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Oasis and Borashabaa Reflective Partnership Meetings. Session Reports
Full text linkThree meetings bringing together staff and team members from Oasis and Borashabaa, which took place March, May and November 2025.The idea is for people from both organisations to get to know each other better, to share reflections on practice and to explore ways that collaborations may continue and develop
Lyα Intensity Mapping in HETDEX: Galaxy-Lyα Intensity Cross-power Spectrum
Full text linkWe present a measurement of the Lyα intensity mapping power spectrum from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX). We measure the cross-power spectrum of the Lyα intensity and Lyα-emitting galaxies (LAEs) in a redshift range of 1.9 ≤ z ≤ 3.5. We calculate the intensity from HETDEX spectra that do not contain any detected LAEs above a signal-to-noise ratio of 5.5. To produce a power spectrum model and its covariance matrix, we simulate the data using lognormal mocks for the LAE catalog and Lyα intensity in redshift space. The simulations include the HETDEX sensitivity, selection function, and mask. The measurements yield the product of the LAE bias, the intensity bias, the mean intensity of undetected sources, and the ratio of the actual and fiducial redshift-space distortion parameters, (6.7 ± 3.1), (11.7 ± 1.4), and (8.3 ± 1.5) × 10−22 erg s−1 cm−2 arcsec−2 Å−1 in three redshift bins centered at , 2.6, and 3.2, respectively. The results are reasonably consistent with cosmological hydrodynamical simulations that include Lyα radiative transfer. They are, however, significantly smaller than previous results from cross-correlations of quasars with Lyα intensity. These results demonstrate the statistical power of HETDEX for Lyα intensity mapping and pave the way for a more comprehensive analysis. They will also be useful for constraining models of Lyα emission from galaxies used in modern cosmological simulations of galaxy formation and evolution
Using charitable donations to rebuild corporate reputation following controversies
Full text linkWe examine the consequences of controversies on corporate reputation and identify a strategy that companies often adopt to restore their trust relationships with stakeholders in the aftermath of media condemnation. In the post-controversy period, firms appear to use a bolstering strategy of engaging more actively in philanthropic activities. In terms of regaining reputation, as measured by the increase in the Britain’s Most Admired Companies ranking, such strategy proves to be ineffectual. This may be because charitable giving in such context could be viewed as superficial virtue signaling rather than a fundamental change in the company’s ethical stance
Effectiveness of the Family-Centred Empowerment Model on Informal Caregivers of People With Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textAims and Objectives: To investigate the effects of the Family-Centred Empowerment Model on informal caregivers on individuals with chronic diseases. Background: The Family-Centred Empowerment Model may help address informal caregivers' challenges in chronic disease management, including caregiver burden. However, its effectiveness for informal caregivers of chronic disease patients remains unclear. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, SinoMed and Wanfang Data from their inception to January 2024. Two investigators independently evaluated study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: This review included 22 studies. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the Family-Centred Empowerment Model significantly reduced caregiver burden, stress and anxiety. Subgroup analyses further revealed a positive effect on reducing caregiver burden across both paediatric and adult patient populations. Additionally, the intervention's effect on caregiver burden remained significant for 1–3 months following the intervention. While the model did not significantly affect the pooled outcome for care ability, subgroup analyses indicated that the model was more effective at improving care ability 3 weeks post-intervention compared to immediately after the intervention. Conclusion: The Family-Centred Empowerment Model for informal caregivers of chronic disease patients may help reduce caregiver burden, stress and anxiety, while gradually improving care ability. However, it has no significant effect on depression or family function. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The review provides valuable evidence to guide clinicians in implementing the Family-Centred Empowerment Model for informal caregivers of chronic disease patients. By applying this model, caregivers can reduce burdens, stress and anxiety while enhancing their care abilities. No Patient or Public Contribution: As a systematic review and meta-analysis, these details did not apply to our work. Trial Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42024505357)
People Management in Schools: Practical Strategies Headteachers Use to Create Supportive and Respectful Working Environments for Teachers.
Full text linkHeadteachers who overlook the importance of teachers’ professional expertise and contributions can negatively affect teachers’ occupational well-being, by increasing the risk of attrition, and breaking an element of the UK Headteachers’ Standards (Department for Education, 2020). These challenges may often stem from ineffective people management, particularly the failure to nurture a working environment in which teachers feel valued and respected. Although existing literature acknowledges these issues, there remains a gap in research concerning the practical, day-to-day strategies local UK headteachers as people managers could employ to foster such environments. To address this gap, this study investigated the following research question: “As people managers, how could headteachers nurture a working environment where staff feel valued and respected?”Using Microsoft TEAMs and the Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc) Online survey platform, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six headteachers from two underrepresented regions in England—namely the Midlands and Yorkshire—which are seldom explored in existing research literature relevant to this study. Additionally, four more headteachers contributed through an online qualitative survey. Purposeful convenient or opportunity sampling was used to select interviewees, and a snowball strategy was used to attract survey participants. The NVivo software was used to analyse the data. Both Universities involved granted ethical approval.The findings revealed that, as a key aspect of people management, selected local UK headteachers fostered a working environment in which teachers feel valued and respected by engaging in a range of supportive practices. These include supporting teachers’ personal and professional welfare, treating the process as a moral responsibility and high priority, being mindful of their time and emotional well-being, offering meaningful recognition and rewards, communicating effectively, motivating staff, treating teachers as professionals, enabling teacher voice, providing leadership opportunities, and promoting collaboration. While these findings are not new, they contribute to the literature by validating and extending knowledge within a new geographical context—Midlands and Yorkshire, England. Although well-documented in broader educational discussions, applying previous findings to a localised setting provide valuable evidence of how national and international occurrences manifest in regions often overlooked by the literature
Inhibition of the JAK and MEK Pathways Limits Mitochondrial ROS Production in Human Saphenous Vein Smooth Muscle Cells
Full text linkActivation of JAK/STAT and MAPK/ERK1,2 signalling pathways has been shown to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in multiple cell types involved in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, these have not yet been studied in human saphenous vein SMCs (HSVSMCs) responsible for the maladaptive remodelling leading to saphenous vein graft failure (VGF), to which patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more susceptible. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contributions of the JAK/STAT and MAPK/ERK1,2 pathways towards production of mitochondrial ROS (mROS) in HSVSMCs from T2DM patients versus non-diabetic controls. HSVSMCs explanted from surplus HSV tissues from consenting patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were stimulated in vitro with mitogenic stimuli known to be involved in neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) and VGF, which are known activators of the JAK/STAT and the MAPK/ERK1,2 signalling pathways. Flow cytometry was then used to analyse the production of mROS (superoxide) in MitoSOX-stained HSVSMCs. Additionally, we examined the effect of ruxolitinib and trametinib, selective inhibitors of JAK1/2 and MEK1/2 signalling pathways, respectively, on mROS levels in these cells. From our findings, mROS production was significantly higher in HSVSMCs from T2DM patients versus non-diabetic controls. Activation of either the JAK/STAT or MAPK/ERK1,2 signalling pathways did not significantly alter the production of mROS in HSVSMCs from both T2DM and non-diabetic patients. However, inhibition of JAK/STAT and MAPK/ERK1,2 signalling pathways with ruxolitinib and trametinib, respectively, resulted in a significant reduction in mROS in HSVSMCs from both T2DM and non-diabetic patients. Our findings demonstrate a JAK/STAT- and MAPK/ERK1,2-mediated production of mROS in HSVSMCs. Hence, they are potential targets for drug development to limit ROS production in ROS-driven proliferation and migration of HSVSMCs responsible for VGF
Disentangling the impacts of collective mobility of residents and non-residents on burglary levels
Full text linkThis study investigates how the collective mobility (including movement and visiting) of residents and non-residents affects neighbourhood burglary levels. While past research has linked mobility to urban crime, this study explores how these relationships vary across population groups and social contexts at the neighbourhood level. Using mobile phone GPS data, we distinguished between residents and non-residents based on daily movement patterns. We then measured their mobility within defined spatial and temporal units. An explainable machine learning method (XGBoost and SHAP) was used to assess how mobility patterns influence burglary in London’s LSOAs from 2020 to 2021. Results show that increased collective mobility is generally associated with higher burglary levels. Specifically, non-resident footfall and residents’ stay-at-home time have a stronger influence than other variables like residents’ travelled distance. The impact also varies across neighbourhoods and shifts during periods of COVID-19 restrictions and relaxations. These findings confirm the dynamic link between mobility and crime, highlighting the value of understanding population-specific patterns to inform more targeted policing strategies
Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles Increase Neuronal Tau expression, Metabolism and Processing Through Tissue Factor and Protease Activated Receptor 2
Full text linkNeuro-inflammation is implicated in the onset of neuropathologies and can be promoted by stroke, trauma, toxins or infections. Brain tissue is rich in Tissue factor (TF) which is also released within cerebrospinal fluid as extracellular vesicles (EV). TF is an inflammatory protein which is increased during chronic conditions, and initiates blood coagulation and promotes tissue repair. This study examined the influence of TF on the expression, phosphorylation, aggregation and degradation of Tau protein in differentiated human cells SH-SY5Y and HCN-2, and rat neuronal cells. Studies were performed using vesicles containing TF or recombinant TF supplemented with factor VIIa (fVIIa) and also in the presence of various reagents and antibodies. Treatment of the differentiated cells with TF or TF-EV, upregulated the expression of Tau mRNA and protein, and was enhanced on repeated treatment. Incubation of cells with TF-fVIIa increased Tau expression and resulted in significant phosphorylation at Thr181, and was less at Ser202. Inhibition of the protease activity of TF-fVIIa, or blocking PAR2 activation on cells using SAM11 antibody, reduced Tau phosphorylation at Thr181. Examination of the Tau protein at intervals post-treatment indicated that Thr181 phosphorylation was present in bands of approximately 50 and 30–35kDa while phosphorylation of Ser202 was associated with a 43kDa band. Exposure of the cells to TF alone was sufficient to induce PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Tau. Prolonged treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with TF, resulted in higher staining with Amytracker dye. Finally, controlled digestion of recombinant full-length Tau with TF-fVIIa resulted in a smaller fragment. In conclusion, our data presents potential mechanisms by which TF influences Tau metabolism in neurons, being both beneficial in terms of clearance and regeneration, and having detrimental outcomes including aggregation
Non-pharmacological breathlessness action plans for people with COPD and their support people: A scoping review and survey of current practice
No full textIntroductionBreathlessness action plans guide people to self-manage acute-on-chronic breathlessness episodes using non-pharmacological strategies to help breathing and overcome panic. We aimed to identify plans available for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and describe their development, content, quality, use, and evidence for benefit. MethodsTwo descriptive methodologies were used, overseen by a team of people with COPD and carers/support persons, clinicians and researchers: 1) A scoping review (academic databases, internet) identified English-language plans and research; 2) An online survey of plan-users and clinicians about their plan- related experience and perceived benefits. Each plan underwent appraisal by a person with COPD/support person and clinician/researcher using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), content analysis and reading grade assessment. ResultsOf 69 plans identified, 88% (n=61/69) included breathing techniques, 78% (n=54/69) positioning, 65% (n=45/69) airflow, 36% (n=25/69) relaxation/distraction, 30% (n=21/69) stopping/slowing, 22% (n=15/69) remaining calm, 13% (n=13/69) reassurance, 7% (n=5/69) support from others and 4% (n=3/69) loosening clothing. The 48 plans that could be PEMAT-analysed scored an average of 64% for understandability and 68% for actionability. Their median reading grade was 8.2 (inter-quartile range 2.2). We identified efficacy support from only one pre/post study and feasibility/acceptability from qualitative data in two feasibility trials, each focusing on a different plan. In the survey, 67% (n=31/46) of plan-users self-reported avoiding calling an ambulance over the past year by using their plan. 93% (n=94/101) of clinicians perceived patient benefit in the form of increased confidence/reduced anxiety, 60% (n=61/101) reduced frequency of episodes, 53% (54/101) reduced need for ambulance/emergency department, and 41% (41/101) increased activities of daily living, while 4% (4/101) were unsure of any benefit. DiscussionDespite multiple plans being available, few studies have assessed acceptability or efficacy. Further research is needed to evaluate net effects on self-management, breathlessness-related outcomes and healthcare usage.Keywords: Dyspnea, dyspnoea, self-management, patient educatio
A hybrid active galactic nucleus feedback model with spinning black holes, winds and jets
No full textWe present a hybrid active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback model that features three accretion disc states (the thick, thin, and slim discs at low, moderate, and super-Eddington accretion rates, respectively), and two feedback modes: thermal isotropic and kinetic jets. The model includes black hole (BH) spin evolution due to gas accretion, BH mergers, jet spin- down, and Lense–Thirring torques. The BH spin determines the jet directions and affects the feedback efficiencies. The model is implemented in the swift code and coupled with the COLIBRE galaxy formation model. We present the first results from hybrid AGN feedback simulations run as part of the COLIBRE suite, focusing on the impact of new parameters and calibration efforts. Using the new hybrid AGN feedback model, we find that AGN feedback affects not just massive galaxies, but all galaxies down to M ∗≈10 8 M . BH spins ar e pr edict ed t o be near-maximal for intermediate-mass BHs ( M BH ∈ [10 6 , 10 8 ] M ), and lower for other BH masses, which is in good agreement with observations. The intergalactic medium is hotter and impacted on larger scales in the hybrid AGN feedback simulations compared to those using purely thermal feedback. In the hybrid AGN simulations, we predict that half of the cumulative injected AGN energy is in thermal and the other half in jet form, broadly independent of BH mass and redshift. Jet feedback is important at all redshifts and dominates over thermal feedback at z 1 . 5 , but only mildly