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Development and evaluation of a mental health recovery priority measure for cross-cultural research: global INSPIRE
No full textPurposeThis study developed and evaluated a new personal recovery scale—Global INSPIRE—in English and Japanese, and compared responses between Japan and the UK. Personal recovery—living a satisfying and meaningful life despite mental health challenges—has gained attention in mental health. The widely-used CHIME framework identifies five recovery processes: Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment. Full INSPIRE evaluates whether service users feel supported in each CHIME process. However, emerging cross-cultural evidence indicates differences in the priority placed on each CHIME domain. No tool exists to assess recovery priorities, hindering cross-cultural research.MethodsThe 20-item self-completed Global INSPIRE was adapted from the Full INSPIRE to assess recovery priorities of both service users and non-service users. Participants in the UK (n=512) and Japan (n=507) completed the Global INSPIRE at baseline and two-week follow-up. Psychometric properties were evaluated, including reliability, test-retest stability, and discriminant validity with two established recovery scales—CORE-10 and QPR-15. Cross-national differences in recovery priorities were also examined.ResultsBoth versions showed excellent reliability (α=0.91 UK; 0.97 Japan), test-retest stability (4/5 processes UK, 5/5 Japan), and acceptable model fit (CFI=0.80 UK; 0.85 Japan). Measurement invariance supported configural (CFI=0.89) and metric invariance (CFI=0.89) but not scalar invariance (CFI=0.83). Discriminant validity was supported by weak correlations with CORE-10 and QPR-15. UK participants prioritised Hope, Meaning, and Empowerment, while Japanese participants prioritised Identity.ConclusionGlobal INSPIRE is a reliable and culturally adaptable tool for assessing distinct recovery priorities. Future research should explore demographic differences and expand testing across diverse cultural contexts
Dynamic Simulations of Phase-Change Emulsions in Cooling Systems
Get PDFThe application of phase change material emulsions (PCMEs) in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is considered to be a potential way of saving energy due to their relatively higher energy storage capacity compared with water. They are now widely used as a heat transfer media, so they are able to reduce the flow rate whilst delivering the same amount of cooling energy. In order to evaluate the energy-saving potential of the integrated PCME air conditioning system, whole-building energy simulation was carried out with the building simulation code TRNSYS. Before simulating the whole system, a mathematical model for a PCME-integrated fan coil unit was first developed and validated. A phase change material emulsion called PCE-10 was used, and the TRNSYS simulation showed that the required volumetric flow rate of phase change material emulsions was 50% less than that of water when providing the same cooling effect, which could contribute to a 7% reduction in total energy consumption
The emotional depth of flood experience: the role of positive emotions in shaping perceptions and action on climate change
Get PDFFlooding is an ongoing and predicted impact of climate change in many parts of the world. Previous research shows that many people who have experienced flooding exhibit a greater preparedness to act on climate change, especially when the experience relates to more pronounced emotional responses. However, this research has mainly focused on general negative emotional reactions to flooding. Here, we re-analysed a large UK survey dataset (N = 1997) using mixed-methods to examine discrete emotional responses to flooding, including positive emotions, and their relationship with environmental intentions and policy support. Whilst anxiety, anger, helplessness, and distress, dominate people’s experience, positive emotions were also reported as significantly higher in our flooded group, particularly gratitude and pride in response to the receipt of external and community support; surprise was also observed. Thematic analysis highlighted perceived impacts of flooding, and the experience of positive support, as being key to alleviating distress and anxiety, as well as promoting subsequent positive long-term actions to reduce flooding. Notably indirect experience of flooding was also impactful with a range of emotional responses also reported by observers. Regression analysis indicated that higher levels of anxiety, distress, and gratitude were associated with greater intentions to act environmentally in the future (alongside greater levels of anger and lower levels of indifference), and to support for environmental policies (alongside greater levels of sympathy). We suggest that the provision of support following flooding may promote considerations of morality and climate change and increase the likelihood (of both recipients and observers) to undertake pro social and pro-environmental behaviour themselves in the future
Design and Testing of a Direct Oil Cooled Homopolar Synchronous Generator with Dual DC-Link via Diode Rectifiers
Get PDFThe drivetrains of large transportation systems, such as aircraft or ships, are evolving towards hybrid configurations with DC primary power distribution thanks to their higher efficiency. In this context, synchronous homopolar machines equipped with diode rectifiers are promising solutions for on-board generation units as they eliminate the need for active power electronic converters. In this paper, a synchronous homopolar generator with a dual DC-link configuration, where each power bus is supplied via two series-connected rectifiers, is designed and tested. A direct oil-cooled excitation coil provides the full voltage-control capability of the two independent DC links. The manuscript addresses the challenge of the analytical electromagnetic sizing of this machine topology, which has an intrinsic three-dimensional magnetic behaviour. The electromagnetic design is validated through a 3D-FE analysis, while the thermal sizing of the solenoid hollow oil-cooled excitation coil is analytically carried out and validated through CFD analysis. A 1.2 kW, 6000 rpm proof-of-concept demonstrator has been built and tested, and the reported measurements match the predicted electromagnetic and thermal operation. Although the experimental validation is performed on a small-scale prototype, this work may provide a foundation for designing an active power electronic-free electric generation unit for future large transportation systems
The connection between high-redshift galaxies and Lyman α transmission in the Sherwood–Relics simulations of patchy reionization
Get PDFRecent work has suggested that, during reionization, spatial variations in the ionizing radiation field should produce enhanced Ly α forest transmission at distances of tens of comoving Mpc from high-redshift galaxies. We demonstrate that the Sherwood–Relics suite of hybrid radiation-hydrodynamical simulations are qualitatively consistent with this interpretation. The shape of the galaxy–Ly α transmission cross-correlation is sensitive to both the mass of the haloes hosting the galaxies and the volume averaged fraction of neutral hydrogen in the IGM, x¯H I. The reported excess Ly α forest transmission on scales r ∼ 10 cMpc at z ≈ 5.2 – as measured using C IV absorbers as proxies for high-redshift galaxies – is quantitatively reproduced by Sherwood–Relics at z = 6 if we assume the galaxies that produce ionizing photons are hosted in haloes with mass Mh ≥ 1010 h−1 M. However, this redshift mismatch is equivalent to requiring x¯H I ∼ 0.1 at z 5.2, which is inconsistent with the observed Ly α forest effective optical depth distribution. We suggest this tension may be partly resolved if the minimum C IV absorber host halo mass at z > 5 is larger than Mh = 1010 h−1 M. After reionization completes, relic IGM temperature fluctuations will continue to influence the shape of the cross-correlation on scales of a few comoving Mpc at 4 ≤ z ≤ 5. Constraining the redshift evolution of the cross-correlation over this period may therefore provide further insight into the timing of reionization
How does energy quota trading affect the corporate pollution gap? Evidence from China
No full textExisting study lacks discussion on how market mechanism can reduce pollution gap among firms. We estimate the average effect of energy quota trading (EQT) on pollution gap among Chinese A-share listed firms. Generally, we find that EQT can significantly narrow the pollution gap between energy-intensive and energy-saving firms by increasing both compliance costs and market incentives, economically forcing energy-intensive firms to catch up with the green technology progresses of the energy-saving firms. Mechanism tests show that green innovation and financial accessibility can amplify the effect of EQT by providing the technology and funding supports for energy-intensive firms, alleviating innovation crowding out effect caused by EQT costs. Moreover, policy synergy analysis indicates that government attention can further reinforce the premature EQT market by introducing mandatory regulations to prevent market failure. This paper provides a new perspective for overall pollution control by narrowing pollution gap with effective market allocation
The REFRACT trial: Implementation of Bayesian power priors in a randomised, sequential phase II adaptive platform trial
Get PDFBackground: REFRACT is a randomised trial aimed at rapidly evaluating multiple novel therapies against standard treatment for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (rrFL) using a minimal number of patients. To this end, we designed a prospective, adaptive, sequentially randomised clinical trial to allow multiple novel therapies to be assessed sequentially against a control arm of investigator choice standard therapy (ICT). Methods: REFRACT uses a Bayesian power priors approach enabling the sharing of control arm data from previous treatment rounds. The design allows for the randomisation ratio to be changed and fixed to 1:4 in later treatment rounds resulting in fewer patients being recruited to the control arm. Results: Following extensive simulations, we arrived at the selected design of three sequential treatment rounds, each with a control group and a novel experimental arm assessed for the primary outcome of complete metabolic response(CMR) at 24 weeks. Patients in Round 1 are randomised using a 1:1 allocation, with Rounds 2 and 3 randomised using a 1:4 allocation, in favour of experimental treatment. Using Bayesian power priors, data from control patients in earlier rounds will be shared to improve the operating characteristics in the current round. Previous control arm patients will be weighted at 75% of an active control patient within the prior, with opportunities for adjustment should control treatments change over time. Conclusions: With the use of power priors and an adaptive design this trial will sequentially evaluate three novel treatment regimens in a disease that urgently requires additional treatment options. REFRACT opened to recruitment in July 2023. Trial registration: EudraCT: 2022–000677-75; 10-Feb-2022. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05848765; 08-May-2023
AI interventions in cancer screening: balancing equity and cost-effectiveness
Get PDFThis paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer screening programmes, focusing on the associated equity challenges and resource allocation implications. While AI technologies promise significant benefits—such as improved diagnostic accuracy, shorter waiting times, reduced reliance on radiographers, and overall productivity gains and cost-effectiveness—current interventions disproportionately favour those already engaged in screening. This neglect of non-attenders, who face the worst cancer outcomes, exacerbates existing health disparities and undermines the core objectives of screening programmes.Using breast cancer screening as a case study, we argue that AI interventions must not only improve health outcomes and demonstrate cost-effectiveness but also address inequities by prioritising non-attenders. To this end, we advocate for the design and implementation of cost-saving AI interventions. Such interventions could enable reinvestment into strategies specifically aimed at increasing engagement among non-attenders, thereby reducing disparities in cancer outcomes. Decision modelling is presented as a practical method to identify and evaluate these cost-saving interventions. Furthermore, the paper calls for greater transparency in decision-making, urging policymakers to explicitly account for the equity implications and opportunity costs associated with AI investments. Only then will they be able to balance the promise of technological innovation with the ethical imperative to improve health outcomes for all, particularly underserved populations. Methods such as distributional cost-effectiveness analysis are recommended to quantify and address disparities, ensuring more equitable healthcare delivery
Imaging the photophysics of organic semiconductors using polarisation-resolved and near-field optical spectroscopies
Get PDFImaging techniques that enable the structure of organic semiconductors to be determined across length scales are essential for optimisation of their luminescence properties. In this study, we prepare well-ordered monolayer films of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-3,4,9,10-diimide (PTCDI) both on the surface of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and confined within few-layer thick hBN vertical heterostructures, and apply polarisation-resolved and tip-enhanced optical spectroscopies to image the effects of molecular orientation and dielectric environment on the photoluminescence (PL) exhibited by this prototype organic semiconductor translated at the micro and nano length scales, respectively. Using this combined approach, we show that PTCDI self-assembles into two discrete types of few-micron-sized grains at sub-monolayer coverage, each exhibiting characteristic shifts in PL emission energy related to their registry on hBN surfaces. Through examination of the near-field PL spectra extracted from images of individual grains, we further reveal the existence of nanoscale inhomogeneities within the molecular layer which influence both the energy of PL emission and ratio of vibronic sidebands and provide compelling evidence that variations in the degree of resonant coupling are present on length scales comparable to the resolution of the near-field measurement. Together these imaging tools enable a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular-level photophysics of organic semiconductor aggregates to be established, accessed under ambient conditions and not requiring low temperatures or ultra-high vacuum typical of complementary analytical approaches. Such information will be critical for example for the optimisation of individual single photon emitters in quantum communication devices and understanding how defects impact the efficiency and spectral sharpness of LEDs
Standards for delivering ultrasound surveillance for hepatocellular cancer in the United Kingdom
Get PDFEarly detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through effective surveillance is critical to improving patient outcomes. These UK national guidelines provide consensus-based standards for ultrasound (US) surveillance in individuals at risk of HCC, with the aim of enhancing diagnostic quality, consistency and service delivery. Developed by a multidisciplinary expert group, the guidelines define key components of a high-quality surveillance programme, including image acquisition protocols, structured reporting using a validated classification system, appropriate training requirements and pathways for audit and quality assurance. Emphasis is placed on equity of access, patient-centred care and improving adherence. These standards are designed to support healthcare professionals, commissioners, and service providers in delivering robust HCC surveillance across the NHS, ultimately contributing to earlier diagnosis and improved survival
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