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    Simulating Innovation Systems and STI Policy: An Agent-Based Perspective

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    This paper develops an Agent-Based Model (ABM) to study the impact of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies on innovation systems. The model, which we call the Adaptive Innovation System Model (AdaptISM), simulates the technological innovation capabilities required for knowledge and technology generation, diffusion, and utilisation, integrating decision rules that capture the emergent behaviours of agents interacting with innovation opportunities. The model is empirically validated using data from the coffee and avocado agricultural production chains (APCs) in Antioquia, Colombia, which are two sectors of regional economic and local importance. The validation process allows the evaluation of individual and combined STI policy modes, identifying which policy strategies most effectively enhance innovation performance and economic outcomes. By enabling the exploration of “what-if” scenarios, the ABM provides a tool to assess STI policy contributions systematically and offers practical insights into resource allocation in local innovation systems. This approach addresses a critical challenge in innovation policy design: understanding how STI policies influence system performance. The findings highlight the utility of combining policy approaches to improve innovation and economic growth, offering a replicable framework for policymakers and researchers seeking to optimise the performance of innovation systems

    An Evidence Based Pathway to Net Zero Ready Homes

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    In the UK, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will be used to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 75-80% in newly constructed houses as part of the effort to achieve net zero by 2050. This chapter explains what this means in practice through design and building of houses by a housing association and speculative housebuilder. Research carried out by the Centre for Future Homes at Birmingham City University (BCU), has enabled a deeper understanding to emerge in how technology and collaborative approaches to production by all participants engaged in the supply chain can ensure attainment of carbon emissions. Crucially, the research has incorporated analysis of the experiences of occupants of innovative houses in altering behaviour and interaction with technology including heat pumps and ventilation systems. Findings from the research will be widely disseminated to assist others in appreciating the potential for housing, built with traditional locally available labour materials to be part of the effort to arrest climate change through proactive carbon reduction

    Sustainability of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Post-Emergency Contexts: A Conceptual Framework

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    In refugee camps, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services are essential for health and well-being, yet they face sustainability challenges in post-emergency contexts. Despite considerable research on WASH services in urban and rural areas, a gap exists in addressing sustainability within refugee camps. This study fills that gap by proposing a framework for evaluating WASH system sustainability in such settings. Through a convergent mixed methods research design, sustainability dimensions, metrics, and indicators were first identified via a literature review. These were then validated through expert interviews. The study applies a five-dimensional FIETS (financial, institutional, environmental, technical, and social) framework to assess WASH sustainability. Findings reveal that financial sustainability is the most critical dimension, followed by institutional, technical, social, and environmental factors. The research also identifies key challenges such as limited funding, political barriers, and limited water resource availability. It underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among stakeholders to overcome these obstacles and achieve long-term sustainability. This framework provides a structured approach for practitioners and policymakers to assess and improve WASH services in refugee camps, contributing to broader discourse on sustainable development and water resource management

    Context-Aware Optimal Resource Management in Electric Vehicle Smart2Charge

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    This thesis presents a novel approach to optimizing electric vehicle (EV) charging systems through a context-aware framework powered by deep reinforcement learning (DRL). The research addresses critical challenges in the EV ecosystem, balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders including end-users, grid operators, fleet managers, and charging station operators. At its core, a Deep Q-Network (DQN) algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art DRL methods in managing complex, multi-objective optimization scenarios. This work advances the field by bridging theoretical DRL models with practical EV charging implementations, offering a framework that optimizes outcomes for multiple stakeholders while promoting sustainable transportation. Through the Smart2Charge application, the research demonstrates how context-aware solutions can enhance both user experience and environmental sustainability. The application integrates real-time data including grid conditions, user preferences, charging station availability, and environmental factors to optimize charging decisions. Comprehensive testing through simulations and real-world scenarios validates the system’s effectiveness and adaptability across diverse operating conditions. The proposed system achieves a 15% increase in overall energy efficiency, 10% reduction in charging costs for EV owners, 20% decrease in grid strain, and 10% reduction in CO₂ emissions through optimal integration of renewable energy sources. These advancements significantly contribute to both user satisfaction and environmental sustainability. This research paves the way for more intelligent, user-centric, and environmentally conscious EV charging systems, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility

    International Internships: Preparing Students for Rights and Justice in Action

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    This chapter explores intercultural competency as a critical skill for law students, using Birmingham City University’s American Legal Practice module as a case study. Part I outlines the American Legal Practice model for context. Part II links culture and intercultural competence with legal education. Part III introduces strategies to foster students' intercultural competency, categorised as student-led, module design, and institutional approaches. Infused with examples and reflections from American Legal Practice, the chapter offers educators practical insights for applying this field of research

    True Comedy? Etherege, Wycherley, Shadwell

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    Exploring Healthcare Professionals Physical Activity Promotion for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Oman

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    Background: Physical activity is recommended as a key component of type 2 diabetes care and management. However, globally and in Oman, people with type 2 diabetes are less physically active than the general population. It is recommended that healthcare professionals (HCPs) should promote physical activity to this population, yet they report challenges to doing this in practice. Developing a better understanding of the influences on HCPs' physical activity promotion could support them in this area of diabetes care. Methods: Study one was a mixed-methods systematic review that followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological procedures with the Theoretical Domains Framework as an a priori framework. Study two was a qualitative online interview study exploring HCPs influences on physical activity promotion for patients with type 2 diabetes in Oman. Study three was a qualitative online interview study exploring the perspectives of Oman policymakers regarding type 2 diabetes and physical activity promotion. Results: Study one identified a dominance of barriers compared to facilitators. Barriers included a lack of resources and organisational support, limited time, increasing workloads, and a lack of education and training on physical activity and its promotion. Study two reported findings similar to those of Study one, in addition to environmental, cultural, and social norms as barriers to physical activity promotion. Study three identified the lack of prioritisation of physical activity in healthcare policy and planning, collaboration challenges amongst sectors, and a lack of local physical activity research as barriers to physical activity promotion. Conclusions: The findings of this research programme highlight the need for changes at the HCP, organisational, environmental, and policy levels to bridge the gap between research, practice and policy. Recommendations include behavioural science-informed CPD training for HCPs, improved cross-sectoral collaboration, conducting local implementation research, and the continued use of the MRC framework and implementation science frameworks and health psychology theory to develop interventions to support HCPs

    An Interpretive Paradigm of Perceptions on the Adoption of IFRS for SMEs, Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting and Integrated Reporting in MSMEs: a UK Perspective

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    Purpose This thesis aims to evaluate whether the possible adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for SMEs by the preparers of financial statements of MSMEs would provide greater transparency, accountability, and decision-usefulness, consequently enhancing the quality of financial reporting. The thesis also reviews the needs of external stakeholders and their contribution and acceptance of IFRS for SMEs. The thesis further explored the possible adoption from a sociological stance, examining the perceptions and opinions and thinking about whether a new reporting framework would justify the nuances faced by the MSME sector. It further explores and examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Integrated Reporting (IR) are undertaken, practised, and reported in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The extant literature on CSR is mainly embedded in large businesses. Still, given the unique characteristics of the MSMEs, there is a growing demand within academia to advance research within this sector in the UK. The diffusion of the perceptions of CSR reporting and its practices in MSMEs will represent a significant strand in the literature to be explored from an economic, educational, motivational, and sociological perspective. Design/methodology/approach This thesis adopts an interpretive phenomenological approach to enable an in-depth study of owner/managers, financial managers and internal accountants' experiences of financial reporting, CSR practices and IR in MSMEs. To capture the participants’ perspective, 21 interviews were conducted in the UK, predominantly in the West Midlands and Greater London regions. Data collection primarily occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic when MSMEs prioritised survival rather than research participation. The study responds to the calls on extant literature on CSR and IR in MSMEs and aims to establish that a motivational, educational, and sociological perspective drives these concepts. It explores their relevance from the views and opinions of owner/managers and internal stakeholders, their understanding of CSR concepts, perceptions of willingness to engage in CSR practices, willingness to use IR over annual reporting(AR), and teaching the multiple capital store to enhance the value creation model of MSMEs. Originality Recent literature on IFRS for SMEs is scant in the UK; CSR and IR have been widely debated, written about, and investigated since the 1950s. However, the research has been primarily directed at giant firms and corporations, except for MSMEs, which are under investigated. Findings This study has closed the gap by advancing the research in a UK context on the perceptions of adopting IFRS for SMEs, CSR, and integrated reporting for the MSMEs sector. The research establishes that MSMEs do not align with the model requirements of the IASB framework (using legitimacy) but base their rationale on economic terms. The study also provides evidence that the owner/managers do not perceive disclosure of IFRS for SMEs to users as helpful in making decisions. The exclusion of critical stakeholders in the MSME sector does not incentivise the request for compliance; furthermore, the provision of training in the form of expertise and knowledge would be welcome in the sector. The CSR agenda is rarely justified in economic terms; more awareness is needed to report them, and it is more about motivations and organisational and moral perspectives. Emotive capital within the MSME sector is significant due to its ownership structure. Network collaborations with the key MSME stakeholders are called for. Integrating owner/manager shared values and the need to provide educational training and resources to understand Integrated reporting to the MSME sector. Practical and academic contributions In the context of IFRS for SMEs within the MSME sector, it has rejected the IASB framework and calls for a simplified, standardised, specific template to be followed. It has enhanced understanding of a possible adoption with relevant reasons or why they would not embrace it. The thesis highlights the issues of MSME’s understanding of CSR and its contribution to the economy and individual businesses. It encourages governmental and regulatory promotion of the key contributory factors to the sector so that there is a better appreciation of the derived qualitative benefits. It provides recommendations and guidance for policymakers, implementers, practitioners, business owners/managers, and academia, and, therefore, it adds to previous research conducted in Europe and internationally. The study responds to the calls on extant literature on CSR and IR in MSMEs and aims to establish that a motivational, educational, and sociological perspective drives these concepts. Their relevance is explored from the views and opinions of owner/managers and internal stakeholders, their understanding of CSR concepts, perceptions of willingness to engage in CSR practices, willingness to use IR over annual reporting(AR) and inculcating the multiple capitals store to enhance the value creation model of MSMEs. To do this, the research adopts a social phenomenological approach drawing from the words, experiences and observations of owners/managers and the relevant internal stakeholders through twenty in-depth interviews

    Approved Educational Institutions' Role in Supporting Pre-registration Students in the Practice Learning Environment

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    Changes to pre-registration nurse education occurred in 2018 when the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) published the results of consultation efforts, with their subsequent results shaping the ‘Future Nurse’. By extension, changes to the professional image and expectations of nurses stand to affect the content of preregistration nurse education. As key stakeholders, a key question raised in view of these changes includes how Approved Educational Institutions (AEIs) actively look to work with Practice Learning Partners (PLPs) as they prepare pre-registration nurses for registration. Using an adapted, constructivist grounded theory approach, eleven individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from seven different Participant Information Centres (PICs) across the West Midlands. This led to the formation of four distinct participant groups: Registered Nurses who work directly with pre-registration student nurses in the practice learning environment, Practice Placement Managers or Clinical Educators, a Head Nurse, and Representatives of the NMC. The subsequent analysis of these interviews led to the construction of two analytical categories which were: 1. Training, awareness and understanding of the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMC,2018d). 2. Looking back to pay it forward. Amongst others, the most significant findings of this study include: • A recognition of limited research in the public domain, which discusses the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMC,2018d), • A lack of awareness and incomplete implementation of the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMC,2018d), • Little justification for the breath of change and the sustainability of this working model exists in light of the ‘NHS staffing crisis’ and the “toxic” learning culture acknowledged by the NMC. From these main findings, some of the key recommendations from the study focus on increasing awareness and understanding of the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMC,2018d) to improve the learning culture. However, there is a recognised need for further research to explore the lived experience of newly qualified nurses who were the first to be trained using the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMC,2018d). This is needed so that previous successes can be continued or replicated, but also so that the needs of pre-registration nursing students can be better met by using the current educational standards. As these standards are in their relative infancy, and to compare and contrast the preceding and current ways of educating and preparing student nurses, it has been necessary for the thesis to consider older references and actively use them within discussions or to highlight differing schools of thought in the literature. From a nursing literature perspective, this is particularly relevant to the aspects of the thesis which form the background literature of the study, as well as pre-existing models of pre-registration supervision and assessment. In several parts, this includes seminal texts or references to the Supporting Learning and Assessment in Practice (SLAiP) standards (NMC,2008; RCN,2015) and literature which relates to the use of a ‘mentor’ and sign-off mentor’ which features in the 2010 educational standards (NMC,2010). To situate this within this study further, as established within the abstract, the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c NMC,2018d) replaced the 2010 and their supporting roles of ‘mentor’ and ‘sign-off mentor’ and appropriated terminology and roles which include that of a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor. A conscious choice has, therefore, been made to keep older literature and not support them with a more contemporary source. The rationale behind this is to be able to clearly distinguish between time frames that align with the preceding or current models of pre-registration supervision and/or assessment. It is also argued that not updating older literature with current sources more clearly reflects the research/opinions/insights and interpretations that were ‘true’ of the time that they were written about or in. In alternative instances, older literature was also drawn upon because the references reflect seminal perspectives or lenses present at the time or because specific ideas/philosophies have not changed and are still relative to more contemporary applications. This will be particularly relevant in Chapter 3, which considers research methodology and applied research methods. With this in mind, to ensure the research aim and objectives are considered in light of the changes and more contemporary expectations of pre-registration nurse education, as set by the regulator (NMC), an initial examination of the degree of change instigated by the Future Nurse standards ( NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMc,2018d) implementation will now be presented by introducing the Future Nurse standards (NMC,2018; NMC,2018a; NMC,2018c; NMC,2018d) and comparing them to the previous standards of pre-registration nurse education

    Association of gross domestic product with equitable access to childhood vaccines in 195 countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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    Introduction Gross domestic product (GDP) has been shown to affect government spending on various budget heads including healthcare and the purchase and distribution of vaccines. This vulnerable situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted and exposed the fragile nature of equitable access to vaccines for childhood immunisation globally. A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association of country income status and GDP with vaccination coverage of vaccines for childhood immunisation and other major infectious diseases around the globe will inform global and national policy on equity in living standards and vaccine uptake. This study was carried out to identify factors influenced by GDP that affect access, distribution, and uptake of childhood vaccines around the world using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods Data were extracted for the burden of major infectious diseases of childhood immunisation programmes, factors affecting access to vaccines, vaccine procurement platforms, vaccination coverage and percentage of GDP used for the procurement of vaccines. Factors influencing the global vaccination coverage rate were also assessed. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022350418) and carried out using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results Data from 195 countries showed that the following infectious diseases had the highest burden; human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, Ebola and yellow fever. Low-income and some lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) used COVAX and UNICEF for vaccine procurement while high-income countries (HICs) preferred national and regional public tenders. Global vaccination coverage for tuberculosis, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, polio, meningitis and HPV had a significantly higher coverage than COVID-19. Being an HIC and having coverage data collected from 1985 to 2015 as the most current data were associated with high vaccination coverage. The percentage of GDP spent on vaccine procurement did not influence vaccination coverage. Conclusion Low-income countries and LMICs should prioritise vaccine research and improve on development capacity. Countries worldwide should share data on vaccine expenditure, vaccination coverage, and the development and introduction of new vaccines and technologies to facilitate equitable vaccine access

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