scholarly journals The hidden assumptions in public engagement: A case study of engaging on ethics in government data analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-190
Author(s):  
Emily S Rempel ◽  
Julie Barnett ◽  
Hannah Durrant
Keyword(s):  
Public Engagement ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Public Dialogue ◽  
Science Ethics ◽  
Stakeholder Interests ◽  
Government Data ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Uk

This study examines the hidden assumptions around running public-engagement exercises in government. We study an example of public engagement on the ethics of combining and analysing data in national government – often called data science ethics. We study hidden assumptions, drawing on hidden curriculum theories in education research, as it allows us to identify conscious and unconscious underlying processes related to conducting public engagement that may impact results. Through participation in the 2016 Public Dialogue for Data Science Ethics in the UK, four key themes were identified that exposed underlying publicengagement norms. First, that organizers had constructed a strong imagined public as neither overly critical nor supportive, which they used to find and engage participants. Second, that official aims of the engagement, such as including publics in developing ethical data regulations, were overshadowed by underlying meta-objectives, such as counteracting public fears. Third, that advisory group members, organizers and publics understood the term 'engagement' in varying ways, from creating interest to public inclusion. And finally, that stakeholder interests, particularly government hopes for a positive report, influenced what was written in the final report. Reflection on these underlying mechanisms, such as the development of meta-objectives that seek to benefit government and technical stakeholders rather than publics, suggests that the practice of public engagement can, in fact, shut down opportunities for meaningful public dialogue.

scholarly journals Data science ethics in government

2016 ◽  
Vol 374 (2083) ◽  
pp. 20160119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cat Drew
Keyword(s):  
Data Science ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Ethical Framework ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Science Ethics ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Government Data ◽  
The Government

Data science can offer huge opportunities for government. With the ability to process larger and more complex datasets than ever before, it can provide better insights for policymakers and make services more tailored and efficient. As with all new technologies, there is a risk that we do not take up its opportunities and miss out on its enormous potential. We want people to feel confident to innovate with data. So, over the past 18 months, the Government Data Science Partnership has taken an open, evidence-based and user-centred approach to creating an ethical framework. It is a practical document that brings all the legal guidance together in one place, and is written in the context of new data science capabilities. As part of its development, we ran a public dialogue on data science ethics, including deliberative workshops, an experimental conjoint survey and an online engagement tool. The research supported the principles set out in the framework as well as provided useful insight into how we need to communicate about data science. It found that people had a low awareness of the term ‘data science’, but that showing data science examples can increase broad support for government exploring innovative uses of data. But people's support is highly context driven. People consider acceptability on a case-by-case basis, first thinking about the overall policy goals and likely intended outcome, and then weighing up privacy and unintended consequences. The ethical framework is a crucial start, but it does not solve all the challenges it highlights, particularly as technology is creating new challenges and opportunities every day. Continued research is needed into data minimization and anonymization, robust data models, algorithmic accountability, and transparency and data security. It also has revealed the need to set out a renewed deal between the citizen and state on data, to maintain and solidify trust in how we use people's data for social good. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The ethical impact of data science’.

scholarly journals Large vapour cloud explosions, with particular reference to that at Buncefield

2012 ◽  
Vol 370 (1960) ◽  
pp. 544-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bradley ◽  
G. A. Chamberlain ◽  
D. D. Drysdale
Keyword(s):  
Land Use Planning ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Turbulent Flames ◽  
Major Incident ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Uk

This paper first briefly surveys the energy releases in some major accidents. It then examines the analyses of the explosion at the Buncefield fuel storage site in the UK, one of the most intense accidental explosions in recent times. This followed the release of approximately 300 tonnes of winter-grade gasoline, when a 15 m high storage tank was overfilled for about 40 min before ignition of the resulting flammable mixture. The ensuing explosion was of a severity that had not been identified previously in a major hazard assessment of this type of facility. It was therefore imperative to investigate the event thoroughly and develop an understanding of the underlying mechanisms to inform future prevention, mitigation and land-use planning issues. The investigation of the incident was overseen by the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board. A separate Explosion Mechanism Advisory Group examined the evidence and reported on the severity of the explosion. It concluded that additional work was necessary and recommended that a two-stage project be initiated, phase 1 of which has been completed. The analyses of the damage and the derivation of explosion over-pressures are described. Possible explosion mechanisms and the evidence for them at Buncefield are discussed, in the light of other major incidents. Mechanisms that are reviewed include high-speed turbulent combustion, quasi-detonations, fully developed detonations, the generation of fireballs, flame instabilites, radiative heat transfer and aspects of two-phase burning. Of particular importance is the acceleration of turbulent flames along the line of trees and hedgerows. A number of conclusions are drawn and suggestions made for further research.

scholarly journals Using a knowledge exchange event to assess study participants’ attitudes to research in a rapidly evolving research context

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Iona Beange ◽  
Elizabeth J. Kirkham ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson ◽  
Matthew H. Iveson ◽  
Stephen M. Lawrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Access To Data ◽  
The Uk

Background: The UK hosts some of the world’s longest-running longitudinal cohort studies, which make repeated observations of their participants and use these data to explore health outcomes. An alternative method for data collection is record linkage; the linking together of electronic health and administrative records. Applied nationally, this could provide unrivalled opportunities to follow a large number of people in perpetuity. However, public attitudes to the use of data in research are currently unclear. Here we report on an event where we collected attitudes towards recent opportunities and controversies within health data science. Methods: The event was attended by ~250 individuals (cohort members and their guests), who had been invited through the offices of their participating cohort studies. There were a series of presentations describing key research results and the audience participated in 15 multiple-choice questions using interactive voting pads. Results: Our participants showed a high level of trust in researchers (87% scoring them 4/5 or 5/5) and doctors (81%); but less trust in commercial companies (35%). They supported the idea of researchers using information from both neonatal blood spots (Guthrie spots) (97% yes) and from electronic health records (95% yes). Our respondents were willing to wear devices like a ’Fit-bit’ (88% agreed) or take a brain scan that might predict later mental illness (73%). However, they were less willing to take a new drug for research purposes (45%). They were keen to encourage others to take part in research; whether that be offering the opportunity to pregnant mothers (97% agreed) or extending invitations to their own children and grandchildren (98%). Conclusions: Our participants were broadly supportive of research access to data, albeit less supportive when commercial interests were involved. Public engagement events that facilitate two-way interactions can influence and support future research and public engagement efforts.

scholarly journals Using a knowledge exchange event to assess study participants’ attitudes to research in a rapidly evolving research context

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Iona Beange ◽  
Elizabeth J. Kirkham ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson ◽  
Matthew H. Iveson ◽  
Stephen M. Lawrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Access To Data ◽  
The Uk

Background: The UK hosts some of the world’s longest-running longitudinal cohort studies, who make repeated observations of their participants and use these data to explore health outcomes. An alternative method for data collection is record linkage; the linking together of electronic health and administrative records. Applied nationally, this could provide unrivalled opportunities to follow a large number of people in perpetuity. However, public attitudes to the use of data in research are currently unclear. Here we report on an event where we collected attitudes towards recent opportunities and controversies within health data science. Methods: The event was attended by ~250 individuals (cohort members and their guests), who had been invited through the offices of their participating cohort studies. There were a series of presentations describing key research results and the audience participated in 15 multiple-choice questions using interactive voting pads. Results: Our participants showed a high level of trust in researchers (87% scoring them 4/5 or 5/5) and doctors (81%); but less trust in commercial companies (35%). They supported the idea of researchers using information from both neonatal blood spots (Guthrie spots) (97% yes) and from electronic health records (95% yes). Our respondents were willing to wear devices like a ’Fit-bit’ (78% agreed) or take a brain scan that might predict later mental illness (73%). However, they were less willing to take a new drug for research purposes (45%). They were keen to encourage others to take part in research; whether that be offering the opportunity to pregnant mothers (97% agreed) or extending invitations to their own children and grandchildren (98%). Conclusions: Our participants were broadly supportive of research access to data, albeit less supportive when commercial interests were involved. Public engagement events that facilitate two-way interactions can influence and support future research and public engagement efforts.

scholarly journals EPEN-24. SIOP EPENDYMOMA II: CENTRAL EPENDYMOMA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY GROUP – THE UK EXPERIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii312-iii312
Author(s):  
Donald C Macarthur ◽  
Conor Mallucci ◽  
Ian Kamaly-Asl ◽  
John Goodden ◽  
Lisa C D Storer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rates ◽  
Target Volume ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Str Analysis ◽  
Oncological Treatment ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Pathological Review ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Paediatric Ependymoma is the second most common malignant brain tumour of childhood with approximately 50% of cases recurring. It has been described as a “surgical” disease since patients who have undergone a gross total surgical resection (GTR) have a better prognosis than those who have a subtotal resection (STR). Analysis of the UKCCSG/SIOP 1992 04 clinical trial has shown that only 49% of cases had a GTR, with 5-year survival rates for STR of 22–47% and GTR of 67–80%. As part of the SIOP II Ependymoma trial the UK established a panel of experts in the treatment of Ependymoma from Neuro-oncology, Neuro-radiology and Neuro-surgery. Meeting weekly, cases are discussed to provide a consensus on radiological review, ensuring central pathological review, trial stratification and whether further surgery should be advocated on any particular case. Evaluation of the first 68 UK patients has shown a GTR in 47/68 (69%) of patients and STR in 21/68 (31%) of patients. Following discussion at EMAG it was felt that 9/21 (43%) STR patients could be offered early second look surgery. Following this 2nd look surgery the number of cases with a GTR increased to 56/68 (82%). There has been a clear increase in the number of patients for whom a GTR has been achieved following discussion at EMAG and prior to them moving forwards with their oncological treatment. This can only have beneficial effects in decreasing their risk of tumour recurrence or CSF dissemination and also in reducing the target volume for radiotherapy.

scholarly journals Making sense of archaeology - Cornelius Holtorf, illustrated by Quentin Drew. Archaeology is a brand!: the meaning of archaeology in contemporary popular culture. x+184 pages, numerous illustrations. 2007. Oxford: Archaeopress; 978-1-905739-06-6 paperback £14.99. - Nicholas J. Cooper (ed.). The Archaeology of the East Midlands: An Archaeological Resource Assessment and Research Agenda (Leicester Archaeology Monograph 13). xvi+378 pages, 72 b&w & colour illustrations, 8 tables. 2006. Leicester: University of Leicester; 0-9538914-7-X paperback £19.95. - John Hunter & Ian Ralston (ed.). Archaeological Resource Management in the UK: An Introduction. Second revised edition (first published 1993). xiv+402 pages, numerous illustrations. 2006. Stroud: Sutton; 978-0-7509-2789-5 hardback £25. - R.G. Matson & Timothy A. Kohler (ed.). Tracking Ancient Footsteps: William D. Lipe's Contribution to Southwestern Prehistory and Public Archaeology. xii+188 pages, 35 illustrations, 2 tables. 2006. Pullman (WA): Washington State University Press; 978-0-87422-290-6 paperback $22.95. - Jeffrey L. Hantman & Rachel Most (ed). Managing Archaeological Data: Essays in Honor of Sylvia W. Gaines (Arizona State University Anthropological Research Paper 57). x+202 pages, 37 illustrations, 42 tables. 2006. Tempe (AZ): Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University; 978-0-936249-18-6 paperback $33.50. - Michael D. Coe. Final report: An Archaeologist Excavates His Past. 224 pages, 6 figures, 35 plates. 2006. London: Thames & Hudson; 0-500-05143-7 hardback £18.95.

Antiquity ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (312) ◽  
pp. 496-498
Author(s):  
Madeleine Hummler
Keyword(s):  
Resource Assessment ◽  
Final Report ◽  
State University ◽  
Arizona State University ◽  
Washington State University ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
East Midlands ◽  
John Hunter ◽  
The Uk

TIME SERIES MODELLING OF EPIDEMICS: LEADING INDICATORS, CONTROL GROUPS AND POLICY ASSESSMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 257 ◽  
pp. 83-100
Author(s):  
Andrew Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Leading Indicators ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Balanced Growth ◽  
Time Series Modelling ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship

This article shows how new time series models can be used to track the progress of an epidemic, forecast key variables and evaluate the effects of policies. The univariate framework of Harvey and Kattuman (2020, Harvard Data Science Review, Special Issue 1—COVID-19, https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/ozgjx0yn) is extended to model the relationship between two or more series and the role of common trends is discussed. Data on daily deaths from COVID-19 in Italy and the UK provides an example of leading indicators when there is a balanced growth. When growth is not balanced, the model can be extended by including a non-stationary component in one of the series. The viability of this model is investigated by examining the relationship between new cases and deaths in the Florida second wave of summer 2020. The balanced growth framework is then used as the basis for policy evaluation by showing how some variables can serve as control groups for a target variable. This approach is used to investigate the consequences of Sweden’s soft lockdown coronavirus policy in the spring of 2020.

scholarly journals Claims for sickness and disability benefits owing to mental disorders in the UK: trends from 1995 to 2014

BJPsych Open ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastião Viola ◽  
Joanna Moncrieff
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Disability Benefits ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Individual Support ◽  
Government Data ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundThere is international concern about the levels of sickness and disability benefits, with mental disorders known to account for a large proportion of claims.AimsTo examine trends in sickness and disability benefits awarded for mental disorders in the UK.MethodThe researchers analysed UK Government data from 1995 to 2014.ResultsMental disorders have become the most common cause of receiving benefits, with the number of claimants rising by 103% from 1995 to 1.1 million in 2014. Claimants with other conditions fell by 35%. In 2014, 47% of claims were attributed to a mental disorder. The number of long-term claimants (claiming over 5 years) with mental disorders increased by 87% from 2000 to 2011. Two-thirds of mental disorder claimants were classified as having a depressive or anxiety disorder.ConclusionsCommon mental disorders may involve greater morbidity and social costs than usually recognised. Availability of suitable employment, as well as individual support, may be necessary to reduce benefit levels.

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