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This report presents results and analysis from a seasonal survey of the limnology of the 20 major lakes and tarns in the English Lake District, undertaken in April, July, October and November 2021 and January and February 2022. The survey is the eighth edition to the roughly five-yearly surveys that have been carried out since 1984.

Long-term change and shorter-term variability in the atmospheric deposition of pollutants and marine salts can have major effects on the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils and surface water ecosystems. In the 1980s, at the time of peak acid deposition in the UK, deposition loads were highly dependent on prevailing weather types, and it was postulated that future pollution recovery trajectories would be partly dependent on any climate change-driven shifts in weather systems. Following three decades of substantial acidic emission reductions, we used monitoring data collected between 1992 and 2015 from four UK Environmental Change Network (ECN) sites in contrasting parts of Great Britain to examine the trends in precipitation chemistry in relation to prevailing weather conditions. Weather systems were classified on the basis of Lamb weather type (LWT) groupings, while emissions inventories and clustering of air mass trajectories were used to interpret the observed patterns. Concentrations of ions showed clear differences between cyclonic-westerly-dominated periods and others, reflecting higher marine and lower anthropogenic contributions in Atlantic air masses. Westerlies were associated with higher rainfall, higher sea salt concentrations, and lower pollutant concentrations at all sites, while air mass paths exerted additional controls. Westerlies therefore have continued to favour higher sea salt fluxes, whereas emission reductions are increasingly leading to positive correlations between westerlies and pollutant fluxes. Our results also suggest a shift from the influence of anthropogenic emissions to natural emissions (e.g., sea salt) and climate forcing as they are transported under relatively cleaner conditions to the UK. Westerlies have been relatively frequent over the ECN monitoring period, but longer-term cyclicity in these weather types suggests that current contributions to precipitation may not be sustained over coming years. © 2022 The Authors

BACKGROUND: The conversational speech of most children can be understood by people outside the family by the time they reach 4 years. However, for some children, speech sound disorders (SSDs) persist into their early school years, and beyond, despite adequate hearing, oromotor function, and language learning opportunities. One explanation for children's SSDs are domain-general cognitive-linguistic deficits that impair the child's ability to correctly derive rules governing how speech sounds legally combine to form words in a specific language. AIMS: To explore whether there are differences in performance on executive function tasks between children who make speech errors characteristic of phonological delay and those who make speech errors characteristic of phonological disorder. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Twenty-six children aged from 3;6 to 5;2 (13 with phonological delay and 13 with phonological disorder), matched pairwise for age and sex (nine males), were assessed on tasks measuring cognitive flexibility (rule abstraction and cognitive shift) and phonological working memory. OUTCOME & RESULTS: For the cognitive flexibility tasks, the performance of children with phonological delay was significantly better than that for children with phonological disorder, but there were no group differences for the phonological working memory task. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Children with phonological disorders might benefit from intervention programmes that incorporate training in cognitive flexibility. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT: Children with phonological delay and phonological disorder comprise the two largest SSD subgroups that present to speech-language therapy clinics. Evidence suggests domain-general cognitive processes (e.g., phonological working memory, ability to revise faulty underlying representations, rule abstraction, and cognitive shift) influence phonological development. Differences between the two subgroups in the types of speech errors, linguistic abil

During the Environmental Change Network (ECN) site mangers meeting feedback on the role of UK-SCAPE funding was sought. Representatives from collaborating institutions did not restrict their comments to only the period of UK-SCAPE, as this program is a continuation of previous national capability funding. The stakeholders present appreciated the role of UKCEH through the processes of co-design, co-delivery and co-development in shaping the ECN. They further commented on the co-dependency conferred by the network for their institutions and sites. While several stakeholders noted that they could not benefit directly from UK-SCAPE funding they recognised that funding was required for coordination of the network in addition to collecting monitoring data. They highlighted the risk of failure of the network and the lost opportunities in terms of collaborative working and data delivery to the research community if funding is not maintained in the network.

Peatlands are important reserves of terrestrial carbon and biodiversity, and given that many peatlands across the UK and Europe exist in a degraded state, their conservation is a major area of concern and a focus of considerable research. Aerial surveys are valuable tools for habitat mapping and conservation and provide useful insights into their condition. We investigate how SfM photogrammetry-derived topography and habitat classes may be used to construct an estimate of carbon loss from erosion features in a remote blanket bog habitat. An autonomous, unmanned, aerial, fixed-wing remote sensing platform (Quest UAV 300™) collected imagery over Moor House, in the Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve, a site with a high degree of peatland erosion. The images were used to generate point clouds into orthomosaics and digital surface models using SfM photogrammetry techniques, georeferenced and subsequently used to classify vegetation and peatland features. A classification of peatbog feature types was developed using a random forest classification model trained on field survey data and applied to UAV-captured products including the orthomosaic, digital surface model and derived surfaces such as topographic index, slope and aspect maps. Using the area classified as eroded peat and the derived digital surface model, we estimated a loss of 438 tonnes of carbon from a single gully. The UAV system was relatively straightforward to deploy in such a remote and unimproved area. SfM photogrammetry, imagery and random forest modelling obtained classification accuracies of between 42% and 100%, and was able to discern between bare peat, saturated bog and sphagnum habitats. This paper shows what can be achieved with low-cost UAVs equipped with consumer grade camera equipment and relatively straightforward ground control, and demonstrates their potential for the carbon and peatland conservation research community.

Children's speech difficulties can be motor (phone misarticulation) or linguistic (impaired knowledge of phonological contrasts and constraints). These two difficulties sometimes co-occur. This paper reports longitudinal data from the Early Language in Victoria Study (ELVS) at 4 and 7 years of age. Of 1494 participants, 93 made non-age appropriate speech errors on standardised assessments at 4 years, and were able to be reassessed at 7 years. At 4 years, 85% of these children only made phonological errors, 14% made both articulation and phonological errors and one child only made articulation errors (a lateral lisp). In total, 8 of 13 children making both articulation and phonological errors at 4 years had resolved by 7 years. Unexpectedly, eight children who had demonstrated articulation of fricatives at 4 years, acquired distorted production of ≥ 50% of occurrences of/s, z/ by 7 years. In total, then, 22 children (24% of children with speech difficulties) made articulatory errors at one or both assessments. Case data for all children are presented. Theoretical and clinical implications are considered.

Cross-language McGurk Effects are used to investigate the locus of auditory-visual speech integration. Experiment 1 uses the fact that [], as in 'sing', is phonotactically legal in word-final position in English and Thai, but in word-initial position only in Thai. English and Thai language participants were tested for 'n' perception from auditory [m]/visual [] (A[m]V[]) in word-initial and -final positions. Despite English speakers' native language bias to label word-initial [] as 'n', the incidence of 'n' percepts to A[m]V[] was equivalent for English and Thai speakers in final and initial positions. Experiment 2 used the facts that (i) [ð] as in 'that' is not present in Japanese, and (ii) English speakers respond more often with 'tha' than 'da' to A[ba]V[ga], but more often with 'di' than 'thi' to A[bi]V[gi]. English and three groups of Japanese language participants (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced English knowledge) were presented with A[ba]V[ga] and A[bi]V[gi] by an English (Experiment 2a) or a Japanese (Experiment 2b) speaker. Despite Japanese participants' native language bias to perceive 'd' more often than 'th', the four groups showed a similar phonetic level effect of [a]/[i] vowel context × 'th' vs. 'd' responses to A[b]V[g] presentations. In Experiment 2b this phonetic level interaction held, but was more one-sided as very few 'th' responses were evident, even in Australian English participants. Results are discussed in terms of a phonetic plus postcategorical model, in which incoming auditory and visual information is integrated at a phonetic level, after which there are post-categorical phonemic influences.

© 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis GroupEarly identification of phonological disorders is important for Speech Language Pathologists who assess and treat children aged under three years. Normative data justifies identification and standard scores can evaluate intervention that might prevent the negative consequences associated with phonological disorder. Two studies evaluated the reliability and predictive validity of the Toddler Phonology Test (TPT). Study 1 assessed 18 Australian toddlers, comparing their performance with normative data and reassessing them one month later to examine test–retest reliability. Study 2 assessed the predictive validity of the TPT’s quantitative and qualitative normative data by reassessing 24 British children between four and nine months after their first assessment and examining number and type of errors. Study 1 found no significant difference between the first and second assessment one month later for percent consonants and vowels correct but a drop in the number of atypical errors. Positive correlations for all performance measures showed strong test–retest ranking for children. Study 2 indicated that both quantitative and qualitative TPT data predicted phonological development over 4–9 months. Case data suggested that phonological disorder was best predicted by qualitative data. The results indicated that phonological disorder can be reliably diagnosed at two years of age.

The approach taken by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to the regulation of continuous disclosure, capital raising and control transactions in the mining and resources sector is described. In addition to the enforcement of statutory requirements, ASIC provides a range of stakeholder engagement tools including publications on policy and guidance, working with industry and stakeholders, undertaking surveillance and reviewing lodged documents. Several regulatory guides have been developed which provide a recommended approach to analysing and valuing a transaction and writing an independent expert report. An overview of expert reports is presented. The most useful reports for investors are those where the opinion of the expert is clearly stated and details are given of the process used to arrive at an opinion, including assumptions. Experts may use a variety of methodologies and the better reports clearly and concisely explain what the chosen methodology is and why it is the most appropriate. Where appropriate the use of more than one valuation methodology is encouraged. As a rule of thumb the discounted cash flow methodology is discouraged where a company has, at best, inferred resources only. The current Australian continuous disclosure landscape is discussed with reference to the JORC code, the VALMIN code, the relevant ASX listing rules and the relevant provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. Continuous disclosure is based on the principle that all investors should have equal and timely access to information that might affect them and is guided by section 674 of the Corporations Act and by ASX Listing Rule 3.1. A brief comparison is made with the jurisdiction in Canada, and ASIC’s involvement with other international jurisdictions are described., The approach taken by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to the regulation of continuous disclosure, capital raising and control transactions in the mining and resources sector is described. In addition to the enforcement of statutory requirements, ASIC provides a range of stakeholder engagement tools including publications on policy and guidance, working with industry and stakeholders, undertaking surveillance and reviewing lodged documents. Several regulatory guides have been developed which provide a recommended approach to analysing and valuing a transaction and writing an independent expert report. An overview of expert reports is presented. The most useful reports for investors are those where the opinion of the expert is clearly stated and details are given of the process used to arrive at an opinion, including assumptions. Experts may use a variety of methodologies and the better reports clearly and concisely explain what the chosen methodology is and why it is the most appropriate. Where appropriate the use of more than one valuation methodology is encouraged. As a rule of thumb the discounted cash flow methodology is discouraged where a company has, at best, inferred resources only. The current Australian continuous disclosure landscape is discussed with reference to the JORC code, the VALMIN code, the relevant ASX listing rules and the relevant provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. Continuous disclosure is based on the principle that all investors should have equal and timely access to information that might affect them and is guided by section 674 of the Corporations Act and by ASX Listing Rule 3.1. A brief comparison is made with the jurisdiction in Canada, and ASIC’s involvement with other international jurisdictions are described.

The potential of soil microorganisms to enhance the retention of 137Cs and 85Sr in organic systems was assessed in a series of experiments. A biologically active, ‘mineral-free’, organic material, produced under laboratory conditions from leaves, was used as the uptake matrix in all experiments to minimise potential interference from competing clay minerals. Biological uptake and release were differentiated from abiotic processes by comparing the sorption of radionuclides in sterilised organic material with sterile material inoculated with soil extracts or single fungal strains. Our results show conclusively that living components of soil systems are of primary importance in the uptake of radionuclides in organic material. The presence of soil microorganisms significantly enhanced the retention of Cs in organic systems and 70% of the Cs spike was strongly (irreversibly) bound (remained non-extractable) in the presence of microorganisms compared to only 10% in abiotic systems. Sorption of 85Sr was not significantly influenced by the presence of soil microorganisms. A non-linear temperature response was observed for the retention in biotic systems with increased uptake at between 10 and 30 °C and lower retention at temperatures above or below the optimum range. The optimum temperatures for biological uptake were between 15 and 20 °C for Cs, and 25 and 30 °C for Sr. Our results indicate that single strains of soil and saprotrophic fungi make an important contribution to the sorption of Cs and Sr in organic systems, but can only account for part of the strong, irreversible binding observed in biotic systems. Single strains of soil fungi increased the amount of non-extractable 137Cs (by 30%) and 85Sr (by 20%) in the organic systems as compared to abiotic systems, but the major fraction of 137Cs and 85Sr sorbed in systems inoculated with saprotrophic fungi remained extractable.

In relationships, trust promotes exchange (Bromiley & Cumming 1995, Tyler & Degoey 1996), reduces uncertainty (Mayer, Davis & Schoorman 1995), improves cooperation (Gilson 2003), and contributes to positive outcomes (Dahlstrom & Nygaard 1995, Gilbert 1998, McEvily, Perrone & Zaheer 2003). Following from recent research that describes the role of mass media as a ‘guardian of trust’ (Patel & Everett 2004), this paper explores mass media’s role in providing information and producing trust in principal-agent relationships. The development of trust between agents and principals is beneficial for both parties (Chiles & McMackin 1996, as cited in Singh & Sirdeshmukh 2000), and acts as a control mechanism to reduce opportunism in these relationships (Beccerra & Gupta 1999, Creed & Miles 1996, Singh & Sirdeshmukh 2000). Traditionally, trust is produced at interpersonal and impersonal levels (Bachmann 2003, Shapiro 1987, Zucker 1986). In this paper, we propose that, in a time of crisis when two agents are involved in an exchange and little information exists, mass media act as producer of trust. Building on Zucker’s (1986) trust production concept, this study examines the empirical adequacy of the proposed model through a case study of mass mediated exchanges between the Australian Federal Minister for Health and the Australian Medical Association President to resolve a medical indemnity policy crisis in 2003. The case study documents the extent to which framing of mass mediated exchanges produces trust at process, characteristic, and institutional levels (Zucker 1986).