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GROUNDED EO: Data-driven Sentinel-2 LAI and FAPAR retrieval using Gaussian processes trained with extensive fiducial reference measurements
Get PDFDue to their importance in monitoring and modelling Earth's climate, the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) designates leaf area index (LAI) and the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) as essential climate variables (ECVs). The Simplified Level 2 Biophysical Processor (SL2P) has proven particularly popular for decametric (i.e. 10 m to 100 m) retrieval of these ECVs. Comprehensive validation has shown that due to simplifying assumptions in the underlying radiative transfer models (RTMs), biases persist in SL2P retrievals. To avoid RTM assumptions altogether, an empirical data-driven approach might be considered. Yet, such a strategy has historically been prevented by the limited quantity and quality of available in situ reference measurements, as well as the large number of training samples traditionally required by machine learning regression algorithms. New opportunities are now offered by recently established continental-scale environmental monitoring networks, advances in automated data processing and uncertainty evaluation, and machine learning regression algorithms that require many fewer training samples. The Ground Reference Observations Underlying Novel Decametric Vegetation Data Products from Earth Observation (GROUNDED EO) project was initiated to take advantage of these opportunities. We describe the empirical data-driven LAI and FAPAR retrieval approach adopted within the project, involving i) generation of a database containing over 16,000 fiducial reference measurements covering 81 National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS), and Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) sites between 2013 and 2022, ii) development of an empirical data-driven algorithm for Sentinel-2 LAI and FAPAR retrieval based on Gaussian processes, and iii) evaluation of GROUNDED EO retrievals through intercomparison with the current state-of-the-art in decametric retrieval (i.e. SL2P, and a modified version of SL2P developed by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing – SL2P-CCRS), as well as validation against unseen fiducial reference measurements. In the majority of cases (and despite not making use of ancillary data such as land cover), the empirical data-driven GROUNDED EO retrievals were subject to reduced bias than those from SL2P and SL2P-CCRS, as well as increased fulfilment of user requirements (i.e. 74% of LAI and 69% of FAPAR retrievals overall). Consequently, the approach has potential to reduce uncertainty in key inputs for climate monitoring and modelling, agricultural and forest management, and biodiversity assessment
Numerical multiscale methods to determine the coefficient in diffusion problems
Get PDFHere we study the inverse problem of determining the highly oscillatory coefficient a ε in some PDEs of the form u ε t − ∇.(a ε (x)∇u ε) = 0, in a bounded domain Ω ⊂ R d ; ε indicates the smallest characteristic wavelength in the problem (0 < ε ≪ 1). Assume that g(t, x) is given input data for (t, x) ∈ (0, T) × ∂Ω and the associated output is the thermal flux a ε (x)∇u(T 0 , x) · n(x) measured on the boundary at a given time T 0. Due to the ill-posedness of the inverse problem, we reduce the dimension by seeking effective parameters. For the forward solver, we apply either analytic homogenization or some numerical multiscale methods such as the FE-HMM and LOD method
The Effects of Light on Vertebrate Welfare: A Review
Get PDFVisible light is essential for most animals because it controls daily and seasonal rhythms, influences behaviour, sleep, and reproduction, and even affects health and immunity. In the wild, animals are adapted to natural light cycles shaped by day and night, the moon, and the seasons. In captivity, however, animals are often exposed to artificial light that does not match these natural patterns. This can confuse their "internal clocks," disturb sleep, alter activity, and reduce welfare. For example, animals kept in zoo nocturnal houses may experience reversed light cycles so visitors can see them active during the day, while zoo events at night can expose animals to prolonged illumination. Veterinary care can also involve continuous lighting that interferes with recovery. Although some artificial lights can help create safe and attractive environments for visitors, they may not provide the full spectrum of natural sunlight that animals need. New technologies, such as lamps that closely mimic natural light, offer promising alternatives, but their use is still limited. Understanding how different species respond to light and adjusting management accordingly is essential to ensure healthy and natural behaviours. By carefully managing light, institutions that house animals can enhance welfare outcomes and, in the case of zoos and similar facilities, promote education and public engagement. Light plays a central role in regulating biological rhythms, behaviour, and physiology across animal taxa, yet its management in captive settings remains, relatively, underex-plored. This review synthesises current knowledge on the effects of natural and artificial lighting on vertebrate animal welfare. We briefly outline the physical properties of light and how vertebrates perceive it, emphasising evolutionary adaptations to diverse photic environments. We then discuss how light governs circadian and seasonal cycles, influencing activity patterns, sleep, reproduction, metabolism, immune function, and welfare, with the latter addressed through the lens of the Five Domains model. Special attention is given to the disruptive effects of artificial light at night (ALAN), which can desynchronise biological rhythms, alter behaviour, and impair reproduction in captive species. With a focus on zoos, management practices, such as reversed light cycles in nocturnal exhibits and illumination Animals 2025, 15, 3329 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223329 Animals 2025, 15, 3329 2 of 35 during public night events, are critically examined in terms of their welfare implications. We highlight both the risks and potential benefits of artificial light technologies, including full-spectrum and spectrally adjusted systems, for creating environments that more closely mimic natural conditions. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps and propose future research, along with a decision tree, emphasising the importance of species-specific lighting protocols that consider evolutionary adaptations, ecological needs, and welfare standards. Effective light management can therefore play a pivotal role in advancing captive animal welfare
Therapeutic Potential of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Long COVID: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Get PDFThe cumulative global incidence of long COVID is around 400 million individuals, yet effective treatment options remain limited. A recent systematic review published in 2025 highlighted promising results for non-invasive brain stimulation in alleviating long COVID symptoms. Given the growing use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for people with long COVID, a focused meta-analysis on the therapeutic effectiveness of rTMS is warranted. To address this gap, this protocol outlines the planned procedures for a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search will be conducted across CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Retrieved studies will be managed using Rayyan, with two independent reviewers screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review. Data extraction will follow PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines using a standardised form, with dual independent extraction and reconciliation of discrepancies. Risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0. Meta-analytical procedures will include calculation of standardised effect sizes (e.g., Hedges’ g), use of random-effects models, and assessment of heterogeneity via I2, Cochran’s Q, and tau2. Subgroup and moderator analyses will explore variations in rTMS protocols, participant characteristics, and symptom domains. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression will be conducted where data permit. Results will be visualised using forest and funnel plots, and the GRADE framework will be used to assess the quality of evidence
Finding the Best Talent: A Review and Framework for holistic AI-powered evaluation systems
Get PDFThis white paper presents an in-depth analysis of academic and industryliterature on the integration of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) into job matching processes, with an emphasis on automated job matching. With growing complexities in the labor market, traditional hiring methods face significant limitations, including inefficiencies, subjectivity, and bias.By contrast, AI and data science offer scalable, data-driven solutions that enhance decision-making, optimise talent acquisition, and promote diversity and inclusion.Drawing upon extensive research and real-world case studies, this paperproposes a robust framework for ethical, transparent, and effective AI-driven resourcing systems that address both organisational and candidate needs
Whom to punish? Examining observers’ reactions to customer mistreatment by hospitality employees
No full textPurpose – This study aims to explore how witnessing a hospitality employee mistreating a customer impacts observers’ revenge-seeking behavior, directed not only at the offending employee but also at innocent employees.Design/methodology/approach – This study conducts four online experiments to test the proposed relationships involving 881 UK adults.Findings – Observing hospitality employees mistreating customers prompts observers to view the guilty employee as harmful, triggering revenge-seeking behavior. This perception of harmfulness also extends to innocent employees, leading observers to seek revenge against them. However, empowering fellow customers during the recovery process reduces observers’ intent to seek revenge against both guilty and innocent employees. In addition, the results reveal the black sheep effect, where shared group membership between the observing customer and the guilty employee results in harsher punishment for the latter, particularly when the mistreatment targets an out-group customer.Practical implications – The findings offer practical guidance for hospitality companies on how observers’perceptions of employees can reshape service evaluations and influence restorative approaches. Service recovery efforts should extend beyond directly affected customers to include those who witnessed the incident.Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explain how observers appraise the mistreatment of fellow customers and how this influences their perceptions and revenge-seeking behavior toward both guilty and innocent employees
Reframing people in circular economy and sustainable waste management research
No full textHuman behaviour has been identified as a key dynamic in sustainable waste management and circular economy research. Drawing on recent behaviour publications from both fields, this Perspective highlights three issues relating to how they frame people. First, reference to ‘consumers’ in circular economy research contrasts with ‘people’ in some sustainable waste management papers. This represents an artificial separation of approaches to activities that are interwoven; furthermore, it implicitly defines a business agenda for the circular economy. Second, research into behaviour needs a broader methodological approach to identify variable needs and address underlying contextual and structural issues. Third, attention is needed to ongoing inequalities within and between countries that limit the effectiveness of circular economy implementation. Future research in these fields should prioritize human-centred approaches, including critical realism and qualitative methods, to uncover the socio-political constraints on behaviour and guide sustainability strategies that address the needs of people
From belonging to mattering to trust: the experiences of minoritised ethnic students in UK higher education
Get PDFUnderpinning the project of massification of higher education (HE) is the stated aim to make HE accessible and equitable to all those who could benefit from it. Nevertheless, key metrics of success – access and participation, retention, degree outcomes – reveal inequalities related to race, gender and social class. Policies at both institutional and national levels, across international settings, aim to reduce inequalities, largely through initiatives that seek to foster ‘a sense of belonging’ among a more diverse cohort of students. Whilst it is hard to disagree with the notion that all students should belong, there can be differences of understanding of the meaning of belonging: it may be measured against institutional priorities, but be expressed for students through feelings of value, recognition and trust. This article critically examines belonging and proposes a shift towards mattering and trust as more effective concepts, drawing on data from listening events with 15 minoritised ethnic students studying at a UK university. We suggest a shift towards a consideration of what it means to trust in HE and create spaces where mattering equally and feeling valued are available to all students
Aesthetic politics in China’s documentary co-production for cultural diplomacy
No full textThis article examines the development of China’s cultural diplomacy through the lens of documentary co-productions. It explores how earlier forms of state-led communication, previously dominated by top-down messaging and abstract national imagery, are increasingly replaced by emotionally driven, people-focused narratives. Through the case study of a co-production documentary series Homestay China (2019), the article argues that co-production represents a recalibrated form: one that trades ideological assertion for curated affective encounters. Framing the discussion within Jacques Rancière’s concept of the distribution of the sensible , the article examines how co-production’s visual and narrative strategies reframe China’s political messaging as ordinary, intimate and shared. Ultimately, the article argues that while co-productions may appear to decentralize narrative authority and encourage intercultural dialogue, they remain structurally enclosed by the logics of cultural diplomacy. The presence of foreign guests functions less as co-authorship but legitimizing witness. What emerges is a soft power practice that invites emotional resonance with a pre-staged setting. Such practice positions global audiences not as participants in mutual exchange, but as observers of a benevolent and modernizing China
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