Podcast Summary
LinkedIn is a crucial platform for hiring professionals not actively looking for new jobs: A study reveals that over 70% of LinkedIn users don't visit other job sites monthly, potentially missing out on top talent for businesses not posting jobs there. Long waiting times in A&E departments could lead to excess deaths in England, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues for better patient outcomes.
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, especially those who aren't actively looking for a new job. With over 70% of LinkedIn users not visiting other leading job sites in a given month, businesses risk missing out on great candidates if they don't post their job listings on LinkedIn. A study by Stuart McDonald, an actuary and partner at LCP Health Analytics, suggests that delays in treatment due to overcrowded A&E departments in the NHS could be contributing to excess deaths in England. According to his analysis, approximately 415 people a week in England have been dying who would otherwise have survived had they received prompt treatment. This estimate is based on NHS data on waiting times in A&E departments, which shows an increase in the number of people waiting between 4 and 12 hours and 12 hours or more. Research indicates that long waiting times in A&E can be detrimental to patients' health, and Stuart McDonald's analysis underscores the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient outcomes.
Long waits in A&E lead to harm and deaths: One additional day of harm for every 82 people waiting 4-12 hours and one additional death for every 72 people waiting 12 hours or more in A&E departments in England
Long waits in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in England lead to significant harm, including additional deaths. According to a study from the Emergency Medicine Journal, for every 82 people waiting 4 to 12 hours, one additional day of harm is expected, and for every 72 people waiting 12 hours or more, one additional death is estimated. However, it's important to note that these calculations may be conservative, as the research didn't have sufficient data for those waiting more than 12 hours. With around 600,000 people each month in England waiting over 4 hours in A&E, these numbers are historically high and may continue to increase, as anecdotal evidence suggests longer waits in December. The 2021 census in Northern Ireland marked a significant shift, with people identifying as Roman Catholic or from a Catholic background outnumbering those from a Protestant background for the first time.
Religious Identities in Northern Ireland: The Catholic population is the largest in Northern Ireland but doesn't form a majority, while the number of people identifying as having no religion has significantly increased, mainly from Protestant backgrounds, due to demographic changes and younger generations' identities.
The Catholic population in Northern Ireland is currently the largest denomination, but it does not constitute a majority with just under 46% of the population identifying as Catholic or having a Catholic background. This contrasts with the UK government's definition of a majority, which refers to having more than 50% of the elected MPs rather than the popular vote. The growing group of people identifying as having no religion, which has increased from 10.1% in 2011 to 17.4% in 2021, is primarily made up of those from Protestant backgrounds. The shift in religious and political identities can be attributed to demographic changes, with younger age groups having a higher percentage of people of a Catholic and Irish background. This trend is expected to continue due to the older age of the Protestant and British identifying population.
The Complexity of Religious Identity and Political Alignment in Northern Ireland: The largest group in Northern Ireland identifies as neither Unionist nor nationalist, holding significant influence. Catholic identification is more persistent than Protestant. Demographic trends suggest Catholic population growth and increasing no religion population.
The religious identity and political alignment in Northern Ireland are becoming more complex, with the largest group being those who identify as neither Unionist nor nationalist. This group, often overlooked, holds significant influence and may not align with traditional assumptions about religious backgrounds and political preferences. Furthermore, Catholic identification is more persistent than Protestant identification, even among those who do not regularly practice their faith. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest that the Catholic population will continue to grow, while the no religion population is also expected to increase. It is essential to recognize the nuances of these shifts and the implications they have for politics and society in Northern Ireland. A separate topic that gained attention recently was the concern over an alleged link between cardiac arrests in athletes and COVID-19 vaccines. While some claimed that there had been a significant increase in cardiac arrests since mass vaccination campaigns, experts urged caution, emphasizing that the data was not definitive and required further investigation. The ongoing debate highlights the importance of accurate information and evidence-based analysis in addressing public health concerns.
Claim of increased cardiac arrests and deaths in European sports leagues not based on reliable research: The claim of over 1500 cardiac arrests and 1000 deaths in European sports leagues since COVID-19 vaccination is not backed by reliable or peer-reviewed research. Initial figures from a solid study focused on young athletes, but more recent data comes from non-peer reviewed sources and includes non-athletes and unrelated causes of death.
The claim of a significant increase in cardiac arrests and deaths in European sports leagues since the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with a figure of over 1500 cases and 1000 deaths, is not based on reliable or peer-reviewed research. The initial figure of 29 cardiac arrests per year before the vaccination program comes from a solid piece of research focusing on young athletes, but the more recent figures come from a non-peer reviewed letter and a list published on a website known for anti-vaxx content. The list includes individuals who are not athletes or who died from causes unrelated to vaccinations. To accurately assess such claims, it's crucial to consider reliable and peer-reviewed research and to apply strict criteria for what counts as an athlete and a relevant medical issue.
Exploring the origins of large number prefixes and debunking vaccine misinformation: While it's important to be aware of reported health issues after vaccination, it's crucial to consider other causes before jumping to conclusions. Meanwhile, the history of large number prefixes reveals their origins and significance in describing sizes, from ancient Greek references to modern data storage devices.
While there have been reports of athletes experiencing health issues after being vaccinated, it's essential to consider other possible causes before jumping to conclusions. For instance, Paul Smith's collapsed lung was likely the result of a tackle during a soccer match, not a vaccine side effect. Similarly, Christian Eriksen's sudden cardiac incident was not related to his vaccination status. It's crucial to approach such cases with proper research and comparison to avoid misinformation. Another interesting topic discussed was the origins and usage of prefixes to describe large numbers. The interview with math whiz Rob Easterway in a 2017 episode of the program delved into the history of terms like mega, giga, and terra, and how they came to be used to describe sizes, from ancient Greek references to modern data storage devices. The conversation also touched on the need for new terms to describe even larger numbers, with suggestions like bronto and hella. Listeners were encouraged to submit their suggestions for new prefixes to describe enormous numbers. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding the origins and meanings behind the terms we use and the excitement of discovering new ways to describe the vastness of the world around us.
Proposed new prefixes for scientific notation not officially adopted: New prefixes like 'Bronte' and 'Handler' were suggested for scientific notation but not officially adopted due to potential confusion with existing prefixes or units. Officially adopted prefixes include 'Roma' and 'Quetta' for large and small numbers respectively.
The power of suggesting new prefixes for scientific notation, like "Bronte" and "Handler," may not have been officially adopted due to potential confusion caused by using letters already in use for other prefixes or units. Instead, the international system of units has officially adopted new prefixes, such as "Roma," "Quetta," "Ronto," and "Quecto," for very large and very small numbers respectively, at the General Conference on Weights and Measures in November 2022. While some may still have a fondness for the proposed "Bronte" prefix, it is unlikely to gain official recognition due to the potential for confusion caused by using letters already in use for other prefixes or units.
Exploring the Connections between Disciplines: This episode highlights the importance of organization, precision, and interdisciplinary connections in scientific research, as well as ethical manufacturing practices and celebrating life's special moments.
Learning from this episode of Nature Bang is the appreciation for the systematic nature of the international system of units, as discussed by Professor Richard Brown. This systematic approach is a testament to the importance of organization and precision in scientific research. Furthermore, the series explores the connections between various disciplines, such as metrology, evolutionary biology, philosophy, and even spongology, to help us understand complex concepts and expand our understanding of the world and ourselves. The series also emphasizes the importance of ethical manufacturing practices and delivering high-quality essentials, as demonstrated by Quince. And, 1800 Flowers reminds us of the importance of celebrating life's special occasions with love and care. Overall, this episode encourages us to explore the connections between different fields and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.