Launch Pad - 2019-2022 student work at BCUR and PIP

Launch Pad

Previous research presented at BCUR and Posters in Parliament by Oxford Brookes students

2023

Please see this page for 2023 student work

2022

BCUR 2022 was postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation

2021

The following Oxford Brookes students presented their work at BCUR2021 (12-13th April 2021, University of Leeds)

Alexa Kurmann, Lucy Dallyn, Ella Hopwood, Thea Dyer and Maximillian Craik, BSc Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Research project: Investigating how Handwriting Legibility Influences Judgements of Text Quality.

There are many factors, such as punctuation, grammar and spelling, which can influence the judgment of quality when marking written work. A prominent bias is handwriting, where poorer legibility has a negative effect on judgements of essay quality.

This highlights an issue in today’s education system, because important exams are being handwritten and students with messier handwriting could be disadvantaged.

The current study aimed to investigate whether handwriting legibility influences markers’ judgements of quality, even when asked to ignore handwriting. One hundred and one university students marked four essays (2 with good content, 1 with good legibility and 1 with bad legibility; 2 with poor content, 1 with good legibility and 1 bad legibility) on a scale of 1-6 using the WOLD holistic criteria (Rust, 1996). Half of the participants were informed to ignore handwriting.

Essays with poor handwriting legibility were marked significantly lower than essays with good legibility. There was no interaction, so participants still marked essays with poor handwriting legibility as worse, even when they were informed to ignore the handwriting.

This supports the findings of previous research, that poorer handwriting legibility negatively impacts judgements of quality. The fact that informing participants to ignore handwriting was not enough to prevent handwriting legibility bias has implications for how written work should be assessed. Schools and education facilities may need to regulate the use of handwriting, perhaps with computer typed work, to ensure there is no handwriting legibility bias. Future studies need to consider whether this bias is present in other education systems.

Mollie Davies, BSc Biology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Research project: Anti-predatory behaviour in populations of non-cave orb spiders, Metellina segmentata, with a brief look into cave spiders in the genera Metellina and Meta.

For many animals, the risk of predation is a daily pressure. This has led to the development of self- defence methods which allow the animal to either; avoid detection, evade capture and/or fight back. The strategies undertaken by spiders to avoid predation are wide-ranging - differing across and within the different spider families. For some spiders, they have an instinctual behaviour to build webs, which allow them to catch prey and avoid predators. Through their webs, spiders detect vibrations. The frequency of these vibrations varies, and they tell the spider whether it is potential prey or a predator. Based off this information, the spider can then decide the best behavioural response to perform.

The aim of this project was to investigate the anti-predatory responses of Metellina spiders (Araneae, Tetragnathidae), which reside on an orb web. This was conducted using a tuning fork, which aimed to artificially simulate a predator. This novel methodology found that the spiders responded as if the tuning fork was a predator. The behavioural responses of the spiders were filmed and are undergoing analysis. The anti-predatory behaviours observed were split into those who escaped (e.g. dropped from the web or ran away), and those who attacked (e.g. moved towards the tuning fork). It is still being investigated whether these behaviours are linked to the size of the spider, size of the web or height of the web from the ground, or whether it is the personality of the spider that determines their response.

Sophie Biggs, BA Interior Architecture, Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment.

Research project: Humanitarian Architecture in Crisis? How the need for the collaboration between architects and the effected community is critical to support developing countries from short-term aid to long-term solution after a disaster.

In the last decade 200 million people have been affected by natural disasters and hazards, with 98% being communities in developing countries, meaning they do not necessarily have access to safe building materials and skills needed to rebuild a place (‘Beyond Shelter’, Aquilino, 2011). Many charities work to provide communities, post-disaster, with temporary shelter, food, water and medical care. However, often they lack help from the built environment especially for short-term shelter. Shockingly on average architects contribute 3% to the world’s built environment and often show an indifference to the world’s most vulnerable communities and disaster relief (‘Beyond Shelter’, Aquilino, 2011).

It reveals the question that if built environment professionals are not involved in design of shelter post-disaster, who oversees giving communities appropriate strong future shelter? When architects have been involved both short and long-term, such as Shigeru Ban, the structures have been more sustainable, durable, and cost effective compared to other variations of temporary homes.

The research aim of this thesis is to look at the involvement of architects and how a shift in the industry will improve humanitarian aid. By comparing various case studies of post-disaster relief, I discuss various structures of shelter and how in short and long term they aid building a city back up and forward as a key part of development. Additionally, the involvement of the local communities is vital in order to help the city develop architecturally and give the community the opportunity to learn knowledge of buildings, in case of future disaster.

2020

BCUR 2020 (6th-7th April, University of Leeds) was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic

2019

The following Oxford Brookes students presented their work at BCUR2019 (15-16 April 2019, University of South Wales)

Ali Altamimi (Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)

Research project: A public engagement project seeking to develop an animation to improve preoperative guidance for endoscopy

eHealth is a technique which improves health-care by using technology. It has garnered much attention and has seen a rise over the past decade. Preoperative anxiety is the feeling of uneasiness before a procedure, and it has been linked to the reduced postoperative quality of life. The effect of eHealth on preoperative anxiety has been researched, but its specific effect in endoscopic procedures is still unclear. The objectives of the study are literature review to identify commonly associated anxieties, which will be tested by surveying endoscopy patients. This study will then develop an animation addressing the common anxieties in an attempt to reduce preoperative anxiety and improve preoperative guidance. An increase in the number of endoscopies performed is attributed to the substantial increase in preoperative anxiety. However, preoperative anxiety is also correlated with the amount of knowledge the patients receive before the procedure. Therefore, this indicates that patient engagement and education may alleviate it. However, not all types of patient engagement have been shown to reduce preoperative anxiety as pamphlets have shown no significant change. This is due partly to the overwhelming information they entail. Therefore, a more suitable and engaging approach such as eHealth is required. The developed animation will be evaluated by professors, clinicians, and patients by a way of a survey to determine efficacy.

Alexandre Lopez (International Relations and Politics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences)

Research project: In relation to their traditional foreign policy (post-Mao), why are the Chinese increasing their security role in Africa?

Africa has always been significant in Chinese foreign policy, yet recently China have been expanding their security presence in Africa at increasing rates; Djibouti in East Africa now holds the first Chinese overseas military base. But why increase their security role in the region? Why not remain simply a powerful economic actor? This research aims to address such notions, investigating what China hopes to gain from an enhanced security presence on the African continent, and how this compares to the foreign policy of different political eras in China’s modern history. Evidence and arguments will be developed through qualitative research methods, but empirical data will help reinforce conclusions made – allowing a greater analysis of long term Chinese political gains, which do not always present themselves quantitatively. Such research is important as it opens a discussion into the changing dynamics of international politics and the relationship between foreign economic and security policies, as well as providing an investigation into the motives behind China’s growing international role. It is predicted that China will be shown to be increasing their security role in Africa, not only for economic gains, but as preparation for an attempt to challenge the United States as the world’s largest superpower. This therefore differs from Mao Zedong’s foreign policy, where intervention, expansion and forms of imperialism were strictly opposed. The economic liberalization of China, initiated by Deng Xiaoping, caused a shift in the core foreign policy tenants of the Chinese state, eventually resulting in the policies we see today.

Jason Perera (Law LLB, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences)

Research project: A critical study of the function and effectiveness of Section 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 in the context of Parliamentary Supremacy and case law: has the interpretative obligation had a positive effect?

The Human Rights Act provides the domestic foundations in human rights for all individuals in the UK. The focus of my study is on Section 3, which asks UK courts to interpret domestic legislation in a way that is compatible with Convention rights. I begin with an historical account which compares different interpretative methods to determine whether the process of transitioning into a Convention-compatible legal system was an easy one. Then, I explore whether the effects of Section 3 have been positive in light of UK case law and Parliamentary Sovereignty. Positive effects include an accurate representation of Parliamentary intent that compromises with the Section 3 principle; a flexible ability to interpret legislation that is square with the judge’s role as interpreter of law which maintains Parliamentary sovereignty. I explore a combination of academic opinions and case law to assess the arguments for preserving, reforming or repealing Section 3, concluding in favour of its preservation. Some academics expressed their reservations, claiming that judges have too much power under Section 3 whilst others applauded the Section 3 rule because it gives judges a much-needed flexibility in making sure the law is fair and modern. The reason I conducted this research was because these issues were topical, given the legal and political turmoil caused by Brexit. The UK may move to abolish the Human Rights Act; the 2015 Conservative manifesto promised this although initial plans to do so were shelved until after the UK left the EU. By reflecting on the current effects of the law and examining what reform in this area may look like, I am able to provide recommendations for a future-proof rules for human rights in the UK.

Amy Pollard (English Literature and Film Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences)

Research project: Literature, But Lesser: Can fan fiction be considered a legitimate form of literature?

With the growing popularity of comics and fantasy texts, such as the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Game of Thrones TV series, fan cultures and fan practices are emerging into mainstream culture. Therefore, it is important to examine fan contributions to literary culture in the form of fan fiction: fan-written texts based on published works. Can fan fiction be considered a ‘legitimate’ form of literature, or be respected alongside professional texts? This research will explore the legal contexts that affect fan fiction and will examine both the opinions of original writers of fan-revered texts, expressed in published interviews, and the opinions of fan fiction writers and readers themselves. The latter will be discovered through a web-based survey to be conducted in January 2019, via social media, with a target of 100 participants. As most fan fiction texts feature LGBT relationships, the research will also analyse case studies to explore whether LGBT representation in fan fiction is potentially constructive or exploitative. The research is valuable as it will capture a range of voices and opinions, from both professionals and fan fiction hobbyists. The research is timely and topical given current controversies surrounding Article 13 and copyright in the EU. Ultimately, whilst acknowledging any criticisms of the practice, this research intends to use the results of the web-based survey to defend the legitimacy of fan fiction. Acknowledging the laws that exist to protect fan fiction, the research will also present fan fiction as a creative and inclusive outlet, giving credence to the legitimacy of fan fiction as a creative form.

Beth Santry (Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)

Research project: An analysis of the nutritional value of UK commercial Indian ready meals

This research will investigate the nutritional value of UK commercial ready meals, looking specifically at Indian ready meals. The sales of ready meals have been on the rise and it is important to see if they have a significant effect on health. With the obesity epidemic also on the rise, it is important to be aware of the foods that people are eating. Previous research has carried out similar analysis but is now outdated and newer products are now available on the market, therefore up to date research is needed in this area (Remnant and Adams, 2015). Nutritional data from Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons will be gathered. This data will include; energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates (of which sugars), protein, fibre, and salt. The meals will be categorised into meal ranges, for example, ‘healthy’ or ‘luxury’ meal. It will then be possible to compare and rank products according to their nutritional values. Parametric methods of analysis will be used due to the large sample size. T-tests will assess whether there is a significant difference between meal ranges. It is expected that the ready meals analysed will have high energy, high fat and saturated fat contents, with high salt and high sugar. The ‘healthy’ options should be lower in these nutritional areas. The results could be significant for highlighting action needed on ready meal nutrition (including reformulation), or for giving a rationale for reducing UK consumption of ready meals.

Oxford Brookes students at

POSTERS IN PARLIAMENT 2019

Oxford Brookes students at the

BRITISH CONFERENCE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH 2019

Photo of the five students who presented at BCUR in 2018

The two students who represented Oxford Brookes University at Posters in Parliament 2019: Sanna Djurhuus (right), Briony Farmer (left) and member of staff Dr Louise Bunce (centre)

The five students who represented Oxford Brookes University at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research 2018: Stephen Rowlett, Daniel Underwood, Francis Hughes, Trang Dang and Sarah Andree. View the video below to hear Trang Dang talking about her experience of presenting at the conference.

Posters in Parliament was an annual event at which the best original UK undergraduate research is presented to MPs in parliament. Unfortunately it no longer runs.

Through the Student Research Launch Pad, two Oxford Brookes University students are fully funded to travel to parliament and present their undergraduate research at the conference poster event, mentored and accompanied by member of staff Dr Louise Bunce.

Students spend the morning in parliament, accompanied by a member of staff. They learn about how parliament works and how to influence parliament through their research, for example by responding to calls from committees of MPs by submitting evidence, or by lobbying local MPs. After a short tour of some of the parliament buildings, students then have lunch in Westminster, and in the afternoon they present their posters at the conference. The conference is attended by MPs as well as university Vice Chancellors and other prominent figures in higher education.

The photo above left shows the two students who represented Oxford Brookes University at Posters in Parliament 2019: Sanna Djurhuus, who presented the research project 'Reasons to stay, reasons to return: An Impact analysis of Faroese migration policy focused on students in higher education', and Briony Farmer, who presented the research project 'Prefab: A potential UK housing solution?' Sanna was awarded a 'Highly commended' prize for her work. They were mentored and supported by Dr Louise Bunce.

In 2018, students Hanna Rose (left on the image) and Max Jones (right) mentored by Louise Bunce (centre) presented their work. Hanna's research examined the views of female engineers to try to determine why there is an under-representation of women in engineering. Max's research examined barriers to sustainable water use in the tourism industry in Malta. Max said the event “was a fantastic experience".

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