Digital Commons Network^™

Making Our Voices Heard: Viewpoints Of Staff And Students At Chilton Bridge School, Emma Etherington

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

Shared at the Power of Us Conference, this reflection explores my work as a Horticulture Practitioner at Chilton Bridge School, where I support SEN students through hands-on, nature-based learning. From planting trees to gaining qualifications in conservation, students are encouraged to learn in ways that suit them — practical, flexible, and rooted in the real world. This approach builds their confidence, self-esteem and sense of achievement. By listening to students and adapting to their individual needs, we create an environment where they feel included, valued, and capable, and where their voices are heard.

The Power Of Us: Reflections On Leadership, Inclusion And Change In Education, Meaghan Ryder-Green

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on different sessions exploring Exploring Leadership, Wellbeing, and Inclusion in Education. With a particular focus on the experiences of neurodivergent children and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the session highlighted the urgent need for systemic change. This paper offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions and research findings—including the application of Seligman’s PERMA model of positive psychology and the importance of adult social-emotional learning—and calls for action to create a truly inclusive educational system that values all voices and …

‘They Actually Made Me Feel Like They Wanted Me In The Classroom’: Reflections Of Inclusion, Katherine Gulliver, George Osborne

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This article highlights the value of listening to individuals with lived experience in creating inclusive environments. Drawing on Gulliver’s (2023, 2024) research and the personal reflections of George Osborne, a disability advocate with Williams Syndrome, the article recognises the importance of early intervention, tailored support, and educator awareness in supporting children with rare disabilities. Through an awareness-raising exhibition and personal narratives, the article illustrates how inclusion can be meaningfully achieved when schools adapt to the needs of the child - rather than requiring the child to adapt to the school. George’s story demonstrates how empathetic, informed practice can help contribute …

Vive La Revolution, Hamish Kemp-Harington

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This article was written in response to the ‘Power of Us!’ conference which was held in May 2025 at the University of Plymouth. The conference focused on how we can make our schools and education systems more inclusive for the purpose of giving all students the opportunity to flourish and thrive in education. My account speaks of the preparation for the event and my own experiences in school as both a student and as an educator.

One Story, Jo Hawkes

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled One Story, which considered how stories can help us to learn about others. The paper offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions and calling for a renewed attention to how we teach with literature and how we help children find a love of reading.

Power Of Us: Listening To Families, Tara J. Vassallo

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This article, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled ‘Listening to families’ which offered an experienced parent panel, providing a forum for discussion. The session had a particular focus on the experiences of families and their children with neurodivergent and other individual educational needs and the families’ pursuit of genuine co-production with their children’s school. The article offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions, and calls for action aimed at creating a truly inclusive educational system.

Creativity, Inclusion And Participation, Heather Knight

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled ‘Creativity, Inclusion and Participation’, which drew upon different theories to explore what is creativity and question why many people believe they are not creative. This raises questions about what happens to creativity and what is the role that education plays in developing or hindering creativity. The paper offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions, and exploring the idea that creativity can be seen as a democratic and social process. It argues that everyone can be creative in the …

A Preston Bridge School (Pbs) Approach To Inclusive Multisport Practices Within Sen, Jack Smith

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled A Preston Bridge School Approach To Inclusive Multisport Practices Within SEN, which captured the current physical provision offer at Preston Bridge, with a particular focus on how the implementation of inclusive practices enable young people with SEN to meet and achieve their EHCP targets through physical education. The paper offers an insight into the session delivered, sharing best practice, staff and student reflections, and calls for action to promote the inclusion of young people with SEN within the context of physical education.

Positive Psychology And Positive Education: A Strengths-Based Approach To Sen, Michelle Y. Tytherleigh

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled: Positive psychology and positive education: a strengths-based approach to SEN, which looked at how positive psychology and positive education can be applied to better support students, and with a particular focus on those with SENs.The paper offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions and research findings, and calls for action to create a truly inclusive educational system.

Collaborating Through Place-Based Partnerships For Inclusion, Suanne Gibson

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This reflective paper presents thoughts and insights from an interactive session delivered by Professor Suanne Gibson at this year’s ‘The Power of Us’ Spaghetti Bridge with University of Plymouth conference, on May 1^st.

Suanne reflects on how her talk ‘Plymouth’s story: Place-based school improvement for inclusion 2021 onwards’ took shape, telling the tale of a city’s successful progression for inclusion via a series of cross city and cross sector partnerships and collaborations. Matters of educational leadership and effective management of inclusive ideals, innovative practices and policies for progress and evidenced impact across Plymouth are shared and critically considered. …

Developing A Dynamic Learning Community – A Values Based Inclusive Approach To Relational School Leadership, Kulvarn Atwal

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled 'Developing a Dynamic Learning Community - a values based inclusive approach to relational school leadership' with a particular focus on the power of professional learning in creating an inclusive, high performing learning environment for all students. The paper offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions and research findings, and calls for action to create a truly inclusive educational system, led by inclusive school leaders.

Foreword To The Special Issue: The Power Of Us Conference, Christopher Lore, Harriet Dismore

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This introduction to the special issue of the Plymouth Institute of Education Open Journal summarises the thinking behind the organisation of the Power of Us Conference held at the University of Plymouth on May 1st, 2025. The theme of the conference was creating more inclusive schools and communities through fostering dialogue between all participants in inclusive spaces: students, families, local authorities, community organisations, leaders, and numerous others. This conference can form a model for creating other inclusive spaces for sharing best practice and enabling as many voices as possible to be heard.

Editorial - Conference Proceedings And Reflections, Alicja Syska, Claudia Blandon, Katherine Gulliver, James Tarling, Jo Hawkes

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This editorial introduces a special issue that documents 'The Power of Us' conference on inclusive education (1 May 2025, Spaghetti Bridge and University of Plymouth) through an innovative format that captures a wide spectrum of scholarly exchange. Rather than presenting traditional abstracts and formal papers, these proceedings privilege the voices and experiences that emerged in real time -audience reflections, presenter insights, and the emotional and intellectual responses that shaped the day's conversations. The editorial outlines the rationale for this approach, positioning it as a more complete representation of how knowledge about inclusive education is co-created through dialogue between diverse stakeholders. …

Cross-Sectional Study: Factors Associated With Having A Medicaid Waiver At Transfer To Adult Care For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities, Ellen Fremion, Ananth Panchamukhi, Kristen A. Staggers, Taylor Mann, Ambrielle Davis, Tiffany Castenell, Samuel Garcia

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Abstract:

Background: Home and Community-Based Service Medicaid waivers may reduce unmet healthcare needs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). However, whether certain groups of individuals are relatively disadvantaged in accessing Medicaid waivers is unclear.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors associated with having an active state waiver at the time of establishing adult care in a medical home for adults with IDD.

Methods: Electronic medical records of individuals with IDD aged 19 and up including templated social work and clinician notes at the time of establishing care with a single-center medical home for adults with IDD …

On Becoming A Hero: Insights From An Unexpected Experience, Christina Maslach

Heroism Science

In 1971, shortly after earning my Ph.D. at Stanford, I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the events of the Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE). Although I was not involved in the study’s design, my reaction to the disturbing behaviors I witnessed led me to confront my partner, Philip Zimbardo, about the ethics of continuing the research. That conversation ultimately led him to end the study. In this personal reflection, I revisit my experience as an unintentional “outsider ombudsperson,” exploring the psychological and ethical challenges that unfolded within the SPE. I reflect on what I learned about dissent, disobedience, and how stepping …

Effect Of Moringa Oil And Flaxseed Oil On Lipid Profile Of Male Rats Exposed To Carbendazim, Muhammad Hashim, Isam M. Abu Zeid, Atef M. Al-Attar

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

Carbendazim (CBZ), a commonly used fungicide, has been linked to adverse effects on the lipid profile. This study investigated whether Moringa and Flaxseed oils could mitigate CBZ-induced toxicity in male rats. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups: control, CBZ (200 mg/kg) treated, CBZ + Moringa Oil, CBZ + Flaxseed Oil, Moringa treated, and Flaxseed Oil treated. The oils were administered at 800 mg/kg for six weeks. Lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were analyzed. CBZ elevated TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels, while reducing HDL. Moringa …

Artificial Intelligence In Medical Imaging: Segmentations And Classification Of Cardiac Diseases, Mosa Alassiri, Samia Faisal Aboushoushah, Wassim Zouch, Ahmad M Alqahtani, Salha Mohammed Al Makwash, Hatem Besbes

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

Background: Medical imaging refers to the technique of creating visual representations of the structures and functions of various tissues and organs within the human body. AI’s data processing competencies are applied in areas such as predictive analytics, disease modeling, and the automation of routine tasks.

Aim: Making cardio-radiologists’ task easier by applying AI for segmentation and classifications of Short Axis Cardiac MRI (SACMR).

Methods: Datasets were collected from GitHub - Roboflow. Systems used to analyse and learn the data by deep learning is Python 3.9 (64-bit)) and libraries such as Yolo, TensorFlow, and PyTorch. Short-Axis Cardiac MRI (SACMR). Convolutional Neural …

Stability Analysis Of Artificial Collinear Libration Points In The Restricted Three-Body Problem With An Inter-Primary Force, Ahmed Mostafa, Mohammed A. Yousef

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

This study investigates the collinear libration points within the circular restricted three-body problem, examining their behavior under the influence of a radial force. The problem introduces an additional force aligned with the line connecting the two primary bodies. Given the focus on collinear libration points, the infinitesimal body resides between the primaries, enabling the generation of this force, whether through rocket propulsion or by employing Lorentz force via surface charging and utilizing the primaries’ magnetic fields. The research identifies the positions of these collinear libration points and analyzes their stability conditions. Specifically, it demonstrates that points L₁ and L …

The Impact Of Using Artificial Intelligence In Public Facilities, Ahmed Salahaldeen Balto, Sulaiman Mohammed Sulaiman Basahel

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

Anyone who contemplates the state of technology today finds that technology is moving rapidly. Every now and then, we find things that appear to us and are a reason for changing the way of life and work. Among the most important of these technologies is artificial intelligence and automation technology. There is no doubt that this technology has many uses in several security, medical, educational, industrial, commercial and other fields. It is used in education, health, and almost all aspects of life. Countries and government agencies have been keen to use artificial intelligence in many transactions to eliminate human error. …

The Impact Of Financial Inclusion On Bank Loans In Algeria-A Field Study On A Sample Of Banking Institutions In The State Of Algiers, Yasmina Kaci

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

This study aims to investigate the impact of financial inclusion on the banking loan industry through a field study conducted on a sample of banking institutions in the province of Algiers. The study involved preparing and distributing a questionnaire to 200 customers who hold accounts in these institutions. The questionnaire included 53 statements. The content was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), transforming qualitative responses from the study sample into quantitative data to address the issue of how financial inclusion affects banking loans. The results, segmented by the financial bodies used, showed that both the financial …

Impact Of Applying Environmental Accounting In Industrial Facilities In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia In Enhancing Sustainable Development Dimensions: Afield Study, Jafar Othman Al-Sharif Abdul Aziz

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

The study aimed to assess the impact of applying environmental accounting in industrial facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in enhancing sustainable development dimensions. It relied on a questionnaire that included a set of questions for obtaining the opinions of the investigated individuals and to attain the aims of the study. It was conducted on a random sample of (421) individuals including financial managers, accountants, and internal auditors. Furthermore, it concluded that there was a positive, statistically significant, moderate effect of applying environmental accounting in industrial facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in enhancing the sustainable development dimensions …

The Status Of The Cost Accounting In The Public Sector: A Field Study Of The Saudi Public Sector, Abdulrahman Ali Aljabr, Al-Hanouf Mohammed Al-Mutawa

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

The research aims to identify the status of cost accounting in the Saudi public sector. The research made various contributions, which included studying multiple aspects to examine and analyse the status of cost accounting comprehensively, thus contributing to the implementation of cost accounting in the public sector and, subsequently, measuring and rationalizing costs to conserve resources and enhance sustainability. It also contributed to the literature by conducting the study in a distinct context, which is the context of the Saudi public sector, given that there are motives for implementing cost accounting in this sector, most notably the implementation of spending …

The Effect Of Trade Openness, Financial Development, And Economic Progress On Pollution In Gulf Countries, Lamia Mohamed Jamel

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

This paper presents an empirical investigation into the causal relationship between economic growth (GDP), financial development, trade openness, and CO₂ emissions (environmental degradation) in seven Gulf economies from 1990 to 2022. The Ordinary Least Squares technique is employed to analyze panel data. The analysis utilizes the Cobb-Douglas production function to examine the causal link. The empirical results reveal a bidirectional Granger causal relationship between GDP and CO₂ emissions and trade openness and pollution in Gulf economies. The existence of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is confirmed through the causal link between GDP and environmental pollutants. Additionally, the neutrality …

The Impact Of Organizational Health On Creative Thinking From The Perspective Of Academic Leaders At Shaqra University (A Field Study), Rashed Ghazi Al Huwail Al Otaibi

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

The study aimed to investigate the impact of organizational health on creative thinking from the perspective of academic leaders at Shaqra University. The study used a descriptive analytical approach, with a study population comprising 152 academic leaders. A questionnaire was used as a study tool, and the data were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS v24. The study detected that the implementation of organizational health, as perceived by academic leaders at Shaqra University, was at a high level. In addition, the level of creative thinking among these leaders was also high. The study showed a statistical significant positive correlation between …

Exploring Insights Into Women’S Education In Saudi Arabia Via Statistical Data, Abdullah M Basahel, Mohammad A Yamin

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Economics and Administration

In many countries, education systems vary for males and females. Some schools are open to both genders, whereas others are exclusively for one gender only. This separation is not limited to certain regions; rather, it occurs worldwide. Saudi Arabia takes a unique approach in which male and female students attend joint classes but do so on separate campuses. Through technology, female students can participate via live video, whereas male students can participate in face-to-face classes with their teachers. This setup is used in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Saudi Arabia and other countries. We examine the advantages and disadvantages …

Chalcone-Based Random Copolyesters Synthesis With Cytocompatibility Properties, Mohammad Mujahid, Mohd Imran Rais, Omar Abdullah Al-Hartomy, Ahmed Obaid Mosa Alzahrani

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

Eight random copolyesters were compiled into a list. They were created by employing aromatic and aliphatic diacid chlorides in the polycondensation of chalcone diol. Terephthaloyl chloride was the aromatic diacid chloride that was employed, while adipoyl, oxalyl, glutaryl and succinyl chlorides were the other aliphatic diacid chlorides. The reaction of Claisen-Schmidt condensation in the acidic medium was applied for the synthesis of chalcone. Solubility in several solvents and measurements of viscosity were done for the initial characterization of synthesized copolyesters. The other techniques of characterization used were. To know about the units that are repeated in the polymer chain, spectral …

Dual-Band High Gain Circular Microstrip Array Antenna For Wireless Applications, Hassan Ali Ragheb, Mariam Hossam

Electrical Engineering

This paper presents the design of a compact, high-gain, dual-band microstrip antenna array composed of four circular patch elements. Traditional antenna arrays employ linear or planar configurations, where the feed network plays a key role in shaping the beamwidth and sidelobe level. In contrast, this design achieves compactness by nesting a small-scaled two-element linear array within a larger two-element linear array. Each radiating element is a circular microstrip patch designed for operation at 3.1 GHz and 6.9 GHz, aligning with IEEE 802.11b/g wireless communication standards. The full array configuration operates over dual bands, covering (3.05–3.18) GHz and (6.9–7.0) GHz, and …

Commitment And Betrayal In Intimate Relationships: A Grounded Theory Analysis, Megan Van Alfen Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Commitment and betrayal are key aspects of a relationship that have impact on the quality or health of the relationship. The purpose of this paper was to use qualitative grounded theory methods to explore how commitment and betrayal are experienced in intimate relationships and to explore the outcomes of both. The data were taken from a larger project on healthy and unhealthy relationships where participants were recruited through convenience and theoretical sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and constructivist grounded theory methods were used to code, generate, and refine prominent categories in the data. Findings revealed that commitment is experienced through …

Efficient Image Denoising Models With Anderson Acceleration Using Finite Difference Methods, Amanda E. Diegel, Spence Hanegan, Hyeona Lim, Hoang Tran

Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Computational Methods with Applications in Materials Science

Current image denoising algorithms based on variational methods can suffer from slow convergence or no convergence due to  high nonlinearity of the images. To speed up the convergence of denoising, we apply Anderson acceleration to the fixed-point image denoising problem. Anderson acceleration is an algorithmic method for reducing the number of fixed-point iterations necessary for convergence. It involves using weighted updates to each iteration based on the weighted residuals from past iterations, or history. By using finite difference methods, we can approximate the gradient and higher-order partial derivatives at points on the image. We then use these approximations to create …

Husbandry And Management Interventions For The Conservation And Welfare Of Captive Animals – A Systematic Evidence Map, Anaelle Lemasson Lemasson

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Zoos and aquariums are poised to play increasingly important roles in mitigating the global biodiversity crisis. However, the ultimate success of ex-situ conservation depends on animal welfare and effective husbandry and management practices. As such, an empirical understanding of ‘what works’ in zoo management is crucial for guiding success and embedding cost-effective practices. Here, we present the first systematic evidence map for husbandry and management interventions used in zoos and aquariums. We identified and extracted 1,070 articles spread across 45 journals, and examined patterns within taxonomic, spatial, temporal, and thematic categories. Studies originated from 516 institutions in 69 countries, and …