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Power Line Energy Harvesting System for GaN Transistors Monitoring
Get PDFGallium nitride (GaN) transistors are a highly promising technology, with applications in high frequency, high-temperature, and high-efficiency power systems. However, they are susceptible to various electromagnetic hazards. As a result, in-situ state-of-health (SOH) active monitoring of the device during operation is necessary, with various efforts focusing on non-invasive approaches. This study presents the design and testing of a complete, in-situ, non-invasive monitoring system powered by energy harvested from the GaN transistor’s power line (PL). Experimental results show that an external low-power load of approx. 3.6 W, such as a standard server fan, is sufficient for the PL to generate approximately 16 µW and 64 µW (i.e., for two different GaN transistors) of radiated power at the transistor’s drain connection with the PL. This emitted energy, harvested using a 100 mH inductor, is capable of powering a remote SOH monitoring system consisting of a Microchip PIC24F 16-bit microcontroller, three MCP9700 temperature sensors, and an MRF89XA 868 MHz transceiver. The resulting system is able to collect sensor data and, after a brief energy accumulation period (the system’s warm-start charging cycle), wirelessly transmit it to a base station. To further illustrate the practicality of the proposed SOH monitoring solution, the two GaN transistors were intentionally driven into a thermal runaway regime while operating in low-power mode on a 12 W load. Under these conditions, the harvested energy/emmited radiation increased to approximately 620 µW and 3,216 µW, representing about 38 and 50 times the values observed in the previous low-power demonstration, respectively
GILL Policy Briefing: Promoting Gender Equality in UK Schools
No full textThis policy briefing outlines key recommendations derived from the literature review titled Gender in schools: noticing, discussing, and tackling gender-based discrimination in the school system in the UK and beyond. The review synthesizes recent academic research and reports to identify persistent gender inequalities and propose actionable strategies for policymakers, educators, and school leaders.<br/
Impact of relationship dynamics on policy reform for sustainable innovation in public healthcare in China:Social exchange theory perspective
Get PDFThe Chinese government is dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation within the public healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors to safeguard public interests. However, current policies governing the pharmaceutical industry have inadequately addressed critical issues related to stakeholder dynamics and sustainable innovation performance. This study investigates how policy reform can enhance the dynamic relationships among stakeholders in China's public healthcare system, aiming to devise actionable and detailed tasks while minimizing conflicts to encourage sustainable innovation. This research presents the findings of in-depth interviews conducted with 50 participants from key stakeholders in China's public health sector, including government officials, hospital representatives, executives from state-owned pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals. The findings offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and academics regarding the application of social exchange elements—such as power, trust, reputation, reciprocity, and commitment—in understanding the necessity of integrating relationship dynamics into policy design and reform within the supply chain network, all while protecting public interests. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the shortcomings of the existing policy framework and presents compelling arguments for reforms that actively involve key stakeholders in the public healthcare and pharmaceutical industries
Listen, dance, reflect:Dance with Jonathan Burrows
No full textPeter Mills invites a guest to dance one of their practices, followed by a shared reflection. For dancers, dance artists, and anyone interested in spending time with their body and thoughts around dance. A space for creativity through physical experience
Perceptions of Mental Health, Shame and Help-Seeking Among Sikhs in the UK:A National Survey
Get PDFTo understand UK Sikh community's perceptions of mental health shame, their attitudes towards mental health causes, treatments and help-seeking and the characteristics associated with these perceptions. An anonymous, online survey collected views from 1001 Sikh respondents on the causes and treatments for mental health (MH) difficulties and perceived barriers to help-seeking. The Attitudes to Mental Health Problems (ATMHP) questionnaire also measured respondents' perceptions of external, internal and reflected mental health-related shame. Respondents mostly endorsed biopsychosocial causes of MH difficulties and most viewed psychology/psychiatry/counselling, social and spiritual support as the main treatments. Shame, stigma and nonacceptance were seen as barriers to seeking help. Compared to previous UK surveys using the ATMHP, our Sikh respondents scored more strongly on most dimensions of MH shame compared to the general population or to students; they tended to score similarly or higher on MH shame compared to a previous ATMHP survey of UK South Asians. Internal shame was higher in single, younger people. Those inclined to help others perceived more negative MH attitudes within their community. Higher internal shame, higher perceived external family shame, and higher perceived negative community attitudes to MH were found in those who had had previous MH problems themselves. Within this generally young sample, perceptions of MH shame within communities/families were quite high, as was internalised shame. Such attitudes pose a significant barrier to MH help-seeking. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive MH services for the UK Sikh population. [Abstract copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Community Psychology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The effects of formulated palmitoylethanolamide supplementation on indicators of stress and heart rate variability in female university students:a randomised cross-over trial
Get PDFBackgroundChronic stress is a prevalent issue among university students, negatively affecting both mental and physiological health. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), particularly in the Levagen+® formulation, has been investigated for its potential stress-modulating effects through its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of 6 weeks of Levagen+® PEA supplementation on physiological and subjective markers of stress in moderately stressed female university students.MethodsA double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 female participants who met the inclusion criteria based on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 6 weeks of PEA supplementation (600 mg/day) or a placebo, with a six-week washout period. Stress responses were assessed through heart rate variability (HRV), subjective stress and mood measures (PSS, PANAS), and salivary cortisol levels. To enhance ecological validity, assessments were conducted in real-life settings rather than laboratory environments.ResultsPEA supplementation significantly increased the Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal (SDNN), a key HRV marker associated with autonomic resilience to stress (+9.70 ± 6.02 ms) compared to placebo (-5.72 ± 3.14 ms, p = 0.024), suggesting enhanced physiological stress regulation. While there was a trend of increased Root Mean Square Successive Difference (RMSSD) with PEA, it did not significantly change between conditions (p = 0.087). Similarly, a trend toward reduced self-reported stress was observed, though it did not reach statistical significance. No significant changes were detected in positive (p = 0.78) or negative (p = 0.95) emotions experienced. Salivary cortisol levels remained unchanged between conditions (p = 0.70).ConclusionThis exploratory study demonstrates for the first time that PEA supplementation may enhance physiological resilience to stress as indicated by improved HRV. While subjective stress and emotional measures did not show significant changes, the observed trend suggests potential benefits in individuals experiencing moderate stress. Given PEA's role in the endocannabinoid system and its influence on inflammation, further research is warranted in larger and more diverse populations, including individuals with higher baseline stress levels. These preliminary findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting PEA as a promising dietary intervention for stress management.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06225440
BURN:Screendance Film
No full textBURN is a screendance piece that forms part of a trilogy. This film is part three: 1)LifeStrings (2021); 2) Ocean: Import and Export (May 2023); BURN (2025). The project focuses on climate change, trauma, and Flamenco, and draws on Roma feminism. Each film uses flamenco and contemporary dance vocabulary and explores motherhood and the female body on camera. BURN has a focus on air pollution and scientific research on the climate emergency has underpinned this film. Dancer: Rosa Cisneros Choreographer: Rosa Cisneros Videographer: Maria Polodeanu Editing: Maria Polodeanu and Rosa Cisneros Music: Ian Maksin "The Alchemist
The role of social networks in supporting self-management in CKD:a narrative synthesis
Get PDFBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern requiring effective self-management to mitigate progression and improve quality of life. While self-management is increasingly recognised as a socially embedded practice, the specific contributions of social network members to this process in CKD are not well understood.ObjectiveTo synthesise and interpret existing literature on how social networks support individuals living with early-stage CKD and identify gaps in understanding.Methods We conducted a narrative review. Fourteen studies involving 560 participants—including individuals living with CKD, their social network members, healthcare professionals, peer mentors, and religious leaders—were analysed to explore the role of social networks in CKD self-management. Results Four key themes emerged: (1) The burden of kidney disease uncertainty, (2) Everyday challenges of managing CKD, (3) The loneliest disease, and (4) The role of peer support. Participants frequently reported emotional distress linked to diagnostic uncertainty and inconsistent information, especially from non-specialist providers. CKD management posed significant practical and psychological burdens, particularly for caregivers, who often felt unsupported and invisible within healthcare systems. Peer support—both informal and formal—played a crucial role in reducing isolation and providing context-specific guidance, especially when tailored to individual preferences and illness trajectories.ConclusionsThis is the first review to explore the role of social networks in supporting the self-management of people living with CKD. The studies highlighted that early-stage CKD is shaped by diagnostic uncertainty, limited formal support, and social invisibility. People with CKD rely on diverse social networks for self-management, yet unclear care pathways and inconsistent communication hinder this support. Integrated models that combine early specialist input, peer support, and trained generalists are needed. Recognising and supporting these networks is essential to reduce isolation, improve understanding, and enable meaningful engagement with self-management across the CKD trajectory
Revisiting the Concept of Improvisation through Anthropology:Ethnography of Senegalese Dances
Get PDFReflecting on the dialogue between dance studies and the anthropology of dance, this article aims to reveal the effects of colonial thought in the selection of research objects. It offers a critical examination of the Eurocentric biases embedded in certain key concepts within dance studies—particularly the concept of improvisation. The article briefly outlines theoretical approaches to improvisation and highlights a debate that oscillates between viewing improvisation as a vehicle for emancipation and, conversely, as a constraining structure. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted within creative processes in Switzerland, it argues that the prevailing notion of improvisation corresponds specifically to a Western project. What insights can be gained by examining how improvisation is approached in other cultural contexts? By comparing improvisational practices in the Global North (France, Switzerland) and the Global South (Senegal), the author demonstrates that the pursuit of novelty is not necessarily central to all dance traditions, thereby challenging universalist assumptions within dance studies