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The critical window of very early systemic sclerosis: a framework for a specialized early systemic sclerosis clinic
No full textBackground
This study, led by the Egyptian Society for Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases, aimed to address the oversight of very early systemic sclerosis (SSc) as a pre-systemic sclerosis stage, hypothesizing that current clinical practices primarily focus on diagnosing SSc only when it meets established classification criteria. Identification of this patients’ cohort at such an early phase is a window of opportunity to treat those at high risk of skin fibrosis or organ involvement before such events occur.
Objective
The aim of this work was to establish a standardized, multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to the early assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with very early systemic sclerosis (veSSc).
Methods
The methodology adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. To develop the clinical care standards framework, key clinical questions were systematically formulated using the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome); a comprehensive literature review was conducted from 2010 to 2025 across multiple databases, and a geographically diverse task force of national experts was assembled to participate in a two-round Delphi process to assess consensus levels.
Results
Twelve key clinical questions were systematically developed using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. Following a review of the literature, and with the endorsement of the Egyptian Society for Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases, a Delphi process was carried out. Consensus was reached (i.e. ≥ 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording, the grade of recommendation, and the level of evidence of all the clinical standards identified by the scientific committee.
Conclusion
Setting up a very early systemic sclerosis (veSSc) clinic involves establishing a system for early detection and management of SSc, focusing on patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon and other early symptoms. The goal is to identify individuals at risk of progressing to SSc and offer prompt, targeted interventions
The power of taste: Bourdieusian perspectives on the negotiation of policy, practice, and pedagogy
No full textThis study examines the dynamic relationship between quality improvement (QI) policies and teaching practices within English Further Education (FE) settings. Drawing on sociologist Pierre Bourdieu's work, we examine the ways supposedly objective scrutiny validates a problematic discourse of taste in a context where notions of “quality”, “improvement”, and “policy” must be negotiated by the practitioners who enact them. First, the concepts of “distinction”, “docta ignorantia” and their relationship to power and especially taste are discussed. We then analyse interview data which explores the negotiated enactment of QI policy to examine how teaching practices are categorised, often neglecting the complex contextual constraints in which they operate. This ‘distinction’ between forms of practice, we argue, creates tensions between externally defined standards and teachers’ professional judgments, with implications for how they engage with diverse student needs. These quality distinctions, we suggest, do not merely instil conformity to prescribed QI standards, but engender a form of ‘symbolic violence’, acting not just on FE practice per se but on practitioners’ own distinctions. This alignment is both insidious and invidious, when pedagogical "taste" is framed by externally imposed benchmarks which misrecognise local pedagogical approaches and environments
Community-centred design and predictive policing applications in England and Wales: socio-legal dimensions, benefits and challenges
Full text linkThe integration of predictive technologies into UK policing is fast gaining momentum, promising solutions for crime prevention, detection and resource efficiency (see McDaniel and Pease, 2021: NPCC, 2023). Predictive policing applications require vast datasets to forecast potential criminal activity, and to facilitate strategic deployments (Home Office, 2024). However, such advancements are fraught with concerns about, inter alia, privacy, bias, and the risks of entrenching systemic inequalities (Veliz, 2024). Therefore, the challenge lies in developing predictive policing applications that are not only operationally effective but are demonstrably aligned with appropriate ethical and legal standards. This paper argues for a ‘community-centred’ design approach to predictive policing, emphasising active involvement of local communities in every stage of the decision-making process, from development to deployment and evaluation.
Defining Community-Centred Design in Predictive Policing
Community-centred design is a normative participatory framework that prioritises the needs, concerns, and values of the communities likely to be affected by technological innovations. In the context of predictive policing, this means shifting from an approach, where algorithms and hardware are developed by the police and partners, and deployed without community consultation, to a more collaborative model. Here, residents, community leaders, human rights organisations and advocates, and policing officials work together to discuss and co-design systems and deployment practices. This engagement can take various forms, including community advisory boards, participatory workshops, and real-time feedback mechanisms to ensure community oversight and ‘voice.’
Socio-Legal Dimensions
The socio-legal landscape of predictive policing in the UK is complex, sitting at the intersection of human rights, data protection, equality, and governance and accountability legislation and mechanisms. Yet, these laws and processes face new and emergent challenges when applied to innovative AI systems. For instance, how can the principle of non-discrimination be upheld if predictive models disproportionately identify certain demographic groups as higher risk? How can transparency and accountability be guaranteed when algorithms operate as ‘black boxes’ whose decision-making processes are opaque to understand or scrutinise?
The paper examines these questions, emphasising the need for legal interpretations that are adaptive and forward-thinking. It also discusses the role of law in establishing procedural safeguards, such as mandatory algorithmic impact assessments and the public right to contest decisions made based on predictive analytics (see Floridi, 2023). Furthermore, it highlights the importance of socio-legal research in understanding the experiences of communities subjected to predictive policing, informing more equitable regulatory responses.
Benefits of Community-Centred Design
Adopting a community-centred approach can yield benefits. First, it has the potential to reduce algorithmic bias and discriminatory outcomes. When communities are involved in the design and testing phases, they can highlight data sources that may perpetuate historical injustices and suggest a more balanced view to data collection and use. Second, it fosters greater transparency and potential for trust gains. Communities that feel heard and respected are more likely to view predictive policing as a legitimate tool, rather than an intrusive surveillance mechanism. Third, community-centred design promotes a holistic purview of public safety, understanding the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of social services, or inadequate infrastructure.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite some promise, community-centred design faces challenges. A primary obstacle is the resource-intensive nature of genuine community engagement. Building trust and creating meaningful participatory opportunities require time, funding, resources and a commitment from both the police and technology developers and providers. There is also the risk of community fatigue or scepticism, especially in areas where relationships with the police have historically been contentious. Additionally, ensuring that all voices are represented, particularly those of marginalised or underrepresented groups can be difficult. Without intentional efforts to engage these groups, there is a danger that community-centred processes could simply reinforce existing power imbalances. A further challenge is reconciling community-driven recommendations with policing objectives. Predictive policing tools are often deployed with the aim of increasing efficiency and reducing crime rates, but community priorities may include much broader concerns. This tension requires thoughtful negotiation and, in some cases, a ‘reimagining’ of what public safety and security means.
Policy, Legal, and Practical Recommendations
To overcome these challenges and fully realise the benefits of community-centred design, this paper supports several policy and legal recommendations. First, the UK government should legally mandate algorithmic impact assessments (AIAs) for any predictive policing tool (currently advisory guidance, but with a bill before the UK House of Lords (Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill, 2024)), prior to its deployment. These assessments would evaluate the potential social and legal consequences of the technology and should include community consultation as a compulsory component (this aspect is not currently under consideration). Second, establishing legally recognised community level oversight boards to provide a structured mechanism for community input and police accountability in the development, practice and use of systems and hardware. These boards could have the authority to review algorithmic outputs, suggest modifications, and even pause or stop their use, if it is found to harm the community. Third, the paper recommends creating funding streams dedicated to pilot projects that integrate predictive policing with, for example, social services and local authorities.
Conclusion
The rise of predictive policing in the UK presents many opportunities and profound challenges. Adopting a community-centred design approach, police agencies can build more ethical, equitable, and effective AI systems. This paper concludes that community involvement is not merely a procedural formality, but a fundamental requirement for the legitimate and responsible use of predictive technologies. Through legal and procedural reforms, community partnerships, and a commitment to transparency and accountability, policing in the UK has the potential to set a global benchmark for how AI applications can be used to enhance, rather than erode, public trust and confidence, community well-being and police legitimacy.
References
Floridi, L. (2023). The ethics of artificial intelligence: principles, challenges and opportunities. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Home Office (2024). Improving police productivity. Available at: Improving police productivity: a response to the recommendations of the Policing Productivity Review (accessible) - GOV.UK. (Accessed 4th November 2024).
House of Lords (2024). Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill. Available at: Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill [HL] (Accessed 4th November 2024).
McDaniel, J.L.M., and Pease, K.G. (2021). Predictive policing and artificial intelligence. Abingdon: Routledge.
National Police Chiefs’ Council (2023). Science and Technology Strategy. Available at: NPCC Science and Technology Strategy. (Accessed 4th November 2024).
Veliz, C. (2024). The ethics of privacy and surveillance. Oxford: Oxford University Press
A hybrid machine learning approach for enhanced skin cancer diagnosis using convolutional neural networks, support vector machines, and gradient boosting
No full textThis study investigates the effectiveness of a hybrid machine learning model for skin cancer diagnosis, integrating Convolutional Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, and Gradient Boosting algorithms. By combining the strengths of each technique, the model seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy and reliability in clinical settings, addressing the challenges posed by traditional diagnostic methods. Utilizing the "Skin Cancer: Malignant vs. Benign" dataset, the hybrid model achieved an accuracy of 84%, with precision, recall, F1 score, and specificity recorded at 85%, 84%, 84%, and 83%, respectively. These results underscore the model’s potential to surpass single-algorithm approaches in detecting skin cancer, making it a promising tool for early diagnosis and better-informed clinical decision-making. The findings highlight the broader impact of advanced machine learning techniques in healthcare, particularly in oncology, by demonstrating how the integration of multiple algorithms can provide more accurate, scalable, and reliable diagnostic solutions. This research opens avenues for further exploration of hybrid models as a means to advance AI-driven diagnostic technologies in medical fields, with potential applications across various types of cancer detection. The source code for this study is available through a public GitHub repository, fostering transparency and further innovation in the field
The suitcase of fascism: Curating controversial content
No full textIn 2018, Canterbury Christ Church University received a donation of a suitcase crammed with fascist material, which became a focal point for a unique historical investigation. The university, which already offered a module on the history of British fascism, utilised this collection to provide students with a deeper understanding of this unsettling chapter in British history. During a 2020 lockdown project, students were involved in photographing and cataloguing the contents of the suitcase as part of an employability module. This project revealed that the suitcase had belonged to a single individual who viewed the collection as his legacy to the world. While the importance of preserving this material is clear, the project also highlighted the need to confront these narratives without glorifying them. The suitcase provided a troubling insight into one individual’s worldview, a reminder that these stories remain relevant in light of the rise of far-right ideologies today
An exploration of the experience of foster carers in holding the life stories of the children in their care: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
No full textChildren who have experienced trauma require emotionally responsive parenting to support them to make sense of their early stories and build healthy relationships. Foster care can be an important resource for these children, but the task can be challenging. This study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the lived experiences of foster carers in holding the stories of trauma and loss brought by the children in their care. Ten local authority foster carers were interviewed, all caring for children aged between eight and 13 years and placed with them on a long-term basis. Three superordinate themes were identified from the analysis: (1) Processing the story; (2) Holding different stories; and (3) The personal and professional. ‘Processing the story’ highlighted the emotional task engaged in as carers tried to make sense of and process their child’s story, for themselves and their child. ‘Holding different stories’ captured the different ways in which the foster carer and the child’s story interacted. ‘The personal and professional’ explored the challenge of managing the personal task of care within the wider professional context, and the relationships carers held with the professional team around them. The importance of acknowledging the considerable emotional task of caring for children who have experienced trauma was identified
Ecological integrity: a beguiling but ultimately impossible challenge for the ecological university
No full textIn this conceptual chapter, we form an argument as to the relationship between the ecological university and The Earth Charter, and more specifically, the latter’s central concept of ecological integrity. In this exploration of the concept of ecological integrity, we press at two inter-connected matters – firstly, its potential to act as a guiding principle for the realisation of the ecological university, and secondly, as a characteristic of the ecological university. We argue that despite its intuitive appeal, it is an ultimately impossible guiding principle for the ecological university due to its mercurial tendencies. Nonetheless, by drawing on contemporary critiques of ecological integrity within nature conservation, we show that its real value may lie as a provocation that could help the ecological university to work out what might be practicable at this time and in this place as it seeks to co-evolve in and with the world toward a more sustainable future
The interruption and deconstruction of lure through ‘play fake’ behaviours using the en vivo time-phased intervention methodology to affirm children’s agency when under online predatorial duress.
Full text linkEducation: Insights for Policy from Practice and Research. This poster conference and information exchange event at the House of Lords on 21st January 2025. The event is an opportunity for educators to share their insights about key educational issues, and what could be done at policy level to address them.
Attendees will include, educators, community based organisations, charities and special interest groups, members of Parliament and the House of Lords. The event takes place in the Cholmondeley room overlooking the Thames. There will be no speeches or formal presentations, interested parties will browse the posters and chat informally.
Abstract
Antecedents of behaviours associated with play have been linked with the ‘seeking system’, a primary process evolved from a mammalian need for survival (Wright & Panksepp, 2012). This neurobiological activity encases instinct & intuition & evolves to curiosity. A case is made for working alongside this inquisitive driver to support a child’s natural development through play which is activated in real world & arguably replicated by aspects of virtual play.
To build capability, resourcefulness & resilience for a child’s playtime online, a metacognitive design is adopted where metacognition concerns the capacity of awareness of cognitive processes & their regulation (Fleur, Bredeweg & van den Bos, 2021). By implementing the (adapted) en vivo methodology (Murray, 2006; 2020), a dynamic phase characterised by contextual uncertainty for the child subjected to intrapersonal instability due to online susceptibility, will be carefully reviewed. This will be used to collate salient online experiences with a view to designing a workshop aimed at (further) equipping play caretakers in their facilitation of children's safe online play, and to underpin the development of a child's agency in the role of play participant
Liberalism, religion, and the common good
No full textIn this chapter I will examine Raymond Plant’s signal contribution to recent discussions of the place of religion in a liberal state. Plant observes that legislative changes such as the Human Rights Act (1998) and Equalities Act (2010) have changed the nature of liberalism’s solution to the supposed ‘problem of religion’ from one of ethos to one of rules. Moving beyond Plant’s analysis, I examine how the trend towards the privatization of religion has recently been challenged by the events of lockdown. As the APPG for Faith and Society report, Keeping the Faith (2020) has shown, partnerships between faith groups and local authorities during the pandemic have led to a reset in the relationship between public institutions and religions. This has led to the opening of a new policy space in which there are opportunities for faith groups to reclaim a place in public life
The embodiment of equitable ways to develop agentic wellbeing through movement maximising personal and general spaces - re-tooling affordances as drivers of social justice
Full text linkThis paper explores physical affordances—features and practices supporting activity—and scrutinizes their accessibility to promote principle-led equity in movement. By examining how being active underpins capabilities essential for living well, a holistic perspective on using ‘self-space’ and surrounding space is presented. In line with the World Health Organization’s (2021) mandate for fairness in physical activity programming, a justice-oriented leadership approach across health and education is emphasized. The application of JEDI principles (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) to physical movement highlights constructs of autonomy and agency, enabling individuals to make choices and act to invoke change (Virenque and Mossio, 2024).The concept of ‘constraints’ is extended from therapeutic roots (Taub et al., 1993) to adaptive movement facilitation (Newell, 1986). Constraints-informed pedagogies enhance embodied learning, fostering autonomy through interactive movement generation in physical education (Renshaw and Chow, 2018). Being well is understood as a composite of physical, cognitive, and emotional health—is recognized as a complex yet integral construct (Spratt, 2016; Ryff, 2014). Physical activity is shown to significantly influence health behaviours, encompassing mental and physical wellbeing (Liu et al., 2024). Aligning with Education Scotland’s curricular policy (2023) this paper adopts the term ‘wellbeing’ to consolidate encompassing perspectives