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Impact evaluation endline report for FP026: Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar
No full textThis report presents an impact evaluation of GCF project FP026 - Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Madagascar project. The impact evaluation uses difference-in-differences with matching, analysing panel data from 1,603 households surveyed in 2019 and 2025. The endline shows reductions in deforestation, a transition toward year-round farming systems, and higher agricultural incomes driven by promoted crops. Yet, sustaining complex conservation practices remains a challenge, particularly among female-headed households. Triple difference analysis indicates participants were more resilient during the 2022 cyclone due to more diversified livelihoods
Scientific evidence does not support oyster farming as a marine carbon dioxide removal strategy
Get PDFMultifunctional whey protein composite films: Material design and AI integration for next-generation food packaging
No full textThe global food industry’s reliance on petroleum-based plastics poses severe environmental and health risks, underscored by the pervasive accumulation of microplastics in ecosystems and the human body. Whey protein (WP), an abundant and biodegradable dairy byproduct, has emerged as a promising material for sustainable food packaging. This review comprehensively examines the development of whey protein-based film(WPF), with a focus on overcoming the inherent limitations, such as hydrophilicity and moisture sensitivity, through advanced modification strategies. Key advancements include multi-scale interface engineering via polymer blending and nanofiller incorporation to optimize mechanical and barrier properties; the integration of plant-derived bioactive components to impart antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalities; and the formation of nanocomposites to introduce novel optical and responsive traits. Furthermore, we objectively evaluate the frontier of intelligent packaging, where the integration of environmentally responsive WPF with artificial intelligence(AI) algorithms enables real-time food freshness monitoring and dynamic preservation control. The synergy between material science and AI is transforming WPF from passive barriers into active, intelligent platforms. This review syn thesizes these research streams to provide a foundation for the transition of WPF from laboratory innovation to practical, next-generation food packaging solutions, ultimately addressing the dual challenges of food preservation and plastic pollution
Tracking the trajectory of executive function from 2.5 to 6.5 years of age and the impact of COVID‐19
No full textGiven the significance of executive function (EF) for longer-term outcomes, it is important to understand the trajectory of EF in childhood and how COVID-19 influenced this trajectory. 139 (71 girls) children were examined longitudinally from 2.5 to 6.5 years using the Minnesota Executive Function Scale. Individual differences in EF abilities were stable longitudinally, and children with a more highly educated mother had higher EF scores. Children tested 1-3 years after the first lockdown showed greater variation in individual differences over time. Additional analyses examined linear growth curves for children assessed 3-4 times from 2.5 to 6.5 years. Children who were in preschool during the first lockdown had steeper growth curve trajectories than children in the first year of primary school
Elucidation of a key mechanism regulating organosulfur cycling in ubiquitous marine bacteria
No full textDimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) catabolism by marine Roseobacters is important for global biogeochemical cycling and the climate. Many Roseobacters contain competing DMSP demethylation and cleavage pathways, but only cleavage produces the climate-cooling gas dimethylsulfide. We identify the “switch” regulator in Roseobacters, DmdR, that represses the transcription of DMSP demethylation (dmdA, encoding DMSP demethylase), cleavage (acuI, encoding acryloyl-CoA reductase) and often novel oxidative stress protection (dmdEF, dinB) genes under low intracellular DMSP levels. Increased DMSP levels induce DMSP cleavage and accumulation of cytotoxic acryloyl-CoA. DmdR binds acryloyl-CoA as its effector and derepresses dmdA-acuI transcription to stimulate acryloyl-CoA catabolism and DMSP demethylation. Co-upregulation of the novel peroxidase DmdF and likely DmdE and DinB counteract oxidative stress associated with DMSP demethylation. Thus, DmdR, with DmdR-independent regulation of DMSP cleavage, likely balances cellular DMSP levels to allow its antistress functions, but accelerated demethylation and catabolism of toxic intermediates at higher DMSP levels. In abundant marine bacteria lacking dmdA, DmdR still likely controls acryloyl-CoA catabolism/detoxification. DmdR and DmdEF are widespread in Earth’s oceans and important in biogeochemical cycling and climate-active gas production
A pilot randomised controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia in Brazil
No full textObjectives: Investigate the effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group intervention on anxiety symptoms in Brazilian family caregivers of people with dementia (PWD). Methods: Single-centre, unblinded, double-arm, pilot randomised controlled trial. Fifty-seven family caregivers of PWD with mild to severe anxiety symptoms were randomised to intervention group (n=29) or waiting list group (n=28). The intervention group received eight videoconference sessions of group ACT. Participants completed measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, caregiver burden, psychological flexibility and quality of life (QOL) at Weeks 0, 9 and 20. Results: Participants in the intervention group had lower scores of anxiety compared to control at weeks 9 and 20, when assessed using the GAD-7. No between-group effects were observed for depressive symptoms, caregiver burden (ZBI-12), QOL, or psychological flexibility. In the completer analysis only, a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms measured by HADS-A was observed at Week 20. Conclusions: This pilot study provides initial evidence that group ACT may reduce anxiety symptoms in family caregivers of PWD. Larger, fully powered trials are needed to confirm these findings and to clarify effects on other caregiver outcomes
Southern South American dust inputs to the South Atlantic and Southern Oceans: trace element solubility and deposition fluxes
No full textSouthern South America (SSA) is an important source of dust, and its associated micronutrient trace elements, to the waters of the Southern Ocean. As part of the UK contribution to the International GEOTRACES program, an aerosol sampling site (Carcass Island) was established in the western Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, downwind of dust sources in Patagonia. Samples were collected over two 7-month long periods and analyzed for soluble and total trace elements. Results indicated that dust was the dominant source of aerosol iron and manganese, elements with limiting or co-limiting roles for Southern Ocean primary productivity. Other micronutrient trace elements (e.g., copper and zinc) appeared to be more strongly affected by anthropogenic inputs, even in this sparsely populated region. Trace element fractional solubility at Carcass Island appears consistent with previous observations over the wider Atlantic Ocean. In the case of iron, a hyperbolic increase in solubility with decreasing atmospheric iron concentration was observed. This relationship has been suggested to indicate enhancement of solubility during atmospheric transport, but the very little available information on iron solubility in the region makes this difficult to verify. Soluble manganese to iron ratios in aerosols at Carcass Island suggest that deposition of SSA dust is unable to alleviate Mn deficiency in the waters of the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean
From 'fossil' to 'fuel' narratives about mathematics
Get PDFConnections across curricular topics, within and beyond mathematics, are important. Setting out from this premise, and deploying a commognitive lens, I see the incorporation of said connections in students’ learning as fostering “fuel” as opposed to “fossil” narratives about mathematics – where “fuel” is meant as meaningful engagement with mathematical, and other, “realizations” of a mathematical object and “fossil” is meant as externally imposed reverence for a mathematical object, yet alienation from its meaning, utility and purpose. In this vision of connectedness, there is a dialectic, dynamic and productively blurred boundary between intra- and extra-mathematical connections. I make the case for this vision of connectedness through drawing on studies that explore students’ narratives about mathematics at large and about the significance of intra- and extra- mathematical connections (the latter in the case of one mathematical object, exponential growth). The analyses I sample from indicate how connectedness-informed pedagogies can facilitate students’ navigating across “literate” (mathematical) and “colloquial” (everyday) discourses and moving towards “fuel” narratives about mathematics
Higher Education Attainment: A Comparative study of Higher Education performances between students with A-Level only entry qualifications and students with alternative qualifications.
Get PDFThis study examines the effect of entry qualifications on academic performance and degree outcomes in higher education. It observes that a growing number of students with vocational qualifications, such as BTEC, enter higher education but find it difficult to attain top grades compared to those with only A-level qualifications.
Using a mixed-methods strategy, the quantitative phase analyses UK undergraduate data to compare performance variations between students who entered with A-level-only qualifications and those with alternative entry qualifications (BTEC, a combination of A-level/BTEC, and Access). It accounts for demographic factors by performing a hierarchical linear regression that differentiates pre-COVID and COVID-affected cohorts. Meanwhile, the qualitative phase investigates student experiences during critical transition points by conducting interviews and applying thematic analysis.
The results are presented in phases to mirror students' academic journeys (Phase 1: Access, Phase 2: Transition, Phase 3: Success). They show that entry qualifications and degree subject pathways significantly predict student performance. A-Level-only students demonstrated the highest achievement in both Pre-COVID and COVID-affected cohorts. Those with both A-Levels and BTEC performed better than BTEC-only students but could not eliminate the performance gap with A-Level-only students. Access students displayed varied results, with COVID-affected cohorts showing the lowest performance. Nevertheless, performance improvements were noted across both BTEC and A-Level/BTEC-combination students. While Access students displayed better results, this was exclusively among the COVID-affected cohorts, with pre-COVID counterparts showing decreasing performance.
Overall, the findings reveal that most students adapt to university learning as they advance, alongside a rise in support-seeking behaviours and changes in how students leverage their networks. They underscore the challenges students with diverse entry qualifications and backgrounds encounter, which can impact their engagement and advancement. The study recommends an intervention prior to the start of the degree to enhance students’ preparedness and facilitate a smoother transition from post-16 education to university
Public Inquiries and UK Press Regulation: A case of 'fading into forgetfulness'?
Get PDFWhy were the proposals for reform of UK press regulation made by Lord Leveson in 2012 not implemented in full, despite popular and parliamentary support for the report's recommendations, and despite the creation of the legal framework for the reformed system of regulation? Press regulation, and the Leveson legacy, were notable absentees from the 2024 general election manifestos of the major parties. Instead, the UK press has been allowed to opt for in-house self-regulation or for a modified form of the discredited Press Complaints Commission. This article asks whether this state of affairs is another example of public inquiries being used to kick a difficult problem into the long grass, where it can ‘fade into forgetfulness’, or whether it is a result of the power exercised by the press over policy and politics. Drawing upon the history of public inquiries into the press in the UK since 1945, we argue that, while there maybe weaknesses in the inquiry system that account for the slow pace of change, the power of media to resist change is as important a factor in the long history of press regulation