BU Research Blog

25 April 2019

What Web Science Tells Us About the Unethical Future of Games

We would like to invite you to the next research seminar for the Centre for Games and Music Technology Research.

Title: What Web Science Tells Us About the Unethical Future of Games
Speaker: Dr. David Millard
University of Southampton

Date: Wednesday 1 May 2019

Time: 2:00PM-3:00PM

Room: Create LT (Fusion Building)

Abstract:

Web Science is the study of the web as a social technical system. It enables us to understand how digital technology has led to many of the significant challenges faced by our society today (such as mass surveillance, fake news, and the rise of popularism). I have worked for more than a decade on these questions, and recently have started to ask what Web Science might have to say about my other area of research: interactive narratives, particularly locative and mixed reality storytelling. I have been forced to acknowledge that these technologies are also ripe for subversion, and that we are already seeing the first signs of how problematic they may become. In this presentation I will explain the history of Web Science, look at examples of what it tells us about the uses and abuses of digital technology, and consider some of the challenges that lie ahead for locative and mixed reality systems in the unethical future of games.

We hope to see you there!

15 April 2019

Improving Nurse Retention Conference 2019-July 1st!

conferences, innovation, NHS, Public engagement scollard

This conference will explore the outcomes of collaborative research (Bournemouth University and Royal Bournemouth Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) focused on improving nurse retention. This two-year project led by Dr Janet Scammell from HSS and funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing will conclude this summer. The project dissemination conference will provide an opportunity to explore our findings, as well as enable participants to share practice through participation in workshops focused on authentic leadership and valuing staff, supporting staff health and wellbeing and staff development. There will also be a small exhibition.

This conference will take place at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus from 10am-3pm on July 1^st 2019.

This is free to attend and a buffet lunch will be provided.

Please register now as space is limited!

Registration via Eventbrite :

https://nurseretention2019.eventbrite.co.uk

2 April 2019

Congratulations to Prof. Parker on his latest publication

Publishing, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

Congratulations to Sociology Prof. Jonathan Parker on the publication of his book review of Society of Fear. This book is written by Jessica Spengler & Heinz Bude and published by Polity Press. The book review is published by the international journal Sociological Research Online (published by SAGE).

Books are major tools of the trade in the social sciences, not just in the discipline of sociology. Book reviews give social scientists an insight in one particular book in the wide array of books published in one’s research domain. Book reviews are a bit of a rarity in online journals, but Sociological Research Online has been publishing book review since its inception 24 years ago.

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

CMMPH & Book Review Editor Sociological Research Online

1 April 2019

Call for Early Career Researchers to attend a workshop in Brazil on Ecosystem-based management of estuaries and coasts to support coastal adaptation

Awarded & submitted bids, international lesteves

A call is open for Early Career Researchers (researchers within 10 years of completing their PhDs) with an interest in the sustainable management of coasts and estuaries to attend a workshop in Brazil aiming to promote research collaborations between the UK and Brazil. The workshop is coordinated by Dr Luciana Esteves in collaboration with Dr Alex Bastos from the Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo and will be held in Vitoria, 25-28 June 2019. All travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Newton Researcher Links programme. More details and the application form can be accessed here. The completed application form should be submitted before the deadline on 14th April 2019. The successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2019.

Coastal and estuarine ecosystems worldwide are under pressure from population growth, environmental degradation and climate change impacts. It is now widely known that a healthy natural environment is crucial to social welfare and the world’s economy. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) has emerged as an integrated approach for the sustainable management of the trade-offs between socioeconomic development and nature conservation. EBM requires a transdisciplinary understanding of the natural system, nature-human interactions, and how they change through time. Academic research can help gaining this knowledge, which is crucial to inform policies and practical applications. The workshop will bring together researchers from Brazil and the UK from the social and natural sciences and practitioners to create the required combination of expertise to co-construct, advance and share knowledge to support estuarine and coastal EBM. Through inclusive and participatory activities and a field visit, the workshop will promote an in-depth discussion of how EBM can help reduce habitat loss, environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources; thus enabling social and economic development.

Activities will include a mix of scientific and technical discussions to stimulate capacity building opportunities through mentorship and sharing of experiences and knowledge. The workshop will focus on: identifying skills and knowledge required to enable research on EBM; the dissemination of good practice for the development of collaborative research (including equity and diversity in multicultural teams); and sharing information concerning funding opportunities. A key objective is to create long-lasting cross-sector (government-research) and UK-Brazil collaboration that facilitates research impact on policy and decision-making (i.e. to improve environmental health in estuaries and coasts and related economy). It is envisaged that participants, mentors and coordinators will identify opportunities for visiting fellowships, co-supervision and mobility of postgraduate students and stimulate the creation of research collaborations.

This workshop is supported by a Researcher Links grant [ID 2018-RLWK10-10723], under the Newton-CONFAP partnership. The grant is funded by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and FAPES (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Espírito Santo) and delivered by the British Council.

31 March 2019

International evening at BU 24th April

conferences, Delicious links, international, Public engagement Edwin van Teijlingen

Dorset Global Health Network: Tech for Good:

The Dorset Global Health Network would like to invite you to an exciting session with two great guest speakers Andrew Moore and Waheed Arian on Wednesday 24 April on the 3rd Floor, Bournemouth University’s Executive Business Centre, 19.00 – 21:00 proceeded by a Light Buffet Dinner at 18:30.

Guest speakers:

Mr Andrew Moore from 3 Sided Cube is a Bournemouth based app and digital product company passionate about using Tech for Good on a global scale. Andrew will be telling us about their exciting and award winning work, including the worlds first blood donation tracking app.

&

Dr Waheed Arian from Arial Teleheal, a pioneering telemedicine charity, providing advice to doctors in war zones and low income countries. Hear Waheed’s inspirational personal journey from living in a refugee camp to being recognised as UNESCO Global Hero 2017 and winner of Rotary International Peace Award 2018.

Book your space at: https://bit.ly/2Nn0JJR

The Dorset Global Health Network is a forum for anyone interested in global health to meet, exchange ideas and experience.

This event has been organised by the Dorset Primary Care Workforce Centre (PCWC) in collaboration with Wessex Global Health Network.

28 March 2019

FREE Public Engagement Training for Environmental Researchers

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement Adam Morris

Do you work as an environmental researcher, policy advisor, or in a nature conservation role? Do you engage with members of the public or stakeholders about the environment? Are you keen to reach new audiences or discover new ways to engage with citizens on important and complex environmental issues?

DEFRA has funded an innovative programme of citizen engagement across England to improve understanding of what people value in the environment and their priorities for it.

As part of the Citizen Engagement on the Environment project, they are offering the opportunity to take part in training by public engagement professionals to develop innovative and powerful ways to engage the public in dialogue about the environment.

This training is fully subsidised, although you will have to cover travel.

Opportunity 1: Bristol: 1-3 May 2019; Applications before 4 April 2019
Opportunity 2: Liverpool: 7-9 May 2019; Applications before 11 April 2019
Opportunity 3: Plymouth: end of August; Applications will open in June 2019

Find out more and apply

21 March 2019

FM Food and Health research team awarded the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Seal of Excellence

Fusion themes Natalia Lavrushkina

The Food and Health research team in the Faculty of Management are delighted that their research into encouraging consumption of plant based dishes has been recognised by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions ‘Seal of Excellence’.

Their research VeggiEAT and Veg+ has led the way to providing an evidence based body of activity of which VegMAX was part. Plant based eating leads to a large net economic gain for society, as well as improved health outcomes for the population.

We are thrilled and proud with this recognition.

19 March 2019

PCCC thought leadership underpins Government report on Digital Competition

jdknott

Dr. Sevil Yesiloglu, from the Promotional Cultures & Communication Centre (PCCC), formed part of the Digital Competition Expert Panel established by Phillip Hammond, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

As a contributor of the Panel, she examined the impact of the emergence of small number of big players in digital markets such as social media, e-commerce, search and online advertising and opportunities to enhance competition. This document makes valuable recommendations for changes to the UK’s competition framework.

Dr. Yesiloglu said “with the rise of digital economy, to understand the opportunities and challenges is crucial to strengthen the competition that can drive innovation and create great opportunities for start sups as well as big digital firms”. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/digital-competition-expert-panel

8 March 2019

Student Volunteers needed

Business Engagement, HEIF, innovation, Public engagement, Student Engagement mbudka

Our team has organised a bespoke AR deployment in the form of an app written specifically for the Etches Collection at Kimmeridge https://www.theetchescollection.org/ to be launched for the Easter School holidays. It is an app for kids and families visiting the museum and runs on iPads that visitors’ loan on entry. It combines quizzes/activities with AR dinosaurs and fossils (modern equivalent of kids with clip boards and paper quizzes you often see at museums).

We are looking for students who could help us collect feedback from visitors at Etches Collection between 8-21^st of April. We are looking for someone who could come to the museum for 2 hours per day for couple of days approaching visitors, collecting feedback, taking some photos. We would like to find out how visitors find the experience with the app overall, how relevant it was etc.

As a token of our appreciation, the Volunteers will receive Amazon vouchers.

For more details, please contact:
Dominika Budka
dbudka@bournemouth.ac.uk

26 February 2019

As if 15 years of oil price volatility was not enough… energy markets now need to deal with Brexit

Rachel Bowen

The next in our series of Fusion inaugural lectures will take place on Tuesday 26 March in the Executive Business Centre on Lansdowne campus. Professor George Filis from the Faculty of Management will be speaking.

During the course of this inaugural lecture, Professor George Filis will present recent developments relating to energy markets (with particular focus on the oil market). This will include some of the potential drivers behind the increase in oil price volatility over the last 15 years. Professor Filis will also look at the political economy of the oil market, with particular emphasis on the current status of the “petrodollar system”, the developments in Venezuela and whether Brexit could signal the onset of another turbulent period for the oil market.

Professor George Filis is a specialist in energy and financial economics. Currently, he is working towards the development of new modelling frameworks for forecasting energy prices. In particular, he looks at the predictive information of different asset classes on oil prices and oil price volatility. Professor Filis has also served as a consultant for the US Energy Information Administration and the Bank of Greece.

You can book your free tickets here.

25 February 2019

BU contributes to International Conference in India.

Centre for Excellence in Learning, international, Publishing, Training, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

This past weekend saw BU Visiting Professor Padam Simkhada, who is a Professor of International Public Health in the Public Health Institute at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), delivering the keynote speech in an International Conference on Mixed-Methods Research (ICMMR 2019). His presentation at the conference, held at the Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala (India), was held on Saturday. The next day (Sunday 24th February) the two Bournemouth University academics Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen and facilitated a session on academic publishing under the heading “Meet the editors” via Skype. Over 200 delegates from 10 countries, mainly from India and other South Asian countries participated in the conference.

BU focuses its global collaborations on three geographical areas, one of these is the Indian sub-continent. Connect India is BU’s strategic Hub of Practice for the Indian sub-continent, bringing together a community of researchers, educators, practitioners and students to collaborate with colleagues in India and Nepal.

15 February 2019

Descent or dissent? Social work education in post-Brexit UK

Centre for Excellence in Learning, international, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

Congratulations to Prof. Jonathan Parker on the publication of his article ‘Descent or dissent? A future of social work education in the UK post-Brexit‘ in the European Journal of Social Work. In true European style the journal also gives the title in Italian: Discesa o dissenso? Il futuro dell’istruzione nel settore dei servizi sociali nel Regno Unito dopo la Brexit.

13 February 2019

Audio-Visual-Olfactory Resource Allocation for Tri-modal Virtual Environments

djohn

We would like to invite you to the next research seminar for the Centre for Games and Music Technology Research.

Title: Audio-Visual-Olfactory Resource Allocation for Tri-modal Virtual Environments

Speaker: Dr Carlo Harvey

Birmingham City University

Time: 2:00PM-3:00PM

Date: Wednesday 27 February 2019

Room: TAG02 (Tolpuddle Annex)

Abstract:

Virtual Environments (VEs) provide the opportunity to simulate a wide range of applications, from training to entertainment, in a safe and controlled manner. For applications which require realistic representations of real world environments, the VEs need to provide multiple, physically accurate sensory stimuli. However, simulating all the senses that comprise the human sensory system (HSS) is a task that requires significant computational resources. Since it is intractable to deliver all senses at the highest quality, we propose a resource distribution scheme in order to achieve an optimal perceptual experience within the given computational budgets. This talk investigates resource balancing for multi-modal scenarios composed of aural, visual and olfactory stimuli. Three experimental studies were conducted. The first experiment identified perceptual boundaries for olfactory computation. In the second experiment, participants (N = 25) were asked, across a fixed number of budgets (M = 5), to identify what they perceived to be the best visual, acoustic and olfactory stimulus quality for a given computational budget. Results demonstrate that participants tend to prioritise visual quality compared to other sensory stimuli. However, as the budget size is increased, users prefer a balanced distribution of resources with an increased preference for having smell impulses in the VE. Based on the collected data, a quality prediction model is

proposed and its accuracy is validated against previously unused budgets and an untested scenario in a third and final experiment.

We hope to see you there!

11 February 2019

Winning Strategic Partnership in Accountancy

Awarded & submitted bids, BRIAN, Fusion, Fusion themes, Industry collaboration, innovation, international, Knowledge Exchange palexander

An Erasmus+ funded Strategic Partnership, in which Bournemouth University collaborated, has been classified as a “Good Practice Example” by the European Union. Further, the three-year project, International Learning Platform for Accountancy (ILPA), was nominated for the Special Education Award by the Austrian National Agency.

ILPA created a unique, innovative and comprehensive learning platform that has already been widely disseminated across Europe. The learning platform has been integrated into the curricula of many accounting units and all its teaching materials are available on the e-learning platform “OLAT” at the University of Innsbruck.

This well-established partnership continues to thrive and promote international education and collaborative scientific research in accountancy. Dr Phyllis Alexander of BU’s Business School now leads the 12 European Partners in the Erasmus+ funded Project, Developing Innovative Pedagogy for Complex Accounting Topics (DIPCAT). The first Intensive Study Programme (ISP) of DIPCAT will be held at Bournemouth University in September, this year.

BU will be host to 70+ students and 25+ academics from Europe and the United States for the 5-day ISP. The students will engage in the testing and development of four complex, integrated case studies: (1) international taxation, (2) financial reporting of financial instruments, (3) digitalization of audit, and (4) corporate social responsibility and tax avoidance. The case studies are being developed by accounting academics and qualified professionals to encompass some of the most complex issues facing the accounting profession today. By engaging with these case studies, students will be better prepared for the many challenges found within today’s global marketplace.

To learn of about ILPA or DIPCAT, please visit their linked homepages or contact Dr Alexander directly at palexander@bournemouth.ac.uk.

1 February 2019

My Science – what the committee may investigate

carters

The Science and Technology Committee heard suggestions for areas of inquiry that could be undertaken by the committee. Below are the ideas that were pitched to the Committee for further investigation. (more…)

21 January 2019

Reflections on doing interdisciplinary research

Centre for Excellence in Learning, international, Knowledge Transfer, open access, Public engagement, Publishing, REF Subjects, Research assessment, Research Integritiy, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

Conducting interdisciplinary or even transdisciplinary research has become more to the fore in many academic fields. As a result of the steady rise of multidisciplinary research It has been made more explicit in REF 2021 [1]. For example, REF 2021 UoA 2 Public Health, Health Services & Primary Care “recognises the breadth and diverse range of single, multidisciplinary and/or multi-professional research across public health, health services and primary care”, whilst UoA22 Anthropology & Development Studies states that its submissions “can be multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary and may combine social science with other disciplines”.

However, doing multidisciplinary research is not without its problems (and barriers). In a paper accepted today we reflect on some of these issues [2]. The co-authors are Bournemouth University’s Dr. Pramod Regmi, Dr. Nirmal Ayral and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen, and BU Visiting Professor Padam Simkhada (Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University) and BU graduate Dr. Pratik Adhikary (Green Tara Nepal). We all are Public Health researchers, with very different educational backgrounds and training, reflecting the diversity of and interdisciplinarity in the field. Several of us have a first degree in Education or Health Education, but one has a first degree in Sociology. Whilst four of the five authors have Master degree in Public Health and/or Health Promotion, two have a Master in Education. Most of us have a Ph.D. in Public Health, but again one of us has a Ph.D. in Sociology. Our paper ‘Interdisciplinary Research in Public Health: Not quite straightforward’ has been accepted by the journal Health Prospect [2]. The advantage of this journal, which is part of the NepJOL family is that it is Open Access and hence freely available for anybody working in Public Health across the globe.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health (CMMPH)

Reference:

REF 2021 (2018) Consultation on the draft panel criteria and working methods https://www.ref.ac.uk/media/1013/consultation-on-the-draft-panel-criteria-and-working-methods-ref-2018_02.pdf
van Teijlingen, E., Regmi, P.R., Adhikary, P., Aryal, N., Simkhada, P. (2019) Interdisciplinary Research in Public Health: Not quite straightforward, Health Prospect (forthcoming)

20 January 2019

BU’s Fusion Inaugural Lecture Series: free event explores how monkey and ape behaviours are shaped by the environment and human activity

Public engagement Rachel Bowen

The next in a series of free lectures from Bournemouth University (BU) will take place at Bournemouth Natural Science Society on 24 January. BU’s Fusion Inaugural Lecture Series provides an opportunity for professors from across all faculties at the university to share their research and its impact on society.

In this lecture, Professor Amanda Korstjens, a behavioural ecologist, will be sharing insights into a career that has taken her all over the world as she explores the effects of environment, human activity and climate change on primates.

“Deforestation, human encroachment on land and climate change are all causing wide-scale disturbances in tropical forests which are resulting in changes to the carbon cycle as well as putting forest-dependent species at risk of extinction,” explains Professor Korstjens, “My research looks at the implications of such changes on a large scale, with a particular focus on Africa.”

“I also supervise a number of PhD students in locations such as Indonesia, where they are carrying out similar studies on a more detailed scale. They have looked at how different primates and elephants use the forest and how they respond to changes in their natural habitat. For example, if humans cut down hard wood trees which are preferred by siamangs, gibbons and Thomas’s langurs, how does this affect their chances of survival? If a species is reliant on a very specific kind of environment, then they’re likely to be disproportionately affected.”

The data gathered through these research projects is then fed through to local organisations that are able to influence the ways in which forests and national parks are managed. Without the underpinning research, these organisations would not have the evidence they need to make changes to conservation practices.

“During my inaugural lecture, I will be discussing my international research and its implications for practice. I will be drawing on examples from my career as a whole – from where I first started to the present day,” says Professor Korstjens.

The lecture will take place on Thursday 24 January 2019 at Bournemouth Natural Science Society. Doors will open at 6:30pm, with the lecture beginning at 7pm. Free tickets can be booked here.

20 January 2019

Migrant workers & mental health in Nepal

international, Publishing, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

Congratulations to Dr. Nirmal Aryal and Dr. Pramod Regmi in BU’s Faculty of Health & Social Sciences on the acceptance of their latest paper ‘Adolescents left behind by migrant workers: Call for community-based mental health interventions in Nepal’ [1]. This paper has just been accepted by WHO South East Asia Journal of Public Health. This academic journal is Open Access and published by the Regional Office for South-East Asia of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Delhi, India. Co-authors of this scientific paper are: Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen in the Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health (CMMPH); BU Visiting Prof. Padam Simkhada (based at Liverpool John Moores University);and Dr. Pashupati Mahat from CMC-Nepal (Center for Mental Health & Counselling- Nepal).

The paper argues that there exists an increased risk of mental health problems in Nepali adolescents, especially those left-behind by migrant workers. There is a paucity of research on mental health intervention among adolescents in low and middle income countries (LMICs) such as Nepal. The paper calls for more and better community-based mental health intervention in Nepali adolescents including the special group of left-behind adolescents. Doing this work in Nepal, a country with a very high proportion of its population working abroad will have a broader implication for a other low-and middle-income countries. This article is a welcome addition to BU’s growing publications on migrant workers and health in Nepal [2-11].

References:

Aryal, N., Regmi, P. van Teijlingen, E., Simkhada, P & Mahat, P. (2019) Adolescents left behind by migrant workers: Call for community-based mental health interventions in Nepal, WHO South East Asia J Public Health (forthcoming).
Adhikary P, Sheppard Z., Keen S. van Teijlingen E (2018) Health and well-being of Nepalese migrant workers abroad, Int J Migration, Health Social Care 14(1): 96-105
Simkhada, P.P., van Teijlingen, E.R., Gurung, M., Wasti, S. (2018) A study of Health Problems of Nepalese Female Migrants Workers in the Middle-East & Malaysia, BMC International Health & Human Rights 18(1):4.
Adhikary, P., Sheppard, Z., Keen, S., van Teijlingen, E. (2017) Risky work: Accidents among Nepali migrant workers in Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi, Health Prospect 16(2): 3-10
Simkhada, P, Regmi, P., van Teijlingen E., Aryal, N. (2017) Identifying gaps in Nepalese migrant workers’ health & well-being: A review of literature J Travel Med 24(4): 1-9
Aryal, N., Regmi, PR., van Teijlingen, E., Simkhada, P., Adhikary, P., Bhatta, YKD., Mann, S. (2016) Injury & Mortality in Young Nepalese Migrant Workers: A Call for Public Health Action. Asian-Pacific Journal of Public Health 28(8): 703-705.
Aryal, N., Regmi, PR., van Teijlingen, E., Dhungel, D., Ghale, G., Bhatta, GK. (2016) Knowing is not enough: Migrant workers’ spouses vulnerability to HIV SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 8(1):9-15.
Sapkota, T., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen, E. (2014) Nepalese health workers’ migration to United Kingdom: A qualitative study. Health Sci J 8(1):57-74.
Adhikary P, Keen S, van Teijlingen E. (2011) Health Issues among Nepalese migrant workers in Middle East. Health Sci J 5: 169-75.
van Teijlingen E, Simkhada, P, Adhikary P. (2009) Alcohol use among the Nepalese in UK. BMJ Rapid Response www.bmj.com/cgi/eletters/339/oct20_1/b4028#223451
Adhikary, P., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen, E., Raja, A. (2008). Health and Lifestyle of Nepalese Migrants in the UK; BMC International Health & Human Rights, 8(6).

Category / Fusion themes