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Microplastic ingestion by an aquatic ciliate: Functional response, modulation, and reduced population growth
No full textMicroplastic particles are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and are considered a major threat to the largerange of heterotrophic organisms that involuntarily consume them. However, there is current uncertainty aroundthe mechanisms underpinning microplastic uptake by aquatic consumers and the consequences for both the fateof the microplastics and the growth potential of consumer populations. We performed a feeding experiment, exposinga model freshwater ciliate, Tetrahymena pyriformis, to six different microplastic concentrations and measuredmicroplastic uptake and population growth over the course of several generations. Microplastic uptake increasedin a saturating fashion with concentration, consistent with a Type II functional response, with a maximumfeeding rate of 22 microplastic particles individual−1 h−1. Interestingly, microplastic uptake decreasedthrough time and we observed that, after egestion, microplastic particles aggregated, rendering them too largefor re-consumption. We built and tested a simulation model which matched rates of microplastic uptake when incorporatingfunctional response parameters and assuming 50 % immobilisation of microplastics after egestion.Nevertheless, ciliate population growth was compromised by the presence of microplastics, decreasing by 43 %over the full microplastic concentration range. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential for aquatic ciliates to play an important role in the uptake, transfer, and modification of microplastics in freshwater environmentswith associated negative impacts on population fitness
Mergers and Acquisitions and Brexit: A Natural Experiment
No full textWe study the impact of Brexit uncertainty on one of the most important forms of corporate investment: mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Brexit provides us with an ideal natural experiment to explore the real effects of economic uncertainty and understand the underlying transmission mechanism. We document a significant decline in the number of M&A deals for UK firms after Brexit compared to EU firms. This inhibiting effect is amplified by the channels of real options, foreign trade, and financial constraints. Overall, our results provide for deeper understanding of this unprecedented uncertainty in Brexit policy on local M&A activity. Policy makers are urged to respond
Drivers of Occupational Change in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: Insights from the Integrated Career Change Model and Self-Regulatory Theory
No full textThe tourism and hospitality industry is renowned for its demanding work environments involving shift work and working on holidays and making personal and social sacrifices. Additionally, the monetary rewards in this sector often lag behind other industries, resulting in a perpetual shortage of skilled labor. The outbreak of public health crisis has further exacerbated these challenges, leading to disruptions and uncertainties in the tourism and hospitality industry worldwide. This study explores the drivers of occupational change among hospitality workers in response to the public health crisis. To achieve this, Rhodes and Doering’s integrated career change model, in conjunction with Higgins’s self-regulatory theory, is utilized. The research focuses on examining the factors that are caused by COVID-19 on the career change of hospitality workers. A qualitative data analysis approach was adopted to gain comprehensive insights into the profound impact of occupational change on hospitality workers. The study seeks to contribute to the field and guide hospitality industry stakeholders by managing occupational change challenges better and improving employee retention. The findings are expected to provide broad implications for the tourism and hospitality sector, ensuring their sustainability and resilience in the face of future uncertainties
Scénario: Les Cinq Cahiers de Jean-Luc Godard
No full textTranslation from French to English of five film scripts by Jean-Luc Godard
Therapist Interpersonal Skills and Outcomes for Young People
No full textOBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to assess the associations between outcomes and therapist interpersonal skills (TIS) of empathy, congruence, regard, and unconditionality, as rated by young people. We also aimed to compare these associations against outcome-alliance associations, and to assess whether these associations were specific to a TIS-prioritizing therapeutic practice.METHODS: Our primary sample was 167 13-16-year-olds who exhibited emotional symptoms and received up to 10 weeks of school-based humanistic counseling plus pastoral care as usual (SBHC + PCAU). Young people were predominantly female (76%), with 45% Black or other minoritized identity. We measured TIS with the Barrett Lennard Relationship Inventory; and used linear regression modeling to assess TIS associations with outcomes on psychological distress, wellbeing, and satisfaction.RESULTS: TIS, most markedly congruence, were significantly associated with outcomes, contributing approximately 3% of change. TIS and alliance explained similar proportions of outcomes, with a model including only congruence showing the best fit on psychological distress and wellbeing. We did not find consistent evidence that the TIS-outcome association was specific to humanistic counseling.CONCLUSION: Therapists and lay professionals working with young people should strive to develop their interpersonal skills-particularly congruence-within the context of other relationship skills, qualities, and characteristics.</p
Ethnic differences in beta cell function and pancreatic fat in Black African and White European men across a spectrum of glucose tolerance
No full textPeople of Black African (BA) ancestry are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes when compared with people of White European (WE) descent, despite lower levels of ectopic fat. Impaired beta cell function is a key pathophysiological feature of type 2 diabetes. It remains to be determined whether an associative relationship exists between intrapancreatic lipid (IPL) accumulation and beta cell function, and whether this differs by ethnicity. Fifty-three BA (23 normal glucose tolerance, 11 impaired glucose tolerance and 19 type 2 diabetes) and 51 WE (23/13/15) men underwent a hyperglycaemic clamp and mixed-meal tolerance test to assess insulin secretion and beta cell function, a hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp to measure insulin sensitivity and Dixon MRI to determine IPL. Associations between IPL and beta cell function were assessed using linear regression. IPL was lower in BA compared with WE men (mean ± SD; 7.6 ± 2.6% vs 8.8 ± 3.7%, p=0.038), but after adjustment for waist circumference this ethnic difference no longer occurred (p=0.278). BA men with type 2 diabetes had lower total insulin secretion response to the mixed-meal (p=0.001) and hyperglycaemic clamp (p=0.002), but no ethnic differences were observed in the disposition index within glucose tolerance groups. IPL was inversely associated with beta cell function in the WE but not the BA men, but after adjustment for confounders these associations were not significant. Ethnic differences were apparent as beta cell function was inversely associated with IPL in the WE, but not BA, men. However, in both ethnic groups, this relationship appears secondary to other factors, such as adiposity, in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. [Abstract copyright: © 2025. The Author(s).
Leveraging IoT and Machine Learning for Smart Urban Planning
No full textThe integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) transforms the way cities are planned, developed, and managed, creating a new era of smart urban planning. By connecting physical infrastructure with real-time data, IoT devices enable cities to collect and analyze large amounts of information on data like traffic patterns and energy usage to air quality and public services. When paired with the predictive capabilities of machine learning, this data can optimize urban systems, enhance sustainability, and improve residential quality of life. Smart urban planning powered by IoT and ML facilitates more efficient resource management while fostering greater resilience in the face of urban challenges, such as population growth, environmental pressures, and climate change. This innovative approach may help create cities that are smarter, more adaptive, and better equipped to meet future needs.Leveraging IoT and Machine Learning for Smart Urban Planning explores the integration of IoT and machine learning technologies to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable environments. It covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and real-world case studies across various sectors including urban planning, transportation, energy management, agriculture, healthcare, water resources, and waste management. This book covers topics such as citizen engagement, renewable energy, smart cities, and is a useful resource for policymakers, business owners, engineers, sociologists, academicians, researchers, and data scientists.Coverage:The many academic areas covered in this publication include, but are not limited to:Air Quality Monitoring SystemsArtificial IntelligenceCitizen EngagementCyber-Physical SystemsEnergy EngineeringEthics and LawHealthcare MonitoringInternet of Things (IoT)Machine LearningRenewable EnergySmart CitiesSmart GovernanceSmart TechnologyTransportationUrban and Regional Developmen
Exploring Personality Styles in Occupational and Business Settings
No full textNo two people are alike—and our unique personalities deeply influence how we choose careers, interact at work, and contribute to team success. Have you ever noticed that the way you behave at work differs from how you are in other settings? Wondered why certain roles energise you while others drain you? Or questioned why some colleagues are easy to collaborate with, while others feel like a constant challenge?Exploring Personality Styles in Occupational and Business Settings helps answer these questions through the lens of the Personality Styles Inventory (PSI)—an eight-style model grounded in Jungian psychology. Widely used across industries, the PSI offers powerful insights into personality preferences that shape individual behavior and team dynamics in the workplace.Understanding personality styles can support more effective communication, decision-making, leadership, and team performance. Recognising individual differences can also contribute to:- Build stronger, more collaborative teams- Resolve conflicts with empathy and insight- Enhance communication and foster psychological safety- Align career paths with personal strengths- Support coaching conversations and development strategies- Navigate the bright and dark sides of personality in professional settingsInside, you will find:- A clear definition of personality and why it matters at work- Descriptions of the 8 PSI personality styles and what they reveal- Practical examples of how personality impacts career choices and team roles- Guidance for leveraging style differences in leadership, collaboration, and coaching- Tools for creating more inclusive, productive, and psychologically safe workplacesSuitable for psychologists, people/talent managers, team leaders, HR professionals, coaches, and anyone interested in Workplace behaviour, this guide presents a practical, research-informed approach to understanding personality in business and organisational contexts