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The Role of Digital Twin in 6G-Based URLLCs: Current Contributions, Research Challenges, and Next Directions
Get PDFSubstantial improvements in the area of ultra reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) capabilities, as well as possibilities of meeting the rising demand for high-capacity and high-speed connectivity are expected to be achieved with the deployment of next generation 6G wireless communication networks. This thank to the adoption of key technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reflective intelligent surfaces (RIS), and mobile edge computing (MEC), which hold the potential to enhance coverage, signal quality, and computational efficiency. However, the integration of these technologies presents new optimization challenges, particularly for ensuring network reliability and maintaining stringent latency requirements. The Digital Twin (DT) paradigm, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL), is emerging as a promising solution, enabling real-time optimization by digitally replicating network devices to support informed decision-making. This paper reviews recent advances in DT-enabled URLLC frameworks, highlights critical challenges, and suggests future research directions for realizing the full potential of 6G networks in supporting next-generation services under URLLCs requirements
Between recolonisation and decolonisation: Documenta 15 and the political decontextualisation of art
Get PDFDocumenta 15, a global exhibition of contemporary art that took place in 2022 in Germany, over a period of 100 days, stands out for two reasons: (1) for the first time documenta was under artistic directorship of an art collective, and (2) it was scandalised for displaying allegedly antisemitic art, mainly blaming Taring Padi (TP), a group of progressive artists and activists from Indonesia. In this paper we argue that the political decontextualisation of TP’s work and the virality of its scapegoating led to the recolonisation of art that reinforced existing power hierarchies and denied space for dialogue and education. In a second part, we change the scene and provide insight into TP’s work in Indonesia, as one of the creative forces leading to the end of the authoritarian Suharto regime in 1998 and evolving in the ensuing reformation era. Only through continuous political and cultural contextualisation can the artwork, and its symbolism, be understood as a way to come to terms with a violent past. In a third part, we discuss the arts, hegemony and decolonisation more generally and in part four possible ways forward and how ‘the scandal’ can actually create productive dialogues and begin an unprecedented process of decolonising art exhibitions and museums
NeFT-Net: N-window extended frequency transformer for rhythmic motion prediction
Get PDFAdvancements in prediction of human motion sequences are critical for enabling online virtual reality (VR) users to dance and move in ways that accurately mirror real-world actions, delivering a more immersive and connected experience. However, latency in networked motion tracking remains a significant challenge, disrupting engagement and necessitating predictive solutions to achieve real-time synchronization of remote motions. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach leveraging a synthetically generated dataset based on supervised foot anchor placement timings for rhythmic motions, ensuring periodicity and reducing prediction errors. Our model integrates a discrete cosine transform (DCT) to encode motion, refine high-frequency components, and smooth motion sequences, mitigating jittery artifacts. Additionally, we introduce a feed-forward attention mechanism designed to learn from N-window pairs of 3D key-point pose histories for precise future motion prediction. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations on the Human3.6M dataset highlight significant improvements in mean per joint position error (MPJPE) metrics, demonstrating the superiority of our technique over state-of-the-art approaches. We further introduce novel result pose visualizations through the use of generative AI methods
What is and what is not 360° video: conceptual definitions for the research field
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Advancing 6G: Survey for Explainable AI on Communications and Network Slicing
Get PDFThe unprecedented advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has positioned Explainable AI (XAI) as a critical enabler in addressing the complexities of next-generation wireless communications. With the evolution of the 6G networks, characterized by ultra-low latency, massive data rates, and intricate network structures, the need for transparency, interpretability, and fairness in AI-driven decision-making has become more urgent than ever. This survey provides a comprehensive review of the current state and future potential of XAI in communications, with a focus on network slicing, a fundamental technology for resource management in 6G. By systematically categorizing XAI methodologies–ranging from modelagnostic to model-specific approaches, and from pre-model to post-model strategies–this paper identifies their unique advantages, limitations, and applications in wireless communications. Moreover, the survey emphasizes the role of XAI in network slicing for vehicular network, highlighting its ability to enhance transparency and reliability in scenarios requiring real-time decision-making and high-stakes operational environments. Real-world use cases are examined to illustrate how XAI-driven systems can improve resource allocation, facilitate fault diagnosis, and meet regulatory requirements for ethical AI deployment. By addressing the inherent challenges of applying XAI in complex, dynamic networks, this survey offers critical insights into the convergence of XAI and 6G technologies. Future research directions, including scalability, real-time applicability, and interdisciplinary integration, are discussed, establishing a foundation for advancing transparent and trustworthy AI in 6G communications systems
Effectiveness of postoperative cephalosporins in reducing urinary tract infections and other parameters following transurethral resection of the prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFBackgroundTransurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard surgical procedure for alleviating bladder obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although effective, TURP is associated with the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), which may be reduced by postoperative cephalosporin use.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the efficacy of cephalosporins in reducing the risk and complications of UTI following TURP.MethodsThe MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared cephalosporin antibiotics with no intervention in patients undergoing TURP. The outcomes of interest for this systematic review and meta-analysis were UTI, length of stay, adverse effects, and postoperative days. Evaluations were reported as risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals, using weighted random-effects models.ResultsThe Data Analysis included 668 participants from seven RCTs. Postoperative cephalosporin treatment after TURP significantly reduced the incidence of UTI compared with that in the control group (OR 0.37, 95% CI [0.22, 0.61], P<0.001, I²=30%). However, no significant difference was observed between postoperative cephalosporin use and the length of stay (MD -0.36, 95%CI [-1.13, 0.40], P=0.35, I²=81%), postoperative days (MD 0.20, 95% CI [-0.12, 0.53], P=0.22, I²=74%), and rate of adverse events (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.58, 1.51], P=0.79; I²=0%).ConclusionCephalosporins effectively reduced the risk of UTI in patients undergoing TURP. Further research in this field is warranted to determine the efficacy of other antibiotics individually and provide a better comparison to implement standardized practices
Simulation Activity in Health Education and Care Sectors: Report from the 2024 National Simulation Survey
No full textThe Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) has published its anticipated 2024 Simulation Survey Report, offering a comprehensive overview of simulation activities and practice across the UK and Ireland. The report builds on the foundational 2014 survey and provides critical insights into the evolution, impact, and future direction of simulation in health and social care.The 2024 report gathered responses from 107 survey responses and five focus groups with representatives from NHS Trusts, Higher Education Institutions, Primary Care, and Commercial Organisations. The findings reveal both significant advancements and enduring barriers in the integration of simulation into healthcare education and delivery
Evolving aspects of oral care in modern nursing: a systematic review
Get PDFIntroduction: Oral care is a critical yet often neglected aspect of nursing, essential for preventing complications like ventilator-associated pneumonia and systemic inflammation. Despite its importance, nurses face challenges due to limited training, time constraints, and inconsistent protocols. The evolving role of nurses in oral care reflects broader healthcare shifts toward interprofessional and patient-centered models. This systematic review examines these dynamics to inform evidence-based improvements. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review synthesized qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies from 2015 to 2025, sourced from PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and grey literature. Search terms targeted nurses’ roles, perceptions, barriers, and interventions in oral care. Eligible studies involved registered nurses or students in healthcare settings, with data extracted on study characteristics, outcomes, and interventions. Quality was assessed using JBI and MMAT tools, and a narrative synthesis integrated findings via thematic analysis using NVivo. Results: From 2,347 records, 32 studies across 12 countries were included, covering ICUs (n = 12), general wards (n = 8), and nursing homes (n = 5), with sample sizes ranging from 7 to 1,576 participants. Key themes emerged: inadequate knowledge due to limited education, variable attitudes influenced by setting, inconsistent practices lacking standardized tools, and barriers like workload and resource shortages. Enablers included enhanced training, with over 80% of nurses in multiple studies seeking further education, patient empowerment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support. Training programs, such as virtual reality simulations, improved knowledge and confidence, while resource availability enhanced practice quality. Conclusion: Nurses’ effectiveness in oral care is hindered by educational gaps, systemic barriers, and inconsistent prioritization, but bolstered by targeted training and resources. These findings can guide nursing curricula and hospital policy reforms to prioritize oral care globally. Comprehensive nursing curricula, evidence-based protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to elevate oral care as a core responsibility. Future research should focus on scalable interventions in diverse settings to enhance patient outcomes
Third sector perspectives on community link worker referrals in social prescribing: a realist analysis
Get PDFIntroduction: Community link workers (CLWs), also known as social prescribing link workers, connect individuals to community support, much of which is provided by third-sector organisations (TSOs). TSOs are common referral destinations for CLWs, yet the relationships between CLWs and TSOs remain under-explored. Method: This realist study investigated TSOs’ perceptions of link working, focusing on referral and collaboration dynamics. Conducted across 22 TSOs in Scotland, it involved in-depth interviews with TSO staff and consultations with CLWs and managers, analysing data via realist heuristics to identify contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes. Results: Targeted referrals by experienced CLWs, with follow-up, and strong TSO-CLW relationships, improved client health, wellbeing, and independence while reducing reliance on statutory services. These processes fostered professionals’ trust, satisfaction, and innovation, creating a positive feedback loop. Conversely, inconsistent referrals, such as over-referral or scattergun approaches, compounded by resource constraints and perceptions of inequitable partnerships, led to suboptimal client outcomes, dissatisfaction, and weakened collaboration. Important contexts included extreme resource pressures, varying CLW expertise, and perceptions of power imbalances. Discussion: Effective social prescribing needs sustained TSO-CLW collaboration, supported by third-sector investment and tools for equitable partnerships. Rather than a referral process, social prescribing should be envisioned as a community of practice, defined by relationships, a common purpose and shared responsibility for challenges and solutions. Future models should prioritise strengthening statutory and third-sector trust and collaboration
No nighttime I can own: The experience of insomnia expressed through poetry
Get PDFInsomnia is a chronic sleep disorder associated with difficulty sleeping and a significant deleterious impact on daytime function and quality of life. This novel study investigates the experience of insomnia, and the impact and coping strategies expressed via the creative medium of poetry.A total of 33 poems containing the word ‘insomnia’ were selected from The Poetry Foundation and analysed using poetic content analysis; a qualitative inductive technique that involved coding meaning units to the poetry, which were then categorised and agreed between the two authors.The final agreed categories were: Coping Strategies and Mental Engagement, which reflected a range of standard and non-standard treatments and thoughts; Physical Experiences and Reactions, such as discomfort; Socio-Emotional Dynamics and Life Impact, such as emotional impact and relationships; Environment and Temporal Factors, including the sleeping area and house, and the passage of time; and Sleep, which included dreams and nightmares, and the lack thereof.Themes broadly represented the biopsychosocial model, which then served as a framework for interpreting the study's findings. The study provided an interesting and novel approach to investigating the creative expression of insomnia, and could be further developed by soliciting poetry from contemporary poets to provide a more immediate and diverse range of experiences
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