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The Song-Film: An Exploration of The Enfolding of Song-Making and First-Person Filmmaking
No full textThe Song-Film project is a practice-based and interdisciplinary exploration of the enfolding of song-making and first-person filmmaking. First-person filmmaking, as the theorist Alisa Lebow (2012, p. 1) explains, ‘is foremost about a mode of address: these films speak from the articulated point of view of the filmmaker who readily acknowledges her subjective position’. In so doing, it is a form that can share ground with song-making in the use of this first-person address, the self-reflective writing that this address encourages and the recorded vocal performance of these reflections by the maker themselves. Despite this shared ground, instances of an interdisciplinary enfolding of song-making and first-person filmmaking – such as Laurie Anderson moving her film’s narration, in Heart of a Dog (2015), from speech into song – are rare and often isolated. An area of established song-film theory and practice therefore does not precede this project, which embraces a phenomenological perspective, using cycles of making, reflection and analysis. Practice-as-research is core to the project’s overall methodology, as insight into the song-film's process must be found in ‘the feel of the action of the instrument’ (Nelson, 2013, p. 10), in this case an interrelation between body and recording/editing device. This idea informs practice methods that embrace the often enquiring and flexible form of first-person film that Rascaroli (2009) theorises, including song as one of many valid responses within the film-narrator’s voice. The exploration of the maker’s personal environments – through movement, observation and interaction – has proved a productive means of allowing song and film to emerge together as responses to this environment’s conditions. The resulting song-films are enabled by the improvisation, repetition and cycles of peripatetic making inherent to a diaristic process which itself encourages a non-hierarchical inclusion of material. An immersive studio environment has also proved crucial in nurturing more intensive and singular sessions of song-filmmaking in response to a song’s conception, a closely knit cycle of attentiveness between sound recording, video recording and their immediate relation within the editing suite resulting in shorter, more poetic and closely enfolding song-films. The interdisciplinary outcomes that are nurtured by these approaches are original in their revealing of song and film as enfolding first-person emergences
Enhancing computation and security in MEC-Aided IoT for medical imaging with QCNNs and post-Quantum cryptography
Get PDFEfficient optimization of computational resources in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC)-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) environments is critical for enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing latency. This research focuses on medical image analysis, specifically kidney tumor segmentation using CT scan images from the KiTS19 dataset. To address the challenges of high computational demands and complex feature extraction, we propose an integrated framework that combines two advanced technologies: quantum-inspired operations implemented through classical simulation along with a Residual U-Net architecture for improved computation and post-quantum cryptography for robust security. The quantum-inspired neural network design leverages principles from quantum computing to create classical algorithms that boost computational efficiency, enabling faster and more accurate segmentation of medical images within resource-constrained IoT environments. Additionally, the framework employs a quantum-inspired Double Deep Reinforcement Learning (QiDDRL) strategy to dynamically optimize resource allocation, further enhancing segmentation accuracy while reducing latency. To safeguard data transmission between IoT devices and MEC servers, the system incorporates post-quantum cryptographic techniques-specifically Kyber for encryption and Dilithium for digital signatures-providing resistance against potential quantum-computing attacks. The proposed approach achieves 98 % segmentation accuracy on the KiTS19 dataset while addressing deep learning challenges such as the vanishing gradient problem, resulting in stable model performance. Overall, this combination of quantum-inspired computing and reinforcement learning with post-quantum cryptographic protection demonstrates the potential for secure and efficient medical image analysis in IoT environments, contributing to improved diagnostics and treatment planning in resource- and security-constrained healthcare settings
Low melting temperature bismuth-doped tin phosphate glass
No full textWe fabricated Bi-doped tin phosphate glasses using SnO, phosphoric acid, and Bi2O3 at melting temperatures between 550 and 1100C. In undoped glasses, the Tauc bandgap increases with melting temperature, which is attributed to a higher fraction of bridging oxygens in PO4 units. Doping with 0.2 mol% Bi2O3 introduces characteristic absorption bands at 360 and 540 nm and dramatically increases the background absorption of the base glass, especially at higher melting temperatures, due to phase separation and the formation of SnO and SnO2 nanocrystals, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Under green excitation, a broad NIR photoluminescence (PL) band centered at 1180 nm, with a full width at half maximum of 200 to 300 nm, is observed. PL decay shows short (10 s) and long (100 s) lifetime components, both varying with melting temperature and PL wavelength.The lowest melting temperature glass exhibits significantly shorter lifetimes, indicating enhanced non-radiative decay and reduced quantum efficiency. Although the nature and formation mechanism of the optically active Bi center in Bi-doped glasses remain unknown, our 550C glass defines a new low-temperature threshold for its thermal activation in oxide glasses and provides a feasible platformfor in situ optical and X-ray studies of its formation mechanism during glass melting
Public and patient involvement (PPI) in the design, execution and dissemination of a trial: the BISTRO trial
Get PDFFor people receiving haemodialysis, a balance has to be struck between removing sufficient but not too much fluid during a treatment session and maintaining any remaining kidney function they might have. In the BISTRO trial, this study sought to establish if getting the balance right might be improved by the additional use of bioimpedance, a device that measures body fluid composition to help decide how much fluid to remove during dialysis. Designing and executing this trial, which incorporated complex and repeated trial procedures that would be dependent on participant engagement, presented challenges that demanded effective public and patient involvement. This study aimed to develop an effective public and patient involvement participation model, ensuring that the patient voice was heard by the Trial Management Group, with a Patient Advisory Group undertaking coproduction of all participant-facing documents and communications, including dissemination of the trial results, with the main purpose of maximising participant engagement in the study. An open-label randomised controlled trial in which 439 participants from 34 centres were allocated for regular assessments of their bodily fluid content with or without the use of bioimpedance measurements. Development of an effective public and patient involvement working model that was represented within the Trial Management Group, contributing to protocol design, selection of bioimpedance device, and coproduction of all participant-facing communications including dissemination of trial findings. Public and patient involvement contribution prior to trial initiation, description of the participant-facing communications, adherence to trial materials, dropout and dissemination of trial findings. Post-trial evaluation by research teams, Patient Advisory Group and co-applicants. An effective working model was developed which relied on remuneration of the public and patient involvement patient lead and use of social media (e.g. WhatsApp) to maximise inclusivity. The Patient Advisory Group coproduced with the Trial Management Group a series of communication postcards and newsletters and a web page to support the participants and disseminate the trial results that were highly rated by research teams, but not always passed on to trial participants. Participant adherence to the main trial outcomes was excellent (113.6% urine collections obtained). Potentially avoidable dropout was 14.4%, with 3.6% being clearly attributable to inability or unwillingness to comply with the trial procedures. Reflections by the Patient Advisory Group indicated that they felt valued, involved and listened to but anticipated more direct involvement with the trial participants, recommending that barriers to this be addressed during the trial design and set-up. Evaluation of public and patient involvement was retrospective and there was a lack of real-time assessment of the impact of public and patient involvement that might have supported a causative link between public and patient involvement interventions and the successful delivery of the trial. Public and patient involvement played an important role in the design, delivery and dissemination of the BISTRO trial. Key to this success was the close relationship between the Patient Advisory Group and the Trial Management Group. Given the complexity of the intervention, dropout was reasonably low and did not compromise trial findings, but reasons were not always clear. Prospective gathering of data to capture the impact of public and patient involvement is recommended and direct support for participants facilitated. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme as award number 14/216/01
Effects of Polyphosphoric Acid on Physical, Rheological, and Chemical Properties of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS)-Modified Asphalt Binder
Get PDFHigh temperatures combined with heavy traffic load necessitate asphalt binder modification to enhance its performance and durability. This research examines the effects of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) on the physical, rheological, and chemical properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt binders. Asphalt binders were prepared by adding 3% SBS and varying PPA dosages of 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% by weight of asphalt cement. The experiment investigated the physical properties (penetration, softening point, ductility, viscosity, and specific gravity), the rheological properties (the performance grading (PG), multi-stress creep recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS)), and the microstructure and chemical composition of the modified asphalt binder. The results demonstrated impressive improvements in rutting resistance and stiffness. Adding 3% SBS and 0.9% PPA increased the rutting factor (G*/sin δ) by 165% and the high-temperature PG from 74.2 °C to 93.6 °C compared to the virgin asphalt binder. However, the optimum fatigue resistance was obtained by adding 0.3% PPA to the SBS asphalt binder. The microstructure and composition analysis revealed that using SBS and PPA together enhanced binder homogeneity and reduced voids. Lastly, an Overall Desirability (OD) analysis suggested the 3% SBS and 0.3% PPA to be the most effectively balanced formulation for the demand of high temperature and heavy traffic conditions. However, further field studies are recommended to validate the results under real-world conditions
The Ukraine Narrative - A perspective on continued professional development.
Get PDFThe recent conflict in Ukraine has disrupted higher education, making continued professional development (CPD) a challenge due to displacement of educators, internet disruption, and limited access to resources. In response, the University of Salford Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre collaborated with colleagues at the State University of Trade and Economics (Kiev, Ukraine) to share experience, practice and resources. Together, we developed a comprehensive guide with a complete set of learning resources supporting reflection and development of pedagogic practice in learning design, teaching, assessment, feedback, vocational and technical education, and learning technologies. This resource was unveiled at an online launch event in September 2023 to 38 staff at our partner institution. A year later, we have begun to assess the impact of this resource. Interviews, meetings, and surveys have revealed how these resources were adapted to local needs and priorities to influence the student experience and facilitated self-reflection and professional development despite the challenging circumstances. This paper highlighted the impact of this global partnership through the inspiring professional development stories which have emerged. It demonstrates the resilience of academic communities in adversity, the power of shared knowledge and how these resources have supported necessary changes in practice amidst post-pandemic and conflict disruption
Optimised sustainable energy supply alternatives for Libyan utilities under unsubsidised tariff conditions
Get PDFWith growing electricity demand and fossil fuel concerns, renewable energy (RE) solutions are becoming increasingly important. This paper explores sustainable energy alternatives to address the critical energy instability at an educational utility, namely the College of Electrical and Electronics Technology (CEET) in Benghazi, with potential applications for different Libyan sectors, including community areas and commercial entities. Four configurations were evaluated: standalone PV with storage, hybrid PV/wind/storage, grid-connected PV, and grid/diesel. The study aims to identify the optimal setup by minimising the net present cost (NPC) and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) over the project's operational period across varying fossil electricity and diesel rates. Sensitivity analysis indicates that higher diesel and grid electricity prices (0.10/kWh) reduce the LCOE of the hybrid system to $0.12/kWh, making it competitive with grid-based options. The study provides practical insights into addressing Libya's energy challenges using technically and economically feasible RE strategies
Trogocytosis: revealing new insights into parasite-host interactions.
Get PDFTrogocytosis - a process whereby cells physically nibble and ingest membrane fragments and other components from neighboring cells - plays a critical role in host-parasite interactions by modulating parasite survival and host immune responses. This review explores trogocytosis in parasitic infections, revealing its dual roles: parasites use it for nutrient acquisition and immune evasion, whereas hosts use it for pathogen clearance. We analyze the molecular machinery driving this process, its impact on infection outcomes, and parallels in tumors/transplantation. Emerging therapeutic opportunities and unresolved challenges are critically evaluated, providing a roadmap for future research to harness trogocytosis in disease control. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Planning for Urban Greenspaces
Get PDFThere are repeated and sustained calls for policies, funding initiatives and endeavours to address ongoing concerns regarding the impact of climate change, biodiversity loss and the general depletion of nature. These are globally significant issues and positive, sustainable planning interventions can play a significant role in creating better places for flora and fauna, people, and the wider environment. Such global ambitions expounded in the United Nations Sustainability Goals need locally implementable actions, and many policy measures and initiatives have been developed to resolve the ‘nature crisis'
Phylogenetic Signal in Primate Tooth Enamel Proteins and its Relevance for Paleoproteomics
Get PDFAncient tooth enamel, and to some extent dentin and bone, contain characteristic peptides that persist for long periods of time. In particular, peptides from the enamel proteome (enamelome) have been used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of fossil taxa. However, the enamelome is based on only about 10 genes, whose protein products undergo fragmentation in vivo and post mortem. This raises the question as to whether the enamelome alone provides enough information for reliable phylogenetic inference. We address these considerations on a selection of enamel-associated proteins that has been computationally predicted from genomic data from 232 primate species. We created multiple sequence alignments for each protein and estimated the evolutionary rate for each site. We examined which sites overlap with the parts of the protein sequences that are typically isolated from fossils. Based on this, we simulated ancient data with different degrees of sequence fragmentation, followed by phylogenetic analysis. We compared these trees to a reference species tree. Up to a degree of fragmentation that is similar to that of fossil samples from 1-2 million years ago, the phylogenetic placements of most nodes at family level are consistent with the reference species tree. We tested phylogenetic analysis on combinations of different enamel proteins and found that the composition of the proteome can influence deep splits in the phylogeny. With our methods, we provide guidance for researchers on how to evaluate the potential of paleoproteomics for phylogenetic studies before sampling valuable ancient specimens
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