Investigating the use of semantic technologies in spatial mapping applications

Semantic Web Technologies are ideally suited to build context-aware information retrieval applications. However, the geospatial aspect of context awareness presents unique challenges such as the semantic modelling of geographical references for efficient handling of spatial queries, the reconciliation of the heterogeneity at the semantic and geo-representation levels, maintaining the quality of service and scalability of communicating, and the efficient rendering of the spatial queries' results. In this paper, we describe the modelling decisions taken to solve these challenges by analysing our implementation of an intelligent planning and recommendation tool that provides location-aware advice for a specific application domain. This paper contributes to the methodology of integrating heterogeneous geo-referenced data into semantic knowledgebases, and also proposes mechanisms for efficient spatial interrogation of the semantic knowledgebase and optimising the rendering of the dynamically retrieved context-relevant information on a web frontend

Gender approaches to cybersecurity: design, defence and response

Cybersecurity en cybergovernanceSecurity and Global Affair

The effect of S-wave interference on the B-0 -> k(*0)l+l(-) angular observables

The rare decay B0→ K∗0ℓ+ℓ− is a flavour changing neutral current decay with a high sensitivity to physics beyond the Standard Model. Nearly all theoretical predictions and all experimental measurements so far have assumed a K∗0 P-wave that decays into the K+π− final state. In this paper the addition of an S-wave within the K+π− system of B0→ K∗0ℓ+ℓ− and the subsequent impact of this on the angular distribution of the final state particles is explored. The inclusion of the S-wave causes a distinction between the values of the angular observables obtained from counting experiments and those obtained from fits to the angular distribution. The effect of a non-zero S-wave on an angular analysis of B0→ K∗0ℓ+ℓ− is assessed as a function of dataset size and the relative size of the S-wave amplitude. An S-wave contribution, equivalent to what is measured in B0→ J/ψK∗0 at BaBar, leads to a significant bias on the angular observables for datasets of above 200 signal decays. Any future experimental analysis of the K+π−ℓ+ℓ− final state will have to take the S-wave contribution into account

Randomised Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Impact of Offering Postvisit Decision Support and Assistance in Obtaining Physician-Recommended Colorectal Cancer Screening: The e-Assist: Colon Health Study - A Protocol Study

INTRODUCTION: How to provide practice-integrated decision support to patients remains a challenge. We are testing the effectiveness of a practice-integrated programme targeting patients with a physician recommendation for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In partnership with healthcare teams, we developed \u27e-assist: Colon Health\u27, a patient-targeted, postvisit CRC screening decision support programme. The programme is housed within an electronic health record (EHR)-embedded patient portal. It leverages a physician screening recommendation as the cue to action and uses the portal to enrol and intervene with patients. Programme content complements patient-physician discussions by encouraging screening, addressing common questions and assisting with barrier removal. For evaluation, we are using a randomised trial in which patients are randomised to receive e-assist: Colon Health or one of two controls (usual care plus or usual care). Trial participants are average-risk, aged 50-75 years, due for CRC screening and received a physician order for stool testing or colonoscopy. Effectiveness will be evaluated by comparing screening use, as documented in the EHR, between trial enrollees in the e-assist: Colon Health and usual care plus (CRC screening information receipt) groups. Secondary outcomes include patient-perceived benefits of, barriers to and support for CRC screening and patient-reported CRC screening intent. The usual care group will be used to estimate screening use without intervention and programme impact at the population level. Differences in outcomes by study arm will be estimated with hierarchical logit models where patients are nested within physicians. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: All trial aspects have been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the health system in which the trial is being conducted. We will disseminate findings in diverse scientific venues and will target clinical and quality improvement audiences via other venues. The intervention could serve as a model for filling the gap between physician recommendations and patient action. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02798224; Pre-results

Studying disruptive events: Innovations in behaviour, opportunities for lower carbon transport policy?

The continued failure to put transport on a robust low carbon transition pathway calls for new approaches in policy and research. In studies of transport systems and patterns of mobility, established approaches to data collection, analysis and subsequent policy design have focused on capturing ‘typical’ conditions rather than identifying the potential for substantive change. This focus on the apparent aggregate stability of the transport regime has reproduced a belief in policy circles that our current travel patterns are largely fixed and therefore very difficult to alter, which in turn has resulted in an over reliance on implausible assumptions about the carbon reductions that can be achieved through technological improvements such as low emission vehicles. This paper argues that there is potentially much greater adaptive capacity in the mobility system than currently allowed for. It illustrates this potential through the investigation of actual adaptations made during a set of specific ‘disruptive’ events. The paper concludes by suggesting that we can go further in reducing the demand for travel if we broaden the scope of intervention to take a wider view of when and how mobility matters to participation in activities across the population. This could enable an acceleration of existing trends which suggest the potential for less mobility and therefore less carbon intensive lives