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The challenges of applying cycling design guidance
Get PDFCycle infrastructure provides a means for everyday travel by a mode which is efficient, benign to the environment and confers health benefits on the user. The UK Department for Transport has a funding stream dedicated to providing grants to English highway authorities to construct cycle infrastructure in accordance with guidance in Local Transport Note 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design. The guidance was published in 2020 and is beginning to be used widely. This paper investigates the challenges of applying the guidance. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were undertaken with politicians, managers, engineers, and cycle users. While there is ambition to deliver appropriate schemes, and there is an inspectorate, Active Travel England, to assist in ensuring the schemes comply with the guidance, there are constraints revealed by the participants. These include the limitations of short-Term and medium scale funding preventing larger scale outcomes, lack of understanding of the extent to which a designer can adopt relaxations from the guidance, and skills shortages. It is encouraging to find that participants were aware of the fundamental need to separate cycle traffic both from motor traffic, and from pedestrians
Examining the communication of female political leaders in the Global South
Get PDFThis Special Issue expands on the ongoing dialogue on the decolonial project by bringing together thought-provoking papers that examine the communication of female political leaders in the Global South. It draws on data from West Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East to elucidate how female politicians deploy language (including multimodal forms) to position themselves in the political arena and utilize linguistic resources to navigate the discursive practices associated with their political roles and responsibilities. The issue offers a critical discursive perspective on the complex interplay of gender, culture and political leadership, and holds implications for how key issues such as voice, agency, solidarity and empowerment are conceptualized and enacted in specific sociocultural contexts. It also contributes to overcoming epistemicide by decentring knowledge production and underscoring the importance of valuing and engaging with different knowledge systems, especially non-Western epistemologies
Public perceptions of rainwater harvesting (RWH): Comparing users and non-users of RWH systems
No full textThe UK’s abundant municipal water supply has resulted in slow progress with the uptake of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems within the home. Research has indicated that exploring public preferences for domestic RWH are necessary for increasing demand. Here, we use explicit and implicit tests to investigate public perceptions of RWH for non-potable uses, and compare perceptions of respondents with and without domestic RWH systems. RWH is perceived positively by most respondents indicating an openness and acceptance of this technology (and/or lack of strong negative attitudes). Implicit attitudes are generally more positive than explicit, especially in respondents with RWH systems, implying that the positivity is deep-seated in their subconsciousness. We also reveal differences between subconscious (implicit) beliefs and practical difficulties (explicit opinions). Outdoor uses of rainwater are preferred, hence, more work in promoting indoor uses is needed to maximise the resource potential of UK rainfall and uptake of RWH systems
Performance enhancement of vehicle suspension system with geometrically nonlinear inerters
Get PDFThis research investigates the nonlinear dynamics and performance enhancement of a suspension system using a diamond-shaped linkage with inerter (D-inerter). The proposed suspension system consists of two inerters embedded in a four-bar linkage mechanism connected with a spring and a damper. Both sinusoidal and random road profiles are considered as external excitation sources. The evaluation of vibration isolation and riding comfort performance is based on displacement transmissibility, acceleration amplitude, car body acceleration, suspension stroke, and dynamic tyre load. The results show that compared with a linear suspension system, the D-inerter has a broader bandwidth of enhanced isolation and lower resonant peak. It is found that a larger inertance value and initial length between the ends of inerter can effectively improve the suppression performance of the nonlinear suspension. The root mean square of vehicle body acceleration with the D-inerter is decreased by 21.5% at the speed of 30 m/s. Additionally, design guidance is provided to select optimal inertance values for improved suspension performance. The results demonstrate that the D-inerter is beneficial for enhancing the suspension structural stability, riding comfort, and vibration suppression, which can potentially be employed for vibration isolation in suspension systems
Enhanced heart sound classification using Mel frequency cepstral coefficients and comparative analysis of single vs. ensemble classifier strategies
Get PDFThis paper seeks to enhance the performance of Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) for detecting abnormal heart sounds. Heart sounds are first pre-processed to remove noise and then segmented into S1, systole, S2, and diastole intervals, with thirteen MFCCs estimated from each segment, yielding 52 MFCCs per beat. Finally, MFCCs are used for heart sound classification. For that purpose, a single classifier and an innovative ensemble classifier strategy are presented and compared. In the single classifier strategy, the MFCCs from nine consecutive beats are averaged to classify heart sounds by a single classifier (either a support vector machine (SVM), the k nearest neighbors (kNN), or a decision tree (DT)). Conversely, the ensemble classifier strategy employs nine classifiers (either nine SVMs, nine kNN classifiers, or nine DTs) to individually assess beats as normal or abnormal, with the overall classification based on the majority vote. Both methods were tested on a publicly available phonocardiogram database. The heart sound classification accuracy was 91.95% for the SVM, 91.9% for the kNN, and 87.33% for the DT in the single classifier strategy. Also, the accuracy was 93.59% for the SVM, 91.84% for the kNN, and 92.22% for the DT in the ensemble classifier strategy. Overall, the results demonstrated that MFCCs were more effective than other features, including time, time-frequency, and statistical features, evaluated in similar studies. In addition, the ensemble classifier strategy improved the accuracies of the DT and the SVM by 4.89% and 1.64%, implying that the averaging of MFCCs across multiple phonocardiogram beats in the single classifier strategy degraded the important cues that are required for detecting the abnormal heart sounds, and therefore should be avoided
Cutting-edge intrusion detection in IoT networks: A focus on ensemble models
Get PDFAs the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape rapidly evolves, robust network security measures are imperative. In particular, Intrusion Detection Systems play a very important role in the preservation of an IoT environment from malicious activities. This paper provides a comprehensive performance comparison of various machine learning classifiers, including K-Nearest Neighbors, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, Support Vector Machines, Random Forests, Decision Trees, and Extremely Randomized Trees, for intrusion detection in IoT networks. Comparative analysis shows that although all models did very well, the ensemble methods—GB, XGBoost, RF, and ERT—constantly performed better than others in F1-Score, recall, accuracy, and precision. Among them, ERT is turned out to be the most effective model for real-time attack detection on IoT devices, with an accuracy of 99.7% besides excellent precision and recall. XGBoost and RF also turn out to have high reliability and accuracy with F1-Scores of 0.95. These findings further underscore that ensemble methods outperform in intrusion detection for IoT networks and, thus, offer important insights to improve security within networks and protect critical IoT-based infrastructures from a variety of threats
Public involvement in UK health and care research 1995–2020: Reflections from a witness seminar
Get PDFBackgroundPublic involvement is important to the relevance and impact of health and care research, as well as supporting the democratisation of research. In 2020, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) reorganized and eliminated INVOLVE, an internationally recognised group that had played a central role in public involvement in the UK since 1996. Its remit was subsumed within a new center tasked with public involvement, participant recruitment, and evidence dissemination. A year later, in 2021, interested parties came together to discuss the evolution of INVOLVE and consider how to retain some of the important historical details and learn lessons from its long and important tenure.MethodsWe hosted a witness seminar in 2022 that was one of four work groups and brought together public involvement leaders that had been part of the conception, development, and evolution of INVOLVE between 1995 and 2020. Witness seminars are a method used to capture the complexity and nuance of historical events or initiatives. They support critical thinking and reflection rather than simple commemoration. We identified those who had played a role in INVOLVE history, ensuring diversity of perspective, and invited them to attend and speak at the seminar. This took place during two sessions where witnesses provided their recollections and participated in a facilitated discussion.ResultsAcross the two online sessions, 29 witnesses attended and contributed thoughts and recollections. Two authors (SS, MP) identified six themes that were described in the witness seminar report and have been discussed, elaborated, and illustrated with witness quotations. These are: the importance of historical perspective; INVOLVE as a social movement; how INVOLVE worked (e.g. its hospitality, kindness, and inclusivity); INVOLVE as a quiet disruptor; public involvement evidence, knowledge, and learning; the infrastructure, processes, and systems developed by INVOLVE; and the demise and loss of INVOLVE as an internationally recognized center of excellence.DiscussionThe authors of this commentary reflected on the discussions that took place during the witness seminar and the themes that emerged, and share six broad learnings for future practice; (1) it is important to create and nurture public involvement communities of practice; (2) collaborative ways of working support open discussion amongst diverse groups; (3) be aware of the tensions between activism and being part of the establishment; (4) continued efforts should be made to build an evidence base for public involvement practice; (5) there are both benefits and drawbacks to having a centralized organization leading public involvement; and (6) support for public involvement in research requires a fit-for-purpose tendering process that embeds robust public involvement
Geographical differences in the perspective of osteoarthritis care management: A cross-sectional study in Italy, Sweden and Russia
Get PDFBackground: This study aimed to explore the awareness, experiences, and beliefs of individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) regarding their healthcare management, along with assessing their overall satisfaction levels. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Italy, Sweden, and Russia, rigorously developed based on OA international guidelines in collaboration with healthcare professionals and individuals with OA. Participants over 40 years of age with self-reported hip and/or knee OA were eligible. The analytical framework included descriptive analysis (assessment of awareness levels for 'recommended', 'optional', and 'not recommended' treatments), analysis of suggested treatments and taken treatments, exploration of beliefs, barriers and satisfaction analysis (0-100 scale). Results: A total of 401 participants (mean age: 59.7, 78.3% female, 28% Italian, 49% Swedish, 23% Russian) contributed to the study. In Sweden, 57%-72% accurately identified recommended treatments, while in Russia, the range was 34%-91%, and in Italy, it was 35%-73%. The predominant suggested and taken treatments were oral anti-inflammatory drugs in Italy (87/81%) and Russia (97/97%) and specific exercise in Sweden (84/79%). Notably, only Sweden reached a consensus on the effectiveness of exercise for everyone, while Russia and Italy insisted on radiographic findings as a prerequisite for exercise. Mean satisfaction levels were 59.7 (Italy), 47.4 (Sweden), and 35.2 (Russia). Conclusions: This study uncovered variations in awareness, treatment preferences, and beliefs among the three countries, underscoring the necessity for tailored education on OA management that accounts for regional differences across Europe
Who is the true wife? The recognition of overseas marriage and divorce
Get PDFIn Uchechukwu-Onwukibo v Onwukibo and others [2023] EWHC 2812 (Fam) the Family Division of the High Court had to determine whether the applicant or first respondent was the ‘true wife’ of Mr Onwukibo who died in September 2021. The parties and the deceased originated from Nigeria, where both marriages took place, but as they were habitually resident in England and Wales when Mr Onwubiko died, the matter was brought before the High Court. The case illustrates the complex nature of international family law cases, particularly those involving marriages celebrated in countries that permit polygamy and the non-judicial dissolution of customary marriages. This article examines the facts and judgment of the case and highlights the implications for the women concerned, in relation to the administration of estates, intestacy and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. It also indicates what the position would have been if Mr Onwukibo had been domiciled in Nigeria when he married; if he had survived beyond the conclusion of divorce or nullity proceedings or if the circumstances of Mr Onwukibo’s marriages had come to light during his lifetime
The effects of omeprazole on the neuron-like spiking of the electrical potential of proteinoid microspheres
Get PDFThis study examines a new approach to hybrid neuromorphic devices by studying the impact of omeprazole–proteinoid complexes on Izhikevich neuron models. We investigate the influence of these metabolic structures on five specific patterns of neuronal firing: accommodation, chattering, triggered spiking, phasic spiking, and tonic spiking. By combining omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, with proteinoids, we create a unique substrate that interfaces with neuromorphic models. The Izhikevich neuron model is used because it is computationally efficient and can accurately simulate the various behaviours of cortical neurons. The results of our simulations show that omeprazole–proteinoid complexes have the ability to affect neuronal dynamics in different ways. This suggests that they could be used as adjustable components in bio-inspired computer systems. We noticed a notable alteration in the frequency of spikes, patterns of bursts, and rates of adaptation, especially in chattering and triggered spiking behaviours. The findings indicate that omeprazole–proteinoid complexes have the potential to serve as adaptable elements in neuromorphic systems, presenting novel opportunities for information processing and computation that have origins in neurobiological principles. This study makes a valuable contribution to the expanding field of biochemical neuromorphic devices and establishes a basis for the development of hybrid bio-synthetic computational systems