Wolverhampton Intellectual Repository and E-Theses
WIRE is the open access repository for research publications and outputs by researchers based at the University of Wolverhampton.
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Recent Submissions
Item Optimizing a photon absorber using conformal cooling channels and additive manufacturing in copper(International Union of Crystallography, 2025-05-13)Many of the 70 synchrotron facilities worldwide are undergoing upgrades to their infrastructure to meet a growing demand for increased beam brightness with nanometre-level stability. These upgrades increase the mechanical and thermal challenges faced by beamline components, creating opportunities to apply novel methodologies and manufacturing processes to optimize hardware performance and beam accuracy. Absorbers are important beamline components that rely on water-cooled channels to absorb thermal energy from excess light caused by synchrotron radiation or photon beams created by insertion devices, all within a limited volume, to protect downstream equipment and ensure safe, reliable operation. Additive manufacturing (AM) has been shown to meet criteria relevant to synchrotron environments like leak tightness and vacuum compatibility. However, there is a research gap on the heat transfer and pressure drop impact of different AM conformal cooling channel geometries, as well as the print quality of AM copper parts using low-power infrared lasers and their compliance with absorber requirements. In this study, an intermediate model of a Diamond Light Source photon absorber was optimized to incorporate AM conformal cooling channels, leading to two concept designs named `Horizontal' and `Coil'. When compared with the baseline design, the lightweight Horizontal concept performed the best in this study, with simulations showing a maximum temperature drop of 11%, a calculated pressure drop reduction of 82%, a mass reduction of 86%, and the consolidation of 21 individually brazed pipes into a single manifold. The AM print quality and compliance with the synchrotron environment was examined by producing custom benchmark artefacts and measuring their surface roughness, dimensional accuracy and porosity levels, which are characteristics that can affect heat absorption, structural integrity, thermal conductivity and vacuum performance. The study demonstrates the benefits and addresses outstanding challenges in reducing thermal fatigue, as well as the size, vibrations and energy consumption of AM absorbers.Item Pseudo [M(II)7] (M = Co, Ni and Zn) metallocalix[6]arene hosts encapsulate a range of organic guest molecules in the solid state(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-05-13)We present the successful encapsulation of a number small organic guest moieties within the molecular cavities of pseudo [M7] (M = Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) metallocalix[6]arene hosts and include the complexes [(2-fur)Zn(II)7(OMe)6(L)6](NO3)2.3H2O (1), [(3-fur)Co(II)7(OH)6(L)6](NO3)2 .4.5H2O (6), [(bzal)Zn(II)7(OMe)6(L)6](NO3)2.5H2O (7), [(2-acetylfuran)⊂[Ni(II)7(OMe)6L6(NO3)2].3H2O (12) and [(coumarin)⊂[Ni(II)7(OH)6(L)6(NO3)2.3H2O (20) (where LH = 2-Methoxy-6-[(E)-(methylimino)methyl]phenol). Guest inclusion of the species 2- and 3-furaldehyde, benzaldehyde, 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde, 2-acetylfuran, acetophenone, 1-indanone and coumarin was evidenced through a combination of FT-IR, solid state NMR, X-ray diffraction studies and TGA measurements. Guest packing coefficients were produced for a cross-section of these materials to give values ranging from 34% (in [(3-Fur)Ni(II)7(OH)6(L)6](NO3)2.3H2O (5)) to 75% (in [(2-acetylfuran)⊂[Co(II)7(OMe)6(L)6](NO3)2.7H2O (13)).Item Is reducing weight categories the correct decision? The case of judo athletes with visual impairments under new categories(Taylor & Francis, 2025-12-31)Purpose: This study examines the impact of the new weight categorization for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games on performance outcomes in judo athletes with visual impairments, focusing on body mass. Design: Data from 146 para athletes (78 males, 68 females) were analysed, assessing body mass and performance outcomes (win ratio, scoring index, standing variability, and groundwork variability) across the new weight categories. Two-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation were used to assess differences and relationships with the level at 5%. Findings: Body mass did not significantly differ between the J1 and J2 classes, except in the female heavyweight category (p=0.034). A positive correlation between body mass and performance outcomes (r=0.49-0.61; p<0.05) was found in the male middleweight category, suggesting that para athletes near the upper weight limit may have an advantage. The unification of categories, such as half-lightweight and half-middleweight, may disadvantage para athletes previously placed in separate divisions. Practical Implications: Reducing the number of weight categories may affect equity and performance outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects. Originality: This study offers unique insights into the impact of weight categorization changes on performance and fairness in Paralympic judo, providing valuable data for future considerations in weight class modifications.Item A process evaluation of the Walking in ScHools (WISH) study using the RE-AIM framework(BMC, 2025-03-03)Background: Physical inactivity in adolescents is a major public health issue. Schools are important settings for physical activity interventions. The WISH Study was a peer-led, school-based walking intervention that aimed to increase physical activity levels of adolescent girls. This study uses the RE-AIM Framework to present the process evaluation of the WISH Study with a focus on factors that affected participation, motivation, and enjoyment of the intervention. Methods: Pupils (n589 12–14 years) were recruited from 18 schools in the border region of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In intervention schools (n9), older pupils (15–18 years) were trained as walk leaders and led pupils (12–14 years) in brisk walks (10–15 min) during the school day, across the school year (2021-22). Questionnaires to measure self-efficacy for walking and physical activity, health-related quality of life and reasons for engaging in physical activity were administered throughout the intervention. At the end of the intervention focus groups were held with pupils, and interviews conducted with teachers and walk leaders. Attendance at walks was monitored by walk leaders. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis. Themes were reported under RE-AIM indicators (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance). Results: Pupils in the intervention schools (n286) were representative of adolescent girls in Northern Ireland and Ireland, in terms of their activity level. At baseline, 15% of these pupils met the recommended physical activity guidelines of 60 min moderate-vigorous physical activity per day, as measured by accelerometers. The total number of walks reported per school ranged from 2 to 104 across intervention schools. One quarter of pupils (n74, 26%) never attended a walk and 15% (n23) of walk leaders did not lead a walk. Pupils and walk leaders self-reported improvements in their physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships, and walk leaders reported gaining transferrable skills. Implementation was aided by school support in some schools, although barriers such as COVID-19, lack of time, harsh weather, inadequate facilities for indoor walks, and walk leader availability, were identified. Staff engagement was a key driver for the maintenance of walks. Conclusions: Despite a promising feasibility study and a comprehensive walk leader training programme, the extent to which the intervention was adopted and implemented varied, suggesting future school-based physical activity interventions need to consider individual school contexts to ensure intervention fidelity. Trial registration: ISRCTN 12847782Item Adapting railway sector to repel cyber threats: a critical analysis(KeAi Communications Co., Ltd., 2025-12-31)Given the unique challenges facing the railway industry, cybersecurity is a crucial issue that must be addressed proactively. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of cybersecurity threats that could impact the safety and operations of rolling stock, the privacy and security of passengers and employees, and the public in general. The systematic literature review revealed that cyber threats to the railway industry can take many forms, including attacks on operational technology systems, data breaches, theft of sensitive information, and disruptions to train services. The consequences of these threats can be severe, leading to operational disruptions, financial losses, and loss of public trust in the railway system. To address these threats, railway organizations must adopt a proactive approach to security and implement robust cybersecurity measures tailored to the industry’s specific needs and challenges. This includes regular testing of systems for vulnerabilities, incident response plans, and employee training to identify and respond to cyber threats. Ensuring the system remains available, reliable, and maintainable is fundamental given the importance of railways as critical infrastructure and the potential harm that can be caused by cyber threats.
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