This research is about two modes of built environment production that coexist in the contemporary Arab Muslim world. It argues that the contemporary (acquired modem-capitalist) mode is based on the concept of power; however, the traditional Islamic (inherited) mode is based on the concept of rights as derived from shari 'a (Islamic legal system). Substantial dissensions exist between the two modes, due to differences in their concepts of power and related mechanisms. This research helps to explain many concepts concerning "the structure of power" in contemporary societies and "the structures of rights" in traditional Muslim societies, and their respective impact on the built environment. This thesis argues that most urban studies dealing with Muslim cities stem from Western concepts delineated by thinkers such as Weber, Marx, and Durkheim. Such concepts shaped the thinking of Orientalists and many Muslim scholars in studying Muslim environments, leading to confused conclusions. They have all ignored the exa…
The term 'quenching' describes the reversion of an operating superconducting magnet to its normally resistive state. This involves change the conversion of stored magnetic energy to heat. It is usually accompanied by the generation of high temperatures, voltages and stresses, because of the large amount of energy stored by such magnets. Since a magnet may be damaged by a quench, it is important to predict the behaviour of a design in this situation. However, the process involves a complex interaction of electromagnetic and thermal phenomena, so a computer-based simulation is necessary for the analysis of practical magnet designs. It is shown how a quench in a magnet can be modelled using the concept of a ’propagation velocity’ which defines how fast the normal region spreads throughout the magnet. A review of currently-available quench simulation software, much of which uses this approach, is then presented. Modifications are made to one such program, with the aim of widening the range of magnets it can model…
In 1949, JBS Haldane proposed that the high frequency of the thalassaemias might reflect a heterozygote survival advantage against malaria. This “malaria hypothesis” formed the basis for this programme of research. Between 1993 and 2006, | conducted a series of comprehensive and detailed studies of the relationships between malaria and the common red-cell variants a-thalassaemia and Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) in children and pregnant women in the North coastal region of Papua New Guinea. The clinical and laboratory features of malaria in children were described. In multiple regression analysis, raised plasma lactate (>5mmol/l) was the major predictor of death. Acidosis and impaired renal function were also independent predictors of mortality, and muscle-cell injury was identified as a cause of dark urine. A case-control study of 249 children admitted to hospital with severe malaria and 233 children with severe non-malaria illnesses was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effect of a*-tha…
AcMNPV lef-2 is essential for DNA replication and is involved in expression of late and very late gene promoters. In earlier work, the isolation of a virus mutant (VLD1) deficient only in very late protein synthesis was attributed to a point mutation in lef-2. DNA replication and late protein production remained largely unchanged. In this study, real time or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was used to re-examine virus DNA replication by VLD1 and AcORF63260-1, a virus containing the same mutation within lef-2 derived by directed methods. The results showed that AcORF63260-1 DNA replication was comparable to wild type AcMNPV, but that VLD1 exhibited slightly delayed DNA replication, suggesting that this virus might have other gene mutations. A second mutation was discovered within lef-2, but when this was introduced into AcMNPV it had no apparent effect on DNA replication. The q-PCR was also used to examine late and very late gene expression in virus-infected cells. The expression of late (gp64 a…
Due to the nocturnal and arboreal nature of nocturnal prosimians field research on these species is limited. Maintaining populations in zoos provides an opportunity to increase our knowledge of these elusive species. This study aimed to update and contribute to the limited research on captive populations of nocturnal prosimians. The study consists of two parts. Part one aimed to identify the current European captive population of six nocturnal prosimian species (aye-aye, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Goodman’s mouse lemur, grey mouse lemur, grey slender loris and pygmy slow loris) and determine their demographic self-sustainability. To achieve this aim studbook data was analysed. The difference between birth and death rates, infant mortality rates, age structure and sex composition were investigated. The study concludes populations of aye-aye, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, grey slender loris and pygmy slow loris were not self-sustaining whereas Goodman’s mouse lemur are self-sustaining and grey mouse lemur were found to …
An experimental and theoretical investigation has been undertaken in which a unique method of position measurement has been developed and used to study the real-time behaviour of reed valves in a two-stroke engine. This sensor has allowed the acquisition of high resolution position data, recorded during unstable operating conditions, in a format that is convenient for further analysis. This in turn has provided the opportunity to improve the modelling of reed valves through the development of the forcing function. The sensor uses active infra-red to achieve non-intrusive position measurement and can be attached in close proximity to the reed valve, enabling high common mode rejection of vibration with a resolution of 0.01mm possible. The sensor underwent back to back evaluation with a recognised video stroboscopic method ofreed position measurement during stable operating conditions, during which not only was its own integrity established, but also the limitations of the currently recognised method demonstra…
Through adhesive surface treatments have been defined as pretreatments for adhesive bonding where the adherend surface is physically attacked under a covering layer of uncured adhesive. In addition to the usual benefits associated with physical pretreatments, there is potential for novel chemical reactions between adhesives and adherends. It may be proposed that, in the absence of a coherent oxide layer, an adhesive will form primary chemical bonds to a reactive metal adherend. Primary bonds may endow an adhesive to adherend interface with greater strength and aqueous stability than secondary bonding alone can provide. Three techniques of through adhesive surface treatment have been investigated. The first uses an abrasive surface, flooded with adhesive, onto which the adherend is scrubbed. The second relies on abrasive filler in the adhesive. Agitation of uncured joints’ adherends causes the filler to abrade the bonding surfaces. Finally, the third technique employs the adhesive as an ultrasonic cleaning me…
Background: Increased incidence of oropharyngeal cancer in middle-age is attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although it often has a good prognosis, treatment can leave severe side effects. A new management approach introduced in 2018 aims to reduce morbidity in survivorship, but psychosocial experiences and support needs on the pathway following (chemo)radiotherapy remain unknown. Method: Two systematic reviews established existing knowledge, firstly related to HPV+ve oropharyngeal cancer patients (meta-ethnography), and secondly informal HNC caregivers (narrative review). A qualitative approach then enabled exploration of early recovery on the new pathway. 16 patient and 9 caregiver semi-structured interviews were transcribed and coded using the Framework Method. Themes were developed using Interpretative description and inductive Reflexive Thematic Analysis to depict experiences and support needs. Health behaviour theories informed analysis, including recognition of similarities between patient a…
The research sought to first solve several core questions in the science of engine efficiency with a rigorous first principles approach, and then to understand the efficiency potential of roto-compound engines. The research includes original contributions to fundamental and applied engine thermodynamics, cycle and combustion optimization, exergy analyses, and the study of rotary turbines and roto-compound engines. Foundations were first developed from fundamental thermodynamics including the Carnot Efficiency, irreversible entropy generation, irreversible exergy destruction, exergy balances, and exergy efficiency. Definitions for combustion exergy efficiency were developed and then utilized to define novel process and cycle exergy properties, the thermodynamic efficiency limit of engines and specific efficiency limits for compound, combined, combined compound and recuperated cycle engines. Ideal roto-compound cycles were introduced and compared with ideal turbo-diesel, Miller and turbo-compound cycles. Exa…
The use of Forest Schools (FS) to promote outdoor learning has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so. The FS approach embraces a woodland environment and espouses a child-centred pedagogy. Six principles outlining the key features of FS underpin the ways that FS leaders (FSLs) have been trained to uphold the central tenets and generate a constructivist ethos within the outdoor environment. Policy regarding principled FS practice in England, however, can be interpreted and enacted by FSLs and supporting adults in various ways. Much research has focussed on the benefits and outcomes for participants of FS, however there has been no investigation into the multiple ways that child-centred learning is exemplified within a FS context, and the range of adult practices that promote this. Characterising child-centredness as child agency, this research sought to explore how, where and when children’s agency was evidenced within FS settings. This research project was designed to adopt an ethno…