The multi-wavelength Tully-Fisher relation in the TNG50 cosmological simulation

Context. The Tully-Fisher relation (TFR) is one of the most important and widely used empirical correlations in extragalactic astronomy. Apart from its importance as a secondary distance indicator, the TFR relation serves as a test for galaxy evolution models, because it connects the baryonic and dark matter components of galaxies. Aims. We aimed at simulating the multi-wavelength TFR relation from UV to mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths for the TNG50 cosmological simulation at z = 0, and at comparing the results with observational TFR studies. Our goal was to compare the wavelength dependence of the slope and scatter with the observed values, and to search for secondary parameters that reduce the scatter in the TFR. Methods. We selected a large sample of simulated late-type, disc-dominated galaxies from the TNG50 simulation. For each galaxy, we used the SKIRT radiative transfer code to generate realistic synthetic global fluxes in 12 UV to MIR broadbands and synthetic integrated H I line profiles. We used bivariate linear regression to determine the TFR in each band, and we searched for a second TFR parameter by correlating the residuals with different physical parameters. Results. Our TNG50 TFR reproduces the characteristic behaviour of the observed TFR in many studies: the TFR becomes steeper and tighter as we move from UV/optical to infrared wavelengths. The slope changes from ‑7.46 ± 0.14 mag dex‑1 in the NUV band to ‑9.66 ± 0.09 mag dex‑1 in the IRAC [4.5] band. Quantitatively, our slopes are well within the spread of different observational results. The u ‑ r colour or the sSFR can significantly reduce the scatter in the UV and optical bands. Using u ‑ r colour as second parameter, the modified TFR has a roughly constant intrinsic tightness of over the entire UV to MIR range. Conclusions. The combination of the TNG50 cosmological simulation and the SKIRT radiative transfer postprocessing is capable of broadly reproducing the multi-wavelength TFR. A better matched sample selection, the use of different characteristic velocity scales, and more advanced internal dust attenuation correction are steps towards a more stringent comparison of the simulated and observed multi-wavelength TFR

Exploring the Use of Diet and Support Needs of People Living with Psoriasis

Background Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition affecting approximately 60 million people globally. It is associated with substantial comorbidities, and while lifestyle factors may help manage psoriasis, research on the use and effectiveness of diet remains limited, particularly in the UK. With approximately 2% of adults living with psoriasis in the UK, this represents an important knowledge gap. This thesis aims to explore the role of diet in psoriasis management, to enhance our understanding of how to support people living with psoriasis (PLwP) in the UK. Methods A mixed-methods sequential design was used, and 4 studies were undertaken. Firstly, a scoping review was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence. To explore the dietary experiences of PLwP in the UK both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilised. Given the limited research thematic analysis of qualitative interviews was conducted to gain initial insights into the dietary modifications and experiences of PLwP in the UK. Based on these findings, a cross-sectional questionnaire was developed to quantitively explore the dietary modifications, skin responses, patient experiences, and information acquisition, among a larger population. The data from the first 3 studies informed the development of a dietary support guide for PLwP utilising a user-centered design (UCD) approach, incorporating think aloud methodology; its usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale. Results The scoping review revealed that randomized control trials (RCTs) support low-calorie diets for those living with overweight or obesity and gluten-free diets for those with coeliac disease, to improve psoriasis. Further evidence is limited, and patient information rarely provides dietary support. Research on dietary use and experiences of PLwP has not been explored in the UK. Interviews with PLwP in the UK (n=9) revealed that most believed diet affected their psoriasis and tried restrictive diets, with limited success. Participants commonly sought dietary information online due to perceived lack of support from healthcare professionals (HCPs). The subsequent cross-sectional questionnaire (n=271) revealed that 47.2% of PLwP reported making a dietary modification to help their psoriasis. Common restrictions included high-sugar foods (64.1%) and dairy (63.3%). Participants with severe psoriasis (OR 2.268; p=0.027), aged 18-44 (OR 2.050; p=0.007), psoriatic arthritis (OR 2.754; p=0.003), or gluten sensitivity (OR 3.579; p=0.004) were more likely to have tried a dietary modification compared to those without these characteristics. Most (61.3%) changed their diet to also improve overall health, and (53.6%) wanted more dietary support. The dietary support guide was developed with an expert panel (n=7), and intended users (n=7). The final guide was evaluated as having good usability and was perceived to be useful and valuable by intended users (n=27). Conclusion Dietary modification is common among PLwP in the UK, primarily motivated by a desire to improve psoriasis and overall health. However, the majority of dietary modifications undertaken are unsubstantiated and restrictive. There is a need and desire for dietary support for PLwP. This thesis makes a notable contribution to patient-centred psoriasis care by directly addressing the identified dietary support gap, through the development of an evidence-based dietary support guide for PLwP. The involvement of PLwP and stakeholders in the development ensured it was usable and valuable to PLwP. Future research should assess the use and impact of the dietary support guide, and its value to HCPs. Additionally, larger, long-term studies to explore the impact of diet on psoriasis, and exploration of how nutritional support can be integrated into psoriasis care is needed

Renewable energy market in Africa: Opportunities, progress, challenges, and future prospects

The transition to renewable energy is crucial for addressing Africa's rising energy demand while fostering sustainable development. With abundant renewable resources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, Africa is uniquely positioned to play a key role in the global low carbon energy transition. This study investigates the role of renewable energy in supporting Africa's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its alignment with the Paris Agreement's climate goals. Using a combination of empirical methodologies, including market analysis and cost-benefit evaluations, we assess the potential of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate energy poverty, and promote economic growth. Our findings show that harnessing just 25 % of Africa's renewable energy potential could significantly reduce energy poverty, contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon future. Furthermore, we highlights the declining costs of renewable energy technologies, driven by innovation, economies of scale, and market dynamics, making renewable energy increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. This has led to lower consumer energy prices, improved market attractiveness, and enhanced profitability for renewable energy investments. By examining the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy adoption, the study provides key insights into the market dynamics, investment potential, and policy implications for accelerating Africa's renewable energy transition. Our findings suggest that targeted investments in renewable energy could drive a just transition, improve energy access, and foster long-term socio-economic development across the continent

Two-stepping: sol–gel–gel transitions in a mixed thermoresponsive polymer system †

Conventional thermoreversible gels exhibit a sol–gel transition upon modulation of temperature. These systems are typically comprised of block copolymers in which one block exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), triggering a solvophilic to relatively solvophobic switch of that moiety when heated. The systems, which include poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-b-poly(propylene oxide)(PPO)-b-PEO (“poloxamers”) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based block copolymers, thus exhibit a single step in their rheological profile upon heating, switching from a predominantly dissipative response to an elastic one. It has been found that a mixed tertiary system of PNIPAM–PEO–PNIPAM and poloxamer 407 displays an unconventional sol–gel–gel transition. The rheological behaviours of this system have been studied to demonstrate the rheological profiles of the sol, “Gel I” and “Gel II” phases, as well as the reversibility of the gelation. A mechanism is proposed for this process, learning from small-angle neutron-scattering experiments in dilute and concentrated regimes

The Surprising Long-Term Evolution of the ULXP NGC 7793 P13

The ultra-luminous x-ray pulsar (ULXP) NGC 7793 P13 has been regularly monitored with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Swift for the last 8 years. Here, we present the latest results of this monitoring campaign with respect to the pulse period evolution and spectral variability. We find that since the source recovered from an x-ray low state in 2020–2022 the spin-up rate has increased significantly compared with before the off-state, even though the x-ray luminosity has not shown an equivalent increase. We find that the x-ray and optical/UV flux are anti-correlated, and speculate that this variability might be driven by a large accretion disk, precessing at a super-orbital period of 7–8 years. We study the spectral behavior in the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data, and find very little changes in the spectral shape, despite the large flux variability. This spectral consistency provides further indication that the observed flux variability is a geometric effect and not due to intrinsic changes of the accretion rate

Deepfake detection in generative AI: A legal framework proposal to protect human rights

Deepfakes, exploited for financial fraud, political misinformation, non-consensual imagery, and targeted harassment, represent a rapidly evolving threat to global information integrity, demanding immediate and coordinated intervention. This research undertakes technical and comparative legal analyses of deepfake detection methods. It examines key mitigation strategies—including AI-powered detection, provenance tracking, and watermarking—highlighting the pivotal role of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) in establishing media authentication standards. The study investigates deepfakes’ complex intersections with the admissibility of legal evidence, non-discrimination, data protection, freedom of expression, and copyright, questioning whether existing legal frameworks adequately balance advances in detection technologies with the protection of individual rights. As national strategies become increasingly vital amid geopolitical realities and fragmented global governance, the research advocates for a unified international approach grounded in UN Resolution 78/265 on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI. It calls for a collaborative framework that prioritizes interoperable technical standards and harmonized regulations. The paper critiques legal frameworks in the EU, US, UK, and China—jurisdictions selected for their global digital influence and divergent regulatory philosophies—and recommends developing robust, accessible, adaptable, and internationally interoperable tools to address evidentiary reliability, privacy, freedom of expression, copyright, and algorithmic bias. Specifically, it proposes enhanced technical standards; regulatory frameworks that support the adoption of explainable AI (XAI) and C2PA; and strengthened cross-sector collaboration to foster a trustworthy deepfake ecosystem

Healing developmental trauma: a pilot study on the discipline of Authentic movement and attachment in adulthood

This pilot study undertaken in China explored an innovative approach to healing developmental trauma by integrating the discipline of Authentic Movement with the Adult Attachment Interview, focusing on how early parental control shaped insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. Presenting three case studies from China, the study examines participants who experienced varying levels of parental control and developed avoidant attachment patterns as coping strategies. Through the discipline of Authentic Movement practices, participants reconnected with, released, and processed suppressed emotions tied to attachment memories, allowing them to experience a sense of secure attachment. These findings provided valuable insights and practical implications for clinical practices addressing attachment-related developmental trauma

Parametric Optimisation of Two-Way Slabs on Beams for Early-Stage Low-Carbon Design

Floor systems contribute nearly 75% of the embodied carbon emissions associated with the superstructure of buildings, underscoring the need to identify early-stage design parameters that can reduce embodied emissions while still adhering to traditional design guidelines. This study investigates the potential for minimising embodied carbon in reinforced concrete two-way slabs on beams through a parametric grid search approach. The design space was systematically varied by adjusting slab thickness, concrete grade, reinforcement ratios, and spans ranging from 4 m to 10 m. From all generated designs meeting flexural, serviceability, and detailing requirements, those with the lowest cradle-to-gate carbon emissions were selected. Results indicate that carbon savings of approximately 3-50% can be achieved compared to conventional Eurocode-based designs, with greater reductions observed as the span increases. The most efficient configurations featured thinner slabs, lower concrete grades, and higher reinforcement densities. Emission factor variations only moderately affected embodied emissions, even at 100% changes, while optimal parameters remained stable throughout. Based on these findings, a set of early-stage design charts is proposed to aid the development of low-carbon slab systems under varying load and grid conditions

Experimental study on improving thermal management of fan-wall data center by setting baffles in cold aisle

To maintain a stable thermal environment in the data center, the air conditioning system operates at high energy consumption levels annually. The airflow organization within the data center significantly impacts the cooling effectiveness of the air conditioning system. To achieve uniform airflow distribution, this study explores the effects of vertical and horizontal baffles placed between the air supply outlet and rack, both individually and in combination. This study explores the applicability of baffles in fan-wall data centers, analyzing and obtaining the optimal baffle angle, spacing, distance, and their corresponding thermal environment. This research aims to provide an optimized solution for enhancing thermal conditions within server rooms. The results indicate that: (1) Both vertical and horizontal baffles can improve the cold air trajectory from the air supply outlet to the rack, effectively improving the thermal environment of the rack. (2) Implementing a single vertical baffle at a distance of 0 cm and an angle of 75° effectively eliminates heat accumulation and achieves uniform temperature distribution. (3) When vertical or horizontal baffles are arranged individually, distance has a significant impact on airflow organization, however, when both vertical and horizontal baffles are combined, the influence of distance is minimal

Principles in practice? A policy review of the IOC’s environmental sustainability agenda.

This paper is a policy review focused on the environmental sustainability (ES) agenda of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This incorporates exploration of IOC documents such as policies, strategies, guidelines, reports, codes, and conference outputs. The IOC's ES agenda is interpreted as both strategy around ES, as a plan of action to achieve desired outcomes, and policies around ES, as matters of practice and principle to be enacted. This review encompasses each of the IOC's three spheres of activity (as an organisation, as owner of the Olympic Games, and as leader of the Olympic Movement). The documentary analysis incorporates inductive thematic analysis and Critical Policy Discourse Analysis (CPDA). This allows for consideration of the role of the IOC as a driver of ES with the power and reach to influence pro-environmental behaviours on a global scale, as well as analysis of the extent to which documentary discourse demonstrates committed leadership in this sphere. Key themes arising from the data are networks and knowledge transfer, leadership and influence, governance and accountability, and opportunities and obstacles. Power relationships between stakeholders are important in terms of facilitating or inhibiting ES, and there are missed opportunities for the IOC both to better demonstrate positive ES outcomes from existing practices and to utilise its power in leveraging ES commitments from stakeholders across the Olympic Movement (OM). The application of CPDA highlights varying levels of commitment across these themes as well as a tendency toward ambiguity and contradiction that engenders the likelihood of unintended consequences including greenwashing. The IOC ES agenda needs to encompass clear and unambiguous policy and strategy with more explicit commitment and accountability across its three spheres of activity