159370 research outputs found
Sort by
AI interventions in cancer screening: balancing equity and cost-effectiveness
Get PDFThis paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer screening programmes, focusing on the associated equity challenges and resource allocation implications. While AI technologies promise significant benefits—such as improved diagnostic accuracy, shorter waiting times, reduced reliance on radiographers, and overall productivity gains and cost-effectiveness—current interventions disproportionately favour those already engaged in screening. This neglect of non-attenders, who face the worst cancer outcomes, exacerbates existing health disparities and undermines the core objectives of screening programmes.
Using breast cancer screening as a case study, we argue that AI interventions must not only improve health outcomes and demonstrate cost-effectiveness but also address inequities by prioritising non-attenders. To this end, we advocate for the design and implementation of cost-saving AI interventions. Such interventions could enable reinvestment into strategies specifically aimed at increasing engagement among non-attenders, thereby reducing disparities in cancer outcomes. Decision modelling is presented as a practical method to identify and evaluate these cost-saving interventions. Furthermore, the paper calls for greater transparency in decision-making, urging policymakers to explicitly account for the equity implications and opportunity costs associated with AI investments. Only then will they be able to balance the promise of technological innovation with the ethical imperative to improve health outcomes for all, particularly underserved populations. Methods such as distributional cost-effectiveness analysis are recommended to quantify and address disparities, ensuring more equitable healthcare delivery
Hilbert space fragmentation at the origin of disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model
Get PDFLattice gauge theories, the discrete counterparts of continuum gauge theories, provide a rich framework for studying non-equilibrium quantum dynamics. Recent studies suggest disorder-free localization in the lattice Schwinger model, but its origin remains unclear. Using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, we show that Hilbert space fragmentation emerges in the strong coupling limit, constraining particle dynamics and causing sharp jumps in entanglement entropy growth within charge sectors. By analyzing jump statistics, we find that entanglement growth follows a single-logarithmic or weak power-law dependence on time, rather than a double-logarithmic form. This suggests a single ergodicity-breaking regime that mimics many-body localization in finite systems due to fragmentation effects. Our findings clarify the nature of disorder-free localization and its distinction from conventional many-body localization, highlighting how gauge constraints influence thermalization in lattice gauge theories
Fibrin film on clots is increased by hematocrit but reduced by inflammation: implications for platelets and fibrinolysis
Get PDFBackground
Blood clot formation, triggered by vascular injury, is crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis. Blood clots are composed mainly of fibrin fibers, platelets, and red blood cells (RBCs). Recent studies show that clot surfaces also develop a fibrin film, which provides protection against wound infection and retains components such as RBCs within the clot. However, the role of fibrin films in thrombi remains poorly understood.
Objectives
To explore the relationship between fibrin films and inflammation, RBC concentration, platelets, and fibrinolysis activity.
Methods
We used laser scanning confocal and scanning electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and turbidity and fibrinolysis assays to investigate the interactions between fibrin film and inflamed endothelium, RBCs, platelets, and fibrinolysis.
Results
We found that plasma clots forming on top of inflamed endothelial cells show less fibrin film coverage and are characterized by higher fiber density and shorter lag time compared with control cells. Blood clots formed under conditions of high hematocrit showed significantly more fibrin film coverage than low hematocrit clots. We found that platelet adhesion was significantly reduced on clots with film compared with clots without film even when platelets were preactivated. Fibrinolysis was faster in clots without film than in clots with film, partly due to reductions in plasmin generation.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that reductions in fibrin film formation under thromboinflammatory conditions support continued clot growth through effects on increased platelet adhesion and activation. On the other hand, increased fibrin film impairs fibrinolysis. These data show a multifaceted role of the fibrin film in clot growth and stability.
Keyword
Exploring the links between punitiveness and political economy:are criminal justice regimes a key dimension of varieties of capitalism in OECD countries?
Get PDFThe varieties of capitalism thesis suggest high-income democracies cluster into distinct types, with complementarities between political, economic, and social institutions shaping long-run cross-national differences. Although featuring strongly in the comparative political economy and social policy literatures, criminal justice has received relatively little attention in this debate, but some have suggested penal policy variations map against varieties of capitalism ideal types. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis – and data for 22 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries over a 25-year period – we explore connections between cross-national differences in penal punitiveness and key institutional features identified in these debates. We find that the degree of punitiveness strongly overlaps with varieties of capitalism ideal types, arguing criminal justice regimes constitute a dimension of institutional complementarity in varieties of capitalism
"That's All Anyone Needs Really, Support":A Content Analysis of Retinoblastoma Survivors' Psychosocial Support Needs
Get PDFRetinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare intraocular malignancy that affects one in 23,000 children born in the UK each year. This cancer can impact survivors across their lifetime, with the specific psychosocial challenges affecting this group becoming increasingly understood. Despite this, there is no current evidence-based intervention to support their needs across the lifespan, particularly during the transition from childhood to young adulthood. A retrospective content analysis was conducted using data collected in our previous work, drawing on focus groups with teenagers and interviews with young adults. 32 participants were recruited via the two UK Rb treatment centers and the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. Key themes included concerns about physical appearance, mental health, relationships, and reproductive issues. Findings highlighted a significant demand for tailored interventions that address these specific areas, emphasizing the importance of accessible psychological support to enhance the quality of life for this unique group. Participants expressed a strong preference for peer support and workshops, indicating that shared experiences can foster resilience and coping strategies. Findings also highlighted the barriers to accessing support, such as feelings of isolation and the perception that others have more severe challenges. Ultimately, the study underscores young peoples' views on the necessity for early intervention, suggesting that support programs should be initiated at a younger age to build essential coping skills before the onset of adolescence
No Raggedy Black Child:Attachment Parenting, Black Motherhood, and the Politics of Respectability
Get PDFArctic Warming: Cascading Climate Impacts and Global Consequences
Get PDFThe Arctic is undergoing unprecedented transformations with implications for regional ecosystems, Indigenous communities, and global climate systems. Ocean heat transport, permafrost thawing, and ice–albedo interactions are some of the feedback mechanisms that contribute to the increase in average temperatures in the Arctic. These processes increase the risks associated with climate change globally by speeding up the loss of sea ice, changes in biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. This review synthesises recent advances in Arctic climate science, focusing on the drivers and feedback mechanisms of Arctic amplification, its cascading impacts on ecosystems and socioeconomic systems, and emerging governance challenges. It highlights critical knowledge gaps, specifically regarding the importance of Indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches in climate adaptation strategies. This study emphasises the need for inclusive, transformative, and collaborative approaches by analysing governance frameworks, climate policies, and community resilience initiatives. Innovative adaptation strategies are suggested, such as ecosystem-based adaptations, climate-resilient infrastructure, and the switch to renewable energy to address these issues. Arctic-specific governance recommendations are proposed to develop sustainable solutions that preserve its ecology while reducing its global effects by filling research gaps and promoting international collaboration. The future of the Arctic is not merely a regional issue but also a global one, requiring swift and coordinated action to address climate challenges
Iodide-mediated electroreduction of carbon dioxide for efficient and selective electrosynthesis of multicarbon products over copper iodide microcrystals
No full textChallenges of New Regulations and Strengths of Eco-Credential Standards in the UK’s Textile and Fashion Industry
Get PDFIn this study we examine how international regulatory frameworks influence the effectiveness of eco-credential standards within the UK’s Textile and Fashion Industry (TFI). The UK’s strong commitment to sustainability, combined with a highly aware consumer base, positions it uniquely to lead in aligning eco-credential standards with evolving global regulations. Our analysis reveals a global regulatory shift from general environmental protection toward more comprehensive, circularity-focused policies. Notably, circular end-of-life management has become the most legislated area, particularly at the retail and waste management stages. While this signals growing policy commitments to waste reduction and producer accountability, significant regulatory gaps persist in downstream activities, especially at the consumer use phase. Key aspects such as product care, longevity, and disposal remain largely unregulated, undermining ecolabels' ability to influence consumer behaviour and weakening their overall lifecycle impact
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇