University of Lincoln

About: University of Lincoln is a education organization based out in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2341 authors who have published 7025 publications receiving 124797 citations.

A taxonomy of entrepreneurial farmers

Abstract: The paper develops a conceptual understanding of the farmer as entrepreneur and provides an innovative theoretical framework based on a modelling process and taxonomy of the farmer, which enables the complexities of the dynamic changing forces which act upon the life world of the farmer to be framed. A number of key themes emerge: Farmers are a particularly rich area for study in the area of entrepreneurial capability; the myths surrounding farmers' capability to be entrepreneurial require examination; farmers are businesspeople in that they run businesses, but in practice they do not necessarily have well-defined business skills; the barriers to becoming entrepreneurial for farmers are greater than in other sectors.

Multi‐Scale Investigations of δ‐Ni0.25V2O5·nH2O Cathode Materials in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract: Cost-effective and environmentally friendly aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIB) exhibit tremendous potential for application in grid-scale energy storage systems but are limited by suitable cathode materials. Hydrated vanadium bronzes have gained significant attention for AZIBs and can be produced with a range of different pre-intercalated ions, allowing their properties to be optimised. However, gaining a detailed understanding of the energy storage mechanisms within these cathode materials remains a great challenge due to their complex crystallographic frameworks, limiting rational design from the perspective of enhanced Zn2+ diffusion over multiple length scales. Herein, we report on a new class of hydrated porous δ-Ni0.25V2O5.nH2O nanoribbons for use as an AZIB cathode. The cathode delivers reversibility showing 402 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and a capacity retention of 98 % over 1200 cycles at 5 A g-1. A detailed investigation using experimental and computational approaches reveal that the host ‘δ’ vanadate lattice has favourable Zn2+ diffusion properties, arising from the atomic-level structure of the well-defined lattice channels. Furthermore, the microstructure of the asprepared cathodes is examined using multi-length scale X-ray computed tomography for the first time in AZIBs and the effective diffusion coefficient is obtained by image-based modelling, illustrating favourable porosity and satisfactory tortuosity.

The role of social networks in students' learning experiences

Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate the role of social networks in computer science education. The Internet shows great potential for enhancing collaboration between people and the role of social software has become increasingly relevant in recent years. This research focuses on analyzing the role that social networks play in students' learning experiences. The construction of students' social networks, the evolution of these networks, and their effects on the students' learning experience in a university environment are examined.

Long-term thermal sensitivity of Earth’s tropical forests

Abstract: The sensitivity of tropical forest carbon to climate is a key uncertainty in predicting global climate change. Although short-term drying and warming are known to affect forests, it is unknown if such effects translate into long-term responses. Here, we analyze 590 permanent plots measured across the tropics to derive the equilibrium climate controls on forest carbon. Maximum temperature is the most important predictor of aboveground biomass (−9.1 megagrams of carbon per hectare per degree Celsius), primarily by reducing woody productivity, and has a greater impact per °C in the hottest forests (>32.2°C). Our results nevertheless reveal greater thermal resilience than observations of short-term variation imply. To realize the long-term climate adaptation potential of tropical forests requires both protecting them and stabilizing Earth’s climate.

"We've bin watching you": designing for reflection and social persuasion to promote sustainable lifestyles

Abstract: BinCam is a social persuasive system to motivate reflection and behavioral change in the food waste and recycling habits of young adults. The system replaces an existing kitchen refuse bin and automatically logs disposed of items through digital images captured by a smart phone installed on the underside of the bin lid. Captured images are uploaded to a BinCam application on Facebook where they can be explored by all users of the BinCam system. Engagement with BinCam is designed to fit into the existing structure of users' everyday life, with the intention that reflection on waste and recycling becomes a playful and shared group activity. Results of a user study reveal an increase in both users' awareness of, and reflection about, their waste management and their motivation to improve their waste-related skills. With BinCam, we also explore informational and normative social influences as a source of change (e.g., socially evoked feelings of 'guilt' for non-recycling or food disposal), which has to date been underexplored in persuasive HCI. Design implications for reflection and social persuasion are proposed.