Mark Langan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Mark Langan
Journal of Insect Behavior, 2001
Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or tran... more Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or transpiration of their host plants. It has been suggested that intravarietal preferences of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae L.: Pieridae) include larger plants with characteristically higher transpiration rates. Interestingly this species, like many other Lepidoptera, may detect biogenic CO2 gradients associated with photosynthesis. We studied egg-laying preferences
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 2001
Teaching in Higher Education, 2018
In an increasingly neoliberal Higher Education sector, there is increased pressure on institution... more In an increasingly neoliberal Higher Education sector, there is increased pressure on institutions to enhance learner engagement and student satisfaction. Many academics believe that students expect their university learning experiences to be enjoyable, and discourses of game-based learning reflect this, with a dominant narrative highlighting the fun of educational games. Whether students expect learning to be fun or see a relationship between fun and games is under-explored. To address this, we investigated student perceptions of fun in Higher Education using a thematic network analysis based on data from 37 in-depth interviews with undergraduate students. Here, we highlight five themes that encapsulate what students perceive to be a fun learning experience: stimulating pedagogy; lecturer engagement; a safe learning space; shared experience; and a low-stress environment. These aspects are not unique to games, and we conclude by considering the relationship between educational games and fun, and alternative playful approaches.
Journal of clinical nursing, Jan 17, 2017
To explore the perceived unfairness experienced by student nurses during their undergraduate clin... more To explore the perceived unfairness experienced by student nurses during their undergraduate clinical placements. It is important that student nurses feel supported by practice staff during their clinical placement education experiences. However, it has been reported that learners can feel ignored, unsupported and bullied by others in the clinical environment and this has a detrimental effect on their learning. It is important to understand the student nurse perspective and explore ways in which their feelings of belongingness might be enhanced in the clinical area. A descriptive narrative approach was utilised to explore the qualitative data generated by the survey and interviews. Limited closed-question survey data were acquired to explore a selection of quantified survey responses about placements and mentorship. A survey was conducted with 1425 student nurses from adult and mental health degree nursing pathways, across 9 institutions in the North West of England, UK. Unstructure...
Planet, 2001
This pilot project suggests strongly that the initiation of writers' retreats may have the potent... more This pilot project suggests strongly that the initiation of writers' retreats may have the potential to impact upon the daily writing habits of university faculty, to unlock positive, formative dimensions of academic communities and to energise the culture of scholarship in research and teaching to which we should subscribe.
Bioscience Education, 2011
Bioscience Education, 2012
In undergoing this life, many people always try to do and get the best. New knowledge, experience... more In undergoing this life, many people always try to do and get the best. New knowledge, experience, lesson, and everything that can improve the life will be done. However, many people sometimes feel confused to get those things. Feeling the limited of experience and sources to be better is one of the lacks to own. However, there is a very simple thing that can be done. This is what your teacher always manoeuvres you to do this one. Yeah, reading is the answer. Reading a book as this quality street and other references can enrich your life quality. How can it be?
Pest Management Science, 2006
Pesticides can modify invertebrate movement and feeding behaviour which could reduce predation in... more Pesticides can modify invertebrate movement and feeding behaviour which could reduce predation in agroecosystems. Previous assays have exposed the spider Pardosa amentata (Clerck) to the synthetic pyrethroid cypermethrin and monitored prey items consumed in small containers (requiring very little movement to capture prey). The current study used larger arenas containing artificial 'vegetation' (a plastic analogue) to encourage spiders to hunt and capture prey. The period 24 h after exposure produced greatest variability in prey item consumption between treatments and was used to examine treatment effects. At this time, cypermethrin reduced prey consumption rates but these effects did not persist. Findings did not suggest that the presence of artificial vegetation in arenas modified prey consumption rates, which was consistent for individuals treated with cypermethrin and a control group. This is despite the majority of pesticide-treated individuals exhibiting both ataxia and paralysis of the hind legs (these effects persisting for a maximum of 3 and 6 days respectively). These findings were consistent for both sexes. Spider longevity under starvation conditions was not significantly reduced by cypermethrin exposure but overall females survived longer than males. The findings are discussed in the context of the arenas used and the ecology of this common predator.
Paleontological Journal, 2010
Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analys... more Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analyses to permit identification of spider compression fossils to family level. This work focussed on fossil spi ders from the Florissant Formation, Colorado, but the aim was to investigate a technique that would be broadly applicable to any compression fossil deposit. Essentially, what they were trying to accomplish was a shortcut for use in identifying fossil spiders to family. While their claims are promising, the methodology they used was not without its limitations and the aim of our paper is to discuss these and add further insights in order to put the application of this technique into a more appropriate context than that originally claimed.
Bioscience Education, 2008
Bioscience Education, 2011
Bioscience Education e-Journal, 2011
Biology Letters, 2006
To justify faunistic comparisons of ambers that differ botanically, geographically and by age, we... more To justify faunistic comparisons of ambers that differ botanically, geographically and by age, we need to determine that resins sampled uniformly. Our pluralistic approach, analysing size distributions of 671 fossilized spider species from different behavioural guilds, demonstrates that ecological information about the communities of two well-studied ambers is retained. Several lines of evidence show that greater structural complexity of Baltic compared to Dominican amber trees explains the presence of larger web-spinners. No size differences occur in active hunters. Consequently, we demonstrate for the first time that resins were trapping organisms uniformly and that comparisons of amber palaeoecosystem structure across deep time are possible.
Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 2008
There are many influences on how assessors grade themselves and others. Oral presentations are us... more There are many influences on how assessors grade themselves and others. Oral presentations are useful for exploring such factors in peer, self-and tutor marked assessments, being rapidly completed and assessed, commonly used in HE and very difficult to anonymize. This opportunistic study examined the effects of gender and level of attainment on the triangulation of marks awarded to student presenters. Grades generated by peer assessment were associated more strongly with tutor-awarded marks than those from self-assessment. For self-assessment there was a strong effect of gender (female students undervalued their performance compared with tutor grades). Peer assessment produced higher marks than from tutors, perhaps because of the close-knit community developed during residential courses. For tutor marks, the greatest variability was at the lower end of the scale, whereas peer assessors were most variable when marking students who self-evaluated or peer assessed highly. Students awarded a narrower range of marks to peers compared with tutors, but when self-assessing used a larger range. Presentations by students who admitted to little sleep the night before received lower grades from both peers and tutors, but this was not reflected by self-assessments, suggesting they were unaware of their poorer performances. Sessions with fewer talks (four rather than seven) reduced the 'dip' in marks previously observed in the middle of sessions. Findings are discussed in the context of bias in this mode of assessment.
… & Evaluation in …, 2005
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or s... more This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.
Journal of Insect Behavior, 2001
Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or tran... more Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or transpiration of their host plants. It has been suggested that intravarietal preferences of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae L.: Pieridae) include larger plants with characteristically higher transpiration rates. Interestingly this species, like many other Lepidoptera, may detect biogenic CO2 gradients associated with photosynthesis. We studied egg-laying preferences in working farm environments examining relationships among host choice, plant gas exchange activity, and plant size. Females discriminated between plants in monocultures on the basis of height. A balance of pre- and post–alighting preferences resulted in plants of medium size receiving eggs. Post–alighting preferences led to plants, but not alighted leaves, with higher rates of photosynthesis supporting eggs. These findings do not support a mechanistic basis for the use of gas exchange activity during host selection but, ...
Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analys... more Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analyses to permit identification of spider compression fossils to family level. This work focussed on fossil spi ders from the Florissant Formation, Colorado, but the aim was to investigate a technique that would be broadly applicable to any compression fossil deposit. Essentially, what they were trying to accomplish was a shortcut for use in identifying fossil spiders to family. While their claims are promising, the methodology they used was not without its limitations and the aim of our paper is to discuss these and add further insights in order to put the application of this technique into a more appropriate context than that originally claimed.
Journal of Insect Behavior, 2001
Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or tran... more Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or transpiration of their host plants. It has been suggested that intravarietal preferences of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae L.: Pieridae) include larger plants with characteristically higher transpiration rates. Interestingly this species, like many other Lepidoptera, may detect biogenic CO2 gradients associated with photosynthesis. We studied egg-laying preferences
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 2001
Teaching in Higher Education, 2018
In an increasingly neoliberal Higher Education sector, there is increased pressure on institution... more In an increasingly neoliberal Higher Education sector, there is increased pressure on institutions to enhance learner engagement and student satisfaction. Many academics believe that students expect their university learning experiences to be enjoyable, and discourses of game-based learning reflect this, with a dominant narrative highlighting the fun of educational games. Whether students expect learning to be fun or see a relationship between fun and games is under-explored. To address this, we investigated student perceptions of fun in Higher Education using a thematic network analysis based on data from 37 in-depth interviews with undergraduate students. Here, we highlight five themes that encapsulate what students perceive to be a fun learning experience: stimulating pedagogy; lecturer engagement; a safe learning space; shared experience; and a low-stress environment. These aspects are not unique to games, and we conclude by considering the relationship between educational games and fun, and alternative playful approaches.
Journal of clinical nursing, Jan 17, 2017
To explore the perceived unfairness experienced by student nurses during their undergraduate clin... more To explore the perceived unfairness experienced by student nurses during their undergraduate clinical placements. It is important that student nurses feel supported by practice staff during their clinical placement education experiences. However, it has been reported that learners can feel ignored, unsupported and bullied by others in the clinical environment and this has a detrimental effect on their learning. It is important to understand the student nurse perspective and explore ways in which their feelings of belongingness might be enhanced in the clinical area. A descriptive narrative approach was utilised to explore the qualitative data generated by the survey and interviews. Limited closed-question survey data were acquired to explore a selection of quantified survey responses about placements and mentorship. A survey was conducted with 1425 student nurses from adult and mental health degree nursing pathways, across 9 institutions in the North West of England, UK. Unstructure...
Planet, 2001
This pilot project suggests strongly that the initiation of writers' retreats may have the potent... more This pilot project suggests strongly that the initiation of writers' retreats may have the potential to impact upon the daily writing habits of university faculty, to unlock positive, formative dimensions of academic communities and to energise the culture of scholarship in research and teaching to which we should subscribe.
Bioscience Education, 2011
Bioscience Education, 2012
In undergoing this life, many people always try to do and get the best. New knowledge, experience... more In undergoing this life, many people always try to do and get the best. New knowledge, experience, lesson, and everything that can improve the life will be done. However, many people sometimes feel confused to get those things. Feeling the limited of experience and sources to be better is one of the lacks to own. However, there is a very simple thing that can be done. This is what your teacher always manoeuvres you to do this one. Yeah, reading is the answer. Reading a book as this quality street and other references can enrich your life quality. How can it be?
Pest Management Science, 2006
Pesticides can modify invertebrate movement and feeding behaviour which could reduce predation in... more Pesticides can modify invertebrate movement and feeding behaviour which could reduce predation in agroecosystems. Previous assays have exposed the spider Pardosa amentata (Clerck) to the synthetic pyrethroid cypermethrin and monitored prey items consumed in small containers (requiring very little movement to capture prey). The current study used larger arenas containing artificial 'vegetation' (a plastic analogue) to encourage spiders to hunt and capture prey. The period 24 h after exposure produced greatest variability in prey item consumption between treatments and was used to examine treatment effects. At this time, cypermethrin reduced prey consumption rates but these effects did not persist. Findings did not suggest that the presence of artificial vegetation in arenas modified prey consumption rates, which was consistent for individuals treated with cypermethrin and a control group. This is despite the majority of pesticide-treated individuals exhibiting both ataxia and paralysis of the hind legs (these effects persisting for a maximum of 3 and 6 days respectively). These findings were consistent for both sexes. Spider longevity under starvation conditions was not significantly reduced by cypermethrin exposure but overall females survived longer than males. The findings are discussed in the context of the arenas used and the ecology of this common predator.
Paleontological Journal, 2010
Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analys... more Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analyses to permit identification of spider compression fossils to family level. This work focussed on fossil spi ders from the Florissant Formation, Colorado, but the aim was to investigate a technique that would be broadly applicable to any compression fossil deposit. Essentially, what they were trying to accomplish was a shortcut for use in identifying fossil spiders to family. While their claims are promising, the methodology they used was not without its limitations and the aim of our paper is to discuss these and add further insights in order to put the application of this technique into a more appropriate context than that originally claimed.
Bioscience Education, 2008
Bioscience Education, 2011
Bioscience Education e-Journal, 2011
Biology Letters, 2006
To justify faunistic comparisons of ambers that differ botanically, geographically and by age, we... more To justify faunistic comparisons of ambers that differ botanically, geographically and by age, we need to determine that resins sampled uniformly. Our pluralistic approach, analysing size distributions of 671 fossilized spider species from different behavioural guilds, demonstrates that ecological information about the communities of two well-studied ambers is retained. Several lines of evidence show that greater structural complexity of Baltic compared to Dominican amber trees explains the presence of larger web-spinners. No size differences occur in active hunters. Consequently, we demonstrate for the first time that resins were trapping organisms uniformly and that comparisons of amber palaeoecosystem structure across deep time are possible.
Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 2008
There are many influences on how assessors grade themselves and others. Oral presentations are us... more There are many influences on how assessors grade themselves and others. Oral presentations are useful for exploring such factors in peer, self-and tutor marked assessments, being rapidly completed and assessed, commonly used in HE and very difficult to anonymize. This opportunistic study examined the effects of gender and level of attainment on the triangulation of marks awarded to student presenters. Grades generated by peer assessment were associated more strongly with tutor-awarded marks than those from self-assessment. For self-assessment there was a strong effect of gender (female students undervalued their performance compared with tutor grades). Peer assessment produced higher marks than from tutors, perhaps because of the close-knit community developed during residential courses. For tutor marks, the greatest variability was at the lower end of the scale, whereas peer assessors were most variable when marking students who self-evaluated or peer assessed highly. Students awarded a narrower range of marks to peers compared with tutors, but when self-assessing used a larger range. Presentations by students who admitted to little sleep the night before received lower grades from both peers and tutors, but this was not reflected by self-assessments, suggesting they were unaware of their poorer performances. Sessions with fewer talks (four rather than seven) reduced the 'dip' in marks previously observed in the middle of sessions. Findings are discussed in the context of bias in this mode of assessment.
… & Evaluation in …, 2005
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or s... more This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.
Journal of Insect Behavior, 2001
Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or tran... more Few studies have investigated insect egg-laying preferences in relation to photosynthesis or transpiration of their host plants. It has been suggested that intravarietal preferences of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae L.: Pieridae) include larger plants with characteristically higher transpiration rates. Interestingly this species, like many other Lepidoptera, may detect biogenic CO2 gradients associated with photosynthesis. We studied egg-laying preferences in working farm environments examining relationships among host choice, plant gas exchange activity, and plant size. Females discriminated between plants in monocultures on the basis of height. A balance of pre- and post–alighting preferences resulted in plants of medium size receiving eggs. Post–alighting preferences led to plants, but not alighted leaves, with higher rates of photosynthesis supporting eggs. These findings do not support a mechanistic basis for the use of gas exchange activity during host selection but, ...
Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analys... more Kinchloe Roberts et al. (2008) proposed a technique, using outline-morphometric and linear analyses to permit identification of spider compression fossils to family level. This work focussed on fossil spi ders from the Florissant Formation, Colorado, but the aim was to investigate a technique that would be broadly applicable to any compression fossil deposit. Essentially, what they were trying to accomplish was a shortcut for use in identifying fossil spiders to family. While their claims are promising, the methodology they used was not without its limitations and the aim of our paper is to discuss these and add further insights in order to put the application of this technique into a more appropriate context than that originally claimed.