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Informal economies and energy efficiency: Empirical evidence from African countries
No full textPervasive informal economies can significantly hinder efforts to improve energy efficiency. This study investigates the complex relationship between informality and energy efficiency in African countries, focusing on linear, nonlinear, and asymmetric effects. The research aims to clarify how varying levels of informality affect energy efficiency and the intervening roles of foreign direct investment (FDI) and institutional quality. Employing a panel dataset of 46 African countries from 1990 to 2017, the study utilizes Stochastic Frontier Analysis to derive energy efficiency scores. It applies panel autoregressive distributed lag and the dynamic panel threshold models to assess the effects of informality. Findings from the linear model reveal that informality may have some initial beneficial effects on energy efficiency. Further evidence of nonlinearity is strongly supported, showing that informality may improve energy efficiency only up to a threshold of between 41 and 42 % of GDP, beyond which it becomes detrimental to its performance. Similarly, compelling evidence of asymmetric effects is reported: positive and negative shocks have increasing and decreasing effects on energy efficiency, respectively. Additional evidence indicates that FDI lowers energy efficiency, whereas governance quality is associated with improved energy efficiency. Lastly, FDI mitigates the negative effect of informality in line with the halo effect. These results reflect the heterogeneous effects of informality that have been reported by prior studies. Policy recommendations based on these findings are discussed
Using digital pedagogies to combat imposter syndrome in first-generation students
No full textAs first-generation students, the taxing feeling of questioning whether they belong to a university with imposter syndrome negatively impacts their experience. Imposter syndrome occurs when students ask about their abilities and whether they fit within the university. It can be difficult for students to overcome without support. Thus, there is a need to incorporate new approaches into the classroom setting, enhancing the learning experience and providing encouraging support. A solution is developing a structural model of resilience, which can be built using digital tools such as Padlet. These tools enhance the learning experience and foster a sense of belonging, making first-generation students feel more included and accepted. As educators and researchers, your role is integral in implementing these tools. By showing the students how far they have come since beginning their course and storing all their essential sources, you can empower them to take ownership of their learning. In addition, using tools that promote discussions encourages students to communicate, share their experiences, and develop a stronger connection within the group. This improves their mental well-being during their academic journey and enhances their effectiveness as an educator. Using Padlet can offer the students the opportunity to realise their achievements and recognise they do belong, thereby assisting in tackling that crippling feeling of imposter syndrome
A review of circular economy disruption research: insights into industry 4.0 enabled circular economy framework for sustainability during turbulent times
No full textThe implementation of the circular economy is negligible and painfully slow due to insufficient proof of tangible benefits and awareness of how to implement it. The current geo-political turbulence has the potential to further slow it down by diverting public sentiment and resources to national security.
This study systematically analyses 74 academic papers using the bibliometric (author co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling) and content analysis (quality ranking and thematic coding) methods to explore how circular economy disruptions can be implemented and managed efficiently.
It identifies three thematic areas (conceptualisation, components, and challenges) where circular economy disruption research has evolved. Europe’s thought leadership in this research field is evident, as is China’s growing influence in emerging research areas such as circular entrepreneurship. It introduces green innovations and Industry 4.0 as enablers for a circular economy-based, resilient, and sustainable global economy.
This study proposes an Industry 4.0-enabled framework for circular economy disruption in which leadership support, digital infrastructure, and organisational resilience are critical antecedents to adopting Industry 4.0. Stakeholder engagement and consumer perceptions are key components of the proposed framework, while sustainability policies and regulations moderate the effectiveness of Industry 4.0 technologies in achieving a circular economy. The framework’s implementation methodologies include a modular approach accommodating various enterprise scales and regional conditions. By implementing this framework, countries could reduce dependency on volatile supply chains and promote economic resilience through sharing and transferring circular economy know-how and Industry 4.0 technologies
The role of Health Technology Assessment in reimbursement decisions and pricing of new medicines across diverse healthcare systems
No full textThe rising costs of innovative medicines present a major challenge for public healthcare systems, particularly in countries striving for universal health coverage. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is critical in guiding reimbursement decisions and negotiating medicine prices, particularly in monopoly markets where pharmaceutical companies hold exclusive rights due to patent protection. This study examines how eight healthcare systems – England, Australia, Canada, Germany, Colombia, Mexico, India, and Brazil – utilise HTA in price negotiations for new medicines. By analysing the integration of HTA into pricing mechanisms, decision-making criteria, and economic evaluation methods, this research highlights significant disparities in terms of socioeconomic context, healthcare system management, and HTA maturity. These insights offer valuable policy recommendations for optimising HTA’s role in controlling medicine prices and ensuring sustainable healthcare financing
Assessment and pedagogy
No full textAssessment is complex, multifaceted, and a hotly debated topic within educational discourse. It covers a wide variety of uses and purposes ranging from external examinations (for example, in the United Kingdom, GCSEs and A-Levels) to lesson-by-lesson, even minute-by-minute, assessments.
This chapter focuses on assessment that takes place within the music classroom. Specifically, it presents some of the issues and debates concerning teachers’ understanding and application of both formative and summative modalities of assessment as well as validity and the threats to making valid conclusions regarding pupils’ musical learning. These foci are among the important aspects of contemporary policy and classroom imperatives. This chapter is concerned with showing that there is no simple linearity to assessment, but that there exists (re)thinking and practice that can be considered to be of use to music teachers in developing and strengthening their current assessment and pedagogical practices.
It concludes that assessment should be valued as a means both to improve student learning and guide teaching. Seeing assessment in more nuanced terms, as is done in this chapter, offers the potential to open up opportunities as to how assessment and pedagogical practices in the music classroom can be further, and deeper, understood. This is important not only so that assessment can be used as a faithful servant to better meet the needs of our musicians, but also to further support music teachers in their day-to-day practices
Effect of Plant-Based Proteins on Recovery from Resistance Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Healthy Young Adults—A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition
Reflections from ‘Bean Flicks,’ an intersectional porn festival celebrating marginalised bodies and sexualities’
No full textIn response to intersectional violence on marginalised bodies and sexualities, we held ‘Bean Flicks’ (2020), Birmingham’s first ethical, intersectional porn festival. The event brought together sex researchers, performers, educators, and creators who embody or advocate for non-conforming (disabled, trans, non-binary, racially minoritized, queer) identities. Bean Flicks aimed to advocate for bodily autonomy and disrupt heteronormativity by centring visible, diverse forms of marginality. This paper explores the queer potential of such events and the challenges of organising them, navigating stigma, censorship, and misogyny. We reflect on the tensions between community and academic legitimacy, and the compromises made in creating inclusive, safe spaces. By acknowledging our positionality and blind spots, we highlight the complexities in feminist and queer praxis. Despite logistical and political challenges, audience feedback affirmed Bean Flicks as a powerful act of intersectional activism, offering visibility and community while revealing the nuanced messiness of hosting such transformative events
Weight loss practices, perceptions, and eating disorders among Chinese female adolescent combat sports athletes
No full textThis study investigated the weight loss (WL) practices, perceptions, and eating disorders (ED) symptoms of Chinese female adolescent combat sport (CS) athletes. An adapted Rapid WL Questionnaire (RWLQ) and Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire 8 (EDE-Q8) were completed during the off-season of female adolescent CS athletes to provide WL practices, perceptions, and global ED score. There were 130 and 78 respondents for the adapted RWLQ and EDE-Q8, respectively. Seventy-three percent of participants purposefully engaged in WL practices. The average habitual WL was 8.0% of body mass (BM), and the average highest WL was 9.1% of BM. Participants predominantly allocated 15 + days before the weigh-in for WL (65%). Coaches were most commonly reported as the primary guides for WL (64%). Athletes engage in WL mainly to compete against lighter opponents (65%). Most participants perceived that WL had no impact on health (51%), is beneficial to performance (52%), and does not lead to unfair competition (79%). Only six percent of participants were considered as having ED symptoms. No significant differences or association in global ED scores and ED symptoms were observed across any examined dependent variables. The prevalence and magnitude of WL are high amongst Chinese female adolescent CS athletes. Most athletes adopted long-term strategies to lose a substantial percentage of their BM. Athletes’ WL practices did not differ according to their perceptions regarding the impact of WL on performance, health, or fairness. Off-season prevalence of ED symptoms and global ED score showed no significant differences or associations with athletes’ habitual WL behaviors
British Muslim Women and Political Activism
No full textUsing qualitative research methods of interviews and a discussion, this thesis examines British Muslim women’s political activism, which is broadly defined to capture the diverse ways in which these women participate in British society. The conceptual framework is built around the concept of space invaders (Puwar, 2004), intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989) and faith inspired activism (Mahmood, 2005) to classify micro (local), meso (national) and macro (international) activism performed by participants. First, I argue that British Muslim women (participants) are motivated by their religion (Islamic principles, values and ethics) to uphold justice and contest the negative stereotypes and representations of Muslim women in the UK. I call my participants’ activism faith-inspired activism rooted in a variety of political activities from grassroots campaigning, volunteering, charity work to community organising, leadership roles and political office.
Second, I use the concept of intersectionality and space invaders to make the argument that participants face barriers to their faith-inspired activism (marginalisation and stereotyping) due to being female, Muslim and from an ethnic minority (non-white) background. Participants are seen as space invaders, ‘trespassers’ who take up ‘privileged’ (and political) positions which have not been reserved for them as they are not the ‘somatic norm’ (Puwar, 2004). Subsequently, they face sexism and Islamophobia (racial and religious prejudices and discrimination) as well as infantilisation, a burden of doubt, and suspicion in activist and political spaces (community groups, local and national networks, campaigning organisations, political parties and social media platforms). Finally, I show that participants overcome these barriers through support from male and female family and community members, solidarity and allyship from other women’s and community campaign groups, and wider organisations and movements such as Women100 who provide leadership training to women.
In summary, the analysis suggests an alternative picture of Muslim women who are well-integrated political subjects participating in micro, meso and macro activism as motivated by their faith in British society. This research visibilises Muslim women’s political activism and demonstrates the significance of religion in shaping their political activities and the positive effects of being a space invader in activist and political spaces
Othering discourse online in the UK during a time of crisis: a case study of opinion expressed on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textDuring major public crises, racially motivated blame is common when ethnic minorities are portrayed by the mainstream media as ‘others’ to whom blame is ascribed. In response to crises, social media platforms such as Twitter (currently X) are often used by the public to discuss social issues and share opinions. Taking COVID-19 as an example of a major public crisis, recent studies on blaming discourse on social media have examined public opinions on Twitter, with the majority of the literature focused on the US context. There is little research on blaming minorities on social media during the pandemic in the UK, a country with a relatively high level of ethnic and religious diversity. This case study collected and analysed UK-based tweets which contained keywords from the pandemic in order to determine whether there was othering discourse toward minorities and if so, what opinions and sentiments about minorities were expressed? The results reveal the existence of both positive narratives towards ethnic and racial communities and blaming discourses on Twitter, with the supporting narratives outweighing the negative discourses. Though the overall sentiment is negative when Twitter users referred to minorities, the themes identified from topic modelling and thematic analysis are mostly sympathetic and supportive towards ethnic and religious minorities in the UK. Our findings illustrate the complexity and non-linearity of discourses on ethnic and racial minorities one can find online and on social media in particular, and have implications for understanding the blaming of minorities on social media during crises more generally