143174 research outputs found
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Reporting of fire deaths or serious incidents in the UK where emollients are recorded to be a contributing factor
No full textThe file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.The UK Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recorded 53 deaths between 2010 and 2018 in fires where the involvement of emollient contaminated fabrics was reported. However, such incidents are widely accepted to be underreported, with problems in awareness and understanding of the increased fire risk resulting from emollient contamination. Therefore, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request was used to evaluate reporting by UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRS). 47 out of 52 responded, with 23 having no fire deaths or serious incidents where the use of emollients was recorded. From 2015- 2022, 78 deaths and 6 serious incidents were detailed in 24 responses, this was double per year than reported previously. This may indicate improvements in awareness and therefore reporting of emollient use between 2018-2022. Comparison with government fire statistics indicate the possibility of 22% of fire deaths in GB involving clothing/textile containing emollient residue as the item first ignited. Results indicate a major problem with documenting such incidents with only 3 of the 84 entered on the UK MHRA yellow card scheme. The results highlight the serious fire risk associated with emollients and the need for improved prevention advice and awareness
Dataset on energy consumption in buildings within tropical climate based on design aspects of courtyards
No full textopen access articleSustainability and energy efficiency have become fundamental objectives for modern society. Green roofs and facades are increasingly recognized as innovative and sustainable strategies to improve the energy performance of buildings. This paper introduces a dataset about buildings thermal performance and energy consumption in tropical climate depending on adjacent outdoor enclosed courtyards design features with different architectural shapes U, L, and O. The core data has been collected in public building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Then it expanded using simulation. The core measured raw data is the temperature and the other data is simulated and/or calculated. The dataset includes detailed design features of courtyards such as plan aspect ratio, number of floors, and orientation. Measurement instruments were calibrated against real-world measurements to ensure accuracy and reliability. The simulated data is tested and validated based on the statistical aspects of the raw data using Pearson correlation coefficient, with a value of 0.882. The dataset includes total 8,685 records across the different courtyard' shapes. This dataset captures intricate relationships between architectural design parameters and energy consumption, making it a valuable resource for architects, engineers, and researchers interested in optimizing building designs for improved energy efficiency. It also allows in-depth analysis and potential reuse in studies related to sustainable architecture and urban planning
Environmental regulation and firm exports: New evidence from the distance to local ecological environment bureau
No full textopen access articleThis paper provides new evidence about the impact of environmental regulation on firm exports. We exploit firms' distance to the local ecological environment bureau. More specifically, the exposure to environmental regulation is different across firms with different distances to the local bureau. After China's Key Cities for Air Pollution Control policy was introduced, firms located farther from the local bureau experienced stricter environmental regulations. We find that firms experiencing stricter environmental regulation export less. This effect is primarily driven by the increased costs associated with complying with environmental regulations. Moreover, the impact of environmental regulation on exports varies based on financial constraints, pollution intensity, firm ownership, and trade modes
Predicting residual fault times in reliability growth management under limited failure data set
No full textThe file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.Upon failure discovery, redesign or corrective measures are always implemented to eliminate the defects and improve system reliability in reliability growth management, in which developmental and field data are always utilized to capture the health status with the aid of the reliability growth model. In the presence of partial failure information or limited failure data set, however, it has been more and more challenging to confidently obtain accurate parameter estimators and reliability growth prediction results with an explicit reliability growth model. In this research, taking the S-shaped growth trend and saturation characteristics of reliability growth data into consideration, we investigate a two-stage reliability growth management procedure in predicting residual failure times and fault numbers. Specifically, Stage 1 is to fit the limited reliability characteristic quantity with the grey Verhulst model and to predict the subsequent reliability values within the range of system reliability requirement; whilst Stage 2 is to correspond the predicted reliability values with the Gompertz growth curve and to output the residual failure times of the reliability growth test. An illustrative example shows that integration of the Gompertz reliability growth curve and the grey Verhulst model is not only capable to effectively fit with the S-shaped failure data set, but also enables to precisely predict the residual failure times of the highly reliable product
Futurecasting the Good Enough Ethics of XR and AI: Scientist Scenarios
No full textExtended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are redefining human-computer interaction (HCI), offering both unprecedented accessibility benefits and significant ethical challenges. This study applies futurecasting, synthesising insights from XR scientists in the SHARESPACE.EU project to anticipate risks and propose solutions for emerging technologies. Using the Good Enough Ethics (GEE) framework – a proactive Ethics by Design approach – this research explores key concerns related to trust, privacy, accountability and accessibility in XR/AI environments. Ethnographic interviews with interdisciplinary scientists highlighted issues such as manipulated trust in AI-driven interactions, privacy vulnerabilities in immersive spaces and the psychological implications of hyper-realistic avatars. Accessibility concerns were central, particularly regarding future design considerations for users with diverse physical abilities, as well as inconsistencies regarding wearable technologies primarily optimised for male body prototypes. Participants also highlighted risks such as data privacy erosion, AI surveillance and potential emotional dependency on virtual agents, emphasising the need for transparent consent protocols, regulatory oversight and user-centred design strategies. By advocating for the use of practical roadmaps such as GEE and embedding ethical foresight into XR/AI design, this research prioritises inclusivity, proactive governance and responsible innovation, ensuring that these transformative technologies enhance – rather than undermine – human autonomy, dignity and societal well-being
Validation of a meso-scale Urban Building Energy Model of domestic heat demand in England and Scotland
No full textThis article presents a methodology to model domestic peak heating load and annual heat demand at the urban scale using geospatial data and building stock data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). The model was run on 720269 domestic properties across three different local authorities in Scotland (Aberdeen City, Dundee City Council and Fife) and two combined authorities in England (Somerset Council and West Midlands Combined Authority). Then, the results were validated on a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) basis against smart meter gas demand readings from 4397 properties included in the Smart Energy Research Lab (SERL) Statistical data set. The model was able to predict peak heating load with a 4% MAPE in F-rated properties in Fife and annual heat demand with a 6% MAPE in A-rated properties in Somerset Council. However, the reported MAPE goes as high as 70% for peak heating load and 57% for annual heat demand. Further validation on an aggregated basis is required against a comprehensive data set that includes separate gas demand readings for space and hot water heating
Low-carbon retrofit and owner-occupied homes: from policy failure to engagement innovation
No full textTo meet the UK’s legally binding obligations for Net Zero, deep and universal cuts to domestic housing stock emissions are required. Whilst certain sectors are regulated, the owner-occupier market remains free to act as they will. Owner-occupiers are the largest single sector of UK housing, making up 64% of all tenures (with 54% of those owned-outright). Diverse housing stock combined with a disengaged and older owner-occupier leaves this market struggling to achieve traction with retrofit.
This contribution presents recent survey (N=281) and interview (N=11) findings which highlight systemic policy and engagement barriers to low-carbon retrofit for owner-occupiers. . Only 23% of those surveyed felt they had the practical ability to enact a new energy efficiency project in their home. 56% were disinclined to act due to belief of limited financial returns and no other benefits being perceived. Age was a factor in decision making on payback time and the results indicate that key changes to decision-making processes occurred through ageing, meaning the average owner-occupier is much less likely to be able to make good affective decisions that involved perceived risk. This directly affects purchasing decisions around new technologies such as air source heat pumps. Finally, the research found that neither the government nor Small to Medium Enterprises were trusted messengers and the issue of getting value for money loomed large in the home-owner’s mind.
Building upon these findings, the contribution puts forward potential innovations to address the identified policy failure. These include harnessing relatable ‘personas’ in outreach (particularly for the elderly), establishing ‘trusted voice’ entities and marketing via non-financial wellbeing benefits. Ongoing work to put these principles into practice in Leicestershire through the Leicestershire Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero initiative will be highlighted
To Sit In A Box Can Only Mean Death
No full textFACE - (Fashion Academics Creating Equity)
FACE MISSION STATEMENT
FACE is a not-for profit organisation dedicated to catalysing transformation within Higher Education Arts and Design fields, and the creative industries. Our mission is to champion equity, inclusivity and unity, with a specific focus on addressing issues related to race, colour, and ethnicity.
We believe in interrogating the euro-centric gaze and exploring the etymology of fashion, identity, colonisation and neo-colonisation to disrupt norms and foster progressive dialogue, thus facilitating a landscape where diversity is normalised and celebrated. We commit to amplifying marginalised voices through collaborative efforts and unwavering advocacy. We will inspire, educate, and empower individuals within academic and industry spheres to dismantle systemic barriers, fostering a more equitable and harmonious future for all.
https://www.weareface.uk/about-usHair, Identity & Representation in Fashion and Textile Education
To sit in a box can only mean death.
Artwork presented by Davina Hawthorne forms part of an ongoing collaborative project with FACE (Fashion Academics and the Arts Creating Equity) and the Horniman Museum that explores personal narratives attached to hair from Black, Brown and Asian perspectives within the UK. Both students and academics create works examining Black, Brown, and Asian hair narratives, centering racialised experiences.
To sit a box can only mean death is underpinned by social, political, historical and cultural research around race, beauty standards and Black hair discrimination. Upcycling of materials (hair) and self - portraits (selfies) are hand embroidered into words, used and reused, collaged and digitised to create new meaning, context and visual abstraction for fashion and textiles.
Question’s
1. How and why are hair stories from Black, Brown and Asian perspectives important and how can these stories be expanded and incorporated within fashion and textile industry and education?
2. How are we perpetuating western beauty standards and why is this important within history, society and culture within the context of fashion and textile industry and education?
Davina is interested in how her research and collaboration can be incorporated within her own practice as curator, educator, researcher and designer and how these can be interlinked to inform each other.
Student space: FACE x Horniman - Student Space - Horniman Museum and Gardens
Academic space: FACE X Horniman: Academic Space - Horniman Museum and Gardens
FACE Our stories: About 1 — FAC
Harnessing insights from psychology for climate action and behaviour change design
No full textThis short talk highlights a range of key principles used in pro-environmental behaviour change design and climate change communication drawn from research in conservation and social psychology.
They have been embedded in Masters teaching in Energy and Sustainable Development at DMU for over a decade and harnessed for civic engagement projects with the voluntary and public sector locally, and employed in externally funded research. The practice highlights an integrated application of psychology for Education for Sustainable Development for the mutual benefit of students and wider society, provoking exploration of the potential for similar approaches on other DMU programmes
Development of a capability framework for antimicrobial stewardship specialist health professionals working in the NHS in England: utilizing Delphi methodology
No full textopen access articleBackground
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes are led by multi-professional teams and are central to optimizing antimicrobial use and minimizing inappropriate use. Although frameworks exist that describe the knowledge and skills relating to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and AMS for generalist healthcare professionals, there is a need to provide a framework for AMS specialists working in the NHS that supports the development of flexible capabilities rather than granular competencies.
Objectives
To develop a multi-professional capability framework to recognize and develop the specialist knowledge and skills of AMS staff across all sectors of healthcare, including adult and paediatric services, at all levels of post-foundation specialist practice.
Methods
A modified Delphi approach was adopted. Initial capability statements were derived from a literature review. An expert panel of UK-based AMS professionals participated in two Delphi survey rounds to assess the importance of each capability statement and map level of delivery against level of practice. Descriptors of practice and professional development resources were identified through follow-up workshops and consultation.
Results
From 922 source statements, 45 capability statements were agreed and structured into four domains: AMS Professional Practice, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research and Quality Improvement. Consensus was reached across all statements following two Delphi rounds. Descriptors of practice and development resources were identified to support benchmarking and professional development across all levels of specialist practice.
Conclusions
This multi-professional capability framework defines AMS specialist practice relevant to all NHS sectors, supporting professional development, career progression, and strategic workforce planning across all professional groups