PGR Showcase Posters 2025 | Doctoral School

PGR Showcase - Poster Presentation Competition 2025

Please take the time to peruse the posters below, submit you questions for the live session at the showcase, and vote for your favourite!

Click on the posters for the full size PDF

VOTE HERE

Nano-emulsion edible coating to enhance shelf-life, antimicrobial and antioxidant quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Aatish Mali

College of Health and Science

There has been significant increase in the advancement of edible coatings in recent years, especially in the preservation of fruits and vegetables, with tomatoes being a main focus due to their high perishability especially during transportation and storage. The use of nano-emulsion incorporation in edible coating has emerged as an environmentally sustainable and innovative solution. Nano-emulsion enhance the stability, bioavailability and functional properties of bioactive compounds in edible coating, that makes it highly effective in preservation of tomatoes. The incorporation of natural antimicrobial agents, such as essential oils, plant extracts and other bioactive compounds into nano-emulsion-based coatings has shown remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Similarly, the insertion of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, vitamins, and other phenolic compounds, helps delay oxidative degradation during storage of fruits and vegetables. A major objective of this study is to examine various easily available and rarely studied bioactive compounds incorporated with nano emulsion in order to improve the barrier properties of the functionalized edible coating, as well as their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which might play a pivotal role in the sustainable and effective tomato preservation strategies.

VOTE HERE

Development of Biodegradable Films Incorporated with Plantain Peel-Derived Activated Carbon Nanoparticles for Meat Preservation and Packaging

Anjana Anil

College of Health and Science

In modern global consumption patterns, chicken meat plays a crucial role. Its raw state renders it susceptible to spoilage, creating favourable environments for the growth of diverse microbial organisms, including potential pathogens. This study focuses on the development of an eco-friendly packaging for meat preservation with plantain starch incorporated with activated carbon nanoparticles. Activated carbon nanoparticles, obtained from plantain peel via carbonization, can be incorporated into the film to enhance its barrier properties and mechanical strength. These activated nanoparticles will also be evaluated for morphology, particle size distribution, thermal stability and cytotoxicity. The developed biodegradable film will undergo various analyses which includes evaluating physical properties such as thickness and colour, as well as mechanical strength parameters like tensile strength and elongation at break. Barrier properties will be assessed through measurements of water vapour transmission rate and oxygen transmission rate, while biodegradability will be determined via a soil burial test. Morphological studies will be conducted through scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform spectrometer and the thermal stability will be assessed using Thermogravimetric analysis. The activated carbon nanoparticles-infused starch-based film, once applied to the meat, will undergo studies on pH, titratable acidity, and shelf life to monitor any changes occurring in the product quality. This environmentally conscious packaging not only extends the shelf life of meat but also makes a significant contribution to reducing the environmental impact, appealing to consumers concerned about sustainability.

Keywords: Activated carbon nanoparticles, Plantain starch, Biodegradable film, Meat preservation

VOTE HERE

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Potential of Cinnamon Leaf, Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary Essential Oils: A Study on Natural Agents for Food, Health Applications

Behnaz Azimzadeh

College of Health and Science

In recent years, essential oils (EOs) extracted from various plants have garnered significant attention for their potential as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. This growing interest is fuelled by the global increase in foodborne illness outbreaks, changing consumer preferences away from synthetic additives, and a rising demand for innovative functional foods with potential health benefits. This study aimed to identify the key components and antimicrobial properties of EOs from cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) (CEO), oregano (Origanum vulgare) (OEO), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) (TEO) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis (REO). The antimicrobial properties of these EOs were assessed against two bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium) and two fungal strains (Aspergillus Niger and Penicillium Aerogenes) using the agar well diffusion method and clinical antimicrobial concentrations as controls. Chemical composition analysis via GC-MS revealed eugenol as the major compound in CEO (70.4%), with a significant presence of caryophyllene, linalool, β-phellandrene, and copaene. TEO contained thymol (29%) with notable amounts of terpinolene, while OEO showed carvacrol (93%) as the dominant compound, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymol, β-pinene, and D-limonene and REO was rich in camphor (8%) with a significant amount of α-Pinene and eucalyptol. Apart from REO, the in vitro study demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties of CEO (31 mm–33 mm), OEO (61.6 mm–38.55 mm), and TEO (40 mm–52.5 mm) against the tested pathogens, based on significantly higher average antibacterial zones compared to ampicillin (3 mm), amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (3 mm), azithromycin (12 mm), cefoxitin (8 mm), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (12 mm), and tetracycline (3 mm). REO exhibited antifungal effectiveness (31 mm-35 mm) but no antibacterial effects. These findings suggest that the active compounds in CEO, OEO, TEO, and REO show promise as effective and economical natural antimicrobial agents, with potential applications across food, health, and environmental sectors.

VOTE HERE

Shark-Inspired Aerodynamics: Unlocking Passive Drag Reduction with Riblet Surfaces

Callum Jack Bond

College of Health and Science

“Shark-Inspired Aerodynamics: Unlocking Passive Drag Reduction with Riblet Surfaces”

This research explores bio-inspired surfaces through studying riblets modelled from mako shark scales, or dermal denticles. The primary objective is to determine the driving mechanisms by which riblet surfaces increase the aerodynamic efficiency, particularly in low fluid velocity. This study is built from the foundations of a solid undergraduate thesis and contributes to the concurrent literature on passive drag reductive surfaces.

A comparative study was conducted between a smooth and bio-inspired riblet flat plate at three distinct low Reynolds numbers, corresponding to a free stream velocity of 2.5m/s, 5m/s, and 10m/s. Large Eddie Simulations (LES) to capture both quantitative and qualitative fluid flow characteristics. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) was employed to identify dominant flow structures and energy distribution patterns. Numerical results were validated using secondary data, and insights were obtained through extensive MATLAB coding and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) visualisations.

LES analysis confirmed significant total drag reduction at lower velocities, with a 4.0% decrease at 2.5m/s and a 3.5% reduction at 5m/s. However, at 10 m/s, a slight increase of 2% in total drag was observed. Notably, in all cases, the viscous drag component was reduced by approximately 20-30%, indicating the bio-inspired riblets effectiveness to disrupt and align near wall vortices. POD analysis revealed that riblets improve the dominance of the first mode and cumulative energy captured, especially at lower velocities. At higher velocities, riblets struggle to maintain flow organisation, leading to a slight diminished performance.

In essence, bio-inspired riblets are significantly promising for the passive aerodynamic efficiency improvement of aerofoils. Implications for practical application include increased power coefficients of wind turbine blades for electricity generation.

VOTE HERE

Investigating the power paradigms in RSHE

Charlie Shaw

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

In the 18 years I have been an RSHE educator a paradox has emerged within English sexuality education. With the advent of statutory RSHE in 2020 the subject cemented its status in the curriculum. Simultaneously a devastating erosion in the provision of training for sexuality education teachers, once a remit for the local authority, gathered force as a casualty of the academisation drive. Now the RSHE paradox is the quandary that it remains the only compulsory curriculum subject it is not possible to complete ITT in.

The aim of my work is to establish why the RSHE paradox exists, to investigate why actors such as Ofsted, government, trusts and headteachers simultaneously extol RSHE and yet persistently marginalise it through policy and practice. Is there power in RSHE? A subject unique in that it is bereft of exams, difficult to assess and sits within its own specialist pedagogy. It certainly doesn’t fit into the neo-liberal box of what education should be and so the subject is othered.

Rooted and entangled within this paradox is the politics surrounding the ‘dangerous’ concept of gender theory. Consequentially young people’s access to a quality sexuality education is being eroded by a culture of fear and misinformation about what takes place within the RSHE classroom. Meaning children’s access to information about sex, sexuality and gender is often warped, censored and subverted. My research aims to investigate why RSHE is othered, who benefits and who loses when this happens and to imagine what a powerful force RSHE could be if it were not oppressed.

With the poster I intend to show the early work on my PhD so far, my review of the literature and my reflections on the issues as both a researcher and a practitioner.

VOTE HERE

Corrosion Mechanisms of Lithium In Liquid Breeder Blankets for Fusion

Cholasit Kaewwichit

College of Health and Science

The global demand for energy continues to rise and is expected grow faster in the coming years, driven largely by the electrification of numerous sectors in the pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. Achieving this, necessitates a transition to sustainable and green energy sources, and a rapid reduction in carbon emissions primarily through the decarbonization of the energy sector, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Amidst this backdrop, fusion energy is seen as a promising solution and is regarded as one of the top alternatives to fossil fuels, with is potential to provide virtually unlimited, clean, and safe energy. Fusion is the process where two light nuclei combine to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing an enormous amount of energy during the process. It is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of the future energy mix. However, for fusion energy to become a reality and commercially viable several barriers need to be overcome. One of the most critical challenges that fusion faces is the corrosion of reactor materials caused by molten lithium, used in the reactor to generate the fuel required for the fusion reaction. This research aims to address this problem by investigating the corrosion mechanisms between lithium and candidate coating materials to be used in future reactors. Corrosion experiments involving fusion relevant conditions such as temperature and irradiation damage, as well as different coating parameters will be conducted in order to mimic the actual reactor environment as closely as possible. The extent of corrosion will be evaluated using various analytical techniques, and based on findings, it is hoped that an AI model can be created to simulate and predict corrosion over time. Compositional characterisation and structural analysis for samples before coating have been completed and at present, the coating of samples is currently underway.

VOTE HERE

An exploration of the Bio-based Methods for Extraction, Purfication and Recovery of Lithium Carbonate

Cora Dawson-Jones

College of Health and Science

Lithium is an essential metal with various uses, the most important of which is energy storage devices such as batteries. Lithium is used in batteries due to its high energy density and efficiency. The recent evolution of technology has increased the global demand for batteries increasing the demand for lithium. One of the main sources of lithium is in mineral ores. However, the extraction methods of lithium from mineral ores are environmentally detrimental. Hence, this project focuses on developing lithium bioleaching technologies. Bioleaching is an eco-friendly process to extract metals from minerals using microorganisms such as bacteria. The natural activity of the micro-organisms solubilises the lithium from the mineral ores so it may be recovered.

This research aims to optimise the bioleaching process through condition testing. By testing various parameters, we aim to identify the conditions at which the process produces the highest lithium yield. Some parameters we will be testing include the temperature, pH, and mineral ore type. Our main testing parameter is the type of bacteria. We will look at commercially used bacteria and bacteria naturally occurring on the mineral ores.

While the reaction conditions will vary per experiment, all tests will be performed for 30 days, in a shaking incubator at 120 rpm, with a total volume of 100 ml. Once the optimisation testing has been finalised the reaction will be scaled up to approximately 5 L. At the end of each experiment, the lithium will be purified and precipitated as lithium carbonate for use in batteries.

VOTE HERE

Einsteinian Gravitational Concepts Throughout Secondary School

Corey McInerney

College of Health and Science

Einstein’s theory of relativity is largely thought of as one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century and continues to pass observational tests over 100 years later. Yet, it is Newtonian gravity, a 350-year-old formalism proven to be less accurate than relativity, which is taught in schools. It has been shown that Einsteinian gravitational concepts can be well understood by students in both primary and secondary education in various countries around the world. We aim to assess this in a UK secondary school for the first time by asking a cross-section of students from Yr 7-13 enrolled in an English secondary school to take part in an intervention designed to introduce the idea of gravity from spacetime curvature. The overall aim of this work is to assess the viability of including relativity in the secondary curriculum and to ascertain which year this material would be best placed in. We determine that all year groups where able to appreciate the effects of spacetime curvature to some extent. Visual demonstrations aided conceptual understanding at Yr 7-8 level, but this does not have a strong effect on their ideas around the source of the gravitational force. Participants in Yr 9-13 were able to understand concepts beyond those introduced in the demonstrations. However, a deeper understanding of curvature as the source of the gravitational force is not seen until years 12 and 13. We find that those in Yr 13 have the best overall understanding of the concepts introduced during our intervention.

VOTE HERE

Let’s Play: Supporting designers of Higher Education to create playful learning experiences

David Anderson

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

My research explores how playful experiences have successfully been embedded into teaching practices it is relevant to higher education tutors curious about creating fun and interactive teaching tools for adults. The use of games (simulations, escape rooms, board games, card games, etc.) for teaching is becoming increasingly popular as an innovative way to engage learners. Studies have shown that using playful learning, gamification and games based learning approaches can have positive effects on student educational experiences.

However, in order to introduce playful learning experiences into the classroom there is somewhat of a barrier to entry where pre-requisite knowledge and skills are required in order to develop such pedagogy. Educators typically suffer from time scarcity and restricted budgets where it is not always possible to think about, let alone design playful experiences which might only be used a handful of times during a module. As a result, creating playful learning is a challenging activity which requires effort & consideration to do well.

VOTE HERE

Decoding The Recipe Of Wellbeing: Technology And Sustainability In E-Commerce Impulse Buying

Doan Thi My Linh

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

This research investigates how to transform impulsive buying behaviour in e-commerce into sustainable consumption while promoting consumer wellbeing. Driven by profit-oriented marketing strategies, impulsive buying often leads to overconsumption, waste, and negative outcomes for consumers, businesses, and the environment. To address this challenge, this study introduces the WELLBEING framework, integrating technology, sustainability, and ethics to reshape impulsive buying patterns.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the research comprises three studies. Study 1 employs qualitative methods to conceptualize the WELLBEING framework by exploring consumer experiences and insights. Study 2 empirically operationalises the framework through an online survey of Vietnamese e-commerce shoppers, examining the psychological and behavioural mechanisms underlying impulsive purchases. Study 3 extends the analysis, testing the mediating effects of perceived gamification affordances and post-purchase regrets on the relationship between impulsive buying behaviour and overall wellbeing. Further supporting this, the moderating role of sustainable consciousness on this indirect mediation relationship is also examined.

Qualitative results offer a novel, multi-dimensional framework integrating non-monetary drivers like gamification, mindfulness, and eco-consciousness, advancing understanding of sustainable consumption in impulse buying context. Moreover, findings from quantitative research reveal that gamification can address the dopamine-driven cycle of shopping, mitigating the negative effect of post-purchase regret, thus promoting consumer wellbeing. The research contributes theoretically by advancing understanding of the intersection of technology, wellbeing, and sustainability in online consumer behaviour. Practically, it offers actionable strategies for businesses to align marketing with SDG#12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG#16 (Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development), achieving profitability while prioritizing consumer welfare and environmental sustainability.

VOTE HERE

Exploring Perspectives on the Adequacy of SEND Provision in England: A Mixed-Methods Approach Using TikTok and Survey Data

Ellie Broome

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

This Study analyses the adequacy of Special Education needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in England, by capturing the perspectives from two key stakeholder groups; Parents of SEND children and education professionals. The study adopts an innovative mixed-methods approach, leveraging the capabilities of the TikTok algorithm to analyse parental advocacy experiences along with a quantitative survey to explore the views of education professionals including teachers, SENDCO’s and other Education staff. TikTok provides access to underrepresented voices, allowing parents to share their real-world day-to-day experiences. The Survey compliments this method by offering structured insights into professional perspectives towards some of the challenges identified by the parents, enabling a holistic understanding to be sought. Overall, these, methods aim to address gaps in understanding how effectively the English SEND system meets the needs of its users, providing valuable evidence to inform future policy and practice. This presentation intents to outline the studies theoretical framework, methodology and anticipated impact whilst demonstrating how innovative tools such as TikTok can enhance social science research.

VOTE HERE

Exploring the professional and academic identity formation of nurses working in higher education

Frances Nicol

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

A recent rapid literature review identified three themes in relation to the nurses professional and academic identity in higher education; the first being the implications to individual identities due to nursing being categorised as a young academic discipline (Adams 2011), whilst highlighting the complex experience for practitioners in harmonising their dual identities (Lee et al 2022), and finally balancing the concept of imposter syndrome and its impact on identity (Cidlinska et al 2023 and Xu and Barrow 2024). The academic identity of the nurse within a higher education setting is becoming increasingly recognised, Ebert et al (2020) and Brower et al (2022) highlight longstanding intrigue about the meaning of ‘academic’ applied to both discipline and practitioner and recognise its complex nature. Such acknowledgments help to move the discussion on from academic identity being solely focused on tangible and high-quality workings, to recognising its position in a broader professional context. My presentation aims to look at the themes in more detail and prompt debate.

VOTE HERE

The climate impacts of cinematography and developing a sustainable future for the craft

Jack Shelbourn

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

Film Production is a major contributor to global greenhouse emissions. ‘A Screen New Deal’, published by the BFI in 2020 outlines that;

‘Data analysis shows that one average tentpole film production – a film with a budget of over US$70m – generates 2,840 tones of CO2e, the equivalent amount absorbed by 3,709 acres of forest in a year. Within this, transport accounts for approximately 51% of carbon emissions, mains electricity and gas use accounts for around 34%, and diesel generators for the remaining 15%.’ (BFI, 2020)

It is therefore vital that a key creative on a film project, the cinematographer, becomes part of the solution instead of continuing to be part of the problem. The Cinematography department is key to any production and one that is not spoken about within this context enough. Instead, the talk is about removing generators and changing fixtures to LED. Rather than discussing the cinematographer’s practice itself.

At a time when the US industry seeks to promote natural light as evidenced by Nomadland’s BAFTA and Oscar wins, but where major carbon emissions continue to be generated by cinematographic practices, my work seeks to develop replicable working methods that can substantially reduce the environmental harms of cinematography department and therefore act on the environmental permacrisis.

In this presentation I will ask how I, as a practicing cinematographer can introduce change through my own practice. With reference and case study to my practice in the feature films; Mind-Set (Murray, 2022) and How You Look At Me (Gonzalez, 2019) and introducing the first practice eliments of my PhD research.

VOTE HERE

Mucoadhesion ability of protein and starch from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seeds, relative to milk casein, gelatine and gum Arabic as well-recognized mucoadhesive biopolymers

Jiaxin Zuo

College of Health and Science

This study investigated the mucoadhesive properties of two polysaccharides [lotus seed starch (LS), gum Arabic (GA)] and three proteins [lotus seed protein (LP), casein (CA), and gelatin (G)]. Different In vitro tests were carried-out to study the biopolymer-mucin interactions including mucin adsorption assay, turbidity development over 6 hours, and viscosity increase (“force of bioadhesion”). The free thiol content of proteins was also measured as one of the underlying mechanisms for adhesion. The biopolymers were studied at different concentrations (0.25-1% for polysaccharides and 2-10% for proteins, except G which was studied at 1-5% due to its high gelling capacity). The effect of biopolymer modification on its ability as mucoadhesive was also studied. Proteins underwent thermal treatment (H, 85⁰C/30 min), ultrasounds (US, 50% amplitude at 40⁰C/30 min), or heating followed by ultrasounds (H+US), while polysaccharides were treated with US only. The results showed a descending order of mucoadhesion: GA > LS > CA > G > LP. GA and CA had higher mucin adsorption than LP and LS. Increasing LP concentration decreased mucoadhesion, while CA increased adhesion, peaking at 10% protein content. However, Gelatin showed maximum adhesion at 3%, which declined at higher concentrations; GA and LS had optimal mucin adsorption at 0.5%, with no improvement beyond this concentration. In addition, Casein’s higher thiol content correlated with stronger mucoadhesion. Intact or heat-treated gelatin had high mucoadhesion, unlike US or H+US treatments, which reduced it. However, US treatment increased LS’s ability to bind mucin, while LP showed no significant changes with any treatment. Therefore, these findings suggest the potential for using mucoadhesive biopolymers in food applications to prolong retention time on the mucosa, aiding in salt reduction without compromising taste.

VOTE HERE

Don’t Forget the Flugelhorn: A Practice-Based Investigation into Flugelhorn Underuse in Classical Music Ensembles

Lauren Hickman

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

The flugelhorn is a soprano brass instrument recognised for its mellow sound and lyrical tone. Widely embraced in jazz, the British Brass Band and various European folk traditions, the flugelhorn’s integration with community-based and stylistically diverse musical practices directly contrast its experiences in the field of Western Art – classical – music. This is especially prominent in more orthodox and generally less experimental areas of classical music, where its use, to date, has been notably limited.

This poster presentation outlines the progress of my Practice-as-Research (PaR) PhD, which seeks to investigate the culture of flugelhorn underuse in more conventional strands of classical music, particularly ensembles. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach including contextual analysis, interviews with industry practitioners and creative practice. The poster itself briefly outlines the approach of the project and summarises the general progression path of the research, including some key preliminary findings and hypotheses.

The practice-based element of this project – a portfolio of original compositions utilising the flugelhorn in various ensemble contexts – is central to this inquiry. Through the combined creation and realisation processes, I aim to demonstrate both the benefits and challenges of flugelhorn inclusion and the issues encountered when working to integrate it. By combining PAR with more traditional research methods, my research offers an original and holistic perspective on the culture of flugelhorn underuse in classical music, doing so through a dual compositional and organological lens.

VOTE HERE

A computational and Experimental study on Methanol synthesis

Matis Ferrini

College of Health and Science

Given the rising concentrations of carbon-dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere and the increase in global warming, there is an urgent need for an environmentally friendly and more sustainable energy generation solutions. In particular, there is a need to minimise atmospheric CO₂buildup while simultaneously utilizing the excess to construct a beneficial product. In this regard, the conversion of CO₂to methanol has shown to be a viable option that could serve two purposes. Firstly, with atmospheric CO₂capture technologies, CO₂could be directly utilized to synthesize methanol and therefore, a method of reducing the high levels whilst also reducing global warming. Secondly, methanol has the potential to be used as a form of liquid medium for the implementation of hydrogen fuel cells for green energy generation.

Previous researchers have explored the potential advantages of implementing methanol synthesis in a CO₂circular economy to mitigate global warming [1], whereas others are improving the research and development of methanol as a hydrogen medium for green fuel cells [2,3]. Considering this, the manufacturing of methanol is one of the largest industrial processes in the world, with 75 million tons produced in 2015 and the global industry generating $55 billion each year. The modern industrial method of synthesizing methanol is via a mixture made up of hydrogen/carbon-monoxide/carbond-dioxide (H2/CO/CO₂). The reaction occurs over a copper/zinc-oxide/ alumina (Cu/ZnO/Al2O3) catalyst, at 180-300 °C and 50-100 bar of pressure.

While many studies have progressed the understanding of methanol synthesis and its mechanistic pathways, there are still some controversies in the exact states of both the intermediates and metal surfaces during the reaction [4]. Therefore, this project combines Density Functional Theory based quantum chemical calculations and Inelastic Neutron Spectroscopy, with the aim of elucidating the comprehensive understanding of the methanol synthesis process.

1. M. Specht, F. Staiss, A. Bandi and T. Weimer, Int J Hydrogen Energy, 1998, 23, 387–396.

2. G. A. Olah, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2005, 44, 2636–2639.

3. P. Galindo Cifre and O. Badr, Energy Convers Manag, 2007, 48, 519–527.

4. G. Pacchioni, ACS Catal, 2024, 14, 2730–2745.

VOTE HERE

Stronger together: association between multi-drug resistance (MDR) and biofilm forming ability of Salmonella spp. in poultry processing environments

Mona Abdelmaksoud

College of Health and Science

Salmonella spp. pose a significant challenge to food safety particularly within the poultry industry. Since Salmonella spp. persists in poultry processing plants by forming biofilms, this study investigated the conditions for their formation and whether it is correlated with their MDR status. A total of fifty-four Salmonella isolates previously recovered from poultry processing plants were tested at 4°C, 12°C, 25°C, and 37°C using the crystal violet microtiter plate assay. Biofilm formation strength varied by temperature: at 4°C, 51.9% (28) isolates produced weak biofilms and 48.1% (26) moderate; at 12°C, 7.4% (4) were non-producers, 37% (20) were weak, 51.9% (28) were moderate, and 3.7% (2) were strong producers. At 25°C, 42.6% (23) were weak, 51.9% (28) moderate, and 5.6% (3) strong, while at 37°C, more showed strong biofilm production (42.6% (23) weak, 20.4% (11) moderate, 37% (20) strong). Statistical analysis significance of temperature (F(3,432) = 49075.424, p < 0.001, η² = 0.997), isolate (F(53,432) = 18081.669, p < 0.001, η² = 1.000), and their interaction (F(159,432) = 1808.328, p < 0.001, η² = 0.998) on biofilm formation. An inverse relationship between MDR status and biofilm strength (p < 0.001) was shown and clearly non-MDR strains formed stronger biofilms than MDR isolates. Although whole genome sequencing analysis of the 5/54 isolates tested identified : csgD, fimA, sadA, lpfA, bssS as adherence genes, their role in biofilm formation remains uncertain. These findings underscore the impact of temperature and MDR status on biofilm production in Salmonella, highlighting that non-MDR strains might depend more on the protection provided by the biofilm community to survive in processing environments.

VOTE HERE

Machine Learning in Data Science: Models, Benefits, and Practical Applications

Nicholas Walton

College of Health and Science

Machine learning has revolutionised data science for the past decade or so, by providing the ability to uncover trends, make predictions, and automate complex tasks. This research examines the role of machine learning in data science, highlighting its ability to predict and forecast. By using the example of predicting house prices, the study evaluates the performance of various machine learning models, including, decision trees and random forests, to showcase their practicality through metric testing, MAE, as well as methods of improving their accuracy.

Decision tree models are regarded as a simple machine learning model, utilising the ‘decision tree’ to ask certain questions/criteria and make predictions based on the answers. Random forests take multiple decision tree models and put them together, to form a forest, giving more accurate predictions.

The study shows the benefits of machine learning modelling in data science, more specifically with handling large datasets. The study also emphasises how these models can be improved with certain tricks such as finding the best amount of leaf nodes for a decision tree and random forest model, as well as the importance of training and testing the model on different datasets.

Predicting house prices is regarded as the simplest example of how machine learning models can integrate diverse features, i.e. the year it was built, property area, No. bedrooms, etc, into actionable predictions. By comparing models using metrics like mean absolute error, the research demonstrates how different machine learning models perform using the same set of data.

This research highlights the potential use of machine learning in data science, offering to students and researchers insight into the types of models, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, ways they can be implemented along with methods to improve and test the models they make.

VOTE HERE

Investigating the anticancer activity of extracts derived from selected Nigerian medicinal plants

Obika Ogochukwu Immaculate

College of Health and Science

Plants have long been a treasure trove of chemicals with therapeutic potential. They have been used to treat different ailments in ancient times even before the emergence of any medical concept. Plant extracts bioactivity have been widely studied to identify and harness bioactive compounds for cancer drug development. This study focuses on reducing the use of traditional extraction techniques for isolating bioactive compounds from selected anticancer plants, evaluating their cytotoxic properties, and identifying key compounds using greener traditional analytical techniques such as SPME-GCMS and thick layer chromatography as separation methods. Fruits/pods from Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidan fruit), Xylopia aethiopica (negro pepper), and Aframomum danielli (Alligator pepper) that have been shown from literature to possess anticancer potential, were extracted and profiled. A few compounds have been separated and identified, before testing their anti-cancer activity on human cancer cell lines. The research highlights the potential of plants as a sustainable source for anticancer drug development. Future directions include using computational tools and in vitro studies to explore their therapeutic applications further.

VOTE HERE

Ebony Eyes- Ivory Towers: Identity Construction for Black Women in Higher Education

Rhianne-Ebony Sterling-Morris

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

In UK society, Black people can experience a multitude of discrimination, alienation, and otherness due to their racial identity. Where individuals experience oppression because of their dual or multiple minoritised identities, such as being Black and a woman, they can experience what Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989) coins a ‘double jeopardy’ . Crenshaw asserts that Black women are more likely to experience this double jeopardy than any other ethnic and gendered group. ‘You have to work twice as hard to get half as far’ is a colloquial phrase and experience that Black women in particular have encountered for most of their lives, and this is not different within higher education (HE).

2022/23 HESA data shows that only 60 Black Women have professorship in the UK, making up 2.4% of the UK’s total professoriate. Emphasis has been placed on trying to increase these numbers through various initiatives including initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality charter led by AdvanceHE. However, little attention has been paid to whether reaching such senior positions is an aspiration for all Black women in HE. Furthermore, little is known about how Black women construct their identities within the ‘ivory tower,’ the extent to which their identity is shaped by their experiences within HE, nor how identity and experience shape their career aspirations.

Using a life history methodology, drawing from Markus and Nurius possible selves’ framework (1986) and place identity (Proshansky,1978), this research investigates identity construction for Black women within HE. This framework allows investigation into identity through past, present, future, social and developmental context enabling a holistic, flexible, and adaptable view of ones idenity and its construction over time while also looking at the impact place may have.

VOTE HERE

A comparative study of the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens and other target organisms of interest in Traditional Camembert and Plant-based Cheese

Rose Yaa Amoah Mante

College of Health and Science

Plant-based foods have gained remarkable interest fuelled by the increasing interest in sustainable environmental practices, and consumer preferences towards healthy and ethically mindful food choices. Although studies have revealed diverse microbial communities in plant-based food with potential implications for storage strategies and product shelf-life there is limited data on the ability of these novel products to support microbial growth.

This study aimed to investigate the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens and other natural flora in plant-based and traditional cheese stored at different storage temperatures. Traditional and plant-based camembert-style cheeses were inoculated with P. fluorescens and stored at 4oC and ambient temperature. The growth and presence of P. fluorescens, lactic acid bacteria, total aerobic bacteria and yeast and moulds were studied over the storage period.

After 10 days both samples stored at room temperature showed higher microbial numbers as compared to those stored at 4oC.
A measure of the Area Under the Curve (AUC) for comparing bacterial growth over time indicated a significant difference between bacterial growth across the different storage temperatures.

A measure of colour for traditional cheese indicated that there was darkening of the cheese when stored at 4°C however the cheese colour was observed to become lighter at room temperature. However, this was not observed for the plant-based cheese. Both cheese types developed yellow and green tones as storage time progressed.
The data gathered helps us understand how different cheeses respond to temperature changes in terms of bacterial growth, crucial for determining optimal storage conditions for food safety and quality.

VOTE HERE

Compatibility of Decolonised Research Methodologies with Structured PhD Studies

Ruth Christina Roy

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

The global movement towards decolonising knowledge has prompted a re-evaluation of research methodologies. Decolonised research methodologies challenge the dominance of traditional western paradigms by prioritising inclusivity, intersectionality, contextual relevance and the voices of marginalised communities. These methodologies are increasingly recognised as critical for generating meaningful and transformative knowledge, particularly in addressing complex social issues. However, integrating decolonised methodologies into structured PhD programmes presents distinct challenges due to the rigid frameworks often inherent in doctoral study designs. Structured PhD programmes generally require adherence to predefined research questions, strict timelines and standardised outputs. These formal expectations can conflict with the flexible, iterative and participatory nature of decolonised methodologies as that often demand a deep engagement with local contexts and a willingness to allow the research process to evolve organically. This tension raises questions about how doctoral researchers can balance the institutional constraints of PhD programmes with methodological innovation. The presented poster critically looks into the suitability of decolonised methodologies for structured PhD studies, drawing on existing literature and reflective insights from doctoral research experiences. By investigating the potential for decolonised methodologies within structured PhD studies, this poster aims to lay the ground for deeper reflection on the adaption of academic frameworks to accommodate diverse research paradigms.

VOTE HERE

ab-initio XAS study of Cu k-edge/L-edge spectra of Cu_phenanthroline_xantphos

Shazma Gilani

College of Health and Science

“X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) calculations were performed on Cu atom of an optimized Cu-phenanthroline-xantphos complex using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) calculations within the CP2K framework. Various exchange-correlation functional, including PBE0, PBEE, LDA, HF, CAM-B3LYP, HSE06 etc., were tested with both pseudopotentials and all-electron potentials, as well as different basis sets such as the sapporo-tzv-2012. Quadrupole transitions were also included in case of CAM-B3LYP and HSE06 functional. The calculated Cu K-edge excitation energies across the different functional and basis sets ranged from 8716 eV to 8959 eV, showing a slight deviation from the
experimental value of 8979 eV. Additionally, Projected Density of States (PDOS) calculations revealed that the Cu 3d states are primarily responsible for the observed transitions in the XAS results.” Future work will focus on real-time propagation (RTP)-TDDFT calculations to
capture the dynamic electron response of the Cu complex, enabling deeper insights into transient states and time-resolved spectroscopic properties.”

VOTE HERE