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Monstrans de droit, petition of right, and liability for Crown debt
Get PDFThis chapter investigates how the Smithian model of remedies can be mapped onto the petition procedure for recovering debt payments from the sovereign Crown. The sovereign person could not formally be impleaded in his own courts nor subjected to coercive judicial order; yet from early time the Crown would permit a petition of right allowing debt claims to be heard and remedied as if the Crown were submitting to an ordinary action between private persons. A vested right to property was seen as a stronger claim than an action to enforce an executory or precatory obligation, and as such could be claimed by a summary version of the petition of right known as monstrans de droit, a demonstration or plea of right. Tort claims for long remained outside the system, as ‘the king could do no wrong’; hence trespassory remedies such as assumpsit were generally unavailable. The history of claims against the Crown reveals a problematic dualism whereby one party is both adjudicator and one of the adjudicated. The discretion of judges and Crown officials in handling such claims adds a new dimension to the Smithian theory that remedies are often replicative and creative and do not simply reproduce prior substantive duties
Stakeholder‐driven management strategies for recovering large herbivores
Get PDFIn modern landscapes, the sustainable coexistence of humans and wildlife depends on involving stakeholders in the development and implementation of management strategies. This is particularly important for species like the European bison (Bison bonasus) and Eurasian moose (Alces alces), which are reoccupying regions between Germany and Poland after a prolonged absence. The return of these species generates mixed emotions, as interactions with these species are associated with both costs and benefits to people. Addressing the apparent unpreparedness in managing these trade‐offs, we implemented a digital participatory impact assessment in two steps. First, we engaged bison and moose experts to develop management scenarios and assessment criteria. Then, in a subsequent virtual workshop, stakeholders evaluated four scenarios along economic, social, and ecological dimensions. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed divergent perspectives and priorities, yet consensus emerged on the necessary future steps: formulating a comprehensive management strategy with guidelines and protocols for managing specific conflict scenarios, such as the incursion of large herbivores onto highways. Our approach underscores the importance of early stakeholder engagement in fostering a more equitable and sustainable management of human‐wildlife interactions. Moreover, demonstrating the feasibility of remote stakeholder involvement, our study presents a robust model for enhancing coexistence, adaptable even where in‐person meetings are challenging
The development and validation of the Offensive-Type Taijin-Kyofu-Sho Scale (OTKSS): A preliminary study using a sample of Japanese University Students
Get PDFTaijin-kyofu-sho (TKS) is considered a type of social anxiety disorder. Its subtype, offensive-type TKS (OTKS), is characterized by a fear that one’s own body odor, gaze, facial expressions, and physical defects are socially inappropriate and may cause discomfort to others. Existing self-report measures do not specifically examine the symptoms of OTKS. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a self-report measure for assessing OTKS (Offensive-Type Taijin-Kyofu-Sho Scale: OTKSS). The OTKSS was constructed with four subscales containing seven items each. It was administered to 534 Japanese students who screened positive for social anxiety disorder and reported one or more symptoms of OTKS. The data were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. Additionally, we conducted a correlation analysis comparing OTKSS with other social anxiety and TKS scales. A second survey examined the test–retest reliability across a 4-week interval with 144 students who screened positive for social anxiety disorder and reported one or more symptoms of OTKS. The results of Survey 1 confirmed the psychometric properties of the OTKSS, including convergent and discriminant validity. Survey 2 confirmed the test–retest reliability. The study indicates that OTKSS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing OTKS. However, as a limitation, the sample in this study was restricted to Japanese university students. Given that the psychometric work of this paper was conducted only on this population, our findings related to the preliminary evidence of reliability and validity apply to this population only. Future studies using larger sample sizes and clinical samples should test the validity of these measures. In addition, an English version of the scale was simultaneously prepared and will be tested in future studies
A single spin in hexagonal boron nitride for vectorial quantum magnetometry
Get PDFQuantum sensing based on solid-state spin defects provides a uniquely versatile platform for nanoscale magnetometry under diverse environmental conditions. Operation of most sensors used to-date is based on projective measurement along a single axis combined with computational extrapolation. Here, we show that an individually addressable carbon-related spin defect in hexagonal boron nitride is a multi-axis nanoscale sensor with large dynamic range. For this spin-1 system, we demonstrate how its spin-dependent photodynamics give rise to three optically detected spin resonances that show up to 90% contrast and are not quenched under off-axis magnetic field exceeding 100 mT, enabling μT/Hz−1/2 sensitivity. Finally, we show how this system can be used to unambiguously determine the three components of a target magnetic field via the use of two bias fields. Alongside these features, the room-temperature operation and the nanometer-scale proximity enabled by the van der Waals host material further consolidate this system as a promising quantum sensing platform
Controlled low-frequency modulation of tip vortex instability to enhance turbine wake recovery
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of periodically modulating the strength of tip vortices on the instability and recovery mechanisms of a wind turbine wake. A simplified representation of tip vortices as a nominally two-dimensional vortex street in isolation is used, allowing for high-resolution large-eddy simulations for a range of control scenarios. An actuator fence model is adopted to harmonically impose resistance on the flow field, forming discrete vortices with a controlled strength modulation. It is found, in agreement with previous studies, that depending on the modulation frequency, coherent flow structures consisting of groups of several vortices may appear post-instability. This leads to delayed but increased production of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), which in turn affects the wake recovery. The size of coherent structures can be controlled by the choice of modulation frequency, with lower ‘frequency ratios’ (relative to blade passing frequency) leading to larger coherent structures and thus higher production of TKE where they break down. This suggests that low-frequency tip vortex modulation through e.g. flap actuation could enhance not only near-wake breakdown but also far-wake recovery, depending on the frequency ratio
Platforms for studying cell–cell recognition by immune cells
Get PDFImmune cells interact directly with other cells and make decisions by integrating information from many different receptor–ligand interactions at these cell–cell interfaces. Since they encounter a huge variety of normal and abnormal cells, they experience many different combinations and concentrations of ligands. Understanding immune responses therefore requires platforms that enable ligands to be easily manipulated. We review and compare the available platforms, focusing on T‐cell recognition. Although genetically modified antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) offer the most physiological system, manipulating their ligands is difficult and slow. In contrast, solid surfaces or supported lipid bilayers allow easy manipulation of ligands but lack the biophysical properties of cells, such as softness, a glycocalyx, and/or ligand mobility. A recently developed CombiCell system enables easy manipulation of ligands while conserving key biophysical properties. By comparing the advantages and limitations of each platform, we provide a framework to choose the most suitable system to study signal integration in both basic and translational contexts
Oxygen sensing and plant adaptation to flooding in a changing climate
Get PDFIn times of climate change, frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are rising and thus demand a higher resilience of crop plants to environmental influences, such as flooding events, to minimize yield losses. Flooding causes acute oxygen deprivation in plants, accompanied by an energy crisis, starvation, growth retardation and ultimately increased harvest losses. At a molecular level, fluctuating oxygen concentrations are sensed via plant cysteine oxidases (PCOs) that, as part of the N-degron pathway, oxygen-dependently oxidize substrates such as vernalization 2, little zipper 2 and, most prominently, transcription factors of the group VII ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTORS (ERFVIIs) to render them for degradation. When stabilized under hypoxia owing to the lack of oxygen, ERFVIIs act as transcriptional activators of hypoxia-response genes to evoke appropriate acclimation. Crop engineering for improved submergence resilience is an important goal for future food security, and prolonging ERFVII stability is a promising strategy. Here we discuss the potential molecular consequences of this strategy in terms of stabilization of Cys-initiating proteins in commercially relevant crop species, as well as ways in which this may be achieved, including via PCO engineering. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Crops under stress: can we mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and launch the ‘Resilience Revolution’?’
Natalie Steer - Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych)
No full textSystematic Review of the Literature
Title: Outcomes of System-Level Interventions on Healthcare Response to Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health issue of epidemic proportions. The review reflects the current understanding of IPV as a gendered phenomenon, with women disproportionately experiencing more persistent, repeated, and seriously harmful abuse. These women are high users of healthcare, which put healthcare providers (HCP) in a unique position to respond. One-off training does not significantly change HCP behaviour. Therefore, this review aimed to summarise the outcomes of IPV training embedded within a broader system-level approach on HCP response to IPV.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted for studies that reported on the effect of system-level interventions on HCP response to IPV. Search criteria were restricted to date (Nov 2012 – Nov 2024), English language, and peer-reviewed journals in electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL PsychInfo, and EMBASE) (PROSPERO, CRD42024612201). A narrative synthesis was conducted. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
Findings: Twenty studies were included in the review. There was significant heterogeneity in intervention types, outcome measures, study quality and design. Most studies had moderate-high bias. System-level components included repeated training across multiple organisational levels, community partnerships, supervision, policies and referral pathways, IPV advocates, accessible educational resources, private consultation spaces, and quality improvement. Interventions improved HCP knowledge, attitudes and preparedness toward IPV, HCP response, referrals to specialist services, IPV identification, and some victim/survivor health indices. Few studies evaluated actual HCP-practice and victim/survivor outcomes. The sustainability of outcomes is uncertain.
Conclusion: There is evidence that multi-component system-level interventions improve HCP response to IPV. Given the limitations of existing studies, robust, longitudinal cost-effectiveness research is needed, along with assessments of HCP-practice and victim/survivor outcomes, to inform and advance sustainable system-level interventions.
Service Improvement Project
Title: Improving Enquiry and Response to Disclosures of Domestic Abuse in NHS Talking Therapies Services
Background: Enquiry and response to domestic abuse (DA) in mental health services are poor despite policy and best practice guidelines.
Aims: This service improvement project evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a single-session staff online training event on enquiry and response to disclosures of DA in two NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (TTad) services.
Method: Training needs were identified from staff focus groups. Training content was co-developed and co-delivered by stakeholder services, Trust DA lead, local DA organisations and service users. A half-day multimedia training event was delivered online for two NHS TTad services. Staff self-reported their confidence in their knowledge and skills to enquire and respond to DA pre-post training and provided feedback via Qualtrics. An audit of casenotes measured evidence of staff behaviour change three months pre-post training.
Results: Training was acceptable and feasible. Training was effective in significantly improving staff self-reported confidence in their knowledge and skills to enquire and respond to DA (p<.001). Changes in staff behaviour were not signficant.
Conclusions: This study informs service improvement to ensure NHS TTad staff meet best practice standards of enquiry and response to service user disclosures of DA. Consideration of the impact for the service and future directions targeting lack of staff behaviour change are discussed.
Theory Driven Research Project
Title: Evaluation of a Brief Online Universal Intervention for University Students’ Understanding of Psychotic Experiences: A Randomised Controlled Experimental Study
Background: Psychotic-like experiences (PLE) are common in university-age students. Negative appraisals of PLE, and consequent negative emotions and unhelpful coping, can contribute to the development of psychosis for individuals at high risk. Providing information about what psychosis is, how to cope, and how to seek support is needed.
Objectives: We developed a brief, single-session universal online module about PLE for university students and evaluated its impact on knowledge, appraisals, and help-seeking.
Methods: UK university students aged 18-35 (n = 182) were randomly allocated to receive a single-session online module on either understanding PLE (intervention condition), or general wellbeing (control condition). Pre-post intervention questionnaires assessed knowledge of PLE, positive and negative appraisals of PLE, and help-seeking intentions. Feedback on the module was also collected.
Results: From April-November 2024, 104 students (50% aged 18-21, 71% female, 56% white British) completed the module, pre and post questionnaires, and are included in the analysis. The intervention was acceptable for participants who completed the module, but there was high attrition, with 209 (53%) dropping out after expressing initial interest and 69 (18%) after module allocation, out of 391 students initially interested. Both groups showed significant pre-post improvements in knowledge, appraisals and help-seeking intentions (p<.001) with large effects (η² = .14 to .56). However, the intervention condition was more effective (p<0.05) in increasing knowledge and positive appraisals of PLE (η² = .09 to .10) and reducing negative appraisals of control and social marginalisation (η² = .05 to .11). There were no significant group differences post-condition in negative appraisals of loss, entrapment, and shame, or help-seeking intentions.
Conclusions: A brief, single-session online universal intervention can improve university students’ knowledge and positive appraisals of PLE and reduce some negative appraisals. The lack of change in students’ help-seeking intentions may highlight the complexity of designing universal interventions that simultaneously normalise PLE - hence reduce the need to seek help in non-clinical populations - and encourage help-seeking for distressing psychotic experiences among at-risk populations. Future research should explore tailored modular interventions for universal and at-risk groups, as well as embedding the module into existing university structures and enhancing its interactivity to address uptake and attrition
Breaking Crystallinity for Optimal Dark Current: Nonfullerene Acceptor Dilution as a Strategy for High‐Performance Organic Photodetectors
Get PDFOrganic photodetectors (OPDs) based on polymer donor:non‐fullerene‐acceptor (NFA) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blends demonstrate great potential for light‐sensing applications, thanks to optoelectronic tunability and strong absorption. However, state‐of‐the‐art organic photoconversion devices lag behind silicon counterparts due to the laborious dark current, Jd, and photodetection speed optimization required in OPDs. Herein, the donor/acceptor blend ratio is controlled to optimize PM6:Y6‐based OPDs, with diluted Y6 blends (1:0.1 D/A weight ratio) strongly suppressing Jd to 6.5 × 10−9 A cm−2 (−4 V). Diluted OPDs exhibit faster photoresponse and poor short‐circuit photocurrent generation is dramatically improved under reverse bias. In‐depth photophysical and energetic analysis reveal the origin of high performance. In diluted blends, dissociation of emissive strongly bound excitonic charge‐transfer states within Y6 require electric field assistance, while the polymer matrix provides a continuous charge‐transport pathway. The generality of this strategy is tested with various NFAs, with NFA dilution being most effective for highly crystalline acceptors. It is determined that the reduction in dark current is predominantly driven by disruption of NFA crystallinity and intermolecular interactions. Polymer‐rich BHJ devices, therefore, provide an effective optimization method for reducing dark current in OPDs and are highly promising for industrial scalability due to facile processability, robust mechanical properties, and superior thermal stability
Breaking Barriers: Promoting Parent-Child Engagement with Co-Produced Activity Packs for 1-to-3-Year-Olds
Get PDFParent-child activities support children’s socio-emotional and cognitive development, yet numerous barriers limit engagement, particularly among families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. This study uniquely investigates and addresses these challenges by integrating insights from parents and early years practitioners. Through online workshops, 118 parents and 127 practitioners identified barriers relating to opportunity (e.g., time constraints, access to resources, and worries about mess and damage), capability (e.g., gaps in knowledge and expectations) and motivation (practitioners in particular emphasized the importance of parental confidence and positive experiences of play). To address these barriers, three co-designed activity packs were distributed to over 1000 families. The packs featured simple, clearly explained, play-based activities requiring minimal setup, along with resources and guidance tailored to diverse family needs. Emphasizing the process over outcomes, the packs aimed to boost parental confidence, bridge knowledge gaps, and support parent-child interactions. Feedback from 23 parents and interviews with 10 practitioners highlighted the packs’ positive impact on parental perceptions of play, their confidence in supporting child development, and their ability to overcome practical constraints. Practitioners played a pivotal mediating role, fostering trust, addressing concerns, and encouraging participation through personalized interactions. This study offers a scalable, cost-effective intervention model that directly addresses practical and psychological barriers to parent-child engagement. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, emphasizing the need for targeted, evidence-based solutions that combine resource provision with practitioner support. Such approaches are essential for fostering equity in early childhood development and improving outcomes for children across diverse populations