36750 research outputs found
Sort by
Housing Market Beliefs of Energy Efficiency
No full textThis paper provides the first causal evidence of how energy efficiency policies shape housing markets in developing economies, exploiting the staggered rollout of South Africa's National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES). Using a quasi-experimental design and nationally representative household stated preferences, we show that low-income households adopting NEES-compliant appliances experienced a 3.3 percentage points increase in house prices and an 8 percentage point rise in rents. Dynamic event studies reveal persistent effects, with prices rising by 12 percentage points and rents by 21 percentage points seven years post-intervention. Mechanism analyses indicate these gains are driven by direct capitalisation of energy-efficient upgrades, remittance-financed appliance purchases, reduced air pollution, and linked income channels. Effects are concentrated in urban areas and among Black and Coloured homeowners, underscoring heterogeneous socioeconomic impacts. The results highlight energy efficiency's role as a “first fuel” for sustainable development, demonstrating its potential to simultaneously mitigate climate externalities and stimulate housing market dynamism. Policy implications emphasize targeting rebate programs to low-income households, integrating efficiency incentives with broader social policies, and monitoring rebound effects to maximize net emissions reductions. By bridging the gap between environmental economics and housing market research, this study offers actionable insights for designing equitable climate policies in resource-constrained settings
Book Review: Sentimental state(s): affective politics of order and belonging
No full textSentimental state(s): affective politics of order and belonging. Edited by Heike Paul and Sarah Miriam Pritz. Bielefeld, Germany: transcript publishing. 2025. 368pp. Pb.: £50.00. This book is also available as an e-book and open access
The leaf economics spectrum drives soil nitrification in subtropical forests
Get PDFNitrification is a crucial biogeochemical process that regulates soil inorganic nitrogen forms and triggers soil nitrogen losses. While the prevailing paradigm focuses on the role of functional microbial guilds that drive soil nitrification, a clear mechanistic link between tree species and soil nitrification remains to be established in forest ecosystems. With a common garden experiment, we examined the impacts of leaf economics spectrum, tree phenology, and symbiotic fungal associations on soil nitrification across 12 subtropical tree species in January and September. Our results revealed that soil potential nitrification rates ranging from -2.13 to 1.96 mg N kg-1 d-1 varied among different tree species. Liquidambar formosana exhibited the highest soil nitrification rate, while Lindera communis and Elaeocarpus decipiens had the lowest soil nitrification rates at both sampling times. Leaf traits were stronger predictors of soil nitrification than soil variables. In particular, acquisitive tree species characterized by greater specific leaf area and lower leaf dry matter content significantly promoted soil nitrification. Deciduous tree species exhibited significantly higher soil potential nitrification rates than those of evergreen tree species. Structural equation models showed that the leaf economics spectrum positively affected litter N content, which in turn increased soil ammonium availability and subsequently promoted ammonia-oxidizing archaea abundance, ultimately facilitating soil nitrification. Taken together, our study demonstrates a leaf trait-based framework for linking tree species to ecological processes and emphasizes that the choice of tree species based on the leaf economics spectrum plays a vital role in predicting ecosystem functioning
Strenuous Exercise Alters Brain Creatine and Glutamate/Glutamine (Glx) in Humans: Evidence From Dynamic 1 H‐MRS and 1 H‐MRSI
Get PDFThe acute effects of exercise on brain energy metabolism are poorly understood. We used dynamic proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) to quantify responses of total creatine (tCr), glutamate/glutamine (Glx), and lactate across brain regions following a single bout of strenuous exercise. Sixteen healthy adults (nine female, age: 25 ± 3 years) completed ~15 min of cycling, reaching ~85% of predicted heart rate maximum. Single‐voxel 1H‐MRS was acquired at 3 Tesla from frontal and visual cortices before (PRE), 15‐ (POST15), and 30‐min (POST30) following exercise. Multivoxel 1H‐MRSI was acquired from frontal and parietal regions PRE and 25‐min following exercise (POST25). tCr concentrations decreased by 5.9% in the frontal cortex between PRE and POST15 (6.87 vs. 6.47 mmol·L−1; p < 0.001) and remained significantly lower than PRE at POST30 (6.87 vs. 6.66 mmol·L−1; p = 0.030). Glx concentrations increased by 28.9% in the frontal cortex between PRE and POST15 (6.82 vs. 8.79 mmol·L−1; p = 0.002), returning to baseline by POST30 (p = 0.890). In exploratory analyses (n = 5 after quality control), lactate concentrations increased by 76% in the frontal cortex between PRE and POST15 (0.45 vs. 0.79 mmol·L−1) and remained elevated by 46% at POST30 compared to PRE (0.45 vs. 0.65 mmol·L−1). tCr resonance signals were 5.1% lower across the MRSI grid at POST25 compared with PRE (792.4 vs. 835.4 a.u.; p = 0.001), whereas Glx signals were 11.4% higher at POST25 (1349.8 vs. 1211.4 a.u.; p = 0.003), although region‐specific responses were shown. These findings suggest that creatine (Cr) and lactate may serve as alternative energy substrates in response to vigorous exercise, and support Glx as an indicator of excitatory neurotransmission that responds to exercise
Dialogue across borders: dismantling deficit thinking in TESOL teacher education
No full textThis article explores the pervasive influence of deficit thinking in language teacher education across the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly in relation to language and race. Drawing on a transatlantic research project funded by the Spencer Foundation, the authors trace the historical and ideological roots of deficit perspectives, highlighting how raciolinguistic ideologies have shaped teacher education policy and practice. The manuscript critiques the dominance of accountability-driven reforms and standardized curricula that marginalize multilingual and racially minoritized students by framing their linguistic practices as deficient. Through a dialogic and comparative approach, the authors, who are applied linguists and teacher educators based in the UK and US, share their pedagogical strategies for resisting deficit ideologies and promoting linguistic justice in TESOL teacher education. By fostering dialogue across borders, the authors aim to inspire educators to rethink their practices and co-construct inclusive, transformative educational futures
Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale: a Rasch modelling approach
Get PDFIntroduction: Within psychological research, the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) has emerged as the predominant measure of conspiratorial ideation. Although studies report that the GCBS is psychometrically satisfactory (i.e., valid and reliable) and possesses a robust five-factor multidimensional latent structure, analysis has employed traditional measurement evaluation. Acknowledging this, the present paper evaluated the GCBS using Rasch analysis. Rasch analysis was necessary because it provides a more rigorous examination of measurement properties than classical test theory. This allows theorists to refine scales, develop precise measures, and advance the quality and comparability of findings across studies.Methods: The study sample comprised 2,987 UK participants (Mage = 32.13, SD = 14.18), with 1,335 males and 1,652 females. Data were collected via online survey and subjected to a series of psychometric tests to determine dimensionality and item-level performance.Results: Preliminary evaluation confirmed the presence of more than one dimension. Accordingly, the authors proceeded with multidimensional Rasch modelling, which verified that data supported the original five-factor structure. Moreover, the GCBS demonstrated satisfactory item/person fit and reliability, and items mostly displayed invariance across age (young, 18–24 years vs. older adults, 25–88 years). There were strong positive associations within GCBS dimensions; the highest was between Government Malfeasance (i.e., illegal or unethical state actions) and Control of Information (i.e., the deliberate manipulation or suppression of truth).Discussion: The presence of a multidimensional, correlated latent structure supported the notion that the GCBS assesses a range of construct breadth. Future research should evaluate GCBS item functioning across heterogeneous samples, specifically non-Western, non-English speaking, and different educational groups. Furthermore, since the Control of Information subscale demonstrated lower reliability, further refinement is essential for its effective use as a distinct index of conspiratorial ideation
From twitch to relaxation: Obesity dysregulates muscle contractile function
Get PDFObesity has been increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic disorder but also as a condition that impairs neuromuscular function, including strength relative to body mass. This translational study investigated whether obesity affects both force generation and contraction‐relaxation dynamics. In control (CN) and diet‐induced obese (OB) male mice, contractile properties of isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles were assessed in vitro. In parallel, plantar flexor performance was assessed in 25 normal‐weight (CN) and 25 class I obese (OB) sedentary men through maximal voluntary isometric contractions and a dynamic calf raise test. OB mice exhibited lower specific force and slower rates of force development and relaxation in both EDL and SOL (p < 0.05). In men, the lower rate of torque development and prolonged relaxation kinetics of the plantar flexors (p < 0.05), combined with a higher body mass to maximal voluntary isometric torque ratio (p < 0.05), contributed to slower calf raise phases in OB compared to CN men (p < 0.05). These findings reveal that obesity not only has a negative impact on the muscle force generating capacity but also induces slower muscle contractile kinetics
Optimization of cellular automata-based routing using discrete Boltzmann model for urban pedestrian evacuation during flooding
Get PDFFlooding is one of the most severe problems faced in urban disaster issues today, threatening residents’ lives and safety while causing significant property losses. Therefore, an effective route planning strategy is urgent to evacuate people to safe areas during flood events. In this study, a rainfall model using the multi-speed discrete Boltzmann model (DBM) is proposed in conjunction with a cellular automaton-based emergency evacuation and risk avoidance model. Using a suburban area as a case study, the model simulates the evacuation of people during actual floods. The spatial synchronization of flood inundation and human movement is achieved, using an extended Moore neighborhood framework, taking into account the critical preemptive response time during floods that influences evacuation and retreat processes. By comparing it with the traditional A* algorithm (a widely used heuristic shortest-path search method), the advantages and practicality of the proposed model are demonstrated. From a microscopic perspective, incorporating appropriate crowd behavior rules reveals rational evacuation behavior patterns during flooding. The results provide reference and guidance for urban flood control, disaster reduction, and emergency evacuation planning
Investigating sexual selection and social behaviour in the golden mantella
Get PDFAmphibians contain the highest number of endangered species of all vertebrates, calling for urgent conservation action in many cases. Still our understanding of their species-specific behaviours and requirements remains behind many other animal taxa. Many amphibians are highly adapted to small localities and specific conditions, and as a result many are highly threatened. Captive populations provide an opportunity to maintain backup populations as well as bolster wild populations via captive breeding programs. There is concern, however, around the procession of physiological characteristics and behavioural traits within these populations, the loss of which can affect fitness with serious consequences for conservation efforts. It is therefore crucial to comprehend the behaviour of individual species in order to inform in- and ex-situ conservation decisions. This thesis focuses on two behavioural characteristics of endangered golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) frogs, that recently attracted research attention as a flagship species for Malagasy amphibian conservation.
The first chapter investigates sexually selected pressures on the golden mantellas bright colouration. Considered aposematic Mantella aurantiacas toxic nature and bright orange to red colouration is often observed to degrade within captive populations. Chapter one explores the potential for a dual function in this colouration with its use during sexual selection. Testing red males against yellow males in a two-choice experiment, female preference for the red male is apparent in both measurements for attention retention and attraction. Alongside colouration effecting the use of multimodal communication in terms of call frequency and complexity.
The second study tests social preferences of golden mantella, building upon previous observations that these frogs can be found aggregating during the winter season. We tested juvenile Mantella aurantiaca during winter conditions and adults in both summer and winter conditions, with the goal of deciphering social preferences from resource-based aggregation in hiding choices. Summer adult showed preferences towards separated hiding whereas during winter conditions individuals were more likely to hide in pairs.
Collectively, this research adds to our knowledge of the behaviour of a critically endangered frog species while providing examples of relatively unexplored behaviours within anurans
Celebrity culture and ageing
No full textSince the publication of the previous issue of this book, there has been an increase in scholarly and critical engagement with celebrity culture and ageing narratives. From Jerslev and NyboPetersen’s work on ageing celebrities and ageing fans (2018) to Jermyn’s work on ageing female stars and no make-up photography (2021), the surge in interest in the field is indicative of broader cultural shifts and the ever-evolving dynamics of media representation. In this chapter I explore the factors contributing to this interest in academic focus, the key themes and issues being addressed and the implications for our understanding of both celebrity culture and the ageing process. And go on to explore the intersection of ageing and female celebrity, examining how ageing female celebrities are portrayed in the media, the impact on their careers, and the broader societal implications. By understanding these dynamics, we can gain insights into the cultural constructs of age and gender, and the pressures faced by women in the spotlight