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Effect of side road junction design enhancements and flows on priority for crossing pedestrians and cyclists
Get PDFEnhancements to designs or carriageway markings are increasingly used by engineers to reinforce pedestrians’ and cyclists’ priority when crossing side roads at their junctions with main roads. Yielding behaviour in 13,402 interactions was collected at enhanced and control junctions. Enhanced junctions created high proportions of interactions demonstrating priority for pedestrians and cyclists (by design: 90%, markings with zebra: 88%) and eliminated voluntary yields by them. A negative binomial model with log-link accounting for junction type and flows indicates 1.4 times more yields forced by drivers onto pedestrians and cyclists with enhanced design, and 1.1 times more with enhanced marking with zebra. There is no effect of the crossing set-back distance from the main road, cyclists experience fewer forced yields than pedestrians, and cycling towards main road traffic is not problematic. The research confirms the efficacy of enhancements, supported inclusion of enhanced designs in Scottish guidance, and is influencing guidance interpretation
The lycra arm sleeve for treatment of glenohumeral subluxation in people with sub-acute stroke: A randomised controlled (RC) feasibility study
No full textBackground: A Lycra arm sleeve has the potential to reduce glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) in people with stroke (PwS). Aims were 1) to provide feasibility data to inform a future fully powered randomised controlled trial 2) to understand whether patients would be willing to be randomised 3) To measure changes in GHS at 3 months after wearing the sleeve when compared to not wearing the sleeve. Method: PwS ≥18 years with ≤3/5 shoulder abduction strength and able to give informed consent were recruited. The feasibility data on recruitment, screening and retention rate at 12 weeks were collected. Participants were asked if they would be happy to be randomised into one of the two groups. The immediate group received the Lycra sleeve on recruitment and wore for up to 10hours/day for 3 months. The delayed group received the sleeve after follow-up assessment at 3 months. GHS was assessed using diagnostic ultrasound method. Results: Over one year, 257 patients were screened, 34 patients were eligible and 31 (91%) were recruited. Retention at 3 months was 27 (87%. Of those eligible all found randomisation to be acceptable. In the immediate group, GHS showed reduction from 2.6±0.7cm (95% CI 2.0-3.1cm) at baseline to 2.2±0.4cm (CI 2.0-2.5cm) at 12 weeks. In the delayed group mean GHS remained unchanged over 3 months period (2.3±0.5cm, CI 1.9-2.7 cm). Conclusion: Recruitment was harder than anticipated but there was high retention demonstrating feasible methodology. There is some indication of a clinical effect of Lycra sleeve on GHS early after stroke
Addressing fraudulent responses in quantitative and qualitative internet research: Case studies from body image and appearance research
Get PDFThe rise of online research methods has expanded the scope of research globally and has made research more inclusive. However, it has also led to a surge in fraudulent research participation, with individuals and bots infiltrating studies for personal gain or disruption. This is of particular concern in mental health studies, as fraudulent responses jeopardize interventions and care efforts. This paper addresses these challenges, presenting case studies from psychological research. The urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of fraudulent responses in both quantitative and qualitative online research is emphasized, urging the research community to confront and mitigate this issue effectively
Retrofit information challenges and potential solutions: Perspectives of households, retrofit professionals and local policy makers in the United Kingdom
Get PDFRapidly scaling up energy retrofit for existing buildings is critical to help meet climate targets. Information is frequently identified as a key barrier to residential retrofit. This paper explores the role of information sharing in accelerating retrofit market transformation, through interviews and photo elicitation with homeowners (N = 9) and two workshops with stakeholders (N = 33) in a local authority retrofit project in Gloucestershire (UK). Findings are thematically analysed and suggestions for future local and national policy action are identified. The research finds that even for engaged, knowledgeable homeowners, accessing appropriate information is still a significant retrofit barrier. Two themes around the nature of information and information delivery are identified and key issues include information overload, a lack of context-specific information and in-person engagement, and a need for trustworthy, local information sources. Local authorities have potential to act as trusted intermediaries for structured, relevant retrofit information but require support from national governments to increase capacity and resources at local levels. National governments also have a critical role in providing clear and consistent messaging and leadership on the importance and benefits of retrofit. Policies around financial incentives are not sufficient alone and must be accompanied by strategies to overcome informational and other barriers if retrofit is to be accelerated in this decisive decade for climate action
Bioaccumulation and genotoxic effect of heavy metal pollution in marine sponges from the Niger Delta
Get PDFIn this study, levels of Al, Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr and Pb were quantified in seawater, sediments, and sea sponges from six sites in the Niger Delta and one relatively clean site outside the Niger Delta area using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The metal levels in sponge tissues in μg/mg ranged from 0.22 ± 0.03–0.70 ± 0.10 (Al), 0.002 ± 2.2 × 10–5 - 0.004 ± 5.6 × 10−5 (As), 2 × 10−5 ± 5.3 × 10−6 -1.5 × 10−3 ± 4.6 × 10−6 (Cd), 2.3 × 10–3 ± 1.4 × 10–5 -0.02 ± 2,2 × 10−4 (Cu), 2.5 × 10−4 ± 8.6 × 10−6- 2.0 × 10−3 ± 1.4 × 10−5 (Pb). In Sediment samples in mg/kg, the ranges were (0.883 ± 0.114–73.33 ± 0.10 (Al), 0.0007 ± 0.026–0.304 ± 0.009 (As),0.0086 ± 0.0045–0.198 ± 0.010 (Cr); 0.005 ± 0.001–0.063 ± 0.001 (Cu), 0.039 ± 0.004–0.0783 ± 0.0024(Ni), 0.0017 ± 0.002–0.056 ± 0.0046 (Pb). In the water sample, the metal levels in mg/L 0.06–0.92 (Al), 0.001–0.007 (Cd), 0.001–0.001 (Cr), 0.01–0.02 (Cu), 0.003–0.01 (Ni), 0.001–0.01(Pb). Metal levels in all sampling sites occurred in the order of decreasing concentration as Al > Cu > Ni > Cd > Cr > Pb (in seawater), Al > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd (in sediment) and Al > As>Cu > Pb > Cd (in the sponge). The study further assessed DNA strand breaks in sea sponges as a biomarker of genotoxicity using the comet assay. There was a strong correlation between % DNA strand breaks in sponge cells from all sample locations and aluminium levels in sponge tissues from all sample locations. The highest metal levels were recorded in Sea sponges, followed by Sediment and then Sea water, with aluminium significantly higher than other metals in all three matrices studied. We, therefore, conclude that sea sponges are excellent sentinel species for toxic metal bioaccumulation, and DNA strand breaks are an efficient biomarker
Optimising clinical trial methods for complex regional pain syndrome: A methodological framework (OptiMeth-CRPS)
Get PDFIntroduction: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare, disabling pain disorder. Systematic reviews have identified a critical lack of high-quality clinical trial evidence to inform the management of CRPS. There is an urgent need to find solutions to the methodological challenges of undertaking clinical trials in CRPS. The aim of this project was to develop a methodological framework for optimising future clinical trials in CRPS (OptiMeth-CRPS). Methods: An international network with expertise in the lived experience of CRPS, CRPS trials and evidence synthesis, and rare disease trial methods developed the framework using an “Experience and expertise” approach through an iterative process of (1) online and face-to-face meetings, (2) reviewing and approving meeting notes, and (3) revising draft manuscripts to develop the framework. Results: The OptiMeth-CRPS methodological framework presents 9 key optimisation strategies for improving the methodological quality of CRPS trials. These include strategies for optimising (1) the trial team, (2) research questions, (3) trial governance and management, (4) trial design, (5) the trial population, (6) intervention and comparator groups, (7) trial outcomes, (8) data analysis, and (9) openness, transparency, and reporting. We highlight those optimisation strategies that specifically address the challenges of undertaking clinical trials in people with CRPS. Conclusion: A methodological framework for optimising clinical trials in CRPS has been developed. The OptiMeth-CRPS methodological framework may support the CRPS research community to undertake high-quality clinical trials and improve the quality of the evidence on which clinical decisions and guidelines for the management of CRPS are based
Geopolitical risks and ESG bonds: Portfolio implications for sustainable investing
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of geopolitical risk on ESG-focused fixed income securities, including green, blue, climate, sustainability, social, and sukuk bonds. We employ time-varying parameter vector autoregressive connectedness and wavelet quantile correlation methodologies to analyse dynamic spillover effects and horizon-specific dependencies. The results demonstrate that aggregate geopolitical risk serves as a net transmitter of shocks to ESG bond markets. We identify significant heterogeneity in responses: green, climate, sustainability, and social bonds amplify spillovers, whereas blue bonds and sukuk act as net receivers. Wavelet analysis further reveals that these instruments provide limited long-term hedging benefits while showing vulnerability to short- and medium-term co-movements. Notably, our portfolio analysis demonstrates that a dynamic allocation strategy responsive to geopolitical risk regimes generates significantly superior risk-adjusted returns compared to static benchmarks. These findings offer valuable insights for portfolio managers and policymakers seeking to navigate sustainable fixed income markets during periods of geopolitical uncertainty
EU-wide and global scoping review of secondary prevention policies, materials and interventions for people with a sexual interest in children.
Get PDFChild sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive global issue, affecting an estimated 12.7% of children before the age of 18. Traditionally addressed through criminal justice responses post-offence, CSA prevention is increasingly being reframed as a public health challenge. The Prevent to Protect through Support (2PS) project, funded by the EU, aims to emphasise and promote secondary prevention (i.e., interventions targeting individuals at risk of offending before harm occurs)
View from the top: Developing collaborative communities of practice in conversational analysis
Get PDFThe QMiP Bulletin interview with Dr Laura Jenkins explores her journey into qualitative research and conversation analysis (CA). Jenkins describes how exposure to social constructionism and discursive psychology shaped her focus on language as social action. Her academic path immersed her in communities of practice where CA was learned collaboratively. She highlights her research on children’s interactions in family, medical, and youth justice contexts, emphasizing how adult–child dynamics reveal power imbalances and sensitive communication challenges. Jenkins discusses the ethical complexities of recording vulnerable participants, particularly in youth justice, and her commitment to empowering children’s voices. She illustrates the impact of CA in clinical training, such as seizure diagnosis and end‑of‑life care, through initiatives like RealTalk. Looking ahead, Jenkins envisions building a team to study children’s conversations across diverse settings, generating rigorous evidence to inform practice and training
Enhancing performance of agri-business through sustainable project management and technological orientation: Institutional theory perspective
Get PDFPurpose The agribusiness sector faces mounting pressure due to a persistently challenging business environment, rapidly increasing population and rising food demand. Drawing on institutional theory, this study aims to explore the role of sustainable project management in enhancing the short- and long-term performance of agri-business projects, with a particular focus on technological orientation as an alternative to traditional approaches. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was employed using a questionnaire survey, with data collected from 342 project managers engaged in agri-business infrastructure projects. Findings The findings confirm that sustainable project management has both direct and indirect positive effects on project performance through technological orientation. These results highlight the critical need for agriculture managers to integrate advanced technologies alongside sustainable project management practices across all project phases – from planning to completion – to effectively address current and future agricultural demands in the context of rapid population growth. Originality/value This study was the first of its kind to examine how the short- and long-run performance of agricultural business projects can be enhanced through sustainable project management and technological orientation to meet the demands of foods