11237 research outputs found
Sort by
A database of traits for the ladybird species of the United Kingdom
No full textTrait-based approaches have become common in ecological research as they can contribute to an understanding of ecosystem functioning and how species, communities and systems may respond to environmental change. However, trait datasets are difficult and time-consuming to compile and consequently not commonly available, particularly for insects. Ladybirds, beetles in the family Coccinellidae, are an important insect group that provide key ecosystem services, primarily through predation of pest insects such as aphids and coccids. Here, we have compiled information on species traits, ecological preferences and distribution metrics for 48 species considered resident in the United Kingdom (UK) (including the harlequin ladybird) using published sources, a recently published field guide, and biological records. Species traits may inform analyses useful for conservation purposes. This database provides researchers with access to the most up-to-date assessment of UK ladybird species, promoting research into this important insect group.</p
AI to protect AI: A modular pipeline for detecting label-flipping poisoning attacks
No full textModern machine learning models are vulnerable to data poisoning attacks that compromise the integrity of their training data, with label flipping being a particularly insidious variant. In a label flipping attack, an adversary maliciously alters a fraction of the training labels to mislead the model, which can significantly degrade performance or cause targeted misclassifications while often evading simple detection. In this work, we address this threat by introducing a modular, attack-agnostic detection framework (“AI to Protect AI”) that monitors model behaviour for poisoning indicators without requiring internal access or changes to the target model. A Behaviour Monitoring Module (BMM) continuously observes the model’s outputs, extracting telltale features such as prediction probabilities, entropy, and margins for each input. These features are analysed by an ensemble of detector models, including supervised classifiers and unsupervised anomaly detectors, that collaboratively flag suspicious training samples indicative of label tampering. The proposed framework is dataset-agnostic and model-agnostic, as demonstrated across diverse image classification tasks using the MNIST (handwritten digits), CIFAR-10 (natural images), and ChestXray14 (medical X-rays) datasets. Experimental results indicate that the system reliably detects poisoned data with high accuracy (e.g., an area under the ROC curve exceeding 0.95 on MNIST, above 0.90 on CIFAR-10, and up to 0.85 on ChestXray14), while maintaining low false alarm rates. This work highlights a novel “AI to protect AI” approach, leveraging multiple lightweight detectors in concert to safeguard learning processes across different domains and thereby enhance the security and trustworthiness of AI systems.</p
Global, regional, and national burden of cervical cancer in 2022 and projections to 2050: a population-based analysis of GLOBOCAN
No full textObjective: Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, comprehensive assessments remain limited, prompting this study to evaluate recent trends, current burden, and future progress toward elimination.Methods: The global burden of cervical cancer across 185 countries or territories in 2022 was assessed using data from the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, stratified by age and Human Development Index. Trends from 1943 to 2020 were analyzed using data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus database, the WHO Mortality Database, and the Nordic Cancer Database. Age-standardized incidence rates and mortality rates were calculated using the Segi-Doll world standard population. Average annual percent changes over the most recent 10 years were estimated using joinpoint regression. Future projections to 2050 were modeled using constant-rate and annual percent change based scenarios.Results: In 2022, an estimated 662,301 new cases and 348,874 deaths from cervical cancer occurred globally. Substantial regional disparities in the age-standardized rates were observed, with Eastern Africa and Southern Africa reporting the highest burden. While lower Human Development Index countries had higher burdens in 2022, recent increasing trends were notable in higher Human Development Index countries. Future projections indicate that very high and high Human Development Index countries would require a 3–4% annual reduction in Age-standardized incidence rate to achieve the WHO elimination target by 2050. However, medium and low Human Development Index countries are unlikely to reach the target even with a 5% annual decline.Conclusions: Marked disparities in cervical cancer burden persist, and without accelerated efforts, elimination targets may remain unattainable for many low- Human Development Index countries.</p
Global disproportionality analysis of adverse event reports on interstitial lung diseases for cancer-targeted therapies, 1968–2024
No full textBackground and Objectives: The increasing complexity of interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to cancer-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has emerged as a significant clinical concern. Thus, this study aimed to investigate reporting signals of four ILD subtypes detected with cancer-targeted mAbs.Methods: This global pharmacovigilance study conducted disproportionality analyses to detect signals of ILD subtypes reported with cancer-targeted mAbs. ILD subtypes were classified into eight categories according to previous studies, of which four with a low number of reports were excluded. Five cancer-targeted monoclonal antibodies (VEGF/VEGFR, CD20, PD-1/PD-L1, HER2, and EGFR inhibitors) were included according to ATC code (L01F). Reporting signals were evaluated using reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% CI and information component (IC) with IC025.Results: Interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis showed significant disproportionate reporting signals across all drugs. Notably, interstitial pneumonitis showed significant signals with EGFR inhibitors (ROR, 47.46 [95% CI, 44.67–50.42]; IC, 5.47 [IC0.25, 5.37]) and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (45.20 [43.49–46.97]; 5.36 [5.30]), while pulmonary fibrosis showed higher signals with CD20 inhibitors (12.71 [11.30–14.31]; 3.61 [3.42]). Organising pneumonia exhibited significant signals with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (ROR, 44.48 [95% CI, 39.05–50.67]; IC, 5.26 [IC0.25, 5.04]), followed by CD20 (17.45 [13.88–21.94]; 3.95 [3.57]), and HER2 (15.95 [11.88–21.40]; 3.76 [3.26]), with the strongest signal observed with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Eosinophilic pneumonia showed significant signals with all drugs except CD20 inhibitors.Conclusions: Although causal inference cannot be drawn, this global disproportionality study highlights reporting signals between cancer-targeted mAbs and ILD subtypes, underscoring the importance of strengthening adverse event reporting systems before and after mAb administration.</p
A blueprint for LGBTQ+ leadership development programmes in UK higher education
No full textEducation leadership for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+) presents distinct challenges that heterosexual and cis-gendered leaders do not have to navigate. Despite this, there is currently no national leadership development programme specifically for LGBTQ+ aspirant leaders in UK Higher Education. This article researches the outcomes of the first LGBTQ+ specific leadership development programme at a university in England. The authors, one a participant and the other the founder and co-leader of the programme explore the outcomes for the mentees, the mentors and the host university through interviews, field notes and written feedback. The research underscores the distinct leadership development needs of the LGBTQ+ educators and the importance of having a dedicated LGBTQ+ leadership development programme. It also offers a framework to guide the development of future LGBTQ+ specific leadership development in Higher Education.</p
“Hurled headlong” or “headlong hurl'd”: John Milton, Henry More, and Cosmopoetics
No full textor up there, in heaven, isn't paradise an immense library?(Bachelard 25)This paper started from a recognition of poetic echoes between Paradise Lost and Henry More's Philosophicall Poems (1647) and, consequently, a growing incredulity that connections between the texts had been so scarcely explored. As has been well documented, Milton and More both studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, and overlapped there for a year (More was six years younger than the older poet.) They shared tutors and friends—they both contributed, for example, to the collection of elegies for their contemporary Edward King—and both developed vitalist philosophies...</p
Numerical simulation of ice slurry fluid flow characteristics and transport capability in the Flat-Sided Oval Pipe
No full textIce slurry due to good characteristics such as fluidity and high energy capacity is one of the common methods in Cold Thermal Energy Storage (CTES). In this study, 3D numerical simulations were carried out using the Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase model to investigate the flow pattern, pressure drop, particle distribution, and related factors in the ice slurry flow. These investigations were conducted within both circular and Flat-Sided Oval Pipe (FSOP) cross-sections with L/H (aspect ratio of cross-section) ratios of 1, 2, and 3. Using FSOP compared to a circular cross-section while maintaining the hydraulic diameter leads to an increase in the pipe's wetted area. The study takes into account a 10.3 wt% ethanol-water solution as a carrier fluid and mass fractions of 10 % and 15 % for ice particles. The increase in entrance region and pressure drop are directly related to the L/H ratio. The results of this study show that in the best case, where L/H = 1, when FSOP cross-section compared to a circular pipe, the wetted area (Aw) increased by 63.7 %, while the increase in pressure drop (Pd) was 1.6 % and 1.3 % for ice mass fractions of 10 % and 15 %, respectively. The ratio between these two parameters, Aw/Pd, showed approximately a 61 % increase for 10 % and 15 % ice mass fraction. In the circular cross-section the ice particles tend to accumulate on the upper side of the pipe cross-section and near the wall, while in FSOP, the particles are pushed out of this central region on the two symmetrical sides near the wall. The study shows that the transport capability is directly proportional to the L/H ratio, inlet velocity, and ice mass fraction. The transport capability within the FSOP cross-section compared to the circular pipe, demonstrates about a 75 % improvement.</p
First recorded observation of the Chinese stripe-necked turtle Mauremys sinensis in Great Britain
No full textThe international pet trade has facilitated the movement of numerous non-native reptile species into Europe, including various freshwater turtles. Feral terrapin populations are known throughout Great Britain (Allain, 2019), with many being unwanted pets which have been carelessly released into unsuitable habitats when their owners can no longer care for them. Previously undocumented species are occasionally observed (Cathrine & Monir, 2022), adding to the growing list of freshwater terrapin species within the region.</p
Feeling out of place when seeking research access? Reflexivity through affective spacing
No full textIn this paper, we propose that drawing on our “feeling of being out of place” when seeking research access can be a valuable source for methodological reflexivity. Drawing on the concept of affective spacing, we examine why and how “feelings of being out of place” emerge as we approach research settings, what emerges as matters of concern in this process and what insights attending to these feelings can provide. We conclude by discussing the revelatory and consequential implications that affective spacing can have for our research. This, we argue, can also help better prepare qualitative scholars to acknowledge and navigate their own involvement in their research.</p
From Nigeria to Canada: unpacking intersectional women entrepreneurship through a transnational feminist perspective
No full textPurpose: This study aims to understand the entrepreneurial experiences of Nigerian women immigrant entrepreneurs (NWIEs) in Canada. It goes beyond Western-centric frameworks to capture the specific challenges and motivations faced by this group and specifically addresses how intersecting cultural, gender and transnational identities shape their business ventures. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study draws on semi-structured interviews with NWIEs in Canada and employs thematic analysis to explore the interplay between migration, race and gender in shaping entrepreneurial experiences. Findings: The findings reveal that the entrepreneurial experiences of NWIEs in Canada differ from those of local entrepreneurs, reflecting complex motivations such as self-actualization and role modeling, cultural representation, wealth creation, family support and unemployment. Shaped by intersecting identities, NWIEs face challenges such as limited networks, multiple responsibilities and racialized institutional barriers, highlighting the need for a transnational feminist perspective. The study also reveals that NWIEs respond to complex entrepreneurial dynamics by building entrepreneurial tenacity including seeking assistance, engaging in self- and/or business development programs, embracing self-care and relying on religious beliefs. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature on female entrepreneurship by applying transnational feminist theory to understand the unique experiences of NWIEs in Canada. It challenges the dominant Western-centric narratives by emphasizing the intersectionality of race, gender and immigration status, thereby offering a nuanced perspective on their entrepreneurial motivations, challenges, resilience and aspirations. The study reveals unique insights on how NWIEs engage in entrepreneurship as a sovereignty practice by responding to multi-level challenges using communal logics and strategic adaptation techniques and creating new opportunities by reconfiguring the market and reframing the business. By focusing on the cultural and contextual factors influencing NWIEs, this research highlights the importance of diverse experiences in shaping entrepreneurial practices and policies.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇