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Imagine for tomorrow, what you cannot feel now – The role of anhedonia in imagery-enhanced behavioral activation
Get PDFPreliminary evidence suggests that mental imagery-based elaboration of rewarding activities enhances anticipated pleasure, motivation, and behavioral engagement in non-clinical samples, but its effects in individuals experiencing anhedonia (loss of pleasure/interest) is unclear. Study 1 (N = 90) contrasted imagery-enhanced activity scheduling with two scheduling-only control conditions (Reminder/No Reminder Control) in an unselected sample. Study 2 (N = 108) compared imagery-enhanced activity scheduling with two control conditions (Neutral Imagery/Motivational Verbal Reasoning) in individuals experiencing mild to moderate anhedonia. Both studies measured changes in activity appraisal (anticipated pleasure, anticipated reward/mastery, motivation) in the lab, and behavioral engagement across a subsequent 7-day period. Additionally, Study 2 assessed heart rate as a psychophysiological marker of emotional response across conditions. Results showed that anticipated pleasure increased more in the imagery-enhanced activity scheduling condition compared to control conditions in Study 1, but not Study 2. Across both studies, conditions did not differ regarding changes in anticipated reward/mastery, motivation, or behavioral engagement. The present findings indicate that although mental imagery may enhance anticipated pleasure in non-clinical individuals, its effects in participants experiencing anhedonia remains to be further investigated
Nurturing belonging: a qualitative study of participation in a gardening group for people living with and beyond cancer
Get PDFPurposeThe incidence of cancer is increasing globally and engagement in meaningful occupations is fundamental for people living with and beyond cancer. There is a growing body of evidence regarding the health and well-being benefits of engaging in nature-based occupations, however, there is limited evidence specific to this population. This study aims to explore the experiences of engaging in Blooming Well, a gardening group created to provide opportunities for people recovering from or living with cancer.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study methodology was used to explore perspectives of both group leaders and participants of the Blooming Well group. Study participants included two group leaders and six group members.FindingsThematic analysis of the data revealed three key themes of “Nurturing connections”, “Emotional journey” and “Seeds of hope”. In addition, an overarching theme of “Belonging” was evident throughout, which highlights the value of engagement in gardening groups.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that gardening groups have the potential for use as an occupational therapy intervention for people living with and beyond cancer. Although further research is needed to provide more extensive data including capturing outcomes over a longer time frame
Impact of dietary functional yeast additives on growth performance and health of selected key aquaculture species
Get PDFThe aquaculture industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent decades underscoring its crucial role in global food security. However, this rapid expansion brings challenges, including the need to meet growing fish demand while minimising environmental impacts and managing disease prevalence. Functional feed additives (FFAs) have emerged as sustainable solutions to enhance fish health and performance. Among these, yeast-derived additives have garnered significant attention for their nutritional benefits and proven ability to promote growth and strengthen immune responses in fish.This study evaluates the effects of dietary brewer\u27s yeast-derived additives on fish using a range of in-depth analyses, such as growth performance, intestinal histology, haematology, gene expression, and intestinal 16S rRNA microbiome analysis. Three experimental in vivo feeding trials were undertaken on three key aquaculture species, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio), and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) under controlled and excellent rearing conditions.The first trial investigated the impact of varying inclusion levels of autolysed brewer’s yeast and yeast cell wall additives on Nile tilapia fry over 35 days. Results revealed significant enhancements in growth performance and intestinal immune response in fish fed diets supplemented with yeast additives, particularly autolysed brewer’s yeast at the lowest tested dosage (0.1%). Intestinal morphology remained healthy across all groups, with no signs of necrosis or inflammation.In the second trial, mirror carp juveniles were fed diets incorporating autolysed brewer’s yeast, unextracted brewer’s yeast, and inactivated brewer’s yeast bound to spent grains over nine weeks. Growth performance and intestinal histology were unaffected, indicating normal and healthy development across all groups. Gene expression analysis showed no significant changes in immune-related cytokines (il-1β, tnf-α, il-10) and IgM among the groups, though cldn-7 was notably upregulated in carp fed the unextracted yeast at the lowest inclusion level tested (0.1%), suggesting potential benefits to intestinal barrier function.The third trial involved Atlantic salmon parr fed diets supplemented with autolysed brewer’s yeast and soluble yeast extracts at a 0.25% inclusion level for nine weeks. Although growth performance remained stable, yeast additives, particularly autolysed brewer’s yeast, improved intestinal and skin histology. Haematological parameters remained stable, and intestinal immune responses were enhanced in fish fed autolysed brewer’s yeast. Microbiome analysis revealed Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota as the dominant phyla across all groups, with significant shifts in bacterial composition observed in yeast-fed fish compared to the control.This study highlights the potential of yeast-derived additives as effective FFAs for promoting growth, health, and sustainability in aquaculture. Future research should focus on optimising dosing strategies and evaluating the long-term effects of these additives under varying environmental conditions and stress factors to advance sustainable aquaculture practices
When Ease Becomes a Barrier: What Influences Student Intentions to Use Generative AI in Higher Education?
No full textThis study employs the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model to uncover the factors influencing university students\u27 intentions to adopt generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in higher education. With the rapid integration of Generative AI into academic contexts, understanding what drives students\u27 intention to use these tools is crucial for developing effective pedagogical strategies. The study applies a conceptual framework that incorporates personality traits, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, compatibility, social influence and attitude towards the use of Generative AI. This study employs a quantitative approach with students currently studying in higher education across the United Kingdom. Findings indicate that optimism and compatibility significantly influence perceived usefulness, while perceived ease of use has a negative impact on intention to use, which contradicts the prevalent sentiment in the adoption literature. Additionally, perceived usefulness and optimism are the greatest positive influences on intention to use Generative AI. The results highlight the importance of aligning AI tools with students\u27 learning needs and fostering positive attitudes to encourage usage. These insights provide valuable recommendations for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance the integration of AI in educational settings, ultimately preparing students for a technology-driven future
Biodiversity Performance of Living Wall Systems in Urban Environments: A UK Case Study of Plant Selection and Substrate Effects on Multi-Taxa Communities
No full textUrban densification threatens biodiversity, yet conventional greenspace expansion is constrained by limited land availability. Living wall systems (LWS) offer potential biodiversity enhancement through vertical green infrastructure, though their ecological value remains underexplored. This study evaluated the biodiversity performance of three LWS in Plymouth, UK, using multi-taxa surveys to assess invertebrate communities, bird assemblages, and bat activity. A scoping review of 2638 publications revealed limited research on LWS biodiversity, with only 27% of biodiversity-focused papers referencing specific species. Field surveys employed standardised protocols including flower-visiting pollinator observations, spider assessments, soil invertebrate extraction using Tullgren funnels, acoustic bird monitoring, and bat emergence surveys across soil-based and hydroponic systems. Results demonstrated that soil-based LWS supported significantly higher invertebrate diversity than hydroponic systems, with 481 soil invertebrates recorded across 19 families. Plant species composition strongly influenced biodiversity outcomes, with Hedera helix, Erigeron karvinskianus, and Lonicera japonica attracting the most pollinator species (5 each). Bird abundance was significantly higher at LWS sites compared to control areas, with confirmed breeding by three species. However, current UK Biodiversity Net Gain frameworks undervalue LWS contributions due to their classification as artificial habitats. These findings indicate that appropriately designed soil-based LWS can deliver meaningful urban biodiversity benefits when integrated with strategic plant selection and species-based valuation approaches
Effects of exposure route and surface coating on the bioaccumulation of CdTe quantum dots in fish. Considerations for testing nanomaterials following OECD Test guideline No. 305
No full textTo identify nanomaterials of potential environmental concern and to support risk assessment for regulatory purposes bioaccumulation testing is required. However, further guidance is needed when applying the fish bioaccumulation OECD test guideline (TG) No. 305 to nanomaterials. Also questions remain surrounding the most appropriate exposure route and if subtle modifications to these materials (e.g. different coatings) will influence bioaccumulation potential. Therefore in this study OECD TG 305 was applied to assess the bioaccumulation potential of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with additional considerations for testing nanomaterials. CdTe QDs were selected for our studies because of their increasing use, possible release to water and limited information on their bioaccumulation potential in fish. To specifically address the influence of exposure route and surface coating on bioaccumulation, the uptake and depuration kinetics of two differently coated (carboxylate and polyethylene glycol coatings) CdTe QDs were investigated in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) following either aqueous or dietary exposure. In the dietary exposure bioaccumulation assays, fish were exposed to CdTe QDs at concentrations of 10 or 100 mg/kg for 28 days, followed by a 28-day depuration period to derive biomagnification factors (BMFs). In the aqueous exposure bioaccumulation tests, fish were exposed to 4 or 40 μg CdTe QDs /L for 28 days, followed by a 14-day depuration period to derive bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Both materials showed a low bioaccumulation potential and while a higher uptake was seen for the PEG coated materials, overall biodistribution, uptake and depuration kinetics were similar. The dietary exposure route allowed good and consistent estimations of BMF following both sequential and simultaneous methods. Aqueous exposures showed CdTe QDs dissolution in aquarium water and a steady state was not reached within 28 days, which challenged derivation of BCF values. This study provides important information on two differently coated CdTe QDs bioaccumulation, on OECD TG 305 applicability to metallic nanomaterials and on the reporting of accurate regulatory acceptable indicators of nanomaterial bioaccumulation potential
Fixing Fixed Term Recall An Insights Paper: February 2025
No full textThis Insights Paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of fixed term recall (FTR) within the criminal justice system (CJS) and their impact on the rehabilitation and resettlement journeys of individuals on licence. The paper explores how FTR are currently being applied, examines the experiences of those subject to them, and identifies strategies to reduce the use of FTR while improving their effectiveness in managing non-compliance of low-risk individuals
Willing to drive green? Exploring behavioral and policy influences on electric vehicle ownership
No full textPurposeThis study aims to empirically investigate the factors influencing Malaysian consumers’ purchase intentions (PI) for electric vehicles (EVs). The present study extends and modifies the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with additional variables [environmental concern (EC) and perceived incentive policy (PIP)] to examine the effect on consumers’ PI regarding EVs.Design/methodology/approachThe study used purposive sampling technique, and the target population consisted of Malaysian EV owners. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, yielding 413 responses. A final 390 responses were retained for analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been used to analyze data using SmartPLS 4.0. In addition, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) and predictive relevance test have also been used to assess the predictive power of the model.FindingsSubjective norms (SN) and EC significantly impact EV consumers’ attitude (ATT). Moreover, ATT and PIP stimulate the PI toward EVs; whereas, perceived behavioral control was found to have no significant effect on the PI of EV consumers. In addition, IPMA highlights the value of prioritizing the selected constructs, enforcing their potential for future model enhancements.Originality/valueThis study provides novel insights that aid marketers in formulating strategic methods for promoting EVs. Moreover, it extends the TPB implications, overcoming shortcomings and offers a valuable resource for future researchers venturing into similar research domains
