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.

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.

Co-Design and Open Trial of Starship Rescue, a Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Biofeedback, and Game-Based eHealth Intervention to Treat Anxiety in Children and Young People with Long-Term Physical Conditions (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiran Thabrew ◽  
Karolina Stasiak ◽  
Harshali Kumar ◽  
Tarique Naseem ◽  
Christopher Frampton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Ehealth Intervention

BACKGROUND Approximately 10% to 12% of New Zealand children and young people have long-term physical conditions (also known as chronic illnesses) and are more likely to develop psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Delayed treatment leads to worse physical and mental healthcare, school absence, and poorer long-term outcomes. Recently, electronic health (eHealth) interventions, especially those based on the principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), have been shown to be as good as face-to-face therapy. Biofeedback techniques have also been shown to enhance relaxation during the treatment of anxiety. However, these modalities have rarely been combined. Young people with long-term physical conditions have expressed a preference for well-designed and technologically-based support to deal with psychological issues, especially anxiety. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to co-design and evaluate the (i) acceptability and (ii) usability of a CBT and biofeedback-based, 5-module eHealth game called ‘Starship Rescue’ and (iii) to provide preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in addressing anxiety and quality of life in young people with long-term physical conditions. METHODS Starship Rescue was co-designed with children and young people from a tertiary hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. Following this, 24 young people aged 10 to 17 years were enrolled in an open trial, during which they were asked to use the game for an 8-week period. Acceptability of the game to all participants was assessed using a brief, open-ended questionnaire, and more detailed feedback was obtained from a subset of 10 participants via semi-structured interviews. Usability was evaluated via the System Usability Scale (SUS) and device-recorded frequency and duration of access on completion of the game. Anxiety levels were measured prior to commencement, on completion of the game, and 3 months later using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and Spence Child Anxiety Scales (SCAS), and at the start of each module and at the end of the game using an embedded Likert/visual analog scale. Quality of life was measured prior to commencement and on completion of the game using the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PEDS-QL). RESULTS Users gave Starship Rescue an overall rating of 5.9 out of 10 (range 3-10 and a mean score of 71 out of 100 (SD 11.7; min 47.5; max 90) on the System Usability Scale (SUS). The mean time period for use of the game was just over 11-weeks (78.8 days, 13.5 hours, 40 minutes). Significant reductions in anxiety were noted between the start and end of the game on the GAD-7 (-4.6 (p=0.000)), SCAS (-9.6 (p=0.005)), and the Likert/visual analogue scales (-2.4 (p=0.001)). Quality of life also improved on the PedsQL scale (+4.3 (p=0.042)). All changes were sustained at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence for Starship Rescue being an acceptable, usable and effective eHealth intervention for addressing anxiety in young people with long-term physical conditions. Further evaluation is planned via a more formal randomized controlled trial. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001253493p;https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371443 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6sYB716lf)

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 The Effect of Virtual Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Jiang ◽  
Michael Rosario ◽  
Sara Stahl ◽  
Jessica M. Gill ◽  
Heather L. Rusch
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Delivery Method ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Intervention Adherence ◽  
Improve Sleep Quality

Abstract Purpose of Review We summarized peer-reviewed literature investigating the effect of virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sleep quality. We aimed to examine the following three questions: (1) do virtual MBIs improve sleep quality when compared with control groups; (2) does the effect persist long-term; and (3) is the virtual delivery method equally feasible compared to the in-person delivery method? Recent Findings Findings suggest that virtual MBIs are equivalent to evidence-based treatments, and to a limited extent, more effective than non-specific active controls at reducing some aspects of sleep disturbance. Overall, virtual MBIs are more effective at improving sleep quality than usual care controls and waitlist controls. Studies provide preliminary evidence that virtual MBIs have a long-term effect on sleep quality. Moreover, while virtual MBI attrition rates are comparable to in-person MBI attrition rates, intervention adherence may be compromised in the virtual delivery method. Summary This review highlights virtual MBIs as a potentially effective alternative to managing sleep disturbance during pandemic-related quarantine and stay-at-home periods. This is especially relevant due to barriers of accessing in-person interventions during the pandemic. Future studies are needed to explore factors that influence adherence and access to virtual MBIs, with a particular focus on diverse populations.

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.

Comparison of Energy-Saving Driving Style Strategies

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yigit Fidansoy ◽  
Sohejl Wanjani ◽  
Sebastian Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Driving Style ◽  
Advisory Systems ◽  
Train Dynamics ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
And Training

Due to the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and the climate change, the importance of energy efficiency is increasing. This importance is major especially in areas where the energy consumption is high. Rail transport depicts such an area. The highest proportion of energy consumed in the railway is the so called traction energy. This energy is required for the train run. In the timetable, allowances leave a margin for the driving style of train run. By the selective use of strategies that change the driving style, it is possible to exploit these allowances and reduce the traction energy consumption. The first objective of this study deals with the development of algorithms for energy-saving driving style. First, the necessary input variables of the algorithms based on the literature research and the formulas of train dynamics were determined. Then the algorithms were developed to create different energy-saving driving styles, resulting choose the best result which should be shown as a driving recommendation. The developed algorithms were used in an application example in order to calculate the potential of energy-savings. The example should represent the influence of the input variables for a comparison of different situations. At last the acceptance of the determined driving strategies in practice was investigated. By implementing the design thinking method it was identified that driver advisory systems and training programs are necessary to facilitate energy-saving driving in practice.

Participation in Two Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs by Adults Aging With a Long-Term Disability: Case-Control Study of Reach and Effectiveness

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (10_suppl) ◽  
pp. 39S-67S ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Eagen ◽  
Salom M. Teshale ◽  
Angelica P. Herrera-Venson ◽  
Anne Ordway ◽  
Joe Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Activity Restriction ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective: Adults aging with a long-term disability (LTD) are at an increased risk for falls. The Older Americans Act Title III-D and Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) support several organizations to deliver falls prevention evidence-based programs designed to reduce risk factors; however, little is understood about the reach and effectiveness of these fall prevention programs for those with LTD compared to those without LTD. This study compared the reach and effectiveness of two evidence-based falls prevention programs between older adults with and without LTD. Method: Using a matched case-control design, 105 LTD older adults enrolled in A Matter of Balance (AMOB) or Stepping On were matched to 315 non-LTD older adults on age, sex, race, and education. Results: On average, LTD older adults attended a higher number of class sessions and were significantly more likely to complete the program compared with the matched-sample of non-LTD older adults. LTD older adults were equally likely as non-LTD older adults to report significant reductions in self-reported fear of falling, falls-related activity restriction, and improvement in falls self-efficacy following completion of the programs. Discussion: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of these evidence-based falls prevention programs for LTD older adults; however, more research is needed to extend these findings.

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.

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