QMU Repositories
Welcome to Queen Margaret University's repositories which contain a growing collection of research publications and outputs by QMU authors. QMU researchers can submit items by sending details to the eResearch Team at: eResearch@qmu.ac.uk
Communities in QMU Repositories
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- Welcome to QMU Data Repository - eData is a data repository where QMU researchers can store finished project data that, where appropriate, can be accessed and potentially re-used by other researchers.
- Welcome to QMU Publications Repository - eResearch contains a growing collection of research publications and outputs by QMU authors. Here you can find journal papers, published conference proceedings, book chapters, monographs and other research produced by QMU researchers.
- Welcome to QMU eTheses Repository - eTheses is an online collection of PhD theses and selected undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations written by QMU students and researchers. QMU users login to access full text undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations.
- Publications Router gathers information from content providers such as publishers, and passes it to institutions to help them capture their research articles onto their systems
Recent Submissions
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.
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.
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.
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.