Network inference in matrix-variate Gaussian models with non-independent noise

Inferring a graphical model or network from observational data from a large number of variables is a well studied problem in machine learning and computational statistics. In this paper we consider a version of this problem that is relevant to the analysis of multiple phenotypes collected in genetic studies. In such datasets we expect correlations between phenotypes and between individuals. We model observations as a sum of two matrix normal variates such that the joint covariance function is a sum of Kronecker products. This model, which generalizes the Graphical Lasso, assumes observations are correlated due to known genetic relationships and corrupted with non-independent noise. We have developed a computationally efficient EM algorithm to fit this model. On simulated datasets we illustrate substantially improved performance in network reconstruction by allowing for a general noise distribution

Control of Ranunculus on the Rivers Spey, Dee and Don. Final report

To undertake a literature review on the efficacy of Roundup® Pro Biactive® (and other similar herbicides) in controlling aquatic plants, including Ranunculus spp., in riverine environments. In addition, to undertake a review of the ecotoxicological effects of the preparation on non-target organisms (Atlantic salmon, otter, freshwater pearl mussel and sea lamprey); • Provide a report summarising the results of the literature review; and • Provide recommendations as to the type/extent of future scoping study/experimental investigations that may be required based upon the outcomes of the literature review

Rethinking Research Ethics in the Humanities: Principles and Recommendations

This AHRC-funded report is designed to stimulate reflection and discussion about ethical issues that could arise in qualitative, Humanities-based research designs that might be considered ‘risky’. The report can be used at project meetings; by University Research Ethics Committees (URECs), College Research Ethics Committees, and other governance bodies; and in discussions with project stakeholders. It is also designed to help postgraduate, early-career researchers, and PhD supervisors navigate key issues pertaining to risky qualitative research, and to provide additional readings and precedence in developing applications for ethical review. The report is organised thematically and proposes a series of principles for reforming ethical review in this space, as well as recommendations for URECs, governance bodies, and funders. The themes arising may not be applicable to all qualitative research designs, and the specific methods and context of the research will need to be reflected upon when using this report. Different types of methodologies, participants, stakeholders and local contexts will require different ethical-approval processes that use disparate forms and procedures. The reflection that this report intends to stimulate should be promoted by and among all those involved in the design and conduct of the research, including wherever possible with participants and their communities. How to cite this report: Kasstan, Jonathan R., Pearson, Geoff & Victoria Brooks (2023): Rethinking Research Ethics in the Humanities: Principles and Recommendations. doi.org/10.34737/w36yq

Why are we here? A study of patient actions prior to emergency hospital admission

Introduction: Emergency department (ED) attendances and subsequent hospital admissions are rising in the United Kingdom. The reasons for this are unclear but may relate to recent changes in primary care and public perception. The actions taken by patients or their relatives before emergency hospital admission, the reasons for these actions and their outcome were determined. Methods: Adult patients admitted to an inner city teaching hospital with a medical or surgical illness were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were collected and analyzed regarding the actions taken before arrival at hospital, the reasons for taking these actions, their outcome and future intentions. 200 patients were interviewed. Results: Direct attendance at the ED was more common when help was sought by bystanders or persons known only slightly to the patient (p = 0.03). 57 patients (28.5%) attended the ED directly, 45 of whom dialled 999 for an emergency ambulance. Most patients who attended the ED directly did so as a result of the perceived severity or urgency of their condition and there was incomplete awareness of the out-of-hours GP service. Conclusion: The majority of adult patients who are admitted to hospital with an acute illness seek professional help from primary care in the first instance. Those who attend the ED generally perceive their problem as more urgent or severe, or have an ambulance called on their behalf. The shift towards ED care appears partly driven by changes in general practice and unfamiliarity with the new arrangements for out-of-hours primary care provision

Safety coaching: a literature review of coaching in high hazard industries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the research literature on safety coaching, with a particularly focus towards work in safety critical environments such as oil and gas, manufacturing and driving. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was undertaken of existing research, specifically in high-hazard industries, to assess whether safety coaching could be applied in the offshore oil and gas industry. Findings – The paper suggests that coaching may offer some potential in helping support learning, behaviour change and is consistent with feedback and development approaches used in behavioural-based safety. Research limitations/implications – Further research would be needed to test the value of coaching to this new environment. Practical implications – The paper informs practice on the development of coach training for safety coaching offshore. Originality/value – The paper offers a new understanding of the potential of safety coaching in a new area of practice

Effectiveness of linking vegetable farmers to formal markets in Lagos State, Nigeria

The study assessed how smallholder vegetable farmers are linked to formal markets in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study specifically described the socioeconomic characteristics of the smallholder vegetable farmers, ascertained perceived benefits from the linkage and constraints in linking smallholder vegetable farmers to formal markets. A random sampling technique was used to sample 120 vegetable farmers from Agbowa and Epe clusters. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results revealed that smallholder vegetable farmers were relatively young with mean age of 41.5 years, mean household size was 4 persons and they mainly sourced information from friends and fellow farmers. The findings also revealed that the smallholder vegetable farmers had strong linkage with input suppliers (x̅ = 2.50), International Fertilizer Development Center (x̅ = 2.33), World Vegetable Center (x̅ = 1.51) and Center for Inclusive Agriculture and Gender Development (x̅ = 1.46). Exposure to production technologies and specialized training (x̅ = 4.69) were the most perceived benefits from the linkage. Level of linkage with farmers and other actors was constrained by lack of basic infrastructure (x̅ = 2.50) and inadequate credit facilities (x̅ = 2.06). The study also found a significant correlation between household size and level of linkages. The linkages arising from the arrangement had no doubt exposed the farmers to production technologies and market information. Extension agencies and relevant non-governmental organisations are implored to offer specific trainings to vegetable farmers on value addition to enhance their participation in the formal markets

Taking ownership of safety. What are the active ingredients of safety coaching and how do they impact safety outcomes in critical offshore working environments?

Safety coaching interventions have become a common feature in the safety critical offshore working environments of the North Sea. Whilst the beneficial impact of coaching as an organizational tool has been evidenced, there remains a question specifically over the use of safety coaching and its impact on behavioural change and producing safe working practices. A series of 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups of experts in the offshore industry: safety coaches, offshore managers and HSE directors. Using a thematic analysis approach, several significant themes were identified across the three expert groups including connecting with and creating safety ownership in the individual, personal significance and humanisation, ingraining safety and assessing and measuring a safety coach's competence. Results suggest clear utility of safety coaching when applied by safety coaches with appropriate coach training and understanding of safety issues in an offshore environment. The current work has found that the use of safety coaching in the safety critical offshore oil and gas industry is a powerful tool in managing and promoting a culture of safety and care

The polarization of the planet-hosting WASP-18 system

We report observations of the linear polarization of the WASP-18 system, which harbors a very massive ( approx 10 M_J) planet orbiting very close to its star with an orbital period of 0.94 days. We find the WASP-18 system is polarized at about 200 parts-per-million (ppm), likely from the interstellar medium predominantly, with no strong evidence for phase dependent modulation from reflected light from the planet. We set an upper limit of 40 ppm (99% confidence level) on the amplitude of a reflected polarized light planetary signal. We compare the results with models for a number of processes that may produce polarized light in a planetary system to determine if we can rule out any phenomena with this limit. Models of reflected light from thick clouds can approach or exceed this limit, but such clouds are unlikely at the high temperature of the WASP-18b atmosphere. Additionally, we model the expected polarization resulting from the transit of the planet across the star and find this has an amplitude of about 1.6 ppm, which is well below our detection limits. We also model the polarization due to the tidal distortion of the star by the massive planet and find this is also too small to be measured currently.Comment: 23 pages, 10 Figures, 6 Tables, Accepted to A

The Sleeping Monster: NuSTAR observations of SGR 1806-20, 11 years after the Giant Flare

We report the analysis of 5 NuSTAR observations of SGR 1806-20 spread over a year from April 2015 to April 2016, more than 11 years following its Giant Flare (GF) of 2004. The source spin frequency during the NuSTAR observations follows a linear trend with a frequency derivative $\dot{\nu}=(-1.25\pm0.03)\times10^{-12}$ Hz s$^{-1}$, implying a surface dipole equatorial magnetic field $B\approx7.7\times10^{14}$ G. Thus, SGR 1806-20 has finally returned to its historical minimum torque level measured between 1993 and 1998. The source showed strong timing noise for at least 12 years starting in 2000, with $\dot{\nu}$ increasing one order of magnitude between 2005 and 2011, following its 2004 major bursting episode and GF. SGR 1806-20 has not shown strong transient activity since 2009 and we do not find short bursts in the NuSTAR data. The pulse profile is complex with a pulsed fraction of $\sim8\%$ with no indication of energy dependence. The NuSTAR spectra are well fit with an absorbed blackbody, $kT=0.62\pm0.06$ keV, plus a power-law, $\Gamma=1.33\pm0.03$. We find no evidence for variability among the 5 observations, indicating that SGR 1806-20 has reached a persistent and potentially its quiescent X-ray flux level after its 2004 major bursting episode. Extrapolating the NuSTAR model to lower energies, we find that the 0.5-10 keV flux decay follows an exponential form with a characteristic timescale $\tau=543\pm75$ days. Interestingly, the NuSTAR flux in this energy range is a factor of $\sim2$ weaker than the long-term average measured between 1993 and 2003, a behavior also exhibited in SGR $1900+14$. We discuss our findings in the context of the magnetar model.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in Ap