Blowing policy bubbles: rethinking emissions targets and low-carbon energy policies in the UK

The issue of proportionality is central to climate policy debates about setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the development of low-carbon energy. In effect, these debates centre on whether the perceived social costs outweigh the benefits of policies and, if not, whether this may lead to over-investment or ‘policy bubbles’. Political attention, agenda setting and policy image are all crucial drivers of ambitious policy formation, as seen in the case of the United Kingdom's (UK) Climate Change Act (2008). However, as political salience waned and economic depression dragged on, the cost of long-term climate targets have been reconsidered. Based on documentary analysis and 33 interviews with central political actors, this article presents a detailed account of how economic arguments have been used to reinterpret and challenge policies, using the heuristics of ‘over-investment’ and ‘policy bubbles’. Ultimately, arguments about proportionality hinge on which costs and benefits are considered. In the UK, economic and technical framings are typically prioritised, but they do not explain contradictory and politically motivated policy decisions. We discuss these dynamics within the context of maturing renewable energy technologies, high energy prices and the UK's cross-party consensus approach to climate politics

Is Fragmentation of the UK Construction Industry the Main Barrier to Innovation? The Architects' View

There is much concern about the lack of innovation in the UK construction industry in comparison with other industries. According to the UK innovation surveys commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the construction industry lags behind other UK sectors in innovation. This paper reports on past and recent literature on innovation, in particular, it provides a follow up to the study of Bowley (1966) into the resistance to change in the British Building Industry. Primary research in the form of a questionnaire was carried out in conjunction with secondary research. In total, 29 architects were surveyed and analysis of the results suggests that the ‘attitude’ of the construction industry and the ‘risk’ of the new innovation were perceived to be the main barriers to innovation, more so than the ‘fragmentation’ of the industry. The perceived main driver of integration does not instantly stand out as a solution to removing these barriers

Forces of Grace

Forces of Grace Nov. 12-13 | 8 p.m. Marietta Dance Theater Join us for an evening of contemporary and classical choreography highlighting the diverse artistic voices that make KSU Dance a leader in undergraduate education in the Southeast. This concert features four original dance works, including two works by KSU Dance Faculty members Andrea Knowlton and Artistic Director, Lisa K. Lock. Audiences will also be treated to works by Ido Gidron, former dancer with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company II and the Batsheva Ensemble, and Heath Gill of Terminus Modern Ballet Theater.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/danceprograms/1000/thumbnail.jp

A social identity analysis of technological innovation in an action sport: judging elite half-pipe snowboarding

Research question: We explore how facets of the group identity shared by elite half-pipe snowboarding constituents (i.e., judges, athletes, and coaches) shape attitudes towards a proposed technological innovation to the existing judging process. Research methods: Forty-nine Elite Half-Pipe Snowboarding (EHPS) constituents (Coaches, Athletes, and Judges) completed an open-ended questionnaire and email protocol. The sample included participants from 19 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America; all of which participated, coached, or judged in Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) or Olympic EHPS competitions. Results and discussion: Participants valued the freedom, individuality, and performance progression the current subjective judging protocol endorses. However, performance progression and changes to the half-pipe have created an increasingly difficult judging task. Participant attitudes toward the proposed innovation varied based on whether it was used to compute athlete final scores or to assist judges with their decision making. Positive attitudes stemmed from the technological innovation providing support to judges, while retaining the flexibility of the existing performance assessment process. Negative attitudes emerged due to perceptions the innovation would inhibit athlete freedom, creativity, and individuality. Implications: Sport managers need to pay close attention to the identity shared by constituents prior to implementing innovation processes. Doing so provides a basis to apply new technological innovations in alignment with the values and beliefs of importance to constituents

Scaling graphs of heart rate time series in athletes demonstrate the VLF, LF and HF regions

Scaling analysis of heart rate time series has emerged as an useful tool for assessment of autonomic cardiac control. We investigate the heart rate time series of ten athletes (five males and five females), by applying detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). High resolution ECGs are recorded under standardized resting conditions over 30 minutes and subsequently heart rate time series are extracted and artefacts filtered. We find three distinct regions of scale-invariance, which correspond to the well-known VLF, LF, and HF bands in the power spectra of heart rate variability. The scaling exponents alpha are alphaHF: 1.15 [0.96-1.22], alphaLF: 0.68 [0.57-0.84], alphaVLF: 0.83[0.82-0.99]; p<10^-5). In conclusion, DFA scaling exponents of heart rate time series should be fitted to the VLF, LF, and HF ranges, respectively

High power thyristors with 5 kV blocking voltage. Volume 1: Development of high-voltage-thyristors (4.5 kV) with good dynamic properties

Using neutron irradiated silicon with considerably lower spread in resistivity as compared to conventionally doped silicon it was possible to produce power thyristors with breakdown voltages between 3.5 kV and 5.5 kV. The thyristor pellets have a diameter of 50 mm. Maximum average on-state currents of 600 to 800 A can be reached with these elements. The dynamic properties of the thryistors could be improved to allow standard applications up to maximum repetitive voltages of 4.5 kV

Factors that contribute to midwives staying in midwifery: A study in one area health service in New South Wales, Australia

Objective: the Australian health workforce is experiencing workforce shortages like many other countries. Managing retention is one important element of workforce planning. Determining the drivers of retention in midwifery can assist workforce planning. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that contribute to the retention of midwives, that is, why do midwives stay? Design: a descriptive design was undertaken in two phases. Phase one used focus groups to adapt a questionnaire used in the 'Why Midwives Stay' study in England for the Australian context. Phase two used the questionnaire to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Setting: one area health service in New South Wales, Australia. Participants: 392 midwives employed in the area health service either full-time, part-time or on a casual basis were invited to participate and 209 (53%) responded. Findings: the majority of respondents were women aged 23-69 years (mean age 42 years). Just over half had received their midwifery qualification through the hospital-based system which was usual prior to 1994 reflecting the age of the cohort. The top three reasons for staying in midwifery were 'I enjoy my job', 'I am proud to be a midwife' and 'I get job satisfaction'. Job satisfaction was received when midwives felt that they made a difference to women, had positive interactions with women in their care and saw women happy. The motivation to keep going was achieved through having a positive outlook; having job satisfaction, and, having work colleagues with a sense of belonging. Implications for practice: the findings have implications for the organisation of care, models of care, and management systems. Health services and departments of health need to consider these issues especially in an environment of workforce shortages. Addressing the way care is arranged and how staff are supported may lead to higher retention rates, thus reducing costs. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd