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A pathway to high quality clinical trials in IgA Vasculitis Nephritis: Meeting proceedings from a multiprofessional international collaborative workshop
Get PDFIgA vasculitis (IgAV) is an autoimmune disease that affects the small vessels of the skin, joints, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and kidneys. In the long term, IgAV associated with nephritis (IgAV-N) can progress to kidney failure. Evidence-based clinical studies of IgAV-N are few, leading to huge variations in treatment approaches and suboptimal outcomes. The wealth of emerging efficacious treatments for IgA nephrology brings new opportunities to this disease. The aim of this report is to describe the proceedings of a multiprofessional collaborative workshop convened to identify the barriers to developing high quality evidence for patients with IgAV-N. A multiprofessional group consisting of 53 attendees from 13 countries met. The meeting was represented by a variety of professional backgrounds, including lay attendees, with different levels of expertise (32% professors and 19% midcareer doctors). Using predefined aims, key themes were extracted, and an action plan developed. Consensus was obtained that there is sufficient similarity between adults and children in terms of the organs involved, pathophysiology, histological features, and likely response to treatment. Important differences included the greater spontaneous improvement in children and worse kidney outcomes in some populations. It was agreed that patients at greatest risk of kidney failure should be the primary focus of initial clinical trials. Important considerations included the following: diagnostic classification for adult onset IgAV, observational data, evidence of scientific similarity to IgA nephropathy (IgAN), an age-inclusive approach to trial design, systemic disease secondary end points, and the inclusion of patient-reported outcomes. This manuscript communicates an expert-informed pathway to high-quality evidence for IgAV-N
Towards the development of a definition of independence for individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in remission: An 'OMERACT remission in rheumatoid arthritis patient perspective’ special interest group report
No full textAims: To discuss and refine the preliminary definition of “independence” from the patient’s perspective in RA remission.Methods: Data from a scoping review and international focus groups were presented at the OMERACT Remission in RA Patient Perspective Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting in February 2024. The SIG included 40 delegates from diverse geographic regions who discussed the findings and potential refinements of the preliminary definition of independence from the patient’s perspective in the context of RA remission.Results: Drawing together findings from the scoping review and focus groups, the following preliminary definition of “independence” was presented for discussion: "Being able to do what you want, when you want, in the way you want to do it." Delegates emphasized the importance of capturing all aspects of independence, adjustments to the proposed preliminary definition were suggested, and some delegates requested more specificity before taking the preliminary definition forward for use in the next research stage. Issues were raised on whether cultural variation on concepts of independence was adequately captured in the qualitative work so far. For example, some cultures may value receiving support from others as a reaffirmation of social belonging and interdependence, rather than a contradiction of independence. This will need addressing in our future work to ensure cross-cultural differences in definitions of independence are not missed. The majority of delegates voted in favour of continuing the work toward defining targeted sub-domains, which will allow the group to develop an instrument to assess independence in RA remission from the patient’s perspective.Conclusion: Consensus was reached in favour of continuing the work towards defining targeted sub-domains, which will allow the group to develop an instrument to assess independence in RA remission from the patient’s perspective. However, suggestions were made to refine and improve the current definition. The next steps include refining the definition, followed by identifying and/or developing instruments to create an outcome measure for independence in RA remission
'You can call me monster thighs’: Exploring women's body image in gym culture through photo-elicitation
Get PDFStrength training offers substantial physical and psychological health benefits for women, yet gym environments often remain exclusionary, gendered spaces that reinforce harmful appearance ideals and undermine body image. This study explored women's experiences of gym-based exercise using photo-elicitation methodology. Seventeen women (aged ≥18 years) were recruited from a prior survey study, with 47% aged 30–39 and 65% residing in the UK. Over a period of 1–2 weeks, participants captured or selected images representing their gym experiences, which were then used to guide semi-structured interviews conducted online. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, generating four themes: (1) ‘It's Bigger Than Me’: Strength Training for Lifelong Health; (2) ‘Be Afraid and Do It Anyway’: Empowerment from Strength Training; (3) ‘I Am Proud of My Body but … Will It Ever Be Good Enough?’: The Inescapability of Diet Culture; and (4) ‘I Think I Look Good’: Positive Body Image Dichotomy. Although participants engaged in strength training for health, longevity, and empowerment, many continued to experience negative body image thoughts and practices, including comparison with others and discomfort in gym attire. Participants further described a continual negotiation between rejecting appearance ideals and navigating the sociocultural pressures embedded within and beyond gym spaces. Findings highlight the need for more inclusive and supportive gym cultures and challenging fitness industry norms that perpetuate body dissatisfaction. By using photo-elicitation to examine women's everyday gym experiences, this study conceptualises body image as a dynamic and negotiated process and offers applied insights for creating more inclusive and psychologically supportive gym environments
Comparative analysis of software and biotechnology patents in the US and UK: Lessons for developing countries
No full textThis paper carries out a comparative analysis of the software and biotechnology patent systems in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), exploring how both jurisdictions navigate the tension between innovation incentives and public interest considerations. While the US adopts a more detailed interpretation of patentable subject matter as provided under section 101 of the Patent Act 1952, the UK and European Union jurisprudence is guided by the European Patent Convention (EPC) which takes a more restrictive approach, especially towards computer inventions and biotechnology processes. The study critically analyses leading judicial decisions including Alice Corp. v CLS Bank International and Association of Molecular Pathology v Myriad Genetics in the US, alongside UK and European Patent Office (EPO) cases such as Aerotel Ltd v Telco Holdings Ltd. The article examines how these rulings have shaped domestic innovation landscapes, technology transfer, and investment in research and development sectors. Drawing on doctrinal, policy, and socio-economic analysis, the paper argues that divergent interpretations of patent eligibility reflect wider philosophical and policy differences whereby the US focuses mainly on economic growth and private investment, while the UK emphasises balancing innovation with public welfare. The analysis highlights the growing convergence between the two regulatory systems in addressing software and biotechnology patentability amid emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering. The paper concludes by proposing a harmonised approach that preserves legal certainty, encourages responsible innovation, and ensures equitable access to technological advances across jurisdictions
Tackling water and public health problems through participatory theatre methodologies: The Iheakpu-Awka Enugu State, Nigeria example
No full textTheatre has been identified as a powerful instrument of change for preventive medicine as a practical communication tool; various development agencies, United Nations bodies, and Aid groups have used theatre for development strategies to encourage communities to act and take responsibility for continued government insensitivity and irresponsibility in rural communities. This paper analyzes the applied theatre methodologies, including participatory research and action (PRA) and Theatre for Development (TfD) strategies, deployed in the Iheakpu-Awka community in the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria, to address issues of health occasioned by a lack of water and poor health management facilities. The intervention is premised upon the bedrock of participation, which is considered the most critical factor for sustainable change and development. Anchored on health humanities and TfD as theoretical paradigms, the paper argues for communal dialogue and collective efforts toward the provision of safe potable water and medical care
Light-guide PCM plate—a novel heating technology and its conceptual verification
No full textSolar heating is a critical pathway for the low-carbon buildings. However, heat collection and storage of solar heating are typically conducted outdoors, which is the root cause of significant heat loss and low efficiency. Hence, this study developed a novel light-guide PCM plate for efficient solar heating in cold region. The light-guide PCM plate is composed of a solar condenser, a side-glowing optical fiber and a indoor PCM plate. It can transfer the heat collection/storage from outdoors to indoors, thus greatly reducing heat loss and improving thermal efficiency. Due to the high thermal conductivity and absorption coefficient, light-guide PCM plate can quickly convert light into thermal energy and achieve stable heating. The outdoor test shows that the thermal efficiency of light-guide PCM plate is 71.4 %/73.5 %/74.8 % at 0/10/20 °C, which is higher than that of conventional solar heating system. And light-guide PCM plate is less affected by ambient temperature, showing high energy saving potential in low temperature. Further, on the top 75 % of the sunshine duration in Tianjin heating season, the light-guide PCM plate can basically maintain thermal comfort throughout the day. And the remaining dates can also meet the daytime heating needs. This confirms the feasibility of light-guide PCM plate to create indoor thermal comfort. The annual equivalent heating cost fluctuates between 11.4 and 13.9 CNY/m2, which proves its economic feasibility. In general, this study innovates the photo-thermal utilization mode to overcome the problem of low solar heating efficiency
Three decades of the TRIPS agreement: Challenges in patent policies and regulations across selected sub-Saharan African countries
No full textThe Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), overseen by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), significantly influences global patent law. It requires each member country to adhere to fundamental standards for protecting intellectual property rights, including patents. This article examines the impact of the TRIPS Agreement in selected Sub-Saharan African nations, thirty years after its inception. It assesses the regulatory and institutional frameworks managing patent applications in SSA, with particular focus on regional organisations such as the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC). The development of a Pan-African Intellectual Property Organisation (PAIPO) is discussed as a positive step towards a unified approach to intellectual property management across Africa. The review of the TRIPS Agreement’s provisions related to patents covers key areas such as patentable subject matter, non-discrimination, disclosure requirements, protection periods, exceptions, and limitations. The analysis also considers the challenges TRIPS presents within the African context, especially in certain sub-Saharan countries, raising issues like biopiracy, farmers' rights, access to essential medicines, technology transfer, and enforcement difficulties. The findings emphasise the importance of adopting a balanced approach that addresses African concerns about intellectual property rights alongside the requirements of the TRIPS Agreement
Financial market determinants of dynamic herding in North American energy equity market
No full textThis study employs state-space models and the quantile-on-quantile regression technique to examine the dynamics of intentional and fundamental herding in North American energy stocks, together with its non-linear determinants. Our findings reveal persistent herding in North American energy stocks, with no exceptions during the global financial crisis, COVID-19, lockdown and post-lockdown period, which is primarily driven by intentions. In all of these cases, herding is primarily motivated by intentional drivers rather than fundamental factors. Our results also show a herding asymmetry during bullish and bearish market conditions, but herding during bullish (bearish) market condition is mainly driven by the intentions (fundamentals). The findings of our quantile-on-quantile regression show that the effects of macroeconomic variables on time-varying herding are, in fact, regime-specific. We generally find evidence of herding (anti-herding) at the lower (upper) quartiles of energy stocks liquidity, oil price shocks, economic policy uncertainty and oil market implied volatility. The investment community engaged in North American energy stocks can benefit from our study, as awareness about regime-specific effects of various market variables on intentional (fundamental) herding can be a useful input in designing asset allocation and hedging strategies. The outcome of our study may provide interesting input to regulators to develop the dynamic legislative framework focusing on policies to encourage investment diversification during regime-specific systemic risk escalation resulting from the dynamic behaviour of herding and macroeconomic variables
Run, graduate, run: Internationally mobile students’ reactions to changing political landscapes in Europe
Get PDFOver the last decades, Europe has attracted an increasing number of internationally mobile students. The related influx of talent into European labour markets constituted an important factor in the knowledge economy. This research addresses the question of whether changing political landscapes in Europe, such as increasing support for right-wing parties, could translate into a diminishing attractiveness of European economies. To this end, international graduates' staying behaviour in 27 European destination countries is compared based on bilateral stay rates for 144 countries of origin from 2009 to 2019. International graduates are found to display a notable sensitivity concerning the electorate's preferences: If the potential median voter is located on the right of the political spectrum, the number of international graduates willing to stay declines by about one quarter. This effect is stronger in election years when voters' political preferences become more salient. Further results suggest that international graduates are also more prone to leaving if the political centre erodes or one of the political fringes becomes too dominant. Eventually, this amounts to a considerable loss for European economies since international graduates have acquired destination country-specific human capital and are easily integrated into host societies
Tripartite collaboration for design for safety in construction: A co-creation framework integrating academia, industry, and government
Get PDFDespite the growing recognition of Design for Safety (DfS) as a proactive approach to reducing construction-related accidents, its integration into practice remains inconsistent and fragmented. This study proposes a Tripartite Co-Creation Framework that aligns the strategic roles of academia, industry, and government (AIG) to institutionalize systematic DfS integration. Grounded in the Triple Helix model and structured through the Collective Impact (CI) framework, the study draws from a systematic literature review (SLR) of 96 peer-reviewed publications to identify six interrelated challenges impeding DfS adoption. These challenges are reframed into six strategic collaboration areas: (1) Cultivating a Safety-Oriented Mindset Through Education and Practice, (2) Financing Safety as a Shared Investment, (3) Regulatory Synchronization Through Multi-Stakeholder Governance, (4) Integrating Stakeholders for Proactive Design Collaboration, (5) Advancing Smart Design Through Digital Innovation, and (6) Enabling Adaptive Learning Through Research and Feedback. Each collaboration area is restructured into collaborative domains supported by five CI conditions; shared agenda, measurement systems, reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and backbone support. The resulting framework delineates strategic roles and mutual responsibilities across AIG actors, offering actionable mechanisms for embedding DfS into their respective domain. The framework sets the foundation for future empirical validation and offers a scalable model for mainstreaming DfS in diverse construction ecosystems. The study contributes to DfS scholarship by offering a scalable and theoretically informed framework for coordinated systemic implementation