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DECODE Infographics - Understanding Diabetes
Description:This infographic presents key findings from the DECODE Project’s analysis of long-term health conditions among people with a learning disability. It outlines diabetes, showing that it is the ninth most common health condition experienced by people with a learning disability. Alongside highlighting common patterns - it explains how living a healthier lifestyle - including eating well, being active and getting enough sleep - could prevent these problems from occurring. Methodology & Data Sources:The findings are drawn from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank, using anonymised health records of 13,650 adults from 380 GP practices from the year 2000 onwards. Data linkage enabled the identification of individuals with a learning disability and the subsequent tracking of multiple long‐term conditions over time. Analytic techniques included descriptive statistics and multimorbidity profiling to identify prevalence of single and multiple conditions and the most frequent condition combinations.Data governance approvals were obtained via the SAIL system in line with regulatory and ethical requirements for use of anonymised patient‐level data. The research project (NIHR203981) is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) AI for Multiple Long‐term Conditions (AIM) Programme.Interpretation & Use:This resource is designed for use by researchers, policy makers and practitioners working in learning disability health, to support understanding of the scale and complexity of health needs in the learning‐disabled population. The visual design was co‐developed with PPI (Public & Patient Involvement) partners and a graphic designer to ensure accessibility and inclusive communication. Users should consider how the findings may translate to other populations or settings and where needed, consult the full research outputs for detailed methods and context.Availability & Licensing:The infographic is published under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.</p
Analysis of frequency-diverse and dispersion effects in dynamic metasurface antenna for holographic sensing and imaging
Dynamic metasurface antennas (DMAs) represent a novel approach to programmable and affordable electromagnetic wave manipulation for enhanced wireless communications, sensing, and imaging applications. Nevertheless, current DMA designs and models are usually quasi-narrowband, neglecting the versatile frequency-diverse manifestation and its utilization. This work demonstrates the frequency-diversity and dispersion operations of a representative DMA structure at the millimeter-wave band. We demonstrate flexible dispersion manipulation through dynamic holographic reconfigurability of the meta-atoms in a DMA. This effect can create distinct radiation patterns across the operating frequency band, achieving flexible frequency diversity with enhanced scanning range within a compact, reconfigurable platform. It eliminates the need for wideband systems or complex phase-shifting networks while offering an alternative to frequency-scanned static beams of traditional leaky-wave antennas. The results establish fundamental insights into modelling and utilization of dispersive effects of DMAs in next generation near-field and far-field holographic sensing and computational holographic imaging applications.</p
Surrogacy in the UK
This chapter discusses and explains how the UK regulates surrogacy, demonstrating that legislation in place since 1985 has led to a tolerated regime of altruistic domestic surrogacy supported by Government as part of the available range of assisted conception options. It critiques the limitations of the existing legal framework, including those highlighted by the courts, and outlines legal reforms proposed by the UK’s Law Commissions which seek to prevent any move towards commerciality while making changes that would allow some intended parents to achieve legal parenthood from birth within the context of state regulated support. Examining these issues in the context of global and European developments, the chapter concludes that the proposed reforms and accompanying draft new Surrogacy Bill should be taken forward and considered by parliamentarians.</p
Fusion systems related to polynomial representations of SL<sub>2</sub>(<i>q</i>)
Abstract: Let q be a power of a fixed prime p. We classify up to isomorphism all simple saturated fusion systems on a certain class of p‐groups constructed from the polynomial representations of SL2(q), which includes the Sylow p‐subgroups of GL3(q) and Sp4(q) as special cases. The resulting list includes all Clelland–Parker fusion systems, a simple exotic fusion system discovered by Henke–Shpectorov, and a new infinite family of exotic examples.</p
The AI scaffold and engagement spectrum as a novel UDL-aligned system for supporting students with dyslexia
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing higher education, offering new opportunities to support diverse learners, including students with dyslexia, while raising important questions about ethics and assessment. Existing work on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and assistive technologies highlights persistent barriers in reading, writing and planning, but there is limited guidance on how generative AI (GenAI) can be integrated into academic work safely and accessibly. This study addresses that gap through a convergent parallel mixed-methods design with qualitative priority (QUAL + quan). Semi-structured interviews with specialist Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) were conducted alongside an online student survey to identify recurring challenges, current tool use and attitudes towards AI. The analysis reveals difficulties with academic writing, critical reading and time management, patchy and sometimes unsustainable adoption of assistive tools and AI, and uncertainty about acceptable AI use and its implications for academic integrity. In response, the paper proposes a dual-component, UDL-aligned system for responsible AI-supported assessment. The instructor-facing AI Engagement Spectrum helps academics set clear, assignment-specific rules for permissible AI use, grounded in constructive alignment. The student-facing AI Scaffold translates these rules into a structured workflow that guides students with dyslexia through reading, planning, drafting and revising with AI support while preserving authorship and critical engagement. The primary contribution is a transferable framework that links institutional policy, pedagogical intent and students’ study practices. It offers SSWSs, lecturers and educational designers a practical starting point for implementing AI in ways that are accessible, transparent and focused on supporting students with dyslexia.</p
Comparative analysis of fixed and individualized speed zones for 1 quantifying external match load in female wheelchair basketball
Introduction: This study compared fixed and individualized speed zone methods for quantifying external match load (EML) across classification and playing levels in women’s wheelchair basketball (WB) and examined their relationship with internal match load (IML) measures.Methods: EML of 31 well trained female players (age: 28 ± 7 years, experience: 11 ± 5 years, weekly training: 12 ± 4 h) were quantified across 13 international (INT) and 5 Women’s Premier League (WPL) games using two inertial measurement units. A linear mixed model compared the percentage time in fixed and individualized speed zones and correlations with IML (eTRIMP, sRPE) using Pearson and Spearman Rho.Results: Individualized zones recorded more time (10%) in low speed (Z3) and less time (0.3–5.9%) in moderate to very high-speed zones (Z4-Z6) versus fixed (p Conclusions: Speed zone method influences high-intensity movement assessments, varying by playing level and classification. Neither method optimally related to IML, highlighting the need for calibrated, consistent thresholds.</p
Households living below a Minimum Income Standard: 2008–2024
The Minimum Income Standard (MIS) sets out what the public agrees is needed to live with dignity in the UK today. This report gives an estimate of the proportion of people who are living below this level, and those with incomes below 75% of MIS. Those living below 75% of MIS face a far greater likelihood of material deprivation than those whose incomes are above MIS. The report this year looks at the period between 2008/09 and 2023/24, the most recent year for which data is available. In 2023/24, there was an increase in the proportion of individuals living in households below MIS compared to 2022/23. The number and the proportion of all individuals below MIS is higher than it was in 2008/09.</p
The ADePT framework for assessing autonomous laboratory robotics
Laboratory robotics is advancing from routine automation toward autonomous systems capable of intelligent decision-making and flexible execution. This perspective outlines key milestones and introduces the ADePT framework, which defines four core dimensions of robotic capability proficiency: adaptability and learning, dexterity, perception, and task complexity. We discuss future directions for self-driving laboratories, including robot-centric, end-to-end robotic integration, and collaborative human–robot environments. These scenarios highlight the importance of technological enablers and evolving regulatory paradigms. By connecting present technologies to emerging system configurations, this work offers a foundation for designing autonomous laboratory ecosystems that support scientific discovery and operational efficiency.</p
The piazza at the Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
The piazza at Nelson Mandela Square is bustling with activity. It features a fountain, outdoor seating, and elegant architectural details and decorative lights.</p
Nelson Mandela statue at the Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
The larger-than-life statue of Nelson Mandela stands tall in Nelson Mandela Square, an iconic symbol and popular photo spot.</p