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The hubs of transformation dictated by the innovation wave: Boston as a case study
Get PDFCities have become the nodes of global networks, standing at the intersection points of the flows of capital, goods, workers, businesses and travellers, making them the spots where innovation, progress and economic development occur. Design emerges as an essential feature in this process that this manuscript defines “laboratorisation of cities”, a cutting-edge urban development paradigm that emphasises cities as dynamic laboratories for innovation and experimentation. This paper then aims at exploring the spatial hubs of transformation within the knowledge economy, providing an overview of the current models of innovation spaces, before focusing on the innovation district of one of the cities that are riding the innovation wave, namely, Boston, USA. Information will be gathered from observations, exploratory interviews to key stakeholders, and on-desk data. The study has significant implications, spanning from informing global urban development strategies to impacting regional economic planning and national policies. It provides valuable insights into how design, innovation, and urban development are interconnected, potentially reshaping how cities and regions approach their growth in a knowledge-driven era. Useful lessons are drawn from the analysed case study, allowing to define precious tools for policymakers, a forward-looking perspective on the future of laboratorisation of cities and the evolving role of design, providing a roadmap for cities aiming to position themselves as global innovation hubs
Resistance of multiple stakeholders to e-health innovations: Integration of fundamental insights and guiding research paths
Get PDFConsumer/user resistance is considered a key factor responsible for the failure of digital innovations. Yet, existing scholarship has not given it due attention while examining user responses to e-health innovations. The present study addressed this need by consolidating the existing findings to provide a platform to motivate future research. We used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to identify and analyze the relevant literature. To execute the SLR, we first specified a stringent search protocol with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. Thereafter, we undertook an in-depth analysis of 72 congruent studies, thus presenting a comprehensive structure of findings, gaps, and opportunities for future research. Specifically, we mapped the relevant literature to elucidate the nature and causes of resistance offered by three key constituent groups of the healthcare ecosystem—patients, healthcare organizational actors, and other stakeholders. Finally, based on the understanding acquired through our critical synthesis, we formulated a conceptual framework, classifying user resistance into micro, meso, and macro barriers which provide context to the interventions and strategies required to counter resistance and motivate adoption, continued usage, and positive recommendation intent. Being the first SLR in the area to present a multi-stakeholder perspective, our study offers fine-grained insights for hospital management, policymakers, and community leaders to develop an effective plan of action to overcome barriers that impede the diffusion of e-health innovations
Digital community assets: Investigating the impact of online engagement with arts and peer support groups on mental health during COVID-19
Get PDFThe digitisation of mental health support has acceler- ated since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the impact of digital engagement with community assets on mental health during COVID- 19. Digital engagement is typically not location-bound, but the restricted movement enforced during ‘lock- downs’ meant that people were primarily accessing digital community assets from their home environ- ments. We report findings from a study utilising two creative workshops and semi-structured interviews to investigate how support operates in and through three digital community assets; an online peer support forum, a social enterprise running regular creative challenges nationally via social media and a local in-person crea- tive arts support group. The concept of ‘more or less digital’ captures the ways that people’s experiences of digital community assets extend beyond the platforms to incorporate settings of use. The analysis identifies how support is diluted through digital engagement, the value of minimal and muted forms of engagement and user-led designs for future hybrid forms of support. The article concludes by emphasising the importance of analysing digital community asset engagement in the settings of use and how such knowledge is vital for plan- ning support in a future under continual pressure to be increasingly digital
Sense of self, depression and adaption to grief, in emerging adults who suffered parental loss
Get PDFThe death of a parent is a traumatic event usually accompanied by profound grief and psychological challenges. This study explored some of the factors which may predict sense of self, depression and adaption to grief in 328 parentally bereaved emerging adults. Our findings revealed a presence of pathological grief among young adults. The results also highlighted a strong negative relationship between sense of self and depression. Furthermore, depression was accounted for by sense of self, adaption to grief and time since loss of the parent/s. Interventions for parentally bereaved emerging adults should aim at strengthening their sense of self, for example through boosting resilience, social and professional support, meaningful relationships and ameliorative lifestyle changes
Fall Detection System with Accelerometer and Threshold-based Algorithm
Get PDFMost presently available fall detection systems that are marketed for commercial use predominantly consist of wearable technologies. These technologies often involve a device positioned on the wrist, which may lead to the occurrence of false positive alerts due to the movements of the wrist. This paper proposed a fall detection system that aims to improve both reliability and cost-effectiveness. The system is designed to promptly inform surrounding individuals of their need for assistance in emergency situations. The fall detection system we propose consists of an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which collectively calculate acceleration, orientation, and various other motion characteristics. The resulting system demonstrated a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 85%, and an accuracy of 87.5%
Enhancing the Legal Aid Provision in Nigeria through Regulatory Intermediaries
No full textLegal aid is arguably one of many undervalued fundamental rights in numerous jurisdictions – Nigeria included. Hence there is more emphasis on the right to a fair trial and less on how it is to be achieved if the litigant cannot afford the services of a lawyer for legal representation and legal advice. In a broader sense, it is described in line with access to justice which means that all individuals have the right to be treated fairly before the law and are entitled to seek redress if such protections are violated. The right to legal aid relates more specifically to the ability to access judicial institutions via legal personnel who protect the rights of individuals faced with litigation for free – as long as they are eligible – and, more importantly, to maintain an individual’s privilege to be heard before the courts regardless of their social standing.The laws and rules that guide the legal aid provision in Nigeria are extensive at the international and national level. However, accessing legal aid in Nigeria is still a distant reality for many that need it the most, especially those that are faced with the possibility of prolonged detention if they remain without access. The obstacles facing the legal aid provision in Nigeria often points to the lack of funding, inadequate legal aid providers, lack of awareness, etc. which are credible and thoroughly executed in the extant literature.However, this article departs from the usual discussion on impediments and possible solutions, e.g. adequate funding, increased scope of providers, encouragement of awareness through community projects, etc. but aims to examine another auspicious approach that could improve the operations of the legal aid scheme from a practical perspective. The objective is to create a feasible implementation strategy involving legal aid providers, devoid of government interference through regulatory intermediaries
Profiling the vendors of COVID‐19 related product on the Darknet: An observational study
Get PDFBackgroundIn a time of unprecedented global change, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand of COVID-19 vaccines and related certifications. Mainly due to supply shortages, counterfeit vaccines, fake documentation, and alleged cures to illegal portfolios, have been offered on darkweb marketplaces (DWMs) with important public health consequences. We aimed to profile key DWMs and vendors by presenting some in-depth case studies.MethodsA non-systematic search for COVID-19 products was performed across 118 DWMs. Levels of activity, credibility, content, COVID-19 product listings, privacy protocols were among the features retrieved. Open web fora and other open web sources were also considered for further analysis of both functional and non functional DWMs. Collected data refers to the period between January 2020 and October 2021.ResultsA total of 42 relevant listings sold by 24 vendors across eight DWMs were identified. Four of these markets were active and well-established at the time of the study with good levels of credibility. COVID-19 products were listed alongside other marketplace content. Vendors had a trusted profile, communicated in English language and accepted payments in cryptocurrencies (Monero or Bitcoin). Their geographical location included the USA, Asia and Europe. While COVID-19 related goods were mostly available for regional supply, other listings were also shipped worldwide.InterpretationFindings emerging from this study rise important questions about the health safety of certain DWMs activities and encourage the development of targeted interventions to overcome such new and rapidly expanding public health threats.FundingCovSaf, National Research centre on Privacy, Harm Reduction and Adversarial Influence Online (REPHRAIN), Commonwealth Fund
Life Cycle Assessment of construction materials: Methodologies, applications and future directions for sustainable decision-making
Get PDFThis review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies applied to construction materials. It begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of LCA in the construction industry, followed by an overview of LCA principles, phases and key parameters specific to construction materials. The methodological approaches utilised in LCA, including inventory analysis, impact assessment, normalisation, allocation methods and uncertainty analysis, are discussed in detail. The paper then provides a thorough review of LCA studies on various construction materials, such as cement, concrete, steel and wood, examining their life cycle stages and environmental considerations. The review also explores recent advances in LCA for construction materials, including circular economy principles, renewable alternatives, technological innovations and policy implications. The challenges and future directions in LCA implementation for construction materials are discussed, emphasising the need for data quality, standardisation, social aspects integration and industry-research collaboration. The provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers and industry professionals to enhance sustainability in the construction sector through informed decision-making based on LCA
Epilepsy update: diagnosis, classification and management
No full textCareful clinical evaluation differentiates epileptic seizures from syncope (vasovagal or cardiogenic), dissociative seizures (non-epileptic attack disorder) and other rarer paroxysmal events. The initial diagnosis of epilepsy is incorrect in 20%–30% of patients. Investigations can include blood tests, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms and neuro-imaging. Patients should be informed and counselled about the diagnosis. Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the first-line treatment for epilepsy, the choice depending on the epilepsy syndrome, seizure type, patient and their co-morbidities. Surgical options are available for refractory epilepsy. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency and all clinicians should be aware of the treatment algorithm. This update additionally explores autoimmune-related epilepsy, developments in ASMs, including cannabinoids, and automated systems for seizure detection