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Amplifying division : electoral misinformation and political intolerance in Brazil
Get PDFThis study examines the relationship between misinformation and political intolerance during the 2022 Brazilian Election. Using a three-wave survey, we show that citizens who believe false claims about electoral fraud become more intolerant toward political opponents over time. Beliefs in electoral misinformation consistently predicted increases in intolerance over the course of the election. We find an indirect effect for using messaging apps for news and intolerance, mediated by beliefs in electoral misinformation, suggesting that citizens who rely on messaging apps for news are not only more susceptible to believing misinformation but also to its detrimental effects on democracy. These findings highlight electoral misinformation as a key driver of intolerant attitudes in polarized democracies, operating not only by eroding trust in institutions but also by undermining citizens’ commitment to democratic norms
‘Intense interests’ as a strength-based term to replace ‘restricted objects and interests’
Get PDFAn intense focus on certain interests or items, characterized by the drive to pursue and prolong engagement with them, is a significant feature of autism. Generally known as ‘restricted interests’, these are observed in most autistic individuals. This paper critiques the deficit-based terminology used to describe this phenomenon and supports the adoption of the term ‘intense interest’ as a strengths-based alternative. We expand the argument, clarify its psychological nature, and present underlying reasons for its adoption with acknowledgement of its positive, agent-centred attributes. Recognising the strengths of intense interests can enhance professional care and education, to support academic and social competencies
Can symmetric positive definite (SPD) coarse spaces perform well for indefinite Helmholtz problems?
Get PDFWave propagation problems governed by the Helmholtz equation remain among the most challenging in scientific computing, due to their indefinite nature. Domain decomposition methods with spectral coarse spaces have emerged as some of the most effective preconditioners, yet their theoretical guarantees often lag behind practical performance. In this work, we introduce and analyse the Δk-GenEO coarse space within the two-level additive Schwarz preconditioners for heterogeneous Helmholtz problems. This is an adaptation of the Δ-GenEO coarse space. Our results sharpen the k-explicit conditions for GMRES convergence, reducing the restrictions on the subdomain size and eigenvalue threshold. This narrows the long-standing gap between pessimistic theory and empirical evidence, and reveals why GenEO spaces based on SPD (symmetric positive definite) eigenvalue problems remain surprisingly effective despite their apparent limitations. Numerical experiments confirm the theory, demonstrating scalability, robustness to heterogeneity for low to moderate frequencies (while experiencing limitations in the high frequency cases), and significantly milder coarse-space growth than conservative estimates predict
A Research Agenda For Property Law. Ed by Bram Akkermans Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing (www.e-elgar.com), 2024. Elgar Research Agendas. viii + 277 pp ISBN: 9781803924809. £118
No full textAs the final page of this multi-authored edited collection explains, this is a book where “a select group of scholars have asked themselves essential questions about the future of property law” (270). None of those authors are Scots property lawyers. Of course, not everything can be viewed through tartan-tinted glasses, although this observation might prompt the question of why this volume is worth the attention of Edinburgh Law Review readers. A two-pronged initial answer to this question is that: (i) the fourteen substantive chapters cover transcendent themes; and (ii) the select group of scholars are suitably eminent, and likely to be known to property lawyers who have a worldview that is not restricted to the blackletter law of their home system. The approach adopted in this review offers a more developed answer by highlighting points of general interest from the chapters, whilst drawing out particular points that may resonate in Scotland
Neurodiversity-affirming emotion-focused group therapy : an exploratory outcome study
No full textAim: Autistic adults experience high levels of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Autism has been associated with difficulties in emotional processing, which may reflect co‐occurring alexithymia. Although other psychological approaches have been developed, emotion‐Focussed Group Therapy might also be a relevant intervention for helping autistic adults develop their emotional processing. Method: Nine autistic adults were offered a nine‐week group neurodiversity‐affirming emotion‐focussed therapy (neuro‐EFGT). An observer measure was used to track change across therapy in emotional processing for affective empathy for self (emotion regulation) and other (empathy), and in cognitive empathy for self (self‐reflection) and other (mental representation). Results: Significant pre‐/postoutcome differences were found, for both modality (therapy vs Interpersonal Process Recall; d = 2.20) and time (d = 5.68), with seven of the nine participants showing significant reliable change in emotional processing by the end of therapy. Implications: This is the first outcome study of neuro‐EFGT that offers an initial account of autistic adults' experiences of the intervention. Neuro‐EFGT may be a useful alternative therapy for autistic adults who report emotional processing difficulties
Protocol for a systematic review of interventions not delivered by speech and language therapists for children with speech sound disorders
No full textBackground: Children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) of unknown origin usually need high‐intensity speech intervention delivered by a speech and language therapist (SLT) and there is a rich evidence base focusing on these interventions. However, access to direct SLT services can be challenging, leaving many children with no timely support. To date there is no systematic review of possible interventions for children with SSD of unknown origin that do not require direct SLT input. Aims: To describe a protocol for a systematic review of non‐SLT‐delivered interventions for children with SSD of unknown origin. Methods and procedures: A systematic literature review will be performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, by two academic SLTs who are topic experts and a subject librarian. The search will include electronic databases (including ASSIA, CENTRAL, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE, APA PsychInfo, PubMed, SCI, Scopus, SSCI) for peer reviewed studies published in English with no limits on publication date. Study selection will follow pre‐specified inclusion criteria: majority children with SSD of unknown origin; and exclusion criteria: interventions targeting signing, AAC, language or delivered by SLTs. The remaining studies will be assessed for risk of bias. Data will be extracted using comprehensive structured forms. A narrative and quantitative synthesis will be provided. Conclusions and implications: The results of this review will support SLTs to make evidence‐based decisions when supporting children with SSDs of unknown origin while managing long waiting lists and large caseloads. The systematic review will make recommendations for improved service delivery, suggesting whether clinical pathways for this client group may also include interventions not involving SLTs. Trial registration: This systematic review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD420251006629. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject There is a wealth of information about the evidence base for interventions for children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) of unknown origin delivered directly by speech and language therapists (SLTs). However, there is limited information about the effectiveness of alternative interventions delivered by therapy partners or mediated via a digital tool. What this study adds to the existing knowledge This paper outlines the protocol for a systematic literature review on interventions for children with SSD that are not delivered by SLTs. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? The results of this review will provide SLTs with the current evidence base for interventions for children with SSD that do not require their direct input, which they might consider for implementation while managing large caseloads or long waiting lists
Quantum-enabled optical large-baseline interferometry: applications, protocols and feasibility
Get PDFOptical Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) offers the potential for unprecedented angular resolution in both astronomical imaging and geodesy measurements. Classical approaches face limitations due to photon loss, background noise, and their need for dynamical delay lines over large distances. This review surveys recent developments in quantum-enabled optical VLBI that address these challenges using entanglement-assisted protocols, quantum memory storage, and nonlocal measurement techniques. While its application to astronomy is well known, we also examine how these techniques may be extended to geodesy–specifically, the monitoring of Earth’s rotation. Particular attention is given to quantum-enhanced telescope architectures, including repeater-based long-baseline interferometry and quantum error-corrected encoding schemes, which offer a pathway toward high-fidelity optical VLBI. To aid the discussion, we also compare specifications for key enabling technologies to current state-of-the-art experimental components. By integrating quantum technologies, future interferometric networks may achieve diffraction-limited imaging at optical and near-infrared wavelengths, surpassing the constraints of classical techniques and enabling new precision tests of astrophysical and fundamental physics phenomena
Disposable and cost-effective printed circuit board based sensing technology for rapid detection of alkaline phosphatase
Get PDFAlkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a key biomarker for liver function; however, current detection methods often require bulky and costly instrumentation, which limits their utility at the point-of-care (PoC). In this study, we introduce a low-cost, portable electrochemical sensor platform based on a printed circuit board (PCB) electrode with a hard gold surface finish, designed for simple and rapid ALP detection. The sensor quantifies enzymatically produced ascorbic acid using chronoamperometry, enabling a straightforward readout of ALP concentration. In contrast to many reports which do not fully document electrode optimization, this work transparently demonstrates the systematic development of functional PCB electrodes, from early prototypes through to optimized gold-deposited devices. The resulting platform exhibited a clear, concentration-dependent response to ALP across a clinically relevant range (50–2000 U/L), consistent with typical enzyme kinetics. Importantly, the sensor maintained reliable performance in both Tris buffer and 10 % human serum, underscoring compatibility with complex biological matrices and demonstrating direct clinical translatability. By relying solely on straightforward PCB engineering without any complex nanomodifications or surface chemistry, this work presents a practical alternative to conventional lab-based assays, bridging the gap between laboratory accuracy and point-of-care accessibility for decentralized liver function monitoring
Assessment of out-of-plane ply waviness in carbon-fibre reinforced plastics : comparing different non-destructive evaluation modalities
No full textOut-of-plane waviness (ply wrinkles) reduces tensile and compressive strength in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs), with maximum out-of-plane ply angle governing failure mechanisms. This study comparatively evaluates three Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques: Eddy Current Array Testing (ECAT), Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and X-ray Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) for detecting and characterising ply wrinkles across three parameters: amplitude, wavelength, and maximum out-of-plane ply angle. Nine unidirectional CFRP coupons containing induced ply wrinkles of controlled amplitudes (0.13 -1.31 mm) were inspected, addressing a critical gap in comparative NDE performance for sub-2 mm amplitude defects in thin laminates. PAUT achieved the highest overall characterisation success rate of 96.3% (26/27 measurements) and a detection success rate of 88.9% (8/9 samples). Critically, PAUT achieved 100% success in characterising maximum out-of-plane ply angle - the parameter governing compressive/tensile failure across all samples, including the lowest amplitude wrinkle (0.13 mm). However, systematic overestimation in wrinkle amplitude characterisation occurred (+55.3% mean percentage error). ECAT achieved an equivalent 88.9% detection success and 33.3% characterisation success, successfully measuring wrinkle wavelength (100%) but unable to quantify wrinkle amplitude or out-of-plane ply angle from complex impedance data alone, positioning it as a rapid automated screening tool. X-ray DT achieved 88.9% detection and characterisation success, with moderate overestimation in wrinkle amplitude characterisation (+24.8%). However, complete detection and characterisation failure occurred on the lowest amplitude ply wrinkle. A critical finding establishes that reliable characterisation requires ply wrinkle amplitudes ≥0.32 mm across all techniques, with implications for the wrinkle parameter hierarchy in manufacturing quality control
Three-dimensional scanning-based retrofitting of ballast water treatment systems for enhanced marine environmental protection
No full textThis study investigates the integration of 3D laser scanning technology in the retrofitting of Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) on existing commercial vessels, addressing the global challenge of invasive aquatic species. The methodology combines a bibliometric analysis of keywords—indicating recent trends and knowledge gaps, a feasibility study, and detailed engineering design with on-site supervision. A case study is presented on a crude oil tanker, employing a multi-station 3D scanning strategy across the engine and pump rooms—performed using 63 and 45 scan positions, respectively. These data were processed with removal filters and integrated into specialized CAD software for detailed piping design. The implementation of high-fidelity point clouds served as the digital foundation for modeling the vessel’s existing piping infrastructure and retrofitting with the installation of an electrolysis-based BWTS. Results confirm that 3D scanning enables precise spatial analysis, minimizes retrofitting errors, reduces installation time, and ensures regulatory compliance with the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. By digitally capturing complex onboard environments, the approach enhances accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness in maritime engineering projects. This work underscores the transition toward point cloud-based digital twins as a standard for sustainable and efficient ship conversions in the global shipping industry
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