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Sibling and peer bullying victimization in adolescence: Masculinity, femininity, and the moderating role of sex and popularityIntroduction We investigated whether gender-typed traits (masculinity and femininity) contemporaneously predicted self-reported peer victimization, peer-reported peer victimization, and sibling victimization. We also tested the moderating role of sex and popularity. Methods A sample of 2782 British pupils aged 11–16 from Central England, UK was screened for bullying involvement and popularity using self-report and peer nominations, and a subsample of 704 (52.7% girls) completed a measure of gender-typed traits (masculinity and femininity). Results Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that low levels of masculine traits were associated with greater risk of self-reported peer victimization, there were no associations with peer-reported peer victimization, and low levels of feminine traits were associated with greater risk of self-reported sibling victimization. The effects were not moderated by sex, while popularity decreased the risk of self- and peer-reported peer victimization. Conclusions Bullying prevention interventions could benefit from including the positive facets of feminine and masculine traits.
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The effects of dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic reviewBackground: Fundamental physical functions such as postural control and balance are vital in preserving everyday life, affecting an individual’s quality of life. Dance is a physical activity that offers health advantages across various life stages. Nevertheless, the effects of dance interventions on physical function, postural control, and quality of life among older adults have remained underexplored. The review aimed to examine the strength of evidence for dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Medline), focusing on studies involving more than four weeks of dance interventions. MeSH terms [dance or dance intervention or dance rehabilitation or dance movement] and [motor function or functional capacity or postural control or functional mobility or mobility or postural balance or balance or flexibility or gait] and [well-being or quality of life or life satisfaction] were utilized in the search. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023422857). Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias. Results: The search revealed 885 studies, and 16 met the inclusion criteria. The effects of various dance genres on physical functions and quality of life were compared. Most studies showed that dance intervention improved physical function, balance, postural control and quality of life. Dance intervention showed a high level of adherence compared to physiotherapy, self-care, conventional therapy, and aerobic and resistance exercise. Conclusion: In terms of improving physical function and quality of life, structured dance is a secure and relatively effective alternative to exercise. Note the effect of movement selection and intensity in the dance interventions. Dance with music may increase participants’ interest, encouraging more physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.
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Conspiracy theory beliefs in the adolescent population: A systematic reviewIntroduction While the study of conspiracy theory beliefs is a relatively new research area, there has been a rise in academic interest in recent years. The literature provides evidence of relationships between conspiracy theory beliefs and a range of factors, but the vast majority of studies are limited to adult samples, and it is unclear how such beliefs present in adolescence. Methods The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA-S format. Relevant databases were searched up to February 23, 2023, for quantitative studies related to adolescent conspiracy theory beliefs. Results The six included articles show that conspiracy theory beliefs are present from the start of adolescence, and stable from age 14 upwards, with correlations reported for mistrust and paranoid thinking. Negative relationships were reported for cognitive factors such as ontological confusion, cognitive ability, and actively open-minded thinking. Health-related beliefs correlated with adverse childhood experiences, peer problems, conduct, and sociodemographic factors. Right-wing authoritarianism and anxiety positively correlated with intergroup conspiracy theory beliefs. Conclusion While some factors from adult studies are replicated in the review, there are differences between age groups. The age at which conspiracy theory beliefs begin to form indicate developmental aspects of adolescence, and possibly childhood, that require further examination. Cognitive factors show promise for interventions and should be explored further. However, the lack of studies using adolescent populations is an issue that must be resolved for a greater understanding of conspiracy theory beliefs and a move toward effective interventions.
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Housing support services and the strengths-based approach: service-user and staff perspectivesThis study aimed to identify main themes in the accounts of individuals encountering homelessness and staff who supported them, in a low-income South-East England town. It explored whether such themes were compatible with the adoption of a strengths-based approach by the local homelessness services. Thirty-one individuals in temporary accommodation and 19 staff were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule. Thematic analysis of the service user accounts identified five themes—Challenging Backgrounds, Effective Provision, Room for Improvement, Strengths, and Aspirations. An equal number of themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the staff interviews—Focus on Trauma and Mental Health, Service User Variability, Service User Involvement, Hard-Working Staff, and Improving Material Conditions. Both sets of narratives supported the adoption of a strengths-based approach by the local services, as they emphasized service user competencies, the importance of co-production, and the necessity to consider context in understanding the experience of homelessness. Including a range of stakeholders, future research needs to follow-up these services after they fully adopt a strengths-based approach.
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Triggers, content, and enforcement: directors’ duties to creditors – where are we after Sequana?Despite their codification by the Companies Act 2006, there remain several unresolved issues in relation to directors’ duties, in particular, how those duties operate when a company becomes insolvent or where its insolvency is imminent. In 2022, the Supreme Court in BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA provided much needed clarity in this area but some questions remain unanswered. This article looks at the Supreme Court’s decision in order to assess when the directors’ duty owed to their company shifts from a duty to act in the best interests of the company’s members to one where the interests of the company’s creditors are paramount or at minimum must be considered alongside the interests of the members. The nature of this ‘creditors’ duty’ will be considered, along with what triggers it and who, if anyone, can enforce it. Although limited to the duty under section172 of the Companies Act 2006, the Sequana case appears to open up the creditors’ duty to all of the directors’ codified duties. The Sequana decision also points out the similarities between the creditors’ duty and the insolvency office-holder actions available under sections 214 and 239 of the Insolvency Act 1986. It is argued here that it may be time to consider opening up the opportunity for creditors to bring a derivative action on behalf of the company for breach of the creditors’ duty.
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The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the Niger Delta: analysing the role of local communities in the programme between 1999 and 2017This thesis examines the role of local agencies in peacebuilding initiatives within resource-rich conflict regions, focusing on the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in Nigeria's Niger Delta. The Niger Delta has faced protracted unrest due to tensions between minority ethnic groups, the government, and multinational oil companies (MNOCs) operating in the area. In 2009, the government implemented the PAP centred on the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of militants. However, the emergence of new militant groups suggests the Programme failed to achieve durable peace. This study aims to analyse how the PAP's conceptual foundations align with local needs and desires. It also investigates the level of participation of local stakeholders like youth, communities, and civil society organisations in PAP's design and delivery. Additionally, the research explores more inclusive and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding tailored to the Delta context. An embedded multiple case study methodology is utilised to examine perspectives from various local actors. Semi-structured interviews provide primary data on community experiences. The study argues that lasting peace depends on reconciling external templates like DDR with indigenous resources and agency. It contributes to scholarship on everyday peacebuilding and localising interventions. For policy, the findings recommend integrating top-down and bottom-up efforts for a hybrid approach resonant with the society being transformed.
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The impact of servant leadership on job satisfaction within Indian family firms in the UKFamily businesses, including those owned by ethnic minority groups, are vital to the UK's economy. Indian family firms, for example, contribute significantly to the nation's GDP, providing employment, fostering innovation, and supporting local communities. The importance of servant leadership emphasises the leader's responsibility to serve others and prioritise their well-being and growth. This leadership style has been linked to higher job satisfaction among employees, a crucial factor for the success of small family firms. In family businesses, both family and non-family employees play essential roles. Family employees often profoundly understand the business's values, history, and long-term goals. In contrast, non-family employees bring diverse perspectives and expertise, contributing to the company's adaptability and resilience. Balancing the needs and expectations of both groups is vital for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment, ultimately leading to the firm's success. Despite growing interest in leadership research within family businesses, there remains a notable gap in the study of ethnic minority businesses, particularly in the United Kingdom. This thesis addresses this gap by focusing on servant leadership and its influence on job satisfaction among family and non-family employees. It also explores the moderating effect of socioemotional wealth (SEW) on this relationship. This study aims to understand the subject matter using a mixed-method research design. The findings suggest that job satisfaction in small family firms differs in terms of its impact on family and non-family employees. This research offers several valuable contributions to understanding servant leadership within UK-based family firms, particularly those of Indian origin. Examining the role of servant leadership in enhancing job satisfaction for family and non-family employees in family businesses, thus shedding light on the potential benefits of adopting this leadership approach within such firms. Investigating the moderating impact of SEW on the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction reveals that while SEW positively influences family employees, it harms non-family employees. Expanding the scope of research on Indian family businesses in the UK contributes to the broader knowledge base on ethnic minority enterprises within the country.
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‘It’s a bit of a clan really, you either feel part of [it] or you don’t’. Transitioning to university: perceptions of students and staff at a UK universityTransition to university is considered problematic for students and institutions. This has led to examination of the institutionally controlled elements of transition. Despite intervention, students, and universities in the United Kingdom (UK) still experience transition related issues. This, combined with the shifting landscape of UK higher education, presented an opportunity to explore transition through the lived experiences of students in a more embodied manner, beyond the academic setting. This research has explored the empirical nature of ‘transitioning’ as an emergent and dynamic experience, and considered if this theory is the best explanation. This mixed methods case study, explored the experiences of students at a specialist UK university. Twelve undergraduate students provided photo interview accounts of their experience. Interviews were also conducted with five members of university staff and 241 students contributed through a questionnaire. Despite an ecology system model indicating that students encountered similar transitional experiences, photo elicitation interviews and questionnaire results demonstrated students presented unique and individualised experiences. These findings demonstrated the non-homogenous nature of this student population. A key finding was how friendship and sense of community played an important role in university experience, which was concurrently identified as important by staff. Sense of Community theory highlighted the significant, and often polarised, impact of sociocultural and emotional experiences. This included themes of community and how students perceived themselves to either belong, or be alienated, from both the institutional community and social groups. A further significant finding was the role institutional social culture had in enabling or disabling sense of community, and how this influenced many facets of the students’ overall experience, including mental health. Emotionally, students regularly described university as a ‘rollercoaster’ often situated in the sociocultural setting. Cultural challenges were also evident when students entered the workplace, with female students negotiating barriers due to industrial stereotypes. Findings did not support the view that transition is a universal experience, or the narrative that institutions can effectively manage students’ transition through induction activities. Students provided evidence of continuous, overlapping transitions, demonstrating complex embodied movements. University experience was found to be a uniquely individual phenomenon involving multiple settings: academic, personal, sociocultural and emotional. Findings suggested any of these settings can, at any point, impact experience, acting to enable or disable engagement from the course or community. This research has found empirical evidence to support the theory of transitioning.
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An investigation into organisational culture permeation and its impact on traits for improved organisation performanceFragmented or negative organisational culture can have detrimental effects on morale, turnover, and overall performance. Research suggests that organisational culture plays a crucial role in enabling or hindering an organisation's ability to perform at its best and achieve strategic objectives (Ogbonna and Harris, 2000). When attempting to measure organisational culture, most survey instruments focus on treating the entire organisation as the unit of analysis. This approach is problematic as it overlooks the importance of organisational culture permeation between hierarchical levels and fails to capture the interactions that occur between the levels. To attain a more comprehensive measure and better understanding of organisational culture, it is necessary to adopt a lower level of analysis and consider the permeation of organisational culture between all levels of the organisation. When leaders establish a strong and positive culture throughout it fosters a consistent and cohesive environment (Iqbal, Guohao and Akhtar, 2017). This not only increases engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction it also helps to attract and retain top talent, all of which can serve as a competitive advantage and positively influence company performance (Albrecht et al., 2015). Using a mixed methods approach and adopting the Denison Organisational Culture Survey (DOCS) instrument as a framework, this thesis measures the permeation of organisational culture through several hierarchical levels, something not typically achieved by the traditional organisational culture surveys and instruments. Three different-sized diverse UK-based organisations were analysed to provide a comprehensive understanding of potential blockages and gaps that can potentially impact company performance. The researcher’s original contribution to knowledge is the measurement of organisational culture permeation between the hierarchical levels by adopting a rigorous abductive mixed methods approach rarely achieved in practice or academia, thus contributing to the organisational cultural discourse. The study found an association between leadership clarity in defining organisational culture and the implementation of a cohesive plan to ensure its permeation between all hierarchical levels. The findings also indicate that organisational size influences workers' interpretation of espoused values. Overall, the research supports the notion that effective organisational culture permeation throughout all hierarchical levels strengthens traits associated with improved effectiveness and performance.
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An examination of the perceptions of tribalistic behaviours in nursing and how they vary in the journey from student nurse to post qualificationThe aim of this study was to examine perceptions of Tribalistic Behaviours in nursing during the journey from student nurse to post registration. There are concerns regarding the existence of a construct in nursing that promotes a structure of protective behaviours and allegiances within recognised nursing groups, establishing “Them v Us” beliefs (Rozenblit, 2008; Harari 2011). Despite the drive for a more generically skilled nursing workforce and new ways of working (NMC 2018a, NMC 2018b), professional tribes rather than being eradicated, appear to have survived within modern nursing cultures. In the absence of research exploring “Tribalistic Behaviours”, this thesis initially explored existing literature examining potentially aligned signs whilst utilising a semiotic framework. Guided by a qualitative methodology, current nursing students within the last six months of their MSc programme were invited to participate in the research. Mental Health student nurses (n = 6) and Adult student nurses (n = 6) engaged in field specific nursing focus groups and following a period of six months post qualification were also invited to participate in individual semi structured interviews. The study’s findings highlighted specific themes of social civilities and nursing rituals directly influenced by field specific tribalistic behaviours. The study’s findings led to the creation of three new themes as a result of the analysed data. The findings identified that students were exposed to tribalistic behaviours within their nurse education structures from an early stage, before being reinforced within their new clinical tribes in practice. Continued development within their nursing roles over time highlighted a deeper exposure to tribalistic behaviours and an increased awareness of field specific nursing codes and rituals. The new knowledge emerging from this study will heighten awareness of Tribalistic Behaviours in nursing and their encouraged development, along with the implications for nurse education and professional practice. Finally, the study’s limitations were examined, and recommendations were made for future nursing research.
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The race to the top: the experiences and strategies of women of colour in UK academiaResearch has outlined the potential benefits of diversity at multiple levels of higher education. At the organisational level, the underrepresentation of BAME women in senior positions in academia, particularly in professorship positions remains of high interest for academics, practitioners, and policymakers. To have better understanding of this wicked problem, this study critically explores the extent to which neo-liberalism as a doxa has impacted the career progression of academic women of colour. It investigates the extent to which racialised experience and White privilege, and early life experience impact women of colour’s career progression, and investigates the strategies deployed by those women to succeed in UK universities despite these multi-layered challenges. The study contributes to the literature and theory in three major areas. This study applies Bourdieu’s practice theory (field, habitus, capital and doxa), Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) to investigate the ‘Race' of Women of colour to the top of the ivory tower. Using first Bourdieu thinking tools lens with a focus on field and doxa allowed the interaction between women of colour interviewed and their context to be recognised. This nexus of levels in this research was essential as it permitted the analysis of the macro context by examining the micro and equally the illumination of how macro level issues shape experiences at the micro level. Second, this study also challenges critical race theory by recognising that it doesn’t fully acknowledge or represent class aspects and the agency of the participants. This is illustrated in my need to draw on Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus and capital to demonstrate the role of socio-economic class in shaping the career decision and progression of our participants. Lastly, to move beyond countering deficit views of women of colour in the UK academy; I proposed using CCW framework to help direct discussions of our participants away from their defect experiences toward their adequacies. Grounded in critical paradigm and Black feminist epistemology, and building upon Critical Diversity Studies, the 24 participants interviewed in this study share their experiential knowledge of journeying through the UK academia system by reflecting on their experience in getting professorship positions. Results exhibit the influence of neoliberalism as a doxa, class and race on their career journey in academia — from early life until securing academic positions. This research highlights some of the unique challenges confronted by this group including the extent to which the changing environment of higher education institutions and the ethos of neoliberalism as a doxa has disturbed their progression and development, the extent to which racism was endemic and remained rooted and positioned at different levels, and the role of early life and social class impacting upon participants’ decision to enter academia and thrive or struggle in their academic roles. Yet, due to strong commitment to reaching academic ‘success’ in their career journey, Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) strategies are utilised to overcome such challenges. Finally, limited understandings of academic career success and university leadership based on meritocratic and neoliberal underpinnings are questioned. I argue that current knowledge fails to recognise inherent inequalities within the university system that make it problematic for women academics of colour to achieve professorship positions. Thus, we explore prospects to (re)envisage academic career and university leadership including professorship positions beyond the dominant discourse of neoliberal meritocracy.
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Relationship of the glycation gap to diabetes and its complications, and the potential role of adipokinesBackground: Diabetes mellitus has become a global health menace and the management cost to both developed and developing countries is biting hard on the economy. Diabetes mellitus is primarily caused by hyperglycaemia and research has confirmed the strong link of obesity as a precursor of type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycaemia is a major and an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis in diabetes. Obesity is also associated with cardiovascular disease which is one of the diabetic complications. Stress which is one the predisposing factor of obesity generates a vicious cycle leading to the release of high level of inflammatory adipokines and this is the link between obesity and CVD. Adipokines are believed to have a role in diabetic complications. This research intends to understand the role some specified adipokines plays in insulin secretions and beta cell failure. Glycation is a common and spontaneous reaction of proteins or lipids becoming glycated after exposure to sugars, occurring in vivo without the controlling action of an enzyme. Deglycation is an enzyme-mediated pathway and fructoseamine-3-kinase (FN3K) is believed to be one of the major enzymes. FN3K is known to play a protective role in the development of vascular complications in diabetes patients. In the absence of deglycation or deglycating enzymes, advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are formed. This research work employed 1-deoxy-1-morpholino fructose (DMF) a major enzyme which can prevent deglycation to show the importance of deglycation in beta cell and FN3K role in insulin secretion. Method: This research work analysed glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA) a known inflammatory marker that tracks systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. The investigation of the potential role of inflammation in the GGap using a novel (and putatively better than existing measures such as CRP) marker of inflammation, GlycA was carried out. A total of 54 diabetic patients were used for this research work and divided into 2 groups. GGap negative (G0) = 34 and GGap positive (G1) = 20. 1H- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was used to analyse the samples and measuring the different peaks. Glycoscale was used for glycoproteins while liposcale was used for lipoproteins. Laboratory analyses were carried out to ascertain the pathophysiological role of adipokines in inducing insulin secretion. The laboratory analysis includes assessment of insulin secretion from MIN6 and BRIN-BD11 cells, effects of WISP1 on beta cells viability, effects of some adipokines (WISP1, eNAMPT/Visfatin, sFRP4) on insulin secretions/release from pancreatic beta cell. To this end, MIN6 cells were cultured in low and high glucose media, treated with different concentrations of adipokines, and tested for insulin secretion, beta cell failure and cell viability. Using insulin ELISA assay, the concentrations of insulin release/secretions was measured while cell viability was determined by using prestoleblue. Results: Visfatin/eNAMPT exhibited a dose dependant insulin response at high concentrations. WISP1 acute effects (incubating cells for 48hours) shows a dose-dependent outcome on insulin secretions and a reduced effects at high concentrations. Chronic effects of WISP1 (incubation of cells for over 72 hours) shows increase acute GSIS over 72hr period independent of glucose or WISP1 concentrations (P-value = 0.0025). With low glucose, MIN6 cell viability decreases over 72 hours while at high glucose, cells didn’t appear to have proliferated much over 72 hours. sFRP4 had an increased effect at higher glucose levels. The introduction of FN3K inhibitor in the presence of high glucose led to a drastic fall in insulin release with P value = 0.005. GlycA and GlycB but not GlycF concentrations were elevated in the Positive GGap group (p<0.001). BMI was higher in positive GGap indicating its link to diabetes and its complications. VLDL was higher in cholesterol and triglyceride in positive GGap patients while HDL was lower in cholesterol and triglyceride in positive GGap patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: This research has been able to show that the selected adipokines are able to induce insulin secretion. GGap positive patients are more susceptible to diabetes complications. GlycA and GlycB but not GlycF shows to be potent biomarker of inflammation. Lipoproteins particles of GGap positive patients are more exposed to diabetes complications. Lipoprotein particle measurement may be useful in patients at risk of CVD.
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The actor as rehabilitator: an examination of the Geese Theatre Company practitioner training to work with people in prison and those at risk of committing offencesThe Arts have always played an important role in rehabilitation and this thesis continues to explore that. The main focus however is the role of the practitioner who carries out this work. The thesis examines the six-month training period which new practitioners must complete when arriving at Geese Theatre Company. Geese is an international theatre company founded in 1987 (UK) with National Portfolio status with Arts Council, England since 2003. They use Drama as a tool for rehabilitation with people who have committed offences and those who are at risk of offending. A third of new actor/ practitioner recruits to Geese are not taken on permanently after the six-month training period. There is published research and evaluation on the projects that Geese deliver but there is no research available on how a performer is trained to work with the company. Geese need to intensively train someone to have a combination of strong performance skill as well as an understanding of the psychological demands of this area of work. They are unique in having a substantial period of training following which the recruit is not necessarily taken on by the company. The thesis focuses particularly upon the training methods used by the company and on the journey of a new recruit. It explores the research questions through semi-structured interviews with Geese practitioners as well as conducting structured observations of workshops, facilitation and performance work by the company. The findings allow for: an exploration of the skills and experience a new recruit to Geese starts at the company with, a definition of the elements of the six-month training, an investigation into the skills and attributes needed to be successful at Geese and an analysis of which elements are missing when practitioners are not taken on after the training. This thesis is a contribution to knowledge as it examines the intensive training period for a Geese practitioner. The exploration of this as well as the conclusions about why around a third of trainees do not pass the training is not something which exists currently in literature. In addition, this contributes to the wider research area of actor/ facilitator training.
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Prospects and challenges for empowering female entrepreneurs in Africa – a Nigerian case studyThis study explores and investigates the prospects and challenges female entrepreneurs face in Nigeria and how they can be empowered to contribute more to economic development. The focus is to understand why many female entrepreneurs in Nigeria are primarily concentrated in the informal sector compared to their male counterparts who are dominating the formal industry and how these women can be empowered to engage more in business enterprises in the formal sector, which is believed to generate more revenue and income. Hence, women can contribute more to Nigeria's economic development. Using a qualitative methodological approach, including data was collected through semi-structured virtual interviews with twenty purposively sampled female entrepreneurs in Nigeria who have been in business for five years and above. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five thematic categories that encompassed five themes emerged with sub-themes. This study found evidence to suggest that Nigerian female entrepreneurs yearn for effective human capital development, particularly in entrepreneurship education, training, networking, and mentorship, to overcome many barriers to sustaining a profitable business enterprise in the formal sector of the economy. The study found evidence that female entrepreneurs in Nigeria lack access to financial and human capital, which limits and impede them from running their businesses in the formal sector as they have mindset constraints such as risk aversion and have not been adequately equipped with entrepreneurial education, training, and soft skills such as business and leadership skills. In addition, this study found that Nigerian women have culturally imposed constraints that psychologically impede their independence, aspiration, and priorities. This study reveals that when women cross over into male-dominated sectors, they can earn more compared to the earnings they make from the traditionally female-dominated sectors. The core conclusion and implications from these limited research findings suggest that empowering female entrepreneurs to succeed in practice, particularly in the male-dominated sector, would require exposing women to human capital development, such as entrepreneurial education and training in business. This approach will promote the development of entrepreneurial skills to provide new paths and ambitions for women and the ability to negotiate their rights in socioeconomic activities. The Policymakers and the Nigerian Government can take steps towards enforcing the laws which appear to be dormant, as the policies and programs concerning women’s economic empowerment need to be properly and regularly investigated and evaluated to ascertain that their primal roles are being met. Hence, there is a need to disabuse investors' minds and spearhead them toward investing in women’s entrepreneurship. This can be done by offering more substantial tailored financial support for women entrepreneurs with growth-oriented businesses, including venture capital investment. The sampling and a single country context were significant limitations of this study. Twenty Nigerian female entrepreneurs engaged in this study. Their circumstances, barriers faced, and strategies utilized may be peculiar to specific settings and localities, mainly limited to only seven business sectors. The perceptions of these participants may not reflect or represent the views of all female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Also, some findings may need to be replicated and transferable to other national cultures, countries, or situations, as nations and regions have different cultures, values, and beliefs, particularly about women, which may have a differential impact on entrepreneurial operations.
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Access to higher education as a point of transition for mature students, an experience by which they are transformedThis thesis explores Access to Higher Education (Access) as a site of transition and a transformative experience for mature students studying in Further Education (FE) and interrogates how widening participation policy discourse for under-represented groups, posits mature students’ identity, as one of individual and collective deficit. Employing Mezirow’s concept of transformative learning, ten biographical accounts of ex-Access students provide opportunity to explore emic accounts of identity change. Bourdieu’s notion of habitus allows for exploration of participants’ backgrounds prior to their engagement with Access. Habitus provides location for Bandura’s notions of adult efficacious self-belief and pursuit of identity capital. The research employs Cheng et al.’s model of transition to map the biographical accounts of transformative learning and further informs the thematic analysis. The research design is influenced by my insider researcher status, adopting case study and pragmatic approaches to foreground the participants’ lived experiences of Access. The data collection methods of card sort and semi-structured interviews, that focus upon their voices. Contextual features, changes to Access provision and FE environment, are examined for their impact upon the transformative potential of Access, examining if FE may continue to be a site of intellectual and social transformation within mature students’ experience of education. Significantly, the findings cite academic study skill development, as supporting and sustaining participants’ return to education and illustrate Access as the site for perspective transformation.
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Measuring the impact of incorporating case study presentations into applied biomedical science placement workshops for trainee biomedical scientistsIntroduction: Successfully completing the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) registration portfolio is essential to becoming a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist. In the West Midlands, a unique collaboration between four universities (Aston, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Keele) and local NHS Trusts supports student placements and portfolio development. The universities support Training Officers in delivering components of the registration portfolio through the delivery of eight combined placement workshops. These have been designed to align to the IBMS registration portfolio and help students meet the HCPC Standards of Proficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a redesigned workshop where students generated and presented medical case studies to peers, academics, and training leads. Materials and Methods: The three phases of the case study intervention included a pre-intervention survey, academic-led sessions focussing on medical case presentations and delivery of the presentation followed by a post-intervention survey. Results: Analysing survey responses pre- and post-intervention, students demonstrated enhanced confidence in their understanding of clinical conditions (p<0.0001), connecting lab findings to diseases, and in delivering a case presentation to their peers (p<0.001). Students reported an increased confidence in structuring case presentations and their critical thinking ability (p<0.0001). All students agreed engaging with the case study workshop improved their ability to communicate knowledge of scientific concepts orally. Thematic analysis revealed that the case presentation deepened students' understanding of multidisciplinary teams. 98% of respondents agreed patient communication should be integrated into Biomedical Sciences courses and 85% would like to see case study presentations embedded into the curriculum. Discussion: Combined placement workshops are an integral part of the Applied Biomedical Science placement journey. Case study presentations are clearly a valuable teaching and learning tool to nurture and develop key transferable skills and competencies in conjunction with Biomedical Science expertise. The collaborative approach in the West Midlands effectively prepares graduates with essential pathology knowledge, skills, and a completed IBMS registration portfolio. This study highlights a successful framework for a collaborative partnership with local NHS trusts that has allowed the completion of numerous pathology placements and could be adopted by other universities delivering accredited Biomedical Science courses.
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Relative energy deficiency in dance (RED-D): a consensus method approach to REDs in danceRelative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a potentially severe, challenging, broad-spectrum syndrome with potential negative health and performance outcomes. The numerous research publications and International Olympic Committee consensus statements relating to REDs testify to the challenges faced in early identification or screening, diagnosis, and management. Like sport, dance, in its simplest form, can be identified as an activity resulting in physiological energy demands and, as such, requires appropriate energy availability concerning energy expenditures. However, the specificity of physiological and psychological demands in dance must be considered when considering REDs. An environment where physical activity can exceed 30 hours per week and where culture may instil a value that thinness is required puts dancers at increased risk for REDs. The purpose of this study was to provide dance specific guidance dance on this complex condition. A RAND/UCLA Delphi Panel method with nominal group technique was used to review the literature from REDs to evaluate how it may relate to dance. In addition to the EP, which was assembled from a multidisciplinary background with expertise in REDs and multiple genres of dance, six focus groups were commissioned. Four of the focus groups were drawn from the EP members and two additional focus groups formed by dancers and artistic leaders. These panels were used to guide the development of a RED-D Diagnosis Pathway, Management Plan and Risk stratification and Return to Dance Pathway. The dance specific pathways are designed to be a practical tool for guiding and supporting clinicians managing RED-D. Furthermore, this paper represents an important focus of this area in dance and serves to stimulate discussion and further research within the sector.