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Spatial relations between hands shape visual perception of emotion
Full text linkBody posture provides a rich source of information about the emotional states of other people. Recent research has shown that people can recognise emotions even from isolated images of body parts, especially from hands. In perception of emotion from faces, research has emphasised the importance of relational information about the global spatial relations between different parts of the face. The role of holistic processing in perception of emotion from bodies is unknown. One potential signature of holistic processing in emotional perception of bodies is the finding the recognition of emotions is higher when both hands are shown compared to just one hand. This could indicate that the spatial relationship between the hands carries information about emotions over and above that present in each hand individually. Alternatively, it could reflect the fact that when two hands are present there is simply twice as much total information. This study therefore compared emotion recognition when participants were shown: (1) both hands in their actual configuration, (2) both hands in a distorted configuration, or (3) one hand. Performance was substantially above chance in all conditions, replicating the finding that emotion can be recognised from isolated hand images. Critically, performance was higher when both hands were shown in their actual configuration compared to the other two conditions. These results provide evidence for holistic processing in the perception of emotion from body parts
From complexity responses to enacted practice: Mindfulness as a multi-level metacognitive capability in project leadership
Full text linkProject complexity research has established that structural, socio-political, and emergent complexities require different response capabilities, yet little is known about how project leaders enact these responses in practice. Drawing on practice theory and strategy-as-practice, this study examines how project leaders mobilise mindfulness as a multi-level metacognitive practice to address project complexity. We analyse qualitative data from a flagship UK government Project Leadership Programme, including open-ended survey responses (n = 58) and semi-structured interviews (n = 10) with senior project leaders. Our findings show that mindfulness is enacted at individual, team, and organisational levels to operationalise planning and control, relationship-building, and flexibility responses. Mindfulness functions both as relief, enabling leaders to regulate stress and reactivity, and as engagement, supporting sustained attention, psychologically safe dialogue, and adaptive sensemaking. We contribute to theory by extending project complexity research from identifying effective responses to explaining how response capabilities are enacted across organisational levels through socially embedded metacognitive practice. We contribute to practice by offering a scalable and context-sensitive repertoire of mindfulness practices that project leaders can embed in leadership development, governance routines, and team interactions to build sustained capability for navigating structural, socio-political, and emergent project complexity
Reproducibility in the identification of retinal positions on serial fundus photographs: Theory and limitations
Full text linkBackground
Imaging of the retina is accompanied by distortions so that positions in fundus photographs cannot be linearly translated to positions in the retinal fundus. The purpose of this study was to describe an algorithm and evaluate its reproducibility in identifying points on the retina from their representation on serial fundus photographs.
Methods
A mathematical formalism was derived to describe how the location of the fovea and the optic disc in fundus photographs, together with the centre-nodal point distance (d) and the curvature radius (r) of the eye, can be used to calculate spatial coordinates on the retina that correspond to given locations in the photograph. The effect of manual markings of the fovea and the optic disc as reference points was evaluated, and the formalism was tested on 105 photographs recorded with different image modalities and centring from 10 different patients.
Results
Retinal locations could be identified in serial fundus photographs with a reproducibility of at least 50 μm when the centre‐nodal point distance and the curvature radius were set to those in Gullstrand's standard eye. A main source of the variability was the manual identification of the fovea and optic disc used as reference points.
Conclusions
The reproducibility in the identification of locations on the retina from serial fundus photographs depends on the accuracy in the definition of the fovea and optic disc used as reference points. This affects the potential for describing locations, distances, areas and changes in retinal lesions on serial photographs over time
Surface functionalization of optical fibers with PDDA-stabilized AuNPs for enhanced interfacial stability in sensing applications
Full text linkAmmonia sensing is important for environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and food spoilage detection, but achieving a stable and reliable sensing response at low concentrations remains challenging. This work reports the development and optimization of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) layer stabilized with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) for application in optical fiber ammonia sensing. To optimize the coating process, PDDA concentrations (0.5, 0.10, and 1 wt%), molecular weights (low and medium), and AuNP deposition times (5–20 min) were systematically varied. The optimum condition, identified as 1 wt% medium-molecular-weight PDDA with a 20 min AuNP deposition, produced uniform nanoparticle coverage, enhanced interfacial stability, and a strong plasmonic response. The homogeneous distribution and surface coverage of AuNPs, as well as the adsorption of NH₃ at the AuNP/PDDA interface, were verified by FE-SEM, AFM, and FTIR. The optimized layer was applied onto an optical fiber to demonstrate its structural stability and practical sensing capability, exhibiting concentration-dependent spectral shifts upon NH₃ exposure at 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 ppm under room temperature conditions. A sensitivity of 0.023 nm/ppm with excellent linearity (R² = 0.97) was achieved, and nitrogen-assisted desorption enabled repeatable operation. This study demonstrates that systematic material optimization provides a stable, uniform, and robust interfacial layer, supporting the potential of the AuNP/PDDA-coated optical fiber for real-world ammonia detection in environmental, industrial, and healthcare applications
Behavioural phenotypes of autism in autistic and nonautistic gender clinic-referred youth and their caregivers
Full text linkIn recent years, referrals of youth to specialised gender services have risen sharply, with ~11% of these youth diagnosed as autistic compared with a general population rate of ~1%. In two preregistered studies, we addressed this insufficiently understood intersection. In Study 1, we examined the number and developmental trajectory of autism traits in autistic and nonautistic gender clinic-referred and cisgender youth (aged 7–16 years) using both screening measures (Autism-Spectrum Quotient Children’s Version and Autism-Spectrum Quotient Adolescent Version, Social Communication Questionnaire–Lifetime) and diagnostic tools (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism). In Study 2, we examined autism traits among the caregivers of participants from each group using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Adolescent Version. Study 1 results showed the autism phenotype in autistic gender clinic-referred youth closely resembled that of their cisgender autistic peers. In addition, after addressing methodological limitations in previous research, we found no evidence of elevated autism traits in nonautistic gender clinic-referred youth, challenging findings of some earlier studies. Study 2 provided evidence of familial aggregation of both autism traits and diagnoses among caregivers of both autistic gender clinic-referred and cisgender participants. Taken together, these findings challenge the hypothesis that autism in gender-diverse youth is merely a ‘phenomimic’ of autism and provide valuable clinical insights into the presentation of autism in this population.
Lay abstract
In recent years, more young people have been referred to specialised gender clinics for support with their gender identity. Interestingly, about 11% of these young people are also diagnosed with autism–much higher than the general population rate of only around 1%. This overlap has raised important questions about how autism and gender diversity are related, and even whether autism traits in gender-diverse people with an autism diagnosis really reflect autism. In this research, we carried out two studies to understand this link better. In the first study, we looked at autism traits in gender-diverse children and adolescents aged 7–16 years who were referred to a gender clinic for issues with their gender identity. We compared them with both autistic and nonautistic children who were not referred to gender services. We used several standard tools to assess autism-related traits, including both questionnaires and clinical interviews. We found that gender-diverse youth who were also autistic showed similar patterns of autism traits as cisgender autistic children who were not exploring their gender. Importantly, nonautistic gender-diverse youth did not show unusually high levels of autism traits, which challenges some earlier studies that suggested they might. In the second study, we explored autism traits in the caregivers (mostly mothers) of the young people in our first study. We found that caregivers of autistic children–whether the children were gender-diverse or not–were more likely to be autistic than the caregivers of nonautistic children. Moreover, even
non
autistic caregivers of autistic children displayed more autism traits than caregivers of nonautistic children, irrespective of whether their child was gender-diverse or not. Overall, our findings challenge the idea that autism in gender-diverse youth is just a mimic of ‘true’ autism caused by gender-related stress or experiences. Instead, the results point to genuine autism that presents in a typical way. This research provides important insights for clinicians and families, and highlights the need to take the gender-related concerns of autistic children as seriously as of nonautistic children
Enhancing the CPTPP for the UK, Peru and Canada: Priorities for Digital, the Environment and Dispute Settlement
No full textThis article considers the first general review of the mega-regional Comprehensive Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement from the perspective of three of its constituent countries: the United Kingdom (UK), Peru and Canada. The priorities of these three countries are considered in relation to the distinct areas of environmental sustainability, digital trade and dispute settlement. The analysis presented in this article is based on discussions held with policy makers and analysts in London, Lima and Ottawa respectively. Several areas of commonality are identified, notably the need to modernise provisions in relation to digital trade and to ensure effective implementation of the agreement for businesses. The article also highlights the need to ensure that the CPTPP does not become overly politicised by incorporating excessive non-economic issues, sometimes described as progressive values. The first general review is shows as an opportunity for staking stock of CPTPP which is viewed as a significant opportunity for all three countries as they seek economic growth by leveraging their particular economic strengths and relative positions in the global economy
“News Cabaret”: Live Journalism and Theatre “Making Human Contact Again with the News Agenda”
Full text linkAt a time of political polarisation, social fragmentation and continuing mistrust in journalism, the practice of “live journalism” is flourishing. The practice aims to reconnect audiences and rebuild trust in news organisations through interactive events in public spaces. The authors of this paper experimented with a new format of putting news on stage involving both journalists and actors using theatrical and comic techniques to tell exclusive, unpublished stories in a show called News Cabaret. This article explores the reactions of the audience and participants to the event. The show consisted of eight dramatic pieces of journalism involving verbatim theatre techniques, stand-up comedy, sketches, monologues, songs, masks and improvisation. Discussions between cast, crew and audience took place during and after the show. We adopted a Reflective Practitioner Case Study approach and analysed surveys, recordings, observations and interviews. Our research suggests that using actors and theatrical devices to deliver content did not detract from quality journalism and resulted in some unexpected positive outcomes. The audience reported that the event challenged them to think and prompted some action, albeit limited. Results show that such events could be useful to revitalise journalism practice, challenge social and political norms and re-engage hard-to-reach audiences
Machine learning for computational fracture and damage mechanics— Status and perspectives
Full text linkFracture and damage mechanics have evolved remarkably from simple, yet useful Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) to relatively modern techniques such as Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) and phase-field approaches. The advent of computational power allowed researchers and engineers to conduct high-fidelity numerical simulations to model complex fracture mechanisms in advanced materials and structures. Nonetheless, large-scale fracture simulations remain computationally intensive, particularly under loading conditions such as impact and extreme environments. In this context, Machine Learning (ML) techniques have seen a surge in their use for mechanics and computational simulations. In this perspective article, we review the existing research landscape in the recent literature on the application of ML to fracture and damage modelling across different material and structural classes. Specific focus is placed on classifying the ML approaches adopted to model or predict fracture behaviour, followed by an extensive discussion on the challenges and limitations of such approaches. Future directions are proposed with an emphasis on the generality, interpretability and reliability of the ML models. We believe the article serves as a guidance document for engineers and scientists involved in the developmental process of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fracture modelling tools
Informal fiscal systems in developing countries
No full textGovernments in developing countries have low fiscal capacity yet face pressures to provide public goods and services, leading them to rely on various unusual fiscal arrangements. We uncover one such arrangement – informal fiscal systems that rely on local bureaucrats to fund the delivery of public goods and services – cataloging its existence in at least 20 countries. Using survey data and government accounts from Pakistan, we show that public officials are expected to cover funding gaps in public services and they do so, at least partially, through extracted bribes. We develop a model of bureaucratic agency to explore when governments benefit from sustaining such systems and investigate their implications for welfare and bureaucrat selection. Informal fiscal systems are more likely to arise when corruption is widespread but public service delivery is relatively easy to monitor. While they provide an effective second-best solution in the presence of moral hazard and adverse selection, they can distort the effective incidence of the tax burden, reduce the incentives of governments to fight corruption, and legitimize bribe-taking. This makes corruption more widespread and thus makes informal systems self-reinforcing
The “Supporting Adolescents with Self Harm” (SASH) Intervention Supporting Young People (And Carers) Presenting to the Emergency Department with Self-Harm: Therapeutic Assessment, Safety Planning, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Full text linkBackground: Self-harm is a growing public health concern and the strongest predictor of suicide in young people (YP). The “Supporting Adolescents with Self-Harm” (SASH) intervention was developed with YP with lived experience and expert clinicians. It involves rapid follow-up after ED attendance and up to six intervention sessions. The intervention has three components: Therapeutic Assessment (TA) of self-harm; an enhanced safety plan (SP); and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Depending on the YP’s preference, carers can join sessions. Carers can also receive two individual sessions. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of SASH is being evaluated in a randomised controlled trial across nine emergency departments in three NHS Trusts in London, England. A total of 154 YP were recruited between May 2023 and March 2025 and randomised on a 1:1 ratio to SASH alongside Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU. A logic model describes the SASH inputs, activities, mechanisms, outcomes and longer-term impacts. The aim of this paper is to (1) illustrate how TA, SP, and SFBT were implemented in practice by presenting intervention materials and session recordings for four YP cases and one carer case and (2) explore how the case study materials/recordings reflect the intervention mechanisms in the SASH logic model. Methods: Each case focused on a different component of the intervention. Intervention materials (TA self-harm diagram and completed SP) and recorded SFBT sessions with four YP and one carer were analysed using a descriptive case study approach. The TA diagram and SP were extracted from medical records. Audio/video recordings of intervention sessions were identified. Recordings of intervention sessions and qualitative interviews were transcribed. Quotes from qualitative interviews with the same participants were included where relevant. Results: Across the four YP cases, some core themes emerged. The role of friendships for young people, particularly at school, was important in both negative and positive ways. Experiencing difficulties with friends at school led to feelings of sadness and stress, which could become overwhelming, leading to thoughts of self-harm (“I just need to hurt myself”), triggering self-harm behaviour. YP described mood changes and signs that they were becoming stressed, which improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between their feelings and self-harm behaviour. They reflected on what kept them feeling calm and overcoming their fear of burdening others by sharing how they were feeling, as this helped them not to self-harm. They also described difficult feelings stemming from a need to please everyone or needing validation from others. Overcoming these feelings led to less social anxiety and more confidence. This made it easier to go to school and to be more social with friends/student peers, which in turn improved their mood. Conclusions: These case studies demonstrate how YP improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between feelings and self-harm behaviour and identified personal strategies for managing difficult feelings and situations. The carer case study demonstrates how sessions with carers can facilitate carers better supporting their YP’s mental health. Supporting YP and carers in this way has the potential to reduce the risk of future self-harm
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