Similar Initiatives In Future Research Articles

Profiling European citizen scientist: Evidence from Poland

This article investigates the profile of citizen scientists in Poland who actively participated in a project to inform the Polish government's strategic objectives for 2050. While citizen science, involving public collaboration in scientific research, has been extensively studied in various countries, a notable gap exists in understanding the characteristics of citizen scientists in Poland. Employing a methodology that integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study utilises a collaborative survey and online deliberations to gain insights into the profiles of Polish citizen scientists. The article's primary focus is on delineating the demographics of Polish citizen scientists and comparing them to the characteristics of their peers’ established profiles in other European countries. Intriguingly, our analysis reveals that the environment and green transition theme predominantly attracted male citizen scientists, deviating from prevailing literature that typically associates environmental citizen science with higher female involvement. Additionally, the key findings suggest a portrait of Polish citizen scientists as an older, educated cohort with a discernible concern for societal issues. The article emphasises the importance of these insights for shaping the landscape of citizen science in Poland and provides guidance for similar future initiatives.

A pipeline to further enhance quality, integrity and reusability of the NCCID clinical data

The National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID) is a centralized UK database of thoracic imaging and corresponding clinical data. It is made available by the National Health Service Artificial Intelligence (NHS AI) Lab to support the development of machine learning tools focused on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A bespoke cleaning pipeline for NCCID, developed by the NHSx, was introduced in 2021. We present an extension to the original cleaning pipeline for the clinical data of the database. It has been adjusted to correct additional systematic inconsistencies in the raw data such as patient sex, oxygen levels and date values. The most important changes will be discussed in this paper, whilst the code and further explanations are made publicly available on GitLab. The suggested cleaning will allow global users to work with more consistent data for the development of machine learning tools without being an expert. In addition, it highlights some of the challenges when working with clinical multi-center data and includes recommendations for similar future initiatives.

Developing human factors design guidelines for marine electronics — the case of S-mode

Human factors issues with navigation equipment have been identified as a challenge to safe and efficient maritime operations. A reason behind the issues is the lack of guidance from regulatory agencies, particularly regarding interface design. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has taken measures to address the situation, an example of which is the development of Circular MSC.1/Circ.1609 Guidelines for the Standardisation of User Interface Design for Navigation Equipment. This article presents a case study on the development of MSC.1/Circ.1609. An in-depth analysis was conducted using multiple sources of data to identify influential factors behind key events and provide recommendations for similar future initiatives. The data used in the study include interviews with major stakeholders, official reports of the development work, and personal records of members of the development team. The study finds the development of MSC.1/Circ.1609 to be affected by the politics of decision-making at the IMO, the difficulties associated with developing implementable technical regulations, and the rigid nature of IMO working procedures. The findings suggest that successful human factors regulations should address the requirements of both end-users and implementors, which are equipment manufacturers in this case. This study also identifies characteristics of IMO working principles that should be considered to improve the application of human factors in the maritime field.

Systematic evaluation of geoscience education programs that are designed for Indigenous students, or use Traditional Knowledge

The geoscience community has begun to grapple with the whiteness of the community and the harm and erasure of Indigenous communities done by earth and environmental scientists. We have come to understand that to recruit and retain Indigenous students, geoscience education needs to be culturally responsive by explicitly centering Indigenous students. This has created a great need for guidelines about how to approach and evaluate educational programs that are designed for Indigenous students, and/or use Traditional Knowledge. There are many recent initiatives, especially those led by Indigenous scientists and faculty, that have done this well. We present here a newly developed rubric and systematic review of publications about Indigenous geoscience initiatives for K-12, college education, and professional training. Our evaluation examines the implementation of the program, its content, approach (i.e., if the program used Indigenous ways of learning and knowing or taught Indigenous concepts in a western education framework) and research design. The goal of this review is to identify further areas of research, areas that need improvement, and to develop recommendations for similar future initiatives. Overall, the articles reviewed herein are consistently implementing multiple epistemologies, and explicitly centering and validating Indigenous culture. However, there is work to be done to improve the ways similar programs address racism, Indigenous identity, sovereignty, and data sovereignty moving forward.

Sustainability of local renewable energy projects: A comprehensive framework and an empirical analysis on two islands

AbstractLocal energy projects have been associated with several benefits for the local community like social cohesion, economic gains, new skills, and environmental awareness. Yet, there is limited research on whether the projects fulfill their sustainability promises, and how the local community perceive the benefits. This research introduces a novel framework to assess the success of a local renewable energy project based on the perceptions of the local population and the initial ambitions of the projects. Using this framework two innovative local renewable energy projects are assessed; one in Tilos island in Greece and the other in El Hierro in Spain. An online questionnaire was used to assess the impact of the project on people's lives, their overall assessment of the project and their willingness to support similar future initiatives. The data show that the economic benefits are not significant when people assess the project, while on the contrary other factors like the environmental benefits, sense of pride, technical parameters institutional seem to have a greater effect. The environmental and institutional factors are also among the ones that influence people's willingness to support and participate in future projects. Overall, we reveal that the two projects are quite successful in the eyes of the local population and offer good case studies with several implications for policymakers and future initiatives.

Brexit: lessons learned, status quo and way ahead

On 23 June 2016 almost 17.5 million citizens of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The UK government invoked the relevant Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union on 29 March 2017. As authors of the said provision have admitted, it was never to be used (Fabbrini, 2017). And yet here we all are/were (depending on when you are reading it), anno domini 2020, witnessing an unprecedented event of a sovereign state “taking back control” i.e. leaving in great pain the most powerful economic and political union of sovereign states ever established, taking advantage of the procedure that had initially not only been de iure impossible, but also seemed inconceivable in and of itself.According to Theresa May, “Brexit means Brexit”. Little help did that tautological definition bring anyone. And yet, after Brexit came, the transition period started. Written in the middle of the said transition period, the purpose of this paper is to briefly treat on Brexit in general and the near-term future related thereto. In addition, also considering the timing of this paper, i.e. May / June 2020, a particular regard will be paid to the more distant future ahead of us – certain matters pertaining to international commercial dispute resolution after Brexit.Considering the overall uncertainty surrounding Brexit that we find ourselves in, the relevance of the topic discussed in the paper is unquestionable. In addition, relevance-wise, one could consider whether the process we are all witnessing could result in encouraging or, rather, discouraging any similar future initiatives. In this context, a broader perspective will be utilised to come to certain indicative conclusions as to whether Brexit can result in good know-how practices learned for future similar initiatives, or rather serve as an example for “never again”.

Classes Duo Paris/Knoxville, an Integrative Learning Experience: A Case Study

This case study examines the role of integration of the arts into learning within the framework of interdisciplinarity and integrative learning. Specifically, it describes and discusses the Classes Duo Paris/Knoxville program, which brings together students from Paris and Knoxville through the life and art of Knoxville-born, Paris-expatriate artist Beauford Delaney. The integration of the arts, languages (French and English), and travel abroad is the basis for a survey distributed to the adult participants in the program by the organizer, who is one of the authors of this study. Responses to the survey have been described and discussed in terms of arts education and international experiential learning, with implications for similar future initiatives and the current and potential role of philanthropy in educational programming.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Short-Term Sustainability of the Locally Grown Produce Initiative of the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program in New York State.

The Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) is a New York State Department of Health program. The HPNAP improves nutritional quality of food available at food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters through contractual relationships to fund the purchase, delivery, storage, and service of nutritious food. To determine whether a one-time fiscal stimulus of the Locally Grown Produce Initiative to HPNAP contractors in 2012-2013 would result in a short-term sustainable increase in the proportion of dollars spent on New York State Grown (NYSG) produce. Quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group design. We analyzed New York State Department of Health administrative data regarding expenditures on all produce and NYSG produce by HPNAP contractors. New York State. The proportion of dollars spent on NYSG produce during 2011-2012 (preintervention) and 2013-2014 (postintervention) was compared between HPNAP food bank contractors (recipients of stimulus money, n = 8) and non-food bank contractors (nonrecipients, n = 34) using nonparametric methods. The HPNAP Locally Grown Produce Initiative was associated with an increased proportion of NYSG produce spending by food bank contractors that received a fiscal stimulus 1 year later. Upstate food banks had the largest increase (median 31.6%) among all HPNAP contractors. The results of this study revealed that the Locally Grown Produce Initiative fiscal stimulus had a positive, year-long and statewide effect on the proportion of expenditure on NYSG produce by food banks. We hope that the initial success seen in New York State may encourage other states to adopt similar initiatives in future.

A case study of the implementation and sustainability of medication reviews in older patients by clinical pharmacists.

Medication reviews have been introduced as healthcare interventions to decrease inappropriate polypharmacy in older patients, but implementation in practice is challenging. This case study aimed to explore the events, actions and other factors that were involved in the implementation and sustainability of medication reviews in older patients by clinical pharmacists in Region Uppsala, Sweden. A case study design informed by change management principles (Kotter) and normalization process theory, consisting of a review of published and grey literature, key informant interviews and focus group triangulation. Findings from additional literature review and interviews were integrated into a final thematic analysis. Ten healthcare professionals, managers and policy makers participated as key informants. The study included data up to 2015. Factors were identified across all Kotter's principles and normalization process theory domains, ranging from the first evidence on inappropriate polypharmacy in the 1980s until the creation of permanent clinical pharmacist positions in recent years. Examples of facilitating factors were a national focus on quality of care for the elderly, multiprofessional teamwork, key individuals with different professions, education, financial support and local evidence. Barriers included an unclear allocation of tasks and responsibilities, a lack of time and continuity, and a lack of a national plan for implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Multiple factors across the full range of change management and implementation principles were involved in the implementation and sustainability. A systems approach, including these factors, should be considered in similar future initiatives, both in Sweden and settings in other countries.

Barriers and enablers to a physician-delivered educational initiative to reduce low-acuity visits to the pediatric emergency department.

BackgroundUse of the pediatric emergency department (PED) for low-acuity health issues is a growing problem, contributing to overcrowding, longer waits and higher health system costs. This study examines an educational initiative aimed at reducing low-acuity PED visits. The initiative, implemented at an academic pediatric hospital, saw PED physicians share a pamphlet with caregivers to educate them about appropriate PED use and alternatives. Despite early impacts, the initiative was not sustained. This study analyzes the barriers and enablers to physician participation in the initiative, and offers strategies to improve implementation and sustainability of similar future initiatives.MethodsForty-two PED physicians were invited to participate in a semi-structured individual interview assessing their views about low-acuity visits, their pamphlet use, barriers and enablers to pamphlet use, and the initiative’s potential for reducing low-acuity visits. Suggestions were solicited for improving the initiative and reducing low-acuity visits. Constant comparative method was used during analysis. Codes were developed inductively and iteratively, then grouped according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Efforts to ensure study credibility included seeking participant feedback on the findings.ResultsTwenty-three PED physicians were interviewed (55%). Barriers and enablers for pamphlet use were identified and grouped according to five of the 14 TDF domains: social/professional role and identity; beliefs about consequences; environmental context and resources; social influences; and emotions.ConclusionsThe TDF provided an effective approach to identify the key elements influencing physician participation in the educational initiative. This information will help inform behavior change interventions to improve the implementation of similar future initiatives that involve physicians as the primary educators of caregivers.

Guidance for the development of a National HTA-strategy

BackgroundHealth Technology Assessment (HTA) has gained importance and is emphasized as instrument to guide health policy in rational decisions on resource allocation on health technologies. In 2015 the development of a National HTA strategy in Lithuania was undertaken. It is the intention of this paper to offer generic guidance for similar future initiatives. MethodsA mixed-methods and multi-perspective approach was used to collect data and information: a detailed health care system analysis of the regulative and legislative environment, complemented by international experiences on possible linkages between decision making and HTA, extensive interviews on existing decision making processes and specific system needs for HTA. ResultsThe guidance for the development of a National HTA strategy follows a step-wise approach: The first step is the definition of specific strategic objectives that can be operationalized in concrete activities that can be monitored in their implementation. Next - in a detailed system analysis - data and information are collected. The collected information is assessed according to an analytical framework within four areas: assessment of system needs, assessment of potential benefits of and challenges in the utilization of HTA, analysis of human resources and capacities as well as need for training and analysis of options for institutionalization and financing. During the final step concrete activities guided by the pre-defined objectives are planned based on the identified needs. ConclusionThe implementation of HTA with transparent processes and products may take years. Careful planning, monitoring and eventual adaptation of the National HTA strategy will be needed.

Pesquisa de Identificação do Perfil e Satisfação dos Turistas e Visitantes de Brasília Durante a Copa do Mundo 2014

O presente artigo versa sobre os resultados de pesquisa de demanda realizada durante a Copa do Mundo FIFA 2014 na cidade de Brasília, entre os dias 10 de junho a 19 de julho, em três pontos principais de coleta. A pesquisa foi realizada pela Secretaria de Turismo do Distrito Federal em caráter exploratório descritivo, resultando em um total de 9.728 entrevistados, sendo 6.765 visitantes nacionais e 3.499 visitantes internacionais. Entre os principais resultados obtidos, destacam-se o perfil dos visitantes, o montante de movimentação exclusivamente motivada pelo megaevento e os gastos médios realizados por estes turistas na Capital Federal. A título de conclusões, listam-se limitações e fragilidades observadas durante e após a realização da pesquisa, apontando possibilidades de aperfeiçoamentos em iniciativas futuras semelhantes. Ao final, procedimentos são fortemente recomendados a pesquisadores interessados neste tipo de pesquisa, tanto na etapa de planejamento como em sua execução e análise.

The transformative potential of boundary spanners: a narrative inquiry into preservice teacher education and professional development in an NCLB-impacted context.

This narrative inquiry uses pedagogic discourse theory and organization theory to frame pre-service teacher education and in-service professional development initiatives in a school district facing tensions related to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Implications for similar future initiatives are considered.

The dangerous and severe personality disorder experiment – Review of empirical research

A pilot programme for the treatment of individuals with dangerous and severe personality disorder (DSPD) was established in the UK in 2001. A substantial investment had been made into research and evaluation of the initiative, but it is not clear what the outcomes of this research have been. This study aimed to review empirical research on the DSPD programme. We conducted a systematic literature review by using electronic searches of the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE, complemented by hand searches of key journals and websites. We identified a total of 29 empirical research papers and three comprehensive research reports. Most studies were concerned with describing the DSPD population and confirmed that the projects targeted high-risk personality disordered offenders. Qualitative research identified a number of concerns regarding stigma, restrictiveness of the environment and indeterminate detention. Organisational enquiries recognised inefficiencies in assessment and treatment delivery. No high-quality trials were carried out of specific treatments or service environments. The key question--what treatments are effective for high-risk personality disordered offenders--remains unanswered. More time would be needed to fully assess the impact of this programme, and similar future initiatives should allow longer observation periods.

Volunteer Mentors as Informal Educators in a Youth Physical Activity Program

This discussion reports data from a 4‐year longitudinal evaluation of a project from the United Kingdom. The project focused on outdoor activities as a vehicle for enhancing the personal and social development of disaffected youth with the researchers specifically examining the role played by volunteer learning mentors. Following a summary of relevant literature and an overview of the project design and evaluation strategy, data are reported on the impact and effectiveness of these mentors. The findings suggest the potential for mentors to function as informal educators in such youth programs. However, a lack of preparation and the considerable challenges faced in establishing and maintaining mentoring relationships with young people in schools can restrict their impact. It is argued that similar future initiatives would benefit from greater pre‐planning and an improved understanding of how mentors and other youth professionals can work with each other.

Reducing Violence Against NHS Staff: Findings from an Evaluation of the Safer Surrey Hospital Initiative

This paper presents key findings from an evaluation of a crime reduction initiative designed to reduce violence against NHS Trust staff. The evaluation addressed two main questions: whether the initiative's main intervention—a training package for conflict management—achieved its objectives; and what advice could be given to enhance similar initiatives in future. The evaluation found the training package helped to promote confidence among staff and reinforced existing conflict resolution skills. However, more complex advice tended to be forgotten after nine months. The results suggest that the design of training packages should take into account the limits of recall relative to the complexity of the advice given. The study also identified the difficulties associated with partnerships working between different organisations. For such partnerships to fulfil their potential it is suggested that service-level agreements need to be drawn up prior to the initiative, and that partnerships need the long-term support of senior management.

The Universal Immunisation Programme: An Evaluation Based on a Social Marketing Perspective

This paper is about comparison from a social marketing perspective, based on secondary data, of the programme constituents and achievements of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) on the one hand and the Pulse Polio Immunisation programme on the other. Implications of the comparison are noted for the benefit of increasing the effectiveness of the UIP as well as to improve the design of similar initiatives in future.

Person centred planning: an evaluation of a training programme.

This paper is concerned with an evaluation of a training programme in Person Centred Planning (PCP). It begins by briefly outlining the principles and practice of PCP and describes a consortium set up to provide training in PCP. The findings of an evaluation of the training programme are then presented. Person Centred Planning is relatively new to this country and the training programme was an innovative one. It is important that its activities are more widely reported, and its strengths and weaknesses identified, in order to inform similar future initiatives. Finally, the paper identifies some issues of relevance to other training programs in the social care field.