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Digital Models of Citizens Participation in Spain at Municipal Level
Get PDFThis contribution examines municipal digital platforms for citizens’ participation (DPP) in Spain. Firstly, we contextualize DPP within a recent history of democratic participation in the country. Then, we discuss the design challenges besetting DPP from a socio-technical perspective. In the final part, we examine Spain’s three main examples of functioning municipal DPP: Decide Madrid, Decidim Barcelona, and Decidim Valencia. From all of the above, we draw some conclusions that may help produce design and evaluation criteria for these digital tools supporting and furthering grassroots democracy
An Implementation of Communication, Computing and Control Tasks for Neuromorphic Robotics on Conventional Low-Power CPU Hardware
Get PDFBioinspired approaches tend to mimic some biological functions for the purpose of creating more efficient and robust systems. These can be implemented in both software and hardware designs. A neuromorphic software part can include, for example, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) or event-based representations. Regarding the hardware part, we can find different sensory systems, such as Dynamic Vision Sensors, touch sensors, and actuators, which are linked together through specific interface boards. To run real-time SNN models, specialised hardware such as SpiNNaker, Loihi, and TrueNorth have been implemented. However, neuromorphic computing is still in development, and neuromorphic platforms are still not easily accessible to researchers. In addition, for Neuromorphic Robotics, we often need specially designed and fabricated PCBs for communication with peripheral components and sensors. Therefore, we developed an all-in-one neuromorphic system that emulates neuromorphic computing by running a Virtual Machine on a conventional low-power CPU. The Virtual Machine includes Python and Brian2 simulation packages, which allow the running of SNNs, emulating neuromorphic hardware. An additional, significant advantage of using conventional hardware such as Raspberry Pi in comparison to purpose-built neuromorphic hardware is that we can utilise the built-in physical input–output (GPIO) and USB ports to directly communicate with sensors. As a proof of concept platform, a robotic goalkeeper has been implemented, using a Raspberry Pi 5 board and SNN model in Brian2. All the sensors, namely DVS128, with an infrared module as the touch sensor and Futaba S9257 as the actuator, were linked to a Raspberry Pi 5 board. We show that it is possible to simulate SNNs on a conventional low-power CPU running real-time tasks for low-latency and low-power robotic applications. Furthermore, the system excels in the goalkeeper task, achieving an overall accuracy of 84% across various environmental conditions while maintaining a maximum power consumption of 20 W. Additionally, it reaches 88% accuracy in the online controlled setup and 80% in the offline setup, marking an improvement over previous results. This work demonstrates that the combination of a conventional low-power CPU running a Virtual Machine with only selected software is a viable competitor to neuromorphic computing hardware for robotic applications
Improvisation
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A process evaluation of the NIDUS-Professional dementia training intervention for UK homecare workers
Get PDFIntroduction: This process evaluation was conducted in parallel to the randomised controlled feasibility trial of NIDUSProfessional, a manualised remote dementia training intervention for homecare workers (HCWs), delivered alongside an individualised intervention for clients living with dementia and their family carers (NIDUS-Family). The process evaluation reports on: (i) intervention reach, dose and fidelity; (ii) contexts influencing agency engagement and (iii) alignment of findings with theoretical assumptions about how the intervention might produce change.
Methods: We report proportions of eligible HCWs receiving any intervention (reach), number of sessions attended (dose;
attending ≥4/6 main sessions was predefined as adhering), intervention fidelity and adherence of clients and carers to NIDUSFamily (attending all 6–8 planned sessions). We interviewed HCWs, managers, family carers and facilitators. We integrated and thematically analysed, at the homecare agency level, qualitative interview and intervention recording data.
Results: 32/141 (23%) of eligible HCWs and 7/42 (17%) of family carers received any intervention; most who did adhered to the intervention (89% and 71%). Intervention fidelity was high. We analysed interviews with 20/44 HCWs, 3/4 managers and 3/7 family carers, as well as intervention recordings involving 32/44 HCWs. All agencies reported structural challenges in supporting intervention delivery. Agencies with greater management buy-in had higher dose and reach. HCWs valued NIDUS-Professional for enabling group reflection and peer support, providing practical, actionable care strategies and increasing their confidence as practitioners.
Conclusion: NIDUS-Professional was valued by HCWs. Agency management, culture and priorities were key barriers to
implementation; we discuss how to address these in a future trial
Pre-implementation planning for a new personalised, dementia post-diagnostic support intervention: exploring the perspective of professional stakeholders
Get PDFBackground: Only a third of people with dementia receive both a diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. A new eight session, manualised, modular post-diagnostic support system (NIDUS (New Interventions for Independence in Dementia Study) –family), delivered remotely by non-clinical facilitators is the first scalable intervention to improve personalised goal attainment for people living with dementia.If widely translated into practice it could significantly improve care quality.
Aims: We aimed to explore system-readiness for a scalable, personalised post-diagnostic support intervention.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals from dementia care services; the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided interviews and their thematic analysis.
Results: From 2022-23,we interviewed a purposive sample of 21 professionals from seven English NHS, health and social care services. We identified three themes: 1.Potential value of a personalised intervention:interviewees perceived the capacity for choice, supporting person-centred care and delivery by non-clinical facilitators as relative advantages over existing resources. 2. Compatibility and deliverability with existing systems:the NIDUS-family intervention model was perceived as compatible with service goals and clients’ needs, but current service infrastructures, financing and commissioning briefs constraining resources to those at greatest need as barriers to providing universal,post-diagnostic care. 3.Fit with current workforce skills:The intervention model aligned well with staff development plans and national policy to upskill support workers.
Conclusion: Translating evidence for scalable and effective post-diagnostic care into practice will support national policies to widen access to support, but require a greater focus on prevention in commissioning briefs and resource planning
Architectural Strategies for Flood Mitigation in Urban Environments: A Study of Traditional Elements and Contemporary Resilience
Get PDFNatural disasters cause extensive losses worldwide annually. Flood events are responsible for economic and life-threatening damages[1]. To mitigate flood risks and resulting damages, particularly in the construction of residential buildings, two approaches exist. First: constructing in areas with lower flood susceptibility, and second: implementing architectural solutions to fortify structures against floods and associated hazards. Due to the presence of water resources, rivers, etc., prompting urban expansion due to reasons like transportation, trade, agricultural use, household consumption, etc., construction near rivers and flood-prone areas becomes inevitable[2]. This underscores the importance of the second approach—architectural fortification.
In this study, areas highly susceptible to flooding were identified from flood zoning maps using artificial intelligence to adapt these maps and estimate the most hazardous regions[3]. Subsequently, by examining the specific elements of traditional architecture in each of these areas and exploring the cause and function of each element in facing floods over time, attention is given to the particular and regional (indigenous) architectural features that have responded to floods. Finally, appropriate architectural measures and responses to reduce flood risks, such as constructing at elevation or suitable gradients, is combined with early warning systems to provide a proper route for the future construction projects
Towards a Research Agenda for Geopolitical Tensions in HCI
Get PDFThere are major geopolitical challenges for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): there may be little or no global HCI knowledge with a shared approach and identity; Western HCI theory and methods may not be adequate for regional or local models of education and practice; and the global organisation of HCI research communities may be biased. This article explores geopolitical tensions in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research and practice fields. In particular, it offers an action-oriented framework to support systematic analysis and comparison of what HCI, as a field of knowledge and practice, is in different geopolitical contexts. We use activity theory combined with the knowledge mobilisation framework to develop an actionable comparative analysis framework of geopolitical HCI challenges. The proposed framework is demonstrated by using it to analyse geopolitical HCI tensions in three case studies: the first one is focused on cultural and ideological issues surrounding the introduction of global HCI curricula in South Africa; the second one documents how local design practices in China are undermined by foreign narratives of the value of global HCI knowledge; and the third one offers an account of how global HCI could stimulate subversive local action in Colombia. The discussion takes up HCI tensions within and across countries, proposes a research agenda for geopolitical HCI research, and presents theoretical contributions to activity theory and knowledge mobilisation approaches. The conclusion answers research questions derived from the above challenges and summarises how our framework and research agenda can be used to identify and assess geopolitical tensions in HCI ensuring diversity and pluralism in the field
Reviving Colonial Echoes: Malinche and the Politics of a Modern Musical
No full textOn September 15 2022, Nacho Cano, former member of the Spanish pop band Mecano, premiered the musical Malinche in Madrid, a production that dramatizes the life of Malinche, an indigenous woman who played a crucial role during the Spanish conquest of Mexico as colonizer Hernán Cortés’ interpreter and advisor. The musical has provoked extensive debate regarding its treatment of historical accuracy, cultural appropriation, and the ethical responsibilities of artists. Cano’s portrayal of Malinche—a figure often stigmatized as a traitor but also seen as a powerful mediator—has been criticized for romanticizing the relationship between Malinche and Cortés and for simplifying the complex history of the conquest. Critics argue that the production reinforces colonial stereotypes, perpetuates a Eurocentric narrative, and glosses over the violent realities of colonization, thereby failing to engage meaningfully with the trauma experienced by indigenous peoples. The multilingual nature of the production, intended to broaden its appeal to international audiences, has been met with mixed responses, with concerns that it sacrifices cultural nuance for accessibility. Furthermore, the musical's political and financial underpinnings have sparked controversy, particularly due to Cano’s close ties with Madrid’s government and recent legal issues surrounding alleged exploitation of undocumented workers involved in the production. Despite these controversies, Malinche has enjoyed significant popular success, highlighting the tension between commercial entertainment and the ethical imperatives of historical representation. The ongoing debate surrounding the musical underscores the importance of informed and respectful engagement with cultural history, particularly when dealing with narratives that involve colonization and its lasting impacts on indigenous communities. Malinche illustrates the complex interplay between artistic license, historical memory, and the power dynamics that shape how history is portrayed in popular culture
Artificial Intelligence Tools: Keeping pace or staying ahead
No full textPresentation delivered (on 2nd July 20204) on invitation by the University of Mumbai as a Resource Person for the Online Refresher Course in Library & Information Science, organized by UGC, Malaviya Mission Teachers Training Programme in collaboration with Department of Library and Information Science, University of Mumbai from 1st July, 2024 to 13th July 2024