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Mechanisms underlying the accuracy of stimulus representations : Within-event learning and outcome mediation
Get PDFValid predictors of an outcome attract more attention than stimuli which are non-predictive. Furthermore, stimuli which have a probabilistic association with an outcome attract more attention than stimuli which have a deterministic association with an outcome. Two experiments investigated whether predictive validity and outcome uncertainty resulted in the establishment of a more accurate stimulus representation, in which accuracy was measured as the strength of associations between different elements of a compound stimulus. In Experiment 1, pairs of stimuli were established as outcome-predictive (always followed by the same outcome), and presented in conjunction with non-predictive pairs of stimuli (equally likely to be followed by two different outcomes). Outcome uncertainty was also manipulated, between groups, by establishing either a deterministic (100%) or probabilistic (80%) contingency between the predictive pairs and their outcomes. Test trials revealed more accurate recognition for which predictive stimuli were paired together relative to non-predictive stimuli; however, there was no effect of outcome uncertainty. Experiment 2 reproduced the effect observed in the deterministic group from Experiment 1 and also demonstrated that the superior performance to the predictive stimuli over the non-predictive stimuli was only evident when, at test, the choice stimuli had predicted different outcomes during training. These results were interpreted as the consequence of two pathways to accurate stimulus representation: direct (within compound associations) and indirect (mediated through the activation of the outcome), and discussed in the context of attentional theories of associative learning
From Subjects to Agents : Spatializing Security and Reverse Securitization in Sweida's Uprisings
Get PDFThis article examines the evolution of securitization in the Druze-majority governorate of Sweida, Syria, through a reverse securitization framework. Traditionally, securitization theory has emphasized state-centric approaches where the state identifies existential threats and justifies extraordinary measures. However, this study explores how marginalized communities, such as those in Sweida, transform from securitized subjects into securitizing agents by actively reframing security narratives. By analyzing key historical phases—vertical (1970-2011), horizontal (2011-2022), and reverse securitization (2022-2024)—and drawing on data from community-based news agencies and public speeches, the article illustrates the dynamic shifts in the relationship between the state, the governed, and space. The findings highlight how spaces and cultural symbols are strategically reclaimed by the community to resist state oppression, redefine power dynamics, and challenge traditional notions of security in authoritarian contexts. This research offers new insights into the evolution of securitization theory, emphasizing its relevance and adaptability in non-Western contexts. Unlike everyday resistance, which operates within the confines of the existing securitization framework, reverse securitization actively repositions the regime as the primary security threat. This research contributes to ongoing debates on securitization theory, highlighting its adaptability in non-Western authoritarian settings where contested spaces and counter-narratives redefine security
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Get PDFA unified threshold-constrained optimization framework for consistent and interpretable cross-machine condition monitoring
No full textAccurate detection of incipient faults during lifecycle degradation is crucial for continuous condition monitoring of industrial equipment. Condition indices (CIs) with pre-set thresholds are widely used in engineering practice due to their intuitiveness, simplicity, and convenience. However, uncertainties and variations in degradation patterns and fault initiation times across different industrial systems or even within the same system lead to inconsistent CI scales and thresholds, creating challenges for reliable and practical monitoring. To address this challenge, we propose a unified threshold-constrained optimization framework for consistent and interpretable cross-machine condition monitoring based on frequency-domain data fusion. Rather than directly using CIs, we introduce degradation rates of CIs, computed via first-order differences, which enable a consistent definition of normal operating levels across heterogeneous degradation patterns and multiple machines. Afterwards, a degradation rate and threshold constrained convex optimization model is formulated to automatically optimize weights in the frequency domain, ensuring sensitivity to incipient faults while preserving consistent thresholds across machines. Extensive experiments on multiple endurance datasets of rotating equipment demonstrate the consistency and superiority of the proposed approach over some famous and advanced CIs. Results show that a unified threshold can be established for the proposed CIs across diverse degradation patterns and multiple machines. Furthermore, the optimized frequency-domain weights highlight diagnostic frequency bands closely associated with system faults, thereby enhancing incipient fault sensitivity and offering interpretability compared with existing data-driven approaches
Socioecological determinants of dog ownership in Mara region, Tanzania
Get PDFUnderstanding domestic dog population dynamics is critical for rabies control, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where domestic dogs are the primary virus reservoir. This study investigates demographic and environmental determinants of dog ownership in Tanzania’s Mara region, a rabies-endemic area with ecologically diverse landscapes. Using a cross-sectional household survey (n = 27,400 households), we employed mixed-effects models to assess predictors of dog ownership, dog counts, and Human-to-Dog Ratios (HDRs). Overall, 12,975 households (47%) owned dogs, with a mean of 2.2 dogs per dog-owning household. Logistic regression revealed key predictors of ownership: urban households had reduced odds of dog ownership (OR = 0.311, CI: 0.132-0.734, while ownership likelihood increased with larger household size (adults: OR = 1.151, CI: 1.134-1.169; children: OR = 1.160, CI: 1.140-1.180), and crop (OR = 1.502, 95% CI: 1.384-1.630), shrub (OR = 1.387, 95% CI: 1.269-1.515), or tree land cover (OR = 1.708, 95% CI: 1.260-2.314) compared to built areas. However, among dog-owning households, variables had minimal practical impact on dog counts with most households (85.6%) owning 1–3 dogs regardless of household size, location, or land cover. Urban districts exhibited significantly higher HDRs (18.3:1 vs. rural 7.1:1), further influenced by land cover (tree: 5.1:1 vs. built: 8.7:1). These findings highlight a critical divergence: while contextual factors strongly predict dog ownership, they do not meaningfully influence the number of dogs owned. Consequently, effective vaccination programmes require strategies tailored to local dog density and ownership patterns
‘Saying goodbye’. . . A systematic integrative review of palliative caregiving in intergenerational living contexts
No full textBackground: Intergenerational co-residence has historically been prevalent. Recent financial pressures, increasing caregiving responsibilities and ageing populations have led to a resurgence of this arrangement, particularly in end-of-life care. However, understanding of its influence on care quality across cultures remains limited. Aim: To explore how intergenerational co-residence affects emotional, practical, and cultural dimensions of palliative and end-of-life care across different settings, and to identify key themes shaping caregiving roles, decision-making, and support needs in these households. Design: Systematic integrative review and thematic synthesis based on Braun and Clarke's approach and using the Convoy Model as a theoretical framework. PROSPERO ID: CRD42023446688.Data sources: Six major databases were searched from inception to 22 May 2023 and updated to 8 June 2025. Eligible papers reported empirical studies on end-of-life care in intergenerational co-residence and were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Three themes were constructed from seven studies from China, South Africa, Spain, Uganda, Turkey and the United States. These were: responding to an end-of-life diagnosis, with limited death literacy delaying care; identifying systems of support, where caregiving burdens often fell on women; and concluding the journey and saying goodbye. Conclusions: Intergenerational co-residence can foster support at the end of life, yet it may also reinforce gendered caregiving roles that disproportionately burden women. Effective integration of formal support services with family caregiving remains important in alleviating pressures and promoting equitable care models, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address the diverse needs of families, while encouraging collaborative caregiving approaches
MindtheCraft Co : The Corporate Sustainability Videogame
No full textThis chapter presents the author’s use of game-based learning to teach the law regulating corporate governance that relates to the facilitation of sustainable development. Game-based learning is used in learning activities involving the delivery of workshops that use Minecraft EducationÔ (Minecraft Education) as a learning platform. Students are immersed in a world developed by the author using Minecraft Education’s tools, containing a game setting designed to make them work together towards managing a construction company. Instructions and scenarios provided in class affect their gameplay. They are intended to induce students’ reflection on key legal principles, corporate governance concepts, and business phenomena they study as if these would apply to the in-game company to assess based on their experience how these would apply in the real world and what their impact would be
Home from home or a melting pot? : The impact first-year university accommodation has on students’ university and post-university experiences
Get PDFDespite numerous studies exploring student accommodation (SA) and students’ transition to university there is a lack of focus on the impact of the allocation of SA and resulting ‘housemates’ on students’ experience both at university and post-university. This study explores students’ experiences of SA, with a particular focus on the impact of SA on their networks and social capital, not only at university but also post-graduation. The theoretical framework draws on Bourdieu’s ‘thinking tools’ of habitus and forms of capital along with a discussion of the concepts of ‘homophily’ and ‘propinquity’ which influence network formation. The research, a case study of Lancaster University, adopts a mixed-methods approach including an online questionnaire with 255 responses and 15 semi-structured interviews with Lancaster University undergraduate alumni. Key findings revealed first-year shared university accommodation, particularly in relation to housemates, had a major impact on students’ transition to university life, both positive and negative, and had a long-lasting impact post-graduation. First-year accommodation was a key site for making friends and developing social networks. Therefore, HEIs’ allocation process is important because, due to the concept of propinquity, students were more likely to become friends with those living nearby. This provides HEIs with the opportunity, through their allocation process, to create households of diverse students to help facilitate social integration and enable students to connect with others they would not normally encounter. However, the research revealed many students were drawn to others they regarded as ‘similar’ based on the concept of homophily, and major differences can result in conflict. Networks based on first-year SA continued to be exceptionally valuable post-graduation in terms of providing enduring friendships, partners and important sources of support. However, there was little evidence to suggest they were a particularly useful source of social capital in terms of seeking and finding employment, whereas familial social capital continued to be of primary importance
Dimensionality-Driven Graphene Nanomaterials for Optical Identity Encoding and Lithium Battery Interfaces
Get PDFThis thesis investigates how dimensionality in graphene-based nanomaterials—from zero-dimensional graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to two-dimensional graphene–MoS₂ heterostructures and bulk highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)—influences their optical and interfacial properties. The research follows two main directions: the development of optical physically unclonable functions (PUFs) for secure identity encoding, and the study of solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in lithium-ion batteries. For optical security, electrospray-deposited, biomass-derived GQDs produced high-entropy, excitation-dependent fluorescence patterns. These were digitally encoded using local binary pattern algorithms, demonstrating strong randomness and reproducibility for stochastic PUFs. In contrast, deterministic optical fingerprints were achieved in graphene–MoS₂ heterostructures, where photoluminescence (PL) variations across the flake were driven by stacking order and interlayer strain. Low-temperature PL confirmed the spatial and thermal stability of these emission patterns. In the energy storage study, operando Raman spectroscopy was used to examine SEI formation on surface-treated HOPG in EC/DMC- and DX-based electrolytes with varying salt concentrations. The results revealed that SEI formation precedes lithium intercalation and is strongly influenced by solvation structure, which shifts with solvent type and salt concentration. Edge-plane reactivity, solvation-driven decomposition, and SEI growth mechanisms were systematically analysed. By linking dimensionality to optical entropy and interfacial chemistry, this work provides a unified framework for engineering graphene-based nanomaterials across domains. The findings offer new strategies for secure device authentication and stable battery interface design