byng, Charlotte Lennox, Tim Kirkpatrick, Cath Quinn, Rob Anderson, Sarah Louise Brand, Lynne Callaghan, Lauren Carroll, Graham Durcan, Laura Gill, Sara Goodier, Jonathan Graham, Rebecca Greer, Mark Haddad, Tirril Harris, William Henley, Rachael Hunter, Mike Maguire, Sarah Leonard, Susan Michie, Christabel Owens, Mark Pearson, Sarah Rybczynska-Bunt, Caroline Stevenson, Amy Stewart, Alex Stirzaker, Rod Taylor, Roxanne Todd, Florian Walter, Fiona C. Warren, Lauren Weston, Nat Wright, Jenny Shaw

Peninsula Medical School

Background Many male prison leavers have significant mental health problems. Prison leavers often have a history of trauma, ongoing substance misuse and housing insecurity. Only a minority of prison leavers receive mental health care on release from prison. Objectives The aim of the Engager research programme was to develop and evaluate a theory- and evidence-informed complex intervention designed to support individuals with common mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, depression) and other complex needs, including mental health comorbidity, before and after release from prison. Methods In phase 1, the intervention was developed through a set of realist-informed substudies, including a realist …

Simulation Of Heritage Buildings: The Duke Of Bedford's Cottages In West Devon, Jack Morewood, Pieter De Wilde

School of Art, Design and Architecture

Building performance simulation (BPS) is used to select and justify an energy-saving retrofit for the Duke of Bedford's cottages, aiming to improve performance sufficiently within the cottages' constraints, which include conservation concerns plus wider practical and economic constraints. Building data is passed from a building information model (BIM). Building energy simulation (BES) and hygrothermal modelling obtain results in the performance attributes of energy efficiency, thermal comfort and damp risk. Parametric analysis assesses performance ranges and sensitivity to long-term climate uncertainties. Moderate fabric upgrades, including window replacement and an insulating plaster, perform best within their constraints. Long-term, a heat pump is …

Water Table Depth Modulates Productivity And Biomass Across Amazonian Forests, Thaiane R. Sousa, Juliana Schietti, Io Ribeiro, Thaise Emílio, Rafael Herrera Fernández, Steege H Ter, Carolina V. Castilho, A Esquivel‐Muelbert, Timothy Baker, A Pontes‐Lopes, Cvj Silva, Jm Silveira, Géraldine Derroire, Wendeson Castro, Am Mendoza, Ademir Ruschel, Adriana Prieto, Adriano José Nogueira Lima, Agustín Rudas, A Araujo‐Murakami, Alexander Parada Gutierrez, Ana Andrade, Anand Roopsind, Angelo Gilberto Manzatto, Fiore A Di, A Torres‐Lezama, Aurélie Dourdain, B Marimon, Bh Marimon, Benoit Burban

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Aim: Water availability is the major driver of tropical forest structure and dynamics. Most research has focused on the impacts of climatic water availability, whereas remarkably little is known about the influence of water table depth and excess soil water on forest processes. Nevertheless, given that plants take up water from the soil, the impacts of climatic water supply on plants are likely to be modulated by soil water conditions. Location: Lowland Amazonian forests. Time period: 1971–2019. Methods: We used 344 long-term inventory plots distributed across Amazonia to analyse the effects of long-term climatic and edaphic water supply on forest …

Covid Lockdowns In The Uk: Estimating Their Effects On Transmission, Emily Prestige, Julian Stander, Yinghui Wei

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Complex Urban Environments Provide Apis Mellifera With A Richer Plant Forage Than Suburban And More Rural Landscapes, Graeme Fox, Latha R. Vellaniparambil, Loreto Ros, Joshua Sammy, Richard F. Preziosi, Jennifer K. Rowntree

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Growth in the global development of cities, and increasing public interest in beekeeping, has led to increase in the numbers of urban apiaries. Towns and cities can provide an excellent diet for managed bees, with a diverse range of nectar and pollen available throughout a long flowering season, and are often more ecologically diverse than the surrounding rural environments. Accessible urban honeybee hives are a valuable research resource to gain insights into the diet and ecology of wild pollinators in urban settings. We used DNA metabarcoding of the rbcL and ITS2 gene regions to characterize the pollen community in Apis …

Emotions, Psychological Safety And Recommendations For Designing Remediation Programmes, Nicola Brennan

Peninsula Medical School

This commentary presents emotion recognition and enabling psychological safety as crucial in the design of effective remediation programmes.

Invasive Coronary Angiography As A Tool In Cardiac Evaluation For Liver Transplant Candidates, Js Nayagam, Bc Norton, S Belete, J Rosinhas, K Ramos, Me Cramp, R O'Kane, Wj Cash, Z Milan, C Nicholson, K Menon, A Prachalias, P Srinivasan, G Auzinger, J Byrne, Pa Maccarthy, N Melikian, K Agarwal, Vr Aluvihare, D Joshi, Ma Heneghan

Peninsula Medical School

Background Cardiovascular assessment is central to evaluation of liver transplant (LT) candidates. However, there is a lack of consensus on the diagnostic algorithm for screening for coronary artery disease (CAD), and the place for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) remains undefined. Methods We retrospectively analysed 1201 adults who underwent elective LT assessment over a 5-year period. For patients who underwent LT, survival data to 5 years post-LT was collected. Results ICA was performed in 259 (21.6%): 134 no CAD, 58 mild, 33 moderate, and 34 severe. Detection of CAD was associated with age (OR 1.08, P < 0.01), current smoking (OR 4.92, P < 0.01) and prior CAD (OR 8.93, P < 0.001). Poor performance on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was associated with age (OR 1.02, P < .05) and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.54, P < 0.05). 122 (10.2%) patients were declined due to severity of cardiovascular disease. 169/779 (21.7%) patients listed for LT had undergone ICA, and CAD was present in 73/169 (43.2%). The non-risk-adjusted all-cause post-LT 5-year survival was 82.6%, with no difference in survival in those with and without CAD on ICA. In patients with CAD, diabetes was associated with reduced survival (OR 3.78, P < 0.05). Conclusions Multi-modality cardiac evaluation is useful in high-risk patients undergoing LT assessment. ICA can be used with non-invasive assessments and risk factors to delineate candidacy. In selected patients with CAD, LT has been undertaken with comparable post-LT survival.