Now showing items 1-20 of 7992

    • Healthcare professionals' responses to complaints: a qualitative interview study with patients, carers and healthcare professionals using the Theoretical Domains Framework and COM-B model

      Antonopoulou, Vivi; Schenk, Paulina M.; McKinlay, Alison; Chadwick, Paul; Meyer, Carly; Gibson, Beckie; Sniehotta, Falko F.; Lorencatto, Fabiana; Vlaev, Ivo; Chater, Angel M.; et al. (Wiley, 2024-12-08)
      Patient complaints in healthcare settings can provide feedback for monitoring and improving healthcare services. Behavioural responses to complaints (e.g., talking or apologising to a patient) can influence the trajectory of a complaint for instance, whether a complaint is escalated or not. We aimed to explore healthcare professional (HCP) and service user (patient and carer) views on complaints' management and the perceived factors influencing responses to complaints within a healthcare setting by applying behavioural frameworks. A qualitative study was conducted using online or phone-based interviews with eleven HCPs and seven patients or carers. All participants (N = 18) had experience responding to or submitting a formal complaint in secondary and tertiary public healthcare settings in the United Kingdom. The interviews were structured using the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) Model. We analysed the transcripts using inductive thematic analysis. Then, themes were deductively mapped onto the COM-B Model and the more granular Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Ten themes were generated from the analysis representing the influences on HCPs' responses to complaints from HCP and patient/carer perspectives. This included (with TDF/COM-B in brackets): 'Knowledge of complaint procedure' (Knowledge/Capability), 'Training and level of skill in complaints handling' (Skills/Capability), 'Regulation of emotions associated with complaints' (Behavioural regulation/Capability), 'Confidence in handling complaints' (Beliefs about capabilities/Motivation), 'Beliefs about the value of complaints' (Beliefs about consequences/Motivation) and 'Organisational culture regarding complaints' (Social influences/Opportunity). Staff highlighted strong support systems and open discussions as part of positive organisational cultures regarding complaints (Social influences/Opportunity), and a lack of certainty around when to treat issues raised by patients as a formal complaint or informal feedback (Knowledge/Capability). Our study findings highlight the importance of strong support systems and organisational openness to patient feedback. These findings can be used to design targeted interventions to support more effective responses and enhance patient-centred approaches to complaints management in healthcare settings. Patient and public involvement (PPI) was integral in this research. The NIHR PRU in Behavioural and Social Sciences had a dedicated PPI strategy group consisting of six external representatives from the patient and public community (Newcastle University, 2024). These six PPI members actively participated in shaping the research by reviewing and providing feedback on all questionnaire items before the data collection. They were actively involved in supporting participant recruitment by advertising this study on their PPI platform, The VoiceR,1 and through their online social networks. During the analysis stages of the research, preliminary findings were discussed with the PPI group to support 'sense checking' and interpretation of the results.
    • Smart City lane detection for autonomous vehicle

      Dawam, Edward Swarlat; Feng, Xiaohua; University of Bedfordshire (IEEE, 2020-11-11)
      One of AI branch, Computer Vision-based recognition systems is necessary for security in Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Traffic sign recognition systems are popularly used in AVs because it ensures driver safety and decrease vehicles accidents on roads. However, the inability of AVs to accurately detect road signs and pedestrian behaviour has led to road crashes and even death in recent times. Additionally, as cities become smarter, the traditional traffic signs dataset will change considerably, as theGoogle, 2020se vehicles and city infrastructure introduce modern facilities into their operation. In this paper, we introduce a computer vision based road surface marking recognition system to serve as an added layer of data source from which AVs will make decisions. We trained our detector using YOLOv3 running in the cloud to detect 25 classes of Road surface markings using over 25,000 images. The results of our experiment demonstrate a robust performance in terms of the accuracy and speed of detection. The results of which will consolidate the traffic sign recognition system, thereby ensuring more reliability and safety in AVs decision making. New algorithm using Deep Learning technology in Artificial intelligence (AI) application is implemented and tested successfully.
    • Exergy analysis of isochoric and isobaric Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage

      Barbour, Edward R.; Oliveira Junior, Maury Martins; Cardenas, Bruno; Pottie, Daniel L.F.; ; Loughborough University; University of Birmingham; University of Nottingham; University of Bedfordshire (IET, 2024-12-06)
      Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (ACAES) is an energy storage technology that has the potential to play an important role in the transition to a predominantly renewables-driven net-zero energy system. However, it has not yet achieved the performance necessary to be widely deployed. In this paper, we undertake an exergy analysis of isobaric and isochoric ACAES systems, tracking lost work through the components and exploring the influences of different design choices. We model three different configurations: (1) 3 compression and 3 expansion stages; (2) 4 compression and 2 expansion stages; (3) 2 compression and 4 expansion stages. Our results illustrate that isobaric systems are likely to have higher round trip efficiency and significantly higher energy density, at the cost of achieving isobaric storage. Exergy analysis reveals that most of the losses arise in the compressors, compressor aftercoolers and expanders. Losses in aftercoolers are exaggerated when compressors operate with high pressure ratios, emphasizing that choice of TES is a key system variable. With pressurised water as the coolant and TES fluid, it seems likely that the best system will have more compression than expansion stages. Increasing the number of compression stages decreases the off-design penalty when the system is isochoric.
    • AI and forensics security with cloud, networks impact on education

      Feng, Xiaohua; University of Bedfordshire (2024-09-09)
      Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated significant potential to revolutionize higher education, prompting a need for strategic guidance on leveraging their benefits while addressing associated challenges [1]. This paper reaches into the critical role of cloud computing in enabling the smooth integration and sustainable transformation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through LLMs. By examining the mutually beneficial relationship between LLMs and cloud technologies, this paper highlights how the cloud empowers HEIs to utilize the full potential of LLMs, overcoming challenges related to scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The paper presents a comprehensive framework for the strategic integration of LLMs and cloud computing within HEIs, addressing key considerations such as data privacy, security, interoperability, and ethical governance. Through a systematic review of case studies and best practices, the paper offers actionable insights and recommendations for HEIs to navigate the
    • SecureCloud: a cross-platform encrypted file sharing solution with forensic imaging capability

      Muthupandian, Arunpaul; Artemi, Mahmoud; Feng, Xiaohua; Conrad, Marc; University of Bedfordshire (Springer, 2024-12-06)
      In this age of AI dominating the digital panorama, the way we deal with, and procedure records has grown to be a sensitive circumstance. As individuals’ percentage sensitive non-public information and files over the net, a veil of uncertainty shrouds the adventure of those files, leaving us brooding about how inclined the device is to ability misused with the aid of malicious actors. This uncertainty extends to the protection of facts saved on our devices and how securely online provider companies manipulate our documents. Amid these issues, enterprise giants like Apple and Microsoft have taken proactive steps to deal with this issue. Notably, Apple, a brand recognised for its trustworthiness and successful products, has launched the latest marketing campaign squarely centred on improving privacy. Acknowledging the evolving panorama, they've committed to bolstering the security features of their gadgets. Yet, this begs the question of how different platforms are responding to privacy and security-demanding si
    • Empowering HEIs through LLMs and cloud computing: strategies for seamless integration and sustainable transformation

      Idris, Mohamed Diab; Feng, Xiaohua; Dyo, Vladimir; University of Bedfordshire; Royal Holloway, University of London (2024-09-10)
      Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated significant potential to revolutionize higher education, prompting a need for strategic guidance on leveraging their benefits while addressing associated challenges [1]. This paper reaches into the critical role of cloud computing in enabling the smooth integration and sustainable transformation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through LLMs. By examining the mutually beneficial relationship between LLMs and cloud technologies, this paper highlights how the cloud empowers HEIs to utilize the full potential of LLMs, overcoming challenges related to scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The paper presents a comprehensive framework for the strategic integration of LLMs and cloud computing within HEIs, addressing key considerations such as data privacy, security, interoperability, and ethical governance. Through a systematic review of case studies and best practices, the paper offers actionable insights and recommendations for HEIs to navigate the
    • Trustworthiness in the patient centred health care system

      Liu, Enjie; Feng, Xiaohua; University of Bedfordshire (Springer Nature, 2014-06-27)
      The trend of the future health care system is patient centred, and patients’ involvement is a key to success. ICT will play an important role in enabling and helping patients or citizens to manage and communicate on the individual’s health related issues. This includes private and confidential information. Trustworthiness is therefore one of the most vital aspects in such systems. This paper first presents the prototype structure of the health care system, and then discusses questions regarding the trustworthiness of the system.
    • IoT based secure smart healthcare solutions - edge intelligence case study on Medical Internet of Things security

      Feng, Xiaohua; University of Bedfordshire (Elsevier, 2022-06-27)
      MIoT (Medical Internet of Things) systems produced many of sensing data in the world. Consequently, there is a demand of scientific research in this field. Edge intelligence fit in this trends, as one of the developing cutting-edge technology. A systematic approach had been applied on the health informatics edge intelligence devices’ investigation. The observing and recording action that occurs in the process of this research to date had been satisfed. This work had been reported here. The analyzing of the case study data was carried out. Eventually, some results have been summarized based on the investigation. Furthermore, a solution is proposed for the kind of medical edge intelligence device data cyber security problem-solving. Edge intelligence was defined as “the devices available at the edge layer have some limited amount of computing resource which can be utilized and incorporated with machine learning or AI (Artificial intelligence) algorithms to perform RT (real time) data analytics”.
    • A computing education challenge on information retrieval impact and pedagogic research

      Feng, Xiaohua; University of Bedfordshire (2023-11-01)
      This approach had been crossed subject area, involved with PG and UG students at CSEE of HEI, School of Art, private companies, NHS, and so on; including Copilot, Canvas, ChatGPT, Midjourney, DiscoDisuffsion, Med-PaLM, Bard etc. on Information Retrieval. As an updated generalised Information Retrieval experient, most of the work were emphases on information data effective collection and security storage effectively. We were focused on the positive impact on UK HEI Education and Pedagogic Research. Further development will be on data analysis and shown the updated results. Furthermore, to suggest a Teaching & Learing strategy, and suggestion to serve both HEI and the non-HEI users in our society in the world
    • Traffic light detection and recognition in autonomous vehicles

      Dawam, Edward Swarlat; Feng, Xiaohua; University of Bedfordshire (IEEE, 2022-09-15)
      Traffic Light Detection and Recognition for Autonomous Vehicles Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) face the challenge of recognising active traffic lights under harsh environmental conditions. Standard cameras and computer vision algorithms also face the same challenge. In this paper, we built a small-scale system to mitigate this challenge. First, we developed a light controller and a dataset builder script. The light controller and dataset builder script were then used to build a dataset of traffic lights with different lights activated. Bounding boxes were annotated on the traffic light dataset using dlib's imglab software. The dataset uses the HOG with Linear SVM object detector. An RGB histogram approach is adopted to train a logistic regression model on the feature vector data to recognise which light is "on" among the training images. Finally, a robot control script is developed and tested. The script uses both the object detector and colour recogniser for its detection and recognition. Our results show 89% acc
    • Supporting health and social care students stay and stay well: a conceptual framework for implementing integrated care into higher education

      Grant, Louise; Bostock, Lisa; Reid, C.; Ali, Nasreen; Factor, Fiona (2024-12-03)
      Integrated care demands a workforce that is confident, capable and compassionate. This is dependent on a willingness to work inter-professionally and understand the roles, standards and values of other professional groups. However, there are few examples of integrated care initiatives within higher education that aim to build the knowledge and skills required to support effective integrated, people-centred care. While satisfying, working in the helping professions is emotionally challenging and for students’ these challenges are often underestimated. Some students struggle through their studies with many failing to complete and others drop out in the early years of their careers. Understanding what supports students to thrive in their professional roles is essential to retention of a highly skilled integrated workforce. To address this challenge, this paper outlines a conceptual framework designed to promote a pedagogical environment focused on creating the conditions for integrated working. The framework is
    • Creating stable futures: improving outcomes for trafficked children

      Hynes, Patricia; Connolly, Helen; Durán, Laura; Matar, Elias; Durr, Patricia; Haydon, Pandora; Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre and AHRC; Sheffield Hallam University; University of Bedfordshire; ECPAT UK (Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre, 2022-10-25)
      This report outlines a 12-month participatory research study into understanding how to ensure protection, support and positive outcomes for children and young people who have arrived in the UK and have experienced modern slavery or human trafficking. The report centres around the voices and expertise of unaccompanied young asylum seekers and refugees in the UK with experiences of child trafficking. It focuses on the outcomes of protection, participation, integration and empowerment and has the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at its heart. The research was undertaken by the University of Bedfordshire, University of Sheffield Hallam and ECPAT UK. It was commissioned by the Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
    • Attachment insecurity, bullying victimisation in the workplace, and the experience of burnout

      Sochos, Antigonos; Rossiter, Louise; University of Wolverhampton; University of Bedfordshire (Elsevier, 2024-11-30)
      Introduction Although burnout is perhaps the most frequently reported work-related correlate of attachment insecurity, the role of mitigating variables in that link is less well researched. Objective The paper investigates the mediational role of workplace bullying and perceived social support in the link between attachment insecurity and burnout. It was hypothesised that insecurely attached employees would develop burnout via three pathways: (a) by becoming the victims of workplace bullying, (b) by perceiving relatively low support from managers and colleagues due to their attachment insecurity, and (c) by perceiving lower support from managers and colleagues due to them having been bullied. Method Two hundred and twenty-two employees from various completed the following questionnaires: Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire – Revised, Revised Negative Acts Questionnaire, Social Support Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey. Results SEM analysis suggested that the two models tested had
    • Video-conferencing speaking tests: an investigation of context validity related to test administration

      Inoue, Chihiro; Nakatsuhara, Fumiyo; Berry, V.; Galaczi, Evelina D. (Cambridge University Press and Assessment, 2024-10-31)
      Face-to-face speaking assessment provides the benefit of eliciting a broad interactional construct, but at the cost of being logistically complex, resource-intensive and difficult to manage. Advances in video-conferencing (VC) technology now make it possible to engage in online interaction more successfully than previously, thus reducing dependence upon physical proximity between the examiner-interlocutor and the candidate(s). It is therefore not surprising that such technology is seen as a valuable assessment tool in geographically remote and politically unstable areas of the world, or indeed in contexts affected by the social distancing required during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. However, the administrative conditions under which the test takes place, one of the key contextual parameters of the VC-delivered test, , is often overlooked, despite its potentially significant influence on candidates’ performance and therefore overall test validity (Weir 2005). In this chapter, we report on investigations into
    • Successful co-production can help tackle inequalities in maternal health outcomes [Opinion]

      Puthussery, Shuby; ; University of Bedfordshire (BMJ, 2024-09-13)
      The experience from this project in an ethnically diverse socially disadvantaged community in England showed the power of co-production in fostering inclusivity, engagement, shared understanding and a fair balance of power while developing solutions to tackle maternal health inequalities. While co-production approaches are helpful in ensuring that women from ethnically diverse and socially disadvantaged backgrounds have a voice in their care to maximise positive health outcomes for themselves and their babies, the project demonstrated that the success of the approach depends on a number of factors both in the underlying ethos and the methodology.
    • Professionals’ perspectives on barriers for timely antenatal care for ethnic minority women in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands

      Puthussery, Shuby; Verstraeten, A; Ilozumba, Onaedo; ; University of Bedfordshire; Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; University of Birmingham (Oxford University Press, 2024-10-28)
      Background Antenatal care (ANC) is important to promote health and well-being of women and babies. Women from ethnic minority backgrounds are likely to start ANC later and to attend fewer appointments than recommended compared to white women. These women and their babies are more likely to experience negative health outcomes. This study explored the perspectives of maternity care professionals on barriers for timely ANC initiation for ethnic minority women in the UK (UK) and The Netherlands. Methods We conducted qualitative semi structured in-depth interviews with 19 healthcare professionals (eight and eleven from the UK and The Netherlands respectively) including nurses, midwives, general practitioners and obstetricians. All interviews were conducted virtually on Teams or Zoom and were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach using ATLAS.ti version 9 software. Results Maternity care professionals in the UK and The Netherlands perceived more or less similar barriers for ethnic minority women for timely ANC initiation. As reflected in the accounts, these barriers operated at individual and health system levels, and included negative interactions with antenatal care providers, women’s and community’s lack of trust in the health system, differences in spoken language between women and professionals, cultural differences, role of family and wider networks, and difficulties in reaching care. Perceived measures to facilitate access included skill development of healthcare professionals; educating women and building awareness in the community about how to navigate the healthcare system; integration of preventative psychosocial care into maternity services and continuity of care. Conclusions Similarity in perceived barriers and mitigation measures indicated the potential for developing and implementing targeted cross-country interventions to facilitate timely ANC initiation for ethnic minority women in high-income European countries. Key messages • Maternity care professionals in the UK and The Netherlands perceived similar barriers for ethnic minority women for timely ANC initiation. • There is potential for developing targeted cross-country programmes and services to support mothers from ethnic minority backgrounds to start antenatal care on time.
    • Stakeholder perspectives on supplemental milk for infants under six months with growth faltering

      Puthussery, Shuby; Tseng, Pei-Ching; Okeke, C; Gavine, Anna; McFadden, Alison; University of Bedfordshire; University of Dundee (Oxford University Press, 2024-10-28)
      Background Growth faltering is a significant public health issue among infants aged <6 months (m). Supplemental milk is commonly used for infants with growth faltering, with variations in type and duration. We synthesized qualitative evidence on stakeholder perspectives about equity, feasibility, and acceptability of the type and duration of supplemental milk for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of six electronic databases in addition to manual searches to identify all qualitative studies published during January 2000-June 2022. Identified articles were screened in two stages against an inclusion criteria with titles and abstract screened first followed by full-text screening. Included studies were quality appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. The primary outcome was equity, feasibility, and acceptability of various supplemental milk for infants <6mwith growth faltering. Results Eighteen studies, reporting perspectives of mothers, fathers, grandmothers and healthcare providers were included. Studies were conducted in North America (9), Africa (5) and Asia (3) and South Australia (1). Donor human milk (DHM) (13) and infant formula(9) were the main supplementary milk reported followed by cow/goat milk (2). Key sub-themes derived were: education/awareness, socio-economic status (SES), race and religion, practicality, availability of resources, sustainability, cost, affective attitude, perceived effectiveness and ethicality. Maternal/caregiver SES was a key sub-theme across all three supplemental milk feeds, acting either as a barrier or facilitator for uptake. Conclusions DHM and infant formula were the most commonly reported supplemental feed for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Maternal/care giver factors were perceived as key to ensure equity, feasibility, and acceptability with respect to type and duration of supplemental milk for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Key messages • Stakeholders perceived donor human milk and infant formula as main supplemental milk for infants aged <6 months with growth faltering. • Maternal/care giver factors are key to ensure equity, feasibility, and acceptability of supplemental milk for infants aged <6 months with growth faltering.
    • Pain displays in childbirth: how first-stage contractions are interactionally managed in midwife-led births

      Jackson, Clare; Weatherall, Ann; Land, Victoria; University of York; University of Bedfordshire; Loughborough University (Taylor & Francis, 2024-11-26)
      Birthing is an exemplary setting for investigating how non-pathological painful sensations are intersubjectively established. Contractions are integral to giving birth and are physiologically normal events that can range from mild to intensely painful sensations. This conversation analytic study is the first to examine how first-stage labour contractions are made recognisable and shape interaction between labouring women, birth partners and attending clinicians. Drawing on recordings from two UK midwife-led units, we show how participants convey and recognise contraction pain through breathiness, pain cries, (limited) talk, and visible bodily actions. Contractions can be prospectively announced and/or retrospectively noticed. We demonstrate that breathing patterns become central to how participants collectively orient to and manage contractions, with the onset of pain temporarily suspending ongoing activities in favour of breath work. Data are in British English.
    • A qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators in deceased organ donation process among transplant coordinators in India

      Vincent, Britzer Paul; Randhawa, Gurch; Cook, Erica Jane; University of Bedfordshire (Nature, 2024-11-20)
      Although India's organ donation rate is less than 1 per million population, significant disparities exist between the regions and centres within the country, leading to varying consent rates among different organ donation centres. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the experience of transplant coordinators and their barriers and facilitators in the deceased organ donation process across various organ donation centres in India. A phenomenological study using interviews was conducted among fourteen transplant coordinators purposefully recruited from public and private organ donation centres in India, with experience between six years and more than a decade. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed using framework analysis. Five themes were identified namely: (1) supportive management policies, (2) infrastructure for the deceased organ donation process, (3) delays in the processing time, (4) active involvement in the identification process, and (5) explaining the concept of brain death. The study id
    • Developing care experienced young peoples’ participation as peer researchers in an inter-disciplinary study: applying the ‘Ability-Motivation-Opportunity’ framework

      Lynch, Amy; Friel, Seana; Munro, Emily; Sultana, Mariam; Hamilton, CJ; Kerridge, Gary; Oswick, Rosie; Mitchell, Tia Pillay; Alderson, Hayley; Harrop, Carrie; et al. (Routledge, 2024-11-20)
      There is a growing trend towards the use of participatory methods, within health and social care research and an increase in the inclusion of Peer Researchers in leaving care studies internationally. Whilst multiple benefits have been identified, they are not automatic and consideration also needs to be given to the complexities involved and how challenges might be mitigated. This paper focuses on the participation of care-experienced young people as Peer Researchers in an inter-disciplinary study examining how to sustain, scale and spread innovation to support young people’s transitions from care. It shares learning from a nested action research study that was co-developed to explore and support Peer Researchers’ contribution to and participation in the wider study. Key learning from the qualitative survey and focus groups centred on the discovery and application of the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (‘A-M-O’) theoretical framework [Applebaum, E., Bailey, T., Berg, P., & Kalleberg, A. L. (2000). Manufacturin