Showing papers by "Keele University published in 2023"

On integral and differential formulations in nonlocal elasticity

Abstract: The paper is concerned with comparative analysis of differential and integral formulations for boundary value problems in nonlocal elasticity. For the sake of simplicity, the focus is on an antiplane problem for a half-space with prescribed shear stress along the surface. In addition, 1D exponential kernel depending on the vertical coordinate is considered. First, a surface loading in the form of a travelling harmonic wave is studied. This provides a counter-example, revealing that within the framework of Eringen’s theory the solution to the differential model does not satisfy the equation of motion in nonlocal stresses underlying the related integral formulation. A more general differential setup, starting from singularly perturbed equations expressing the local stresses through the nonlocal ones, is also investigated. It is emphasised that the transformation of the original integral formulation to the differential one in question is only possible provided that two additional conditions on nonlocal stresses hold on the surface. As a result, the formulated problem subject to three boundary conditions appears to be ill-posed, in line with earlier observations for equilibrium of a nonlocal cantilever beam. Next, the asymptotic solution of the singularly perturbed problem, subject to a prescribed stress on the boundary, together with only one of the aforementioned extra conditions, is obtained at a small internal size. Such simplification may be justified when only one of the stresses demonstrates nonlocal behaviour; a similar assumption has been recently made within the so-called dilatational gradient elasticity. Three-term expansion is obtained, leading to a boundary value problem in local stresses over interior domain. The associated differential equations are identical to those proposed by Eringen, however, the derived effective boundary condition incorporates the effect of a nonlocal boundary layer which has previously been ignored. Moreover, the calculated nonlocal correction to the classical antiplane problem for an elastic half-space, coming from the boundary conditions is by order of magnitude greater than that appearing in the equations of motion. Finally, it is shown that the proposed effective condition supports an antiplane surface wave.

Synthetic biology open language (SBOL) version 3.1.0

Abstract: Abstract Synthetic biology builds upon genetics, molecular biology, and metabolic engineering by applying engineering principles to the design of biological systems. When designing a synthetic system, synthetic biologists need to exchange information about multiple types of molecules, the intended behavior of the system, and actual experimental measurements. The Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL) has been developed as a standard to support the specification and exchange of biological design information in synthetic biology, following an open community process involving both bench scientists and scientific modelers and software developers, across academia, industry, and other institutions. This document describes SBOL 3.1.0, which improves on version 3.0.0 by including a number of corrections and clarifications as well as several other updates and enhancements. First, this version includes a complete set of validation rules for checking whether documents are valid SBOL 3. Second, the best practices section has been moved to an online repository that allows for more rapid and interactive of sharing these conventions. Third, it includes updates based upon six community approved enhancement proposals. Two enhancement proposals are related to the representation of an object’s namespace. In particular, the Namespace class has been removed and replaced with a namespace property on each class. Another enhancement is the generalization of the CombinatorialDeriviation class to allow direct use of Features and Measures . Next, the Participation class now allow Interactions to be participants to describe higher-order interactions. Another change is the use of Sequence Ontology terms for Feature orientation . Finally, this version of SBOL has generalized from using Unique Reference Identifiers (URIs) to Internationalized Resource Identifiers (IRIs) to support international character sets.

Environmental Applications of Zeolites: Hydrophobic Sn-BEA as a Selective Gas Sensor for Exhaust Fumes

Abstract: Environmental monitoring of pollutants, such as NOx and COx, which can be facilitated by a range of gas sensors, is of considerable fundamental and practical importance. This work has been focused on the synthesis and evaluation of zeolite β with tin (Sn-BEA) and dealuminated β (DeAl-BEA) zeolites. The zeolite samples have been extensively investigated by IR, UV-VIS and NMR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, and N2 adsorption-desorption. The prepared Sn-BEA sample is characterised by the submicron particle size, an almost defect-free structure, and high hydrophobicity. Sensors containing selective microporous layers based on Sn-BEA and DeAl-BEA zeolites have been prepared and extensively tested. Both the Sn-BEA and DeAl-BEA zeolites have been deposited in thin films and evaluated as gas sensors for CO, CO2, NO, and NO2 in the presence of water vapour at room temperature. The Sn-BEA zeolite-based sensor showed high selectivity towards NO2, while the DeAl-BEA is selective towards CO2 and NO2.

Letters to the Editor

Abstract: Dental UpdateVol. 50, No. 3 LettersLetters to the EditorVishal Aggarwal, David Shiers, Jasper Palmier-Claus, Paul French, Carolyn Chew-Graham, Emily Peckham, Masuma Mishu, Emma ElliottVishal AggarwalClinical Associate Professor in Acute Dental Care and Chronic Pain; School of Dentistry, University of LeedsSearch for more papers by this author, David ShiersHonorary Research Consultant, Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester; Honorary Reader in Early Psychosis, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester; Honorary Senior Research Fellow, School of Medicine, Keele UniversitySearch for more papers by this author, Jasper Palmier-ClausSenior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster UniversitySearch for more papers by this author, Paul FrenchProfessor in Mental Health Research, Manchester Metropolitan UniversitySearch for more papers by this author, Carolyn Chew-GrahamProfessor of General Practice, Keele UniversitySearch for more papers by this author, Emily PeckhamSenior Research Fellow, University of YorkSearch for more papers by this author, Masuma MishuLecturer in Public Health, University College LondonSearch for more papers by this author, Emma ElliottAcademic Joint Dental Foundation Core Trainee MaxFax/GDP, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust, Leeds General InfirmarySearch for more papers by this authorVishal Aggarwal; David Shiers; Jasper Palmier-Claus; Paul French; Carolyn Chew-Graham; Emily Peckham; Masuma Mishu; Emma ElliottPublished Online:16 Mar 2023https://doi.org/10.12968/denu.2023.50.3.222AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References 1. The right to smile campaign. 2022. Available at: www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/fhm/spectrum/Oral_Health_Consensus_Statement.pdf (accessed February 2023). Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 March 2023Volume 50Issue 3ISSN (print): 0305-5000ISSN (online): 2515-589X Metrics History Published online 16 March 2023 Published in print 2 March 2023 Information© MA Dentistry Media LimitedPDF download

Permafrost and glacier interactions

Abstract: There is growing recognition that glaciers can actively couple with permafrost and that these interactions influenced both the dynamics of Pleistocene ice sheets and the associated geomorphological and geological records, particularly in high-latitude regions. This article considers the formation and key characteristics of permafrost in glacial environments and the likely extent of glacier–permafrost interactions. Recent re-appraisals of the role of basal processes at sub-freezing temperatures are highlighted along with their potential impact on the hydrology, dynamic behavior and geomorphic impact of glaciers resting on permafrost. Finally, the landforms and landform-assemblages associated with glacier–permafrost interactions are explored along with the geological evidence in situations where the permafrost has persisted since deglaciation and those where it has subsequently thawed.

Islam v. Islamic State: Charges, Arguments, and Evidence in the Islamic Case Against ISIS

Abstract: When the Islamic State group reinvented itself as the new Caliphate in 2014, this illocutionary act followed from an extended process of semantic Islamization of brute politics. Its unholy violence, which for over half a decade made it the scourge of the earth, was justified in the name of (its) Islam, but not without ferocious demurrals from traditional Islamic authorities around the world, intent to rescue Islam from Islamic State. Based on an examination of central tropes in some of the anti-terror proclamations produced by traditional scholars of Islamic law, the present chapter identifies five key charges against Islamic State. These are, respectively: (1) that Islamic State was not a legitimate caliphate, (2) that its leaders had no religious authority to (re)define Islam, (3) that it was guilty of enacting collective anathematization against the majority of Muslims, (4) that it violated Islamic stipulations on lawful warfare and human rights, and, finally, (5) that its ideology constituted a form of Kharijism. In questioning, with Islamic scholastic authorities, the Islamic credentials of Islamic State, the chapter concludes that the group is best understood as a political cult (of empowerment), embedded in a strategic subculture (of jihadism), deriving from a sectarian identity (of Salafism).

Blood coagulation components in GtoPdb v.2023.1

Abstract: Coagulation as a process is interpreted as a mechanism for reducing excessive blood loss through the generation of a gel-like clot local to the site of injury. The process involves the activation, adhesion (see Integrins), degranulation and aggregation of platelets, as well as proteins circulating in the plasma. The coagulation cascade involves multiple proteins being converted to more active forms from less active precursors (for example, prothrombin [Factor II] is converted to thrombin [Factor IIa]), typically through proteolysis (see Proteases). Listed here are the components of the coagulation cascade targeted by agents in current clinical usage or at an advanced level of development.

CORR Insights®: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Improves Nontraumatic Knee Contracture in a Rat Model

Abstract: 1Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, London, UK N. Maffulli, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London, W13 9XS, UK, Email: [email protected] This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Improves Nontraumatic Knee Contracture in a Rat Model” by Li and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000002559. The author certifies that there are no funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article related to the author or any immediate family members. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR® or The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®.

The Equator Project- how to remove barriers, improve access and enhance experience for ethnic minority students in Geography, Earth and Environmental Science postgraduate research

Abstract: Geography, Earth and Environmental Science (GEES) research will play a vital role in addressing the grand challenges of the 21st century, contributing to many of the UN sustainable development goals and the global energy transition. However, geoscience knowledge can only be successfully applied to global problems that impact people from all walks of life if the discipline itself is equitable.There is a well-documented racial and ethnic diversity crisis in GEES subjects in the Global North1 that leads to inequities in who does environmental research. The Equator project2 set out to increase participation and retention of UK-domiciled Black, Asian and minority ethnic postgraduate research (PGR) students in GEES topics. Our goal was to improve equity and diversity in a research area critical to a more sustainable future; not because of a business case, or for diversity as a resource- but for social justice.Equator was a six-month project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), that developed three evidence-based interventions targeting different barriers to racial and ethnic diversity in GEES research. To remove barriers to access, a doctoral training working group was formed to share best practices and develop recommendations to make PhD recruitment more equitable. To improve access and participation, a ring-fenced research school for ethnic minority undergraduate, masters and doctoral students was delivered. To increase retention and improve student experience, a targeted mentoring network pairing students with mentors from both industry and academia was created.Evaluation of interventions took the form of action research with a Theory of Change approach, with surveys used to capture feedback and reflections in each of the three work packages. This occurred alongside collaborative, self-reflective inquiry within the project team and steering committee. The steering committee included grassroots organisations, higher education institutions, professional bodies and an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) consultant.The Equator doctoral training working group developed recommendations to remove barriers to ethnic minority students applying for and being accepted on to PhD programs. These transferable and practical suggestions are designed to be implemented by academics and professional service staff working in doctoral training recruitment, and are broken down into student-facing, procedural and interview/evaluation categories. Themes covered include pre-application support, data collection and reporting, website materials, and standardisation of recruitment materials.Evaluation of the Equator Research School and Mentoring Network led to the development of recommendations for successful interventions to improve participation and retention in research. Participants in the Equator Research School and Mentoring Network provided very positive feedback both during and following the interventions. The majority of those involved felt a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion in GEES research and were more likely to consider a research career after participating. The evaluation process showed unequivocally that the ring-fenced, discipline-specific, fully-funded nature of the interventions was a critical factor in participants applying to be involved. 1Dowey et al. 2021 Nature Geoscience https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-021-00737-w2Dowey et al. 2022 The Equator Project https://doi.org/10.31223/X5793T 

Moderate Southern Senators, Hunger, and Welfare in the Long 1960s

Abstract: This article traces the approach of moderate southern Senators toward domestic hunger and welfare in the late 1960s and the 1970s. Often overlooked in scholarly accounts, these Senators formed a significant minority of the southern delegation. Their behavior demonstrates both the continued possibilities of a more inclusive southern politics after the mid-1960s and the importance of moderate southerners to the Food Stamp Program's major expansion in the years after 1964. At the same time, however, these politicians opposed guaranteed-income schemes and endorsed “workfare” measures promoted by more conservative southerners that conditioned aid on participation in low-wage employment.

Low-cost in-field determination of soil ion concentration using a portable 3D printed device based on ion-selective electrodes and textile threads

Abstract: Population keeps growing so as the need for food production. The increase in energy prices is putting a lot of pressure in energy intensive industrial processes such as the production of fertilizers. Farmers need to fine-tune the amount of fertilizer needed by the soil, so that they do not add in excess, elevating costs and polluting the environment, or do not fall short, suffering sub-optimal crop yields.This work reports the fabrication and characterization of a low-cost device for the continuous monitoring of the concentration of plant nutrients based on ion-selective electrodes and textile threads that work in direct contact with soils. Here, as proof of concept, we developed a thread-based, microfluidic sensor platform. We utilized traditional polymer membrane-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for potassium, nitrate, ammonium and pH were drop-casted directly on top of a miniaturized, 3D-printed holder. Electrical contact is established via graphite-based contacts link to the electrochemical signal reader via electrical wires. The sensor platform was enhanced by the addition of five 30 cm long textile threads connected to an absorption pad on the opposite side. This is the key innovation as these threads mimic the roots and via capillary action wick the moisture from the soil to the sensing area. The entire sensor platform contained 4 ISEs for each chemical species and one reference electrode and was encased into a 3D printed housing. The device is placed next to the soil that is going to be analysed inserting the threads in the soil sampling area.Preliminary results show that thread-based sensor system is reproducible and consistently provides a near-Nernstian sensitivity of 55±5 and 50±3 for potassium, -58±1 and -63±2 for nitrate, and 60±1 and 60±12 (mV/decade) for ammonium between 2.8x10-6 and 1.3x10-2 M without (directly in solution) and with textile threads respectively. Analysis of soil samples with different soil moisture content (100%, 75%, 50% and 40%) using our low cost device gave a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.91 for potassium and R2 = 0.92 for ammonium when compared to the values measured using traditional methods such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and flow injection analysis (FIA), respectively. The promising performance of this low-cost device is encouraging towards its use as an extended network to measure soil ion concentration at high temporal and spatial resolution.

A test of the social withdrawal syndrome hypothesis of bulimia nervosa

Abstract: Background The study examined the social withdrawal syndrome (SWS) hypothesis of bulimia nervosa (BN). According to the hypothe-sis, eating disorders such as BN are associated with a coherent set of social withdrawal cognitions, affect, and behavior. Participants and procedure Eight-eight young female adults completed a standardized measure of bulimic symptoms and measures of social with-drawal (affective withdrawal, trust beliefs in close others, and disclosure). Participants were engaged in a laboratory-based peer interaction which yielded the SWS measure of perceived lack of social connectiveness. Results Bulimic symptoms were associated with each measure of social withdrawal. Structural equation modeling analysis con-firmed that those measures contributed to a coherent latent factor which was associated with bulimic symptoms. Conclusions The findings supported the social withdrawal syndrome hypothesis of BN and have implications for the detection and treatment of eating disorders.

Textual space and its importance to school ethos and cultural pedagogy

Abstract: This paper theoretically demonstrates the potential of textual space in making an important contribution to school ethos and cultural pedagogy. It demonstrates how culturally-inclusive (representational) textual space can be expanded throughout the school and could contribute to social justice and decolonisation efforts beyond the English Literature classroom. This is increasingly important in an age of culturally and politically securitised schooling, where government control exercised at the macro-level (colonial/neoliberal education policy) and micro-level (teaching and learning; the enactment of the formal curriculum) reproduces cultural inequality. This paper therefore argues for textual space in the English Literature classroom to be appropriated as a representational, dialogical, historical and connected space (in opposition to neoliberalism’s decontextualising and atomising agenda) for real-world political action and the democratisation of cultural production within the wider school environment.

Decolonising UK Earth Science pedagogy - from the hidden histories of our geological institutions to inclusive curricula

Abstract: The foundations of a discipline shape the way in which knowledge is created, by whom, for what, and dictates who is allowed to generate knowledge. The historical roots of modern Earth Science lie in early colonial principles, when geological exploration for resource extraction was a powerful tool in colonial expansion. The legacy is that dominance of western institutions in Earth Science disciplines reinforces imperial and colonial power relations, where ‘powerful knowledge’ continues to ignore, belittle and erase other systems of knowledge. The founding and growth of these institutions during colonialism dictated who was allowed to practise geology. Those whose class, gender, race, or disability did not fit were excluded. There is a documented diversity crisis in UK Higher Education Earth Science. However, Earth scientists of various underrepresented and intersecting identities have always existed; their histories have just been hidden. Marín-Spiotta et al., (2020) argue that any action to “increase diversity, equity, and inclusion needs to start with an examination of the historical roots of contemporary experiences of exclusion”. Dowey et al., (2021) argue that “fundamental lack of acknowledgement that geoscience is deeply rooted in, and built on, colonialism, white power, violence, exploitation and slavery pervades relationships in the present” and is a barrier to participation in the geosciences. However, at present, Earth Science curricula in the UK typically do not confront the subject’s colonial past, and are taught through a Western-centric lens. The UK ‘Fathers of Geology’ feature almost exclusively in historical accounts of the subject while non-western and indigenous scholars and ways of knowing are largely excluded. Geology in Society courses are often framed as how geoscience can help society, without due regard for ethics. Thus, the legacy of colonialism is perpetuated through current UK Earth Science practise and education. Decolonising the Curriculum is a philosophical and pedagogical initiative exploring the origin, development and use of knowledge that calls for academics to create “spaces and resources for a dialogue among all members of the university on how to imagine and envision all cultures and knowledge systems in the curriculum, and with respect to what is being taught and how it frames the world” (Keele University’s Decolonising the Curriculum Manifesto, 2018). Rogers et al., (2021) argue that Earth Scientists may lack the academic training, knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches needed to decolonise the Earth Science curriculum. In this project we have identified three needs in UK HE Earth Science: (1) to make explicit the exclusionary and unethical practices that were common in geological education and practice and how they manifest today; (2) to reveal the hidden histories of other historically excluded and minoritised Earth Scientists, making their contributions explicitly visible and (3) to train Earth Science professionals and researchers to be more aware of geology’s imperial/colonial past and ongoing extension of colonial practices to halt the perpetuation of this legacy. We present a package of open access pedagogical tools and resources we hope will enable sector-wide recognition, learning, and conversations around the historical legacy of Earth Science and modern inequities. 

Prolonged Flooding followed by drying increase greenhouse gas emissions differently from soils under grassland and arable land uses

Abstract: Abstract    Under the predicted climate change scenarios, heavy precipitation could result in prolonged flooding (PF) and flooding-drying (FD) of soils in agriculture. The influence of PF and FD on soil greenhouse gas fluxes and nitrogen (N) dynamics of arable and grassland soils, which are the dominant land use types in UK soil, is still unclear. Two months of soil incubation experiments were conducted to find out the impact of PF and FD on soil nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas fluxes from arable and grassland soil. The result showed the developed ion selective electrodes (ISE) sensor was working to measure NH4+ in the first 5 days of real-life application under both grassland and arable soil. There were less N2O-N emissions in grassland and arable soil when soil moisture was higher than 100% water-holding capacity (WHC). Arable soil had more N2O-N emissions when soil moisture was higher than 100% WHC compared to grassland soil due to a low pH. Grassland soil had more N2O-N emissions when soil moisture was lower than 100% WHC compare to arable soil due to a high carbon and nitrogen source. When soil moisture was greater than 100% WHC, the available NO3--N in the soil controlled N2O-N emissions of grassland more effectively. The N2O-N emissions of grassland soil were more controlled by soil stable NH4+-N and NO3--N when soil moisture was lower than 100% WHC. The emissions of N2O-N and CO2-C were increased with the time of FD. FD significantly increased N2O-N, CO2-C, and CH4-C emissions in grassland soil compared to arable soil by 0.93, 2.15, and 37.29 times, respectively. Converting arable land use to grassland could increase the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under climate change (heavy rain). Further research needs to be done to find out how to reduce the GHG emissions under climate change after transfer arable to grassland.

Evolution of Stromboli basaltic plumbing system via magma recharges and mush rejuvenation.

Abstract: Basaltic volcanoes can remain active for tens to thousands of years with the continual presence of magma, requiring storage and transport conditions that can sustain persistently eruptible melt. Magma storage conditions beneath these volcanoes may significantly change with time, leading to sudden and dramatic changes in explosivity. Determining the rates and causes of these changes and how they modulate eruptive style over societally relevant timescales is of paramount importance for evaluating potential hazards. In June-August 2019, one major explosion and two paroxysms occurred at Stromboli volcano (Southern Italy) within only 64 days offering a unique opportunity to study the short-term variations in a basaltic plumbing system that can lead to paroxysmal events.Stromboli is an active open conduit basaltic volcano well-known for its persistent mild (normal) Strombolian activity occasionally interrupted by sudden, short-lived events ranging in size and intensity from major (violent Strombolian) to paroxysmal explosions. Strombolian activity, effusive eruptions and major explosions, all involve a degassed, highly porphyritic (hp) magma from a shallow reservoir. Deep-seated more mafic and, volatile-rich low-porphyritic (lp) magma is erupted, alongside hp-magma, during paroxysms, and in smaller quantities during some of the major explosions. Both lp- and hp-magmas were erupted during the 3 July and 28 August 2019 paroxysms, whereas only hp-magma was erupted during the major explosion on 25 June 2019.Via a multifaceted approach using clinopyroxene from the summer 2019 paroxysms, we reveal a key role for batches of volatile-rich lp-magma recharge arriving in the shallow reservoir up to a few days before these events. Our data indicate a rejuvenated Stromboli plumbing system where the extant crystal mush is efficiently permeated by recharge lp-magma with minimum remobilisation promoting a direct linkage between the deeper (lp) and shallow (hp) reservoirs. This sustains the current variability of eruptive styles with near immediate eruptive response to mafic magma recharge. The remarkable agreement between our calculated recharge timescales and the observed variation in time of various monitoring signals strongly supports such a model.Our approach provides vital insights into magma dynamics and their effects on monitoring signals demonstrating that detailed petrological studies integrated with volcano monitoring signals are fundamental for a fast response during a volcanic unrest phase or crisis.This work has been published in Nature Communication: Petrone, C.M., Mollo, S., Gertisser, R. et al. Magma recharge and mush rejuvenation drive paroxysmal activity at Stromboli volcano. Nat Commun 13, 7717 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-35405-z.