A study by a researcher at Aberystwyth University into how social isolation affects snail responses to stress has been published in the latest edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Journal.

The paper by Dr Sarah Dalesman ’Habitat and social context affect memory phenotype, exploration and co-variance among these traits’ appears in a special edition of the journal on Causes and consequences of individual differences in cognitive abilities10.1098/rstb/373/1756.

Dr Dalesman is a Lecturer in Freshwater Biology at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and a snail behaviour expert.

Dr Dalesman said:“Social isolation is known as a stressor for a lot of animals and humans, causing changes in behaviour and negatively affecting their ability to learn and form memories. However, individuals respond differently to the effects of stress, and some may be able to cope better than others.”

The study looked at whether individuals that form strong memories in unstressed conditions respond differently following social isolation, to those that normally form weaker memories.

The study tested how social isolation affected the snails’ ability to form long-term memory, which in the case of a snail means a single day.

There is a lot of interest in how memory relates to other behavioural traits in animals. The work explored how isolation affected the way snails explore new environments, and whether there was a relationship between memory formation and exploration behaviour.

Snails that formed strong memories when kept in groups were unable to form long-term memory when socially isolated, whereas snails that formed weak memories when kept in groups appeared unaffected by isolation.

So, it seems that snails which normally form weaker memories are more robust to the effects of stress from being socially isolated.

The effect of isolation on exploration behaviour also differed depending on their ability to form memory.

Snails that normally form weak memories did not change their exploration behaviour following isolation; where as those that form strong memories decreased their crawling speed and time spent in contact with the behavioural arena wall (thigmotaxis).

Dr Dalesman added: “These results show that social context can alter our conclusions about how ‘smart’ an animal is. Snails that form stronger memories in groups form the weakest memories in isolation and vice versa. It also shows that the relationship between exploration behaviour and memory changes when the social context is altered.”

Photo: Snail behaviour expertDr Sarah Dalesman with Lymnaea stagnalis, better known as the great pond snail.

Links:

’Habitat and social context affect memory phenotype, exploration and co-variance among these traits’ Dr Sarah Dalesman, IBERS

The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Journal – ‘Causes and consequences of individual differences in cognitive abilities’

Study at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences

Dr Sarah Dalesman

The Clinical Research Centre at Hywel Dda University Health Board are delighted to have recently been presented with two beautifully framed pieces of calligraphy artwork by patient Mike James.

Mike, who has had a lifelong interest in artwork and history, recently took up calligraphy to challenge himself to learn a new skill.

The artwork he created for the Centre uses a medieval script system called half insular majuscule that was used to scribe important documents and sacred texts, the most famous one being the Book of Kells which is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure.

He regularly attends a Lifelong Learning Service calligraphy class run by tutor, Judith Porch, Community Education Development Officer for the City and County of Swansea.

Commenting on Mike’s works, Judith went on to say, “Mike joined the group just last September and I am incredibly proud of what he has achieved. Calligraphy is not an easy skill to master and Mike has produced outstanding pieces which incorporate not just calligraphy but design and gilding with pure gold leaf. I am thrilled that his work will grace the walls of the new Research Centre and hopefully will inspire future patients.”

Professor Kier Lewis, who heads up the Clinical Research team at Hywel Dda, said: “I am delighted Mike has shown such interest in our Centre and created these pieces specifically for us to remind everyone that the human-being is always central to clinical care and all research endeavours. The pieces now take pride of place in our Centre’s foyer in Prince Philip Hospital (Llanelli).”

Scarlets have today launched the alternative strip for the 2018-19 season at a fun-filled family day out on Aberystwyth’s promenade.

The vibrant blue, white and gold kit was launched in Aberystwyth as the region looks to strengthen brand awareness within the county of Ceredigion by encouraging participation not only in rugby but also across all sports and community based activities.

This summer has seen the Scarlets launch its Three Counties, Three Years strategy, concentrating on strengthening partnerships right across the region, county by county.

Year One’s focus will be Ceredigion with commercial and community projects being delivered across the county. Year Two will focus on Pembrokeshire whilst Year Three will return to Carmarthenshire.

2018-19’s away kit colour scheme is based on Ceredigion’s coat of arms, sandy beaches and vivid blue seas.

Clearly displayed on the left side panel of the jersey are the crests of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The front of the shirt has an unusual pattern consisting of elements of each of the county crests whilst the back carries a strong wave, showing the county and the region’s link to the sea and coastline.

Pattern elements;

CEREDIGION
Golden Lion: Arms of Gwaithfoed, a medieval prince of Ceredigion
Herring: Fishing industry
Wheatsheaf: Agricultural industry
Rose: Patron Saint of Wales, who had very close associations with the county

PEMBROKESHIRE
Eagle: Wildlife, castles and rugged coastline
Dragon: The county’s dual heritage

CARMARTHENSHIRE
Harp: Welsh musical traditions and poetry
Seahorse: The sea, protection and stability

The kit is available for pre-order today.

The Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom pageant is coming to Llanelli – with the aim of promoting Welsh Beauty and Business into Europe.

The event features a special casting event on Thursday (August 16, between 1pm and 5.30pm) at the Best Western Diplomat Hotel and Spa in Felinfoel Road, Llanelli.

Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom is managed and organised by the UK Director of Visions PR, Marketing and Events Consultant Vivienne Sharman-Lewis.

It is the new UK arm of Miss Europe Continental, a European pageant with representation in more than 40 countries.

As a previous national pageant director in Wales, Vivienne had already helped her finalists win three national UK finals, to represent the UK on world stages, won a national award as the most charitable pageant for funds raised, created titles that helped contestants gain business or employment opportunities, and become the “Face of” various brands, while also creating a Finishing School that will trainthe girls in all aspects of business, networking and personal and social skills, as well as in beauty and health-related topics.

Vivienne also aims to develop and grow her TV project “Looking Good, Feeling Fabulous!” that won her an Honouree Award at the Cardiff International Film Festival, into a vehicle for contestants to appear in and for sponsors to promote their products and services.   

They are currently casting throughout the UK, to audition 17-28 year old girls, of the minimum height of 1.70 metres (5’ 7”), who are interested in a career in modelling, movies, entertainment, fashion, beauty or business!

Their first Welsh casting is at the Best Western Diplomat Hotel and Spa,Felinfoel Rd, Llanelli SA15 3PJ, this Thursday, August 16th 2018 from 1-5.30pm

So don’t delay, FREE entry is on https://t.co/xiChD3e4vQ

Or email info@visionspr.co.uk, or  if you qualify for the criteria, do come along.   

So what will the lucky winner achieve?

As well as the numerous gifts from our prestigious international sponsors, such as Ray-Ban, Audi, Samsung and Red Bull, Miss Europe Continental receives a year of employment contracts with the Miss Europe Continental organisation and sponsors, to work as a brand and catwalk model, an actressin TV and to be the guest of honour at all the national finals of every European country.

Miss Europe Continental will also be interviewed on TV and radio, attend photo-shoots, appear on reality TV shows, at international fashion and film festivals, in advertising campaigns for our international sponsors, and be publicised 365 days a year on all the social media platforms.

She becomes not only a brand ambassador, but also her country’s ambassador, to promote the very best her country has to offer in tourism and business.         

The competition hopes to attract a strong representation of applicants from Wales.

The Best Western Diplomat Hotel and Spa was chosen as this week’s casting venue for its excellent conference facilities, lounge, bar and spa – and for its strategic location to reach out to girls from West Wales, Carmarthenshire,  Port Talbot, Neath, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan.

“I feel confident that the Welsh girls will do us proud in Europe and will serve to represent the very best of Welsh Beauty and Business in over 40 European countries!” said Vivienne     

The first Casting and Press Launch was held in London at the Double Tree by Hilton, Marble Arch, one of the four hotels in the Aristel Hotel Group, now the “Official Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom London Hotel Group”.   

“As the pageant seeks contestants who are not only beautiful, but can demonstrate that they have the personality, confidence and talent, plus a strong work ethic and drive to succeed in careers in modelling, movies, TV or business, we invited contributors and sponsors from the very businesses in which we offer opportunities to our contestants, namely modelling, acting, singing, entertaining, or even movie production.

“So we have been fortunate, in our first year to have attracted judges from those very industries who are well placed to offer them an additional mentoring service,” enthused Vivienne.

Judges – model Gariella Melrose, singer/presenter Cai Williams and actor Malcolme Modele with Vivienne Sharman-Lewis.

Cai Williams, recording artiste, entertainer and presenter, who appeared on The Voice, to be chosen by Tom Jones. As an international Recording Artiste and Model with his own successful solo Show called The Power Within and also 3 Studio albums. Cai has worked with some of the best singers/producers in the business and has an original solo album which he co-wrote and produced.

https://youtu.be/RoldYDGY7Is-  / https://www.caiwilliams.com

Malcolm Modele, a 30-year-old actor, model, writer and director from Gloucester, now based in London, is known for his breakthrough lead role in feature film “Shakespeare’s Diaries”, which has just received global release on Amazon Prime; a guest star on “Holby City” as Ewan, one of the first male strippers on “Eastenders” as Luke, Malcolm is seen as a new star rising on the horizon. https://youtu.be/esq6s47HDXw

Gabriella Melrose, commercial model, actress, singer and National Fitness winner,

Sky Andrews, ex-Olympic athlete and promoter, creator of the Inspiration Awards, now launching into New York, that has honoured Helen Mirren, Victoria Beckham and presenter, Jessica Ennis of East Enders fame.        

The Welsh panel of judges for the casting will again include both Cai Williams and Malcolm Modele.

“Cai and Malcolm so enjoyed their experience as judges and presenters at our first casting and press conference in London that they both expressed an interest in coming on board with our team,” continued Vivienne.  

To add to the Welsh flavour, they will be joined by Lisa Lee, a professional singer, DJ and compère of some 11 years standing, who has also been an academy vocal coach, Welsh Factor judge, sound technician and radio presenter for 4 years. She recently worked at Bay TV as a presenter and assistant producer. 

They are also proud to introduce a representative of the film industry with Gloucester-based producer/director Matthew John.

Matthew is one of the best young and upcoming producers in the business today with his first film, HeddaGabler, a remake of the Victorian period drama written by Henrik Ibsen, a classic of realism and of 19th Century play writing, and is thought to be one of the world’s greatest dramas. Matt has also worked in fashion and film, at Cannes and with models and actors, so knows what it takes to reach success in both. www.hedda-movie.com/www.consortpr.com 

For the London launch we had videographer, Danielle Metcalf filming and photography by Jo Reamer of JR Photography. 

For the Welsh casting, we have local Welsh-based, award-winning Photography First,  www.photographyfirst.co.uk and the film company Hurford Media davehurford@talktalk.net on board to cover the photography and filming on the day.

Vivienne added:

‘We are now keen to build a solid team of talented individuals  to help us grow the pageant throughout the UK, in order to take on, train and support National and Regional Pageant Directors.

“To this end we have lawyer, Robert Hillary Wade LL.B Cert H.E. (Theology), charge of all legal and finanicial aspects.

‘The UK Grand Final will be held at Frensham Pond Hotel, Farnham Surrey,on October 25th, another of the four unique character hotels in the Aristel Hotel Group, where the winner will have the chance to go forward to the Miss Europe Continental Grand Final in Naples Italy on November 24th, where we will all be there to see the winner crowned at a glittering TV-covered final, with representation from over 40 European countries.

“To seize such an amazing opportunity, and to take full advantage of the care, skill and investment that will be lavished on her, the lady who wins Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom will need to demonstrate that, beyond beauty, she has a strong personality, with the confidence, drive and ambition to succeed and the ability to face a television audience!” 

“If a girl has a talent, we can help her realise it in the career opportunities she will have,  but even if a girl cannot sing or dance, she must still be able to create an original presentation that will amaze a jury or audience!” said the Italian-based Patron of the Pageant brand, Alberto Cerqua.

“Our current winner, Natalia Varchenko, Miss Europe Continental 2017, is beautiful, but also very talented, so, during the show the jury was enraptured by her performance on stage, which demonstrated that she could master that, and any situation well!”

For this reason, they will prepare their contestants well to overcome shyness and any fears they have of performing in public, because, to win such an important title, it is not enough to be beautiful, the contestants must be strong all-rounders, and know how to bring all of their winning cards into play! 

Vivienne added:

“The pageant also offers a unique opportunity for our UK sponsors to use our high-profile marketing machine and pageant business model, to promote their products and services into a captive targeted market-place of young image-, health-, fitness- and beauty-conscious young people.

“We offer added-value sponsorship benefits packages for National, Country and Regional sponsors on all levels, plus the added benefit of a free exhibition space at both the National UK Grand Final at Frensham Pond Hotel near Farnham, Surrey www.aristelhotels.co.uk near London, on October 25th, 2018, and next year, during the internationalGrand Final at our  “Best of British into Europe Exhibition”which is exclusive for our UK sponsors only, at the Golden Tulip Hotel Naples,Italy on November 22nd. In honour of the Exhibition, a new title has been created, “Miss Best of British into Europe Exhibition” to be judged by sponsors and UK judges, to choose the Ambassador of the Exhibition to host it the subsequent year.

“In a Post-Brexit Britain this offers our sponsors the unique opportunity of promoting their products and services into Europe, and our tourist agencies, our culture and tourist attractions. They will be seen by all the delegates and sponsors from over 40 European countries, as well as the contestants’ supporters and the audience, and be filmed by Fox TV from USA, and Italian TV.

“We have a great 4 night inclusive hotel package available at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Naples. Staying on to enjoy Naples and the pageant events presents a fantastic networking and brand-reinforcement opportunity, to maximise on your time investment, as it will allow you to network, socialise and of course enjoy all the excitement over the five days including the televised European Grand Final. 

“As a well-established tourism event in Naples, the four days of the Miss Europe Continental Grand Final includes guided tours, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Naples, who escorts the international contestants to all the historic sites and buildings in Naples for photo-shoots by press, TV and the public.  As it is set in a fabulous and historic part of the world, with Vesuvius and Pompeii encircling the Bay of Naples and stretching out into the horizon, and the famed island of Capri off-shore, it attracts visitors from all over the world, so it would make a fabulous, glamorous, as well as cultural, historical and archaeological experience for any contacts or friends who would like to take this opportunity.

For further information, on entry or sponsoring, please email info@visionspr.co.ukor

Enter FREE on https://t.co/xiChD3e4vQ
https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Europe-Continental-United-Kingdom-2030773510519783/
To see the Miss European Continental 2017 final in Dubai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag9k1ETifmc

Email:
info@visionspr.co.uk

www.misseuropeancontinental.com

https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Europe-Continental-United-Kingdom-2030773510519783/

Press release from:

Vivienne Sharman-Lewis
07881 756748
Director: Visions PR – www.visionsprwales.wordpress.com