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Effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta), farming system (organic vs conventional) and flour type (wholegrain vs white) on composition of wheat flour – Results of a retail survey in the UK and Germany – 3. Pesticide residue content
No full textWheat is a major component of the Northern European diet and contributes significantly to dietary pesticide exposure. Here we report results of a 2-year retail survey, which compared pesticide residues in organic and conventional, whole-grain and white, common and Spelt wheat flour brands available in the UK and Germany. Pesticide residues were detected significantly more frequently in conventional (87%) than organic (25%) flour samples. Chlormequat, a plant growth regulator, was the most frequently detected compound. Total concentrations of pesticide residues were (a) ~4 times higher in conventional than organic, (b) ~100% higher in common than Spelt wheat flour and (c) ~110% higher in conventional whole-grain than white flour samples, but (d) not significantly different in organic whole-grain and white flour. Results suggest that the use of organic wheat products allows increased whole-grain cereal consumption in line with nutritional recommendations, without an increase in dietary pesticide intake. </p
Effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta), farming system (organic vs conventional) and flour type (wholegrain vs white) on composition of wheat flour; results of a retail survey in the UK and Germany – 1. Mycotoxin content
No full textWheat is one of the main dietary sources for mycotoxins that can cause adverse health effects in humans. Here we report results of a 3-year survey which compared the effects of flour type (whole-grain vs white), wheat species (common vs spelt), and farming system (organic vs conventional) on mycotoxin concentrations in UK and German wheat flour brands. Wholegrain, conventional and organic flour contained 124, 31 and 9% higher concentrations of T-2/HT-2, DON and ZEA respectively, but concentrations of the three Fusarium mycotoxins assessed were ~10 times lower than the EC-maximum contamination levels (MCL). Thirty one percent of flour samples had Ochratoxin A (OTA) concentrations above the MCL (3 µg/kg), but OTA levels were no affected by wheat species, farming system and flour type. Results suggest that both organic and conventional primary production methods and postharvest quality assurance systems are effective for maintaining Fusarium mycotoxins, but not OTA concentrations, below the MCL. </p
When Does a Nanoparticle Become a Cluster?
No full textWe identify physical criteria to differentiate the behaviour of aggregates having a number of atoms N 4, classifying them as nanoparticles or clusters. This is achieved by investigating finite Lennard-Jones spherical aggregates using molecular dynamics, under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Ten aggregates ranging from N = 4235 to N =73 atoms are analysed at equilibrium, introducing an energetic criterion based on local potential energy profiles and a structural criterion based on the pair distance distribution. Two distinct size regimes emerge: a scalable regime characterized by linear variations in the microscopic properties and a homogeneous internal region; and a non-scalable regime presenting abrupt changes in the microscopic observables, such as steep local potential energy gradients, and a dominance of surface atoms. Non-equilibrium sublimation simulations at elevated temperatures suggest a third cri terion, denoted non-equilibrium criterion, where aggregates initially sublimate at a linear rate before sharply accel erating upon reaching a threshold size. This occurs at the transition between scalable and non-scalable regimes and is confirmed by instantaneous local potential energy profiles. To reconcile with existing size-related terminology, we categorize aggregates in the scalable linear regime as nanoparticles and those in the non-scalable nonlinear regime as clusters. Crucially, all three criteria independently identify the same size threshold, underpinning the universal role of the local potential energy environment in controlling the aggregate structure and dynamics. These findings, explicitly obtained with pairwise-additive, short-range and isotropic interactions, address the ambiguity with the distinction be tween nanoparticles and clusters, providing new insights that clusters must be explicitly treated as finite systems and are dominated entirely by surface atoms and interactions.</p
From Loyalty to Rebellion: Eleanor de Montfort, sister of King Henry III, and the road to reform and war in England
No full textThis article examines the historical significance of Eleanor de Montfort, wife of Simon de Montfort and sister of King Henry III. Despite being the king's sister, Enealor played a political role alongside the reformer barons following her husband's campaign for constitutional reform of the realm in the later 1250s to 1260s. This article was translated into Japanese by Professor Keizo Asaji.</p
Supporting therapeutic radiographer research amidst growing pressures: “Why is it so challenging to advance radiographer involvement in research development?”
No full textThe UK remains near the bottom of the international tables for cancer survival, and without significant investment in cancer services such as radiotherapy, this is unlikely to improve. Decades of systemic under-funding and under-resourcing of radiotherapy has left the UK ‘lagging far behind’. When there are immediate crises in cancer care, it appears unreasonable to pledge more public funds for research and development. Funding cuts is one of many causes of declining research activity which may be impacting on the slow advancement of clinical practice. Research is not separate from clinical practice; it is an integral part of the NHS constitution in the United Kingdom</p
Invasive alien tree species (Acacia mearnsii) shaping the energy insecurity complex in rural South Africa
No full textInvasive alien species (IAS) have been extensively used as a source of residential energy in rural settings. The Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) is an example of an intentionally introduced invasive species in South Africa. Species such as black wattle have been environmentally detrimental due to their ground water and stream flow depletion, as well as decimation of pasture lands reducing grazing and livestock carrying capacity. However, ecosystem services relating to aesthetics, firewood, construction materials, fodder, medicinal purposes and tools such as hoes, ladders, washing lines and handles have been realized from cultivating black wattle. The introduction of the wattle and its subsequent management through cutting it down presents a two-sided unique problem for the local community. On the one hand the common land property was exploited, converted and invaded by alien species. On the other hand, the alien species, which have also become useful in residential energy provision and are now a common, are also being threatened through management and eradication programs. Thus, the eradication of black wattle can inconvenience the local livelihoods. The study sought to assess the drivers of utilizing the black wattle and its consequences on residential energy insecurity using a cross sectional survey of 1184 households from Matatiele, Magareng and Greater Taung Local Municipalities in South Africa</p
Place-Based Impact: Accelerating Agri-Technology Adoption in an Evolving ‘Place’
No full textLocation-sensitive policies are tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of a place, supporting both local priorities and wider national objectives within a particular time frame. They are developed to deliver key strategic outcomes such as energy security, food security or the implementation of national policies at a local scale. Place reflects the perceptions and physical realities of a space and the sense of what it is to be a person living there. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to determine what policy interventions are of influence in accelerating agri-technology adoption in an evolving ‘place’. The example of accelerating agri-technology adoption in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom (UK) is used as an explanatory case. Spatial consciousness, the ordering and management of space, can conflict with spatial connectedness, the socially constructed relationships that shape place, especially at the interface where national development priorities meet local plans. Distinctions between location-sensitive and place-based policies lie in their strategic intent, the intervention processes used, and the meanings then attributed to outcomes by affected communities. Agri-technology adoption can deliver economic and social impact, but place-specific policy interventions are required to deliver just, inclusive and win–win outcomes.</p
UK classical guitar makers survey frequency data
No full textFrequency data from of a national survey of UK classical guitar makers (2018), focusing on their education and experience. 101 people were invited to participate, 61 people responded. </p
3D Reconstruction of a Prickly Pear Using Structure from Motion with COLMAP
No full textMexico is the world’s leading producer of Prickle pear, having the largest surface area and number of commercial cultivars. However, current Mexican production practices require significant manual effort and time, highlighting the need for innovation in line with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. Generating 3D models of prickle pear could facilitate the development and testing of new technologies for fruit phenotyping which are of great significance for disease prevention, yield improvement, and robotic machinery design. Thus, this paper proposes the generation of a group of 3D prickle pear models using the COLMAP software and the structure from motion technique. An evaluation of the image capture efficiency is carried out to obtain the ideal number of images to generate a functional prickle pear mesh model. The methodology and models generated in this work are available in an open-source repository for researchers to use as a baseline for other advancements in prickle pear technological development.</p
Impairment effects, disability and dry mouth: Exploring the public and private dimensions
No full textExisting accounts of dry mouth concentrate on the medical dimensions and almost completely neglect to consider its social dimensions. Simultaneously, debates on disability have highlighted an apparent split between the individual (medical) and social models of disability. The concept of 'impairment effects' aims to address this dichotomised approach. Impairment effects consider the everyday impact of people's impairments on their lives in conjunction with the disabling impacts encountered through their relations with society, and society's relations with them. This study indicates that identity and self became entangled with impairment effects and a form of disablism. The authors argue that impairment effects are, at times, a useful concept, but in some instances may actually overcomplicate things. By analysing the public and private dimensions of a chronic condition such as dry mouth, we have been enabled to explore the boundary between public and private lives. As a consequence, using public and private accounts may assist us to better locate the point where impairment ends and disability begins. © The Author(s) 2014.</p