24762 research outputs found
Sort by
Optimizing warehouse machine maintenance for efficient automated packaging
Get PDFPURPOSE: This article aims to determine the potential for warehouse maintenance using
overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and related metrics.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Used observation and internal data to identify warehouse
maintenance functioning and calculate OEE and related metrics for two key machines for the
automated packaging process.FINDINGS: For both machines analysed, low utilisation can be indicated. It is supported by
the results of one of the components of the OEE indicator. The machine underutilisation
during the period under review was influenced by the pandemic and the specific nature of the
goods that the machines could not handle. The other two components of the OEE indicator,
i.e. quality and performance, were satisfactory.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study showed that the OEE measure can be a key tool for
measuring and controlling the efficiency of machines and maintenance in the logistics
industry.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Application of OEE in the context of the maintenance issue in a
warehousing environment.peer-reviewe
Comparison of tree-based learning methods for fraud detection in motor insurance
Get PDFFraud detection in motor insurance is investigated with the implementation and comparison of various tree
based learning methods subject to different data balancing approaches. A dataset obtained from the insurance
industry will be used. The focus is on decision trees, random forests, gradient boosting machines, light gradient boosting machines and XGBoost. Due to the highly imbalanced nature of our dataset, synthetic minority oversampling and cost-sensitive learning approaches will be used to address this issue. A study aimed at comparing the two data-balancing approaches is novel in literature, and this study concludes that cost-sensitive learning is overall superior for this application. The light gradient boosting machine using cost-sensitive learning is the most effective method, achieving a balanced accuracy of 81% and successfully identifying 83% of fraudulent cases. For the most successful approach, the primary insights into the most important features are provided. The findings derived from this study provide a useful evaluation into the suitability of tree-based learners in the field of insurance fraud detection, and also contribute to the current development of useful tools for correct classification and the important features to be addressed.peer-reviewe
Combining off-policy and on-policy reinforcement learning for dynamic control of nonlinear systems
Get PDFThis paper introduces QARSA, a novel reinforcement learning algorithm that combines the strengths of off-policy and on-policy methods, specifically Q-learning and SARSA, for the dynamic control of nonlinear systems. Designed to leverage the sample efficiency of off-policy learning while preserving the stability and lower variance of on-policy approaches, QARSA aims to offer a balanced and robust learning framework. The algorithm is evaluated on the CartPole-v1 simulation environment using the OpenAI Gym framework, with performance compared against standalone Q-learning and SARSA implementations. The comparison is based on three critical metrics: average reward, stability, and sample efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that QARSA outperforms both Q-learning and SARSA, achieving higher average rewards, stability, sample efficiency, and improved consistency in learned policies. These results demonstrate QARSA’s effectiveness in environments were maximizing long-term performance while maintaining learning stability is crucial. The study provides valuable insights for the design of hybrid reinforcement learning algorithms for continuous control tasks.peer-reviewe
Urban space and adolescents : a literature review
Get PDFPURPOSE: The topic of urban spaces used by adolescents during their leisure time remains relatively
underrepresented in the field of socio-economic geography. Researchers often approach this age
group with caution due to the complex developmental dynamics of adolescence, a phase marked by
identity formation and expressions of rebellion. These factors present numerous challenges to
research design, such as issues of responsiveness, data reliability, and procedural disruptions. Given
this context, the aim of the article is to present the results of a systematic literature review that maps
social science researchers’ interests at the intersection of urban space, adolescence, and leisure time.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study involved the analysis of academic publications indexed in
the international Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the keywords: youth, space, and
leisure. The focus was narrowed to social science literature, and only those publications whose
abstracts incorporated all three keywords were selected. The gathered data were visualized both in
tabular PRISMA form and through bibliometric mapping using the VOSviewer software.FINDINGS: The findings reveal limited scholarly attention among geographers to the subject of
adolescents in urban environments—a gap the author identifies as a research niche within the
discipline.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This review highlights the need for more spatially grounded research on
youth experiences in urban environments. The findings suggest that urban planners, educators, and
social scientists should adopt interdisciplinary and youth-inclusive approaches when designing public
spaces and urban policies. Greater attention to adolescent perspectives can lead to more inclusive,
equitable, and developmentally supportive urban environments.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study offers a critical reflection on disciplinary gaps and provides a
foundation for future research in urban geography that centers youth as legitimate social and spatial
actors.Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the “Regional Excellence
Initiative”.peer-reviewe
How does visual fine art support improvement in marketing communication? Selected examples
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to describe the potential role of visual fine arts in
marketing as a suggestive instrument of marketing communication.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The following research questions have been formulated: Can
fine arts and other forms of visual communication be employed in marketing to involve
people/customers and encourage them to perceive a message deeply to formulate their
feedback for the sender of the marketing message? Why should people's experiences be
considered a necessary component in marketing communication? To answer these questions,
desk research and observation in museums and city space were implemented in this study. The
presented examples of works served as a basis for an individual assessment of their impact on
the process of marketing communication without suggesting generalization of the conclusions.FINDINGS: The study results showed that visual fine arts could play an important role in
marketing as a tool of marketing communication and of shaping customers’ feedback. People's
experiences should be considered in marketing practices to stimulate recipients of the
marketing message to deep processing and response. The novelty of the findings relates to the
role of visual fine arts in a process of creating specific feedback between a recipient and the
sender of the information in the effort of marketing communication.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study has implications for how managers could encourage people
to participate in the service market of visual fine arts by using the arts themselves.
Furthermore, visual analysis of art in several Polish museums shows how visual fine art can
influence understanding of its meaning in a contemporary society. The study's practical
implications are connected with the possibility of using artistic works, exhibitions, and other
events in marketing communication, mainly on the service market.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt analysed in
the literature to discover a particular role of visual fine arts in search of a dialog between arts
and society, including feedback in marketing communication.peer-reviewe
Primary care nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards the management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers
Get PDFBackground: Nurses working in primary care are well positioned to be key health care professionals to prevent and manage diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). They play a crucial role in identifying and managing predisposing factors of DFU. Thus, having sound knowledge about DFU care and a positive attitude towards these patients is very important in promoting patient-centred care.Aim: To evaluate primary care nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards the management and prevention of DFU in the primary healthcare centres in Malta.Design: A cross-sectional design was selected.Method: An online questionnaire was distributed to all nurses who work in wound care clinics within the primary health care centres in Malta (n=105). A total of 50 questionnaires were returned generating a response rate of 48%.Results: The results showed that primary care nurses had a suboptimal knowledge of DFU management and prevention, with an average score of 57.38%. No significant relationship was found between knowledge scores and sociodemographic factors. While nurses had an overall positive attitude toward DFU care, with a mean score of 79.5%, some negative attitudes were noted, including concerns about the time-consuming nature of DFU care and the inability to educate every patient on prevention. There was a significant correlation between positive attitudes and interest in DFU care (p=0.005), as well as between knowledge and attitude scores (p=0.006).Conclusion: This study highlights that primary care nurse have suboptimal knowledge about management and prevention of DFU, however, an overall positive attitude towards care for patients with DFU. More specialised training courses offered to nurses on a continuous basis are needed to ensure optimal quality of care towards patients with diabetes. Nurses should be given an incentive to attend these courses to develop their skills, keep abreast with evidence-based practices and optimise the provision of care.peer-reviewe
A framework for effective STEAM education : pedagogy for responding to wicked problems
Get PDFThis conceptual paper articulates a new strategic framework for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) education in Europe to respond to the challenges facing educators, researchers, students and policy makers. It draws on conceptualisations developed within the EU-funded Road-STEAMer project which is creating a STEAM education roadmap for policymakers at the secondary/ tertiary intersection, particularly in projects that feature open science/schooling and/or responses to ‘grand challenges’. Grounded in the complexity of the current STEAM education landscape, the paper articulates the characteristics of effective STEAM education developed through the Road-STEAMer project, in order to demonstrate how the benefits of STEAM can be catalysed. The paper explains the Road-STEAMer characteristics (equity, disciplinary inter-relationship, collaboration, real-world connections, thinking-making-doing, creativity and inclusion/ empowerment/ personalisation) which were developed from a focused literature review and then considers them in relation to two case studies addressing the post sustainability agenda: Ocean Connections and SciCultureD. Both projects are critically discussed using the Road-STEAMer characteristics to demonstrate the use of modern educational tools in STEAM, alongside how STEAM can contribute to empowering the next generation. The paper concludes by drawing together insights into the significance of the Road-STEAMer characteristics as a strategic framing for catalysing the benefits of STEAM, emphasising the importance of collaboration between researchers and practitioners to achieve this.peer-reviewe
An evaluation of a systematic quality signal extraction framework in medicinal products regulatory sciences
Get PDFIntroduction: Effective quality assurance (QA) requires systematic identification and management of quality-related signals, yet no standardised framework currently exists to guide the process. This research presents the Systematic Quality Signal Extraction Framework (SQSEF), a structured approach to detect, categorise, and link signals with key QA principles. The framework seeks to enhance consistency in pharmaceutical regulatory QA practices whilst contributing to the pillars of good quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines.Aim: The application of the SQSEF, aims to streamline a systematic approach to the:
i. Identification of QA signals
ii. Classification of QA signals
iii. Drive quality improvementpeer-reviewe
Life cycle assessment of marine renewable energy systems : a literature review for environmental sustainability assessment of floating modular energy islands (FMEIs)
Get PDFFloating Modular Energy Islands (FMEIs) are modular floating structures which combine different types of renewable energy production systems. FMEIs are still at their conceptual phase; however, they promise good potential for using the limited ocean space in an efficient way to produce renewable energy. Since those systems would have different components and related materials, offshore construction/installation work and systems to transport generated energy to land, their environmental sustainability is an important aspect to evaluate, as for other existing marine renewable energy systems. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a scientific, standardized and quantitative methodology for the evaluation of environmental sustainability and it is accepted to be compatible for the evaluation of marine renewable energy systems. This study focuses on previous applications of LCA on various marine renewable energy systems, which have the potential of being a component of a floating modular energy island. With this aim, a brief literature review on possible different components of energy islands is conducted. Offshore wind energy, tidal energy systems, wave energy converters, floating solar energy and hydrogen energy are selected to be reviewed in the study. For the literature review, a common literature screening methodology is developed with a similar keyword group except the marine renewable energy type considered. Selected papers in each energy type production technology are reviewed with reference to the main phases of a LCA study: Goal and Scope Definition; Life Cycle Inventory (LCI); Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) and Interpretation. Under each subtitle, the approaches followed are assessed covering the important aspects, methodology/criteria considered, and challenges encountered. By this way, it is aimed to generate knowledge on the LCA methodology as a guideline for the FMEIs.peer-reviewe
An integration of open authentication protocols for Web3 identifiers
No full textWeb3's decentralised infrastructure has upended the standardised approach to digital identity established by protocols like OpenID Connect. Web2 and Web3 currently operate in silos, with Web2 leveraging selective disclosure JSON web tokens (SD-JWTs) and Web3 dApps being reliant on on-chain data and sometimes clinging to centralised system data. This fragmentation hinders user experience and the interconnectedness of the digital world. This paper explores the integration of Web3 within the OpenID Connect framework, scrutinising established authentication protocols for their adaptability to decentralised identities. The research examines the interplay between OpenID Connect and decentralised identity concepts, the limitations of existing protocols like OpenID Connect for verifiable credential issuance, OpenID Connect framework for verifiable presentations, and self-issued OpenID provider. As a result, a novel privacy-preserving digital identity bridge is proposed, which aims to answer the research question of whether authentication protocols should inherently support Web3 functionalities and the mechanisms for their integration. Through a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) use case, the findings indicate that a privacy-centric bridge can mitigate existing fragmentation by aggregating different identities to provide a better user experience. While the digital identity bridge demonstrates a possible approach to harmonise digital identity across platforms for their use in Web3, the bridging is unidirectional and limits root trust of credentials. The bridge's dependence on centralised systems may further fuel the debate on (de-)centralised identities.peer-reviewe