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An Abstraction Technique-Based Approach to Creativity Generation for Inspiring Painting Sketches.
No full textMany novice artists struggle to generate ideas when facing a blank canvas, and existing generative systems often offer inadequate support. Although data-driven models can generate visually striking images, they are frequently complex, opaque, or misaligned with users' intentions and thoughts. This thesis addresses this gap by investigating how abstraction techniques can support creativity in the early stages of artistic sketching.The research proposes a rule-based framework that structures the creative process into three phases: syntactic abstraction for selecting basic visual elements, semantic abstraction for arranging these elements into meaningful sequences, and pragmatic abstraction for configuring the spatial hierarchy to convey atmosphere. Each phase operates through a process of abstraction and instantiation, which involves broad concepts such as intentions, themes, and atmosphere being abstracted into formal attributes and then instantiated into specific combinations. A prototype system was implemented to demonstrate how rules based on geometric combinations and conceptual associations can generate sketch-like outputs that stimulate thought, rather than replacing human creativity. In comparison to deep learning approaches, the rule-based method offers transparency, interpretability, and adaptability, making the process and outcomes adjustable and predictable.The main contributions comprise three aspects: i) the formulation of a novel three-phase framework that formalises abstraction-instantiation cycles for creative computing; ii) the development of an operational set of rules—mapping intentions to polygon combinations, themes to horizontal layout heuristics, and atmospheres to vertical hierarchy via an interpretable score—formally specified and demonstrated for feasibility and operability through a working prototype; and iii) a reflective discussion of the framework’s implications, reporting preliminary validation and outlining directions for future empirical study.In summary, the thesis demonstrates that abstraction and instantiation can serve as an effective mechanism for inspiring artistic creativity, especially for novice artists. While validation is currently confined to self-testing, the findings indicate promising opportunities for future multi-user and cross-cultural studies. Furthermore, future work could also explore combining the proposed rule-based framework with existing deep learning approaches to develop controllable generation technologies. By using deep learning outputs as benchmarks and comparing them with controllable generation results, it would be possible to gain deeper insights into the distinctive value of the rules introduced in this thesis.</p
Understanding Help-Seeking and Generational Beliefs on Dementia amongst UK South Asian Communities
No full textLiterature ReviewThis systematic review explored how South Asian communities in the UK understood dementia and the factors influencing their help-seeking behaviours. Despite a higher risk of dementia, these communities often access services late or during crisis. Fourteen qualitative studies were analysed using meta-ethnography. Key themes included: unfamiliarity with dementia symptoms; strong cultural expectations to provide care within the family unit; dissatisfaction with services, and utilising alternative support systems. The review highlighted the influence cultural beliefs and negative experiences has on help-seeking but also noted a lack of consideration for intersectionality and therefore risk homogenising South Asian experiences, indicating the need for further research.Empirical ResearchWhile existing literature has highlighted the role culture in shaping help-seeking behaviours amongst South Asian communities in the UK, the influence of intersectionality has not been explored. Ten semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. Key themes included: different levels of understanding; contrasts between native and host cultural beliefs; intergenerational cultural conflict, and variations in experiences of support. The research highlighted how dementia awareness and help-seeking are shaped by participants’ intersecting identities such as age, gender and generational status. Therefore, recognising these areas is important for developing culturally sensitive person-centred services.</p
Self-management support in patients with multiple long-term conditions in the post-COVID-19 era
No full textBackground: Individuals who live with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) commonly experience poor quality of life, increased visits to healthcare services and premature mortality. While self-management support can help reduce this burden, existing research and medical guidelines typically focus on single conditions, making it difficult to effectively support those with MLTCs. Therefore, it is important to understand the support required for people with MLTCs to self-manage their health conditions effectively.Aim: This PhD aims to advance understanding of self-management support in people with MLTCs.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this thesis and a series of studies (Chapters 3 to 5) have been presented.Results: The initial study involved conducting a mixed-methods systematic review to summarise findings related to the effectiveness and experiences of self-management interventions for people with MLTCs. Quantitative findings showed significant improvements in self-management behaviours, but limited effects on quality of life and mental health outcomes. Conversely, qualitative findings indicated that participants experienced improved quality of life and mental health.The subsequent qualitative study used interviews to explore the experiences and perceptions of self-management support in people with MLTCs and healthcare professionals. This study suggested that experiences of self-management support were multi-layered, and were shaped across an individual, healthcare and societal level.The final study used the Delphi technique to identify important components of self-management interventions, which could improve outcomes in people with MLTCs. This study highlighted the importance of a person-centred approach to self-management support, which is tailored to an individual’s needs and priorities.Together, the three studies informed recommendations for future self-management support interventions for people with MLTCs (Chapter 6). Conclusion: Overall, the findings presented in this thesis indicate that a person-centred approach to self-management support enables individuals to feel empowered and self-manage their health more effectively.</p
TOI-333b: A Neptune-desert planet around an F7V star
No full textObservations have shown that planets similar to Neptune are rarely found orbiting Sun-like stars with periods up to ∼4 days. This defines the so-called Neptune desert region. The detection of each individual planet in this region therefore holds a high value by providing detailed insights into the formation and evolution of this population. We report the detection of TOI-333b, a Neptune-desert planet with a mass, radius, and bulk density of 20.1 ± 2.4 M
⊕
, 4.26 ± 0.11 R
⊕
, and 1.42 ± 0.21 g cm
−3
. The planet orbits an F7V star every 3.78 d, whose mass, radius, and effective temperature are of 1.2 ± 0.1 M
⊙
, 1.10 ± 0.03 R
⊙
, and 6241
−62
+73
K, respectively. TOI-333bis likely younger than 1 Gyr, which is supported by the doublet Li line around 6707.856 Å and its comparison to Li abundances in open clusters with well-constrained ages. The planet is expected to host only a 8.5
−8.3
+10.9
% gas-to-core mass ratio for an H/He envelope. On the other hand, models of irradiated ocean worlds predict a 20
−10
+11
% H
2
O mass fraction with a core fraction of 35
−23
+20
%. We therefore expect that the internal composition of TOI-333bis dominated by a pure rocky composition with almost no H/He envelope, or a rocky world with almost equal mass fraction of water. Finally, TOI-333bis more massive and larger than 77% and 82% of its Neptune-desert counterparts, and its host ranks among the hottest known stars for Neptune-desert planets. This makes this system a unique laboratory for studying the evolution of these planets around hot stars.</p
Empowering earthquake risk management: a proposal for incorporating TQM (total quality management) into disaster reduction and recovery
No full textEarthquakes are relatively low-frequency, yet high-consequence events for most countries. However, generating awareness for pre-disaster preparedness for earthquakes is a critical challenge. In this article, we argue that earthquake risk management should be conceptualised as a continuous learning process, framed through a Total Quality Management (TQM) or Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle. The post-disaster recovery process must therefore be deliberately designed not only to reduce future risks but also to enhance awareness and resilience of communities and nations. Risk assessment is a critical element which needs to be co-designed with diverse stakeholders so that scientific knowledge is translated into actionable solutions that are legitimate, feasible and socially accepted. Urban de- and re-planning becomes important, and a strong political commitment is required for it. Awareness raising through education and early childhood education becomes critical for developing a culture of safety. Early response requires decision-making tools using smart and new technologies. And, for the affected people, recovery starts from day 1 of the disaster. To enhance continuous learning, we propose that a TQM approach, in which lessons from past earthquakes are systematically captured, reflected upon and incorporated, could be instructively employed for building greater resilience and better preparedness.</p
The prevalence of cardiometabolic and renal long-term conditions in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a global umbrella review
No full textBACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is a high prevalence of long-term conditions (LTCs) among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This umbrella review synthesises and collates the existing evidence. METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024490470) and follows the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines (JBI) for umbrella reviews. Comprehensive searches of Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases were conducted. Systematic reviews of observational studies on cardiometabolic and renal LTCs in T2D were included. Quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for systematic reviews, and study results were narratively synthesised. RESULTS: Out of 10,721 records, 20 systematic reviews (15 with meta-analyses) were included, comprising 675 primary studies. The most commonly reported cardiometabolic condition in T2D was cardiovascular disease, with a pooled prevalence ranging from 13·0% (95% CI: 11·0,15·0) to 46·0% (39·0, 54·0), followed by heart failure with the highest pooled prevalence reported as 25·0% (21·0, 28·0). For renal conditions in T2D, the overall pooled prevalence for nephropathy ranged from 4·2% (3·2, 5·3) to 38·0% (14·0, 63·0), while chronic kidney disease reported prevalence ranged from 18·2% (15·1, 21·4) to 35·5% (25·9, 45·5). The prevalence of these conditions varied by sex and income status, with higher rates observed in males and low-income and middle-income countries. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the significant prevalence of cardiometabolic and renal LTCs in T2D, highlighting the need for targeted and holistic management approaches to address these comorbidities effectively.</p
A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers
No full textBackground Since 2015, the Complex Reviews Synthesis Unit (CRSU) has developed a suite of web-based applications (apps) that conduct complex evidence synthesis meta-analyses through point-and-click interfaces. This has been achieved in the R programming language by combining existing R packages that conduct meta-analysis with the shiny web-application package. The CRSU apps have evolved from two short-term student projects into a suite of eight apps that are used for more than 3,000 h per month. Aim Here, we present our experience of developing production grade web-apps from the point-of-view of individuals trained primarily as statisticians rather than software developers in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring other groups to develop valuable open-source statistical software whilst also learning from our experiences. Key challenges We discuss how we have addressed challenges to research software development such as responding to feedback from our real-world users to improve the CRSU apps, the implementation of software engineering principles into our app development process and gaining recognition for non-traditional research work within the academic environment. Future developments The CRSU continues to seek funding opportunities both to maintain and further develop our shiny apps. We aim to increase our user base by implementing new features within the apps and building links with other groups developing complementary evidence synthesis tools.</p
CROWn: A Unified Framework for Anti-Aliased Downsampling and Phase-Calibrated Fusion in 3D Medical Segmentation
No full textNo description supplied</p
Using Raman spectrometers developed for space exploration in other extreme environments
No full textOptimizing Raman spectrometer designs for use in extreme environments can enable acquisition of critical information that may not be accessible in situ by humans. Technology advancements currently being made for space exploration can be exploited in order for such spectrometers to be used in dangerous terrestrial environments.</p
Fresh light on Romano-British religion: recent work on the Roman finds assemblage at Lydney Park
No full textReassessment of the Small Finds assemblage from the Romano-Britishtemple complex at Lydney Park highlights its significant researchpotential. Study catalogued more than 1000 objects, including over 100linked to religious practice. Three newly identified sheet-metal fragmentsincluding a Dolichenian military standard, a seated dog, and a kneelingsupplicant suggest a more complex cultic environment than previouslyrecognised, including possible veneration of Jupiter Dolichenus alongsideMars Nodens. Together they underscore the need for comprehensive re-evaluation of finds from the site.</p