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From their own voices: The lived experiences of women on corporate boards in Nigeria
No full textPurposeDrawing on social categorisation and institutional theories, this research examines the challenges faced by female board members in Nigeria, prior to and during their tenures, and elucidates the strategies they employ to overcome these obstacles.Design/Methodology/ApproachThis study utilises a qualitative methodology, conducting focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 22 female board members from various Nigerian corporations. This approach enables an in-depth exploration of their experiences, allowing for the identification of key challenges and strategies for overcoming barriers to board participation and leadership in a weak institutional context.FindingsWe identify key impediments at the organisational, socio-cultural, and individual levels that obstruct women's access to and participation on corporate boards. Additionally, we explore how these women navigate and interpret these challenges, providing valuable insights into their experiences. Our analysis culminates in the proposal of strategic actions, as well as firm- and policy-level recommendations, aimed at enhancing opportunities for female board members and promoting improved corporate governance within the Nigerian context.Originality/ValueThis study offers a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted barriers to female board representation, examining organizational and socio-cultural challenges as well as individual barriers. By providing practical insights, it aims to advance gender diversity in corporate leadership, particularly in developing economies, and to highlight actionable strategies and policy recommendations that enhance the inclusion and effectiveness of female board members
Systematic Review on AI Chatbots as a Provision for Self-Paced Learning
No full textThe emergence and adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, especially ChatGPT, has garnered significant attention from educators and researchers alike. The most notable and attractive feature of this chatbot is its ability to offer personalised assistance to its users. In order to explore how ChatGPT creates a personalised learning environment for students and facilitates their learning processes, a systematic review of empirical studies was conducted. This review adhered strictly to PRISMA guidelines and included 10 empirical studies for meta-synthesis. The results revealed that the chatbot is highly valued for its ability to provide a social presence in students' learning journeys. This social presence is crucial as it creates a more engaging and interactive learning experience, which is often missing in traditional educational settings. One of the key findings from the review is that ChatGPT's personalised support enhances students' self-paced learning. By providing immediate feedback, answering questions, and offering explanations tailored to the student's level of understanding, the chatbot helps students learn at their own pace. The review highlights important implications for policy, practice, and research, emphasising the integration of ChatGPT into educational frameworks to support personalised learning and enhance teaching practices. It also calls for further research to examine the long-term effects of AI chatbots on student learning outcomes
Climate‐Driven Strath Terrace Formation Revealed by a Fluvial Erosion‐Deposition Model Considering Channel Widths
No full textThe cycle of channel belt widening and narrowing, driven by changes in sediment supply relative to sediment transport capacity, leads to the formation and preservation of strath terraces, where channel lateral erosion typically plays a key role. Because channel widths were mostly ignored, few models can explain how strath terraces in bedrock valley form under external forcing. Here, we present a modified fluvial erosion-deposition landscape evolution model that incorporates channel width, governed by water discharge and slope. Focusing on climate-driven strath terraces, our model explicitly simulates channel width variations induced by climate-driven changes in discharge, assuming uniform uplift and lithology. Results show that increased channel width constants amplify the influence of climate signals on sediments because the same water discharge is distributed across more channel nodes, reducing the transport capacity. Moreover, our model shows that strath terraces form as the climate shifts from wet to dry, considering channel width and sediment deposition. When the climate shifts from dry to wet conditions, channel widening erodes the former valley walls and destroys pre-existing strath terraces, generating planation surfaces. This lateral erosion in our model results from channel widening, rather than channel mobility. Bedrock straths are subsequently exposed during channel narrowing. Our model has the potential to elucidate the evolution of bedrock valley and channel width, under the influence of tectonics, climate, rock properties, and sediment thickness on valley geometry
Resolving the Multiple Component Outflows in PG 1211+143. I. The Fe–K Absorption Structure and UFO Forest
No full textWe present the initial high-resolution X-ray spectroscopic observations of the Fe–K absorption structure in the luminous nearby quasar PG 1211+143, utilizing the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). The primary objective is to characterize the Fe–K absorption features due to ultra-fast outflow (UFO) in this Eddington-luminosity source. Observations were conducted with XRISM’s Resolve and Xtend instruments, complemented by simultaneous data from XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. A historically bright phase was captured. The Resolve spectra clearly reveal a prominent P Cygni profile and resolves the Fe–K absorption into six distinct velocity components, ranging from v = −0.074 to −0.405c. A similar superposition of multiple UFOs has been reported in PDS 456, suggesting that such a “UFO forest” structure may be a common feature of near Eddington-luminosity sources. Some UFO components exhibit narrow line widths of approximately σ ∼ 200 km s−1, which may indicate that the outflows have reached their terminal velocities, thereby resulting in a smaller velocity shear. The mass outflow rate is estimated to be Ṁout∼1M⊙yr−1 , which is of the order of the Eddington accretion rate. This suggests a physically plausible scenario where the outflow is a significant channel for mass ejection
Genomic divergence of leopards in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa: potential drivers for local adaptation
No full textThe adaptive value of intraspecific phenotypic variability, as well as the extent to which this is balanced by selection and genetic drift, is still relatively poorly explored. An intriguing population of leopard (Panthera pardus) occurs in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, where body mass is almost half that of leopards occurring in the savanna biome. In this study, we used whole-genome resequencing data of 43 leopards, including 10 from the Western Cape province (WCP). We explored spatial population structure and measured genome-wide diversity, including runs of homozygosity and genetic load. We compared their population demographic history to ‘savanna leopards’ in northern South Africa, and tested for signatures of selection that drive genomic and phenotypic differences. We found that WCP is distinct from other leopards in Africa, and that it diverged 20-24 thousand years ago from northern South Africa, which is in contrast to a lack of genome-wide differentiation found in previous studies. Because we found no obvious signs of genetic drift in WCP, the divergence is likely to have been caused by their population demographic history. We also found enriched genes that may relate to the local phenotype, possibly as an evolutionary response to food-scarce conditions. Leopards in the Cape Floristic Region utilize a unique landscape, which varies biologically in prey availability and vegetation structure, and anthropogenically with the province’s rapidly growing human population. Considering the local adaptation and divergence found in both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, leopards in the Cape can be considered an evolutionary significant unit (ESU)
How does higher education influence attitudes towards Muslims? Examining mechanisms that reduce prejudice within UK universities
No full textThis article examines the relationship between encounters with religious diversity and the perspectives people form about Muslims. Its empirical focus is individuals studying at context is the contemporary UK, and students at UK universities in particular. Previous research suggests Muslims are amongst those remain one of the groups most subject to negative prejudice in the UK, this being structured around racial or ethnic prejudice and negative judgements about Islam as a religion. Universities, on the other hand, generally retain a reputation for upholding values of equality, diversity and inclusion. While this reputation is not uncontested, , evidence suggesting high proportions of students affirm positive views about Muslims. This article examines new longitudinal data from a national survey of university students to clarify how they view Muslims and examine how these views might be shaped by their experience of university. Focusing on students’ encounters with religious diversity, the article examines different mechanisms within the university experience that appear most significant in shaping a more positive outlook on Muslims. In so doing, it assesses the capacity of universities to drive progressive attitudinal change and investigates the social mechanisms that bring this about
Phylotranscriptomics reveals conflicts of deep nodes in Saxifragales.
No full textSaxifragales comprises 15 families in five well-supported clades: Paeoniaceae, Peridiscaceae, the woody clade, Cynomoriaceae, and the core Saxifragales. Relationships among these groups-particularly the placements of Paeoniaceae and Cynomoriaceae, and family-level relationships within the woody clade-remain uncertain. Here, we analyzed transcriptomes from 88 species (13 families) and plastomes from 14 families (with limited plastid genes retained in the parasitic Cynomoriaceae). Phylogenomic analyses of 1,113 BUSCO single-copy nuclear genes and 78 plastid genes consistently recovered Paeoniaceae as sister to the woody clade (Paeoniaceae + Woody clade, PWC) and supported Cynomoriaceae as sister to the core Saxifragales (Cynomoriaceae + Core Saxifragales, CCS). We detected widespread phylogenetic conflict and cytonuclear discordance, largely driven by pervasive gene flow and, to a lesser extent, incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). Gene tree error contributed to the unstable placement of Cynomoriaceae, while ILS dominated conflicts involving Cercidiphyllaceae. Future work integrating chromosome-level genomes and karyotype evolution may clarify woody clade relationships, and account for horizontal gene transfer in Cynomoriaceae. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A census of double-peaked Lyman-α emitters in MAGPI: Classification, global characteristics, and spatially resolved properties
Get PDFDouble-peaked Lyman- (Ly ) profiles provide critical insights into gas kinematics and the distribution of neutral hydrogen (H i) from the interstellar to the intergalactic medium (ISM to IGM) and serve as valuable diagnostics of ionising Lyman continuum (LyC) photon escape. We present a study of the global and spatially resolved properties of double-peaked Ly emitters (LAEs), based on VLT/MUSE data from the Middle Ages Galaxy Properties with Integral Field Spectroscopy (MAGPI) survey. From a parent sample of 417 LAEs at in the first 35 fields, we identify 108 double-peaked LAEs using an automated peak classification technique. We measure a double-peak fraction of 37% at , decreasing to 14% at , likely due to enhanced IGM attenuation. Approximately 17% of the double-peaked LAEs are blue-dominated, possibly tracing gas inflows, though backscattering remains a viable alternative for sources without systemic redshift. The blue-to-total flux ratio exhibits a luminosity dependence: fainter lines generally show higher blue flux, though a few luminous sources also show strong blue peaks. We find a significant narrowing of the red peak at , despite the presence of the blue peak, indicating intrinsic galaxy evolution rather than an effect of IGM attenuation. Several LAEs exhibit residual flux in the absorption trough, with normalised trough flux anticorrelating with peak separation, reflecting variations in H i column density. We further investigate spatially resolved properties of ten red-dominated LAEs with extended Ly halos. Despite azimuthal variations, both the blue-to-total flux ratio and normalised trough flux density increase with radius, while peak separation decreases. The red peak asymmetry shows only minor radial changes. These trends are consistent with variations in shell outflow velocity and H i column density across the halos. However, some exceptions to these patterns are also noted. Based on peak separation, red peak asymmetry, and residual trough flux, we identify five LAEs as strong LyC leaker candidates
Expansion of invasive carabids across elevation and habitats on sub‐ Antarctic South Georgia
Get PDFUp‐to‐date information about the extent and underlying drivers of biological invasions is necessary to improve conservation strategies. The flightless, predatory carabid beetles, Merizodus soledadinus and Trechisibus antarcticus, were introduced to the sub‐Antarctic island of South Georgia after 1960. The most recent but opportunistic monitoring of the species' distributions in the late 2000s indicated significant range expansions. We systematically assessed the presence and numbers of carabids and the associated communities at >200 locations on the northern coast of the island in 2023. The ranges of both species have continued to increase over the past 10–15 years, and they are now present from lowland coastal areas to the tops of valleys (>300 m above sea level). We modelled the detectability and abundance of carabids, finding that they occurred across all habitats examined but with greater abundance in dense vegetation. Our survey suggests that T. antarcticus is less abundant when M. soledadinus co‐occurs. While a complete assessment of carabid impacts on native communities is not feasible with our data, we found that some native insects were considerably rarer within the carabids' range than beyond it. Ongoing climate change will likely provide opportunities for carabids to expand their range and become more abundant, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and biosecurity. We recommend regular application of systematic hand searches in favourable habitats, underlain by quantified estimates of search effort. Our transferable research methodology can optimise monitoring of introduced species in regions where field surveys are challenging
Decolonising the sciences: Enhancing the experience of staff and students from racially minoritised ethnic groups using LEGO® serious play®
Get PDFDecolonising higher education (HE) remains critical to addressing racial inequalities and improving the experiences of racially minoritised students and staff. This study explores the use of LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) as an innovative, participatory method for engaging with decolonisation in HE, particularly within the sciences. Guided by Critical Race Theory (CRT), the research centres the voices of racially minoritised participants, offering insight on emotional burdens, institutional barriers, and cultural exclusions. Conducted across three universities in Northern England, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with 50 participants from various scientific disciplines: students, researchers, academics, and professional staff. Using LSP, participants built models representing lived experiences of racial equity, systemic challenges, and decolonisation. Six key themes emerged: Equity and Inclusion, Experiential Learning, Emotional Barriers, Community Building, Institutional Power Dynamics, and Pathways to Decolonisation. LSP enabled storytelling, empathy, and constructive dialogue, allowing participants to express complex emotions and imagine institutional change. Metaphors such as walls, ladders, and bridges symbolised barriers and opportunities in HE. LSP proves effective in fostering inclusive dialogue and co-creating strategies to support racially minoritised individuals in sciences. The study underscores the need for structural reform, culturally responsive teaching, and diverse leadership across HE institutions
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