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Wireless agentic AI with retrieval-augmented multimodal semantic perception
No full textThe rapid growth of multimodal agentic AI and LLMs enables richer perception and decision making, yet bandwidth-limited multi-agent links hinder timely exchange of task-critical semantics. Existing approaches based on static compression or heuristic selection do not adapt to the receiver's current query or to contention on a shared channel, which leads to redundant transmission or missing task-critical details. We propose Retrieval-Augmented Multimodal Semantic Communication (RAMSemCom), a receiver-driven framework that iteratively retrieves only high-resolution image patches most relevant to the active task when the initial downsampled summary is insufficient. A centralized Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) scheduler at the roadside unit coordinates per-agent patch budgets and timing under shared bandwidth and round deadlines, using semantic relevance and channel state to orchestrate concurrent requests. Retrieved patches are overlaid via a spatial-awareness layout to preserve scene geometry without full-frame transfer. In a multi-vehicle urban driving case study, RAMSemCom achieves earlier task completion and better performance than strong non-learning and token-level baselines under identical bandwidth and latency budgets.</p
Unravelling co-mutational patterns with prognostic implications in NPM1 mutated adult acute myeloid leukemia - a HARMONY study
No full textNPM1-mutated (NPM1-mut) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is generally associated with a more favorable outcome, although the presence of additional gene mutations can influence patient prognosis. We analyzed intensively-treated adult NPM1-mut AML patients included in the HARMONY Alliance database. A newly developed risk classification, which included combinations of co-mutations in FLT3-ITD, DNMT3A, IDH1/IDH2, and TET2 genes, was applied to a training cohort of NPM1-mut AML patients included in clinical trials (n = 1001), an internal validation cohort more representative of real-world settings (n = 762), and an external validation cohort enrolled in UK-NCRI trials (n = 585). The HARMONY classification considered 51.8% of the NPM1-mut AML training cohort patients as favorable, 24.8% as intermediate, and 23.4% as adverse risk, with median overall survival (OS) of 14.4, 2.2, and 0.9 years, respectively; p < 0.001), thereby reclassifying 42.7% of NPM1-mut patients into a different European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 risk category. These results were confirmed both in an internal and external validation cohort. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in first complete remission (CR1) showed the highest benefit in the NPM1-mut adverse-risk subgroup. The HARMONY classification provides the basis for a refined genetic risk stratification for adult NPM1-mut AML with potential clinical impact on allo-HSCT decision-making.<br/
Pancreatic cancer education: a scoping review of evidence across patients, professionals and the public
No full textBackground: Pancreatic cancer is the least survivable malignancy, with five-year survival below 10%. Its vague, non-specific symptoms contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Targeted education for healthcare professionals, students, patients, carers, and the public may improve awareness, confidence, and early help-seeking. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on pancreatic cancer education, identifying intervention types, outcomes, and gaps in knowledge. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed studies evaluating educational interventions on pancreatic cancer for healthcare students, professionals, patients, carers, or the public. Grey literature was excluded to maintain a consistent methodological standard. Data were charted and synthesised narratively. Results: Nine studies (2018–2024) met inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income countries. Interventions targeted students and professionals (n = 3), patients (n = 2), the public (n = 2), or mixed groups (n = 2), using modalities such as team-based learning, workshops, virtual reality, serious games, and digital animations. Four interrelated themes were identified, encompassing (1) Self-efficacy; (2) Knowledge; (3) Behavior; and (4) Acceptability. Digital and interactive approaches demonstrated particularly strong engagement and learning gains. Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer education shows clear potential to enhance knowledge, confidence, and engagement across diverse audiences. Digital platforms offer scalable opportunities but require quality assurance and long-term evaluation to sustain impact. The evidence base remains limited and fragmented, highlighting the need for validated outcome measures, longitudinal research, and greater international representation to support the integration of education into a global pancreatic cancer control strategy. Future studies should also evaluate how educational interventions influence clinical practice and real-world help-seeking behaviour
Emerging trends in polysaccharide-based smart PEGylated hydrogels for biomedical applications
No full textPolysaccharide-based PEGylated hydrogels have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials that combine the favourable properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG), such as hydrophilicity, stability, and structural tunability with the biodegradability and biocompatibility of natural polysaccharides. This review presents recent progress in the synthesis and design of hybrid PEG–polysaccharide hydrogels, emphasizing structural modifications and crosslinking strategies involving biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan, agarose, and carrageenan. These systems exhibit adjustable physicochemical properties and responsiveness to various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, reactive oxygen species, glucose, and enzymatic activities. Such dynamic features enable precise control over drug and growth factor release and facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. The review also discusses the biomedical applications of these hydrogels in cancer therapy, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Furthermore, it highlights critical translational challenges related to biosafety, immunogenicity, large-scale production, and regulatory pathways, which still hinder clinical implementation. By integrating material design insights with translational perspectives, this work provides an updated overview of opportunities and limitations in advancing PEGylated polysaccharide hydrogels toward safe and effective biomedical use. Continued research on their stability, reproducibility, and functional performance is essential to unlock their full clinical potential.<br/
Quantifying inter- and intramolecular interactions in liquids with correlated vibrational spectroscopy: case study of CCl<sub>4</sub> and CH<sub>3</sub>CN
No full textCorrelated vibrational spectroscopy (CVS) is a hyper-Raman-based vibrational spectroscopy that retrieves separate spectra of individual (self-correlated, SC) and interacting (cross-correlated, CC) molecules. The spectra are recorded in the >40 cm–1 THz/mid-IR frequency range and contain modes that are IR and/or Raman active. Here, we further develop CVS and apply it to investigate intra- and intermolecular interactions using room temperature liquid carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a nonpolar liquid, and acetonitrile (CH3CN), a polar liquid, as case studies. CVS spectra of CCl4 display no intermolecular coupling, confirming the isotropy and short-range nature of the molecular interactions. Strong intramolecular coupling is observed on the Fermi resonance, and the relative phase between the participating modes is determined based on the intensities in the experimental spectra. CVS spectra of acetonitrile display intermolecular coupling of the C≡N mode vibrations, whose cross-correlated out-of-phase signature is evidence for near-perpendicular pair arrangements. Performing a theoretical analysis of the CVS response, an equation for the effective average orientational angle between C≡N groups of adjacent liquid molecules is developed and solved. The effective average orientational angle between adjacent acetonitrile dipoles is ∼102° ± 2°, which is close to a head-to-tail arrangement
Vulnerability of blue carbon stocks to disturbance in sediments with low burial efficiency
No full textContinental shelf sediments – particularly soft, muddy habitats - serve as significant reservoirs of organic carbon over glacial-interglacial timescales and are subject to disturbance, notably from mobile bottom fishing gear. The quantity and quality of accumulated organic carbon varies across shelf environments, with muds storing more organic carbon than other substrate types. For effective marine management, it has been recommended that the reactivity, or ‘quality’, of organic matter should be considered when assessing the vulnerability of sedimentary carbon to disturbance. If management interventions are to be made to protect vulnerable organic carbon reservoirs on the seafloor, then it is also important to consider the burial efficiency of carbon. In areas of rapid sediment accumulation, carbon will be moved from surface to geological reservoirs more quickly, thus facilitating carbon sequestration. In this study, we assess the quantity, quality, and accumulation rate of organic carbon in the muddy depocenter of the Fladen Ground, northern North Sea - an area of low active sediment accumulation, with both historic and ongoing bottom trawling. All sediment cores analysed in this study display upwards coarsening of surface sediments, consistent with sediment disturbance and winnowing. Southern Fladen Ground sediments are especially well sorted, depleted in total organic carbon, and enriched in calcium carbonate - patterns that align with intensified trawling. Our results show very low modern organic carbon accumulation rates (∼0.7 g C m−2 yr−1), low organic matter reactivity (18.5 % labile), and that modern trawl events can potentially disturb sediments and carbon accumulated over the last ∼2300 years. These results indicate that sediment and organic carbon accumulation rates are an important consideration when assessing the vulnerability of sedimentary carbon.</p
Cultural funding and financing. A guide to new and traditional models in arts and culture
No full textThis edited open access volume offers a comprehensive analysis of new and traditional funding models for the arts and culture. In the economic and political contexts of reduced art funding, the book takes an objective, pragmatic and heterodox approach to demonstrate how financial sustainability in the arts can be achieved via a range of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms which are valued either in terms of institutional or crowd-based legitimacy. The book aims to offer both a scholarly interpretation of established and emerging funding and financing practices within the cultural and creative sector, as well as guidance for artists, creators, and cultural programmers through various case studies and multiple examples of current practices. Contributions are divided into three sections. Section one outlines the most important traditional tools and models, while the second part covers the key contemporary practices premised on the use of digital platforms, and the final part introduces several case studies. The objective of this volume is to demonstrate that while traditional models show no signs of being supplanted, digitalisation has facilitated the emergence of new forms. Such an evolution has consequences for creators of works as well as those willing to support them. The contributions address these issues by investigating and analysing the individual or combined adoption of traditional and new funding and financing models in a post-digital context
Conclusions
No full textThe conclusions to the edited volume emphasise the importance of mapping funding sources, addressing the recent narrative of declining cultural budgets and its implications for various regions as a first research agenda. Second, we claim that the hybridisation of financing mechanisms needs to be further investigated when it comes to how different funding sources can collaborate to enhance credibility and support for the arts. Third, we discuss the valuation of cultural products, asserting that value extends beyond financial metrics and encompasses broader societal considerations. Lastly, we advocate for a rethinking of public funding models, arguing for innovative approaches that incorporate community-driven support, public–private initiatives, and co-creation to better meet the needs of a cultural workforce post-digitalisation and its hurdles with potential job displacement following technological breakthroughs. By addressing these critical issues, we seek to inspire future research and discussions on funding and financing arts and culture in the twenty-first century
A comprehensive understanding of technologies, materials, and strategies for net-zero energy buildings
No full textThe building sector is significantly responsible for the world’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) have become an effective solution to move towards sustainability, maximizing energy efficiency, and minimizing carbon footprint. However, achieving net-zero energy targets requires a comprehensive understanding of building performance from the perspectives of technologies, materials, and strategies, for which existing studies have a knowledge gap. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap within existing studies through an empirical investigation. Based on a review of the literature, this study employs semi-structured interviews in the United Kingdom (UK) with industrial professionals experienced in NZEBs. The qualitative data collected from interview participants are analyzed minutely using NVivo to identify key themes and patterns, including 14 technologies, 12 materials, and seven strategies for NZEBs. Based on the literature review and, more importantly, the interview analysis, a conceptual framework is well established to describe an NZEB as a complex system that must incorporate appropriate technology adoption, careful material selection, and successful strategy implementation into consideration. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of NZEBs from a systematic point of view. It also contributes to the full fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN)
Analysing the impact of complex multimorbidity on health-related quality of life
No full textPurpose: This paper presents independent associations between complex multimorbidity and health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L instruments. Identifying the decrements in utility associated with complex multimorbidity is of value for economic evaluation and health technology assessment. Methods: Data from the population normative dataset from the Irish EQ-5D-5L study were combined with baseline data from the SPPiRE (Supporting Prescribing in Older Adults with Multimorbidity in Irish Primary Care) randomised controlled trial. The trial included an Irish cohort aged 65+ with complex multimorbidity. For the analysis, the estimation sample consisted of 364 individuals from the SPPiRE complex multimorbidity sample, along with 116 individuals aged 65+ from the general population who did not report having any serious illness. A multivariate ordered probit regression model was used to estimate the independent associations between complex multimorbidity and the five EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Results: Complex multimorbidity was independently associated with a lower probability of reporting no problems for all five EQ-5D-5L dimensions, and a higher probability of reporting the most extreme response for all five dimensions. The loss in health utility associated with complex multimorbidity was estimated to be − 0.506 (95% CI − 0.567, − 0.445) relative to those aged 65 years and over with no serious illness. The negative health impact was most pronounced for pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Conclusion: This study reported the associative impacts of complex multimorbidity for all EQ-5D-5L dimensions and for health utility overall. The findings highlight the potential impact on health-related quality of life of interventions that can prevent or delay the onset and progression of multimorbidity