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Photo-potentiometry: Sensing of sugars using a pH-probe coated with a film of intrinsically microporous polyamine containing graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst
Full text linkAt proof-of-concept level, the photochemical transformation of glucose (or more generally of carbohydrates) can be detected analytically as a localised pH change. Using a conventional potentiometric pH-probe, a microporous coating is developed to explore carbohydrate sensing in the 200-800 μM concentration range based on localised pH changes induced by light. The photo-responsive film is based on fibrous cellulose (to aid permeability), photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride (g-C N ), and an intrinsically microporous polyamine host (PIM-EA-TB, as reaction environment and binder). The film-modified pH-probe is pre-conditioned in a pH 4 buffer (containing phthalate buffer). When immersed in an aqueous solution, switching on a blue LED (λ = 385 nm, approx. 60 mW cm ) causes a pH transient towards alkaline, which is correlated with the carbohydrate concentration (all three glucose, fructose, or sucrose give very similar signals). The LOD is typically 70 μmol dm , with a linear range up to 800 μmol dm . Non-linearity beyond 800 μmol dm is tentatively attributed to limited oxygen availability. The photo-electroanalytical mechanism is discussed in terms of competing proton generation and consumption in the photoactive film linked to oxygen depletion (causing alkaline drift) at the pH-probe surface
Evaluating the Feasibility of Using Smaller Large Language Models for Generating Impressions from Findings in Radiology Reports
Full text linkReference Glycaemic and Beta-Cell Profiles in Response to a Standardised Meal Challenge in Adults Across the Glycaemic Spectrum
No full textBackground: The pancreatic beta-cell hormone insulin regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, as well as fats and protein. While the insulin response to a carbohydrate challenge is well defined in normoglycaemic as well as dysglycaemic (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM)) individuals, the response of co-secreted beta-cell products (C-peptide, proinsulin and proinsulin intermediates) is less well defined. This analysis aimed to establish the expected glycaemic and pancreatic beta-cell responses to a standardised mixed meal in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and T2DM alongside reference ranges established in normoglycaemic individuals (NGT). Methods: A total of 743 adults (104 NGT, 85 IGT and 554 T2DM) were included, none of whom were on any anti-diabetic medication at the time of initial testing. All attended following a 10 h fast, before consuming a 500 kcal solid mixed meal (calorie contribution: 58% carbohydrates, 22% fat and 20% protein). Blood samples were collected every 30 min for the 4.5 h duration of the test for the determination of plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide and intact and total proinsulin. Median profiles with corresponding 2.5th and 97.5th percentile lines to display the expected range were calculated and plotted for the three participant groups. Results: Median profiles with ranges over a 4.5 h meal period have been created for glucose, insulin, C-peptide and intact and total proinsulin, along with respective fasting and post-meal intervals in the three participant groups with differing glycaemic status. Conclusions: The resulting profiles and ranges allow for comparison in responses to a carbohydrate challenge in individuals across the glycaemic spectrum
The Rest of the Robots: Generative AI in Post-introductory Computing Education
No full textGenerative AI (GenAI) is playing an increasingly influential role in computing education across all levels, offering new opportunities to support both teaching and learning. However, its effective integration raises critical concerns related to trust, academic integrity, and broader social and ethical implications. While substantial attention has been given to GenAI use in introductory programming courses (e.g., CS0/CS1), there remains a notable gap in research addressing its application in ''upper-level'' computing courses, such as software engineering, human-computer interaction, algorithms, operating systems, and theoretical computer science. This working group report presents two complementary studies: a systematic literature review of GenAI interventions in upper-level computing education, and a survey of computing instructors on their practices and perspectives regarding GenAI integration in these contexts. Based on the combined findings, this report presents an overview of current practice and practical guidance for computing instructors. The report is intended to inform the design of engaging, pedagogically sound, and forward-looking curricula that align with modern educational and workforce standards and expectations
Co-Designing Technologies for Community Policing: Stakeholder Engagement Strategies for Nigerian Police and Citizens
No full textCommunity policing (CP) in Nigeria faces significant challenges in technology adoption due to power imbalances that have made marginalized groups reluctant to engage in shared technology design processes. The lack of a balanced technology design framework has hindered effective collaboration between police authorities and local communities, leading to disengagement and skepticism toward CP technologies therein. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating CP tools that are both widely acceptable and usable for the enhancement of public safety. This thesis examines the complexities of designing CP technologies in Nigeria, emphasizing technology acceptance and user experience among stakeholders with varying levels of authority and influence. It explores the perspectives of authoritative participants, such as police officers, alongside citizens who feel uncomfortable and fearful to engage in co-design activities. Through an extensive combination of survey and in-depth interviews, the research captures CP awareness, distinct technological needs, concerns, and expectations of these groups, identifying key barriers to technology adoption. To address these challenges, the research employs a nuanced conflict-sensitive design (CSD) framework, incorporating various mediation techniques to facilitate engagement among stakeholders despite their adversarial positions. This approach enables co-designing efforts tailored to the specific requirements of different user groups, ensuring that their voices are integrated into the design process. Following initial design stages, prototypes of CP technologies were tested with both Nigerian citizens and police officers, revealing promising results in terms of technology acceptance, user experience, and usage modalities. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for policymakers shaping CP strategies and industry stakeholders developing CP technologies. Overall, this research contributes the CSD method to the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) literature and enriches the broader discourse on inclusive technological design in public safety. It demonstrates that a conflict-sensitive, collaborative approach can foster engagement among diverse stakeholders, bridging the gap between authority and marginalized groups
Are all brachyuran crabs found in the intertidal zone intermediate hosts for digenean parasites?
Full text linkDigenean trematodes with complex life cycles often use marine crabs as intermediate hosts, but their distribution across crab species is not fully understood. Previous reports of Microphallus similis in edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) relied on morphological identification, leaving potential for misidentification. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, identity, and host range of digenean parasites in intertidal brachyuran crabs from South Wales, U.K. Over six months, crabs were collected from two rocky shore sites and examined for metacercariae in the hepatopancreas. Parasites were morphologically assessed and identified by sequencing the 28S rDNA region. Metacercariae were found exclusively in juvenile C. pagurus, with ∼ 30 % prevalence and low individual burdens ranging from 1 to 69 cysts. All sequenced parasites were confirmed as M. similis. No infections were detected in Necora puber, Xantho pilipes, or X. hydrophilus. Logistic regression indicated that infection prevalence in C. pagurus varied significantly with month and crab size. This study provides the first molecular confirmation of M. similis in edible crabs from the U.K. and highlights species-specific susceptibility linked to differences in ecology and feeding behaviour. The absence of infection in co-occurring crabs suggests that C. pagurus plays a uniquely important role in the parasite’s transmission cycle in intertidal environments
Energy Expenditure of a Female Tiger in a Human‐Altered Habitat: Insights From Tri‐Axial Accelerometry
Full text linkEnergy expenditure is central to animal ecology and shapes how individuals balance foraging, movement, thermoregulation and risk avoidance. Large carnivores, like tigers (Panthera tigris), face high energetic demands for territorial defence, hunting, competition and reproduction. These challenges further intensify in human‐modified landscapes, where habitat fragmentation, prey depletion and human disturbance alter movement and behaviour. To quantify these dynamics at a fine scale, we used high‐resolution tri‐axial accelerometry to examine the energetic and behavioural patterns of a sub‐adult female tiger in the human‐dominated Brahmapuri Forest Division of the Eastern Vidarbha Landscape. The individual was fitted with a GPS collar equipped with an 8 Hz accelerometer, and Vectorial Dynamic Body Acceleration (VeDBA) was calculated as a proxy for energy expenditure. Behavioural states were classified using the Daily Diary Multi‐Trace (DDMT) software, which implements a Boolean decision‐tree framework, and validated using camera traps, field observations, and GPS‐based cluster analyses. We further modelled diel and seasonal variation in energy expenditure across life stages (pre‐ and post‐dispersal) using generalised additive models. Four behavioural states were identified: resting, walking, travelling and hunting. Resting dominated the activity budget (~65%), while travelling peaked in the evening (~58%). Energy expenditure (VeDBA) was higher during the post‐dispersal phase (p < 0.001), reflecting increased movement likely associated with territory establishment and defence. Seasonal patterns varied by life stage: during pre‐dispersal, winter and summer exhibited bimodal elevated energy expenditure at dawn and dusk, whereas monsoon showed a unimodal activity peaking in the evening, likely influenced by dense vegetation cover and localised resource distribution. Similar bimodal patterns persisted during the post‐dispersal phase, with dawn energy expenditure lower during the monsoon, while dusk activity was similar across seasons. Our findings highlight the behavioural flexibility of a female tiger navigating a human‐altered landscape and demonstrate the utility of accelerometry for quantifying fine‐scale energetics
Post-COVID-19 mental health challenges in Hong Kong: a review of policy and practice trajectories
Full text linkPurpose: This study aims to explore the efficacy of mental health policies implemented in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify strategic priorities for advancing policy and practice in the post-pandemic period. Design/methodology/approach: Using a scoping review methodology, this study synthesises existing literature on mental health challenges experienced in Hong Kong during the pandemic. The analysis is structured around the health policy triangle framework, which examines policy content, context, actors and processes to evaluate current mental health strategies and guide future policy development. Findings: The review identifies a broad spectrum of pandemic-related mental health risk factors, including the characteristics of the outbreak, enforcement of protective measures and social distancing, diminished social capital, restricted access to face-to-face healthcare, media-driven anxiety and fears of infection or transmission. While the government assumed a central role in implementing public health measures, public opinion largely attributed successful pandemic management to community-led initiatives. These findings emphasise the need for mental health policies that are inclusive, adaptive and grounded in community engagement, alongside practice trajectories that prioritise accessibility, responsiveness and integration of community-based approaches. Originality/value: This study adopts a policy-focused lens by applying the health policy triangle framework to examine mental health governance in Hong Kong. It integrates empirical evidence from the pandemic with policy analysis, offering insights into policy directions and practice trajectories that can strengthen mental health systems in the post-COVID-19 context
Swansea’s place brands: An “ugly lovely” story
No full textThis research investigates the complex landscape of place branding in Swansea. Drawing on critical place branding literature, it explores how Swansea uses both ‘ugly’ and ‘lovely’ brands to market itself to different groups. Guided by stakeholder theory, the study uses a qualitative case study design and reflexive thematic analysis. Twelve semi-structured interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted with key stakeholders across Swansea’s branding Landscape. Three dominant place brands were identified in Swansea: tourism-oriented “Swansea Bay,” investment-focused “Invest in Swansea,” and funding bids such as “Swansea City of Culture.” The findings align these three brands with established critiques in the literature: branding for tourists is linked with causing overtourism, branding for investment is suggested to be exclusive and secretive, and place branding for public funding struggles to produce long-term change. The interviews and branding documents suggest that Swansea continues to struggle with an equivocal ‘ugly lovely’ identity, as Dylan Thomas once described. The discussion section explores possible interpretations of Swansea’s ‘ugly lovely’ place branding story. The study concludes with several recommendations for practice and theory. There is no single solution to Swansea’s branding struggles; each perspective offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Instead, the study recommends that Swansea’s city managers should reflect on each of the different solutions and draw selectively on the prescriptions associated with them. The study also points to three gaps in the current place branding literature: branding for inward investment, for public funding and ‘ugly’ place brands. It recommends these gaps are important avenues for future research in the place branding field
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