Understanding adherence to international and national surgical site infection prevention guidelines in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

Background: The most common healthcare-associated infections are surgical site infections (SSIs). Worldwide, their incidence rate is approximately 20% to 38%, with rates in Saudi Arabia ranging from 10% to 86%. SSIs result in increased mortality and morbidity rates, increased healthcare costs and extended hospital stays. International and national SSI guidelines were developed to improve the quality of care and outcomes for surgical patients by providing standardized practices to prevent SSIs based on evidence. However, studies show that there is poor adherence to the SSI guidelines during the pre-and intraoperative periods among surgical team members worldwide. Moreover, there is a paucity of evidence concerning this topic in Saudi Arabia where there is a high incidence of SSIs. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore adherence to international and national SSI prevention guidelines by surgical team members during the pre-and intraoperative periods in Saudi Arabia. Method: The researcher conducted a detailed review of relevant literature on the adherence to SSI guidelines to identify existing knowledge and gaps in the literature. This was followed by a focused ethnographic study using the following methods: observations of routine practice recorded with field notes describing behaviours, interactions between members of the surgical team and surgical patients during the pre and intraoperative periods, supported by a review of patients’ notes and semi-structured interviews. The research was conducted in two operating rooms (ORs) units of two hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen members of the surgical teams were observed for a total of 160 hours. Observations were followed by interviews with 18 surgical team members who had been observed. Observations and interviews data were analysed using thematic analysis inductively to investigate the reasons influencing adherence. The analysis was followed by a deductive ‘abductive’ approach in which themes were presented and organised where possible within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Findings: Adherence to SSI guidelines at both hospitals and among surgeons and nurses was poor. Different reasons influenced adherence to the SSI guidelines, and the results illustrated that 19 CFIR constructs/themes impacted adherence across all five domains. Some reasons for adherence and non-adherence were specific to Saudi Arabia, including language barriers, culture and gender. Other reasons were more universal and included personal beliefs and behaviours, the nursing role, leadership, and organisational planning. Conclusion: Language, the culture of power and the influence of hierarchy, gender, beliefs, patients, behaviours, the OR nurses’ role, the influence of surgeons and leadership, and organisational influences are key reasons that influence the adherence to SSI guidelines. Some facilitators were suggested to assure best practice and encourage adherence, such as education and training on SSI guidelines for all members in the ORs, communication and cooperation between surgical team members and staff in other units, that SSI practices should be introduced by staff who speak Arabic to ensure patients understand, strong friendships among female nurses, the availability of up-to-date checklists for SSI practices, and the influence of heads and surgeons could all improve adherence. This study offers a unique contribution to expand CFIR. In addition, it has relevance for OR units in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, although, they might contribute further to bolstering understanding of the reasons influencing adherence to SSI guidelines among similar cultural groups of surgical team members in OR units in other Saudi Arabia regions or Arab countries

Phenotypic and genetic investigation of plant phenological development, architecture and yield in winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.)

The worsening effects of climate change and malnutrition have significantly impacted global food and nutrition security. Diversifying food sources through the cultivation of underutilised crops could mitigate these challenges and promote resilient agricultural food systems. Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is a protein-rich crop grown in humid tropical regions. With its various edible plant parts, broad distribution in the tropics, and adaptation to diverse local environmental conditions, it has notable trait variations for exploration in crop improvement. Research on winged bean genetic diversity has been limited in the past 50 years, primarily relying on phenotypic assessments without the utilisation of molecular markers. However, recent advancements in genotyping techniques have enabled the integration of phenotypic and genetic data. Molecular breeding accelerates the characterisation of diverse core collections, leading to cultivar development, contributing to global initiatives for dietary diversity and nutritional resilience. A mini-core collection of winged bean comprising 22 accessions was formed from prior genetic diversity assessment of 91 accessions originating from seven countries, and two continents, using DArTseq SNP markers. Multi-locational trials of this mini core collection were carried out at three locations: the Field Research Centre of Crops for the Future Research Centre (CFF-FRC) in Semenyih, Malaysia (May 2019 to March 2020); the rainout shelter of the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) in Semenyih, Malaysia (November 2020 to August 2021); and Fireflies Organic Farm (FF) in Broga, Malaysia (January to October 2021) in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). Among them, FP15 consistently exhibited shorter days to first flower (DtFF) and days to first pod (DtFP) within 79 and 81 days after sowing (DAS) at the CFF-FRC and 62 DAS and 64 DAS in the UNM rainout shelter, respectively with significant differences (p0.05) were found between phenological traits and yield traits. In contrast, significant positive correlations (p<0.05) were observed between architecture and yield-related traits, including stem length (StL) and pod length (PodLe) (r=0.791), PodLe and PodY (r=0.538), and PodLe and SY (r=0.526). These findings suggest that yield improvement could be achieved through selection based on plant architecture, particularly stem length, while phenological traits may have limited potential for direct yield selection. Nine accessions were identified based on their superior traits: FP15 and a57 for earliness in flowering and pod production, a10, a6, and a7 for consistent stem length, and a6, a13, a15, a35 and Ma3 for high pod yield and seed yield potential. An in-field evaluation of 192 F2 lines (TF2) from a cross between i10 (high above-ground biomass, shorter pods) and FP15 (early flowering, early maturity, high harvest index) was conducted at Beacon Eco Farm, Mantin, Malaysia, from June to December 2022. The study assessed plant phenology, architecture, yield, and yield components in an RCBD with four blocks. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed between parents for flowering initiation, pod production, and seed harvest, with F2 progenies showing intermediate trait values. Significant positive correlations were found between DtFF and DtFP (rs=0.707), DtFF and DtMS (rs=0.455), and DtFP and DtMS (rs=0.554) at p<0.001. No significant differences were found between parents for architectural traits including number of branches (NoB), sum of branches length (SoBL), and StL, but transgressive segregation occurred in the TF2 population. Both parents differed (p<0.05) in yield components such as seeds per pod (SPP), above-ground biomass (AGB), and harvest index (HI) while significant differences (p<0.001) were observed for PodLe, pod width (PodWi), and below-ground biomass (BGB). Five TF2 lines — L012, L013, L014, L015, and L109— produced up to 15,120 kg/ha of pods and 5,725 kg/ha of seeds, with early flowering and seed harvest comparable to FP15, making them distinguished candidates for selection and advancement to the F3 stage. A genetic linkage map was constructed, followed by QTL analysis. Initially, a total of 4576 DArTseq SNP markers were filtered from 6025 SNP markers of 184 TF2 individual lines. A genetic linkage map consisting of ten linkage groups was constructed from 493 polymorphic SNP markers, with two linkage groups of Chromosome 03 were obtained. The map was 1053.3 cM in total. A total of 15 significant QTLs were identified for ten traits, including DtFF, DtFP, DtMS, 15th internode length (IntL15), 20th internode length (IntL20), NoB, pods per plant (PPP), PodLe, PodWi and seed colour (SC), distributed across six linkage groups: LG01, LG04, LG05, LG07, LG08, and LG09. These QTLs were major accounting for more than 15% of the phenotypic variation in each trait. Additionally, nine transcription factors potentially associated with germination, mature seed harvest, seed yield, seed colour and leaf chlorophyll content were identified. In-field evaluation of subsequent F3 and F4 generations will aid in selecting superior lines and refining QTL mapping for marker-assisted breeding. Further study of trait inheritance will provide deeper insights into winged bean yield traits. Multi-location trials will help identify key trait correlations in phenology, architecture, and yield, laying the foundation for developing improved cultivars with early maturity and high yield potential. QTL mapping of genetic regions responsible for trait expression will inform future breeding, not only for winged bean but also for other crops facing similar challenges. Ultimately, this project contributes to the efforts aimed at improving global food and nutrition security by expanding the range of crops available and improving their yield potential to address changing environmental conditions

Integrating immersive technologies to architectural design studios

This research investigates the transformative potential of immersive technologies—Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—in architectural education, with a particular focus on their application within design studios. It addresses the evolution of architectural pedagogy from its classical origins, characterized by the master-apprentice model, through the formalized education systems of the traditional period, to the contemporary era where digital and immersive technologies play a pivotal role. The study is anchored in a mixed-method research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of VR, AR, and MR on architectural education. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-experiment questionnaires administered to a diverse cohort of students and educators. Qualitative insights were garnered from in-depth interviews and case studies conducted across multiple educational institutions. These methods collectively facilitated a robust analysis of how immersive technologies influence teaching methodologies, student engagement, and educational outcomes. The thesis begins with a literature review that traces the historical context of architectural pedagogy, highlighting key developments and shifts that have shaped the design studio as the core of architectural education. The classical period, marked by the apprenticeship system and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts model, laid the groundwork for the studio-based learning approach. The traditional period saw the formalization of architectural education within academic institutions, influenced significantly by Donald Schon's theories on reflective practice and experiential learning. The core of the research focuses on contemporary architectural education and the integration of immersive technologies. The study identifies several key benefits of VR, AR, and MR in design studios, including enhanced spatial understanding, improved creativity, and more effective communication between students and educators. Immersive environments allow students to visualize and interact with architectural designs in a more tangible and realistic manner, fostering innovative problem-solving and design thinking. The research also explores the pedagogical implications of these technologies, demonstrating how they can support a more interactive and student-centered learning experience. However, the adoption of immersive technologies in architectural education is not without challenges. The thesis addresses critical issues such as the high cost of equipment, the need for specialized training for both students and educators, and the complexities of integrating these technologies into existing curricula. Despite these challenges, the findings indicate that the benefits of VR, AR, and MR far outweigh the drawbacks, providing a compelling case for their inclusion in architectural education. The research is guided by Bloom's Taxonomy, ensuring that the educational objectives align with higher-order thinking and deeper cognitive engagement. By employing Bloom's framework, the study emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity, communication, and confidence in students through the use of immersive technologies. The findings suggest that VR, AR, and MR can significantly enhance the quality of architectural education, preparing students for the demands of the modern architectural profession. The thesis concludes with practical recommendations for educators and institutions aiming to integrate immersive technologies into their curricula. These recommendations are based on the research findings and best practices identified through the case studies and interviews. The study advocates for a strategic approach to technology integration, emphasizing the need for adequate resources, training, and support to maximize the educational benefits of VR, AR, and MR. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the use of immersive technologies in education. It provides valuable insights into the potential of these tools to revolutionize architectural pedagogy, offering a roadmap for educators and institutions seeking to enhance their teaching practices and improve student learning outcomes. The research underscores the transformative potential of VR, AR, and MR, positioning them as critical components of the future of architectural education

Advanced techniques for postharvest disease detection, control, and quality enhancement in papaya: electronic nose analysis and chitosan-zinc oxide nanoparticle coatings

Papaya (Carica papaya), a valuable tropical fruit in Malaysia, is highly susceptible to postharvest fungal diseases that can severely affect its quality and lead to economic losses. To address these challenges, this study explored a novel, non-destructive approach using electronic nose (EN) technology, a biosensor capable of detecting quiescent fungal infections by sensing changes in volatile composition, thereby avoiding the invasiveness of traditional methods. Additionally, an eco-friendly and cost-effective edible coating has been investigated as a means to control fungal diseases, providing a comprehensive solution to reduce postharvest losses in papaya. EN was first investigated for its ability to differentiate between papaya ripening stages. Using the case-based reasoning (CBR) classification method, EN effectively detected differences in odour profiles across different storage days. The similarity percentages were 84.25% between days 1 and 3, 82.81% between days 1 and 5, and 94.19% between days 3 and 5—all below the 98% threshold, confirming distinct changes in volatiles over time. GC-MS analysis validated these findings by identifying potential biomarkers for each stage, including vinyl butyrate on day 1, acetone on day 3, and cyclobutanol on day 5, demonstrating EN's accuracy and sensitivity of EN in tracking papaya ripening. EN technology was then investigated to determine how early and accurately it could detect quiescent fungal diseases in papayas, focusing on pathogens such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (CG), Fusarium solani (FS), and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (BC). EN successfully distinguished volatile profiles between healthy and infected samples, with CG-infected samples showing 94.36% similarity between days 1 and 3, and 91.58% similarity between days 1 and 5, reflecting disease progression. By day 5, BC-infected papayas exhibited distinct profiles with only 83.40% similarity to CG, and GC-MS identified specific potential biomarkers for each pathogen, further supporting EN’s pathogen differentiation capability. Finally, an eco-friendly edible coating combining chitosan with green-synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from pandan leaf extract was tested for its efficacy in controlling anthracnose disease in papaya. Increasing concentrations of ZnO NPs in the chitosan solution demonstrated a trend of progressively reduced disease incidence, with 2.5 g/L of ZnO NPs emerging as the optimal concentration. Papayas treated with this chitosan-2.5 g/L ZnO NP coating showed a 63% reduction in disease incidence compared to those treated with chitosan alone. Moreover, the disease severity was reduced by 36.5%, highlighting the effectiveness of the coating in delaying anthracnose onset. This study highlights EN technology as a rapid, non-destructive tool for detecting ripening stages and fungal infections in papayas, complemented by an eco-friendly ZnO-chitosan coating that offers a sustainable solution to mitigate postharvest losses by delaying onset of infections and extending shelf life, particularly in tropical regions where papaya is economically vital

Development of novel therapeutic agents designed to enhance insulin secretion through activation of the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1)

Produced in the pancreas, insulin is widely considered the most important hormone involved in metabolic homeostasis. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease affecting 537 million people worldwide which results from a defect in insulin action, secretion, or both. Over time, existing antihyperglycemic treatments designed to control type 2 DM (T2DM) typically become ineffective due to changes in disease progression including weight gain and increased insulin resistance, highlighting the importance for the continued development of new therapeutic agents which exert their effects through diverse/ novel mechanisms. Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor located in the brain, stomach, intestines and pancreatic β-cells which has roles in mediating neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Although most of the existing research into TAAR1 agonists has focused on their role within the central nervous system for application in schizophrenia treatments, studies have identified activation of pancreatic TAAR1 enhances insulin secretion, thus TAAR1 is a promising target for novel antihyperglycemic treatments for T2DM. This thesis reports the rational design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of ligands intended to exhibit a peripherally restricted TAAR1 agonist profile, based on N-((1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl)-4-chloro-N-isopropylaniline (RO5073012, 59), as part of a structure activity relationship study. The analogues are computationally predicted to be substrates of the P-glycoprotein transporter and experimentally predicted to have low blood brain barrier permeability through immobilised artificial membrane reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography, preventing the likelihood of inducing potential undesired on-target effects. The data obtained from high range rat insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (Mercodia) shows that the novel analogues enhance insulin secretion in control and glucolipotoxicity conditions designed to mimic an environment typically associated with patients with poorly controlled T2DM. We also demonstrate that one compound, N-((1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-4-chloro-N-isopropylaniline (76c), upregulates the secondary messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) using the cAMP select ELISA (Cayman Chemical). This suggests 76c mediates its therapeutic effects via TAAR1 thus indicating a potential role for these molecules as novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of T2DM

School leadership development in Saudi Arabia: policy-makers’ and participants’ perspectives

This thesis examines school leadership development in Najran, Saudi Arabia by conducting 35 interviews with principals, junior teachers, senior teachers and policy-makers. The study reveals mixed perceptions regarding the effectiveness of leadership development programmes conducted by the Ministry of Education. Policymakers claim that the Ministry is actively working on initiatives to enhance leadership capabilities through developing soft skills and fostering collaboration. Exchange programmes are utilised to facilitate collaboration and networking among teachers, although many of these events are perceived to lack a validated methodology for promoting leadership skills. The Tatweer programme offers some leadership development opportunities, but participation varies significantly across schools. Some schools developed their own successful leadership initiatives, while others lack sufficient support. Self-development emerged as a crucial factor for leadership development, particularly in schools with fewer formal opportunities. Overall, the study suggests that, while Ministry-led programmes are valuable, they need substantial improvement to address the leadership development needs of both junior and senior teachers

A lived and living UK gaming oral history: untangling narratives of resistance and resurgence in videogame space

This thesis critically examines gaming subjectivities, games culture, and ideologies that circulate within videogames and their communities. Via a series of oral history interviews, and with an emphasis on a person-centred approach, this research scrutinises the bleed between gaming culture and far-right belief systems, evidenced by issues like identity policing and online harassment. However, rather than focusing on the extreme edges of games culture, which movements of organised harassment like Gamergate made overt, this work considers the gaming mainstream and the experiences of ostensibly “normal” people within gaming; what they think, and how they feel, about videogames, gamer identity and games culture. As well as examining challenges games culture faces, this work considers how we can resist resurgent discourses within game space. Through a feminist, queer point of view – that is grounded in the thesis’ theoretical approach – this research seeks to not only understand the ideological knots and contradictions that far-right discourses operate through in gaming, but how we might begin to untangle them. This untangling is facilitated by an overarching concern and implementation of affect as a theoretical and analytical framework; emphasising the importance of how videogames make people feel. Part of this emphasis is framing gamer as an “affective” identity. In other words, gamer identity as made, maintained and disturbed through feeling and emotion. I am concerned with how videogames are meaningful to the interview participants here, players in gaming communities, players outside of gaming communities, and the stereotypical gamer. Examining this meaningfulness requires understanding how we relate to gaming histories, as well as how we think about gaming in the present, which has implications, in turn, for how we do or do not connect with gamer identity. What is at stake in conversations about videogames and gaming culture, the stories, opinions and thoughts that interview participants articulated, is often more than just videogames; it is about access to spaces, belonging to a community, how we perceive our own identity, and our ability to play and have fun. Ultimately, this research is about people in gaming spaces, and how videogames are meaningful to them in ways that are inherently subjective and personal. This subjectivity is reflected in the research’s interview-led approach. This thesis contends with what is difficult about videogame culture but is also concerned with the people who exist within and move through it, and how they feel about videogames, and why this matters

The illusion of choice: barriers faced by mothers with young children in Kazakhstan in re/entering the labour market: an analysis with the concept of defamilisation

This thesis explores women’s experiences when combining motherhood and paid work, and the role that the state, the markets and the family play in this. The theoretical framework is based on the concept of defamilisation in order to explain the extent to which and the way in which three sectors, the state, the labour market and the family, impact the defamilisation of women (Lister, 1994). Mothers of young children, not only in Kazakhstan but in general need support from the state, employers and family (Dugarova, 2016). The state plays a key role not only in ensuring acceptable standards of living for people by decommodifying them from the labour market (Esping- Andersen, 1990; 1999), but it may also provide support to mothers of young children by defamilising them through assistance with childcare and allowing them to have free time to enter paid work (Lister, 1994; Chau and Yu, 2022). While there is research published on gender inequality in Kazakhstan in terms of gender-based discrimination and wage gender gap they experience (Omarova et al. 2017; Khamzina et al. 2020; Mukhamadiyeva et al. 2019; Bidaishiyeva et al. 2018), there are few if any empirical studies carried out on defamilisation and motherhood penalty in Kazakhstan. This thesis therefore makes an original contribution by filling this gap in research. Through semi-structured focus group discussion and secondary research, it explores whether and how the state, the markets and the family assist or hinder women from (re)entering paid work and their impact on defamilisation. This data was analysed through an interpretive approach and thematic method, and utilising an insider positionality approach (Geene, 2010; Wilson et al, 2022). The data collection for this research took place in December 2021 and May 2022 in Almaty and Turkestan, cities located in South of Kazakhstan. The findings show that despite conservative values and beliefs in the importance of traditional gender roles, a pragmatic rationale for having dual-earner household and women choosing to enter paid work for financial needs prevail. The financial situation in families plays a decisive role in women’s decisions to find paid work and commonly women whose partners earn generously postpone entering the labour market for an indefinite time. The findings also suggest that the state's lack of support for mothers of young children pushes them to seek paid work, but due to difficulties faced there to enter and retain, women remain dependent on their families. The traditional lifestyle of living in multigenerational households mean women are engaged in social exchange with members of extended family and receive support with childcare in return for unpaid domestic services. Therefore, the state, the labour market and the family present a complex environment for mothers of young children engaging in paid work, resulting in a strong pull from the family that ultimately hinders them from being able to maintain an acceptable living standard independently of their families

Development of landslide tolerable and acceptable risk criteria for Malaysia

Landslide tolerable and acceptable risk criteria are strongly governed by utilitarian concerns i.e. financial power and the need for development and should be developed locally with historical landslide inventory, public perception, and engineering aspects being considered. The risk criteria of Hong Kong and that of the Australian Geomechanics Society are widely employed in many countries. The present study aims to develop and improve the landslide tolerable and acceptable risk criteria for Malaysia by taking into considerations of qualitative and quantitative inputs from various stakeholders. Based on the compiled landslide inventories, the Frequency-Number of fatalities (F-N) curve of Malaysia established from the present study have a similar slope gradient with those of Italy, Colombia, and Hong Kong. The F-N curve is a graphical tool (typically expressed on a log-log scale) used to depict the level of societal risk associated with a particular activity or project, which, in the present study, is landslides. As for the findings from the questionnaire surveys and interviews with landslide experts, public (non-experts) generally expressed the lowest acceptance in landslide risk for all scenarios (from low to high risk), whereas the experts were willing to accept a higher landslide risk as they understand that an ideal low landslide risk environment is not feasible under the current Malaysian scenario. Gender, occupation and educational level were the significant demographic factors influencing landslide risk acceptability in Malaysia. Modifications were proposed to the existing landslide risk criteria with a lower acceptance towards death upon taking into consideration findings from the present study. To demonstrate the application of the newly developed criterion and runout model, quantitative risk analyses (QRA) were performed to quantify landslide risk for a real-life case study. An important part of QRA concerns the development of a simple yet reliable model for predicting the impact / consequence of a landslide. A new empirical model for landslide runout estimation in Malaysia was proposed based on historical landslide data. The reliability of the proposed model was verified through a reasonable agreement between the actual runout and predicted values. Gumbel analysis was utilized to obtain the extreme rainfall scenario with a 10-year return period. It should be noted that Gumbel analysis is typically conducted for the probability distribution of extreme value in hydrologic studies for prediction of maximum rainfall. Seepage and probabilistic slope stability analyses were carried out to determine the probability of landslide occurrence of the studied slope. Using the newly developed empirical model, the runout of the landslide was predicted. The outcomes included a quantification of risks posed to elements within the runout path, such as houses and residents. The findings offer a quantitative estimation of the annual probability of fatalities for people. A F-N curve was employed to articulate the societal risk associated with this specific slope in the case study, which was then compared against the newly established risk criterion. These results carry significant societal implications and will furnish decision-makers and regulators with valuable insights for devising risk mitigation strategies for both existing slopes and forthcoming developments

Transmedia authorship as a media industries practice

This thesis offers an analytical framework to investigate transmedia authorship within the context of the media industries. Through the case studies of the Wizarding World and Star Wars, it transcends the dichotomy, prevalent in media authorship research, between viewing authorship as tied to individual genius or to the collaborative effort of numerous contributors. Challenging current understandings of transmedia authorship as relying on a central authorial figure (Jenkins, 2006; Evans, 2011; Freeman, 2016), the case studies demonstrate that transmedia authorship is mutable, like the texts to which it relates. The thesis uses paratextual analysis (Genette, 1997 [1987]; Gray, 2010), as well as the concept of performance in linguistics (Austin, 1975) and media authorship (Gray, 2010; Hadas, 2020), to show how a ‘transmedia author-function’ emerges from the performed relationships between a primary authorial figure and the other contributors to the fictional universe, as mediated through officially-branded material and public commentary by key creatives. The crux of the study lies in recognising the media industries as a key player in the construction of authorship and its fluidity. Accordingly, the thesis demonstrates that the performed relationships serve as a mechanism through which authorial authority can be bestowed or limited. The case studies show how media corporations contribute to shifts in the transmedia author-function; by showcasing or sidelining different authorial figures, IP owners can encourage a more or less collaborative conception of authorship, with the aim of pursuing different strategic objectives for the future of the transmedia universe as brand