This research explores the experiences of US based professional workers engaged in enforced remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a Critical Ethnographic methodology (Clair, 2003; Denzin & Lincoln, 2018; Given, 2008) underpinned by Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022; Byrne, 2022), it examines how employees in a large, US multinational company called OmniSat navigated the shifting boundaries between home and work life from March to September 2021. Data was collected through virtual semistructured interviews and digital instant chat messages, allowing opportunity for insights into key themes such as corporate expectations, self-care, self-perception, and certainty/uncertainty. Reflexive practice (Bazeley, 2007; Behar, 1997; Denzin & Lincoln, 2018) was concurrently engaged with throughout the entire research process, with researcher reflexive commentaries embedded in each chapter. The theoretical framework used draws from Foucault’s (1997; 1984; 1982; 1979) post-structuralist theory and Ball’s (2003; Ball & Olmedo, 2012) neoliberal performativity to explore how workers self-regulate under a corporate gaze, balancing autonomy with pressures to perform. The findings suggest that remote working reshaped the concept of the professional ‘self’, highlighting both opportunities for greater flexibility and autonomy and challenges such as isolation and the reallocation of domestic space for work. These experiences reflect broader uncertainties in a neoliberal employment landscape. This research contributes to an understanding of how professional and personal ‘self’ is continuously redefined in response to changing work practices, offering a critical perspective on the dynamics of power, performativity, and resistance in contemporary work environments.

The introduction of a new species to ecosystems can result in competition between native species and the introduced, with adaptations that may allow coexistence, through resource facilitation or partitioning, unable to evolve, given the short co-evolutionary time period. Consequently, in cases where livestock species have been introduced to a new system, competitive interactions between native and domestic species have been directly instigated, with interspecific competition between sympatric, free living ungulates and domestic livestock becoming an increasing concern for conservationists. Understanding the specific ways and mechanisms in which this competition manifests is critical for informing conservation management, both of wild species, and domestic livestock. Throughout this thesis, I examine the case study of wild guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries), in the Patagonian Steppe ecosystem of Southern Chile, a system in which competition has been demonstrated as highly probable. Two key elements in guanaco-sheep competition were investigated, to determine whether competitive effects manifest in (1) foraging behaviour, by examining the effects of sheep presence on the behavioural changes in guanaco, and (2) physiology, by examining the effects of sheep presence on guanaco separately for cortisol and testosterone. (1) Guanaco bite rates generally increased with vegetation biomass availability. However, when sheep were present in high densities, the pattern reversed, with guanaco bite rates decreasing with vegetation abundance. Additionally, the probability of guanaco feeding occurring at any one time was shown to be higher in areas shared with domestic sheep than in national parks, where sheep are absent. Both results suggest guanaco prioritise feeding behaviours at the expense of other behaviours, where sheep are present. (2) Sheep presence did not predict either the cortisol or testosterone profiles of guanaco. Instead, cortisol concentrations were influenced by the group number and composition (number of adults and juveniles). Conversely, testosterone content was influenced mainly by the specific Age-Sex Class (social group) of the individual.

Establishing sustainable and resilient businesses are among the key drivers behind the unprecedented demand for the transition and transformation of sustainable growth models. Driven by a desire to remain competitive amidst economic turmoil and climate change, organisations are embedding sustainable measures into their long-term goals and strategies. This is demonstrated by developing and implementing Net-Zero targets and associated plans. However, the greatest challenge is whether such momentum will be retained and how organisations can maintain the drive. Although this is a positive move towards climate-related actions from organisations and stakeholders, it is taking longer than anticipated to be realised and actualised. This necessitates the urgency in understanding the intricacies of corporate sustainability matrices. The question as to why attaining a positive climatic state has taken almost half a century needs to be explored when compared to scenarios where the implementation of sustainable related measures has taken less time. This paper provides a review of the barriers that are making sustainability unattractive for corporate organisations. Finance gaps, the complexity of organisational sustainability, reporting frameworks, tools, and procedures coupled with considerable marketing and communication in a business-as-usual environment are key barriers to corporate sustainability. Our findings provide recommendations for policymakers, and stakeholders across the corporate sustainability platform by delivering a holistic approach to overcome the bottlenecks for implementation, action, and monitoring.

The principal purpose of this chapter is to examine aspects of defence logistics, principally operational logistics, in order to shed light on some of the realities that give it its particular character, or at least some of its character. One possible approach is to analyse the defence supply chain and support chain using an analytical framework built around established through life support and supply chain paradigms, concepts, and ideas, drawn from the commercial sector. Another approach is to examine some specific characteristics of defence supply chains and support chains, some of their attributes, and some of their practical realities, and whilst doing so refer to the established paradigms, concepts, and ideas for comparison, but only where it seems appropriate to do so, in the hope that they might to some extent act as reference points by which defence logistics can be better understood by somebody not directly involved in its planning and delivery. One aim of this chapter is to examine the freedoms which defence departments and defence logisticians have in shaping their business, and the factors, or ‘realities’, which constrain them.

Cardiology, as a medical specialty, addresses cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of global mortality. Nanomaterials offer transformative potential across key areas such as drug delivery, stem cell therapy, imaging, and gene delivery. Nanomaterials improve solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery in drug delivery, reducing systemic side effects. Examples include gas microbubbles, liposomal preparations, and paramagnetic nanoparticles, which show promise in treating atherosclerosis. Stem cell therapy benefits from nanotechnology through enhanced cell culture conditions and three-dimensional scaffolds that support cardiomyocyte growth and survival. Gold nanoparticles and PLGA-derived microparticles further improve stem cell viability. In imaging, nanomaterials enable advanced visualization techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with direct labeling and optical tracking via dye-conjugated nanoparticles. In gene delivery, polymeric nanocarriers like polyethyleneimine, dendrimers, and graphene-based materials offer efficient, non-viral alternatives, with magnetic nanoparticles showing promise in targeted applications. Ongoing research highlights the potential of nanomaterials to revolutionize CVD management by improving therapeutic outcomes and enabling precision medicine. These advancements position nanotechnology as a cornerstone of modern cardiology.

Introduction: This study examines the experiences and unmet needs of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Nigeria. With a high prevalence in Nigeria, autism spectrum disorder poses a heavy economic burden on society and the patients’ families, with limited social interactions and stigma. Despite this, the unmet needs and psychosocial burdens of autism spectrum disorder on caregivers have been understudied in Nigeria. The study contributes evidence and raises interest in this area of research. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted among twenty-three purposively selected caregivers. Questions from the PREPARE and Zarit Burden Interview tools were adapted for the interview and discussion guides. Data were collected among caregivers of pupils in selected special needs schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. Inductive and deductive approaches were used for the analysis using NVivo 20 pro. The socio-ecological model was used to generate the themes and quotes. Results: The study generated four themes and eleven sub-themes across four levels of the socio-ecological model. Findings from our study showed that caregivers of children undergo significant emotional distress, disbelief, and fear at the early stage of diagnosis. Furthermore, families and friends had difficulty comprehending or accepting their children’s diagnosis, which further created tension and misunderstanding. Socio-cultural contexts such as stigma and isolation were not uncommon in the society. Conclusion: Given the burden of the psychological demand and stigma attached to caregivers and children with autism, there is an urgent need for a tailor-made intervention with the key interplay of individual, interpersonal, societal/institutional, and policy in Nigeria. Advocacy efforts and awareness chaired by caregivers should be strengthened across all levels of the society in Nigeria.

This exhibition text is part of a long-standing relationship between the artist Richard Crooks and writer Stephen Clarke. Clarke has written about Crooks' work in magazines (online and print) as well as texts for exhibition catalogues and introduction panels. A significant feature of Crooks' practice as an artist is the experience of undertaking an artist residency. During the residency, Crooks explores the landscape and the culture of the host residency. This direct experience informs the artwork Crooks produces for exhibition. In this introduction text, Clarke links Crooks’ practice to the physical act of exploration by drawing comparison to the British mountaineers George Herbert Leigh-Mallory and Andrew ‘Sandy’ Irvine.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in many areas
of healthcare, such as a shift to telehealth models. This has created challenges for families with children awaiting autistic spectrum disorder evaluations. The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA) was developed as a novel method to ensure that service users referred to services could still take part in structured observations during autism assessments in the pandemic. A service user was offered a BOSA when a clinician could not administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2) due to COVID-19 precautions. The designers of the ADOS-2 felt that it was not designed to be used for video assessments and that its sensitivity would be significantly affected in face-to-face assessments with face covers. This paper aims to highlight some advantages and disadvantages of BOSA. Four cases were studied in a BOSA clinic, half of whom met the threshold of autism spectrum disorder based on scoring of ADOS-2 after BOSA assessment. It was found that BOSA, just like ADOS-2, allows health professionals to observe indicators of autism reliably while maintaining social distance. It is a time-efficient measure, as unlike ADOS-2, which takes about 45 minutes to be administered, it takes much less time (around 15 minutes). While the sample size is low, the issues identified may be taken forward in future studies.

Breast cancer incidence is on the rise regardless of several interventions available for its management. This scenario may be worse in resource-limited countries. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of women towards Breast Cancer Screening (BCS) in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano State, a typically resource-limited state in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study. The study population comprised female individuals aged 18–45 years attending the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of AKTH. An adopted questionnaire instrument was used to extract vital information on the knowledge and attitude of women towards breast cancer screening in the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of AKTH. Our findings showed that there is much awareness about BCS, even though most participants’ knowledge about the methods and timing of the scan is low. Much enlightenment is achieved through the availability of print and electronic media on BCS. A better attitude is shown when trained personnel conduct BCS. A good number of participants who have knowledge are yet to translate their knowledge and attitudes into practice. Based on our findings, coordinated and timely awareness campaigns should be organized by local health authorities to improve knowledge and attitude towards BCS.

Introduction: Primary healthcare (PHC) patient medical records contain Systematised Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) that include information regarding diagnosis, demographics and veterans’ status. This study intended to identify, analyse and compare the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dementia and smoking tobacco in veterans and non-veterans, including stratification by age and gender. Methods: The authors partnered with 13 PHC practices with a population of 137 410 patients. Staff extracted matched veteran and non-veteran SNOMED-CT data from patient medical records; then sent the authors anonymised data in an amalgamated format between October 2023 and January 2024. Patients were from a local community and therefore social and environmental factors would be similar. Submitted information was inputted into an SPSS database 28 for analysis which included descriptive and inferential statistics to indicate statistical significance. Results: In total, 5458 PHC electronic records were examined comprising 2729 veterans and 2729 demographically matched for age and gender non-veterans. Each group contained 86.4% (N=2359) men and 13.6% (N=370) women. The mean age was 63.8 years (SD 17.7). Rates of hypertension were 20.9% in veterans compared with 17.6% in non-veterans (p=0.002). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was 8.3% in veterans compared with 6.4% in non-veterans (p=0.007). Dementia was 2.1% of veterans compared with 2.5% of non-veterans (p=0.32). Smoking was 11.8% of veterans compared with 10.6% of non-veterans (p=0.16). Conclusion: These results reveal that veterans were statistically more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. This study should assist in a better understanding of the healthcare needs of the veteran population to potentially inform better patient-centred care. However, the effectiveness of using PHC patient medical records requires increased efforts to improve data quality which needs improved PHC staff knowledge, consistency in SNOMED-CT coding, better veteran medical e-record registration and coding and better data transmission between the Defence Medical Services and PHC.