PGR Conference 2018 – Poster Presentation Abstracts

#1: What can nature do for your memory?

Claudia Lega

School of Life Sciences and Education

The study evaluated the effects of exposure to natural environments in the neighbourhood on cognitive functioning, cortisol and general health.

The health benefits of being temporarily exposed to natural environment are documented in terms of memory (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008) and levels of stress (Tyrvainen et al., 2014), but it is still not clear whether these benefits are found also when the exposure is permanent, for example in the living area.

Participants completed two memory tasks to assess cognitive function, where they were presented with a series of numbers and were asked to recall them either in forward or in backward order. After this, they were asked to complete a series of questionnaires evaluating general health and perceived stress. Finally, a small sample of head hair was collected from the back part of the head, approximately 3 cm long, and from this the cortisol level was obtained as a measure of chronic stress.

Results (still preliminary) showed a statistically significant difference between three amounts of nature (low, medium, high exposure) in terms of short-term, working memory, self-reported general health, and physical activity (IPAQ score). Cortisol did not differ significantly between the three groups.

The main contribution of the study was to explore the effects of a chronic exposure to natural environment rather than a temporary experience.

#2: Patient Education in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Provision in developing countries

Lisa Bellamy

School of Life Sciences and Education

It has been noted that the quality of healthcare cannot be defined precisely [1]. It has been hypothesized as, a complex network of contingent and interacting factors make the concept of quality in healthcare [2].

In the late 1990s, the England’s Department of Health introduced ‘clinical governance’ as a framework to make healthcare organizations ‘accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services’ [3]. One focus was improving the empowerment of patients by education and involvement in the continuum of management of self -care by increasing self -efficacy.

In the developing world, the empowerment of patients through education is not as clearly defined. This is especially pertinent to the area of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Literature suggests that Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) is central to achieving the goals of RA management; however there is a lack of definition as to the availability content and usage. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity of the practitioners’ perceptions of this element of care.

Exploratory scoping studies were conducted in developing countries within Asia, to understand Asian based practitioners’ perceptions of patient education, to explore the current availability, content and delivery of patient education in RA management.

Results analysed showed the key message resonating from the data was that educational provision is a vital and inextricable component of patient empowerment; however, its provision in developing countries is ad hoc and average in comparison to its western counterparts in the developed world.

The importance of education cannot be understated and the need for a structured inclusive role within these countries needs to be further explored and addressed. By presenting these results on a poster, informing other researchers, patient education in developing countries can become progressively integrated into discussions and lead to eventual change.

#3: Evaluate the Extent to Which Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) affects the Loyalty of Employees: The Case of AVERDA Company at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Mohamad Bacho

School of Business, Leadership and Economics

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an essential construct for many companies worldwide. However, limited number of studies have focused on the effects of CSR on employees. This study aims to investigate the extent CSR activities affect employee loyalty and examine the relationships between its social, economic, environmental, stakeholders, and voluntariness dimensions proposed by Dahlsrud (2008) with the determinates of employee loyalty namely employee satisfaction and engagement anticipated by Jun et al. (2006). Research shall be undertaken at a company in Saudi Arabia specialized in waste management named AVERDA and within one of its main projects at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST). The study will be guided by four research objectives:

-To provide a dimensional clarity for CSR

-To assess the relationship between CSR and employee satisfaction

-To investigate the relationship between CSR and employee engagement

-To explore causes of potential weak relationships between CSR and employee loyalty

Research paradigm tends to employ pragmatism that supports the use of mix research approaches, methods, and modes of analysis to produce socially useful knowledge. Research explanatory sequential design shall be adopted and involves two phases; an initial quantitative instrument phase to investigate CSR/Employee Loyalty hypotheses, followed by a qualitative data collection phase to explore reasons behind possible feeble relationship(s) and to provide recommendations for improvements for AVERFA at KAUST and the academe as well.

The study aims to achieve a two-fold contribution. Firstly, it is attempting to fill the gap in the literature where limited research was found covering the effect of CSR on employees in Saudi Arabia (Nalband & Al-Amri, 2013; Ali & Al-aali, 2012; Al-Maghrabi & Dennis, 2011; Kayed & Hassan, 2010) and none on the impact of CSR on the loyalty of employees at AVERDA in KAUST. Secondly, it attempts to answers the call by many researchers for more studies to address the relationship between CSR activities and organizational loyalty in emerging economies (Kim et al., 2010, Lee et al., 2013, Dhanesh, 2014).

#4: A Qualitative study of the needs of South Asian people with dementia in residential and respite care

Nisha Kudiyirippil Babu

School of Health and Social Care

Background:It is estimated that there are about 25,000 people from UK ethnic minority groups with dementia, and the number is predicted to rise rapidly as the age profile of the population changes (MirkaSoderman et.al 2016). It is clear that there is an increasing need to improve access to dementia services for all ethnic groups to ensure that everyone has access to the same potential health benefits (Kenning et.al 2017). Research on ethnicity, race, aging and services for BME is regarded as the neglected dimension of the ongoing investment in research in dementia care practice improvements and the neglect is more evident in the care home sector (Botsford et.al 2015). Especially in residential care no research has taken place regarding the perspective of BME people with dementia and their needs, so there is a clear need (Milne 2011). The number of older people with dementia from minority populations who may need to be admitted to a care home is rapidly increasing. This underscores an urgent need to develop culturally competent care and enhance good practice with minority groups across the home sector (Malley 2009, Netten et.al 2012, Smith 2013).

Aim:To explore the opportunities and barriers to meeting the needs of South Asian people with dementia in residential care and respite care.

Method: A qualitative study using constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz 2014) based upon in-depth individual interviews with South Asian service users, next of kin and care home staff. A three-level interview process will be used to study the experience and needs of South Asian service users from their own perspective; that of their relatives, and of care staff

Results:Interview data will be analysed with the goal of an interpretive understanding of South Asian residents’ needs.

Conclusion:The findings of the study can then be used to identify how service provision could be improved for South Asian people in residential care homes. To develop culturally competent care and enhance good practice with South Asian minority groups across the home sector.

#5: What is the evidence for Indoor Nature Exposure (INE) as a therapeutic intervention in adult clinical populations: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

Patricia Darcy

School of Life, Sciences and Education

While there is a growing evidence base to support the positive relationship between natural environments and health, and an increased utilisation of green and blue spaces as “health-supporting” environments, the focus has predominantly concentrated on health promotion and outdoor settings. Green care in comparison is defined as a “Nature-based therapy or treatment interventions – specifically designed, structured and facilitated for individuals with a defined need” (Bragg and Atkins, 2016). The average European spends 90% of their time indoors, and with vulnerable groups likely to spend up to 100% of their time indoors (Galea et al., 2013), providing INE interventions to clinical populations unable to or with limited access to outdoors due to ill health or disability may be a critical, timely and cost-effective intervention in modern healthcare. While previous nature-based reviews focused on outdoor nature such as green exercise (Thompson et al, 2011), or a combination of different environments and types of nature exposure (Bowler et al., 2010), none have focused exclusively on INE. The objectives of this mixed method systematic review are to identify the various types of INE used specifically as a therapeutic intervention for adults with a clinical diagnosis and to explore their impact on health and wellbeing, and clinical outcomes. Both quantitative and qualitative evidence will be sought using a comprehensive search strategy to address the specific review questions:

1) Does INE have a therapeutic impact in adult clinical populations?

2) If so, how does INE impact on health and wellbeing, in addition to clinical outcomes?

3) Are there different impacts for different clinical sub-populations?

4) Do different types of INE (e.g. virtual/real/views of nature) have different impacts?

This research will help contribute towards the evidence base on the natural environment-health relationship and may help inform the development of INE interventions targeted specifically at clinical population groups.

#6: Troubled Times: an investigation of Medieval hospitals as places of refuge for pregnant women and children.

Esme Hookway

School of Law, Policing and Forensics

During the Medieval period (1050-1600AD) pregnancy and childbirth were dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Mothers, particularly those from the lower classes, could face the risks of malnutrition during pregnancy and infection during the birth. Unmarried pregnant women were particularly vulnerable to poverty as it was not uncommon for them to be socially stigmatised, rejected by their family, and become destitute. Following successful births, babies would need to be fed, given shelter, and cared for. Even for married women, those who were poor, may not have had the means to provide sustenance for a child, resulting in abandonment of the child. Medieval hospitals were the only public source of potential refuge for pregnant women and abandoned or orphaned children. Some hospitals refused entry to pregnant women because of the costs involved, however at other hospitals, patrons founded wards specifically for the care of pregnant women and children. The care and education given to children born within a hospital institution could continue for the first seven years of a child’s life, dramatically improving their prospects in life. This presentation aims to highlight the role of hospitals during the medieval period as places of public charity. Archaeological and historical evidence will be used to investigate the lives and deaths of those individuals who were aided by hospitals. It is hoped that this study will demonstrate the significance of hospitals as public social institutions for the poor during the medieval period.

#7: Influence of School Leadership on teachers’ motivation- study at primary schools in England and Nepal

Rohit Ahikari

School of Life Sciences and Education

Primary teachers’ low level of motivation is increasing concern in the schools of England and Nepal. Low motivation can affect morale, levels of absenteeism, effectiveness, job satisfaction, well-being, and poor pupil attainment. In England, the number of working-age primary teachers leaving their profession has increased from 9% to 11% during 2010- 2015. Similarly, in Nepal, various scholarly articles have reported lower motivation of primary teachers to stay and perform well. Furthermore, studies based in these two countries have reported that governments and academic researchers must do more to address this vital issue. In England, Worth and De Lazzari (2017) and in Nepal, Rajbhandari (2013) have highlighted the importance of further research on teachers motivation.

School leaders are tasked to influence the motivation of their teachers so that they are most effective and deliver quality education to their pupils. Therefore, this study aims to explore a leadership approach that has more significant influence on the motivation of teachers to stay and perform well at schools. The study adopts interpretivist world view, qualitative methodology, and narrative research design to achieve its aim, objectives and answer the research questions. These approaches allow to interpret rich data gathered through real experience of selected interviewees. The three research questions and interview questionnaires are designed as such - to explore political, economic, and socio-cultural factors affecting school leaders to influence the motivation of teachers, to explore the motivational factors of teachers to stay and perform well in their profession, and to explore the influence of various school leadership practices on teachers’ motivation. Finally, appropriate coding and thematic data analysis method will be used to report and present the final findings through the thesis paper.

#8: The Role of Social Identity Leadership in Psychophysiological Responses to Stress

Anthony Miller

School of Life Sciences and Education

Researchers are yet to explore the effect of social identity leadership on athletes’ psychophysiological responses to stress. Research has delved into the effect of challenge and threat appraisals, and physiological reactivity to upcoming sports performance. Specifically, researchers have claimed that ‘challenge’ based appraisals do not specifically predict superior performance (González-Morales, & Neves, 2015). Yet, it has also been seen that said appraisals are indicative to improved performance (Nicholls, Polman, & Levy, 2012). This conclusion has also been made regarding challenge based physiological reactivity and performance (Turner, Jones, Sheffield, & Cross, 2012). In combining leadership and stress, recently, evidence has indicated that a high psychological connection with a leader increases (some) resource appraisals ahead of a stressful task (Slater, Turner, Evans, & Jones, 2017). Within the social identity approach to leadership, a psychological connection with a leader (i.e. relational identification) refers to how close the athlete feels with the leader. Yet, this research did not identify whether the leader portrayed the four principles of social identity leadership. Further, physiological markers within this research found non-significant differences in cardiovascular reactivity between those who perceived high (vs low) relational identification with the leader. Hence, longitudinal field (with competing high level sport teams) and experimental studies in social identity leadership are necessary to examine the effects of social identity leadership on psychophysiological reactivity towards sport performance.

#9: Ten Years On: The Use of Force under International Law from 2008

Lloyd Myatt

Keele University

The war on terror throws many complexities, be it moral, political or societal. However, this research is focused on its legality. Every individual in society will have a perspective upon the war on terror. It is important to take an open-minded approach (void of emotion, distress, and irrationality) to look at the way in which states have created lawful or unlawful responses to terrorism. The questions that I will ask when taking this approach are whether the use of force used by the US, UK and other states from 2008 is legal and if so, how?

#10: Biomimetic Pupils for Augmenting Eye Emulation in Humanoid Robots

Carl Strathearn

School of Computing & Digital Technologies

Masahiro Mori’s (1970) The Uncanny Valleyhypothesisis frequently employed as a referential gauge for measuring the threshold of negative perceptual stimulus upon examination of constructs representing distinct human likeness. However, contemporary approaches in the development of Realistic Humanoid Robotic Systems (RHRS) continually neglect holistic nuances, particularly in ocular prosthetic design. The standard solid glass and acrylic eye construction techniques implemented in RHRS design present the observer with an inaccurate representation of the natural human eye by utilising hardened synthetic materials which prohibit pupillarydynamics.Precise eye emulation is an essential factor in the development of a greater realistic RHRS as misrepresentation in ocular form will appear distinctly prevalent during proximity face to face communication as eye contact is the primary form of interpersonal communicative processing. This research explores a new material approach in the development of a greater accurate RHRS eye construction by employing natural compounds similar in structure to that found in the organic human eye to replace the traditional glass and acrylic modelling techniques. Furthermore, this investigation identifieda gap in current RHRS system design as no robotic eye model can accurately replicate all the natural operations of the human iris simultaneously in reaction to light and emotive responsivity. This experimentationoffers a new system design approach to augment future RHRS eye design towards achieving a more accurate eye emulation.

#11: The potential roles of vitamin B3 in Parkinson’s disease

Emma Green

Keele University

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder famously known to affect Michael J Fox. Characterised by tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity, symptoms result from the loss of dopamine (a chemical messenger) producing neurons (specialised brain cells) in the midbrain. The cause is unknown but could involve environmental toxins, or an unwarranted immune response targeting these cells. Current treatments combat symptoms but do not modify disease progression. Therefore, limiting neuron loss and maintaining/replenishing dopamine levels are important for developing treatments.

Vitamin B3 has many important biological functions including roles in energy production and modulating immune cells, with severe deficiency resulting in dementia. Conversely, an increase in meat consumption (and consequently vitamin B3) correlates with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, although the mechanism is unknown.