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Emotional witness effect: Implications for memory accuracy, perceptions, misinformation, and credibility in forensic contexts
Get PDFPurpose The emotional state of a witness can significantly impact how they are perceived within a forensic setting. If a witness’ emotions appear incongruent with their statement, they may be perceived as deceptive, untrustworthy, or inaccurate. This paper aims to examine the impact of a witness’ emotional state and gender on decision makers’ perceptions and processing of information. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the impact of a witness’ emotional tone (neutral versus emotional) in video statements on participant perceptions and memory. It explores gendered expectations around emotionality, considering potential recall benefits of emotional expression against possible detriments, such as reduced focus on factual content and greater susceptibility to misinformation. Using video statements from a male and a female actor, this paper assessed how emotional tone affects credibility judgements and recall. Findings Participants displayed strong expectations based on gendered emotional norms. Witnesses who violated these norms were judged more negatively in credibility, perceived emotionality and empathic association. Participants expected unemotional behaviour from males and emotional displays from females. Emotionality in witnesses increased susceptibility to misinformation, while an unemotional female witness facilitated the most accurate memory recall. Male witnesses, regardless of emotionality, enhanced suspect detail recall. These findings highlight the interplay between gender, emotionality and judicial accuracy. Originality/value This study uniquely examines the emotional witness effect through the context of gender expectations. By addressing how emotionality influences perceptions and memory recall, it highlights the complexity of these interactions and offers recommendations for future research. The findings contribute to understanding gender–emotion dynamics in forensic contexts, providing insights into their influence on judgement and decision-making
Exploring social perceptions of queer and trans music therapists and clients: A qualitative story completion study
No full textExisting research presents a mixed picture on music therapists’ preparedness to work effectively with LGBTQIA+ clients, highlighting deficits in training and a lack of insight on the part of some music therapists into what LGBTQIA+ inclusive practice actually entails. Alongside this, there is a growing literature on clinical practice with and interventions for LGBTQIA+ clients; however, there is an absence of research exploring directly with members of LGBTQIA+ communities their experiences and perceptions of music therapy. The current study aims both to expand the limited literature exploring music therapists’ preparedness to work with LGBTQIA+ clients, and to begin to explore LGBTQIA+ people’s perceptions of music therapy. It does so through use of the novel, creative method of story completion (SC) – participants were given two (of four) “story stems” based on a hypothetical implied first therapy session scenario involving a trans or queer client or therapist and asked to complete them. Forty-six participants (20 trainee/qualified music therapists [9 of whom identified as LGBTQIA+]; 23 LGBTQIA+ people; 3 no demographic data) wrote a total of 87 stories. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop three themes: 1) disclosure in therapy is important for the therapeutic relationship and the client; 2) effective therapists are non-judgemental and inclusive; and 3) shared identity matters. The analysis suggests a lack of knowledge of LGBTQIA+ communities and inclusive practice on the part of straight and cisgender music therapists, alongside an aspirational commitment to an open and non-judgemental approach. The stories written by LGBTQIA+ participants recognised the potential for prejudicial treatment – these participants framed openness as an ethical imperative
Design for Safety (DfS) implementation in the construction industry: A study of design professionals in Northern China
Get PDFPurpose Design for Safety (DfS) has been studied as an effective method to reduce injuries and fatalities in construction. Although the benefits of implementing DfS are gradually being recognised, there is limited research on DfS in developing countries, including China. Therefore, this study aims to explore the implementation of DfS among design professionals in the northern geographical region of China. Design/methodology/approach Adopting the quantitative research method, a questionnaire survey was used to obtain data from 68 design professionals on various aspects of DfS implementation, and the data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e. t-tests). Findings The results show that the extent of engagement in DfS practices among the design professionals is moderate despite high awareness and positive attitude towards the concept of DfS. The results also revealed a significant difference in the extent of implementation of DfS practices between designers who have received DfS-related education and training and those who have not. Furthermore, the findings reveal that DfS industry guidance and legislation are the most influential factors that affect DfS implementation in China. Originality/value Overall, the study offers some positive outlook of DfS implementation among design professionals in Northern China and underscores the significance of training, education, industry guidance, client influence and legislation in efforts to enhance DfS implementation. The findings should offer a headway to assist in DfS implementation in various geographical settings in China
CFD investigation of 3D vertical axis wind turbine models: Insights from blade tip effects
Get PDFThis study presents a detailed three-dimensional (3D) numerical analysis of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) to investigate aerodynamic performance and 3D flow effects. Building upon a validated two-dimensional (2D) model, the 3D computational domain leverages symmetry boundary conditions to reduce computational costs, modelling only half of the rotor blades. The 3D domain's dimensions and grid resolutions are in alignment with previous 2D studies, with modifications for span-wise and blade tip regions. A hybrid turbulence model, SBES with Transition SST, is employed, yielding moment coefficient predictions within an acceptable discrepancy range compared to experimental data. Grid independence is established via systematic grid refinement in span-wise and far-field sub-domains, ensuring accurate representation of 3D flow characteristics. Results highlight significant deviations in aerodynamic performance along span-wise positions, particularly at azimuthal ranges of 45o-150o and 210o-270o respectively, attributed to dynamic stall, vortex interactions, and blade tip effects. While the 3D CFD model underpredicts power coefficients compared to experimental data, it captures three dimensional flow phenomena absent in 2D simulations. Contour plots of span-wise vorticity reveal consistent blade tip vortex formation and dissipation across azimuthal positions, underscoring the reduced aerodynamic impact beyond the tip. The study confirms the need for refined turbulence models and additional experimental validation to enhance 3D VAWT performance prediction
Open letter: A global call to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization
Get PDFSoil biodiversity remains one of the least systematically studied components of global biodiversity, largely invisible in policy agendas. A coordinated soil biodiversity monitoring approach is urgently needed to enable national‐level action
Immersive technology for road safety: A systematic review of empirical studies
No full textTraffic accidents, claiming approximately 1.2 million lives and over 50 million injuries annually worldwide, are largely due to driver error, necessitating innovative driving safety solutions. This systematic review assesses the role of immersive technologies, specifically Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, in enhancing road safety through improved driver training and assistance. Analyzing 74 empirical studies from 2015 to 2024 sourced from Scopus and IEEE Xplore, the review highlights how these technologies boost situational awareness, reduce cognitive workload, and enhance driver performance. For example, Augmented Reality head-up displays can cut reaction times by up to 20%, while Virtual Reality training lowers risky behaviours in young drivers by 15%. Despite these benefits, gaps remain: limited evidence on design requirements and user preferences, inadequate focus on overseas drivers adapting to unfamiliar systems, challenges in translating theory to practice, and under-representation of diverse demographics amid growing global mobility. The review offers practical design insights, such as an optimal transparency threshold of 0.75 for Augmented Reality heads-up displays, guiding researchers and designers toward safer, inclusive solutions. Future research must address these gaps to ensure immersive technologies effectively support diverse drivers in complex traffic settings
Public support for new transport policies: Exploring the effects of misinformation and disinformation
No full textIn their analysis of controversial policies, van Wee et al. (2023) called for more ex-post analyses of new transport policies and that is what is offered here with a case study of the nature and effects of online mis(dis)information on the new national default speed limit of 20mph in Wales. High levels of opposition were observed in Wales during and post-launch. Possible underlying reasons for these protests are discussed. The protests had a dramatic effect, with the speed limit change becoming an unexpected ‘cause-celebre’ on both sides of the political divide. The findings of one exploratory case study should be interpreted with caution, however, in the context of rising international trends of the use of online persuasion techniques by campaigners and politicians, it is hoped that the in-depth exploration of what happened in Wales and why it happened is helpful. If the Wales 20mph policy launch is indicative of the power of online activism in potentially de-stabilising new transport initiatives, then policy makers and delivery professionals in future need to plan accordingly. Suggestions are made for policies that would help mitigate the effects of the type of mis/disinformation seen here
Integrating electroactive microorganisms into active soil management strategies
Get PDFElectroactive microorganisms (EAMs) can be incorporated into active soil management as a strategy for regenerative agriculture. Through extracellular electron transfer, they drive nutrient cycling, biofertilization, and pollutant degradation while also producing bioelectricity. Soil microbial fuel cells exemplify their use as self-powered biosensors and platforms for bioremediation. Reframing soils as dynamic bioelectronic interfaces, EAMs enable nutrient recovery, waste valorisation, and resilience. The concept of “gardening microorganisms” integrates them as programmable agents within managed ecosystems. By coupling microbial consortia engineering, bioelectronic scaffolds, and circular nutrient recovery, soils work as intelligent, self-regulating systems. This review positions EAMs as a tool in soil management for shaping climate-smart, regenerative agroecosystems that sustain productivity and ecological balance
Determinants of health outcomes of stroke survivors in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFBackground Understanding the determinants of stroke prognosis and outcomes is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and recovery expectations. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the key determinants of health outcomes for stroke survivors (SSVs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a particular focus on Africa. Methods s on PROSPERO (CRD42025629244). Literature search was conducted using EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published from inception to April 14, 2025. Original researches on SSVs in Africa were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data was analysed using a narrative synthesis and summarised in tables and texts. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively synthesise the findings from the included reviews Results The literature search identified 979 articles published between October 1987 and April 2025. Of these, 52 studies conducted in seven African countries met the inclusion criteria. Clinical determinants were reported in 40 studies, while 12 studies assessed psychosocial factors. Risks of bias were classified as low in 47 of the studies and moderate in the remaining 5. The key clinical determinants of health outcomes were stroke severity/neurological status (n=19), biomarkers and blood parameters (n=18), and abnormal radiological/imaging findings (n=10). The psychosocial determinants were mental health and emotional well-being, especially from social support (n=6) and quality-of-life domains (n=5). The overall pooled estimates of clinical risk factors among SSVs indicated a statistically significant association, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.446 (95% CI: 1.202-1.739, P < 0.001) based on 11 studies. Conclusion The determinants of health outcomes among SSVs in Africa are multifactorial. The significance of these findings highlights the critical importance of comprehensive management approaches that target key factors to enhance health outcomes and reduce the burden of stroke in Africa
Quantum logic in laughter: Standup and sketch comedy
Get PDFCan a quantum structure be directly identified in laughter? Here, we show that the basic structure of quantum logic can be identified in standup comedies and sketches. We analyzed scripts from standup comedies and sketches, employing a method to reveal the algebraic structures hidden within the semantic relations of the utterances. Our findings revealed that quantum logic is present in many instances of laughter, including punchlines. Moreover, we taught this method to ChatGPT, which corroborated our findings, indicating that the result is objectively significant. Our method and results, which directly address contextual relationships and identify quantum logic, are groundbreaking. We provide a novel methodology for quantum cognitive science and open new directions for research on sensations and emotions in Artificial Intelligence. Our method identifies contextual quantum-logical structure, but does not aim to model human-level general intelligence