Bournemouth University

Abstract Cryo-Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (cryoFIB-SEM) using samples fixed by high-pressure freezing uniquely enables high resolution cryo-volume Electron Microscope (cvEM) images of cell ultrastructure to be obtained from whole cells and complex tissues in their near native state. As the freezing process also preserves fluorescence, the link between three-dimensional (3D) ultrastructure and biological process is also enabled by targeted cryo-Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM). However, the overall viability of cvEM is challenged by sample preparation, charge balance during imaging, sample sensitivity to beam damage, contamination, and very long acquisition times. Here we detail new experimental workflows to significantly reduce each of these effects and demonstrate the improvement in resolution possible with results from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the ciliated protozoon Paramecium bursaria containing many endosymbiotic algae. These results demonstrate the versatility and potential wide-ranging utility of cvEM for 3D ultrastructural imaging of whole multicellular and unicellular organisms.

Combat-related traumatic injury (CRTI) has been linked to reduced myocardial blood-flow- reserve (MBFR), measured using the subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR). We aimed to assess the mediating role of known cardiovascular risk factors on SEVR. We examined 1018 UK servicemen (prospective ADVANCE Cohort Study) comprising 504 with CRTI (140 amputees) and 514 uninjured men, frequency-matched at sampling, by age, rank and deployment (Afghanistan 2003-2014). We examined the mediating role of cardiovascular risk factors, shown to significantly greater with CRTI at study baseline (~8 years post-injury/deployment), on SEVR, measured three-years later (FU1). The cardiovascular risk measures were heart-rate variability (HRV, root-mean-square-of-successive-differences [RMSSD]), visceral-fat-mass (VFM, using DEXA), venous-blood high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP, inflammation), six-minute walk distance (6MWD, physical function) and weekly leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LT-MVPA, physical activity). At baseline, VFM was significantly greater and RMSSD, 6MWD and LT-MVPA lower with CRTI compared to the uninjured. VFM and Hs-CRP were significantly greater and RMSSD, 6MWD and LT-MVPA lower in the injured amputees versus the injured non-amputees and uninjured. The SEVR at FU1 was significantly lower in the injured (mean ± standard deviation; 187.2 ± 39.7) compared to the uninjured (194.1 ± 31.5) and lowest in the amputee sub-group (181.9 ± 30.0). The association between CRTI and SEVR was mediated by VFM (natural indirect effect -1.80: 95%CI: -2.90, -0.67), RMSSD (-1.82: -3.45, -0.19) and 6MWD (-1.79: -3.16, -0.41) but not Hs-CRP and LT-MVPA. The association between traumatic amputation and SEVR was mediated by VFM, HRV and LT-MVPA. VFM, HRV and physical function/activity were significant mediators of the link between CRTI and SEVR. Interventions on physical activity/function could mitigate the association between CRTI and SEVR. Data from longer-term follow up are required to robustly determine the temporal effects of this relationship.

Post-stroke upper limb pain is prevalent and challenging to manage once established. Early use of botulinum toxin can reduce spasticity and contracture development and has potential to prevent or reduce pain. A secondary analysis of the EUBoSS study was undertaken to report pain prevalence in people post-stroke with severe upper limb impairment and spasticity in a hyper/acute setting, identify if botulinum toxin Type-A (BoNTA) could prevent pain developing and reduce pain if already present and evaluate differences in analgesic use between BoNTA and placebo groups. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Ninety-three participants (48F:45M) were randomised at a median of 11 days post-stroke (IQR 8-19) and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Pain prevalence increased from 29.0% (95% CI [20.1-37.9%]) to 63.4% (95% CI [54.0-72.9%]) at six months. BoNTA treatment may prevent the development of pain at six months (OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.18 to 1.01]) but not at three months (OR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.25 to 1.32]). The odds ratio for being on at least one analgesic at six months in the BoNTA group was 0.35 ([95% 0.14 to 0.87]). This secondary analysis suggests that early treatment of spasticity with BoNTA may potentially help prevent post-stroke upper limb pain and reduce analgesic use but appears less effective once pain is established. Further prospective studies are required to verify the hypotheses generated from this secondary analysis.

This paper addresses the persistent failure of major digital investments to achieve sustained smart technology adoption in developing countries, limiting productivity and business growth. Although existing research identifies institutional weaknesses as a central barrier, it provides limited guidance on how progress can occur within such constraints. To address this gap, the Institutional Framework for Smart Technology Adoption (IFSTA), pronounced Eye-f-sta, is developed as a contingent institutional framework linking digital transformation theory with practical assessment tools. IFSTA argues that adoption success depends not on technology alone, but on strategic alignment with specific institutional contexts. The framework is built around three core pillars, governance architecture, socio-technical infrastructure, and adaptive capacity, and explains how their interactions generate differentiated adoption outcomes across five institutional contexts. Localization is conceptualized as a cross-cutting mediating mechanism through which governance arrangements, standards, platforms, and capabilities are adapted to domestic realities, shaping both current performance and future transformation potential. Three questions guide the analysis: how institutional contexts moderate the impact of infrastructure investment; what complementarities and compensatory mechanisms enable progress under institutional constraints; and how digital investments can be sequenced according to institutional starting points. To operationalize this logic, the Performance–Knowledge Index (PKI) is introduced as a context-sensitive diagnostic tool that identifies binding constraints and supports sequenced intervention design. The study contributes a contingent institutional model, a methodological bridge between diagnosis and implementation, and a structured, actionable framework for advancing sustainable digital adoption in developing economies.

Abstract As large language models (LLMs) become increasingly embedded in everyday work, education, and decision-making, concerns have emerged regarding users’ reliance on these systems and the psychological mechanisms underlying such reliance. In German-speaking contexts, public discourse on generative AI is strongly shaped by issues of data protection, transparency, autonomy, and regulatory oversight, yet empirically validated instruments to assess dependency on LLMs are lacking. Addressing this gap, the present study translated and validated the German version of the Large Language Model Dependency Scale (LLM-D12-DE). A sample of 402 German-speaking active LLM users completed the German LLM-D12. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized two-factor structure comprising Instrumental Dependency and Relationship Dependency. Both dimensions demonstrate excellent internal consistency, strong composite reliability, and satisfactory convergent validity. Scalar measurement invariance across gender was established, allowing meaningful latent mean comparisons. Network analysis revealed two coherent but distinct item clusters corresponding to instrumental reliance and relational attachment, with central items reflecting decision-related reliance and perceived reduction of loneliness. External validation analyses showed that both dependency dimensions were positively associated with AI acceptance attitudes, perceived trustworthiness of LLMs, and internet addiction severity. Relationship Dependency was additionally associated with lower need for cognition. Usage characteristics, particularly higher frequency of LLM use and multimodal interaction, emerged as robust predictors of dependency levels. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the LLM-D12-DE is a psychometrically sound and contextually appropriate instrument for assessing dependency on LLMs in German-speaking populations. The scale enables systematic research on cognitive and relational aspects of human-LLM interaction and provides an empirical basis for educational, clinical, and regulatory discussions on responsible AI use.

Abstract The electron density of the solar corona is a fundamental parameter in many areas of solar physics. Traditionally, routine estimates of coronal density have relied exclusively on white-light observations. However, these density estimates, obtained by inverting the white-light data, require simplifying assumptions, which may affect the robustness of the measurements. Hence, to improve the reliability of coronal density measurements, it is highly desirable to explore other complementary methods. In this study, we estimate the coronal electron densities in the middle corona, between approximately 1.7 and 3.5 R ⊙ , using low-frequency radio observations from the recently commissioned Long Wavelength Array at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO-LWA). The results demonstrate consistency with those derived from white-light coronagraph data and predictions from theoretical models. We also derive a density model valid between 1.7 and 3.5 r ⊙ , given by <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mi>ρ</mml:mi> <mml:mo stretchy="false">(</mml:mo> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo accent="true">′</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> <mml:mo stretchy="false">)</mml:mo> <mml:mo>=</mml:mo> <mml:mn>1.27</mml:mn> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow/> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo accent="true">′</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>−</mml:mo> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo> <mml:mn>29.02</mml:mn> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow/> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo accent="true">′</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>−</mml:mo> <mml:mn>4</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo> <mml:mn>71.18</mml:mn> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow/> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo accent="true">′</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>−</mml:mo> <mml:mn>6</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:math> , where <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo accent="true">′</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> <mml:mo>=</mml:mo> <mml:mi>r</mml:mi> <mml:mo>/</mml:mo> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>R</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>⊙</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msub> </mml:math> , with r the heliocentric distance. OVRO-LWA is a solar-dedicated radio interferometer that provides science-ready images with low latency, making it well suited for generating regular and independent estimates of coronal densities to complement existing white-light techniques.

Background: Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is globally recognized as essential for adolescent development and sexual and reproductive health. However, a significant disconnect exists between international policy frameworks and actual classroom implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: This review examines how CSE is taught to children aged 5–15 years, identifying implementation gaps across diverse socio-cultural contexts with special emphasis on Nepal, where progressive policies coexist with limited classroom practice. Methods: A systematic literature review of 45 peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published between 2010–2024 was conducted. Databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and HINARI were searched using Boolean operators. Studies from over 15 countries (Nepal, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States) were thematically analyzed using inductive and deductive approaches. Findings: Three major implementation gaps emerged: (1) inadequate teacher preparation and discomfort teaching sensitive topics; (2) socio-cultural and religious barriers creating classroom silence; and (3) reliance on outdated, lecture-based pedagogy rather than participatory methods. Students across contexts desire comprehensive sexual health information but rely on informal, often inaccurate sources. In Nepal, despite supportive policies, CSE remains fragmented, culturally shame-bound, and biologically focused, excluding critical topics like consent, gender equality, and sexual diversity. Conclusion: Effective CSE requires contextually adapted, rights-based curricula; specialized teacher training incorporating values reflection; and student-centered pedagogies. Anderson and Krathwohl’s revised taxonomy offers a framework for moving beyond factual recall toward critical thinking and practical skill development. Novelty: This review uniquely synthesizes global evidence on CSE teaching processes—not just content—while highlighting Nepal’s under-researched implementation challenges and proposing theoretically grounded, culturally responsive solutions.

Walking (or gait) speed is recognised as a robust indicator of health status, functional capacity, and physiological reserve across the lifespan; however, its objective measurement remains underused in routine musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. This commentary argues that gait speed is underutilised in musculoskeletal physiotherapy despite its strong prognostic and functional relevance, and proposes its cautious adoption as a functional vital sign to support more objective, standardised, and interpretable rehabilitation decision making. Evidence from an orthopaedic population undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty illustrates the persistent gap between surgical success and functional recovery, as reflected in sustained deficits in walking speed relative to healthy benchmarks. Methodological issues in gait speed assessment are considered, and the potential future role of wearable sensors and digital health technologies in capturing real-world locomotor performance is highlighted. Overall, the evidence suggests that gait speed can provide an objective, low-cost, and scalable measure that integrates multiple domains of musculoskeletal function. Therefore, the routine integration of gait speed into physiotherapy assessment may help to quantify functional impairment, support personalised rehabilitation, reduce practice variation, and align musculoskeletal care with contemporary adaptive and digitally enabled healthcare models.