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Active Inference and Functional Parametrisation: Differential Flatness and Smooth Random Realisation
Get PDFThis paper is a first attempt to marry constructive nonlinear control theory techniques with active inference. Specifically, we are interested in the relationship between differential flatness and the design of generative models for use in control settings. We place specific emphasis on the pathwise properties of differentially flat systems that inherit from their definition in terms of successive temporal derivatives and relate this to the use of generalised coordinates of motion in formulating continuous-time generative models in active inference. To illustrate the basic concepts, we appeal to the example of oculomotor control
A bespoke, real-time surveillance system for malaria elimination in Cambodia: architecture, applications and impact
Get PDFCambodia has developed and deployed a comprehensive, real-time, case-based Malaria Information System (MIS) to support national malaria elimination goals. This locally built, user-centred digital platform integrates surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, logistics, entomology and operational monitoring into a single system accessible at all levels of the health system. Mobile and web-based applications enable village malaria workers and health facility staff to report cases and interventions in real time, even in offline settings. The system promotes decentralized decision-making through intuitive dashboards and customizable analytics, enhancing local ownership, accountability and responsiveness. It supports key strategies such as the 1–3-7 surveillance model, integrated drug efficacy surveillance and incidence-based stratification. Operational functionality and system sustainability is supported by MIS modules for device management, stock management, geolocation, training and quality assurance. Real-time analytics drive timely interventions and adaptive planning, while interoperability with regional and global databases facilitates cross-border coordination and external reporting. Challenges remain, such as limited technical support capacity and a need for predictive tools. However, the Cambodia MIS demonstrates that locally developed digital health systems can transform disease surveillance and accelerate elimination efforts when effectively integrated with community-based networks and supported by strong governance. This model provides valuable evidence for other countries aiming to transition from malaria control to elimination, while complying with elimination certification requirements, and preparing for the prevention of re-establishment of transmission once malaria elimination has been achieved
Ten questions on indoor greening and environmental quality
Get PDFWhile outdoor urban greening is recognised for its benefits, indoor green infrastructure (iGI) in shaping indoor environmental quality (IEQ) - including air quality, thermal comfort, and bioaerosols - remains underexplored. This ten-question paper identifies key challenges, opportunities, and research gaps in the iGI-IEQ nexus, organised under 10 questions across five thematic clusters: (1) biophysical and technical performance; (2) ecological and microbiological dynamics; (3) human health and wellbeing; (4) equity, access, and socio-economic factors; and (5) implementation and systems integration. Findings indicate that iGI can improve air quality, regulate humidity, and enhance thermal comfort. However, its performance depends strongly on plant density, species selection, and ventilation. Most evidence comes from controlled settings.iGI may offer positive psychological and cognitive benefits, and can reduce health inequalities through affordable indoor interventions. However, significant data scarcity exists for long-term field studies, indoor microbial ecosystem effects, and socio-economic accessibility. Widespread adoption of iGI requires quantification of proven benefit conditions, followed by overcoming technical, operational, and regulatory barriers via adaptive design, digital monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a culminating synthesis, this study introduces a newly developed comprehensive matrix that classifies twenty-six indoor greening types across twenty IEQ parameters, incorporating an assessment of current data confidence. This matrix lays a foundational framework for informed decision-making and design guidance. This review offers evidence-based insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to effectively leverage iGI where suitable, in creating healthier, climate-resilient residential and commercial buildings, addressing both immediate IEQ challenges and supporting long-term sustainability objectives
Maximising environmental savings from silicon photovoltaics manufacturing to 2035
Get PDFThe silicon photovoltaics market is transitioning from the incumbent passivated emitter rear cell to the higher efficiency tunnel oxide passivated contact technology and it is crucial to understand the environmental impact of this change. Here, we conduct life cycle assessment to compare both technologies quantitatively and identify environmental savings in 15 of 16 environmental impact categories for tunnel oxide passivated contact. This includes a 6.5% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, per watt peak at the expense of 15.2% increase in metal resource use, for photovoltaic modules manufactured in China and transported to central Europe. A critical factor in photovoltaics manufacturing is the carbon intensity of the electricity mix. We model the impact of photovoltaics production across different global regions, incorporating future electricity mix scenarios and a projection for photovoltaics deployment. Our model provides a forecast of the environmental impact of global photovoltaics manufacturing and identifies a potential reduction of 8.2 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2035, depending on manufacturing location
A systematic review on community-based screening of newly arrived migrants in Europe for tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis B and C
Get PDFIncreases in the number of migrants (economic, educational, and involuntary) to Europe from countries with high incidence of communicable diseases [tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV)]; has increased the need for cost-effective early disease diagnosis programmes to improve outcomes. We aimed to synthesize and evaluate current literature on community-based screening (CBS) initiatives in Europe, the diseases being screened for, and acceptance when offered. Database search (OVID Medicine, OBIFD EMCAre, and EMBRACE) of studies between January 2000 and January 2024 investigating CBS of newly arrived migrants for TB, HIV, HBV, and HCV in Europe (PROSPERO ID: 542289). Fifteen studies were included TB only (9/15, 60%), blood borne viruses (BBV) (2/15, 14%), and two or more diseases (4/15 26%). Ten (68%) studies were community-based, 3 (16%) in reception centres, 1 (8%) in primary care, and 1 (8%) mixed setting. Five (33%) studies included community leaders/members in recruitment and two (13%) performed follow-up on participants. Screening acceptance ranged from 41% to 100% (TB 41%–100%, BBV 78.5%–100%, TB/BBV 47.3%–100%) and disease prevalence ranged from 0.09% to 45.1% (TB 0.09%–45.1%, BBV 0.2%–8.7%, TB/BBV 3.2%–28.8%). There are few studies investigating CBS of TB or BBV in migrants in Europe, despite a rise in migration over the last decade. This review shows an urgent need for CBS of migrants for multiple infections that includes community members/leaders to improve acceptance rates and reduce disease mobility and mortality in a vulnerable population
Sense of control buffers against stress
Get PDFStress is one of the most pervasive causes of mental ill health across the lifespan. Subjective dimensions of stress perception, such as perceived control, are especially potent in shaping stress responses. While the impact of reduced or no control over stress is well understood, much less is known about whether heightened feelings of control buffer against the negative impact of later stress. We designed a novel paradigm with excellent psychometric properties to sensitively capture and induce different states of subjective control. Across two studies with a non-clinical sample of 768 adults, we show a robust association between sense of control and stress as well as symptoms of mental ill health. More importantly, in a subsample of 295 participants, we show that compared to a neutral control group, inducing a heightened state of subjective control buffers against the impact of later stress. These findings demonstrate a causal role for a heightened sense of control in mitigating the negative impact of stressful experiences and spell out important directions for future preventative interventions
Latin American migrants' transit/ions and sexual agency reconfigurations
Get PDFThis paper explores how gender-diverse migrants negotiate their sexual agency as they navigate migration structures, transiting sexual and geographical states of nepantla (in-betweenness). Following a transnational life-course approach, this paper situates gender-diverse migrants' sexual agency within the broader context of their lives, across origin and changing spaces of transit and destination. Employing qualitative data from photovoice workshops and individual interviews conducted in Tapachula, and Tijuana, Mexico, the research reveals intricate intersections between migration, sexuality, and identity change. Migrants' narratives highlight early experiences of non-conforming gender expressions that often led to rejection and violence, driving individuals toward survival migration. The findings illustrate how migration impacts identity transitions and affirmations, with new environments presenting both opportunities and obstacles in asserting sexual agency. Migrants' agential negotiations within restrictive migration structures revealed strategic compliance, as well as the active deployment of agency maximizing strategies including alliances with other migrants and organizations. As migrants transit nepantla, navigating geographical and gendered mobility, migration governance structures and restrictions, they also build solidarity networks and find innovative ways to negotiate and assert their agency. This paper contributes to ongoing scholarly debates around sexual migration and the sexuality of migration research angles offering a nuanced understanding of sexual agency and identity change in migration, while emphasizing the need for further research into the intersectional experiences of gender-diverse migrants
Comparative outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic colorectal cancer surgery in the NHS: real-world evidence from sequential adoption of Versius and da Vinci Xi
Get PDFMultiple robotic systems are now available for colorectal cancer surgery, yet comparative real-world evidence to guide NHS adoption remains limited. This study compared perioperative, oncological, and learning-curve outcomes for laparoscopic, Versius (CMR), and da Vinci Xi (dV) resections. A single-centre evaluation included elective colorectal cancer resections between November 2021 and May 2025 using laparoscopy, CMR or dV. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and operative time; secondary outcomes included lymph-node yield and Clavien–Dindo ≥ 2 complications. Analyses used non-parametric tests, Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons and multivariable regression. Learning curves were assessed with rolling means, LOWESS and CUSUM. A total of 290 patients were included: laparoscopy (n = 85), CMR (n = 103), and dV (n = 102). Median LOS was 5, 5 and 4 days respectively (p 5 days) showed lower odds with dV versus CMR (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23–0.85; p = 0.002), with adjusted probabilities of 22.1% for dV, 37.5% for CMR and 49.0% for laparoscopy. CMR had longer adjusted operative times than laparoscopy (+ 37.2 min; p = 0.001). Lymph-node yield was highest with dV (median 25.5 vs. 22; p = 0.007), confirmed in adjusted analysis (+ 4.0 nodes; p = 0.004). Major complications were similar; CMR rectal cases had higher unadjusted rates. Learning curves showed operative time reduction for both robotic systems, with earlier plateauing for dV. Both robotic platforms were safe and oncologically equivalent; however, dV demonstrated shorter LOS, higher lymph node yield, and a more favourable learning curve
Children’s digital experiences: a scoping review of social interactions in family settings
Get PDFThere is little guidance for parents on how to support children during co-use, co-viewing, and co-playing with digital technologies. Given the critical role of the home learning environment and the widespread use of digital technologies in children’s homes, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of current interaction patterns during digital technology use to inform relevant guidance and support for families. This scoping review overviews and consolidates the literature on young children aged birth to 8 years, and their social interactions with family members during shared use of digital technologies. It considers the types and features of interactions studied across the various contexts of children’s digital use and draws on this evidence to provide a forward-looking research agenda. Comprehensive searches of 4 electronic databases (SCOPUS, ERIC, PsycInfo, Web of Science) using terms focused on the child, other person/s, the social interaction, and the digital element were conducted for the years 2015 to 2023. This yielded 46 studies reporting on young children’s social interactions during shared digital experiences in family contexts. Synthesis of the findings were organised and discussed according to each study’s characterisation of interactions, including attributes of oral language, communication support of children’s understanding, social interactions and connections, and familial negotiations. These themes were explored to highlight patterns and trends in the literature. Across the studies, findings point to a complex and dynamic relationship between children, their parents, and digital technologies within the home context and family dynamics – highlighting the critical role of various child, adult, and digital factors (e.g., child age, parent digital literacies, app design) in shaping the interaction. Understanding how these factors influence children’s social interactions during digital experiences is crucial for developing effective guidance and support for families
Understanding social prescribing in socially and economically disadvantaged settings: a mixed-methods study of link worker interactions and networks
Get PDFBackground: Social prescribing has been implemented in primary care through the employment of link workers. Social prescribing recognises the social determinants of health with link workers connecting patients with non-medical support in their communities. A key part of the link worker role is to network and establish relationships between primary care and community organisations. These networks create referral pathways and enable organisations to work collaboratively to fill gaps in community service provision. In disadvantaged areas, limited community infrastructure may impact link workers’ ability to build sustainable networks.Aim: To explore and understand how link workers create and sustain networks and relationships for social prescribing in socially and economically disadvantaged settings. To explore how these networks and relationships shape patient experiences.Methods: This multiphase mixed-methods study consisted of three parts. First, a meta-ethnographic systematic evidence synthesis (undertaken August 2021-November 2023) developed a foundational conceptual framework for understanding link workers’ experiences and the contextual factors shaping their roles. Second, a social network analysis interview study with 21 link workers (interviews undertaken November 2022-February 2023) explored how they build and sustain professional networks across different socioeconomic and organisational contexts. Finally, in-depth longitudinal case studies explored the daily practices, challenges and adaptations of link workers in areas with high socioeconomic disadvantage. Case studies were undertaken with three link worker cases around which the research centred. Fieldwork involved ethnographic visits (which took place between November 2023-August 2024) and incorporated interviews with the three link workers, as well as 37 interviews with 23 patients and involved over 240 hours of ethnographic fieldwork.Findings: Link workers span systemic gaps, compensating for fragmented services caused by austerity and underinvestment. In spanning systemic gaps, link workers employ creative and tactical approaches to overcome systemic barriers, as well as more system-aligned approaches that maintain the status quo. These different practices have implications for network building and the sustainability and equity of social prescribing. My research connects link worker practices to broader political and economic contexts and illustrates how different approaches to link working may emerge in response to these systemic constraints.Implications: While link workers provide invaluable support to patients, without systemic support and strengthening of community infrastructure, the implementation of social prescribing link workers risks being unsustainable. Policy and practice ought to recognise the substantial relational labour involved in the link worker role which entails networking across fragmented services