Bedford College

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a development and maintenance factor for depression and anxiety. Previous reviews found that it associated with anxiety in children and adolescents. However, there was insufficient evidence at the time to review its association with depression in this population. 20 studies investigating the relationship between IU and depression in children and adolescents were identified. Random effects meta-analysis was used to aggregate cross-sectional associations, with age, gender, and measure as moderators. A narrative review of longitudinal findings from relevant studies (K=6) was also conducted. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional associations found an overall effect size of r=0.47. There was limited evidence that age or gender moderated the effect, however there was a significant moderating effect of measure. Namely, when including studies using 'child-friendly' measures (i.e., developed and normed with children as opposed to adults), the effect size was r=0.37. Another analysis revealed that the inhibitory IU subscale was more strongly associated with depression than prospective IU. Longitudinal findings suggested that the association between IU and depression persists over time. Studies were limited to those published in English and including general population samples (e.g., typically developing, without significant medical needs). There is a medium-strong association between IU and depression symptoms in children and adolescents. However, it may be overestimated by the use of IU measures that are not child-friendly. Future research can further extend the evidence-base through careful measure selection, as well as longitudinal and experimental designs.

ABSTRACT Many developing countries, particularly in Africa, still rely on carcinogenic asbestos fibres for producing cement boards used in roofing and cladding. This research focuses on creating a sustainable, affordable, and locally available alternative to asbestos. A specialised laboratory technique, designed to mimic industrial asbestos-cement board production, was used to develop kraft pulp–banana fibre reinforced cement composite boards. Their mechanical, durability, and morphological properties were tested after curing in a humidity chamber. Findings showed that boards made with 10 wt.% kraft pulp and 6 wt.% banana fibres achieved the best performance, with a flexural strength of 14.31 MPa and a deflection of 2.15 mm. Physical and morphological assessments confirmed that lightweight boards with strong fibre-matrix bonding can be achieved using kraft and banana fibres. The results also demonstrate that these hybrid fibre-reinforced cement boards meet relevant standards such as BS EN 12467, indicating that they are a safe and effective potential replacement for asbestos-based products.

Abstract Many countries are grappling with the long shadow that COVID has cast over their education systems, including dramatic increases in absence from school. This paper presents new insights into this issue by investigating how the proportion of teenagers skipping school has changed following the COVID-19 pandemic across the developed world. We find that this problem is mainly confined to industrialised English-speaking nations, especially affecting teenage girls. In contrast, the proportion of 15-year-olds skipping school remains similar to pre-pandemic levels in most other members of the OECD. Counter to much of the previous literature on COVID-induced learning loss, we find no evidence of a link between student truancy and length of school closures. Our results do highlight, however, that English-speaking nations risk falling behind their international competitors unless radical action is taken to reduce the growing number of teenagers regularly skipping school.

The strategic sale of family-owned businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presents a uniquely intricate challenge, shaped not only by financial considerations but by the powerful emotional and psychological bonds that founders develop with their enterprises. These businesses, often established through decades of personal effort and familial involvement, embody more than commercial assets—they represent legacy, identity, and generational aspirations. This study explores the multi-dimensional influence of founder-related emotional anchoring, strategic orientation, family governance dynamics, and market and external pressures on the decision to pursue a strategic sale. Drawing on a robust theoretical foundation that integrates Socioemotional Wealth Theory (SEW), Stewardship Theory, Agency Theory, Emotional Attachment Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the research constructs a conceptual framework to explain how emotional, cognitive, structural, and contextual factors collectively impact sale readiness and decision-making in family firms.

This chapter explores further education (FE) enrichment sessions, focusing on The Bedford Sixth Form's enhancement sessions as The Bioethics Club. Drawing from literature, it highlights the tension of tailored enrichment between addressing academic gaps and fostering holistic student development. The Bioethics Club exemplifies the latter's principles by blending scientific exploration with ethical deliberation. Three themes are found to be integrated across the Bioethics sessions: interdisciplinary learning, practical application, and inclusive design. These themes promote specific soft and life skills such as ethical analysis, critical reflection, inclusive awareness, collaborative decision-making and interpersonal skills. This chapter also recommends that future enhancement sessions include interdisciplinary modules, practical application frameworks, and inclusive design strategies. As a limitation, future research needs to be conducted to assess long-term impacts and refine pedagogical approaches to these enhancement sessions. This inquiry enhances understanding of FE enrichment, providing insights for students' personal and professional advancement in diverse educational contexts.

ABSTRACT Purpose Agriculture globally is undergoing a period of change driven by policy and environmental factors. This study focuses on further education in England, defined as a study after secondary education that is not part of higher education. Specifically, it explores how changes in the agricultural sector impact the practice of agriculture lecturers. Design/Methodology/Approach This qualitative study comprised semi-structured interviews with 17 participants from 13 colleges across England. Practice architecture theory was employed as a lens through which to analyse the factors which influence practice. Findings Two themes were identified, which relate to curriculum content and the technological advances within the agricultural industry. Findings suggest that policy changes within the sector are influencing the practice architectures and causing adaptations in teaching practice. Practical Implications This study aims to make visible the factors which influence the practice of teaching agriculture with the aim of promoting discussion and greater understanding during a period of change. Theoretical Implications The findings could contribute to debates regarding the role of agricultural education and the content of the curriculum. Originality/Value Whilst practice architecture theory has been used in educational settings its use in this context, English further education and agriculture, is an original contribution to the field.

International Insolvency ReviewEarly View BOOK REVIEW Restructuring plans, creditor schemes, and other restructuring tools , O'Dea, Geoff (editor) ( 1st edition) (2022, OUP, Oxford), xlvii and 700 pp, £265, ISBN 978-0-19-884474-7 Eugenio Vaccari, Corresponding Author Eugenio Vaccari eugenio.vaccari@rhul.ac.uk Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway and Bedford Colleges, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK Correspondence Eugenio Vaccari, Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway and Bedford Colleges, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK. Email: eugenio.vaccari@rhul.ac.ukSearch for more papers by this author Eugenio Vaccari, Corresponding Author Eugenio Vaccari eugenio.vaccari@rhul.ac.uk Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway and Bedford Colleges, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK Correspondence Eugenio Vaccari, Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway and Bedford Colleges, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK. Email: eugenio.vaccari@rhul.ac.ukSearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 September 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/iir.1472Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue RelatedInformation