159370 research outputs found
Sort by
Polling clerks’ errors in face matching
Get PDFThe UK 2024 general election was the first for which voters were required to prove their identity using a photo Identity Document (ID). Opposition to this change focused on the way it might affect participation, rather than the accuracy of photo ID itself. However, research demonstrates that people are generally poor at matching unfamiliar faces, including checking ID. We tested polling clerks who were responsible for ID checks in the 2024 general election. Using standard tests of face matching, polling clerks made multiple errors in simple match/mismatch decisions (Glasgow Face Matching Test: 16% errors; Kent Face Matching Test: 36% errors), levels of performance that are typical across the population. Individual differences were large, with some clerks performing accurately, and others much less so. There was a significant decline in accuracy over age, with older clerks (on average) scoring poorly. The same tests were administered to a volunteer group of university students, who had taken no part in the election. These students made very similar levels of errors. As with the general population and other professional groups, polling clerks are prone to error in face matching. For this reason, photo ID does not provide a reliable proof of identity at the point of voting
Seasonality of shellgathering from δ18O analysis and the role of marine molluscs in Mesolithic coastal economies of Atlantic Europe
Get PDFThe role of marine molluscs in Mesolithic subsistence strategies has long been debated, with many studies suggesting that they were of minor significance, used during times of scarcity or as supplementary food sources. However, recent work has challenged this view. This study introduces new seasonal and sub-annual data derived from oxygen-isotope ratios (δ18Oshell) of Patella vulgata Linnaeus, 1758 and Phorcus lineatus (da Costa, 1778) at the archaeological shell midden sites of El Perro, Mazaculos II, Arenillas and El Toral III in the Cantabrian region (northern Iberia, Atlantic Europe). The results provide high-resolution data on the timing of mollusc shell collection for these species and sites over a time span of 4730 years. We compare these results with seasonality studies of terrestrial fauna and previous analyses of molluscs from other sites, and integrate them with other sources of the subsistence economy. We demonstrate that some mollusc harvesting took place in all seasons, with a greater concentration in certain ones, and that this seasonal concentration differed as between species and sites. We conclude that molluscs were part of a coordinated strategy that systematically targeted different species according to their optimal food yield and according to seasons when other food resources were in shorter supply, making a substantial contribution to the viability of the overall palaeoeconomy. The coastal region as a whole was the focus of year-round settlement, but with the use of different sites in different seasons or for different functions, and evidence of extensive movement of individuals between coast and interior
Adult survivors of sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia and childhood acute leukaemia in England: protocol for a mixed methods data linkage and health-related quality of life survey study
Get PDFIntroduction Recent advances in treatment and care have improved survival rates for children and young adults with severe blood disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD), transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia (TDT) and acute leukaemia. However, their quality of life and reproductive and psychosocial outcomes are not yet well studied. For SCD and TDT, robust survival data are mainly limited to North America. Thus, there is a need to fill these knowledge gaps to guide improvements in care, address unmet clinical needs and rigorously assess the efficacy of emerging novel therapies.
Methods and analysis This is an observational population-based mixed-methods study of individuals diagnosed with SCD, TDT or acute leukaemia when under the age of 18 in England, involving a data linkage component and a patient-reported outcomes measures survey. Data linkage-eligible participants will be identified from national and regional databases, including the Hospital Episode Statistics, Yorkshire Specialist Register of Cancer in Children & Young People and the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service. Data linkage will be processed within the NHS England and the University of Leeds’ secure, trusted research environments. Data will be accessed without consent under section 251 and approval by the confidentiality advisory group. It will assess survival rates for SCD and TDT as well as clinical, educational and mental health outcomes for SCD, TDT and acute leukaemia diagnosed in childhood.
Survey-eligible participants for SCD, TDT and acute leukaemia cohorts will be checked for their suitability to participate by the North of England clinical care teams. An NHS-approved survey provider will facilitate data checks with the NHS National Data Opt-Out Service. Consent is required for participation in the survey and for subsequent data linkage to existing databases. Surveys are conducted in various formats (online, paper and phone), with reminders sent after 21 days. The survey will assess quality of life and psychosocial and reproductive outcomes. Participants can withdraw at any time, and support is available via telephone helplines
Contemporary global management of 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia in early infancy: a multi-national registry study
Get PDFObjective
Management of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in early infancy is challenging, with extent of variation in management unclear.
Design and Methods
Using the I-CAH Registry, we retrospectively reviewed management over the first 90 days of life of 154 infants with 21-OHD born in 2018-2023, across 33 centers in 18 countries.
Results
Of 154 infants (92 female, 62 male), 136 were diagnosed postnatally, with median (10th centile, 90th centile) presentation age of Day 4 (0, 20.8). At initial hospital discharge, median doses of hydrocortisone (HC), fludrocortisone (FC), and salt were 17 (11.4, 39.6) mg/m2/day, 100 (50, 200) mcg/day and 3.5 (1.6, 8.7) mmol/kg/day, and at Day 90 (D90) 14.5 (8.7, 24.1) mg/m2/day, 100 (50, 200) mcg/day, and 2.1 (1.0, 5.2) mmol/kg/day, respectively. Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypoglycemia were reported in 70.0%, 71.9%, and 13.0% of infants, respectively. At D90, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were reported in 7.4% and 28.6%, respectively. At D90, BP measurements were recorded in 30.5%, amongst whom 31.9% had hypertension reported. Median total hospitalization duration over 90 days was 9 days (2, 24). Adrenal crises were associated with 40. 6% of hospitalization episodes. Percentages (males:females) of cases seen by a pediatric endocrinologist, psychologist, pediatric endocrine nurse specialist, and surgeon by D90 were 95.9% (58:84), 33.3% (9:35), 42.1% (20:36), and 23.8% (0:35), respectively.
Conclusions
Contemporary management of CAH in early infancy varies considerably. Hypertension and hyperkalemia are frequently reported. Our data may help inform development of quality indicators for benchmarking CAH care in infancy
Mass transport behaviour of caesium and strontium in geopolymer cements
Get PDFGeopolymers are a promising alternative to conventional Portland cement-based wasteforms for immobilising hazardous radioactive fission products such as caesium-137 and strontium-90, offering superior durability and lower leach rates. However, the specific mass transport mechanisms governing radionuclide release in geopolymers remain poorly understood, limiting implementation. This study reveals the incorporation and mass transport mechanisms of caesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) in metakaolin-based geopolymers. Solid-state characterisation showed Sr incorporation via direct chemical binding in the alkali aluminosilicate hydrate gel in charge-balancing extra-framework sites, replacing K+ ions, and precipitation of SrCO3 and Sr(OH)2, while Cs is predominantly bound within the charge-balancing sites in the alkali aluminosilicate gel. Leach testing confirmed low overall release rates, with all measured leachability indices significantly exceeding the industry minimum of 6 (Li >13 for Cs; Li >18 for Sr), outperforming conventional PC systems. Mass transport modelling revealed distinct mechanisms: Cs release is accurately described by a Diffusion/Surface Exchange Kinetics Model (DSEM), yielding high correlation (R2 > 0.99), however, Sr exhibited a complex, staggered release profile. Standard mass transport models (diffusion, dissolution, surface exchange) could not satisfactorily capture this complex behaviour. We hypothesise this rate resumption is caused by the structural reordering or crystallisation of the amorphous K–A–S–H gel into a zeolitic phase, potentially excluding incorporated Sr. This finding highlights that simple diffusive models, commonly assumed for geopolymers, are inadequate for predicting the long-term performance of Sr-containing geopolymer wasteforms. The new insight presented here is critical development of geopolymers for radioactive waste disposal
Capturing Scales of Heterogeneity in Models of Fluvial Geothermal Reservoirs: Grid Resolution, Upscaling Strategies, and Hierarchies of Sedimentary Architecture
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of modeling choices related to the scale of reservoir heterogeneity on the predicted performance of geothermal doublets in fluvial low-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs. Fourteen geocellular grids were created to systematically analyze the impacts of numerical grid resolution, permeability upscaling methodology, and modeled scales of sedimentary architecture, using MODFLOW-2005 and MT3D-USGS to simulate groundwater flow and heat transport for well-doublet operation over a 35-year period. The results reveal complex relationships between these choices and simulated reservoir behavior: the considered factors have significant influence on injection pressures but only a modest effect on production temperatures (with variations within 2 °C after 35 years across all models), likely due, at least in part, to a relative dominance by thermal diffusion over heat advection in the considered scenarios. Simplification of geological architecture through omission of fine-scale features may augment the hydraulic impact of larger flow barriers, such as abandoned-channel mud plugs. The highest injection pressures were simulated on grids that embody sedimentary architectural elements but lack internal facies heterogeneity. The permeability upscaling method also has an effect: simulations on grids upscaled using harmonic averaging consistently yield the highest near-injector pressures, followed by those based on geometric averaging and arithmetic averaging. The dynamic behavior of grids upscaled via flow-based upscaling closely approximates that of grids upscaled using arithmetic averaging, suggesting that bulk hydraulic behavior is dominated by the connectivity of high-permeability units. The performance gap between grids following different upscaling methods decreases significantly for higher grid resolution. Simulations of geological models that incorporate increasingly detailed geological features predict cold-water plumes with slightly more complex shapes and tortuous fronts, as documented by values of plume surface-to-volume ratio. The complexity of the cold-water plume shape, as measured by the surface-to-volume ratio, is slightly higher for well doublets oriented at a high angle to the channel-belt axis, but does not increase systematically with the resolution at which fine-scale features are represented
Conceptualising social value in net zero governance: the case of Bristol City Leap
Get PDFSocial value is an important tool in public sector procurement, allowing the inclusion and valuing of elements beyond those directly procured, such as local jobs and environmental enhancements. In the UK, the Public Sector (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Public Procurement Act 2023 have enabled procurement reflecting wider co-benefits. This paper examines how social value has been codified in the public procurement of city-scale net zero energy infrastructure and services using the case study of Bristol City Leap, an innovative 20-year £1bn public-private partnership. We analyse the evolution of social value from its roots in value theory, to practical implementation in the governance of energy transitions, exploring how business efficiency logics relate to more participatory approaches to achieving co-benefits. Social value within the procurement of net zero energy investments can enable better alignment of private finance with public sector objectives. Our findings however suggest that social value frameworks relying on quantification and financial proxies risk missing the more qualitative measure of value that can bring deeper and more nuanced outcomes. Long-term contracts for comprehensive municipal clean energy governance, such as BCL, provide greater scope for more meaningful social value through the development of local supply chains, longer term jobs, co-productive relationships with local voluntary and social enterprises and participatory processes. We conclude that a hybrid approach could maximise social value outcomes. While it is too soon to fully evaluate, nevertheless this is a significant case study for understanding social value in urban energy transitions
Strong control of the stratocumulus-to-cumulus transition time by aerosol: analysis of the joint roles of several cloud-controlling factors using Gaussian process emulation
Get PDFStratocumulus-to-cumulus transitions are driven primarily by increasing sea-surface temperatures, with additional contributions from numerous interacting cloud-controlling factors. Understanding these interactions is important for improving the accuracy of cloud responses to changes in climate and other environmental factors in global climate models. Many studies have found lower-tropospheric stability dictates the transition time, while aerosol-focused studies found that aerosol concentration plays a key role via the drizzle-depletion mechanism. We consider the role of aerosol together with several other cloud-controlling factors representing a selection of the wider environmental conditions that affect drizzle in a clean to moderately polluted environment. A 34-member perturbed parameter ensemble of idealised large-eddy simulations with 2-moment cloud microphysics is used to train Gaussian process emulators (statistical representations) of the relationships between the factors and two properties of the transition: transition temporal length and average rain water path. We base the ensemble around a composite of trajectories in the Northeastern Pacific during summer. Using these emulators, parameter space can be densely sampled to visualise the joint and individual effects of the factors on the transition properties. We find that in the low-aerosol regime (< 200 cm−3) the transition time is most strongly affected by the aerosol concentration out of the factors considered here. Fast transitions, under 40 h, occur in this regime with high mean rain water path, which is consistent with a drizzle-depletion effect. In the high-aerosol regime, the inversion strength becomes more important than the aerosol concentration through the inversion's effect on entrainment and the deepening-warming decoupling mechanism
Navigating masculinities: the role of internalised oppression and domination in gendered violence amidst anti-gender politics
Get PDFThis paper explores gendered violence through intricate dynamics of internalised oppression and domination within contexts where anti-genderism has arisen and subsequently exacerbated it. Turkey exemplifies the operation of anti-genderism linked to a majoritarian-authoritarian-securitarian top-down political agenda. Growing discontent against increasing social violence linked to this agenda signals potential for men’s involvement in feminist social justice endeavours against anti-gender politics. However, men may find it challenging to embrace a feminist perspective due to their contentious positionalities regarding power dynamics involving internalised oppression and domination. Drawing on continuum thinking about gendered power relations, the paper reveals complex barriers that prevent men from cultivating alternative, empowering political-ethical imaginations. For men to engage in feminist social justice struggles against anti-genderism, they initially require reckoning with these power dynamics
Stranded on the rocks:“unmet treatment need” amongst people who use crack cocaine in a town in Northern England
Get PDFBackground Since 2014, England has seen a steady increase in the number of people who use crack cocaine in the community. Increasing access to care-planned psychosocial drug treatment, which prioritizes the cessation of all drug use, has been a key policy response. Within this context, we present the first qualitative exploration of the needs of out-of-treatment people who use crack in England. Methods We conducted 36 semi-structured interviews with people who use crack who had not engaged in structured’ treatment for at least a year in a Northern English town (‘Northton’). Results Participants described Northton as suffused with violent and visible crack markets. Most were street homeless, highly stigmatized, and with little access to legitimate income. Very few could imagine how drug treatment might help their situation. Conclusions The participants emphasized the limited appeal of intensive psychosocial drug treatment focused on stopping all drug use. With extensive evidence highlighting the lack of any ‘gold standard’ intervention for crack, we call for a reorientation of drug policy to prioritize the self-described basic and survival needs of people who use drugs. Low-threshold offers of food and pragmatic support appear invaluable. Environmental interventions to reduce crack availability and associated violence are also essential
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇