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European media freedom act: can it stop the democratic backsliding?
Get PDFThe introduction of the European Media Freedom Act was designed to protect media freedom across Europe at a time when it is under threat from autocratic states. Despite its introduction, however, there are a number of issues with the Act and concerns from civil society organisations that it will be unable to improve media freedom across Europe and, in some cases, it may actually weaken protections. This article examines specific Articles of the Act and emphasises how there are issues with the protections afforded to journalists/ism. In particular, the article focuses on: who is defined as a journalist; confidentiality of sources; protection of journalists against surveillance; and the role of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) in the spread of mis/disinformation
Simulated Comparison of On-Chip Terahertz Filters for Sub-Wavelength Dielectric Sensing
Get PDFThis paper discusses the application of on-chip terahertz (THz) filters attached to waveguides that can act as sensor elements, including for scanned imaging applications. Our
work presents a comparative numerical study of several different geometries (comprising
five split-ring resonator geometries and a quarter-wavelength stub resonator, the latter
being well established as a sensor at THz frequencies and therefore able to act as a benchmark). We designed each structure to have a resonant frequency of 500 GHz, allowing
the impact of resonator geometry on sensing performance to be isolated; the performance
was quantified by assessing each design using four figures of merit: resonance quality
factor, sensitivity (relative frequency shift under dielectric loading), responsivity (sensitivity
weighted by resonance sharpness), and the electric field confinement area. Simulations
were conducted using Ansys HFSS using the properties of a commercially available photoresist (Shipley 1813) as a dielectric load to assess performance under conditions comparable
to previous experimental studies. The analysis showed that while sensitivity remained
broadly similar across geometries, responsivity and quality factor differed substantially
between resonators. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the electric field and current
density, particularly in rotated configurations, was found to significantly impact coupling
efficiency between the resonator and transmission line. Our findings provide guidance for
the general design of systems employing THz sensors while establishing a framework with
which to benchmark future sensor geometries
How effective are video animations as information tools for patients and the general public? An updated systematic review
Get PDFCharacteristics of alcohol care teams in England: results of the ProACTIVE national survey
Get PDFAims
This study aimed to identify (i) the number of alcohol care teams (ACTs) in England, (ii) the characteristics of patients supported by ACTs, and (iii) the service structure and care components offered by ACTs.
Methods
All acute hospitals (i.e. those providing short-term high-dependency medical care) in England were approached to complete a survey of alcohol care provision. Surveys were completed through researcher-guided interviews by staff familiar with the hospital’s alcohol provision. It featured questions on service structure, patient characteristics, service functions, and policies. Data collection took place between May and October 2023.
Results
Of 170 hospitals approached, 122 completed a survey and 80 reported having an ACT. Most ACT patients were male (mean 64.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 61.8–66.4), white (mean 79.2%; 95% CI 75.1–83.4), aged 45–54 (mean 27.8%; 95% CI 25.0–30.5), and experiencing severe alcohol dependence (mean 66.2%; 95% CI 36.8–95.7). Most services had a clinical lead but only 58% funded this role. Fifty-nine percent of services operated 7 days per week. Most services reported identification and brief advice, though it was rarely systematized. Nearly all supported medically assisted alcohol withdrawal, though a quarter of patients did not complete medically assisted alcohol withdrawal before discharge.
Conclusions
ACT numbers increased significantly between 2019 and 2024. They offer a clinical service to highly vulnerable and complex patients. There is significant variation in ACT operational models, training, and leadership which will impact the effectiveness of identification strategies and management of patients with comorbid alcohol use disorder within acute medical settings
Unequal educational outcomes for children with similar early childhood vocabulary but different socio-economic circumstances
No full textBackground
In a purely meritocratic society, educational outcomes would reflect ability and only ability. Vocabulary size is a common measure of cognitive ability that predicts educational outcomes but is confounded with socioeconomic circumstances (SEC).
Methods
In preregistered analyses of the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study data (N = 15,576), we used a series of multiple linear and logistic regression analyses to investigate the predictive value of age-5 vocabulary for age-16 educational outcomes and assess whether socioeconomic circumstance moderated this relation.
Results
We show that age-5 vocabulary strongly predicted age-16 educational attainment, even after adjusting for both SEC and caregiver vocabulary (OR = 1.62, 95% CIs = [1.52; 1.72]; β = .22, 95% CIs = [0.19; 0.24]). SEC also predicts educational attainment (OR = 2.05, 95% CIs = [1.92; 2.19]), and modifies the association between vocabulary and educational attainment, whereby a larger vocabulary was most advantageous for those in middle SEC groups (interaction term OR = 1.09 [1.03; 1.15]).
Conclusions
Early child vocabulary is a strong predictor of children's educational outcomes – even when controlling for proxy measures of the home environment and genetics. Nonetheless, children who enter school with strong vocabulary skills but disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances still have only about a 50/50 chance of gaining gateway qualifications at age 16
'The Mind and Memory of a Community': Urban Record-Keeping and the Question of Civic Identity in England and Dublin
No full textQuantifying the Impact of High Emitters on Vehicle Emissions: An Analysis of Ecuador’s Inspection and Maintenance Program
Get PDFOn-road vehicles are a primary source of urban air pollution. It is known that high-emitting vehicles represent a fraction of the fleet but contribute significantly to the total emissions. Usually, road transportation emission inventories do not capture the impact of these types of vehicles, underestimating emissions. This study introduces a simple method to refine vehicle emission inventories by incorporating data from Ecuador’s Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. We analyzed I/M data from Quito to develop a correction factor for the Vehicular Emissions INventory (VEIN) model, accounting for the higher emissions from vehicles that fail inspection. Our analysis shows that while less than 10% of gasoline and 20% of diesel vehicles failed inspection, their emissions were substantially higher; for instance, accounting for reproved vehicles produced 60% more Carbon Monoxide (CO), 18% more Non-Methanic Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOC), 40% more Particulate Matter with aerodynamical diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5), and 34% more or lower than 10 µm (PM10). These findings demonstrate that incorporating I/M data is crucial for accurately quantifying vehicular pollution. The proposed methodology offers a way to create more accurate emission estimates, providing a tool for policymakers to manage air quality
Designing marine reserve networks to mitigate larval dispersal volatility with the connectivity portfolio effect
Get PDFContext
Marine reserve networks designed to enhance larval dispersal provide important biodiversity benefits. Designs are commonly based on time-averaged means of dispersal estimates. It is unclear whether they capture the connectivity portfolio effect, by which temporal variation in individual reserve performance is buffered by the entire network.
Objectives
To evaluate the implications of dispersal variability and derive general rules for network design.
Methods
We modelled larval dispersal of four commercially important reef species for 20 years in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We built reserve network scenarios informed by temporal dispersal as either an interannual mean or dispersal for individual years. We then evaluated reserve network performance.
Results
Plectropomus leopardus and Siganus canaliculatus experienced higher variability in interannual larval flow compared to Lutjanus malabaricus and Octopus vulgaris. We discover that using a single time-averaged mean dispersal estimate can create subpar reserve networks in highly variable systems. Mean dispersal was suitable for less variable species such as O. vulgaris, but not for more variable species where high larval flow was not protected over time. By explicitly identifying reefs contributing a high amount of larval flow in each of the 20 years, we were able to improve network designs and provide a more consistent protection of larval supply over time.
Conclusions
We develop methods to improve network performance by protecting reefs with high larval flow contribution across years. The steps outlined here illustrate how information from multitemporal connectivity datasets can help inform a spatial prioritisation framework to accommodate larval dispersal volatility
A structured ultrasound‐guided cannulation course to prepare medical students for foundation training
Get PDFBackground
Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation (US-PIVC) is a critical skill for resident doctors, yet standardised ultrasound training remains inconsistent in undergraduate medical curricula. This gap may compromise patient care and safety.
Approach
A structured, competency-based US-PIVC simulation training was integrated into the final-year medical curriculum. Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, we conducted a convergent parallel mixed-method study. Quantitative data were collected through a validated rating scale in an end-of-session assessment, whereas qualitative insights were gathered via focus group discussions.
Evaluation
Ninety-eight students participated in the simulation training, with students (n = 25) and staff (n = 4) contributing to focus group discussions. The objective competency assessment demonstrated a 98% pass rate, with 84% achieving full procedural proficiency. Thematic analysis revealed that structured US-PIVC training significantly enhanced students' confidence and preparedness for their foundation doctor role. Participants reported a perceived reduction in dependence on senior staff and improvements in both patient safety and procedural efficacy. To ensure skill retention, key recommendations included providing ongoing practice opportunities, implementing logbook signoffs, appointing designated US skills leads, fostering collaborative partnerships and maintaining US equipment.
Implications
Our study highlights the need for structured, standardised US-PIVC training to reduce variability in clinical education. The programme improved confidence, proficiency and clinical efficiency while decreasing reliance on senior staff. Embedding mandatory training, logbook signoffs and simulation realism will enhance patient safety, procedural competency and preparedness for foundation roles
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