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How detailed do measures of bilingual language experience need to be? A cost-benefit analysis using the Q-BEx questionnaire
Get PDFWhat is the optimal level of questionnaire detail required to measure bilingual language
experience? This empirical evaluation compares alternative measures of language
exposure of varying cost (i.e., questionnaire detail) in terms of their performance as predictors
of oral language outcomes. The alternative measures were derived from Q-BEx
questionnaire data collected from a diverse sample of 121 heritage bilinguals (5- to 9-
years of age) growing up in France, the Netherlands and the UK. Outcome data consisted
of morphosyntax and vocabulary measures (in the societal language) and parental estimates
of oral proficiency (in the heritage language). Statistical modelling exploited information
theoretic and cross-validation approaches to identify the optimal language exposure
measure. Optimal cost-benefit was achieved with cumulative exposure (for the societal
language) and current exposure in the home (for the heritage language). The greatest
level of questionnaire detail did not yield more reliable predictors of language outcomes
Sex-dependent effects of high-protein diets on the gut microbiota, barrier function and mucosal immunity
No full textGut barrier dysfunction is associated with several chronic inflammatory, non-infectious diseases which are prevalent in the UK population. Increased gut
permeability allows bacteria and bacterial-derived products to pass through to the
underlying lamina propria where they can trigger pro-inflammatory responses.
Inflammation exacerbates poor gut barrier function and thus, a feedback loop is
generated. High protein diets can alter gut microbial population dynamics and
subsequent increases in concentrations of protein associated metabolites which
have been shown to impair gut barrier function in vitro. Given the sexual dimorphism
in microbiota composition, gut barrier function and immune responses, the
hypothesis was that sex-by-protein interactions would influence barrier dysfunction.
The aim of this PhD was to explore the sex-dependent effects of high protein diets
on gut microbiotas, metabolite production and their impacts on gut barrier function
and mucosal immunity using both in vitro batch culture systems and pig models.
Faecal samples from male (n = 5) and female (n = 5) donors were incubated with
protein from a variety of different sources under simulated colonic conditions, while
male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) pigs were fed high protein (28% dietary protein; n
= 10) or standard protein (18% dietary protein; n = 10) diets for four weeks in a 2x2
trial (n = 5 litter-matched pigs/sex/treatment group). Changes in microbial
populations were assessed using fluorescent in situ hybridisation coupled with flow
cytometry (FISHflow) or 16S rRNA sequencing techniques, metabolite profiles were
determined using gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS)
while barrier function and immune-associated protein expression was quantified
using fluorescence immunohistology methods. Significant in vitro effects of protein
source and sex were observed on microbiota composition and metabolite production.
With additional protein availability, ammonia production by the microbiota from
females was significantly higher than that from males (p < 0.01), while p-cresol
production was significantly higher in the microbiota from males compared to
females (p < 0.001). In pigs, high protein diets drove increased p-cresol production
and reduced E-cadherin expression without altering overall microbiota composition.
However, females exhibited shifts towards potentially pathogenic genera
(Chryseobacterium; p < 0.001, Staphylococcus; p < 0.001) while males had higher
Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 (p = 0.02) and Cloacibacillus (p = 0.016). Notably,
female pigs had significant increases in p-cresol (p = 0.049) and reduced ZO-1
expression (p = 0.04), indicating greater vulnerability to diet-induced barrier
dysfunction compared to male pigs. These findings suggest sex-specific dietary
recommendations may be helpful in reducing the prevalence of barrier dysfunction
and related chronic inflammatory diseases
Calorie labelling and other drivers of takeaway food choices
Get PDFBackground Frequent consumption of out-of-home (OOH) foods, including takeaways, is linked to higher energy intake and poorer diet quality. In April 2022, calorie labelling was mandated in England for large OOH businesses to support healthier choices. This paper aimed to explore knowledge and use of calorie labelling when ordering takeaway food online and other factors influencing food choices, overall and by sociodemographic characteristics.
Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1040 takeaway consumers in England from an OOH purchase panel assessed knowledge and awareness of calorie labelling legislation, self-reported
impact on online takeaway choices, and key drivers of takeaway consumption. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regressions and thematic analysis.
Results Over 27% of respondents ordered takeaways once or more per week. Respondents aged 35 years and older were less likely (OR 0.28–0.52, p<0.05), while those with obesity were more likely (OR 2.01, p<0.001) to report frequent takeaway purchases. Women were more knowledgeable about the recommended energy meal content than men (OR 2.06, p<0.001), yet only 15% of respondents knew the guideline amount. Awareness of calorie labelling regulations was 63% overall, but was less likely in middle socioeconomic groups (OR 0.56–0.63, p<0.05). During past online orders, 23% noticed calorie labels; of these, 26% reduced food calories ordered, and 10% reduced drink calories ordered. Taste and price
were key drivers of takeaway choices, while health and
sustainability were less influential. Strong support emerged
for healthier menu options and traffic light labelling to help improve the healthiness of takeaway orders.
Conclusion Given the limited reported impact, calorie
labels may only benefit a minority. As meal healthiness
was ranked as a relatively less important driver for
takeaway choices, further policies are required to
complement calorie labelling in promoting healthier food
environments
Neural correlates of human fear conditioning and sources of variability in 2199 individuals
Get PDFPavlovian fear conditioning is a fundamental process in both health and disease. We investigate its neural correlates and sources of variability using harmonized functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 2199 individuals across nine countries, including 1888 healthy individuals and 311 with anxiety-related or depressive disorders. Using mega-analysis and normative modeling, we show that fear conditioning consistently engages brain regions within the “central autonomic–interoceptive” or “salience” network. Several task variables strongly modulate activity in these regions, contributing to variability in neural responses. Additionally, brain activation patterns differ between healthy individuals and those with anxiety-related or depressive disorders, with distinct profiles characterizing specific disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the neural correlates of fear conditioning are highly generalizable at the population level, variability arises from differences in task design and clinical status, highlighting the importance of methodological diversity in capturing fear learning mechanisms
Significance of aerated drip irrigation: a comprehensive review
Get PDFIn recent years, aerated drip irrigation (ADI) has emerged as an innovative practice for efficient irrigation. It
offers new approaches for the synchronized delivery of water and air, thereby enhancing the economic benefits
of crops. Most previous studies have concentrated on the impact of imposed aeration within the irrigation stream
on the soil environment and crop growth; increasing dissolved or soil air oxygen concentration in the root zone
resulting in healthy root growth in otherwise unfavorable hypoxic soil conditions. However, the microbubbles
(MBs) in irrigation water generated by aeration equipment serve multiple purposes. They are involved not only
in the distribution of water and air through drip irrigation systems but also in the functional integrity of emitters
and in altering the soil habitats in the crop root zone through various biochemical and biophysical mechanisms.
Micro- and nano-bubble-mediated changes to the drip irrigation system and the soil microenvironment in the
crop root zone have localized effects on microbial community aggregation, leading to significant ecological
consequences. We outline the use of chemical gas filling (a weak solution of a peroxide directly into the
rhizosphere) and mechanical gas filling devices (air compressors, venturi injectors, twin vortices, fluid oscillators,
and micro-nano bubble (MNB) generators). This review emphasizes the role of ADI in improving crop
growth, soil conditions, microbial populations and the management of emitter clogging in drip irrigation systems.
Subsequently, we explore the key issues that need to be addressed in current ADI technology and discuss
how micro- nano-bubble-induced alterations in the microenvironments of both the drip irrigation system, and the
root zone soil can be harnessed. This approach can help manage and manipulate microbial communities, combat
clogging in drip irrigation emitters, improve soil conditions for plant growth, and ultimately increase crop yields,
resulting in a viable option for farmers world-wide
Investigating urban park soil health through corporate-based citizen science: linking engagement to sustainable actions
Get PDFNature-based Solutions (NbS), such as restoring and protecting urban forests, are
increasingly promoted to build resilience to climate change and urbanisation. However, in urban
environments, the management of soil beneath trees remains inadequate, largely because it is
often overlooked in broader urban ecosystem planning for NbS.
The thesis examines how enabling employee participation in a corporate-based citizen
science programme can advance research on urban soils, while also promoting organisational
change towards sustainability.
The study draws on environmental data collected in urban parks across the UK and
France (2018–2019), where employees and scientists assessed soil chemical, physical and
biological properties to support holistic urban soil health monitoring. Citizen scientists’ soil
colour observations, calibrated using a spectrophotometer, were successfully used to estimate
soil organic carbon (SOC), highlighting the potential of fast, low-cost, scalable methods to support
traditional SOC analyses in the context of climate change.
In parallel, observational and survey data from eight employee-engagement programmes
demonstrate how participation shaped pro-environmental behaviour by supporting changes in
capability, opportunity, and motivation. Formal and experiential learning deepened
environmental understanding and built capability for action. Social and physical opportunity were
fostered through interactions with scientist and peers, trust-building, and the framing of
sustainability as both a social norm and business opportunity. Motivation was primarily
influenced through emotional engagement. Targeted science communication increased
environmental concern, fostered a sense of collective responsibility, and promoted climate hope
by encouraging participants to see themselves as sustainability champions. By combining hands�on, enjoyable and interactive experiences with time in nature, the programme fostered emotional
connection that further motivated participants to act.
Overall, the thesis demonstrates the dual value of corporate-based citizen science in
addressing urban soil knowledge gaps while expanding participation and supporting positive
environmental transformation within organisations. The findings underscore the significance of
not only cognitive, but also affective and contextual factors in driving behaviour change
Multispecies grasslands produce more yield from lower nitrogen inputs across a climatic gradient
Get PDFHigh-yielding forage grasslands frequently comprise low species diversity and receive high inputs of nitrogen fertilizer. To investigate multispecies mixtures as an alternative strategy, the 26-site 10 international ‘LegacyNet’ experiment systematically varied the diversity of sown grasslands using up to six high-yielding forage species (grasses, legumes, and herbs), managed under moderate nitrogen inputs. Multispecies mixtures outyielded two widely used grassland practices: a grass monoculture with higher nitrogen fertilizer, and a two-species grass-legume community. High yields in multispecies mixtures were driven by strong positive grass-legume and legume-herb 15 interactions. In warmer sites, the yield advantage of legume-containing multispecies mixtures over monocultures and the high-nitrogen grass increased. Improved design of grassland mixtures can inform more environmentally sustainable forage production and may enhance adaptation of productive grasslands to a warming climate
The impact of results-based programming on immediate stabilisation outcomes: New evidence from the United Nations Development Programme
No full textA diminishing reliance on multilateralism, driven by shifting geopolitical configurations, has contributed to the decline of large-scale peacekeeping operations and special political missions as dominant mechanisms for conflict resolution. In response to these shifts, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed and piloted a new operational paradigm to address post-conflict settings: the Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilisation (FFIS).
Stabilisation – still an undefined concept within the UN - has evolved over the last fifty years, shifting from a siloed, militarised approach to a more integrated and, recently, minimalistic and pragmatic applications. Through an examination of this evolution, this PhD thesis critically analyses the operationalisation of immediate stabilisation as piloted in Iraq and Libya by the UNDP. This thesis contributes to the theoretical understanding of stabilisation by offering a structured framework to conceptualise its essential dimensions and test their relative importance across different contexts.
This research identifies the factors that contribute most to successful outcomes of immediate stabilisation, measured here as the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their places of origin. This approach advances scholarly debates on stabilisation effectiveness by combining practitioner insights with empirical analysis of real-time programme data. Uniquely, the study analyses data collected during stabilisation efforts by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNDP, and other actors.
Given the samples’ complexity, source diversity and intricate causality, and with the objective of offering a more in-depth understanding of the dynamic relationship between programme inputs and stabilisation outcomes, the research employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the first application of this method to UN-led stabilisation programming. In line with UNDP's immediate stabilisation theory of change, the analysis considers ten factors: two structural factors (peace/safety; political support), four programmatic factors (societal; economic; governance; peace) and four factors pertaining to results-based management (RBM) (ownership/coordination; accountability; management efficiency; management effectiveness).
In the specific contexts of Iraq and Libya, where UNDP first piloted the application of immediate stabilisation as a concept, the findings indicate that RBM-related factors play a more substantial role than structural and programmatic factors, underscoring the significance of the management process in overseeing programme activities. In complex stabilisation settings, RBM principle-related factors (specifically ownership/coordination and accountability) represent necessary conditions to address the challenges and uncertainties inherent in rapidly implemented large-scale programmes. The research also reveals that some programmatic factors (societal and governance) are core conditions in contexts like Libya, where activities are typically delivered at a small scale and in a sequential manner, while the structural peace/safety factor represents a no-core condition due to the repeated waves of violence. Contrary to conventional assumptions, factors pertaining to peace and economic emerge as peripheral or no-core conditions in Iraq and Libya, confirming the lack of a significant relationship between unemployment and economic recovery on the one hand and successful immediate stabilisation outcomes on the other.
The study advances theoretical debates by systematically demonstrating the relative weight of management factors in immediate stabilisation and highlighting the importance of context-specific configurations. It argues for an evidence-driven, adaptive approach that integrates robust accountability mechanisms, stronger coordination frameworks, and flexible programmatic designs. Ultimately, the research contributes to both scholarship and practice by reframing what drives success in UN-led stabilisation and providing an empirically grounded basis for refining future policy and operational models
Assessment approach at programme level: a case study in food science
Get PDFThe objective of this project was to promote and implement a cultural and practical shift to a programme focused assessment strategy. In the programme under study the modular compartmentalisation and the limited coordination between module convenors and the programme director in the design and delivery of assessment resulted in high volume of assessment tasks and an uneven deadline distribution. Transforming the Experience of Students through Assessment (TESTA) methodology was used to develop an evidence-based approach, considering students’ (n= 35) and staff’s voices (n=18). The assessment load and diversity were analysed. Student perspective was gathered through questionnaires and focus group; results showed that students struggled to manage the completion of different tasks at the same time, forcing the adoption of a grade-focused and surface learning approach. The level of knowledge integration from different core subjects and knowledge application to real case scenarios is crucial in the development of graduates in applied science disciplines. During workshops with staff specific changes were proposed to achieve a Programme Learning Assessment Strategy including the development of honours and bigger modules, to achieve a horizontal and vertical integration of knowledge, the reduction of small superficial assessment tasks, the development of formative assessment activities that clearly link to summative ones and the use of programme assessment maps to ensure an even distribution of assessment deadlines. This collective work enhanced the sense of community and ownership in the programme which helped the promotion of changes towards authentic assessment and a more rationalised use of assessment tasks at programme level, improving students and staff experience in Higher Education