scholarly journals Evaluating the Barrier Effects of Charge Point Trauma on UK Electric Vehicle Growth

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Keith Chamberlain ◽  
Salah Al Majeed
Keyword(s):  
Study Data ◽  
Barrier Effects ◽  
Trunk Network ◽  
Behavioural Condition ◽  
Range Anxiety ◽  
Growth Barriers ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Charging Stations ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Charge Point

For electric vehicles (EVs) to realise the UK government’s goal of mass-market dominance, there are surmountable hurdles to resolve before car users accept this radical shift in motoring technology. This study focuses on recent EV adopters who experience a new phenomenon described as charge point trauma (CPT). In contrast to range anxiety, we define CPT as the psychological, physiological, and behavioural condition where EV user’s experiences develop trauma or anxiety in response to the availability of sufficient charge points, locations, payment processes, and operability. Resolving impediments to EV usage reduces long-term growth barriers, which we argue can subsequently lower or even eliminate EV driver anxiety. We conclude that range anxiety still plays a major part in overall EV driver trauma, and after deep analysis of our case study data conclude that a trauma other than range anxiety exists at the charge point. To mitigate this phenomenon, we propose a regulatory framework comprising a series of stimuli to encourage EV uptake. These recommendations should be targeted at regulating a new generation of EV charging stations to meet operational parity with current fossil fuel filling stations by ensuring they are always on, available in sufficient numbers, accessible and operable as part of the UK motorway and major trunk network. This will de-risk EV purchasing and stimulate their adoption in this embryonic stage, reducing CPT in the process.

Childhood Intelligence Predicts Adult Trait Openness

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Furnham ◽  
Helen Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Data Set ◽  
National Child Development Study ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Abstract. This study used a longitudinal data set of 5,672 adults followed for 50 years to determine the factors that influence adult trait Openness-to-Experience. In a large, nationally representative sample in the UK (the National Child Development Study), data were collected at birth, in childhood (age 11), adolescence (age 16), and adulthood (ages 33, 42, and 50) to examine the effects of family social background, childhood intelligence, school motivation during adolescence, education, and occupation on the personality trait Openness assessed at age 50 years. Structural equation modeling showed that parental social status, childhood intelligence, school motivation, education, and occupation all had modest, but direct, effects on trait Openness, among which childhood intelligence was the strongest predictor. Gender was not significantly associated with trait Openness. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.

scholarly journals A Case Study of a Negotiated Tender within a Small-to-Medium Construction Contractor: Modelling Project Cost Variance

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
James Ellis ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala ◽  
Obuks Ejohwomu ◽  
Ernest Effah Ameyaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Open Book ◽  
Competitive Tendering ◽  
Construction Contractor ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

This research explores the failure of competitively tendered projects in the UK construction industry to procure the most suited contractor(s) to conduct the works. Such work may have equal relevance for other developed nations globally. This research seeks to teach clients and their representatives that “lowest price” does not mean “best value”, by presenting a case study of a successfully negotiated tender undertaken by a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) contractor; SME studies are relatively scant in academic literature. By applying the “lessons learnt” principle, this study seeks to improve future practice through the development of a novel alternative procurement option (i.e., negotiation). A mixed philosophical stance combining interpretivism and pragmatism was used—interpretivism to critically review literature in order to form the basis of inductive research to discuss negotiation as a viable procurement route, and pragmatism to analyse perceptions of tendering and procurement. The methods used follow a three-stage waterfall process including: (1) literature review and pilot study; (2) quantitative analysis of case study data; and (3) qualitative data collection via a focus group. Our research underscores the need to advise clients and their representatives of the importance of understanding the scope of works allowed within a tender submission before discounting it based solely on price. In addition, we highlight the failings of competitive tendering, which results in increased costs and project duration once the works commence on site. These findings provide new contemporary insight into procurement and tendering in the construction industry, with emphasis on SME contractors, existing relationships, and open-book negotiation. This research illustrates the adverse effects of early cost estimates produced without first securing a true understanding of project buildability and programming. Our work concludes with a novel insight into an alternative procurement option that involves early SME contractor involvement in an open-book environment, without the need for a third-party cost control.

Future directions for the discovery of antibiotics from actinomycete bacteria

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Devine ◽  
Matthew I. Hutchings ◽  
Neil A. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene Clusters ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Streptomyces Species ◽  
Genus Streptomyces ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All ◽  
New Generation

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing societal problem, and without new anti-infective drugs, the UK government-commissioned O'Neil report has predicted that infectious disease will claim the lives of an additional 10 million people a year worldwide by 2050. Almost all the antibiotics currently in clinical use are derived from the secondary metabolites of a group of filamentous soil bacteria called actinomycetes, most notably in the genus Streptomyces. Unfortunately, the discovery of these strains and their natural products (NPs) peaked in the 1950s and was then largely abandoned, partly due to the repeated rediscovery of known strains and compounds. Attention turned instead to rational target-based drug design, but this was largely unsuccessful and few new antibiotics have made it to clinic in the last 60 years. In the early 2000s, however, genome sequencing of the first Streptomyces species reinvigorated interest in NP discovery because it revealed the presence of numerous cryptic NP biosynthetic gene clusters that are not expressed in the laboratory. Here, we describe how the use of new technologies, including improved culture-dependent and -independent techniques, combined with searching underexplored environments, promises to identify a new generation of NP antibiotics from actinomycete bacteria.

Client perspectives on choice of abortion method in England and Wales

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjsrh-2021-201242
Author(s):  
Rebecca Blaylock ◽  
Shelly Makleff ◽  
Katherine C Whitehouse ◽  
Patricia A Lohr
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Medical Abortion ◽  
Study Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Appointment Availability ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Uk

IntroductionThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the World Health Organization recommend that services provide a choice between medical and surgical methods of abortion. We analysed qualitative study data to examine patient perspectives on abortion method choice and barriers to meeting them.MethodsIn-depth interviews with 24 clients who had an abortion at British Pregnancy Advisory Service clinics were carried out between December 2018 and July 2019 to examine perspectives of quality of abortion care. In this article we focus on client perspectives on choice of abortion method. We performed thematic analysis of data relating to choice of abortion method, refined the analysis, interpreted the findings, and organised the data into themes.ResultsParticipants’ preferences for abortion method were shaped by prior experience of abortion, accessibility and privacy, perceptions of risk and experiences of abortion method, and information gathering and counselling. Participants’ ability to obtain their preferred method was impacted by intersecting constraints such as appointment availability, service location and gestational age.ConclusionsOur findings show that many factors shape participants’ preferences for abortion method. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some abortion services have constrained abortion method choices, with an emphasis on medical abortion and ‘no-touch’ care. Providers in the UK and beyond should aim to restore and expand more treatment options when the situation allows.

Abstract 207: Burden of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) on Economic Cost. Comparison of Outcomes in US and Europe

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Giedrimiene ◽  
Rachel King
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Cost Comparison ◽  
World Health ◽  
Productivity Costs ◽  
The Us ◽  
Lost Productivity ◽  
The Uk

CVD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, responsible for nearly a third of all deaths. In US, 85.6 million Americans are living with CVD, including 15.5 million with coronary heart disease (CHD). Heart disease (HD) specifically is responsible for approximately one in every seven American deaths, taking 370,213 lives per year. Perhaps even more striking than CHD’s mortality is its preventability. The CDC estimates that 34% of deaths caused by HD could potentially be prevented with modifiable risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. By comparing the mortality of CVD and CHD in the US, Europe, and the United Kingdom (UK), we aim to gain a better understanding of the CVD burden and economic cost. Methods: We conducted a literature review of the most recent epidemiological data for US, Europe, and UK to compare mortality due to CVD and CHD between these three regions. Data sources for US include the AHA and CDC. Data for Europe was obtained from the European Society of Cardiology, following the World Health Organization’s definition of 53 states as the European region. The UK is included as it was considered independently in this study. Data for the UK was published by the British Heart Foundation. Results: The comparison of data shows that high mortality is evident in all represented countries and regions with a highest percent of CVD of total deaths in Europe as compared to US (45% vs 30.8%) and CHD (20% vs 14.2%). Very similar findings according annual mortality are evident comparing US to UK for CVD (30.8% vs 28%) and for CHD (14.2% vs 13%). The treatment for CVD is increasing over time, with prescriptions and operations costs around 6.8 billion in England, the majority spend on secondary care. CDC data in US show that Americans suffer 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes each year, which contributes more than $320 billion in annual healthcare costs and lost productivity. By 2030, this cost is projected to rise to $818 billion, while lost productivity costs to $275 billion. Conclusions: Although there is some variation between Europe as a group of 53 countries compared to the US and UK, it is clear that CVD has a major impact on mortality in all three regions studied. Improved prevention of CVD, including heart disease, has the potential to save lives around the globe and to reduce economic burden.

From Reluctance to Resistance

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-56
Author(s):  
Edwin Agwu
Keyword(s):  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Internet Banking ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Banking Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Internet Banking Services

The internet banking services is an innovative financial transaction channel that has assumed a new urgency and relevance in today's world of business. The developed countries have embraced these services with little difficulty while the developing countries are beginning to see the benefits. The objective of this research hinged on the exploration of the supply and demand of internet banking services in the United Kingdom with special emphasis on three cities: London, Birmingham and Manchester. The study primarily probed into the extent to which the internet banking services has been adopted in the three major cities of the UK – London, Birmingham and Manchester. Secondly, it looked at the factors that are driving this adoption and thirdly, the reasons for non-usage by some segments of the selected regions. The consumer resistance theory by Ram and Sheth (1989) was therefore used as a framework of the study. As the focus is to ascertain the reasons for non-usage, and based on this framework, the following divisions were arrived at based on the non-users: 1) those that intends to use the services and 2) those that have no intention to use the services. The study data shows that there are significant differences based on the reluctant/resistance paradigm. The reluctant group falls into those that want to use but have not wholly made up their minds to do so while the resistance groups are those that have no intention of using the internet banking system at all. The study in a nutshell, provides financial managers and the academic community with a tool to engage these non-users through product designs and promotions.

At the heart of controversies

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (12) ◽  
pp. 3151-3167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginie Amilien ◽  
Barbara Tocco ◽  
Paal Strandbakken
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hybrid Forums ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Deliberative Processes ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Experimental Use

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss and evaluate the role of hybrid forums as tools to address specific controversies related to sustainable practices in localized agro-food systems (LAFS). Design/methodology/approach In contrast with other conventional public engagement methods, such as citizen juries, consensus conferences, focus groups or deliberative processes, hybrid forums entail a more dynamic and democratic mechanism to reflect and act together, with the aim of constructing a common project around a defined challenge (Callon et al., 2001, 2009). They can offer an enriching and challenging methodological approach in the context of LAFS, especially in the discussion of controversial issues around food chain sustainability. The authors present here a new generation of hybrid forums: HF 2.0. Findings HF 2.0. represent both a methodological tool and a real experience of dialogic democracy, two interactive aspects which are closely interlinked and rest upon each other. The authors argue that the attractiveness of HF 2.0. is notable in at least two ways: first, they provide a solid democratic and reflective mechanism to stimulate effective dialogue and knowledge-exchange among different stakeholders; second, they contribute as an important methodological evidence-based tool, which can be used as a launching pad for shaping local action groups and community partnerships’ strategies aimed at fostering local development. Originality/value This paper attempts to provide a methodological discussion over the experimental use of HF 2.0. in the context of LAFS and assesses their effectiveness in the co-construction of knowledge. The authors explore their pragmatic validity in addressing controversies over local and sustainable seafood via empirical applications in Norway and the UK.

scholarly journals The management of adult appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interim analysis of a UK cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Javanmard-Emamghissi ◽  
◽  
H. Boyd-Carson ◽  
M. Hollyman ◽  
B. Doleman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Standard Management ◽  
Included Patient ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common general surgical emergency. Early laparoscopic appendicectomy is the gold-standard management. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) brought concerns of increased perioperative mortality and spread of infection during aerosol generating procedures: as a consequence, conservative management was advised, and open appendicectomy recommended when surgery was unavoidable. This study describes the impact of the first weeks of the pandemic on the management of AA in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods Patients 18 years or older, diagnosed clinically and/or radiologically with AA were eligible for inclusion in this prospective, multicentre cohort study. Data was collected from 23rd March 2020 (beginning of the UK Government lockdown) to 1st May 2020 and included: patient demographics, COVID status; initial management (operative and conservative); length of stay; and 30-day complications. Analysis was performed on the first 500 cases with 30-day follow-up. Results The patient cohort consisted of 500 patients from 48 sites. The median age of this cohort was 35 [26–49.75] years and 233 (47%) of patients were female. Two hundred and seventy-one (54%) patients were initially treated conservatively; with only 26 (10%) cases progressing to an operation. Operative interventions were performed laparoscopically in 44% (93/211). Median length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the conservatively managed group (2 [IQR 1–4] days vs. 3 [2–4], p < 0.001). At 30 days, complications were significantly higher in the operative group (p < 0.001), with no deaths in any group. Of the 159 (32%) patients tested for COVID-19 on admission, only 6 (4%) were positive. Conclusion COVID-19 has changed the management of acute appendicitis in the UK, with non-operative management shown to be safe and effective in the short-term. Antibiotics should be considered as the first line during the pandemic and perhaps beyond.

scholarly journals Undesirable social relations as risk factors for loneliness among 14-year-olds in the UK: Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 016502542096573
Author(s):  
Keming Yang ◽  
Kimberly J. Petersen ◽  
Pamela Qualter
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
Friendship Relations ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

In the current study, data collected from Wave 6 of the Millennium Cohort Study ( n = 11,872), a nationally representative sample survey of youth aged 14 years in the UK, are used to examine the prevalence of loneliness among this age-group, investigate the feelings associated with the experience of loneliness among youth, explore the risk factors for loneliness among young people, and learn how they coped with loneliness. Given recent findings that youth are vulnerable to loneliness, the study assesses the prevalence of loneliness among adolescents across some important sociodemographic characteristics, such as nation of residence, gender, and ethnicity. We also identify the kinds of social experiences that accompany loneliness during adolescence, exploring friendship, relations with parents, social support, and bullying. Our key finding is that, in addition to the absence of desired social relationships, which has been typically identified as the ultimate source of loneliness, the presence of undesirable and even harmful social relationships is a major source of loneliness. This study uniquely brings together psychological and sociological perspectives to understand the experience of youth loneliness.

scholarly journals Standardised coding of diet records: experiences from INTERMAP UK

2004 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 765-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rana Conway ◽  
Claire Robertson ◽  
Barbara Dennis ◽  
Jeremiah Stamler ◽  
Paul Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Study ◽  
Basic Element ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Diet Records ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Daily Energy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Code Book

Coding diet records is a basic element of most dietary surveys, yet it often receives little attention even though errors in coding can lead to flawed study results. In the INTERnational study of MAcro- and micronutrients and blood Pressure (INTERMAP study), efforts were made to minimise errors in coding the 18 720 diet records. Staff were centrally trained and certified before being able to process study data and ongoing quality control checks were performed. This involved the senior (site) nutritionist re-coding randomly selected diet records. To facilitate standardisation of coding in the UK, a code book was designed; it included information about coding brand items, density and portion size information, and default codes to be assigned when limited information was available for food items. It was found that trainees, despite previous experience in coding elsewhere, made coding errors that resulted in errors in estimates of daily energy and nutrient intakes. As training proceeded, the number of errors decreased. Compilation of the code book was labour-intensive, as information from food manufacturers and retailers had to be collected. Strategies are required to avoid repetition of this effort by other research groups. While the methods used in INTERMAP to reduce coding errors were time consuming, the experiences suggest that such errors are important and that they can be reduced.

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