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This community contains a collection of research publications and outputs from the University, and includes:

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 6287
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    The Securitisation of Space Mining. Space Resources Acquisition in Between Geopolitics, Supply-Chain Challenges, and Environmental Risks
    (Springer Nature Singapore, 2026-02-16) Paladini, Stefania
    The acquisition and industrial exploitation of resources in/from outer space (i.e., ‘space mining’) is at present more an ambitious plan than an actual thing, and enormous challenges will have to be met before it becomes reality. And yet, the power politics on Earth is already shaping the sector-to-be, with nation-states’ sourcing plans that clash in their trajectories and an increasingly hostile narrative. This is leading to a securitisation of the sector that can transfer dangerous dynamics from Earth to space and threaten the development of the sector itself, which should instead focus on addressing feasibility challenges first and foremost. Moreover, outer space is a fragile environment, and the use of advanced technology could be used in an offensive capacity, leading to cyberattacks and disruptions of space operation. This article investigates the ongoing securitisation and its risks, highlighting risks and challenges, from legal to technical to logistical, and the possible solutions to ensure space sustainability is given the centrality it deserves for a peaceful and fruitful development of the sector.
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    Feasibility, Safety, and Intensity of Frame Running for people with Multiple Sclerosis with Moderate-to-Severe Walking Impairments
    (Taylor & Francis, 2026) McEwan, Gary; Andreopoulou, Georgia; Koufaki, Pelagia; Bulley, Catherine; Jagadamma, Kavi; Stansfield, Ben; van der Linden, Marietta
    Purpose: Physical activity is a key symptom management strategy for people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Yet, pwMS with advanced disability remain less active than the general population, possibly reflecting the dearth of adapted exercise opportunities for this population. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the feasibility of Frame Running, an adapted physical activity, for pwMS with moderate-to-severe walking impairments, its physiological demands, and the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial. Methods: A single-arm, pre-post design was employed, with physical function and self-reported outcomes assessed before and after a 12-week Frame Running programme. Feasibility outcomes included consent and retention rates, adherence, and safety. A one-year follow-up evaluated continued community-based Frame Running participation. Heart rate (HR), steps, cadence, and distance covered during training were recorded. Results: Twenty individuals registered interest, of whom 10 (all with progressive MS; Patient Determined Disease Steps score: 4–6) consented. Consent, retention, and adherence rates were 50.0%, 70.0%, and 86.9%, respectively. Six participants continued attending weekly training sessions one year later. Three participants reported eleven non-serious adverse events. Sessions elicited mean and peak HRs of 64.7±6.7% HRmax and 84.6±9.6% HRmax, respectively. Participants covered 1801±941 m per session, accumulating more steps at cadences ≥100 steps/min on training than non-training days (1756 vs. 767 steps). Conclusion: Frame Running appeared, for those who chose to participate, to present a feasible and safe community-based exercise option for pwMS with substantial mobility impairments, enabling participation in moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. Larger controlled trials are warranted to evaluate efficacy and address participation barriers.
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    Does Eyewitness Confidence Calibration Vary by Target Race?
    (MDPI AG, 2026-02-10) Töredi, Dilhan; Mansour, Jamal K.; Jones, Sian; Skelton, Faye; McIntyre, Alex
    After making a lineup decision, eyewitnesses may be asked to indicate their confidence in their decision. Eyewitness confidence is considered an important reflector of accuracy. Previous studies have considered the confidence-accuracy (CA) relationship—that is, the relationship between participants’ confidence in their lineup decision and the accuracy of that decision. However, the literature is limited and mixed concerning the CA relationship in cross-race scenarios. We considered the CA relationship for White and Asian participants and targets (fully crossed) using sequential lineups. Participants completed four trials (two White targets and two Asian targets). For each trial, they watched a mock-crime video, performed a distractor task, made a sequential lineup decision (target-present or target-absent), and indicated confidence in their lineup decision. White participants had higher identification accuracy with White than Asian targets, while Asian participants were similarly accurate with White and Asian targets. White participants’ confidence was better calibrated for White than Asian targets, except for when they had medium-high confidence (no difference). This finding is not only theoretically relevant—showing support for the optimality hypothesis—but also practically relevant—suggesting that the CA relationship may differ for target races at some levels of confidence.
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    Research capacity strengthening in fragile and shock-prone settings: Insights from a research consortium
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-02-14) Khalil, Joanna; Bertone, Maria Paola; Ghanshyam Gautam; Mansour, Wesam; Idriss, Ayesha; La, Thazin; Fouad, Fouad; Raven, Joanna
    Introduction Research capacity strengthening (RCS) is acknowledged as a critical element for improving health systems through contextually-embedded research findings and recommendations. However, RCS remains a critical gap in the field of Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), especially in fragile and shock-prone settings facing unique challenges that further constrain research capacity. The ReBUILD for Resilience (ReBUILD) consortium, operating in Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sierra Leone, sought to strengthen HPSR capacity across individual, organizational, and community levels. This paper reflects on the RCS approaches of the ReBUILD consortium, analyzing strategies and lessons learned. Methods A mixed-methods approach was applied including surveys, discussions, progress reports, and meeting minutes. Data was collected iteratively at different stages of the RCS design and implementation. Results Based on needs and assets assessment, the RCS strategy was embedded in the consortium’s operations and adapted to local needs. Southern partners and early career researchers increasingly led initiatives, while mentorship and practical learning were emphasized. Efforts focused on strengthening individual skills and knowledge and expanded to the organizational level. Community members were trained and actively contributed to research design and implementation. Gender, equity and safeguarding were systematically integrated. The consortium’s work led to increased research outputs, policy influence, and improved local processes. Conclusions Findings from ReBUILD’s RCS approach demonstrate that context-specific, values-driven, and multi-level strategies can effectively strengthen resilient research ecosystems in fragile and shock-prone settings. This study proposes an adapted conceptual framework for RCS that emphasizes flexibility, equity, and shared leadership as key to sustainable research capacity development.
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    Getting to the Art of the Matter: Exploring Autonomy and Relationality in Babies' Right to Be Heard Through the Participatory Arts
    (Wiley, 2026-02-11) Blaisdell, Caralyn; Drury, Rachel; Matheson, Rhona; Ruckert‐Fagan, Claire
    This paper explores relational understandings of children's participation rights, particularly for babies and very young children under 2 years old. We draw on selected data from the Voice of the Baby research project commissioned by Starcatchers, an early years arts organisation in Scotland (2022-ongoing). The overarching aim of the Voice of the Baby project is to explore how babies' participation rights might be realised through the participatory arts. In this paper, we use observations of artists' creative work with babies to illustrate the relational elements of their listening practice. Artists worked through reciprocal interactions with babies, their families, other people in the spaces, the physical materials and qualities of the space, underpinning knowledge of the communities and their own identities as artists. These findings demonstrate that a relational orientation to children's rights is an essential aspect of participatory work in the very early years. However, while the need to understand interdependence, relationality and fluidity has been a key aspect of debates about children's participation rights for decades, an individualist image of the autonomous participating child continues to rear its head. By bringing the Voice of the Baby project into dialogue with international theorisations of children's participation rights—particularly from Majority World contexts—we argue that the tension between autonomous and relational understandings of the child creates a generative space for reflexivity and transparency about how very young children are being involved in conversations about their lives.
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    Queen Margaret University and Metropolitan College, Greece
    (British Council, 2026) Makellaraki, Vicky
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    The leadership paradox: navigating leadership dilemmas at different levels in professional learning communities
    (Informa UK Limited, 2026-02-07) Oates, Catriona
    Professional learning communities (PLCs) are often positioned as a means of collaborative, situated professional learning and an opportunity for the development of a horizontal structure that might support middle-level teacher leadership. Here, they are considered in the context of teacher professional learning in Scotland, with a focus on relational practices within them. The study uses semi-structured interviews in two school settings to shine a light on how relationships and leadership dynamics play out inside these communities, resulting in some leadership dilemmas that emerge for school leaders at different levels. This qualitative case study, drawn from a broader doctoral study, is grounded in Analytical Dualism to provide ontological depth that allows for the examination of mechanisms explaining how structural, cultural and agential factors have influenced the internal workings of the PLCs in question. Data reported on here represent interviews (n = 8) with participants in two settings. Findings suggest that for teacher leaders and school leaders, some tensions are identified in balancing horizontal and vertical relationships. Finally, implications for practice, policy and research are explored, considering how PLCs might be re-articulated in the light of these findings.
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    Discretion at the margins: An observational study of community pharmacists' adaptive practices in supporting migrant and ethnic minority health
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-02-05) Sente, Charlotte; Foulon, Veerle; Kielmann, Karina
    Background Migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM) often face health challenges and structural and social barriers in accessing primary care. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals with expertise in medication management can address some of these barriers, however, their roles in serving MEM remain underexplored. Objectives This study explored the adaptive communication and care practices of community pharmacists in responding to MEM clients in Flanders, Belgium. Methods We conducted 42 h of non-participant observation and short reflective consultations with pharmacy staff of seven community pharmacies in two cities during February and March 2025. Field notes were structured using a semi-structured topic guide covering duration and content of pharmacist-client interactions; modes of communication; and delivery of pharmaceutical care. Framework analysis was used to code and categorize field notes according to micro-, meso-, and macro-level factors identified as influencing interactions between pharmacy staff and MEM clients. Results Community pharmacy staff bridge healthcare gaps for MEM clients through multiple strategies, shaped by the dual logics of retail and healthcare. They were observed to accommodate diverse languages and proficiency levels; support medication and health (systems) literacy; address socio-economic challenges; and show sensitivity towards socio-cultural dynamics of care-seeking. Reflecting pharmacists' personal and professional motivations, these adaptive practices are shaped by meso-level factors such as staff composition, pharmacy layout, and social norms, as well as pharmacy-level discretionary actions within the Belgian health system and migration policy contexts. Conclusions While well positioned to guide MEM clients through a fragmented health system, community pharmacists require systemic policy support to serve diverse population needs effectively.
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