Cardiff University

About: Cardiff University is a education organization based out in Cardiff, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 34188 authors who have published 82643 publications receiving 3046531 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Cardiff & University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Origin of Back‐Arc Basin Magmas: Trace Element and Isotope Perspectives

Abstract: The compositions of back-arc basin basalts (BABB) can usefully be viewed as products of four factors: (1) the composition of inflowing mantle and its preconditioning during flow to the site of melting; (2) the influx of a subduction component into the arc-basin system; (3) the nature of the interaction between the mantle and subduction components; (4) the melting of water-rich mantle and the assimilation/ crystallization history of the resulting hydrous magma. Geochemical mapping using Nb/Yb as a mantle flow tracer indicates that mantle flow in arc-basin systems varies according to contributions from subduction-driven corner flow, flow around subduction edges, and deflection by barriers to flow. Geochemical mapping using Ba/Nb as a subduction tracer indicates that the magnitude of the subduction input is a function primarily of basin evolution, mantle flow patterns, and arc proximity. The subduction component may reach the back-arc by mixing with ambient mantle, by direct addition of a subduction component, by addition of a hydrous mantle melt, or by incorporation of a component stored in mantle lithosphere. Trace element and water contents of back-arc glasses indicate that decompression melting beneath back-arc basins is augmented by flux melting but suppressed by mixing with depleted mantle. Cl-K systematics indicate that water in back-arc basin magmas may be augmented by assimilation of hydrated ocean crust. The increased water content of primary BABB magmas leads to enhanced olivine and oxide crystallization, and to fluid exsolution at depth, both of which will influence the composition and architecture of the resulting back-arc oceanic crust.

The identification of 100 ecological questions of high policy relevance in the UK

Abstract: 1. Evidence-based policy requires researchers to provide the answers to ecological questions that are of interest to policy makers. To find out what those questions are in the UK, representatives from 28 organizations involved in policy, together with scientists from 10 academic institutions, were asked to generate a list of questions from their organizations. 2. During a 2-day workshop the initial list of 1003 questions generated from consulting at least 654 policy makers and academics was used as a basis for generating a short list of 100 questions of significant policy relevance. Short-listing was decided on the basis of the preferences of the representatives from the policy-led organizations. 3. The areas covered included most major issues of environmental concern in the UK, including agriculture, marine fisheries, climate change, ecosystem function and land management. 4. The most striking outcome was the preference for general questions rather than narrow ones. The reason is that policy is driven by broad issues rather than specific ones. In contrast, scientists are frequently best equipped to answer specific questions. This means that it may be necessary to extract the underpinning specific question before researchers can proceed. 5. Synthesis and applications. Greater communication between policy makers and scientists is required in order to ensure that applied ecologists are dealing with issues in a way that can feed into policy. It is particularly important that applied ecologists emphasize the generic value of their work wherever possible.

Beyond the Intention–Behaviour Mythology: An Integrated Model of Recycling

Abstract: This paper presents a critique of the multi-attribute models of Fishbein and Ajzen and the social–psychological model of altruistic behaviour proposed by Schwartz. The purpose is to understand better the capacity of these theories of behavioural response to predict and explain observed consumer behaviour. The authors argue that the evaluation of such models cannot proceed in abstract contexts. The development, implementation and maintenance of a kerbside recycling programme by the Cotswold District Council in the UK provided an opportunity to examine the cognition–behaviour links proposed by these theories. Unlike mostother tests of these models, the authors’ research employs independent measures of behaviour as well as behavioural intention and other alleged cognitive precursors of behaviour. The results indicate that cognitive variables, notably intention, fail topredict actual behaviour and that a more elaborate integrated model of recycling is required in order to accomplish this. The research suggests that, at least in the context in which the investigation was undertaken, the intention–behaviour hypothesis, which lies at the heart of so much psychological and marketing theorizing, must be abandoned.