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Repository renewal project: a case study from White Rose Libraries
Get PDFWhite Rose Libraries (WRL) is a collaboration between the university libraries of Leeds, Sheffield and York. WRL runs two shared repositories to host research outputs and electronic theses which, between them, represent one of the biggest institutional repository services in the UK. Starting from 2021 WRL undertook the repositories renewal project to look for the next iteration of the repository platforms. In this case study we discuss the motivation for the repositories renewal project and the process that was undertaken. We talk about outcomes of the project – which was a conscious decision to retain and further develop the open source EPrints platform – and highlight some of the lessons learned from the project. We reflect that the open source research repository market has remained largely static for some time and intend this as a provocation for institutions and platform developers to further engage in defining the requirements for future repositories and setting a course to get there
Crossing in the dark: Investigating the effect of vehicle kinematics and eHMI on older pedestrians’ crossing behavior in a virtual reality experiment
Get PDFIntroduction: There has been a surge in interest in evaluating new forms of communication for Automated Vehicles (AVs), namely external human–machine interfaces (eHMIs). However, much of the research has focused on younger pedestrians’ crossing behavior and experience while interacting with AVs and in daytime conditions with optimum visibility. Given that the AVs will interact with pedestrians of all ages, and at all times, there are still key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Method: Using a cave-based pedestrian lab, this study investigated the effect of AV kinematics (i.e., deceleration, speed, time gaps) and eHMI (a Slow Pulsing Light Band) on the crossing behavior of younger adult pedestrians (18–35 years old) and older pedestrians (64–77 years old), in both daytime and nighttime virtual environments. Results: Results showed that older pedestrians adopted a different crossing strategy than younger pedestrians. If they decided to cross in the non-deceleration trials, they compensated for their longer crossing duration by initiating their crossing earlier than younger pedestrians. However, if they decided to wait until the deceleration was more prominent, they waited longer than the younger pedestrians. Generally, pedestrians reported feeling less safe and behaved more cautiously during nighttime crossings (i.e., less likely to cross, longer crossing initiation time (CIT) when there was no eHMI). eHMI decreased CIT for both age groups but was interpreted and used differently between younger and older pedestrians. Finally, an eHMI failure trial mainly affected younger pedestrians. Conclusions and practical applications: This knowledge should inform the design of effective communication for AVs for younger and older pedestrians
Findings from the assessment of real-world disease characteristics and outcomes in alopecia areata in a global non-interventional observational cohort (ADAAGIO) study
Get PDFBackground
Limited evidence exists on prevailing treatments, disease characteristics and real-world outcomes of patients with alopecia areata (AA), particularly for those with ≥ 50% scalp hair loss (SHL) managed in clinical settings outside the USA.
Objective
To provide evidence on disease characteristics, clinical management and outcomes of patients with AA with ≥ 50% SHL from real-world practice settings in Europe.
Methods
The Assessment of real-world Disease characteristics and outcomes in Alopecia Areata in a Global non-Interventional Observational cohort (ADAAGIO) study was a retrospective chart review study in the UK, France, Spain and Germany. Adults and adolescents with ≥ 50% SHL were included. The first clinical observation of ≥ 50% SHL defined the study index date (2015–2019). Patients had ≥ 6 months of follow-up from index. Analyses were descriptive. The primary endpoint was the absolute Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, assessed longitudinally. Other endpoints included change in SALT score from baseline, and sustained SALT ≤ 20, defined as time to achieving SALT ≤ 20 without regression to SALT > 30 within 6 months, and sustained SALT ≤ 20 was assessed via inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW)-adjusted Kaplan–Meier estimation.
Results
In total, 741 patients were included [median age at index: 27 years (range 12–81); 52.6% (390/741) female]. The mean SALT score at index was 63.5 (SD 15.6); 80.2% (594/741) had patchy AA and 19.8% (147/741) had alopecia totalis or universalis. Topical corticosteroids were the most common treatment post-index, with 55.6% (412/741) receiving ≥ 1 course with a median cumulative exposure of 4 months. Systemic and intralesional corticosteroids [44.1% (327/741) and 22.5% (167/741), respectively], Systemic and intralesional corticosteroids [44.1% (327/741) and 22.5% (167/741), respectively], systemic were also common. The mean absolute SALT reduction at 12 months post-index was –44.6% (SD 37.3%). However, at 12 months, based on IPCW-adjusted estimation, few patients (10.6%) achieved SALT ≤ 20 that was sustained for ≥ 6 months.
Conclusions
Although patients in this study experienced substantial absolute SALT score reductions, few achieved and sustained SALT ≤ 20. These findings highlight the potential suboptimal effectiveness of the varied treatments
The Effect of Counting Rules on Cross-National Comparisons of Homicide
Get PDFCross-national crime comparisons often rely on police-recorded data. Most frequently, such comparisons focus on homicide, as it is expected to be the crime type least likely to go undetected. This study examines how different statistical counting rules and legal definitions employed across European countries affect the reliability of cross-national homicide comparisons. We analyze homicide data from 41 European countries (1998-2022) obtained from Eurostat and compare them with three sources of vital statistics from the World Health Organization and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. We assess correspondence rates between police-recorded homicides and vital records descriptively and graphically to identify cross-national and temporal variations. Additionally, we estimate within-between models to quantify the impact of statistical counting rules and legal definitions on cross-national homicide comparisons. Statistical counting rules and legal definitions for homicide vary widely across countries, shaping the likelihood of homicides being recorded in police statistics and compromising cross-national comparability. Countries that record data when crimes are first reported to the police have approximately 13-15% higher homicide counts than those using process-based or output-based systems. Additionally, broader definitions of homicide (e.g., those including terrorism-related deaths) are associated with higher recorded homicide. National counting rules and legal definitions substantially impact the reliability of cross-national homicide comparisons based on police data. This challenge is likely even greater in regions with less standardized counting rules and legal frameworks or for crime types more susceptible to under-recording, posing a significant challenge for comparative criminological research, international policy benchmarking, and resource allocation decisions
Experiences of healthcare professionals providing physical activity advice to pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Get PDFObjective To synthesise global qualitative evidence on healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experiences, barriers and enablers in delivering physical activity (PA) advice to pregnant and postpartum women.
Design Systematic review of qualitative, mixed-methods and multimethod studies, using thematic synthesis. Study quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence critical appraisal checklist.
Data sources Three electronic databases were searched up to 31 July 2024.
Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Studies published after 2010 with a qualitative component exploring HCPs’ perspectives on providing PA advice in maternity care. Only qualitative data were extracted and synthesised.
Results Twenty-six studies from 10 countries were included, involving midwives, obstetricians, physiotherapists and other HCPs (sample sizes: 7–192), with experience ranging from 0.5 to 41 years. All studies were qualitative, with four using a multimethod study design. 18 studies focused on pregnancy, 3 on postpartum and 5 on both. Seven themes and 24 subthemes were identified. These included HCPs’ attitudes toward PA, variability in advice provision and systemic and individual level barriers (eg, time constraints, lack of training, limited confidence). Proposed solutions included formal PA education, institutional support and improved resources. Fifteen studies were rated high quality and 11 moderate.
Conclusion Most studies were from high-income countries, limiting generalisability to low-resource settings. The evidence base was predominantly focused on pregnancy, with limited data on postpartum PA advice. Across settings, HCPs face persistent barriers to delivering effective PA advice. Addressing these challenges through structured training and systemic support is essential to empower HCPs and promote maternal PA engagement.
PROSPERO registration number CRD42023483377
Digital transformation of the harm reduction sector — “Here4UScotland” a case study of a virtual supervised consumption
Get PDFObjective
This study explores the potential of digital technologies in reducing drug-related deaths through virtual supervised drug consumption. It assesses barriers, enablers, and strategies for adopting a remote supervision service app, Here4UScotland, fostering user engagement and ownership.
Methods
A mixed-methods evaluation was undertaken, using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and quantitative data. Interviews and focus groups were undertaken with 26 participants. The Technology, People, Organizations, and Macro-environmental framework guided data collection and analysis, while the Transformative Technology Integration in Health conceptual model enabled analysis of the relationship between digital technology and service delivery. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Results
The app was piloted in Aberdeen (Scotland) from January to December 2023. Twenty-five users received smartphones and logged 74 calls. Qualitative findings identified user concerns about privacy versus the need for real-time support, challenges in integrating new features, and the impact of police involvement on trust in digital services. The app's functionality and user engagement highlighted the need for ongoing support and improved system integration. Interviews highlighted the importance of relationships, training, and strategic outreach in successfully delivering digital harm reduction services. Technological features, such as location tracking, offer real-time support but raise privacy concerns.
Conclusion
Organizational and macroeconomic factors, including marketing, outreach, and law enforcement involvement, may impact service effectiveness and should be considered in future app implementations. Despite challenges, digital tools have enhanced accessibility and support in overdose prevention. Future research should explore cultural differences in digital adoption and improve communication strategies to maximize user engagement
Perspectives on Social and Justice Issues in Climate Policy – Comparing the Just Transitions, Sustainable Welfare and Eco-Social Policy Literatures
Get PDFGiven that the climate emergency is accelerating, transformative climate action becomes increasingly urgent. Considering social and fairness implications of climate action is critical to avoid widening inequalities and public opposition. The just transitions (JT) and sustainable welfare/eco-social policy (SW/ESP) literatures both address social and fairness issues related to climate action. However, they have developed largely separately from each other and are not well integrated, limiting the capacity to holistically consider social and fairness issues in climate action. To examine differences and synergies between these two bodies of literature, this paper compares their stances on key themes of capitalism and economic growth, work and welfare, and global justice. While both of these literatures are internally diverse, JT publications tend to focus on justice implications for workers in high carbon sectors, and SW/ESP research examines how welfare systems can support wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries. The JT literature would benefit from a more systematic consideration of post-capitalist and post-growth debates, which are more prevalent in the SW/ESP literature, including options for decoupling welfare from work and from economic growth. The JT literature increasingly discusses issues on global justice and decolonization, but the SW/ESP literature has so far largely failed to examine these themes, a gap that it should address. Overall, we argue that each of the literatures can integrate aspects from the other to form a more holistic and transformative approach for addressing social and fairness issues in climate policy
Diffusion-based learning for cross day hand gesture recognition using HD-sEMG signals
Get PDFGesture recognition using high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) signals has attracted significant attention in myoelectric control. While recent studies report high intraday performance, interday accuracy often drops due to poor generalizability, limiting real-world deployment. To improve robustness, we propose a Diffusion-based Hand Gesture Recognition framework (DiffHGR) that integrates diffusion-based data augmentation with autoencoder representation learning. During training, a Diffusion (Diff) component corrupts HD-sEMG signals through a forward Gaussian diffusion process and employs a U-Net–based denoiser to reconstruct high-fidelity signals, which are used to augment the training set with diverse samples. Meanwhile, an Autoencoder (AE) component learns discriminative latent representations for gesture classification, enhanced via skip connections from the Diff encoder to reuse multi-scale denoising features. To address cross-day distribution shifts, we further introduce a lightweight few-shot calibration protocol. During calibration, the Diff is kept frozen and is used only as a generator to synthesize additional samples that augment the limited target-day data, while the AE encoder and classifier are updated for fast adaptation. During online inference, prediction is performed solely by the calibrated AE encoder and classifier, with the Diff generator inactive in the inference path, enabling low-latency deployment. Extensive experiments demonstrate that DiffHGR consistently outperforms other benchmark models. Real-time validation further confirms its robustness and practical applicability. These results highlight the effectiveness of combining diffusion-driven data augmentation and autoencoder-regularized representation learning for robust HD-sEMG-based gesture recognition
Between Morocco and the mainland: The lesbian, gay and bisexual communities of Spanish Ceuta
No full textThis article presents a first comprehensive empirical account of the resident LGBTQ+ communities of Spanish Ceuta. The starting premise of the article is the interstitial character of Ceuta, which is evident not only in the city’s geographic disconnection from mainland Spain and its land border with, and cultural connections to, Morocco, but also in the economic, cultural and religious diversity that mark its society and position it at the intersection of North Africa and Europe and the Global South and North more broadly. This article focuses on the extent to which the interstitial character of the enclave of Ceuta affects the local life experiences of its resident LGBTQ+ communities. It explores aspects of LGBTQ+ life, such as perceptions of anonymity, safety and well-being in the city, including experiences of homophobia, practices of, and attitudes towards, public displays of affection as well as out-migratory intentions
Morphological and Performance Assessment of Commercial Menstrual and Incontinence Absorbent Hygiene Products
Get PDFDisposable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) contain plastics that are challenging to recycle and not biodegradable, making a significant contribution to landfill. Decreasing the nonbiodegradable mass of products could reduce this burden. Despite this, public data on how AHP design and material selection relate to performance is limited. In this work, fifteen commercial AHPs were characterised using dimensional measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and imaging. Simulated urination, air permeability, and moisture management testing were used to assess expected leakage and user comfort. Sustainable materials currently in use were identified, and their performance compared to typical plastics, informing opportunities to replace or reduce nonbiodegradable materials. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate-based leakproof layers replaced polyolefins. Commercial alternatives to polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), with comparable absorption, were not seen. Although absorbency correlated with the mass of absorbants, SAPs reduced surface moisture after absorption and are known for high absorption capacity under pressure, preventing rewetting. Channels and side guards were observed to prevent side leakage and guide fluid distribution, potentially reducing the need for nonbiodegradable nonwoven and absorbant content by promoting efficient use of the full product mass. While synthetic nonwovens typically outperformed cellulosics, apertured and layered nonwovens were associated with improved moisture transport; polylactic acid rivalled typical thermoplastics as a bio-derived, compostable alternative. Although the need for biopolymer-based SAPs and foams remains, it is hoped that these findings will guide AHP design and promote research in sustainable materials
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