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A full-length 16S survey using Nanopore sequencing to uncover the bacterial microbiome in Ixodes ricinus ticks from a single UK woodland, collected across three springs (2019-2021)
Get PDFIxodes ricinus is a key vector of several bacterial pathogens, including Borrelia and Rickettsia species. To assess bacterial prevalence and diversity, we characterised the microbiome of ticks collected from a single UK woodland, comparing different woodland types, life stages (adult male, female, and nymph), and sampling years (spring 2019–2021). Unlike previous studies that target short regions of the 16S rRNA gene, we used Nanopore sequencing to generate full-length 16S reads, allowing for higher taxonomic resolution. Our results showed significant microbiome differences across life stages, but not by woodland type or year. Rickettsia was the most abundant taxon, with prevalence varying by life stage and year. Borrelia was present in all life stages but absent in 2021 samples. Anaplasma abundance varied significantly by year and life stage, peaking in nymphs from Pine woodland. Bartonella was found across all woodland types, with the highest abundance in nymphs from Oak-dominated areas
Nitric oxide releasing graphene for next-generation therapeutics
Get PDFNitric oxide (NO) is a powerful signalling molecule and plays a central role in numerous physiological processes, most notably, in the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems. While organic nitrates, exemplified by nitroglycerin, have been used for over a century to deliver therapeutic NO, the search for novel drugs capable of selectively increasing NO bioavailability has continued unabated. Delivery of NO is hindered by its gaseous nature, extreme reactivity, short half-life and potential for systemic toxicity. To address these challenges, controlled NO delivery systems are highly desirable, offering precise release at the site of action over defined periods. Recent advances have focused on nanoparticles for injectable or implantable use, enabling sustained, targeted NO release while degrading safely. Among these, graphene nanostructures have emerged as efficient NO carriers, since they can be specifically designed to deliver NO gas or donor compounds due to their tunable surface chemistry, easy chemical modification and good biocompatibility. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in NO-releasing graphene formulations, alongside key applications in cardiovascular diseases, antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment
Image simulation for camera development—python image simulator for planetary exploration (SIMply)
Get PDFOptical cameras aboard spacecraft are an essential source of science and engineering data. Testing and development of new and novel spaceborne imaging systems is important in order to facilitate the next generation of space exploration, but can be costly and resource intensive. Image simulation provides a fast and low cost means by which to support development of imaging systems for use in space, and is particularly valuable for supporting proposals, initial concept studies, and projects with limited funding and personnel. Simulated images can be rapidly generated and used to test algorithms (such as autonomous navigation), verify performance requirements (such as signal to noise ratio), and inform design (such as aperture sizing). This paper describes SIMply, an accessible, free, open-source Python image simulation tool developed for simulating spaceborne image data. The tool can be used to simulate physically accurate images of a wide variety of planetary exploration scenes (from planets and moons to small bodies and artificial objects; it is not suitable for extrasolar objects) and is written with an emphasis on simplicity and flexibility to minimize barriers to its use. SIMply utilizes ray tracing and physical models of surface shape, spectral reflectance, spectral camera response, and imaging geometry. SIMply’s physical accuracy is validated and discussed by considering radiometric properties and image features of 4 simulated versions of real spaceborne images, and the importance of input data selection in space image simulation is discussed. The validation approach can be readily adapted and applied to other image simulation tools and scenarios
Passive silicon nitride integrated photonics for spatial intensity and phase sensing of visible light
No full textPhase is an intrinsic property of light, and thus a crucial parameter across numerous applications in modern optics. Various methods exist for measuring the phase of light, each presenting challenges and limitations—from the mechanical stability requirements of free-space interferometers to the computational complexity usually associated with methods based on spatial light modulators. Here, we utilize a passive photonic integrated circuit to spatially probe phase and intensity distributions of free-space light beams. Phase information is encoded into intensity through a set of passive on-chip interferometers, allowing conventional detectors to retrieve the phase profile of light through single-shot intensity measurements. Furthermore, we use silicon nitride as a material platform for the waveguide architecture, facilitating multi-spectral utilization in the visible spectral range. Our approach for fast, multi-spectral, and spatially resolved measurement of intensity and phase enables a wide variety of potential applications, ranging from microscopy to free-space optical communication
Research Briefing 3: Marriage Patterns and Migration Realities [Revealing Domestic Abuse Realities and Viable Helpseeking Pathways for South Asian Women in Scotland]
Get PDFDespite evidence of severe, culturally specific patterns of abuse and persistent barriers to support, little research has focused on the experiences of South Asian women in Scotland or how they understand and seek help for domestic abuse. Diversifying Justice addressed this gap through arts-based focus groups (n=15) and narrative interviews (n=14), conducted in Urdu and English, using a feminist, participatory methodology designed to prioritise care, reciprocity, and safe sharing of experiences. This briefing focuses on marriage patterns and migration realities. Participants described blurred boundaries between arranged and forced marriages, often shaped by emotional pressure and coercion. Cousin marriages and double rishta arrangements created complex kinship ties that increased pressure to remain in unsafe relationships. Migration, language barriers, and immigration status further deepened dependence and isolation, leaving women vulnerable to misinformation and control. Findings stress the need for culturally informed and linguistically accessible services
Research Briefing 4: Cultural and Community Dynamics [Revealing Domestic Abuse Realities and Viable Helpseeking Pathways for South Asian Women in Scotland]
Get PDFDespite evidence of severe, culturally specific patterns of abuse and persistent barriers to support, little research has focused on the experiences of South Asian women in Scotland or how they understand and seek help for domestic abuse. Diversifying Justice addressed this gap through arts-based focus groups (n=15) and narrative interviews (n=14), conducted in Urdu and English, using a feminist, participatory methodology designed to prioritise care, reciprocity, and safe sharing of experiences. This briefing focuses on cultural and community dynamics. Participants described how expectations of marriage “at all costs,” gossip, and fear of judgement kept women silent and in unsafe relationships. Divorce was heavily stigmatised, while cultural and religious teachings were frequently blurred or misused to justify abuse. Limited access to Islamic education left women unaware of their rights. Findings highlight the need to challenge harmful cultural narratives, address stigma, and ensure access to accurate religious and legal knowledge
Master statistical analysis plan: attractive targeted sugar bait phase III trials in Kenya, Mali, and Zambia
Get PDFThis manuscript is a master statistical analysis plan for each of three-cluster randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSB) described in an already published protocol. The master SAP contains an overarching plan for all three trials, which can be adapted to trial-specific circumstances. The primary objective of the trials is to evaluate the efficacy of ATSB in the presence of universal vector control coverage with insecticide-treated nets (ITN) or indoor residual spraying (IRS) after two transmission seasons on clinical malaria incidence as compared with universal vector control coverage with ITN or IRS alone. The primary outcome measure is the incidence rate of clinical malaria, assessed in cohorts aged 12 months to less than 15 years (≥ 5 years to 15 years in Mali) during monthly follow-up visits. The primary unadjusted analysis will be conducted on the intention-to-treat analysis population without adjustment for any anticipated confounding variables. The primary outcome will be analyzed using a multi-level model constructed on a generalized linear model framework with a Poisson likelihood and a log link function. Random intercepts will be included for each study cluster and a fixed effect for study-arm. The analyst will be blinded to study arm assignment. Several secondary outcomes will be analyzed, as well as a pooled analysis (individual patient data meta-analysis) across the three trial sites. Additionally, a standard meta-analysis is expected to be conducted using combined data from all sites
Evaluation of electric vehicle retrofitting challenges through a design, operation, and charging infrastructure assessment framework
Get PDFElectric vehicle (EV) is a resurging technology with a promising future. However, range anxiety and lack of charging infrastructure remain challenges for the mass-scale adoption of EVs. Nevertheless, with technological advancements and rapid development of charging infrastructure, EV adoption has increased massively. On the one hand, the adoption of modern EVs has dramatically increased. On the other hand, retrofitting of conventional vehicles to EVs has significantly gained attention, especially in developing countries. One of the alarming concerns related to retrofitting is less awareness related to the retrofitting challenges that may raise safety issues along with the range anxiety. This research project identifies the challenges of retrofitting conventional gasoline engines to EVs while assessing battery bank capacity, drive train motor performance, and charging impact. A three-wheel gasoline vehicle is converted into an EV to identify design, operational, and mass-scale charging impacts. A three-wheeled petrol-engine vehicle was selected for the conversion. The geographic location of Karachi Pakistan was selected for testing the retrofitted vehicle. In the first phase, a simulation study is conducted using drive train simulation software for the selection of the electric motor and the sizing of the battery bank. In the second phase, the converted vehicle is tested on the road to analyze operational characteristics, that is, battery drain time, speed, and performance of the traction motor. In the third phase, mass-scale charging power requirements are quantified. The results revealed that conventional car transformation into an EV can pose challenges in all three phases, that is, design, operation, and mass-scale charging. It was analyzed that a low space constraint for the battery reduces the battery bank, eventually restricting the vehicle operation to only 15–32 min with a speed of 10 and 20 km/h. On the other hand, with the higher mass vehicles charging, the total power required is 125 kW with a 0.7 demand factor, whereas 117 kW of charging is required in the nighttime during peak hours, which can put a load on the grid with the increasing number of vehicles and less travel time
Developing Resilience and Discernment to Feedback
Get PDFResilience is an important graduate skill, especially in the context of heavy social media influence (Samari et al., 2022; Sutton, 2024). When any form of writing or media is shared, it has the potential to be subject to feedback or comments. Amidst the affirmative feedback, there may also be a critical element. Whilst potentially constructively intended, those sharing content should be aware of the prospective impact and that these can be irrelevant or harmful (Mercer and Gulseren, 2023).
The significance of resilience in learning is well-documented (e.g., Cassidy, 2015) and includes how students might be affected by feedback (Wu and Bailey, 2018; Zhan et al., 2024). In this context, we often expect students to be able to interpret and apply feedback comments, which is a valuable graduate skill (Dyers, 2023; Cohan, 2024; Leder et al., 2024; Silén et al., 2024).
In examining these issues, our study focused on an assessment which developed two important skills: (1) adopting resilience in receiving feedback; and (2) confidence in evaluating, amongst numerous comments, which may need action and identifying what action.
A group assessment in an Economics undergraduate course was used for this purpose, with a set task to be completed and presented to the class. Once completed, each student was asked to write feedback about two other presentations. Once all peer feedback was given/received, each individual student was invited to write a reflective response to the feedback they received. Reflection was facilitated by structured questions, which were then analysed.
This session shared reflections on assessment design, explained the process of enabling peer feedback, outlined the reflective questionnaire, and shared the results of the analysis of the reflective responses. The evaluation found that students provided thoughtful peer feedback and used the received feedback effectively. They discerned what aspects to improve on, and which ones to continue. End of course evaluations showed that students appreciated the opportunity to give feedback, reflect on received feedback, and to develop confidence in generating their own inner feedback
Prefrontal and parieto-occipital neural signatures of evidence accumulation and response to computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in depression
Get PDFComputerised Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective psychological intervention for mild to moderate depression. While CBT aims to correct maladaptive cognitive biases and ensuing disadvantageous decision-making, our current understanding of decision-making signatures linked to CBT response remains limited. Preliminary behavioural evidence has shown that the process of evidence accumulation (EA), indexing the efficiency of decision dynamics, is impaired in depression. However, little is known about the role of EA in the context of CBT for depression. In this study we recruited 37 (18 females) unmedicated depressed subjects. Participants attended two task-based functional resonance imaging sessions before and two months after completing an online self-help CBT-based intervention. We fitted a hybrid reinforcement learning drift diffusion model to the probabilistic reversal learning task data and investigated accumulator-like brain activity as a function of response to computerised CBT. We found that at baseline, compared to nonresponders, responders exhibited weaker left prefrontal and parieto-occipital EA neural signatures, which subsequently increased in proportion to the sustained symptomatic improvement observed following computerised CBT. We thus provide preliminary evidence that attenuated EA neural signatures in the left prefrontal and parieto-occipital cortical areas are associated with response to computerised CBT in depression. Crucially, the observed increase of accumulator-like brain activity following computerised CBT warrants further replication in future experimental work probing neurocomputational mechanisms of change in CBT
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