Turning Point Scotland's Housing First Project Evaluation: Final Report

GIS maps are one kind of complex display in which people search for targets. Recent studies have shown that the choice of colour-scales when displaying these maps has important implications for people's strategies in searching these displays (Donnelly, Cave, Welland & Menneer, 2006). The current study follows up on this research. Observers searched for multiple targets in each display. Two targets were red and two were blue, and targets were not very salient. Observers searched until all targets were found. This often took several seconds and many fixations. The order in hich observers found targets suggested that they were more reliant on search for particular colours under some color-scales than under others. What will be presented here is a number of oculomotor measures used to explore how search was guided in the displays: the degree to which fixations clustered around targets, the image characteristics of regions of the display that were fixated, and goodness of fit to fixation distributions of Itti & Koch saliency maps, where the features used to compute saliency were varied. The goal was to see which measures would best pick up on differences in what guided search through complex display

Dual-Target Cost in Visual Search for Multiple Unfamiliar Faces.

The efficiency of visual search for one (single-target) and either of two (dual-target) unfamiliar faces was explored to understand the manifestations of capacity and guidance limitations in face search. The visual similarity of distractor faces to target faces was manipulated using morphing (Experiments 1 and 2) and multidimensional scaling (Experiment 3). A dual-target cost was found in all experiments, evidenced by slower and less accurate search in dual- than single-target conditions. The dual-target cost was unequal across the targets, with performance being maintained on one target and reduced on the other, which we label "preferred" and "non-preferred" respectively. We calculated the capacity for each target face and show reduced capacity for representing the non-preferred target face. However, results show that the capacity for the non-preferred target can be increased when the dual-target condition is conducted after participants complete the single-target conditions. Analyses of eye movements revealed evidence for weak guidance of fixations in single-target search, and when searching for the preferred target in dual-target search. Overall, the experiments show dual-target search for faces is capacity- and guidance-limited, leading to superior search for 1 face over the other in dual-target search. However, learning faces individually may improve capacity with the second face. (PsycINFO Database Recor

A cluster analysis approach to sampling domestic properties for sensor deployment

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordData availability: Data will be made available on request.Sensors are an increasingly widespread tool for monitoring utility usage (e.g., electricity) and environmental data (e.g., temperature). In large-scale projects, it is often impractical and sometimes impossible to place sensors at all sites of interest, for example due to limited sensor numbers or access. We test whether cluster analysis can be used to address this problem. We create clusters of potential sensor sites using factors that may influence sensor measurements. The clusters provide groups of sites that are similar to each other, and that differ between groups. Sampling a few sites from each group provides a subset that captures the diversity of sites. We test the approach with two types of sensors: utility usage (gas and water) and outdoor environment. Using a separate analysis for each sensor type, we create clusters using characteristics from up to 298 potential sites. We sample across these clusters to provide representative coverage for sensor installations. We verify the approach using data from the sensors installed as a result of the sampling, as well as using other sensor measures from all available sites over one year. Results show that sensor data vary across clusters, and vary with the factors used to create the clusters, thereby providing evidence that this cluster-based approach captures differences across sensor sites. This novel methodology provides representative sampling across potential sensor sites. It is generalisable to other sensor types and to any situation in which influencing factors at potential sites are known. We also discuss recommendations for future sensor-based large-scale projects.European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)Southwest Academic Health Science NetworkCornwall Counci

Understanding the contribution of target repetition and target expectation to the emergence of the prevalence effect in visual search

Behavior in visual search tasks is influenced by the proportion of trials on which a target is presented (the target prevalence). Previous research has found that when target prevalence is low (2% prevalence), participants tend to miss targets, compared with higher prevalence levels (e.g., 50% prevalence). There is an ongoing debate regarding the relative contribution of target repetition and the expectation that a target will occur in the emergence of prevalence effects. In order to disentangle these two factors, we went beyond previous studies by directly manipulating participants’ expectations regarding how likely a target was to appear on a given trial. This we achieved without using cues or feedback. Our results indicated both target repetition and target expectation contribute to the emergence of the prevalence effect

Modelling mould growth in domestic environments using relative humidity and temperature

This is the final version. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record. Damp and high levels of relative humidity (RH), typically above 70–80%, are known to provide mould-favourable conditions. Exposure to indoor mould contamination has been associated with an increased risk of developing and/or exacerbating a range of allergic and non-allergic diseases. The VTT model is a mathematical model of indoor mould growth that was developed based on surface readings of RH and temperature on wood in a controlled laboratory chamber. The model provides a mould index based on the environmental readings. We test the generalisability of this laboratory-based model to less-controlled domestic environments across different values of model parameters. Mould indices were generated using objective measurements of RH and temperature in the air, taken from sensors in a domestic setting every 3–5 min over 1 year in the living room and bedroom across 219 homes. Mould indices were assessed against self-reports from occupants regarding the presence of visible mould growth and mouldy odour in the home. Logistic regression provided evidence for relationships between mould indices and occupant responses. Mould indices were most successful at predicting occupant responses when the model parameters encouraged higher vulnerability to mould growth compared with the original VTT model. A lower critical RH level, above which mould grows, a higher sensitivity, and larger increases in the mould index all consistently increased performance. Using moment-to-moment time-series data for temperature and RH, the model and its developments could help inform smart monitoring or control of RH, for example to counter risks associated with reduced ventilation in energy efficient homes.European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)European Regional Development Fund (ERDF

We can guide search by a set of colours, but are reluctant to do it.

For some real-world color searches, the target colours are not precisely known, and any item within a range of color values should be attended. This, a target representation that captures multiple similar colours would be advantageous. If such multicolour search is possible, then search for two targets (e..g Stroud, Menneer, Cave and Donnelly, 2012) might be guided by a target representation that included the target colours as well as the continuum of colours that fall between the targets within a contiguous region of color space. Results from Stroud et al (2012) suggest otherwise, however. The current set of experiments show that guidance for a set of colours that are from a single region of color space can be effective if targets are depicted as specific discrete colours. Specifically, Experiments 1-3 demonstrate that a search can be guided by four and even eight colours given the appropriate conditions. However, Experiment 5 gives evidence that guidance is sometimes sensitive to how informative the target preview is to search. Experiments 6 and 7 show that a stimulus showing a continuous range of target colours is not translated into a search target representation. Thus, search can be guided by multiple discrete colours that are from a single region in color space, but this approach was not adopted in a search for two targets with intervening distractor colours

Variations in whole-life carbon emissions of similar buildings in proximity: An analysis of 145 residential properties in Cornwall, UK

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordData availability: Data will be made available on request.Assessing and reducing the whole-life carbon emissions (WLCE) of buildings is essential to achieving global climate targets. Although many studies have examined building WLCE, there is a lack of understanding of the variability of WLCE for a large number of similar buildings in proximity and the key influencing factors. We fill these knowledge gaps by quantifying the WLCE of 145 residential properties in Cornwall, UK, following methods recommended in official standards and guidelines for building WLCE and using actual electricity consumption recorded by sensors, and then analysing correlations between the WLCE and a range of factors related to the properties and their occupants. We found significant variations in the WLCE among these 145 properties, ranging from 21 to 193 t CO2eq, with the WLCE intensity ranging from 0.5 to 2.6 t CO2eq/m2. There are strong correlations between WLCE and two factors: floor area and number of occupants, followed by number of bedrooms, type of property, window frame material, type of heating system, age of the main occupant, type of glazing, and loft insulation thickness. This suggests that both building attributes and occupant characteristics can result in significant variations in the WLCE of similar buildings in proximity. Therefore, both building design and occupant lifestyle need to be considered when developing strategies to reduce building WLCE.China Scholarship CouncilUniversity of ExeterSmartline projectSmartline Extension projectEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF

Telephone-Based Training Intervention for Using Digital Communication Technologies for Social Housing Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Evaluation

Background In an era in which digital communication technologies play a pivotal role in everyday life, social housing residents remain highly susceptible to digital exclusion. Objective This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telephone-based training intervention designed to empower people to confidently use digital communication technologies (ie, video calls and web-based messaging). Methods Conducted in collaboration with a UK social housing association, the intervention was facilitated by a unitary authority’s Digital Inclusion Team during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed methods approach was used, encompassing quantitative and qualitative data collection on demand, reach, implementation, and potential outcomes. Demographic and qualitative data on the reasons for undertaking or not undertaking the training were collected via telephone interviews during the recruitment process. Digital competency and well-being data were collected via a self-reported survey before and after the intervention. Results Among the 4485 residents who were offered training, 67 (1.49%) expressed interest, of whom 12 (18%) of the 67 completed the training. The findings indicate a demand for basic digital training among social housing residents. The key findings revolve around the substantial dropout rate among those who were interested in undertaking the training. Barriers were strongly influenced by socioeconomic and health circumstances, reflecting the sociodigital inequalities commonly found in this group. For the training participants, the intervention was acceptable and achieved its goals, demonstrating the potential of tailored, persistent training efforts in overcoming barriers. There were no changes in self-reported well-being or digital competency outcomes (but this was limited by the small sample size). Conclusions Sociodigital inequalities impact the reach, implementation, and acceptability of telephone-based digital training for social housing residents. Barriers to reaching and training digitally excluded groups can be overcome through the use of trusted intermediaries, personalized recruitment approaches, the minimization of administrative barriers, and tailored and agile training programs. Recognizing the resource-intensive nature of such initiatives, this study calls for enhanced recognition of intermediary efforts in national digital inclusion policies. </jats:sec

Assessing the benefits of stereoscopic displays to visual search: methodology and initial findings

Visual search is a task that is carried out in a number of important security and health related scenarios (e.g., X-ray baggage screening, radiography). With recent and ongoing developments in the technology available to present images to observers in stereoscopic depth, there has been increasing interest in assessing whether depth information can be used in complex search tasks to improve search performance. Here we outline the methodology that we developed, along with both software and hardware information, in order to assess visual search performance in complex, overlapping stimuli that also contained depth information. In doing so, our goal is to foster further research along these lines in the future. We also provide an overview with initial results of the experiments that we have conducted involving participants searching stimuli that contain overlapping objects presented on different depth planes to one another. Thus far, we have found that depth information does improve the speed (but not accuracy) of search, but only when the stimuli are highly complex and contain a significant degree of overlap. Depth information may therefore aid real-world search tasks that involve the examination of complex, overlapping stimuli

Changes in Domestic Energy and Water Usage during the UK COVID-19 Lockdown Using High-Resolution Temporal Data

This is the final version. Available from MDPI via the DOI in this record. The majority of Smartline data are available by registering interest at www.smartline.org.uk/main-content-area/data-access (accessed on 8 January 2021).In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the UK Government provided public health advice to stay at home from 16 March 2020, followed by instruction to stay at home (full lockdown) from 24 March 2020. We use data with high temporal resolution from utility sensors installed in 280 homes across social housing in Cornwall, UK, to test for changes in domestic electricity, gas and water usage in response to government guidance. Gas usage increased by 20% following advice to stay at home, the week before full lockdown, although no difference was seen during full lockdown itself. During full lockdown, morning electricity usage shifted to later in the day, decreasing at 6 a.m. and increasing at midday. These changes in energy were echoed in water usage, with a 17% increase and a one-hour delay in peak morning usage. Changes were consistent with people getting up later, spending more time at home and washing more during full lockdown. Evidence for these changes was also observed in later lockdowns, but not between lockdowns. Our findings suggest more compliance with an enforced stay-at-home message than with advice. We discuss implications for socioeconomically disadvantaged households given the indication of inability to achieve increased energy needs during the pandemic.European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)European Regional Development Fund (ERDF