scholarly journals Effective flood risk visualisation

2020 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 375-396
Author(s):  
Sarah Ellen Percival ◽  
Mark Gaterell ◽  
David Hutchinson

Abstract The effective communication of flood risk offers the opportunity to ensure communities can adapt and respond appropriately to changing local conditions. At a time of diminishing resources, such local responses, which can empower communities and make them more resilient to uncertain future flood events, are vital. The most general and accessible type of flood communication are flood risk visualisations, i.e. pre-prepared emergency flood maps. However, evidence suggests there is much we can do to improve their ability to communicate the complexities of flood risk to a range of stakeholders. This paper considers the development of flood risk visualisation approaches in the UK, presenting findings from a series of targeted workshops over twelve months, where the needs and criteria of stakeholder groups for effective flood risk visualisation were assessed via co-creative processes. Key stakeholders included local authorities, emergency responders, vulnerable homeowners, Environment Agency, business owners and, crucially, communities. These users need certain requirements to be considered in order for future flood risk visualisation to be effective, in particular simplicity, a central hub of information, different visuals available for the same data sets/problems, different maps available for different users, consistent terminology and integrated community knowledge (e.g. local flood groups/help).

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Bulley ◽  
C Meagher ◽  
T Street ◽  
A Adonis ◽  
C Peace ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Over the past 20 years Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has grown in clinical use to support walking in people with lower limb weakness or paralysis due to upper motor neuron lesions. Despite growing consensus regarding its benefits, provision across the UK and internationally is variable. This study aimed to explore stakeholder views relating to the value of a clinical guideline focusing on service provision of FES to support walking, how people might use it and what should be included. Methods A mixed methods exploration sought the views of key stakeholders. A pragmatic online survey (n = 223) focusing on the study aim was developed and distributed to the email distribution list of the UK Association for Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN). In parallel, a qualitative service evaluation and patient public involvement consultation was conducted. Two group, and seven individual interviews were conducted with: FES-users (n = 6), their family and carers (n = 3), physiotherapists (n = 4), service providers/developers (n = 2), researchers (n = 1) and distributors of FES (n = 1). Descriptive analysis of quantitative data and framework analysis of qualitative data were conducted. Results Support for clinical guideline development was clear in the qualitative interviews and the survey results. Survey respondents most strongly endorsed possible uses of the clinical guideline as ensuring best practice and supporting people seeking access to a FES service. Data analysis and synthesis provided clear areas for inclusion in the clinical guidelines, including current research evidence and consensus relating to who is most likely to benefit and optimal service provision as well as pathways to access this. Specific areas for further investigation were summarised for inclusion in the first stage of a Delphi consensus study. Conclusions Key stakeholders believe in the value of a clinical guideline that focuses on the different stages of service provision for FES to support walking. A Delphi consensus study is being planned based on the findings.


2005 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 0550003 ◽  
Author(s):  
EPHRAIM CLARK ◽  
AMRIT JUDGE

In this paper, we use survey data and data from annual reports to identify the determinants of hedging activity of United Kingdom (UK) firms in the context of an overall program of risk management. Comparing the two sets of data makes it possible to identify misclassified firms, that is, firms whose hedging claims are not consistent across the two data sets. Our results on the consistent data show that the likelihood of hedging is related to growth options, foreign currency exposure, liquidity and economies of scale in hedging costs. Contrary to many previous US studies, we also find strong evidence linking the decision to hedge and the expected costs of financial distress. Results for the misclassified firms suggest that they are actually hedgers that hedge less extensively than the correctly classified (CC) hedgers.


2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Shutes ◽  
J.B. Ellis ◽  
D.M. Revitt ◽  
L.N.L. Scholes

This paper presents the outcome of an inventory of planted wetland systems in the UK which are classified according to land use type and are all examples of sustainable drainage systems. The introduction of constructed wetlands to treat surface runoff essentially followed a 1997 Environment Agency for England and Wales report advocating the use of “soft engineered” facilities including wetlands in the context of sustainable development and Agenda 21. Subsequently published reports by the UK Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) have promoted the potential benefits to both developer and the community of adopting constructed wetlands and other vegetated systems as a sustainable drainage approach. In addition, the UK Environment Agency and Highways Agency (HA) have recently published their own design criteria and requirements for vegetative control and treatment of road runoff. A case study of the design and performance of a constructed wetland system for the treatment of road runoff is discussed. The performance of these systems will be assessed in terms of their design criteria, runoff loadings as well as vegetation and structure maintenance procedures. The differing design approaches in guidance documents published in the UK by the Environment Agency, CIRIA and HA will also be evaluated.


2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália de Moraes Rudorff ◽  
Carla Van Der Haagen Custodio Bonetti ◽  
Jarbas Bonetti Filho

This study aimed to assess benthic impacts of suspended shellfish cultures in two marine farms located in South Bay, Florianópolis (SC, Brazil). The goal was to detect changes in the benthic layer and evaluate the influence of local conditions, such as hydrodynamics and geomorphology, on the degree of impact at each site. The method included analysis of three groups of oceanographic descriptors: hydrodynamic; morpho-sedimentological (bathymetry, grain size and organic content), and ecological (foraminiferal fauna). Data sets were analyzed using geostatistical and multivariate techniques. Ecological descriptors seemed to be more effective under different environmental conditions than sedimentological variables. Those that best identified culture-related biodeposits, were: dominance of Ammonia tepida; test size; and living: total population ratio. Only slight differences were observed within and outside the culture structures. However, a greater alteration was observed at the site with weaker hydrodynamics and located in shallower depths. The conclusion is that biodeposition at studied still causes little alteration in the local benthic environment. However, local factors such as hydrodynamics and geomorphology were shown to be important in minimizing these impacts. These are criteria that should be considered in site selection programs for the development of this productive activity.


2007 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 516-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Crooks ◽  
P. S. Naden

Abstract. This paper describes the development of a semi-distributed conceptual rainfall–runoff model, originally formulated to simulate impacts of climate and land-use change on flood frequency. The model has component modules for soil moisture balance, drainage response and channel routing and is grid-based to allow direct incorporation of GIS- and Digital Terrain Model (DTM)-derived data sets into the initialisation of parameter values. Catchment runoff is derived from the aggregation of components of flow from the drainage module within each grid square and from total routed flow from all grid squares. Calibration is performed sequentially for the three modules using different objective functions for each stage. A key principle of the modelling system is the concept of nested calibration, which ensures that all flows simulated for points within a large catchment are spatially consistent. The modelling system is robust and has been applied successfully at different spatial scales to three large catchments in the UK, including comparison of observed and modelled flood frequency and flow duration curves, simulation of flows for uncalibrated catchments and identification of components of flow within a modelled hydrograph. The role of such a model in integrated catchment studies is outlined.


2022 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Coles ◽  
Giselle Garcia ◽  
Evelyn O'Malley ◽  
Cathy Turner

Events have played a significant role in the way in which the Coronavirus pandemic has been experienced and known around the world. Little is known though about how the pandemic has impacted on supporting, managing and governing events in municipal (i.e., local) authorities as key stakeholders, nor how events have featured in the opening-up of localities. This paper reports on empirical research with senior events officers for local authorities in the UK on these key knowledge gaps. Specifically, it examines events officers' unfolding experiences of the pandemic. The paper points to unpreparedness for a crisis of this scale and magnitude, and the roles of innovation, adaptation and co-production in the emergent response. It highlights the transformative nature of the pandemic through reconsiderations of the purpose of public sector involvement in events and, from a policy perspective, how relatively smaller-scale, more agile and lower-risk arts events and performances can figure in local recovery. Finally, while the effects on, and response of, the body corporate (the local authority) to crises is an obvious focus, it is important to recognise those of the individuals who manage the response and drive change.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Gladwin ◽  
C O'Higgins ◽  
S Crank ◽  
K Mizen ◽  
J Philip

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered healthcare provision in primary and secondary care settings in the UK due to significant resources being prioritised for coronavirus care. Services have been affected at all levels of the referral ladder due to reductions and in some cases complete cancellation of face-to-face care. Throughout the pandemic the OMFS unit observed increasing numbers of patients with later stage oral malignant disease, therefore significantly more invasive surgical intervention, and reconstruction, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Method This retrospective review collated data of all OMFS patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas requiring surgical intervention between the 23rd March and the 31st December 2019 compared with the same time period in 2020. Data collected included age, sex, time from referral to both 1st appointment and treatment, TNM staging, types of neck dissection and reconstruction, length of stay in hospital and any adjunctive treatment required. Results On comparison of the data sets, the 2020 cohort of patients had an overall later TNM staging result, with an increasing requirement for radical neck dissections and postoperative adjunctive treatment such as chemo/radiotherapy. The study found that on average, patients experienced a shorter waiting time from referral to initial assessment and commencement of treatment during the pandemic when compared to the previous year. Conclusions Overall, less patients were referred into hospital during period of the pandemic, however patients seen were diagnosed with significantly more advanced disease, this is likely attributed to reduced primary care services and delayed presentation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Prost

This article proposes a localised and differentiated understanding of food democracy, or rather a plurality of localised food democracies. Based on the experiences of developing a local food hub in an area of socio-economic deprivation in the UK using a participatory action research (PAR) approach, it presents local responses to three key challenges derived from the literature. It argues that for civic food networks (CFNs) to contribute to a transition towards a food democracy, they need to address challenges of: 1) balancing ethical aspirations for environmental sustainability, social justice, as well as community and individual health; 2) developing the skills required for participation in CFNs; and 3) achieving wider impact on food system transformation beyond niche solutions. The responses, or tactics, presented in this article include flexible ethical standards responding to community needs, accessible participation focusing on relationships rather than skills, and a focus on local impact while striving to collaborate and network with other organisations. It thus frames food democracy as a plurality of approaches to build and replicate CFNs. The article positions PAR with its democratic and localised approach to address real-world problems as uniquely suited to navigate the challenges of CFNs. It also discusses the role of researchers in initiating, facilitating, and shaping such processes of food system democratisation as engaged actors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Furniss

Since 2000, design practice in the UK has changed dramatically. Boundaries between design disciplines have dissolved, and many contemporary design studios now defy classification. These studios are reconfiguring the design landscape, yet a uni-disciplinary structure still dominates undergraduate education. This is creating a disconnection between practice and education and posing critical questions for the current design education system. This article outlines the findings of a PhD research study exploring this disconnection, and although situated within the UK, the findings have international relevance. An initial scoping exercise draws on interviews with leading commentators from the UK design sector, examining the evolution of design practice over the past 10 years, and possible future directions for undergraduate education. Findings highlight that UK policy for creative education has placed undergraduate design courses in potential crisis. Arguably, the current university system for design education is outdated. It is now necessary to redefine the skills and processes twenty-first-century designers need. The body of the research is situated within five internationally renowned creative studios which defy classification. In-depth ethnographic studies cross-analyse the creative processes of these studios and their views on education. Findings identify key components of each studio’s processes, while also exploring studio members’ educational experiences, and reflections on future implications for pedagogy. This article argues that this growing disconnect between practice and education calls for existing pedagogic models to be challenged, proposes alternative approaches and highlights the need for policymakers, practitioners and educators to work together to best prepare young designers to meet today’s challenges.


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