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Towards quality-assured measurements of microplastics in soil using fluorescence microscopy
No full textFluorescence microscopy is increasingly seen as a fast, user-friendly, and high-throughput method for detecting microplastics (MPs) in soil; however, its effectiveness across diverse MP types and soil properties remains underexplored. This study tested a fluorescence microscopy-Nile red (NR) staining approach on eight MP types, covering both biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics, in three size ranges (≤ 150 µm, 100-250 µm, 500-1000 µm) across loamy, clayey, and sandy soils. Each sample, processed in triplicate, underwent a relatively quick and straightforward extraction procedure involving density separation, organic digestion, and NR staining, followed by fluorescence and bright-field microscopy. A new digital image analysis pipeline using Image J was developed to expedite and (semi)automate MP quantification. Recoveries ranged from 80% to 90% for MPs with a Feret diameter of 500-1000 µm, regardless of soil type. In contrast, the recovery of smaller MPs (Feret dia. ≤ 250 µm) varied depending on the soils and plastic types: recoveries for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) reached 85% in sandy soil and 90% in loamy soil, whereas those for biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) were only 60% and 10%, respectively. The lowest recovery rate was observed in clayey soil and for biodegradable plastics. The method was tested on non-agricultural soil samples, yielding a MP mean number concentration of 20.7 ± 9.0 MPs/g for MPs sized from dia. ≥ 25 µm, comparable to Fourier transform infrared (FPA-µ-FTIR) results of 13.1 ± 7.3 MPs/g (p > 0.05). We conclude that fluorescence microscopy with NR staining and automated particle quantification offers a time-efficient, reproducible, and accurate method for MP detection in light-textured soils, whereas limitations remain for reliable MP analysis in clay-dominated soils
Calcium catalysed Strecker-type reactions towards α-aminonitriles †
No full textWe report an operationally simple calcium catalysed Strecker type reaction for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles from readily available N, O-acetals. The reaction is tolerant to a wide range of useful functional groups, including heterocycles, and provides the product in good to excellent yields. Additionally, the reaction does not require the need for anhydrous or air-free conditions, making it a suitable candidate for high throughput experimentation
Composite likelihood inference for space-time point processes
Get PDFThe dynamics of a rain forest is extremely complex involving births, deaths, and growth of trees with complex interactions between trees, animals, climate, and environment. We consider the patterns of recruits (new trees) and dead trees between rain forest censuses. For a current census, we specify regression models for the conditional intensity of recruits and the conditional probabilities of death given the current trees and spatial covariates. We estimate regression parameters using conditional composite likelihood functions that only involve the conditional first order properties of the data. When constructing assumption lean estimators of covariance matrices of parameter estimates, we only need mild assumptions of decaying conditional correlations in space, while assumptions regarding correlations over time are avoided by exploiting conditional centering of composite likelihood score functions. Time series of point patterns from rain forest censuses are quite short, while each point pattern covers a fairly big spatial region. To obtain asymptotic results, we therefore use a central limit theorem for the fixed timespan—increasing spatial domain asymptotic setting. This also allows us to handle the challenge of using stochastic covariates constructed from past point patterns. Conveniently, it suffices to impose weak dependence assumptions on the innovations of the space-time process. We investigate the proposed methodology by simulation studies and an application to rain forest data
MXenes from MAX phases : synthesis, hybridization, and advances in supercapacitor applications
No full textMXenes, which are essentially 2D layered structures composed of transition metal carbides and nitrides obtained from MAX phases, have gained substantial interest in the field of energy storage, especially for their potential as electrodes in supercapacitors due to their unique properties such as high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry that enable efficient charge storage. However, their practical implementation is hindered by challenges like self-restacking, oxidation, and restricted ion transport within the layered structure. This review focuses on the synthesis process of MXenes from MAX phases, highlighting the different etching techniques employed and how they significantly influence the resulting MXene structure and subsequent electrochemical performance. It further highlights the hybridization of MXenes with carbon-based materials, conducting polymers, and metal oxides to enhance charge storage capacity, cyclic stability, and ion diffusion. The influence of dimensional structuring (1D, 2D, and 3D architectures) on electrochemical performance is critically analyzed, showcasing their role in optimizing electrolyte accessibility and energy density. Additionally, the review highlights that while MXene-based supercapacitors have seen significant advancements in terms of energy storage efficiency through various material combinations and fabrication techniques, key challenges like large-scale production, long-term stability, and compatibility with electrolytes still need to be addressed. Future research should prioritize developing scalable synthesis methods, optimizing hybrid material interactions, and investigating new electrolyte systems to fully realize the potential of MXene-based supercapacitors for commercial applications. This comprehensive review provides a roadmap for researchers aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial supercapacitor applications
Socially beneficial metaverse : Framework, technologies, applications, and challenges
Get PDFIn recent years, the maturation of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality, Digital Twins and Blockchain has accelerated the realization of the metaverse. As a virtual world independent of the real world, the metaverse will provide users with a variety of virtual activities which bring great convenience to society. In addition, the metaverse can facilitate digital twins, which offers transformative possibilities for the industry. Thus, the metaverse has attracted the attention of the industry, and a huge amount of capital is about to be invested. However, the development of the metaverse is still in its infancy and little research has been undertaken so far. We describe the development of the metaverse. Next, we introduce the architecture of the socially beneficial metaverse (SB-Metaverse) and we focus on the technologies that support the operation of SB-Metaverse. In addition, we also present the applications of SB-Metaverse. Finally, we discuss several challenges faced by SB-Metaverse which must be addressed in the future
Pancreatic Cancer and Glycaemic Control : Geospatial Trends, Potential Therapies such as Exercise, and Challenges
No full textPancreatic cancer has one of the poorest survival rates in the world due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Diagnosis typically occurs at a late stage, and individuals with the disease have debilitating symptoms that deteriorate rapidly with limited treatment options. Research into the pathogenesis of the disease and potential therapies which could improve both survival and the quality of life of individuals with the disease are therefore of paramount importance. This thesis examines the geospatial trends of pancreatic cancer in England, the glycaemic control of individuals with pancreatic cancer, and potential therapies such as exercise and prehabilitation. The incidence, mortality and survival of pancreatic cancer in England between 2013 and 2019 were mapped, and further analyses explored some of the potential risk factors associated. Continuous glucose monitors were utilised to compare the glycaemic control of individuals with pancreatic cancer and matched healthy individuals. The relationship between exercise and glycaemic control was investigated in a group of healthy participants and the facilitators and barriers to implementing a prehabilitation intervention for all individuals with pancreatic cancer was evaluated. This thesis highlights hotspots in England where resources could be directed, and interventions could target to reduce inequalities in incidence, mortality, and survival. It demonstrates that individuals with pancreatic cancer experience poor glycaemic control when compared to healthy participants which could be an area for intervention. It also highlights the key facilitators and barriers for both healthcare professionals implementing and for individuals with pancreatic cancer participating in prehabilitation which could be used as a framework for future prehabilitation programmes
Artificial intelligence machines as relational nonhuman actors in entrepreneurial teams
Get PDFWe theoretically examine how artificial intelligence (AI) machines interact with and shape strategic decision-making within entrepreneurial teams. First, we explain how AI machines lead and assist teams to engage in cognitively complex decisions and explore new ways to combine resources. Second, we unpack this strategic decision-making reconfiguration process and examine how AI machines allow entrepreneurial teams to better manage diversity and use it as a substitute for external knowledge. Overall, we propose the idea that AI technologies cannot be conceptualized as merely additional resources but as relational nonhuman actors in entrepreneurial teams. Then, we encourage scholars to reflect on human-AI interactions in entrepreneurial teams and outline an agenda for future research
Parallels between biological invasions and human migration are flawed and undermine both disciplines. Response to Ahmed et al
Get PDFBenefits of User Personas to Foster Student-Centred Learning in Higher Education
No full textThis workshop explores the SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) theme of “Making Connections” by introducing user personas—data-driven profiles adapted from design thinking—to enhance student-centred teaching practices. Drawing on insights from Transforming Higher Education with Human-Centred Design anthology, we connect SoTL principles like inquiry into student learning and contextual sensitivity. Personas help educators understand how students' goals, emotions, and challenges shape their learning, keeping student perspectives at the forefront of curriculum design. The session focuses on how user personas support reflective, evidence-based inquiry, capturing both qualitative and quantitative data unique to an institution’s context. This approach aligns with inclusive, contextually grounded education practices that promote empathy and broaden the scope of learner engagement. Participants will learn to apply persona profiling through hands-on activities, fostering skills to design more inclusive courses that respond to real student needs. The workshop answers essential SoTL questions about integrating diverse student voices and embedding empathy in teaching practices, aligning with conference subthemes of student engagement, learner autonomy, and inclusivity. Ultimately, this session equips educators with practical tools to strengthen connections between teaching strategies and student realities, advancing thoughtful, student-centred programme design