Lancaster University

About: Lancaster University is a education organization based out in Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 13080 authors who have published 44563 publications receiving 1692277 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Lancaster & Lancaster University.

Exact and efficient Bayesian inference for multiple changepoint problems

Abstract: We demonstrate how to perform direct simulation from the posterior distribution of a class of multiple changepoint models where the number of changepoints is unknown. The class of models assumes independence between the posterior distribution of the parameters associated with segments of data between successive changepoints. This approach is based on the use of recursions, and is related to work on product partition models. The computational complexity of the approach is quadratic in the number of observations, but an approximate version, which introduces negligible error, and whose computational cost is roughly linear in the number of observations, is also possible. Our approach can be useful, for example within an MCMC algorithm, even when the independence assumptions do not hold. We demonstrate our approach on coal-mining disaster data and on well-log data. Our method can cope with a range of models, and exact simulation from the posterior distribution is possible in a matter of minutes.

Solute regulation and growth by roots and shoots of water-stressed maize plants.

Abstract: Potted maize seedlings were subjected to a single period of water stress. As the severity of water stress increased, measurements were made of leaf and root solute and water potentials, leaf diffusive conductance and leaf and root growth. After day four of the drying cycle, the rate of leaf extension and the development of leaf area were reduced. This reduction correlated well with a reduction in leaf turgor which occurred at this time. A significant accumulation of solutes in the root tips of the unwatered plants resulted in the maintenance of root turgor for the duration of the water stress treatment. Root growth of the unwatered plants was also maintained as the severity of water stress increased. A mild degree of water stress resulted in a net increase in root growth compared to the situation in well-watered plants. The significance of solute regulation and continued root growth for plants growing in drying soil is discussed.

Environmental Justice: Concepts, Evidence and Politics

Abstract: 1. Understanding Environmental Justice 2. Globalising and Framing Environmental Justice 3. Making Claims: Justice, Evidence and Process 4. Locating Waste: Siting and the Politics of Dumping 5. Breathing Unequally: Air Quality and Inequality 6. Flood Vulnerability: Uneven Risk and the Injustice of Disaster 7. Urban Greenspace: Distributing an Environmental Good 8. Climate Justice: Scaling the Politics of the Future 9. Analysing Environmental Justice: Some Conclusions

Resilience training in the workplace from 2003 to 2014: A systematic review

Abstract: Over a decade of research attests to the importance of resilience in the workplace for employee well-being and performance. Yet, surprisingly, there has been no attempt to synthesize the evidence for the efficacy of resilience training in this context. The purpose of this study, therefore is to provide a systematic review of work-based resilience training interventions. Our review identified 14 studies that investigated the impact of resilience training on personal resilience and four broad categories of dependent variables: (1) mental health and subjective well-being outcomes, (2) psychosocial outcomes, (3) physical/biological outcomes, and (4) performance outcomes. Findings indicated that resilience training can improve personal resilience and is a useful means of developing mental health and subjective well-being in employees. We also found that resilience training has a number of wider benefits that include enhanced psychosocial functioning and improved performance. Due to the lack of coherence in design and implementation, we cannot draw any firm conclusions about the most effective content and format of resilience training. Therefore, going forward, it is vital that future research uses comparative designs to assess the utility of different training regimes, explores whether some people might benefit more/less from resilience training, and demonstrates consistency in terms of how resilience is defined, conceptualized, developed, and assessed. Practitioner points Despite conceptual and theoretical support for resilience training, the empirical evidence is tentative, with the exception of a large effect for mental health and subjective well-being outcomes. Most programmes utilize a cognitive-behavioural approach to developing resilience. At this stage, there is no definitive evidence for the most effective training content or format, but it would appear wise to include an element of one-to-one training and support based on individual needs.