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Review and Prospects of Phytoremediation: Harnessing Biofuel-Producing Plants for Environmental Remediation
Get PDFHeavy metal (HM) pollution has become a major environmental concern due to increased anthropogenic activities. The persistence and toxicity of HMs pose significant risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. This review highlights the pressing issue of HM contamination, its impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks of bio-magnification. Addressing these issues requires sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Among various remediation strategies, phytoremediation stands out as a promising green technology for mitigating environmental damage by using plants to extract or detoxify contaminants. A key challenge in phytoremediation, however, is the management of large volumes of contaminated biomass. This study explores the integration of phytoremediation with biofuel production, which not only addresses biomass management but also offers a sustainable solution within the framework of the circular economy. The dual role of specific plant species in both phytoremediation and biofuel production is evaluated, providing reduced environmental waste, lowering remediation costs, and promoting energy security. Future advancements in plant engineering, biotechnology, and process optimization hold the potential to enhance phytoremediation efficiency and biofuel yields. Expanding research into metal-tolerant, high-biomass crops can further improve scalability and economic feasibility. The review also critically assesses challenges such as the safe handling of contaminated biomass, sustainability concerns, and existing research gaps. By merging environmental remediation with bioenergy production, this interdisciplinary approach presents a viable pathway toward sustainable development
A Dialogic Approach to Enhancing Argumentative Writing From Multiple Texts
Get PDFPurpose
The study sought to examine the effectiveness of a dialogue-based argument intervention in enhancing Chinese middle school students’ integration of conflicting information from multiple texts in argumentative writing.
Design/Approach/Methods
The study followed a quasi-experimental design with pre-assessment and post-assessment, comparing seventh-grade intervention and non-participating control students’ individual post-assessment writing performance on a non-discourse topic involving genetically modified foods.
Findings
Intervention students outperformed control students in integrating textual evidence inconsistent with one's position. Specifically, intervention students were more successful in integrating position-inconsistent information with their prior knowledge or integrating multiple pieces of position-inconsistent information from one text or across multiple texts. Intervention students were also more successful in integrating two pieces of conflicting information. When judging text trustworthiness, intervention students trusted a primary source to a greater extent and showed greater gains in taking into consideration the epistemological aspect, as well as one's own or a text's position on the issue.
Originality/Value
The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of the dialogue-based argument curriculum in promoting Chinese middle school students’ ability to write integrated essays from multiple texts
Influence of augmented reality (AR) systems on ESL learners
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of Augmented Reality (AR) systems on the motivation, achievement, behaviour, and cognitive development of English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. The research sample included 50 intermediate-level learners in a language institute in the United Kingdom (UK), and the intervention lasted six weeks with activities enhanced by AR on vocabulary practice, grammar scenarios, and role-playing exercises. The research employed a pre-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test design and measured significant improvements across all variables. Motivation scores increased from 70.50 to 86.44, indicating heightened engagement and reduced anxiety in immersive learning environments. Achievement scores increased from 63.22 to 79.44, indicating the effectiveness of AR in enhancing grammar and vocabulary proficiency. Behavioural data indicated the most substantial gains, with scores improving from 58.13 to 75.15, showing increased classroom engagement and collaboration. Cognitive development scores showed remarkable growth from 54.26 to 71.02, showing that AR can develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of students. These findings underline the transformative potential that AR has for addressing ESL challenges that include fluency development and learner engagement. Implications include tailored integration of AR, professional teacher training, and the development of cost-effective tools. This places AR as an important educational technology that has the ability to enhance the outcomes of ESL learning by providing paths toward innovative and inclusive language teaching
Neurobiology, Molecular Pathways, and Environmental Influences in Antisocial Traits and Personality Disorders.
Get PDFPersonality disorders (PDs) are psychiatric conditions characterized by enduring patterns of cognition, emotion, and behaviour that deviate significantly from cultural norms, causing distress or impairment. The aetiology of PDs is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic studies estimate the heritability of PDs at 30% to 60%, implicating genes involved in neurotransmitter regulation, such as those for serotonin transporters and dopamine receptors. Environmental factors, including childhood trauma and chronic stress, interact with genetic predispositions to induce epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation and histone modifications, contributing to PD development.
Neurobiological research has identified structural and functional abnormalities in brain regions related to emotional regulation and social cognition, such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and limbic system. These abnormalities are linked to impaired emotion processing and interpersonal functioning in PDs. This review focuses on how environmental factors shape maladaptive behaviours and endophenotypes central to many PDs. It explores the interaction between the Ras-ERK, p38, and mTOR molecular pathways in response to environmental stimuli, and examines the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial metabolism in these processes.
Also reviewed are various types of PDs and existing animal models that replicate key endophenotypes, highlighting changes in neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Identifying molecular biomarkers can lead to the development of "enviromimetic" drugs, which mimic environmental influences to activate molecular pathways, facilitating targeted, personalized treatments based on the molecular profiles of individuals with PDs. Ultimately, understanding the molecular mechanisms of PDs promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes for affected individuals
A Global Comparative Study of Financial Market Anomalies
Get PDFThe financial market has long been regarded as an effective price discovery mechanism; however, a substantial body of empirical research has revealed the existence of market anomalies. These anomalies not only challenge traditional market efficiency theories but also reflect the complexity of investor behavior. This study examines market anomalies in financial markets, with a focus on diverse asset classes and distinct national markets. In order to analyse significant categories of anomalies, including price anomalies (momentum and reversal effects), volume anomalies, and other irregular patterns such as the calendar effect, the research employs a literature review methodology. The distinctions between established and emerging markets, along with variances within asset classes such as equities, fixed income, and foreign currency markets are elucidated by this research using comparative analysis. The results enhance comprehension of market efficiency and behavioural finance theories. Furthermore, the study offers insights for policymakers and investors to enhance their understanding and management of these anomalies in their decision-making processes
Tiered Blockchain Framework: A Secure, Trustworthy, and Cost-Efficient Solution for the Digital Rights Protection
No full textProtecting Intellectual Property (IP) in the digital age presents significant challenges due to rapid technological advancements and industrial growth. Traditional methods of registering and securing IP are becoming increasingly ineffective. To address these challenges, a more robust system is needed to control access, prevent unauthorized use, and safeguard digital rights. Despite efforts to transition from central registries to encrypted systems, vulnerabilities still exist that can compromise IP security. Therefore, a comprehensive solution must ensure legal use, prevent misuse, and enhance overall IP protection. This study introduces a robust framework designed to prioritize IP security and protection while addressing financial considerations. Our tiered Blockchain based approach features logically segregated layers governed by smart contracts, which control access based on predefined agreements set by the IP owner. A Common Application Interface (CAI) via smart contracts simplifies common operation with regards to an IP. The decentralized nature of Blockchain technology ensures unassailable trust, availability, and security. Additionally, we employ a flexible off-chain identity verification and storage mechanism for quick access and improved processing capabilities. Financial aspects tied to digital rights are managed through Blockchain's oracle services, ensuring seamless integration and management. Our integrated solution provides a reliable platform for IP protection, validated through thorough performance evaluations across diverse real-world scenarios. This framework demonstrates significant improvements in efficiency, security, and cost effectiveness compared to traditional IP protection methods. By leveraging Blockchain's immutable ledger and decentralized network, we enhance the traceability and accountability of IP transactions, reinforcing legal compliance and reducing disputes. Ultimately, this approach ensures that IP is safeguarded, valued, and shared in a manner that benefits creators, consumers, and society as a whole. The rigorous analysis evident significant enhancements in process optimization, technology adoption, efficiency, and cost reduction compared to traditional IP rights protection practices
Understanding the Differential Effects on Employment of a Community Wealth Building Programme in England: a difference-in-differences study
Get PDFBackground People-centred initiatives to create and retain local wealth, such as Community Wealth Building (CWB), have potential to stimulate regional economic regeneration that addresses economic inequalities by increasing the economic inclusion of more disadvantaged groups. Preston, a relatively deprived city in England, has implemented a CWB programme that has been associated with improvements in local wages and well-being. We estimated the effect of Preston’s CWB programme on employment and examined differential effects by disability status and other equality dimensions.
Methods We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis combined with entropy balancing to estimate the effect of the introduction of the CWB programme in Preston on local employment rates, using individual-level data from the Annual Population Survey collected between 2011 and 2019. We performed subgroup analysis to investigate whether the effect on employment was modified by disability, ethnic group, sex or education level.
Results We analysed survey responses from 95 476 individuals. The introduction of the CWB programme was associated with an increase in the employment rate of 4% (95% CI 2.4% to 5.7%) among people living in Preston, compared with what would have been expected in the absence of the programme. The effect on employment was greater among people with disabilities, minority ethnic groups, men and people with lower levels of education.
Conclusions Our findings indicate that CWB can have a positive impact on employment over a relatively short period of time, which disproportionately benefits people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. This evidence can be used to inform the development, implementation and evaluation of CWB strategies in other places. Preston’s CWB programme may represent a strategy to achieve more equitable economic growth and reduce health inequalities
High-Level Personal Trainer Perspective for Industry Practice and Development in Serbia: A Qualitative
Get PDFPersonal trainers (PTs) play a pivotal role in promoting positive gym experiences, implementing effective weight loss strategies, and influencing healthier lifestyle choices. In Serbia, however, the absence of national accrediting bodies for standardised qualifications has led to a lack of formal recognition of exercise professionals. The views of personal training clients regarding their training practices and experiences have been explored previously. Building on this, the current study investigated the perspectives of high-level Serbian PTs, examining their professional developmental journeys, educational background, coaching philosophies, professional needs and experiences. The aim was to provide insights for educational institutions and other practitioners to adopt successful approaches that inspire lifelong exercise and promote positive lifestyle changes for increasingly sedentary populations.Using a snowball sampling method, we interviewed 12 high-level PTs, selected for their exceptional practice as recognised by their peers. The findings suggest a need for a shift from traditional, physical performance-focused approaches toward a more holistic model that incorporates psychosocial support and a care for the whole person, fostering an appreciation for the concept of physical literacy.Additionally, the study identifies critical gaps in PTs education and training, particularly concerning the lack of focus on behavior change models and inquiry-based skills essential for their future self-directed learning. These areas were highlighted as vital for continued professional development after formal qualifications are obtained. In conclusion, this research underlines the need for holistic training approaches to improve clients' physical and health outcomes. The study offers guidance to shape industry standards, foster accreditation systems, and start the debate on how best to continually support PTs during their careers. Such action is essential if the evolving personal training profession in Serbia is to be equipped with the tools needed to promote long-term client engagement and achieve the health benefits for the wider Serbian population
Survey on Neurological Monitoring Practices and Clinician Perspectives in Acute Stroke Care
Get PDFAims: To examine current practice and views regarding neurological assessment and monitoring across stroke services in the United Kingdom.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of UK secondary care stroke services was conducted between December 2019 and September 2021.
Results: The response rate was 80% (n=125/156 services). Glasgow Coma Scale was the most frequently used routine neurological assessment (96%). Variation in frequency, duration and response to monitoring was evident across all stroke types. Medical escalation was the most frequent response to neurological deterioration (99%). Respondents acknowledged the importance of neurological monitoring, inadequacies of common tools, and supported further work to improve assessments and response protocols.
Conclusion: The extent of variation in clinical practice of neurological assessment and monitoring across the UK was unknown. Variation was found to be greater than anticipated. There is a need, and desire for, stroke type scenario-specific monitoring and standardised response guidance in acute stoke care. Introducing standardised care in this area would strengthen clinical protocols and could remove unwarranted variation in patient care ultimately improving outcomes.
Funding: Alison McLoughlin, Doctoral Research Fellow DRF-2018-11-ST2-074 was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for this research. Some of the authors are funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care
MANIFEST Resources Book: Compilation of historical articles on the transatlantic trade of enslaved people
No full textThis book of historical resources presents texts written by historians and sociologists who have researched topics at the intersection of the history of the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. The perspectives within this catalogue are varied. The topics engaged by the contributing writers range from exploring history through the influence of French West Indian Music to representations of Africans and West Indians in Europe in the 18th-20th Century and from detaining the construction of ships that transported Enslaved African people to the history of Northern Europe’s role as traders of Enslaved African people. Europe played a central role in the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. Yet, there is little to honour the afterlives of slavery, and there are limited accessible records of the evolution of this painful history and how it is reflected in contemporary societies. This is especially so as scholars challenge the established norms set in the colonial era in various ways. This collection of articles does not pretend to represent a completely decolonial perspective. Still, it moves us further in these very needed and pertinent discussions, recognising the need to deepen access to knowledge resources as conversations evolve.
The Project MANIFEST: New artistic perspectives on memories of the transatlantic trade of enslaved people, acknowledges the impact of artistic creation that is deeply connected to historical records and developed in parallel an Artistic Journey that was complimented by a growing archive of historical record. It is a cross-disciplinary initiative dedicated to re-imagining and contributing to Europe’s collective memory of the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. The publication aims to widen the written records in relation to colonial legacies as well as to provide a starting-point for deeper discussions around decolonial processes in relation to how history is recorded and transposed. It acknowledges the complexity of historical perspectives and methods that in themselves are in constant evolution