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The Type I superluminous supernova catalogue – II. Spectroscopic evolution in the photospheric phase, velocity measurements, and constraints on diversity
No full textHydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are among the most energetic explosions in the universe, reaching luminosities up to 100 times greater than those of normal supernovae. This paper presents the largest compilation of SLSN photospheric spectra to date, encompassing data from the advanced Public ESO Spectroscopic Survey of Transient Objects (ePESSTO+), the Finding Luminous and Exotic Extragalactic Transients (FLEET) search, and all published spectra up to December 2022. The data set includes a total of 974 spectra of 234 SLSNe. By constructing average phase binned spectra, we find SLSNe initially exhibit high temperatures (10 000–11 000 K), with blue continua and weak lines. A rapid transformation follows, as temperatures drop to 5000–6000 K by 40 d post-peak, leading to stronger P-Cygni features. Variance within the data set is slightly reduced when defining the phase of spectra relative to explosion, rather than peak, and normalising to the population’s median e-folding decline time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supports this, requiring fewer components to explain the same level of variation when binning data by scaled days from explosion, suggesting a more homogeneous grouping. Using PCA and K-means clustering, we identify outlying objects with unusual spectroscopic evolution and evidence for energy input from interaction, but find no support for groupings of two or more statistically significant subpopulations. We find Fe II λ5169 line velocities closely track the radius implied from blackbody fits, indicating formation near the photosphere. We also confirm a correlation between velocity and velocity gradient, which can be explained if all SLSNe are in homologous expansion but with different scale velocities. This behaviour aligns with expectations for an internal powering mechanism
Beyond groups? Consociational culture and the representation of cross-segmental interests
No full textIn deeply divided societies, consociational power-sharing ensures representation for ethnonational groups but raises questions about cross-segmental interests. This paper explores “consociational culture,” arguing that consociational systems create a form of political culture which incentivises the use of group-based categories and identities to maintain political elites' power. Using Lough Neagh's environmental crisis in Northern Ireland, this study applies Michael Saward's constructivist theory of representation to examine how cross-segmental interests are articulated, contested, and received. Through analysis of political claims, media discourse, and interviews with key stakeholders and citizens, the research finds that while actors pragmatically engage with cross-segmental issues, political acts remain framed and perceived through group-based thinking. These findings highlight both the potential for cross-segmental interests within consociational structures and the limitations imposed by ingrained cultural norms. Ultimately, while cross-segmental issues can gain traction, their representation remains constrained by the deeply embedded logic of group primacy in political discourse and institutional design.<br/
Combining self-attention and convolution to understand OCT images
No full textOptical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a widely used imaging modality for diagnosing retinal diseases, with artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly supporting clinical decision-making. A prominent AI model in this domain, called RetFound is a large Vision Transformer (ViT-H/24) model pretrained on nearly one million OCT scans that has shown promise in tasks such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) detection. However, its substantial size (over 300 million parameters) and high computational requirements pose challenges for real-world deployment. In this study, we hypothesize that ViTs alone are inefficient for OCT interpretation and propose a novel hybrid model that combines self-attention with convolutional layers. This architecture leverages both global context and local structure while remaining lightweight and training-efficient. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on down stream binary classification tasks with our model, AUROC of 0.51, outperforming RetFound (0.49). On a subsequent multiclass task, our model achieves an AUROC of 0.85, closely matching RetFound's 0.87 with both outperforming other benchmark models. Additionally, the model demonstrates competitive image reconstruction, indicating a stronger grasp of underlying OCT structures
How I Met Your Monomer: Oligomer counting for FLImP using RJMCMC
No full textDetermining the distribution of protein oligomers in a sample is crucial to understanding a wide range of biological processes. Fluorescence Localisation Imaging with Photobleaching (FLImP) is a super-resolution imaging technique used for high-precision molecular localisation in protein oligomers, however it does not currently extract oligomer state distributions. FLImP traces are repurposed here for oligomer counting with Reversible Jump MCMC (RJMCMC), providing a richer characterisation of their distributions
Developing frontline managers’ creativity through formal and informal learning: a self-regulated learning perspective
No full textEmployee creativity is critical for service organizations in today’s competitive business environment. Structured training programs are a popular intervention for developing creativity knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); yet a significant amount of learning occurs informally. Drawing on self-regulation theory, we examine the interplay between a formal creativity KSA training intervention and subsequent self-regulated informal learning in the workplace for frontline managers. We utilize both quantitative and qualitative data derived from surveys and semi-structured interviews from a sample of 50 frontline managers in four hotels located in Northern Ireland. We found that the formal creativity training intervention functioned as a stimulus for informal learning around creativity, leading to a cycle of self-regulated learning processes. Our study generates new insights into the interplay of formal and informal learning in the context of creative problem-solving in the workplace.<br/
Ensuring equitable and affordable access to clean water for people living with cancer in a rural and coastal setting
No full textBACKGROUND: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) stated that the right-to-water entitles everyone to accessible and affordable water. People living with cancer (PLWC) need water for numerous reasons including hydration, personal hygiene and infection control. In 2023, reports emerged of PLWC in Lincolnshire (UK) disconnecting their water supply from cost fears. We report on innovative ways to ease financial burden and provide equitable and affordable access to clean water for PLWC in rural and coastal settings.METHODS: Quantitative data from secondary care and qualitative data from community-practitioners investigating PLWC's difficulties in accessing a clean and safe water supply were synthesised. A review of existing financial support identified no services directly addressing water. The Lincolnshire Living with Cancer Team approached water provider, Anglian Water sharing concerns, identifying common values, and confirming shared aims. A formal partnership was established to address these inequalities.RESULTS: Initial data reviews showed completion of 25,858 Extra Care Assessments between Jan-Sept 2023 (12 % increase on previous year). This has enabled over 30,000 people with long-term conditions, including PLWC, to access clean and affordable water, a personalised support package for their water bill, including income maximisation, debt management, payment breaks, and bill reductions.CONCLUSION: Impacts of cancer extend beyond physical health, with many PLWC reporting financial distress. Some PLWC have taken extreme measures to reduce their water consumption when they actually need increased water volumes. A partnership approach between health, voluntary and community sectors with a water provider can help address these inequalities.POLICY SUMMARY: The study addresses national policy (NHS Long Term Plan 2019) by demonstrating how personalisation can be achieved for PLWC in a rural and coastal county. Internationally, it aligns to The European Code of Cancer Practice and seeks to contribute to its implementation UNGA Resolution 64/292, the universal human right to water and sanitation.</p
Physico-mechanical properties and synergistic hydration mechanism of steel slag-GBFS based alkali-activated composites incorporated with silica fume
No full textLow reactivity and expansion limit steel slag (SS) use, while silica fume (SF) aids high-density matrix formation in cementitious materials due to its unique properties. To investigate the feasibility of enhancing SS-based materials with SF, an alkali-activated SS-GBFS-SF composite was prepared. This work examined the impact of SF on the physico-mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics, revealing the synergistic hydration mechanism among the components. The results show that a reasonable amount of SF can effectively improve the fluidity and mechanical properties of SS-GBFS based alkali-activated systems. When the mass ratio of SS to GBFS is 2:3 and SF dosage is 5 %, the fluidity of SS-GBFS-SF mortar is 170 mm, with compressive strength of 71 MPa at 90 days. The influence of SF on the early-age drying shrinkage rate of mortars is significant. At a dosage of 5 %, the 3-day drying shrinkage rate increases by 10.3 % compared to SS-GBFS group. However, this effect gradually decreases in the later stages. Early dissolution of SF produces soluble silicate, which reduces the activation effect of the alkali-activator. During the hydration process, SF consumes hydroxide, resulting in a decreased dissolution of calcium ion in the cementitious system and delaying the hydration of SS. In addition, SF provides a source of silicon, which increases the polymerization of hydration products. In the later stages of hydration, the unreacted SF acts as a physical filler, refining the microstructure and improving the comprehensive performance of the composites
NI Productivity 2040: Addressing Northern Ireland’s productivity gap for greater prosperity:How can Northern Ireland close its productivity gap by 2040?
No full textNorthern Ireland has long struggled to close the productivity gap with the UK. At the Northern Ireland Productivity Forum we published a new report, NI Productivity 2040: Addressing Northern Ireland’s productivity gap for greater prosperity
Analysing factors underlying the reporting of established non-native species
No full textA nexus of natural and human variables mediate the success of non-native species that threaten global biodiversity and ecological stability. However, the relative importance and interplays among relevant factors has not been holistically approached. To identify spatial differences and potential connections in relevant natural and human drivers, we analyzed the number of non-native species established in European countries using a newly collated database of established non-native species. We employ a series of broadscale national predictors classified into ‘research’, ‘economy’, ‘environment & culture’, and ‘land-use’ to predict successful establishment. Our null models, which assume the distribution of non-native species mirrors that of each predictor, accurately predicted non-native species numbers across European countries. However, a few countries were identified as outliers, having significantly over- or underrepresented non-native species numbers based on adjusted quasi-Poisson distribution quantiles. A network analysis of non-native species compositions identified these regions to be central hubs (e.g. Germany, France, and Switzerland), but also highlighted distinct spatial similarities across European countries. Combinations of the predictors ‘economy’, ‘research’, and ‘environment & culture’ explained the largest shares of differences in the number of established non-native species among European countries as well as their reporting rates over time. Individual drivers alone were insufficient to wholly explain national differences, whereas interacting driver categories ultimately accounted for the largest shares of variance. This analysis demonstrates the breadth of predictors that mediate successful establishment, and particularly highlights the relevance of overlooked historical-cultural facets affecting biological invasions
