The influence of plant type on green roof rainfall retention

Green roofs can mitigate the flood risk by reducing the volume of runoff through direct interception and subsequent evapotranspiration (ET), but the planting choices can influence the extent of this service. Glasshouse experiments were carried out in spring/summer using simulated rainfall to compare the rainfall retention capacity of three physiologically active broadleaf species (Heuchera micrantha, Salvia officinalis and Stachys byzantina), which have previously shown to provide improved rooftop cooling, to an industry standard green roof species, Sedum spurium. Furthermore, the impact of varying ambient temperature and humidity conditions on the ability of these species to restore the substrate retention capacity through ET was also tested in a series of controlled-environment experiments simulating a range of potential UK summertime scenarios. Canopies alone retained up to 17% (Sedum) of the total rainfall in this study, with Salvia and Stachys also retaining in excess of 10%, and can make a substantial contribution to rainfall retention on a green roof. Rainfall retention was also strongly correlated with total ET in the preceding 72 hours (R2 = 0.94; P < 0.001). Species with high ET rates (Salvia and Stachys) were able to provide the greatest stormwater management service (up to 72% retention due to ET component). Furthermore, species ‘rankings’, in terms of ET and thus restoration of substrate retention capacity, were the same in all simulated potential UK summertime temperature and relative humidity scenarios, indicating that ‘superior’ species will be able to provide the greatest stormwater management provision in all climatic conditions

Report on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Workshop

The potential for an ongoing interdisciplinary conversation about RRI at the University of Nottingham (UoN) was identified during a research project conducted in summer 2014 to investigate how RRI is being interpreted within UoN (Pearce et al., 2014). On 8th January 2015, following a public lecture by Professor Richard Owen, University of Exeter, on ‘Responsible Research and Innovation: From nice words to meaningful action’, 18 participants from 11 schools and departments across UoN gathered to address the following workshop aims: 1. Establish an RRI network across UoN; 2. Share understandings of RRI from different perspectives and disciplines; 3. Explore what the RRI agenda means, how we might want to respond and what support might be needed. The Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Workshop was convened and facilitated by Dr Sarah Hartley (School of Biosciences) and Dr Warren Pearce (School of Sociology and Social Policy), with financial support from the Leverhulme Trust ‘Making Science Public’ programme and the Science,Technology and Society Priority Group

Men's views and experiences of infant feeding: a qualitative systematic review

Although the advantages of breastfeeding are well documented, rates for breastfeeding often fall short of international and national targets. Increasing attention has been paid to the role of men in infant feeding, but a lot of the research about men has been elicited from women, rather than from men themselves. To explore these issues further, a systematic review of the qualitative research on infant feeding was carried out, focusing specifically on men's own views and experiences. Evidence was identified by searching electronic databases (CINAL, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus), manually searching citations, and by searching the grey literature. Studies were included in the review if they discussed men's views and experiences of infant feeding and if they reported primary qualitative data. Twenty research papers were included in the review, and each study was summarised and then analysed thematically to produce a synthesis. Five major analytical themes were identified: men's knowledge of infant feeding; men's perceptions of their role in infant feeding; positive views on breastfeeding; negative views on breastfeeding; and men's experiences of health promotion and support. The review concludes by highlighting that although men can play an important role in supporting women, they do not have a significant role in infant feeding decisions

A systematic review of international qualitative research of men’s views and experiences of infant feeding

Background: While the advantages of breastfeeding are well documented, rates for breastfeeding often fall short of international and national targets. It is increasingly acknowledged that men are important in decisions concerning infant feeding but a lot of the research about men has been elicited from women, rather than from men themselves. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this review was to explore men’s views and experiences of infant feeding drawing on data grounded in men’s experiences rather than women’s. Method: To explore these issues further, a systematic review of the international qualitative research on infant feeding was carried out, focusing specifically on men’s views and experiences. Evidence was identified by searching electronic databases (CINAL, Cochrane, PubMed and Scopus), manually searching citations, and by searching the grey literature. Studies were included in the review if they discussed men’s views and experiences of infant feeding and if they reported original, descriptive qualitative data. Results: A total of 20 research papers were included in the review and each study was summarised and analysed thematically to produce a synthesis. Five major analytical themes were identified: how men learn about infant feeding; men’s role in breastfeeding; the facilitators to breastfeeding; the barriers to breastfeeding; and, men’s health promotion and support needs. Conclusions: The review concludes by highlighting that men rarely exert influence on infant feeding decisions although they appear to play a significant role in the continuation of breastfeeding. Health promotion initiatives do not speak effectively to men’s needs, suggesting that more targeted health promotion for men is needed

The Detergent Evaluation Methods and the Washing Machine(PART II)

AIC model selection table and associated coefficients for hermit warbler 2013 for all models combined. Column names for the model coefficients use the following notation: coefficient = parameter(covariate) and standard error = SEparameter(covariate). Parameter abbreviations are p = detection probability, psi = initial occupancy, col = colonization/settlement, ext = extinction/vacancy. Parameter(Int) refers to the intercept. ‘nPars’ is the number of parameters estimated in the model. Each model is ranked by its AIC score, which represents how well the model fits the data. A lower ∆AIC (delta) value is indicative of a better model. The probability that the model (of the models tested) would best explain the data is indicated by AICwt

Report on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Workshop

The potential for an ongoing interdisciplinary conversation about RRI at the University of Nottingham (UoN) was identified during a research project conducted in summer 2014 to investigate how RRI is being interpreted within UoN (Pearce et al., 2014).On 8th January 2015, following a public lecture by Professor Richard Owen, University of Exeter, on ‘Responsible Research and Innovation: From nice wordsto meaningful action’, 18 participants from 11 schools and departments across UoN gathered to address the following workshop aims:1. Establish an RRI network across UoN;2. Share understandings of RRI from different perspectives and disciplines;3. Explore what the RRI agenda means, how we might want to respond and what support might be needed.The Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Workshop was convened and facilitated by Dr Sarah Hartley (School of Biosciences) and Dr Warren Pearce (School of Sociology and Social Policy), with financial support from theLeverhulme Trust ‘Making Science Public’ programme and the Science,Technology and Society Priority Group

POSTbrief 56: Men’s Health (contributor)

In the UK, several physical and mental health conditions disproportionately impact men. Men are more likely to experience poor health outcomes for a variety of conditions such as some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and are more likely to die by suicide, when compared with women. On average in the UK, women live almost 4 years longer than men. Although this gap has narrowed historically, it recently widened because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of health and wider inequalities between different groups of men, there are also significant disparities in life expectancy between some groups of men. The underlying causes of poor men’s health outcomes broadly relate to many interconnected factors such as: socio-economic factors protected characteristics behavioural factors health-seeking behaviours psychological factors. There are several risk factors that are more common among men than women in the UK. Evidence suggests that there are certain health inequalities between distinct groups of men, as well as other populations, including transgender and non-binary communities. Sex and gender specific health policy in the UK is a current topic of discussion. Public health policies in England are predominantly condition- and outcome-focused. However, there are some specific health interventions targeted at men at a national, regional and community level. The Men’s Health Forum (a charity with the aim of improving the health of men and boys in the UK) has been leading a campaign for a national strategy on men’s health with support from several UK charities and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on issues affecting men and boys. The APPG subsequently published a report on “The Case for a Men’s Health Strategy” in Feb 2022. In July 2023, the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee launched an inquiry on men’s physical and mental health outcomes. Outside the UK, there have been several national men’s health strategies including in Ireland (first published 2008) and Australia (published in 2010 and updated in 2019). In November 2023, the UK Government announced that a Men’s Health Ambassador would be appointed along with the establishment of a men’s health task and finish group, focusing on increasing awareness of certain conditions and health needs faced by men and improving men’s engagement with health services

Shiver Me Tinders, & Ring a Ding for a Fling - Sex Tech Use During COVID-19: Findings from a UK Study

Existing research surrounding dating apps has primarily focused on younger people with few studies exploring usage of such apps by middle aged and older adults. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic challenged social behaviours and forced people to adapt intimacy and wider relationship conduct. The objective of this study was to examine how older adults utilized dating apps during the lockdowns of the UK pandemic (December 2020–May 2021). Findings presented here focus//on qualitative data collected from an online survey and eight online, one-to-one interviews with adults aged 40–54 years. The online survey targeted adults across the UK while interviewees were located across England. Employing interpretative phenomenological analysis, findings identified three key themes: 1. Morality, health, and law breaking and COVID-19; 2. Self-surveillance and moral signalling; 3. Loneliness and social isolation. Qualitative findings show engaging with apps was a proxy which alleviated feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Some users used the premise of their social bubble as a way of meeting other people. Using the same premise, others justified breaking the law to engage in physical and sexual intimacy to mitigate their loneliness. The work presented here contributes to the fields of social sciences, gerontology, and human computer interaction. The inter- and multi-disciplinary impact of this study intersects across those fields and offers a cross-sectional insight into behaviours and engagement with technology during one of the most extraordinary global events

第829回千葉医学会例会・第8回千葉精神科集談会

AIC model selection table and associated coefficients for Hammond's flycatcher 2012 for all models combined. Column names for the model coefficients use the following notation: coefficient = parameter(covariate) and standard error = SEparameter(covariate). Parameter abbreviations are p = detection probability, psi = initial occupancy, col = colonization/settlement, ext = extinction/vacancy. Parameter(Int) refers to the intercept. ‘nPars’ is the number of parameters estimated in the model. Each model is ranked by its AIC score, which represents how well the model fits the data. A lower ∆AIC (delta) value is indicative of a better model. The probability that the model (of the models tested) would best explain the data is indicated by AICwt

Nurturing constructive change that works: a critical theory-informed model for transforming health service psychologists’ views of people with disabilities

We have been developing and refining a disability training exercise for health service psychologists that is ever more effective at encouraging lasting change in the way students regard disabilities and the people who live with those disabilities. Although research suggests that simulation exercises tend to be ineffective at creating long-term attitude change in participants, quantitative and qualitative results indicate our exercise, composed of a simulation followed by debriefing and reflection, helps professionals better understand some of the challenges people with disabilities daily face, and how those challenges can affect their well being. We found this combination is more likely to yield long-term changes than any of these approaches alone. This paper is not principally the description of a pedagogical technique, but instead is an examination of how the combination of simulation, debriefing, and reflective journaling may challenge taken-for-granted assumptions about disabilities, e.g., that disabilities transform individuals into a different kind of human being (with either superhuman powers or as object of pity) instead of seeing these individuals as ordinary people facing extraordinary, and often society-created obstacles. One frequent call of Critical Theorists is to challenge those things we take for granted. Social and cultural structures create specific viewpoints and thus problematizing the apparent is necessary for understanding of, and emancipation from, potentially oppressive social structures. Inspired by this call to render the taken-for-granted as problematic, the exercise we describe creates inversions of performer/audience, professional/student, and scientist/researcher positions. In each of these inversions, the role of the objective observer is denied and the student is invited to engage in his or her own evaluative and potentially transformative experience. Through each of these inversions, different realities can be more readily utilized by thoughtful students to render problematic some of the dominant views about people with disabilities. To make this case, we utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods. The students’ own words, captured in their journals before and after the exercise, are examined in comparison with program goals and features. The weight of the evidence is impressive, indicating that the combination of simulation, debriefing and journaling reflection are effective at creating a space in which change of attitudes does occur