Influencing Greater Adoption of Eco-Driving Practices Using an Associative Graphical Display

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Potvin-Bernal ◽  
B. Hansma ◽  
B. Donmez ◽  
P. Lockwood ◽  
L. H. Shu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Graphical Display ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Use Phase ◽  
Educational Campaigns ◽  
Dial Gauge

Abstract Substantial energy savings during the use phase of internal combustion and electric automobiles can be achieved by increasing eco-driving behavior, particularly reduced acceleration and braking. However, motivating widespread adoption of this behavior is challenging due to incompatibility with drivers’ values and priorities, and disassociation between drivers’ actions and observable consequences. Informational approaches, e.g., training programs and educational campaigns, are either difficult to scale up or largely ineffective, with drivers reluctant to make long-term changes. Alternatively, behavior can be influenced by redesigning the context within which the behavior occurs. Such an intervention must be effective across demographics and underlying behaviors to achieve ubiquity. The current study investigates the perceived effect on the driving style of a simple graphical dashboard display depicting an animated coffee cup. This display incorporates associative mental models and contextual relevance to increase the salience of inefficient vehicle movements and nudge drivers to adopt smoother driving. An online Amazon Mechanical Turk survey (92 participants) revealed a significant preference for the coffee-cup over a dial-gauge display when controlling for demographic variables. This result offers a preliminary indication that a behavioral nudge may be effective in influencing drivers to adopt eco-driving practices.

Promoting Energy-Efficient Driving Using Associative Graphical Displays: Can a Cup of Coffee Encourage You to Drive More Smoothly?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Potvin-Bernal ◽  
L. H. Shu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Driving Style ◽  
Use Phase ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Abstract Substantial energy savings during the use phase of internal-combustion and electric automobiles can be achieved by increasing eco-driving behavior, particularly reduced acceleration and braking. However, motivating widespread adoption of this behavior is challenging, with obstacles including incompatibility with drivers’ values and priorities, and disassociation between drivers’ actions and observable consequences. Efforts focused on informational approaches, e.g., training programs and educational campaigns, are both difficult to scale up and largely ineffective, with drivers reluctant to make long-term changes. Alternatively, behavior can be influenced by redesigning the context within which the behavior occurs. Such an intervention must be effective across demographics and underlying behaviors to achieve ubiquity. The current study investigates the perceived effect on driving style of a simple graphical dashboard display depicting an animated coffee cup. This display incorporates associative mental models and contextual relevance to increase the salience of inefficient vehicle movements and nudge drivers to adopt a smoother driving style. An online Amazon-Mechanical-Turk survey with 92 participants revealed a significant preference for the coffee cup over two other displays when controlling for demographic variables. This result offers preliminary evidence suggesting that greater success at promoting eco-driving may be achieved by using a behavioral nudge.

From Start-Up to Scale-Up

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilles Duruflé ◽  
Thomas Hellmann ◽  
Karen Wilson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
The United States ◽  
Smart Money ◽  
Start Up ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Creation

This chapter examines the challenge for entrepreneurial companies of going beyond the start-up phase and growing into large successful companies. We examine the long-term financing of these so-called scale-up companies, focusing on the United States, Europe, and Canada. The chapter first provides a conceptual framework for understanding the challenges of financing scale-ups. It emphasizes the need for investors with deep pockets, for smart money, for investor networks, and for patient money. It then shows some data about the various aspects of financing scale-ups in the United States, Europe, and Canada, showing how Europe and Canada are lagging behind the US relatively more at the scale-up than the start-up stage. Finally, the chapter raises the question of long-term public policies for supporting the creation of a better scale-up environment.

scholarly journals Adopt, adapt, or abandon technology-supported person-centred care initiatives: healthcare providers’ beliefs matter

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Dyb ◽  
Gro Rosvold Berntsen ◽  
Lisbeth Kvam
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Technology Support ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Background Technology support and person-centred care are the new mantra for healthcare programmes in Western societies. While few argue with the overarching philosophy of person-centred care or the potential of information technologies, there is less agreement on how to make them a reality in everyday clinical practice. In this paper, we investigate how individual healthcare providers at four innovation arenas in Scandinavia experienced the implementation of technology-supported person-centred care for people with long-term care needs by using the new analytical framework nonadoption, abandonment, and challenges to the scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) of health and care technologies. We also discuss the usability and sensitivity of the NASSS framework for those seeking to plan, implement, and evaluate technology-supported healthcare programmes. This study is part of an interdisciplinary research and development project called Patients and Professionals in Partnership (2016–2020). It originates at one of ten work packages in this project. Method The main data consist of ethnographic field observations at the four innovation arenas and 29 interviews with involved healthcare providers. To ensure continuous updates and status on work in the four innovation arenas, we have also participated in a total of six annual network meetings arranged by the project. Results While the NASSS framework is very useful for identifying and communicating challenges with the adoption and spread of technology-supported person-centred care initiatives, we found it less sensitive towards capturing the dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for care transformation that we found among the healthcare providers in our study. When it comes to technology-supported person-centred care, the point of no return has passed for the involved healthcare providers. To them, it is already a definite part of the future of healthcare services. How to overcome barriers and obstacles is pragmatically approached. Conclusion Increased knowledge about healthcare providers and their visions as potential assets for care transformation might be critical for those seeking to plan, implement, and evaluate technology-supported healthcare programmes.

scholarly journals Energy Efficient Lighting Design Criteria: Cost-Effective Solutions in an Industrial Environment

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank J. Agraz ◽  
John Maneri
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lighting Design ◽  
Design Criteria ◽  
Lighting System ◽  
Light Levels

The continual rising cost of energy, existing outdated lighting technology, and inefficient lighting designs have given property owners the opportunity to improve their facilities by retrofitting their existing luminaires with an energy efficient lighting system. A lighting retrofit uses the existing electrical infrastructure to replace, relocate, or convert existing luminaires with the latest generation of cost-effective components. New lighting technology has emerged within the last 6 years that generates energy savings of 40% to 50% while maintaining existing light levels. These upgraded and field-tested solutions lower energy consumption, generate a healthy financial return on investment, and can improve both the quality and quantity of light in the task area. As with any other solution, a cost-effective lighting system must be designed and engineered carefully to accommodate the needs of each work space. Simply installing a new lamp into an existing luminaire will not necessarily guarantee substantial energy savings or an improved lighting environment. In any space that uses electric lighting, the lighting designer must evaluate potential solutions for energy consumption, maintenance concerns, delivered light levels, hostile environments, and the overall economic impact of installing and long-term operation of the new system. In this paper, the author will discuss energy efficient lighting design criteria and how a lighting designer properly engineers a retrofit project to deliver energy savings without sacrificing light levels. The discussion includes a summary of both traditional and emerging technologies, and the long-term impact on energy consumption, maintenance, return on investment, lighting quality, and delivered light levels. Paper published with permission.

scholarly journals Sustainable Construction by Means of Improved Material Selection Process

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koorosh Gharehbaghi ◽  
Maged Georgy
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Material Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Construction Operation ◽  
Selection Factors ◽  
Strength And Durability ◽  
Operation Cost ◽  
Selection Of

Whilst sustainable construction relates to both a building’s structure and the use of proper life cycle processes, the selection of the most appropriate material/s is deemed a considerable undertaking. Throughout a building’s lifecycle that extends from design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, until demolition, the selection of sustainable material/s is a particularly crucial task for the development and establishment of such structures. Traditionally, there are three main materials for general construction: (1) Steel, (2) Concrete and (3) Timber. These materials not only influence the function within the structure, but also affect the operation cost and energy usage. Operation cost reduction and energy savings are typically elements of the sustainable construction sphere. However, in developing countries, there is a variety of highly critical factors, which can impact material selection as well as the long-term sustainability of the structure, including: Fire Performance, Environmental Impact, Structural Performance (strength and durability), and Functioning Capabilities. Accordingly, this paper will first compare the sustainability of these three key materials and then converse with appropriate processes for material selection. Attention will be given to the sustainable construction recompense associated with the different material selection factors. Doing so ensures a more sustainable built environment by means of an improved material selection process.

scholarly journals Modelling to inform the COVID-19 response in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine A Ferguson ◽  
Eric Brum ◽  
Anir Chowdhury ◽  
Shayan Chowdhury ◽  
Mikolaj Kundegorski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Up ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Potential Outcomes ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Seir Model ◽  
Death Data ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

AbstractBackgroundNon-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) used to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission vary in their feasibility, appropriateness and effectiveness in different contexts. In Bangladesh a national lockdown implemented after the first detected case in early March 2020 rapidly exacerbated poverty and was considered untenable long-term, whilst surging cases in 2021 warrant renewed NPIs. We examine potential outcomes and costs of NPIs considered appropriate and feasible to deploy in Dhaka over the course of the pandemic including challenges of compliance and scale up.MethodsWe developed an SEIR model for application to Dhaka District, parameterised from literature values and calibrated to death data from Bangladesh. We discussed scenarios and parameterizations with policymakers using an interactive app, to guide modelling of lockdown and post-lockdown measures considered feasible to deliver; symptoms-based household quarantining and compulsory mask-wearing. We examined how testing capacity affects case detection and compared deaths, hospitalisations relative to capacity, working days lost from illness and NPI compliance, and cost-effectiveness.ResultsLockdowns alone were predicted to delay the first epidemic peak but were unable to prevent overwhelming of the health service and were extremely costly. Predicted impacts of post-lockdown interventions depended on their reach within communities and levels of compliance: symptoms-based household quarantining alone was unable to prevent hospitalisations exceeding capacity whilst mask-wearing could prevent overwhelming health services and be cost-effective given masks of high filtration efficiency. The modelled combination of these measures was most effective at preventing excess hospitalizations for both medium and high filtration efficiency masks. Even at maximum testing capacity, confirmed cases far underestimate total cases, with saturation limiting reliability for assessing trends. Recalibration to surging cases in 2021 suggests limited immunity from previous infections and the need to re-sensitize communities to increase mask wearing.ConclusionsMasks and symptoms-based household quarantining act synergistically to prevent transmission, and are cost-effective in mitigating impacts. Our interactive app was valuable in supporting decision-making in Bangladesh, where mask-wearing was mandated early, and community teams have been deployed to support household quarantining across Dhaka. This combination of measures likely contributed to averting the worst impacts of a public health disaster as predicted under an unmitigated epidemic, but delivering an effective response at scale has been challenging. Moreover, lack of protection to the B.1.351 variant means messaging to improve mask-wearing is urgently needed in response to surging cases.

scholarly journals Argentine Registry of neurological manifestations due to coronavirus-19 (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Bendersky ◽  
Lucas Alessandro ◽  
Franco Appiani ◽  
Brenda Borrego Guerrero ◽  
Patricia Cairola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
Cns Involvement ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Cerebrovascular Complications ◽  
Guillain Barré ◽  
Neurological Pathology ◽  
Degree Of Severity

COVID-19 disease has spread around the world since December 2019. Neurological symptoms are part of its clinical spectrum. Objective: To know the neurological manifestations in patients infected by COVID-19 in Argentina. Methods: Multicenter study conducted in adults, from May 2020 to January 2021, with confirmed COVID-19 and neurological symptoms. Demographic variables, existence of systemic or neurological comorbidities, the form of onset of the infection, alteration in complementary studies and the degree of severity of neurological symptoms were recorded. Results: 817 patients from all over the country were included, 52% male, mean age 38 years, most of them without comorbidities or previous neurological pathology. The first symptom of the infection was neurological in 56.2% of the cases, predominantly headache (69%), then anosmia / ageusia (66%). Myalgias (52%), allodynia / hyperalgesia (18%), and asthenia (6%) were also reported. 3.2% showed diffuse CNS involvement such as encephalopathy or seizures. 1.7% had cerebrovascular complications. Sleep disorders were observed in 3.2%. 6 patients were reported with Guillain Barre (GBS), peripheral neuropathy (3.4%), tongue paresthesia (0.6%), hearing loss (0.4%), plexopathy (0.3%). The severity of neurological symptoms was correlated with age and the existence of comorbidities. Conclusions: Our results, similar to those of other countries, show two types of neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19: some potentially disabling or fatal such as GBS or encephalitis, and others less devastating, but more frequent such as headache or anosmia that demand increasingly long-term care.

Defining Ideal External Female Genital Anatomy Via Crowdsourcing Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianfranco Frojo ◽  
Aurora M Kareh ◽  
Kenneth X Probst ◽  
Jeffrey D Rector ◽  
Christina M Plikaitis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rank Order ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Labia Minora ◽  
Labia Majora ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Factor Modeling ◽  
Aesthetic Characteristics ◽  
Clitoral Hood

Abstract Background Despite existing anthropometric data in the literature regarding the variation of female external genital anatomy, the ideal aesthetic characteristics have yet to be defined. Objectives Authors used crowdsourcing in order to better evaluate preferred anatomic characteristics of external female genitalia. Methods Fifty-six total images were digitally created by altering the proportions of the labia minora, labia majora, and clitoral hood. Images with differing ratios were presented in pairs to Amazon Mechanical Turk (Seattle, WA, USA) raters. Three different experiments were performed with each varying two of the three image characteristics to permit two factor modeling. The Bradley-Terry-Luce model was applied to the pairwise comparisons ratings to create a rank order for each image. Preferences for each anatomic variable were compared using chi-squared tests. Results A total of 5000 raters participated. Experiment 1 compared differing widths of the labia majora and labia minora and determined a significant preference for larger labia majora width and mid-range labia minora width (p=0.007). Experiment 2 compared labia minora width versus clitoral hood length and showed a statistically significant preference for wider majoras (p<.001), but no significant preference in clitoral hood length (p=0.54). Experiment 3 compared clitoral hood length versus labia minora width and showed a statistically significant preference for mid-range labia minora widths (p<.001) but no significant preference in clitoral hood length (p=0.78). Conclusions Raters preferred a labia majora to labia minora width ratio of 3:1 with minimal preference in clitoral hood length.

Long-Term Outcomes in Pockets of Effectiveness

2020 ◽  
pp. 187-201
Author(s):  
Erin Metz McDonnell
Keyword(s):  
Scale Up ◽  
The State ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Organizational Reform ◽  
Future Outcomes

This chapter describes what happened to the positive cases in this study over the longer term. By examining the outcomes observed in the selected cases, the chapter sheds some speculative light on whether the bureaucratic ethos can survive the departure of the niche founder, and sketches a range of possible outcomes for whether niches can scale up or possibly even diffuse more broadly. However, because the cases studied so far in this work have been selected instead of being randomly sampled, they cannot definitively show what will happen or even what is likely to happen as pockets of effectiveness within the state mature. They do however, sketch a range of future outcomes that are possible, laying a foundation for future research to analyze the conditions under which particular long-term outcomes do or do not emerge. The cases collectively illuminate some of the promise and pitfalls of interstitiality as a force for organizational reform more broadly throughout the state.

scholarly journals The Mediterranean Diet in the Stroke Belt: A Cross-sectional Study on Adherence and Perceived Knowledge, Barriers, and Benefits (P18-066-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Greene ◽  
Caroline Knight ◽  
Olivia Jackson ◽  
Imran Rahman ◽  
Donna Burnett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Funding Program ◽  
The Us ◽  
Knowledge Barriers ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Stroke Belt

Abstract Objectives The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recommended by the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, yet little is known about the diet in the US, particularly in areas of high chronic disease. Thus, we investigated MD adherence and perceived benefits and barriers to consumption of the MD in the US Stroke Belt. Methods A survey containing 44 validated MD knowledge, barriers, and benefits (KBB) questions, a validated 14-question MD adherence screener, 7 questions based on the Precaution Adoption Model (stages of change), and 7 demographic/anthropometric questions was distributed systematically to US residents using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Responses from the Stroke Belt (SB; n = 304), California (CA; n = 489), and all other US states (OtherUS; n = 439) were obtained. The CA group served as the reference group. A linear model was used to assess KBB question scores in the groups (Model 1), adjusted for sex and age (Model 2), and all other demographic variables (Model 3). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the differences in total MD adherence scores between the groups adjusted for all covariates. Simple logistic regression for having heard of the MD with demographic variables was examined. Statistical analyses were conducted in R v3.5.2. Results Barriers on MD knowledge, convenience, sensory factors, and health and familiarity with the MD diet were significantly greater in the SB group, but not the OtherUS group, in all models (P < 0.05). Weight loss was found to be a significantly greater benefit in the SB group in all models (P < 0.05). For each point increase in MD adherence, a reduction in 0.32 and 0.48 points (P < 0.05) was observed in the SB and otherUS groups, respectively. In the full cohort, the odds for participants having heard of the MD prior to taking the survey significantly increased 12.50 times (95%CI, 2.56–226) for 65–74 year olds. The odds were also significantly increased (OR 1.68; 95%CI, 1.13–2.47 and OR 2.47; 95%CI, 1.45–4.32) for those with Bachelor's and Master's or professional degrees, respectively, while no significant differences were found with sex or race. Conclusions Our results identify key barriers and benefits of the MD in the SB which can inform targeted MD intervention studies. Funding Sources USDA Hatch Funding Program (MWG) and Haggard Family Annual Award in Nutrition and Dietetics (OJ).

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