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Item Aberrant expression of mir-133a alters the expression of key inflammatory genes in the endothelium(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-12) Kola, Teja Manidhar; Aikaterini, Karakoula; Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and EngineeringIntroduction: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, driven by vascular inflammation that begins with endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium, which lines blood vessels, plays a critical role in regulating vascular tone and immune cell interactions. In response to inflammatory stimuli, such as cytokines, endothelial cells become activated, promoting the recruitment and adhesion of leukocytes to the vessel wall. This process, involving a complex sequence of leukocyte capture, rolling, and transmigration, contributes to the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Recent research has identified microRNAs as key regulators of endothelialleukocyte interactions, with miR-133a emerging as a potential modulator of this inflammatory response. This thesis explores the role of miR-133a in endothelial activation and leukocyte adhesion, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies to target these pathways in atherosclerosis. Methodology: Human endothelial cells were cultured in Endothelial Cell Growth Medium under aseptic conditions. Cells were transfected with miR-133a-3p or miR-133a-5p mimics and stimulated with TNF-α to induce an inflammatory response. To assess changes in gene expression, total RNA was extracted, quantified, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was then performed to measure the expression of key adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix proteins implicated in endothelial-leukocyte interactions. Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism, employing parametric and non-parametric tests depending on data distribution. Additionally, bioinformatics tools, including miRWalk, TargetScan, and miRDB, were used to predict potential miR-133a target genes and evaluate their binding sites within the 3'UTR regions. Results: Both miR-133a-3p and miR-133a-5p downregulated ITGβ3, impairing endothelial cell migration. miR-133a-5p significantly reduced MMP-2 expression by 50%, contributing to endothelial barrier stabilization, while miR-133a-3p upregulated TIMP-3, enhancing barrier integrity. miR-133a-5p suppressed COL3A1 and TSP-1 expression, limiting vascular permeability and leukocyte recruitment. Furthermore, miR-133a-3p promoted ADAMTS-1 expression under TNF-α stimulation, supporting ECM remodelling, while miR-133a-3p also induced ICAM-1 expression in response to TNF-α, enhancing leukocyte adhesion. Conclusion: miR-133a regulates endothelial responses during inflammation. The distinct effects of its 3p and 5p strands on adhesion, matrix stability, and inflammatory signalling underscore miR- 133a’s potential as a therapeutic target in vascular inflammation and related pathologies.Item Investigating the inhibitory effects of secreted proteins on macrophage in glioblastoma(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-05) Varghese, Joel; Attridge, Kesley; Research Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringCancer is one of the major causes for the mortality in the whole world and among the cancers, glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of malignant brain tumours, especially in the adults. The complex tumour microenvironment of glioblastoma contributes to immune suppression and inhibition of T cell activity through secreted immuno-suppressive proteins and cytokines, dysfunction of immune cells and upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules. Macrophages are the most populous non neoplastic cells in glioblastoma microenvironment, which is a part of the innate immune response and are involved in immune suppression, tumour growth, invasion, and metastasis. The glioblastoma secretions to the microenvironment were studied using conditioned media and the day 3 with higher protein concentration were considered for studying the phagocytic activity and antigen presentation marker expression. The proteins present in the conditioned medium which were derived from these glioblastoma cell lines exert an inhibitory effect on macrophage phagocytosis. The transition from monocyte to macrophages and analysed the antigen presentation markers on monocytes and macrophages and antigen presentation marker HLA-DR had downregulated and the co-stimulatory molecule CD86 got upregulated in the presence of conditioned media suggests secretions from glioblastoma have inhibitory effect on monocytes, macrophages and the LPS stimulated M1 macrophages. Previous studies using mass spectrometry had revealed that out of 59 glioblastoma samples, 58 showed Galectin-1 as commonly secreted protein and galectin-1 was accumulated near T cells which were present around the blood vessels in glioblastoma samples. The galectin-1 secretion was regulated by IFN-ϒ, which might be from activated T cells. Along with this, the PDL-1 and galectin-9, the immune checkpoint molecules expressed on human brain endothelial cells were studied in the presence of conditioned media and IFN-ϒ. The PDL-1 was upregulated on IFN-ϒ treated conditioned media, and galectin-9 upregulated upon IFN-ϒ and the conditioned media. The immune checkpoint molecules upregulation from IFN-ϒ and conditioned media gives insight to the immune suppression in glioblastoma.Item An examination of handtextile practice within commercial, artistic and digital contexts reconfigured through visible mending(University of Wolverhampton, 2025-01) Miller, Brenda; Doyle, Denise; Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesHidden work carried out by women in this practice-based study examines connections between hand skills in current practice through darning and mending to re-configure moving image and textile artifacts. This research adopts an auto ethnographic and practice-based methodology prioritising a willingness to share, references John Roberts’ (2007) concepts of de-skilling and re-skilling and applies Richard Sennett’s (2012) concepts of differentiating exchange and definitions of repair to develop textile practice and experimental moving image through visible mending methodologies as outcomes. A series of pilot studies considered hand skills preferred by artists, the continuing practice of hand embroidery in Madeira and traditional knitting in Cornwall. These projects preceded the development of an extended study into mending within industrial weaving of high-quality cloth. Working as a solo filmmaker, material was gathered through dialogical conversations (Gablik 1992, Kester 2013, Sennett 2012) with women working during short visits to weaving mills in various parts of the UK. The major study explored, through moving image, the reality that within industrial production there remains the time consuming and skilful process of invisibly repairing flaws within the weaving process that little is known about. Work is undertaken by professional women looking for knots and flaws in mills, producing high quality cloth, whether for billiard tables or Savile Row tailors. Invisible mending practiced by teams of women continues virtually unchanged in high tech industry, even kept invisible from clients. While skills in darning and mending used to be passed on in the home, it has been in decline since the availability of cheap clothing. However, in recent years darning and mending has become a fashionable social activity. Mending groups are reviving and sharing the skills needed to repair and repurpose clothing by stitching visible repairs as a statement of social responsibility. The significance of uncertainty and possibility (Akama, Pink & Sumartojo 2018, Cocker 2013, Fortnum 2014) within the live situation of collecting sound and visual material has led to the development of a mending methodology applied to film editing and textile making. By valuing the visible material captured in a live situation as a document of the experience has informed the development of my visible mending methodology. Editing as patchwork with visibly glitched repair patches (Menkman 2011, Cubitt 2015, 2017) created and added to the moving image timeline and re-configured in subsequent textile prints which have been presented as outcomes and exhibition, Re-configured Conversations (2023).Item Emotional eating within a clinical and community population(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-12) Evans-Hall, Adam; Nicholls, Wendy; Devonport, Tracey; School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and WellbeingIntroduction: Emotional eating literature has focused on those with a clinical diagnosis around eating difficulties, exploring emotional eating in response to ‘negative’ emotions. Limited studies investigate the prevalence of emotional eating within community samples, and evidence appears inconclusive as to the underlying reasons why individuals emotionally eat. Aim: This research explores emotional eating within clinical and community samples. A clinically obese binge eating disordered population in study one, and a community sample during the coronavirus pandemic in study two. The aims were to explore experiences of emotional eating, comparing and contrasting across the two populations and in doing so, provide recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Method: In Study one, in-person focus groups and telephone individual interviews were conducted with a clinically obese binge eating disordered population (focus groups n = 8 female, n = 2 male; individual interviews n = 5 female) recruited via two national health service weight management centres. In study two, semi-structured online interviews using Microsoft Teams were carried out with eight participants (male n = 5; female n = 3) recruited following engagement with a previous emotional eating based study (see Ruiz et al., 2023), and via an opportunity and snowball sampling to explore emotional eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed as the approach to understand the experiences of participants whilst allowing for the researcher to engage in reflection throughout analysis. Findings: For the clinical population four main themes were generated: ‘An awareness of eating in response to emotions’ which reflects an initial lack of awareness of eating in response to emotions with a growing awareness and moment of insight into this phenomenon. ‘Emotions eliciting emotional eating’ reflects the participants experiences of individual emotions eliciting an eating response. ‘Factors perceived as influencing eating behaviours’ reflects factors that influence eating behaviours such as environmental influences. ‘Recommendations for interventions’ reflects the need for interventions that identifies emotional eating and binge eating disorder. Within the community population four main themes were generated those were ‘The impact of the coronavirus pandemic’ highlighting the changes and effect of the pandemic on participants. ‘The influence of emotions on eating behaviours’ reflects the emotional antecedents of subsequent eating behaviours. ‘The function of eating beyond reaching satiety’ reflects the participants use of eating including emotional regulation and ‘the emotional eating cycle’. Conclusions: Emotional eating was present in both clinical and community populations. For the clinical population emotional eating occurred predominantly in response to unpleasant emotions and was used to manage emotions. Emotional eating in response to unpleasant emotions occurred in the community population but to a lesser extent. The community population were able to draw on a wider range of coping mechanisms including emotional eating. Pleasant emotional states appeared to align with eating healthier foods and wellbeing. Implications for clinical practice: At a community level exploration of emotions and eating behaviours could help avoid the development of clinical difficulties. Eating could be used in a conscious way to regulate emotions, and through being mindful of such uses, it can form part of a well-developed repertoire of emotional regulation strategies. When eating becomes a dominant emotion regulatory mechanism clinical difficulties and unwanted outcomes such as weight gain can occur.Item Chernobyl journey: process and subversion in woman’s self-reflexive animation(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-11) Pearce, Sally; Doyle, Denise; Wolverhampton School of Art, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesThis research focuses on the correlation between women’s self-reflexive animation and subversion. I first observed this correlation in my own practice in making my long form mixed media documentary Chernobyl Journey, when I attempted to evade politically loaded popular narratives that I found constraining. Despite my intentions, the film quickly became both more political and more subversive when I designated myself as the subject. Observing other examples of women’s self-reflexive animation, I noticed that ‘subversive’, tending to undermine authority, was a description that could be applied to many of the films I viewed. In this research I discuss why this correlation exists through detailed analysis of my own and other women’s self-reflexive animation. Drawing on existing scholarship in the study of animated memories, animated autobiography, and women’s animation, I first interrogate whether animation process and techniques play a role in generating subversion in women’s self- reflexive animation. I then consider what the process of making animation brings to the creative renegotiation of identity that is entailed by the mediation of one’s own memories, by any means. My arguments are illustrated by twelve detailed case studies of women’s self-reflexive animation, ranging from Joanna Priestley’s Voices (1985) to Christine Panushka’s Blood of the Family Tree (2021), set within an historical overview that ranges from Faith Hubley’s work in the 1950s, through to contemporary work such as Shira Avni’s One to One (2022) or Tal Kantor’s (2021) Letter to a Pig. I argue that animation techniques and process, and the renegotiation of identity that is required to mediate memories by animation, both contribute to facilitating subversion in women’s self-reflexive animation. However, I argue that they do not generate subversion. Rather they facilitate the discovery and expression of subversion that is already latent in the animator. The amount of time, commitment and focus that is required to make animation, the meditative effect of repetitive gesture, and the plasticity of the medium of animation combine to enable a level of self-reflexivity that is deep enough to dismantle societal, political and familial pressures, enabling female animators to speak with a more authentic, and therefore a more subversive voice through their animation.Item Identifying effective strategies for developing leadership and management skills in volunteer volunteer managers(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Adams, Nicky; Firth, Janet; University of Wolverhampton Business School, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesThis thesis investigates how organisations support volunteers to develop the skills of those volunteers who lead and/or manage other volunteers, or volunteer volunteer managers (VVMs). There is little research into volunteer management/leadership (Posner, 2015) and most research is based on the premise that paid staff manage volunteers. There even less research into leadership and management development (LMD) within the sector (Alizadeh et al, 2021). This research considers best practice in LMD outside the voluntary sector and what might be appropriate for VVM development. The following research questions were identified to investigate these gaps: 1. How are the terms “Leadership and Management” and “Leadership and Management Development” interpreted in the voluntary sector? 2. What leadership and management roles are volunteers undertaking, and what skills are needed to fulfil these roles? 3. How are leadership and management development skills developed in volunteers and how effective are these approaches? 4. How could these approaches be changed or improved to develop volunteers’ leadership and management skills and skill development? The research was conducted with 16 participants from nine different organisations, all of whom had or currently held a VVM role. The literature review helped construct the interview questions; informal conversations with other stakeholders also took place. Key findings support the lack of research in the sector and identify that whilst VVMs understand leadership and management, organisational clarity is lacking. This and missing role documentation exacerbates a lack of role clarity. Provision of LMD for VVMs was mixed, as was the quality. An implicit expectation that leadership/management skills are brought from outside volunteering is evident. The thesis concludes by discussing implications for practice and theory outlined by the study. VVMs need role documentation, support identifying learning needs and provision of appropriate, timely LMD. Recognition of the emotional labour in managing volunteers would be beneficial.Item Subject positions of British South Asian women with inflammatory bowel disease: a Foucauldian discourse analysis(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Stavroulaki, Angeliki; Purewal, Satvinder; School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and WellbeingThe prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among British South Asians (BSA) is increasing. Evidence suggests that people of BSA background are more likely to develop IBD than white Europeans. Research on women with IBD is primarily focused on reproduction, which limits our understanding of their IBD experience and its consequences. This study aimed to investigate how BSA women discursively construct their experience of IBD, how this links to overarching sociocultural and medical discourses, and what the disciplines of counselling psychology (CP) and health can do to improve it. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight BSA women with IBD and analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA). The analysis revealed subject positions sourced in sociocultural and medical discourses. These were the Seeker Woman, the Private Woman, the Flawed Woman, and the Empowered Woman. These subject positions illustrate how sociocultural factors and medical practices influence BSA women’s subjectivity and actions. The study indicated that BSA gender stereotypes and attitudes towards women impact their experience and highlighted the societal dynamics that medical professionals, mental health providers, and politicians must address to deliver care customised to the specific needs of BSA women with IBD. Suggestions and recommendations for future research and policy are made.Item The impact of technology orientation, strategic firm resources and resource orchestration on small high-tech firms innovation: evidence from the UK(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-12) Aguda, Akinbowale; Wang, Yong; University of Wolverhampton Business School, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesInnovation is the driving force of a high-tech small business and plays a vital role in developing the firm's competitiveness and achieving sustainable growth. High-tech firms are a significant force for innovation as they are primarily private firms and the main foundation of the UK private sector. This thesis endeavours to unravel the innovation dilemma of high-tech firms by examining how strategic firm resources and the use of these strategic firm resources are exploited in their innovation process to achieve innovation performance. Firstly, this study draws upon the resource-based view and resource orchestration theory to examine how technology orientation influences innovation performance. Secondly, this study examines the impact of strategic firm resources (availability of technological resources, availability of financial resources, networking capability, and degree of openness) on the relationship between technology orientation and innovation performance. Thirdly, this study examines the role of resource orchestration (structuring, bundling, and leveraging) between the availability of strategic firm resources and innovation performance. Based on a quantitative study, this thesis examines the mechanism of the innovation process using quantitative survey data from 141 high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The key findings of this thesis revealed that technology orientation positively impacts innovation performance. Furthermore, the results show that the availability of technological resources, networking capability, and the degree of openness positively affect the nexus of technology orientation and innovation performance. In contrast, the availability of financial resources does not positively impact the relationship between technology orientation and innovation performance. Furthermore, other key findings show that resource orchestration (structuring, bundling and leveraging) impacts the relationship between the availability of strategic firm resources and innovation performance. Specifically, structuring, bundling and leveraging positively and partially mediate the relationship between strategic firm resources (availability of technological resources, networking capability, and degree of openness) and innovation performance. However, regarding the availability of financial resources, structuring has a negative impact on the relationship between the availability of financial resources and innovation performance, whilst bundling and leveraging have a full mediating effect on the relationship between the availability of financial resources and innovation performance. This research extends the understanding of the innovation process in high-tech small firms by exploring the role and orchestration of resources. It tackles the problem of how high-tech firms can achieve innovation performance with scarce resources. Moreover, it enhances the literature on UK high-tech firm's innovation, which provides new knowledge about high-tech business in a developed country, contributing to a more holistic picture of high-tech business innovation worldwide. Finally, the study makes a methodological contribution to the study of the innovation performance of high-tech firms by providing a comprehensive understanding of the innovation performance in UK high-tech small firms as it examines two levels of the mediating effect of availability of strategic firm resources and orchestration of strategic firm resources and integrating both resource-based view and resource orchestration theory.Item Deep learning for DDoS attack detection in mobile edge computing(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Adeniyi, Olusola; Pillai, Prashant; School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringMobile edge computing (MEC) has become a disruptive technology that brings computation closer to end users, reducing latency and allowing faster response times. However, MEC like other networks is facing cyber security issues, particularly the Distributed Denial of Service attack (DDoS) which has become common in recent years. Compared to cloud environments, MEC networks have their own constraints, including limited resources and computational power. These constraints necessitate a careful consideration of how available ML solutions against DDoS attacks can be adapted to suit MEC environment. To achieve a robust and resilient MEC network, there is a need for a proactive self-healing approach towards DDoS attacks. Therefore, this study aims to provide an innovative approach for MEC networks to predict and remediate attacks. This study proposes three categories of solutions that could help provide a resilient MEC network taking into consideration its key constraints. In the first category, this study proposes Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) as a lightweight algorithm that can be deployed on the MEC platform. A simple FNN architecture is computationally efficient and relatively easy to train, which is useful in a resource-constrained environment such as MEC. Also, in this category this study proposes TinyML based DDoS detection model which can be used in an embedded device with low energy and bandwidth consumption. Secondly, the study proposes a hybrid deep learning algorithm (AE-MLP) and a cloud edge collaboration where training is done in the cloud environment and the algorithm is deployed at the edge for faster and more accurate prediction. Finally, a global orchestration mitigation strategy against DDoS attacks is proposed using a new nonlinear Lévy Brownian Generalized Normal Distribution Optimization (NLBGNDO) algorithm. Experimental results using NF-UQ-NIDS-V2 datasets, a recent dataset with new attacks, show that the FNN algorithm achieved an accuracy of 87.63% while the TinyML achieved 91.89%. In the second category of solutions, the hybrid AE-MLP achieved a higher accuracy of 99.98%. The NLBGNDO optimisation algorithm gave superior performance when compared with other optimisation algorithms. By developing a proactive self-healing approach, this research contributes to enhancing the security posture of MEC environments. It offers the potential to improve the resilience of these systems against DDoS attacks and reduce their destructive impact.Item The British general election of 1923; an anomaly or the election that changed British political history?(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-11) Pollock, Brian; Gildart, Keith; Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesThe 1920`s saw British Politics in a state of flux. The First World War had shattered the conventions and issues existing before it, broken the pre-war Liberal Party into two warring factions and seen the emergence of a developing and stronger Labour Party. There were three General Elections in 1922, 1923 and 1924, each fought on different issues and with different results. Including the 1929 election, by the end of the decade the Conservative-Labour hegemony had been established. And yet, despite books and articles being published about most General Elections held in the 20th Century, no substantial research has been undertaken on that of 1923. This thesis is a comprehensive examination of the 1923 General Election. A core theme of the research is to establish to what extent it was an anomaly and one of the most important General Elections of the century. There are a number of reasons for calling at an anomaly. It was a “snap” unexpected election fought on the shortest ever election campaign lasting just 22 days. It was the first election fought by three relatively equal parties, all of whom could have formed a government. It produced the only Parliament in the century where three parties had over 150 MPs. For the first time, women were elected in their own right without having inherited their seat from their husbands. Most of all, however, in producing the first Labour government it can also claim to be an election that changed the course of British political history. The research that underpins the thesis draws substantially on a broad range of primary sources from political archives and an analysis of national and local newspapers.Item Modular making in kiln cast glass: repetition, efficiency, and the unique(University of Wolverhampton, 2024-05) Redpath, Georgia; Stewart, Max; Altintzoglou, Euripides; Harrison, Dew; Wolverhampton School of Art, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesThis thesis investigates the use and implications of a modular approach to studio casting processes, focussing primarily on kiln cast glass. In their traditional conception, modular systems developed to improve efficiency – allowing limited parts to be combined and recombined in different ways to introduce a degree of variety. However, such systems require standardisation and a shared mechanism for bringing modular parts together. Both aspects work to limit the results which are possible using a modular system. They can thus be characterised as more suited to repetitive industrial production than the creation of artistic sculpture. Instead, this thesis argues that in the hands of studio casters, modular systems can move beyond their roots in reproduction and the carbon copy. Despite the inherently algorithmic nature of the modular, the research reveals that it is possible to break from the seriality which would normally be expected – especially when working with geometric units. Instead, when coupled with the iterative material processes of casting, a simple modular system can evolve into a complex visual language. Repetitive geometry becomes capable of producing representational, figurative and even narrative sculpture. This is evidenced by the body of sculptural work created during the research. The thesis also reveals that modular systems can offer a different form of efficiency within a studio environment. It shows that the development of a modular system for casting is initially demanding, requiring multiple models and moulds to create the repeating copies of the desired modular parts. Yet once complete, these ancillary models and moulds – the tools of the casting process – can be used beyond their first intended purpose. In contrast with industrial use, in the artist’s studio they are not bound to a specific process or use. This means that models and moulds can be used at different stages of the casting process to cast different materials. As they share surfaces and geometries with the modular parts they create, they are also primed for modular combination – becoming modules in their own right. Far from being restrictive, within a studio setting the system becomes positively generative: incidental groupings of models, moulds and casts suggestions new forms, combination and possibilities.Item Counterintelligence methods of terrorist organisations and the factors that influence them: a comparative study of Revolutionary Organisation 17 November and the Red Army Faction(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Kouremenou, Elli; Kassimeris, George; O’Kane, Eamonn; Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesContinuing terrorist activities across the world create the impetus for a detailed, accurate and comprehensive understanding of the delicate intricacies that govern terrorist decision making. In order to achieve operational success and maintain secrecy, terrorist groups must constantly learn and adapt. In order to defeat them, their adversaries must be able to exhibit superior adaptive capability and strive to remain ahead of the terrorist learning curve. This thesis explores the terrorist counterintelligence methods and adaptation mechanisms of two organisations: the Revolutionary Organisation 17 November and the Red Army Faction. It examines the commonly accepted factors that influence the counterintelligence methods of terrorist groups and evaluates their impact on the group’s strategy. The factors that are considered to be fundamental in a group’s counterintelligence choices are (i) organisational structure, (ii) popular support, (iii) control of territory, (iv) resources and (v) adversary capability. The methods the groups chose are juxtaposed with the intelligence methods of their adversaries and the evolution of both is analysed. The analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between the ability of a group to adapt to changes in its environment and its long-term survival. Contrary to previous findings, the study shows that the most important factor influencing a group’s counterintelligence strategy is the capability and effectiveness of its adversary. The Red Army Faction was facing an effective opponent and adapted accordingly, developing sophisticated capabilities despite the repeated decapitation of its leadership. 17 November, on the other hand, was facing an adversary which did not approach it as a threat, thus maintaining relatively basic intelligence capacity. The lack of adaptation of 17 November when its adversary’s tactics suddenly improved led to its demise. By examining the methods used by terrorist organisations and understanding why these are chosen, concrete steps can be taken in creating an effective framework for counter-terrorism policy and international security.Item How do practitioners examine individuals living with chronic pain and trauma - are we asking the right questions?(University of Wolverhampton, 2023-12) Jugpal, Sukhwinder; Hinton, Danny; Taiwo, Abigail; Nicholls, Wendy; School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and WellbeingThe relationship between chronic pain, adult comorbidities and adverse life experiences is well established in the literature. The maladaptive coping strategies can intensify patients’ experience of pain, or disrupt or lengthen pain management. Identifying trauma earlier in the assessment process may support individuals to cope with their pain management long-term. National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines stipulate a biopsychosocial assessment be completed when individuals attend a chronic pain management service. The experiences of practitioners in chronic pain services are vastly under-represented, and such voices are needed to help understand how the biopsychosocial approach is utilised when examining subjective reactions to trauma. It was anticipated that the narratives would reveal how practitioners carry out their examination of the individual patient who present with a chronic pain and trauma. Method: Eight practitioners working in various pain services within the United Kingdom were interviewed using a semi-structured interview method. Participants accounts were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through a process of constructivist grounded theory approach. Results: The findings of this study revealed a central storyline of two main processes, highlighting a push-pull dynamic involving Practitioner Awareness and Practitioner Action. Both models explore motivations for change in current assessment practices in pain management services. Practitioner Awareness: Seven subthemes emerged from the data analysis including ‘The complexity of chronic pain and its links to distress’, ‘The subjectivity of trauma and its links to pain’ and ‘Asking the right questions about the onset of pain’. Practitioner Action: Five subthemes were identified as barriers to practice, including ‘Staying in line with the professional remit’, ‘Practitioner uncertainty prevents exploration of trauma’ and ‘Time determines the focus of assessment’. Participants were unlikely to examine chronic pain and trauma directly. Instead, patients were prescribed physical interventions or treatments. Further categories, such as ‘Not asking about trauma results in excluded patients’ and ‘Best practice recommendations’, offer a deeper understanding and a voice to this population. Conclusion: The shared experiences highlight clear challenges encountered by participants when asking questions about trauma during the assessment process in pain services. Fears of non-containment and not staying in professional remit were reported with participants questioning whether they are ‘Asking the right questions?’ This study has contributed to changes in clinical practice, with practitioners requesting a screening tool to be developed for examining a history of trauma with individuals who live with a chronic pain.Item The determinants and impacts of manufacturing FDI in the UK(2024) Amjad, Syed Naif; Godwin, Eun Sun; Cook, Mark; Zheng, Lucy; University of Wolverhampton Business School, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesForeign Direct Investment plays a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth and development, making it a topic of significant interest for policymakers and researchers. The manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the UK's economy, contributing substantially to its Gross Domestic Product. Understanding the determinants of FDI in this sector is crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness. The study investigates the determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in the manufacturing sector of the United Kingdom using secondary data obtained from the Office of National Statistics. It employs a panel data analysis, using a dataset spanning from 2009 to 2019. Panel data combines both time-series and cross-sectional data, providing a more comprehensive analysis of FDI determinants. A range of economic and non-economic variables are examined which may influence Foreign Direct Investment in the sector. Based on the panel data analysis, the study provides several key findings regarding the determinants of FDI in the UK manufacturing sector. A positive and significant relationship is observed between the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP and FDI. This suggests that a higher contribution of manufacturing to the economy attracts more foreign investments. The study reveals a negative correlation between wages in the manufacturing sector and FDI. Higher wages are associated with lower FDI, indicating that labour costs impact investment decisions. Productivity in the manufacturing sector exhibits a positive relationship with FDI. Higher productivity levels attract foreign investors seeking efficiency and profitability. The results reveal that these factors exert varying levels of influence on FDI inflows across different sectors within manufacturing, reflecting the unique characteristics and needs of each sector. In addition, this study investigates the effect of FDI on firm productivity and firm growth. Using the firm level panel data, and division level FDI data, the study highlights the significant role of FDI in fostering growth and enhancing productivity within the UK's manufacturing industry. The impact of FDI on firm productivity is found to be particularly pronounced in certain manufacturing sectors, suggesting that targeted FDI can serve as a crucial driver of sector-specific development and competitiveness. The impact of FDI on firm productivity is strongest in the computer and electronics sector and the transport equipment sector These insights underscore the importance of a nuanced approach to FDI policy, tailored to the distinctive attributes of individual manufacturing sectors to maximize economic growth and productivity gains. The study sheds light on various economic and non-economic factors that influence foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector of the United Kingdom. The findings can guide policymakers and investors in making informed decisions to further promote FDI in the critical sector.Item Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extracts on planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Sawant, Sheeba; Baldwin, Timothy; Faculty of Science and EngineeringThis investigation of the antimicrobial properties of Plectranthus amboinicus (Indian borage) leaf extracts was initiated due to the growing global concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the scarcity of antimicrobial drugs currently in development. Plectranthus amboinicus is known for its antimicrobial properties due to the phytochemical-rich essential oil contained within the glandular trichomes present on its leaves. The study presented focused on the phytochemical yield and bioactivity of leaf extracts from different stages of leaf development, namely the lag, log, and stationary phases of growth. These extracts were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 (Gram-negative pathogen) and Staphylococcus aureus NCTC8325 (Gram-positive pathogen). Extracts from the log phase exhibited the highest concentration of bioactive compounds, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (25mg/ml). Stationary phase extracts were observed to produce the highest level of biofilm dispersal activity against P. aeruginosa (80%), while log phase extracts were shown to effectively disperse S. aureus (59%) biofilms. It is of interest to note that the impact of the extracts was more pronounced when applied to treat P. aeruginosa biofilms compared to those of S. aureus. The effect of the leaf extracts on bacterial virulence factors was also investigated. The extracts were shown to reduce alginate production, catalase activity, bacterial motility and induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the leaf extracts were observed to enhance membrane permeability by 58% in P. aeruginosa and 83% in S. aureus, while also decreasing efflux pump activity by 25.5% and 24.2%, respectively. In addition, the extracts were observed to alter cell surface hydrophobicity in both pathogens. Furthermore, as the concentration of Indian Borage extracts increased, the cell viability of HeLa cells decreased, indicating a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect. This study was the first to explore the influence of P. amboinicus on bacterial antioxidant systems and cell membranes, paving the way for the development of resistance-modifying agents derived from this plant.Item Back to the future? Unravelling current and potential future declines of the common toad, Bufo bufo, in the UK(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Martin, Rémi; Young, Christopher; Maddock, Simon; School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringLarge scale and unexplained declines of the common toad, Bufo bufo, have been recorded in the UK for over two decades, especially in southern and central England. However, the extent of these declines and their causes are poorly understood. Except for “toad patrols” taking place in many parts of the UK, B. bufo has been relatively neglected by conservationists and many aspects of the species demography and population structure at local scale are unknown. In this thesis, neutral genetic markers were used to investigate broad scale genetic diversity and population structure of B. bufo populations across Great Britain. This project relied partially on citizen volunteers to allow for quick data collection over a large geographic area. Careful considerations had to be given to the most cost-effective approach to gather large amounts of genetic samples using buccal swabbing as a minimally invasive sampling method (Chapter 2). Based on this method, the genetic data collected throughout the project revealed large scale admixture and low genetic structuring over most of British populations (Chapter 3). In a local area of Central England, presence of heavy metals and nutrients in the environment correlated with trends of B. bufo declines. Local population structuring remains low, and genetic estimates of effective population size supported empirical observations. Adult and larvae telomeres were measured as a possible indicator of environmental stress affecting populations. Although population variations were found in telomere length, it did not unambiguously correlate with presence of chemicals in the environment or observed population trends (Chapter 4). My results shed new light on the state of B. bufo in Great Britain and despite declines, genetic diversity and connectivity between populations is reasonably high. The factors driving declines need more careful examination; however, it is likely a combination of factors that need to be addressed to stop further declines.Item ‘So proved themselves supreme in women’s hockey throughout the world’: a history of English and British international women’s hockey 1951–2016(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Lewis-Earley, David; Devonport, Tracey; Biscomb, Kay; Williams, Jean; Dodds, Katie; School of Sport, Faculty of Education, Health and WellbeingWomen’s hockey in England was well established by 1951 with an extensive national and international network of associations and federations. The sport was also proudly amateur and the All England Women’s Hockey Association (AEWHA) expected their representatives to uphold that ethos. At the same time, women’s hockey had benefited from a new British government policy on education, and the lack of interference from the larger International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH). This changed after the early 1970s when the sport experienced renewed external influences not seen in previous generations, from the British government’s increasingly interventionist sport policy and the IOC’s ambivalence towards amateurism. More critically, the FIH broke off relations with their counterpart International Federation of Women’s Hockey Associations (IFWHA) after the IOC introduced women’s hockey to the Olympic Summer Games schedule in 1980. No longer able to influence their direction or keep challenges to their authority contained, the leaders of the AEWHA became increasingly pragmatic during the 1980s and 1990s. In doing so, the AEWHA was able to largely keep the amateur character of hockey whilst also participating in the Olympic Games. The formation of England Hockey (EH), in the grips of financial deficiency and low morale in 2003, broke with the past and achieved Olympic success in the summer of 2016. Academic literature, until recently, has ignored women’s hockey and particularly its international role post 1945. By exploring the rich source materials held at The Hockey Museum (THM) Woking and Bath University, and combined with oral histories, this thesis seeks to fill that gap in the literature by examining how an ‘high’ amateur sport adapted to challenges outside of its control. The decline of amateurism in women’s hockey was not a linear process. The result, unlike the period 1895 to 1939 when amateurism had priority, was an international sport transformed into a professionalised elite one.Item Conspicuous by their absence: Bearing witness to the silenced voices of black women in the criminal justice system(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) McLean, Paula; Housee, Shirin; Caulfield, Laura; Faculty of Arts, Business and Social SciencesDespite being the most overrepresented group of women in the Criminal Justice System (CJS), a significant lack of attention has been paid to Black women in academic literature and government policy in relation to this disparity. Using a Black feminist lens, this thesis seeks to illuminate the mistreatment, neglect, discrimination, and oppression experienced by Black women once in the CJS. The research highlights and bears witness to their voices and lived experiences through a process of Narrative Interviewing, one of the most effective tools for collecting data from marginalised groups. Additionally, Black feminist epistemologies namely, Critical Race Feminism (CRF) and Black Feminist Thought (BFT) are the theoretical frameworks that assist in providing powerful counter narratives to deconstruct negative stereotypes and promote agency. Eight women with experience of imprisonment in England and Wales were interviewed, producing 21 in-depth interviews. This thesis explores the lived experiences of Black women across all four major CJS agencies: the Police, the Courts, the Prison Service, and the Probation Service and highlight at every stage of the CJS, Black women are disproportionately discriminated against with consistently poor outcomes. The data suggests that, in an already problematic system, poor treatment and negative experiences are due to intersectional factors such as race, gender, religion, and class. The thesis ends with some considerations for how to minimise exclusionary practices and integrate Black women’s narratives into solutions to the highlighted issues.Item Comparing guided self-help and self-help acceptance and commitment therapy skills-based internet intervention to manage food cravings: a pilot feasibility study(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Pollard, Lorraine; Nicholls, Wendy; Lloyd, Joanne; Faculty of Education, Health and WellbeingBackground: Managing food cravings poses a substantial challenge when it comes to dietary control or transitioning to a healthier eating regimen. Furthermore, these cravings often lead to premature discontinuation of weight-loss programmes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has emerged as an inspiring approach to managing food cravings. A novel direction was to evaluate an ACT based internet intervention for food cravings. Design/method: This mixed methods pilot study was designed to investigate the acceptability and effectiveness of a 3-week ACT based online intervention for food cravings. Thirty participants from the community were randomly assigned to either a) a self-help delivery method or b) a guided self-help method, where remote support was provided by the researcher. Psychological flexibility, emotional eating and food cravings were measured by validated questionnaires at pre, post and at 1 month follow-up, where participants partook in a semi-structured feedback interview. Results: Many of the participants found the internet intervention acceptable and had a positive experience. Analyses were run with baseline and post scores only, due to participant attrition at follow up. Significant differences between pre and post intervention were found for the following: an increase in psychological flexibility (F (1,28) = 26.67, p = .001, ƞ2 = 0.49); a decrease in both emotional eating (F (1,28) = 12.93, p = .001, ƞ2 = 0.32) and self-reported frequency of food cravings (F (1,28) = 8.045, p = .008, ƞ2 = 0.22). No significant effect was observed between the different delivery method (self-help versus guided self-help). Discussion/Conclusion: This study’s findings tentatively indicated that an ACT based internet intervention was effective for managing food cravings, regardless of delivery method. This pilot has the potential to inform the design a larger scale study to determine its longer-term effectiveness.Item The questioning of intuition; a post structural analysis of nurses’ stories(University of Wolverhampton, 2024) Mason, Andrea; Paniagua, Hilary; Faculty of Education, Health and WellbeingAim. The aim of this thesis is to question intuition, and analyse factors which influence Registered Nurses decision making, when recognising and responding to an acutely ill patient. Background. Two models of decision making are historically identified in the literature, the Hypothetical - Deductive reasoning and Intuitive-Humanist (Banning, 2008), with the Hypothetical - Deductive reasoning model initially adopted, to offer authority to nursing as a science (Dowding, 2008; Krishnan, 2018). The Intuitive-Humanist model came to the fore through the work of Benner (1984) and Benner and Tanner (1987), who stated that intuition is an essential part of clinical decision making, emphasising the importance of person-centred nursing care. Intuition in nursing is afforded credibility as a legitimate form of knowledge (Benner, 1983; Green, 2012), particularly in relation to the ‘expert’ nurse, who is able to demonstrate an “intuitive grasp” of each situation, utilising a wealth of experience (Benner, 1983). But intuition is an abstract notion (Green, 2012), in order to study the role of ‘intuition’ in nursing practice, and the rhetoric that affords it legitimacy, means questioning how it is viewed in the current nursing paradigm, which I aim to do in my thesis. Because much of the current data on expert intuition is based on nurses caring for acutely ill/deteriorating patients, this became a point of reference, to ensure a focus for the data collection, and the application of the findings from the data analysis to the discussion and conclusion. Methodology. Data was collected using a naturalistic focus group, with a group of experienced nurses on a Continuous Professional Development programme, with the University of Wolverhampton. The participants were asked to consider a time when they had cared for an acutely ill patient, they were then given one minute to write down ten words related to the scenario, this gave a focus for the subsequent paragraph they were asked to write, and stories they were asked to relate. Analysis. The data analysis was completed using the post structuralist philosophy of Roland Barthes, diachronic evidence from the literature review, was compared to the synchronic evidence from the data analysis, interrogating the text to potentially present an alternative perspective, from what is already ‘known.’ Dissemination of findings. Socratic questioning facilitated interrogation of the text, the data analysis was summarised into four themes, for the summary of findings, What knowledge means to nursing and the impact this has on decision making. Nursing feeling vulnerable and isolated, and the link between the two. Emotion is associated with intuition, the manifestation of emotion and its meaning to nursing. Patients or protocols? The diachronic evidence of the literature review was compared to the synchronic evidence of the interrogation of the text to address the questions, whilst there is some agreement, mostly the synchronic evidence contradicted the diachronic evidence. Conclusion. Despite the drive to identify specific nursing knowledge, particularly when involved with an acutely ill patient knowledge, knowledge is an assumed and expected attribute of nursing. Knowledge is tied up, in the culture of nursing as a societal group, which as long as this is understood by the members of the societal group, the need to understand it, particularly with its link to intuition becomes irrelevant. Personal agency and salience are tied up in being a member of the societal group, not just nursing, but also part of a recognised team. Judgement of others comes from not having the same cultural values, as nursing, despite being in a societal group, in a clinical placement area. Knowledge, to nursing, is not related to evidence-based practise, but being up to date and informed about the patient. The relationship between the patient, the relatives, and the nurse is significant, with shared values and expectations, although the relationship is not one sided, with the nurse being the can giver, and the patient being dependent on the nurse. There is a sense of co-dependency which strengthens the relationship, but also leads to a sense of vulnerability for both the nurse and the patient. The sense of vulnerability, also occurs, not from being faced with a new situation, but being outside a societal group, with a sense of isolation. Nurses are not scared of ‘getting it wrong’, but being isolated, because of the humanistic element of their approach. Actions and behaviour are what define nursing practise, knowledge is locked up in these, and are related to cultural norms and language. This is how nursing should be defined, by what is done, the actions and behaviours which indicate what nursing is, and the knowledge and language that informed this. Emotion is frequently linked to intuition, but again this is physical, a response, behaviour, and actions. Patient focused care is fundamental to nursing, most policies and procedures are valued, mainly as legal protection, the moral obligation to the patient, and to self, are fundamentally more important than the risk of not adhering to policies and procedures. Gathering policies, understanding their use, is linked to the notion of an expert, but the linear trajectory of novice to expert, is challenged due to elements of uncertainty, mainly related to being outside the societal group and a loss of shared cultural values.