Incentivising Multidisciplinary Teams with New Methods of Procurement using BIM + Blockchain​

This paper researches a potential method of incentivising AEC industry professionals to design to better than NZEB standards. Analysing the potential of a purposefully designed local microgrid storing excess energy generated by solar technologies embedded within the building envelope; the microgrid excess output is measured and recorded using a (Post Occupancy) “Blockchain” application and measured against the data provided at design stage on a (Predictive) “Blockchain” database. This paper researches how energy output predictions at design stage, by multidisciplinary teams, may be enhanced by BIM + Blockchain Technology. The paper researches the potential of a digital twin (predictive versus post occupancy) in pursuit of answering this question: “If a building can produce more energy than it is consuming, is there an opportunity for the building owner and/or design team/building occupants to sell the surplus energy as a commodity?” In turn, this creates the potential for “Added Value Networks”. The first being a financial incentive for designers to strive for the very best building performance, and the second, a financial incentive for building occupants to conserve energy leaving more energy for sale. This paper will test the predictive energy theory and report on data generated by virtual sensors in a BIM model recorded on a (Predictive) Blockchain. This will be the basis for comparing predictive energy use against actual energy output. Actual energy output during occupancy can be recorded using real time sensors matching the number and location of the digital sensors. The information on both databases are secured using the immutable and transparent properties of Blockchain. This can provide confidence for transactions, securing the “Added Value Network”

Incentivising Multidisciplinary Teams With New Methods of Procurement Using BIM + Blockchain

This paper researches a potential method of incentivising AEC industry professionals to design to better than NZEB standards. Analysing the potential of a purposefully designed local microgrid storing excess energy generated by solar technologies embedded within the building envelope; the microgrid excess output is measured and recorded using a (Post Occupancy) “Blockchain” application and measured against the data provided at design stage on a (Predictive) “Blockchain” database. This paper researches how energy output predications at design stage, by multidisciplinary teams, may be enhanced by BIM + Blockchain Technology. The paper researches the potential of a digital twin (predictive versus post occupancy) in pursuit of answering this question: “If a building can produce more energy than it is consuming, is there an opportunity for the building owner and/or design team/building occupants to sell the surplus energy as a commodity?” In turn, this creates the potential for “Added Value Networks”. The first being a financial incentive for designers to strive for the very best building performance, and the second, a financial incentive for building occupants to conserve energy leaving more energy for sale. This paper will test the predictive energy theory and report on data generated by virtual sensors in a BIM model recorded on a (Predictive) Blockchain. This will be the basis for comparing predictive energy use against actual energy output. Actual energy output during occupancy can be recorded using real time sensors matching the number and location of the digital sensors. The information on both databases are secured using the immutable and transparent properties of Blockchain. This can provide confidence for transactions, securing the “Added Value Network”

Introduction

This volume presents results from a series of empirical studies conducted in the field of child protection in Ireland. The studies throw light of the epidemiology of child sexual abuse (CSA), profiles of CSA survivors and perpetrators and their families, and important treatment-related issues. In this chapter an overview of key findings from the studies described in the remainder of the volume is presented

Structural and agentic analysis of supply-chains: a social network analysis approach

This research adds to a body of work exploring the role of Social Network Analysis (SNA) in the study of both relational and structural characteristics of supply chain networks. Two contrasting network cases (food enterprises and digital-based enterprises) are chosen in order to elicit structural differences in business networks subject to divergences in local embeddedness and the relative materiality of the goods and services produced. Our analysis and findings draw out differences in network structure as evidenced by metrics of network centralization and cohesion, the presence of components and other sub-groupings, and the position of central actors. We relate these structural features both to the nature of the networks and to the (qualitative) experiences of the actors themselves. We find, in particular, the role of customers as co-creators of knowledge (for the Food network), the central role of infrastructure and services (for the Digital network), the importance of ICT as a source of codified knowledge inputs, along with the continuing importance of geographical proximity for the development and transfer of tacit knowledge and for incremental learning

An expert panel assessment of comprehensive medication reviews for clients of community mental health teams

Few studies have investigated strategies to identify and resolve drug-related problems among clients of community mental health teams (CMHTs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact and appropriateness of comprehensive medication reviews for clients of CMHTs. Trained pharmacists conducted interviews (30-45 min each) with clients of CMHTs to identify actual and potential drug-related problems. The pharmacists prepared medication review reports that detailed their findings and recommendations to optimize drug therapy. An expert panel comprising a psychiatrist, general medical practitioner, mental health pharmacist and medication review pharmacist evaluated reviews for 48 clients of 5 CMHTs. Panelists independently assessed review findings, review recommendations, likelihood of recommendation implementation and the overall expected clinical impact. Two hundred and nine medication review findings and 208 medication review recommendations were evaluated. Panelists agreed with 76% of findings and considered that 81% of recommendations were appropriate. Collectively, 69% of recommendations were considered likely to be implemented. Thirty-seven (77%) reviews were deemed potentially to have a positive clinical impact. The agreement between panelists was statistically significant (P \u3c 0.01) for the assessment of the findings, recommendations and likelihood of recommendation implementation. Pharmacists\u27 findings and recommendations to optimize drug therapy were considered appropriate and likely to result in improved clinical outcomes. Comprehensive medication reviews may be a valuable strategy to identify and resolve drug-related problems among clients of CMHTs

Stigma and discrimination in individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in an assertive community treatment team: Perceptions of families and healthcare professionals

Aim: To explore family member and staff perceptions of clients\u27 experiences of stigma and discrimination, in those living with severe and persistent mental illness in an Assertive Community Treatment Team. Method: This qualitative study used the Discrimination and Stigma Scale to conduct structured face-to-face and telephone interviews of family members and healthcare professionals, working with the Assertive Outreach Team (AOT) (an Assertive Community Treatment Team) of a northern inner suburban catchment of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Results: Forty-one people participated in the study (23 AOT clinical staff members and 18 family members). Family and clinical staff commonly reported stigma and discrimination amongst their relatives and clients, respectively. Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) appearance and behaviour, (2) avoidance and being shunned, (3) key areas of life affected by discrimination and (4) impacts of discrimination and skills to cope with discrimination. Conclusion: Reports of stigma and discrimination were common, yet varied between groups with clinical staff commonly witnessing experiences and impacts of discrimination in everyday life, with families\u27 reports being substantially less. Due to the strong advocacy and support provided by the AOT model, clinical staff often buffered experiences of stigma and discrimination. Further research is needed to explore effective interventions to reduce experiences of discrimination in this population group

Stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with severe and persistent mental illness in assertive community treatment settings

Aims: To describe the perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination among people living with severe and persistent mental illness in assertive community treatment (ACT teams) settings in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: The Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC) was used in this cross-sectional study with people living with severe and persistent mental illness. The DISC is a reliable and valid, quantitative and qualitative instrument used to explore and measure levels of negative, anticipated and positive discrimination. Relevant clinical history and socio-demographic information were also collected. Results: A total of 50 clients participated, with 40 (80%) reporting experienced negative discrimination in at least one life area. Negative discrimination was most commonly experienced in being avoided or shunned (n=25, 50%), by neighbours (n=24, 48%) and family (n=23, 46%). Anticipated discrimination was common, with half of participants (n=25, 50%) feeling the need to conceal their mental health diagnosis. Conclusion: Discrimination was highly prevalent in everyday aspects of life. While healthcare professionals often tend to increase perceived stigma and discrimination, this was only experienced in interactions with general health professionals, while interactions with ACT team members decreased perceived stigma and increased positive discrimination. This indicates that healthcare professionals potentially have a significant role in reducing stigma and discrimination in mental health and that such an effect may be optimised in an ACT team setting

Experiences of stigma and discrimination among people with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract of a presentation at theRoyal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ Annual Congress, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 3-7 May 2015