Lancaster University

Crop genotypic richness enhances biomass production and phosphorus acquisition in maize‐mycorrhiza symbiosis

Societal Impact Statement: Our study tests how soil and plant biodiversity can enhance sustainability of crop production in Kenya. We tested whether mixtures of maize varieties performed better than monocultures and tested their response to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhiz...

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Practitioner-Designed Science-Based Interviewing and Interrogation Course : A Collaborative Training and Research Effort

Purpose Shifting interrogation approaches in the United States from accusatorial practices to science-based methods has been a challenge. The High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG) research programme has taken a translational approach to evaluating the efficacy and effecti...

Revisiting Kolb in formal leadership development programmes: Adding theory and discussion to the mix

This research explores the roles of theory, reflections, experience and discussion in post-experience leadership development programmes. It offers a unique perspective on the doing of leadership learning – rather than talk about leadership learning – via ‘live’ data from particip...

Disentangling the drivers of heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 transmission from data on viral load and daily contact rates

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 transmission is highly overdispersed, with a minority of individuals responsible for the majority of transmission, though the drivers of this heterogeneity are unclear. Here, we assess the contribution of variation in viral load and daily contact rates to this...

Orientation-Reversing Crystallographic Rigidity

Abstract This paper provides a combinatorial characterisation for generic forced symmetric rigidity of bar-joint frameworks in the Euclidean plane that are symmetric with respect to the orientation-reversing wallpaper group $$\mathbb {Z}^2\rtimes \mathcal {C}_s$$ Z 2 ⋊ C s , also...

Identifying and Correcting Inhomogeneities in the Near‐Surface Specific Humidity Record

Abstract There are notable discrepancies between near‐surface humidity trends in observational products as compared to climate models. Here, we explore the extent to which the discrepancy can be explained by inhomogeneities in the observational record. To do so, we apply a valida...

Do weather-related extreme events influence climate-related opinions? The case of the 2019–2020 Australian Black Summer bushfires

Abstract We report three studies examining the impact of the 2019–2020 Australian bushfires, known as the Black Summer, on Australians’ climate-related opinions. Study 1 was conducted before the peak of the bushfires, whereas studies 2 and 3 were conducted afterwards. In all stud...

Soil health assessment using buried cotton underpants with the help of 1000 citizen scientists

Societal Impact Statement Soil is a vital resource for life on Earth. Although many soils are degraded, societal awareness of soil‐related issues is limited. To highlight soil as a key resource and fascinating study system, we initiated a citizen science project together with 100...

What works, for whom, and under what circumstances for recipients of training in opportunistic behaviour change conversations: A mixed methods realist evaluation protocol

Abstract Background ‘Making Every Contact Count’ (MECC) is a person-centred initiative that enables service providers across settings to support behaviour change through conversations about health and wellbeing. MECC has been widely implemented across the UK and internationally,...

Apprentice voice in assessments: a case of realist evaluation of feedback-innovation in business degree apprenticeships

Purpose This case study aims to evaluate the implementation of a strategically targeted assessment-feedback “mechanism” to enhance apprentice satisfaction within business degree apprenticeships (BDAs) in the UK. The study addresses persistent challenges associated with inconsiste...

Towards Sustainable Bioleaching of Platinum Group Metals from Spent Automotive Catalysts

Spent automotive catalysts represent an important secondary resource for platinum group metals, offering environmental and economic advantages over primary mining. This review evaluates bioleaching-based recovery strategies of these metals as sustainable alternatives to conventio...

Positive equilibria in mass action networks: geometry and bounds

Abstract Any mass action network gives rise to a parameterised family of polynomial equations whose positive solutions are the positive equilibria of the network. Here, we consider alternative systems of equations, whose solutions are in smooth, one-to-one correspondence with pos...

Developing and validating the Spanish version of the large language models dependency scale (LLM-D12-SP)

<title>Abstract</title> There is a growing need for reliable and culturally validated instruments to assess psychological dependency on large language models (LLMs), particularly as LLMs are increasingly used for task execution, decision-making, and communication in organizationa...

Low-frequency resistance training enhances 2D strain-derived carotid strain and strain rate: a novel longitudinal application of strain imaging in healthy middle-aged females

Exercise delays arterial decline in middle‑aged females, yet participation declines with age. We assessed whether 12-weeks of low‑frequency resistance training alters carotid and brachial arterial function in inactive middle‑aged females. Sixteen inactive middle-aged females (57...

Does plastic waste present an infection hazard? Current evidence, surveillance challenges and research priorities

Abstract Unmanaged plastic waste is widespread in settings with limited waste collection, yet its contribution to infectious disease risk remains poorly understood. In this review, we synthesise current evidence on the human health implications of plastic waste, with a specific f...

“Who am I without my disorder?”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of recovery from combined bulimia nervosa and borderline personality disorder

Abstract Background Co-occurring Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) affect a substantial population in the United Kingdom. This study explored how individuals experience recovery from these conditions, with a focus on interpreting how individuals with...

Multi-dimensional market framework for electricity, environment, and security in Thailand’s energy transition

Achieving carbon neutrality in the power sector requires market designs that align economic efficiency with environmental sustainability and system reliability. This paper proposes a multi-dimensional electricity market-clearing framework that co-optimises carbon pricing, renewab...

Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Predictors of Reading Comprehension in Monolingual English and Spanish-English Bilingual Sixth Graders.

PURPOSE: Poor reading comprehension performance by children in the United States is a continuing concern. Early identification and intervention can reduce the number of children with significant reading problems. We documented prekindergarten and kindergarten predictors of Grade...

The Ethical, Legal and Psychosocial Implications of Genetic Testing in Adoption: A Review of the Current Evidence

Genetic testing helps determine the risk an individual faces in developing genetic diseases. Understanding the risk can allow measures to be put in place to increase preparation for the potential onset of certain diseases. Adoptees and adopters are often provided with limited inf...

Design Principles for a Risk-Aware Conversational Agent in Digital Mental Health Information Access: The Case of Cognitive Theatre

Abstract This study investigates digital mental health as a high-stakes problem of conversational information access and interaction. Using Design Science Research Methodology, it develops Cognitive Theatre , a risk-aware conversational agent informed by cognitive behavioural the...