Latest news with #LondonMetropolitanUniversity
Scottish Sun
11-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Woman killed when she smashed into ambulance on way to work – as parents pay emotional tribute to ‘beautiful' daughter
Travel adviser lost control of her car while on a bend CRASH TRAGEDY Woman killed when she smashed into ambulance on way to work – as parents pay emotional tribute to 'beautiful' daughter Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN was killed when she smashed into an ambulance on the way to work, an inquest heard. Lauren McFarland lost control of the red Fiat Punto on a bend and spun into the path of an oncoming emergency vehicle. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Lauren McFarland was killed in a crash with an ambulance Credit: facebook/@ The 30-year-old was tragically declared dead at the scene in the Lake District following the horror in January last year. An inquest heard how the travel adviser had just returned from her dream holiday to the Himalayas and Everest Base Camp. Lauren was looking forward to making the same trip later that year, Cockermouth Coroner's Court was told. The ambulance driver, paramedic Abigail Routledge, and her colleague suffered minor injuries and immediately rushed to Lauren's aid. There were no no patients on board and the paramedics were returning to base at the end of their shift. The court heard Abigail had "no opportunity" to avoid the collision. A report also found neither driver was intoxicated and Lauren was not using her phone at the time of the crash. Dashcam footage revealed she was negotiating a left-hand bend and her car was seen positioned towards the centre line of the single carriageway A66. Lauren made a manoeuvre back to the near side, which caused her car to rotate clockwise into the opposite carriageway and into the path of the ambulance. The inquest heard there was some evidence air had been leaking from her tyre. Her dad David McFarland told the inquest how his daughter had "flourished" in school before attending London Metropolitan University to gain a degree in sports therapy. Lauren originally worked for the NHS in Pontefract and Leeds before moving back to Cumbria to pursue a career in the travel industry. Assistant coroner for Cumbria, Margaret Taylor, said Lauren was "clearly a very talented young woman" who died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries sustained in a road traffic collision. She added: "She should have had a long life ahead of her with many more adventures. We have heard that there was some evidence of a leak of air from the rear offside tyre of Lauren's Fiat. What we don't know is whether this contributed to the collision or loss of control. "It's possible it may have been lost on collision but it's a possibility that it may have affected her ability to control the car. It's probable that she died upon impact." Paying tribute, Lauren's family said she was a "beloved" daughter and granddaughter. They continued: "She will be sadly missed by many uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, friends and colleagues. "Lauren touched the hearts of everyone she met with her happy and outgoing personality. "She was a beautiful, caring and confident person who loved the outdoors and adventure." 5 Lauren was driving to work when the horror unfolded Credit: instagram/@laurenmcf03 5 She had just returned from a dream trip with her travel adviser job Credit: SWNS 5 Lauren's parents paid tribute following the tragedy Credit: instagram/@laurenmcf03
The Irish Sun
11-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Woman killed when she smashed into ambulance on way to work – as parents pay emotional tribute to ‘beautiful' daughter
Travel adviser lost control of her car while on a bend CRASH TRAGEDY Woman killed when she smashed into ambulance on way to work – as parents pay emotional tribute to 'beautiful' daughter A WOMAN was killed when she smashed into an ambulance on the way to work, an inquest heard. Lauren McFarland lost control of the red Fiat Punto on a bend and spun into the path of an oncoming emergency vehicle. 5 Lauren McFarland was killed in a crash with an ambulance Credit: facebook/@ The 30-year-old was tragically declared dead at the scene in the Lake District following the horror in January last year. An inquest heard how the travel adviser had just returned from her dream holiday to the Himalayas and Everest Base Camp. Lauren was looking forward to making the same trip later that year, Cockermouth Coroner's Court was told. The ambulance driver, paramedic Abigail Routledge, and her colleague suffered minor injuries and immediately rushed to Lauren's aid. There were no no patients on board and the paramedics were returning to base at the end of their shift. The court heard Abigail had "no opportunity" to avoid the collision. A report also found neither driver was intoxicated and Lauren was not using her phone at the time of the crash. Dashcam footage revealed she was negotiating a left-hand bend and her car was seen positioned towards the centre line of the single carriageway A66. Lauren made a manoeuvre back to the near side, which caused her car to rotate clockwise into the opposite carriageway and into the path of the ambulance. The inquest heard there was some evidence air had been leaking from her tyre. Her dad David McFarland told the inquest how his daughter had "flourished" in school before attending London Metropolitan University to gain a degree in sports therapy. Lauren originally worked for the NHS in Pontefract and Leeds before moving back to Cumbria to pursue a career in the travel industry. Assistant coroner for Cumbria, Margaret Taylor, said Lauren was "clearly a very talented young woman" who died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries sustained in a road traffic collision. She added: "She should have had a long life ahead of her with many more adventures. We have heard that there was some evidence of a leak of air from the rear offside tyre of Lauren's Fiat. What we don't know is whether this contributed to the collision or loss of control. "It's possible it may have been lost on collision but it's a possibility that it may have affected her ability to control the car. It's probable that she died upon impact." Paying tribute, Lauren's family said she was a "beloved" daughter and granddaughter. They continued: "She will be sadly missed by many uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, friends and colleagues. "Lauren touched the hearts of everyone she met with her happy and outgoing personality. "She was a beautiful, caring and confident person who loved the outdoors and adventure." 5 Lauren was driving to work when the horror unfolded Credit: instagram/@laurenmcf03 5 She had just returned from a dream trip with her travel adviser job Credit: SWNS 5 Lauren's parents paid tribute following the tragedy Credit: instagram/@laurenmcf03
Middle East Eye
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Most Turkish people say Turkey should obtain nuclear weapons in new poll
A recent survey in Turkey reveals a significant shift in public opinion over nuclear weapons, with a majority of respondents now supporting their development in response to heightened regional tensions, particularly following Israeli strikes on Iran last month. The poll, conducted by Research Istanbul between 1-5 July, surveyed 2,000 people nationwide. Its findings highlight growing insecurity among Turkish citizens regarding national defence and Turkey's ability to withstand potential threats. Despite Turkey being a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) since 1979, which legally prohibits Ankara from developing, acquiring or testing nuclear weapons, 71 percent of respondents believe Turkey should start developing such arms, with only 18 percent opposed. While the Turkish government has made heavy investments in the defence industry in recent years, public confidence regarding air defence systems remains low. Nearly half of those surveyed doubt the effectiveness of Turkey's air defence systems in the event of an attack. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The recent success of Iranian ballistic missiles in penetrating Israel's advanced air defences and causing considerable damage has further fuelled debate within Turkey over the nation's own defensive capabilities. Scepticism also extends to Turkey's alliances. According to the poll, 72 percent of respondents do not believe Nato would effectively defend Turkey if it were attacked. 'Pervasive sense of external threat' 'These findings reflect growing public anxiety amid escalating regional conflicts in the Middle East, the Balkans and the Caucasus,' said Erdi Ozturk, a professor at London Metropolitan University. 'The pervasive sense of external threat is driving Turkish society to consider security measures that were previously taboo, including the pursuit of nuclear deterrence.' Ozturk added that, despite longstanding political divisions, security concerns are increasingly uniting Turkish society around a common mindset. To address immediate concerns over its ageing air fleet, Ankara has recently negotiated deals to purchase F-16 and Eurofighter jets as a stopgap measure until its own fifth-generation aircraft, the Kaan, is delivered - expected as early as 2028. 'Many citizens believe Turkey must rely more heavily on its own military capabilities' - Erdi Ozturk, London Metropolitan University 'Many citizens believe Turkey must rely more heavily on its own military capabilities,' Ozturk explained, 'especially as ongoing negotiations over fighter jets like the F-16 and F-35 fuel public scepticism about the reliability of foreign partners.' Ankara has not yet made any statements or taken any steps indicating research into nuclear weapons. Turkey is currently building its first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, in partnership with Russia's Rosatom. Estimated at costing $20bn, it will consist of four reactors with a combined capacity of 4,800 megawatts (MW), expected to provide around 10 percent of Turkey's electricity needs when it goes into operation next year. Ozturk further noted that widespread scepticism regarding Nato's willingness or ability to defend Turkey is closely linked to deep-seated anti-American sentiment, which continues to be a significant factor shaping public attitudes toward security and defence policy.
Herald Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
New study reveals younger partners may ease menopause symptoms
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Many women try everything to treat the frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. According to new research, a younger partner may help. From dryness, pain, and loss of desire, it can feel impossible to find treatments to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. According to new research, symptom relief may come in a form none of us had considered. A study funded by Womanizer's Pleasure Fund and conducted by London Metropolitan University found that younger partners may ease menopause symptoms. Of 150 peri or post-menopausal participants, researchers found that women in relationships with a partner at least seven years younger than them reported 54 per cent fewer menopause-related local and sexual symptoms. Participants also completed 'a 19-item measure of sexual pain, sexual desire, orgasm, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction' called the Female Sexual Function Index. Those in age-gap relationships scored 84 per cent higher in sexual functioning, particularly when it came to 'sexual arousal and desire'. Women in relationships with a partner at least seven years younger than them reported 54 per cent fewer menopause-related local and sexual symptoms. But another study conducted by Womanizer on over 1000 Australians found that only 8.3 per cent of women have been in an age gap relationship as the older woman, and only 2.4 per cent are interested in the prospect of being in one. Women in consensual non-monogamy relationships also experienced fewer symptoms Participants in relationships engaging in consensual non-monogamy also reported higher levels of orgasms, along with fewer menopausal symptoms, compared to those in monogamous relationships. Perhaps another treatment option to look into? Particularly 'vasomotor symptoms, tiredness and sleep disturbances, emotional symptoms, local and sexual symptoms, and other physiological symptoms.' Perhaps another treatment option to look into? Orgasm therapy The researchers found that whether they occurred with or without partners, orgasms unsurprisingly helped to ease symptoms of menopause. In some areas, orgasms were able to reduce women's symptoms by up to 36 per cent, with those using toys experiencing the biggest relief. In some areas, orgasms were able to reduce women's symptoms by up to 36 per cent, with those using toys experiencing the biggest relief. Those making use of their toys experienced a 59 per cent reduction in tiredness and sleep disturbances, and reported better mental wellbeing and self-efficacy. The team says more research is needed into the area, but one thing's for sure, prioritising your desire and pleasure can deliver more benefits than we could've thought. Image: iStock The researchers added that they found orgasms caused 'a total and direct effect of sexual satisfaction on reducing local and sexual symptoms of peri/menopause, including soreness of the vulva and vagina, discomfort on passing urine, urine leaks, sexual pain, and loss of interest in sex'. The team says more research is needed into the area, but one thing's for sure, prioritising your desire and pleasure can deliver more benefits than we could've thought. Originally published as New study reveals younger partners may ease menopause symptoms
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oscar-nominated film under fire for use of AI — and their response may surprise you
Hollywood's latest AI experiment isn't another deepfake or sea of digital extras. It's a tweak to human voices. In the Oscar-nominated film The Brutalist, actors had their foreign dialogue improved by artificial intelligence, raising concerns about the technology's growing role in filmmaking — and in our lives. The Brutalist follows a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust, escaping postwar Europe to settle in America and rebuilding his life, career, and marriage. In the film, lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones speak partially in Hungarian with Jewish accents, which is where the use of AI comes in. The movie's editor, Dávid Jancsó, recently told industry publication Red Shark News that he used an AI tool called Respeecher to make portions of the Hungarian dialogue sound more authentic. "Most of their Hungarian dialogue has a part of me talking in there," Jancsó, a native Hungarian speaker, said. "We were very careful about keeping their performances. It's mainly just replacing letters here and there." The recent admission caused a major debate among film industry professionals, especially with The Brutalist sweeping award nominations this season. Brody and Jones are both nominated for Oscars for their respective roles, and the film is in the running for best picture. Industry experts say The Brutalist isn't the first — and won't be the last — movie to use AI in its filmmaking. In fact, editors of Emilia Pérez, a film also nominated for a slew of Oscars including best picture, recently admitted to using AI to enhance the singing voice of lead actor Karla Sofía Gascón. Gascón is also nominated for an Oscar for her role. "I suspect the use of AI in production will become increasingly common and openly admitted, particularly for what might be seen as minor labor-intensive work such as generative backgrounds, crowd scenes, and the like," Louis Heaton, digital film and TV production lecturer at London Metropolitan University, told CNN. Heaton credits AI's popularity with the tech being "cheaper and quicker" for production studios. Jancsó cited the same reasoning for using Respeecher in The Brutalist. "It is controversial in the industry to talk about AI, but it shouldn't be," Jancsó told Red Shark News. "It just makes the process a lot faster. We use AI to create these tiny little details that we didn't have the money or the time to shoot." AI may be an inexpensive shortcut, but the cost to the arts — and the planet — is hard to justify. AI data centers use a massive amount of electricity, which is often powered by dirty fuel. Data centers also churn through billions of gallons of freshwater, which is used to cool their equipment. Moreover, AI technology also relies on rare minerals and elements, which are often mined unethically and unsustainably, per the United Nations Environment Programme. The demands of AI are expected to contribute to the doubling of data center power consumption from 2022 to 2026. "There is still much we don't know about the environmental impact of AI but some of the data we do have is concerning," said Golestan Radwan, chief digital officer of the United Nations Environment Programme, on the UNEP website. "We need to make sure the net effect of AI on the planet is positive before we deploy the technology at scale." Not only that, but using AI to enhance acting performances could be seen as watering down the art form, taking some of the humanity out of storytelling. As Heaton told CNN: "As AI here appears to be directly altering/improving an element of the actor's performance, it could be seen as calling into question the authenticity of that performance. Would the average moviegoer really care if the lead actors were speaking perfect Hungarian? ... I'd say no." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
