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Service Level Agreement monitoring as a service: an independent monitoring service for Service Level Agreements in clouds
Get PDFCloud network is rapidly growing due to massive increase in interconnected devices and the emergence of different technologies such as the Internet of things, fog computing and artificial
intelligence. In response, cloud computing needs reliable dealings
among the service providers, brokers and consumers. The existing
cloud monitoring frameworks such as Amazon Cloud Watch, Paraleap Azure Watch, and Rack Space Cloud Kick work under the
control of service providers. They work fine, however, this may
create dissatisfaction among customers over Service Level Agreement (SLA) violations. Customers dissatisfaction may drastically
drop the businesses of service providers. To cope with the above
mentioned issue and get in line with cloud philosophy, Monitoring
as a Service, completely independent in nature, is needed for observing and regulating the cloud businesses. However, the existing
MaaS frameworks do not address the comprehensive SLA for customer satisfaction and penalties management. This paper proposes
a reliable framework by adopting third party monitoring services with clearcut SLA and penalties
management. Since, this framework monitors SLA as a cloud monitoring service, it is named as Service Level Agreement Monitoring
as a Service (SLA-MaaS). On violations, it penalizes those who are
found in breach of terms and condition enlisted in SLA. Simulation
results confirmed that the proposed framework adequately satisfy
the customers (as well as service providers). This helps in developing a trust worthy relationship among cloud partners and increase
customer attention and retention
The role of student peers in HE student mental health and wellbeing
Get PDFPurpose: There is evidence that students’ experiences in Higher Education (HE) can be adversely affected by mental health issues, whilst wellbeing can be bolstered through a sense of belonging. This study draws from Student Minds research into student mental health to consider the importance of peers to constructing a sense of belonging.
Design / Methodology / Approach: This paper draws from a thematic review of 12 focus groups - involving student services staff in six UK Universities (69 Participants) - conducted as part of the consultation and creation of the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter (2019). The schedule considered student support, service structures, and developments to enhance student wellbeing and manage mental health risks.
Findings: A significant theme explored here is the positionality of student peers in terms of relatability, and the importance of orientation and belonging for student mental health and wellbeing. The findings also consider types of peer involvement (formal / informal), and the
influence of structure, training and boundaries in interventions
Originality / Value: Findings reveal the importance of feeling a sense of belonging in the university community to achieve wellbeing and good mental health. Peer support is an important contributor that supports transitions into university and creates a sense of belonging, which is important to all students, but more so to those less familiar with university, who lack role models and more easily feel isolated
The influence of adolescent sport participation on body mass index tracking and the association between body mass index and self-esteem over a three-year period
Get PDFThis study aimed to (1) investigate gender-specific characteristics associated with low sport participation among UK adolescents, and (2) assess gender-specific BMI tracking, and gender-specific associations between BMI and self-esteem based on different levels of adolescent sport participation. Participants were 9046 (4523 female) UK adolescents. At 11- and 14 years self-esteem was self-reported and BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. At 11- years sport participation was parent-reported. Gender-specific sport participation quartile cut-off values categorised boys and girls separately into four graded groups. Gender-specific χ2 and independent samples t tests assessed differences in measured variables between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) sport participation quartiles. Adjusted linear regression analyses examined BMI tracking and associations between BMI and self-esteem scores. Gender-specific analyses were conducted separately for sport participation quartiles. Compared to Q4 boys and girls, Q1 boys and girls were more likely to be non-White, low family income, have overweight/obesity at 11 years and report lower self-esteem at 11 years and 14 years. BMI at 11 years was positively associated with BMI at 14 years for boys and girls across sport participation quartiles. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 11 years for Q1 and Q2 boys, and Q1 and Q4 girls. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 14 years for Q1, Q3 and Q4 boys, and Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 girls. Gender and sport participation influence BMI tracking and the BMI and self-esteem association among adolescents
COVID-19: Lessons to learn from student Nurses joining the pandemic workforce
Get PDFObjective: To understand the thoughts, feelings, and support needs of student nurses called into practice
during a pandemic.
Methods: A descriptive narrative method was used as part of a collaborative approach with student nurses
to help them explore their thoughts and feelings about working during the pandemic and also identify
resulting support needs.
Results: Student nurses were excited about the opportunity to join the workforce and both develop new
skills and use existing competencies. However, there was also nervousness about their readiness for
practice and the financial and health implications for themselves and their families.
Conclusion: Students are an important part of the nursing workforce and the pandemic provided unique
opportunities to learn key competencies in an unprecedented situation. Recognising the contribution of
student nurses will enhance the response to future pandemics and providing clarity for the role of the
student in these situations will ensure appropriate support is in place. Consequently, plans for student
nurses to join the workforce should be put into place before another pandemic develops
Thermoplastic composites: modelling melting, decomposition and combustion of matrix polymers
Get PDFIn thermoplastic composites, the polymeric matrix upon exposure to heat may melt, decompose and deform prior to burning, as opposed to the char-forming matrices of thermoset composites,
which retain their shape until reaching a temperature at which decomposition and ignition occur.
In this work, a theoretical and numerical heat transfer model to simulate temperature variations
during the melting, decomposition and early stages of burning of commonly used thermoplastic
matrices is proposed. The scenario includes exposing polymeric slabs to one-sided radiant heat in a
cone calorimeter with heat fluxes ranging from 15 to 35 kW/m2. A one-dimensional finite difference
method based on the Stefan approach involving phase-changing and moving boundary conditions
was developed by considering convective and radiative heat transfer at the exposed side of the
polymer samples. The polymers chosen to experimentally validate the simulated results included
polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and polyamide 6 (PA6). The predicted results match well with
the experimental result
COVID-19 health analysis and prediction using machine learning algorithms for Mexico and Brazil patients
Get PDFThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had social and clinical effects over the healthcare systems. Globally, over 178.602.416 confirmed cases and 3.868.228 deaths have been recorded as of 21st June 2021, based on the Dashboard updated by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. The continuous rise in the number of asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic and symptomatic patients has developed efficient and accessible models for prediction using Open Source Libraries and Cloud Services. This paper is proposes a different machine learning algorithms in order to analyse the COVID-19 OpenData Resources from Mexico and Brazil, which represent the two major Population, Economics and Affected by Disease countries in Latin America. This model uses only the COVID-19 patient's geographical, social conditions, economics conditions, clinical risk factors, symptoms reports and demographic data to predict the recovery and death. The model of Mexico has an accuracy of 93% and the perceived mean of the recall and the precision (F1 Score) of 0.79 on the dataset used. On the other hand, the model of Brazil has an accuracy of 69% and F1 Score of 0.75 on the dataset studied. The result considers data from patients under the age of 0 and 120 years. The contribution of the work is the application of Big Data technologies and Machine Learning algorithms using Open Resource Libraries and Amazon Cloud Services with the vision to improve the clinical diagnosis, even infectious Disease with mathematical approaches
The role of European Union regional policy: lessons from a Greek Region
Get PDFThe Regional policy explores the causes of different levels of development between
regions. The purpose of this Dissertation is to explore the effectiveness of European
regional policy.
The contribution of this study is showing the overtime progress of the assumptions
of convergence of regional inequalities between EU regions. We investigate, using
spatial econometrics and the method of Geographical Weighted Regression, whether
there is convergence between regions and EU countries.
- Firstly, it will be presented whether a particular spatial entity affects and is
affected by neighbouring values.
- Secondly, another contribution is the interpenetration of spatial inequalities and
their correlation with the prevailing economic conditions.
- Thirdly, the last contribution is the modeling of variables and the examination if
similar values are affected by the geographical distance or prevailing economic
conditions.
The empirical part of this dissertation uses spatial statistics and spatial econometrics.
Regional inequalities are measured in Greece and the countries of the European Union
using four indicators.
Two models of spatial econometrics that were used. In the first method, distance is
measured by geographical criteria while in the second method, distance is measured
by an economic factor (employment index). The results show differences between the
two methods. This research responds to the following research questions:
- Is it possible to reduce regional inequalities?
- Is there any convergence between EU regions?
- Are policies leading to convergence of regions?
It should be noted, however, that a balance between regions cannot be achieved
because any economic change in a region's production process and because of their
interdependence will start a cumulative upward or downward movement for the remaining regions.
Finally, the results of the empirical analysis show that the objectives of convergence
between the regions have not been achieved
Key drivers for implementing building information modelling (BIM) and stakeholder management on construction megaprojects
Get PDFThe construction industry (CI) has been developing by adopting smart tools such as BIM in recent years. This paper seeks to investigate, identify, and assess the key drivers (KDs) for the implementation of BIM and stakeholder management (SM) practices in the CI, with an emphasis on construction megaprojects (CMPs). The CI faces massive challenges due to the huge construction development and SM practices on CMPs. This paper aims to identify and assess the key drivers for implementing the synergy of BIM & SM practices in the CI, especially in CMPs that enhance smart SM practices.
The quantitative methodology is adopted in this research to collect and know the view and conception of construction specialists in Qatar about SM in MCPs. A questionnaire survey is carried out among large construction firms in Qatar with 60% response rate. Participants were asked to rate the factors on a 7-point Likert scale. To finalize and evaluate the questionnaire, three steps are used before proceeding with the full survey; validity, pre-testing, and pilot study—The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests of mean score ranking, ANOVA and factor scale rating by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software.
This paper identifies the key drivers for implementing BIM and SM practices that contribute to improving SM performance in CMPs; none of these is uncommon, but here they come together in a more integrative way
Identifying these drivers is expected to assist project participants in CMPs in improving project performance, completing construction within predefined time and cost limits. The research outcomes are anticipated to support project teams and construction organisations that adopt SM implementation. Outcomes will also contribute to and reinforce the current body of knowledge in the SM research domains by appraising KDs that affect the BIM & SM implementation in CMPs. This is the first research study on the topic of “BIM and stakeholder management synergy” that supports a theory with real-world data. It makes this research a starting point for other researchers.
This study has produced valuable insights into the essential drivers that can reinforce BIM and SM practices in CMPs. Moreover, the synergy between BIM and SM will help expedite smart stakeholder management practices in the construction industry. The research outcomes have provided profound contributions to theory and research besides industry practic
Perceptions and current practice vs evidence-based effects of whole-body cryotherapy on fatigue and recovery in elite rugby players.
Get PDFThe primary aim of this thesis was to advance the current field of knowledge regarding
whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and its influence on fatigue and recovery in elite rugby
players. The secondary aim of this thesis was to explore the perceptions and current
use of WBC in an elite contact sport population.
A systematic review analysed fifteen studies specific to the use of WBC following
fatiguing physical activity. Despite the body of evidence reflecting low-to-moderate
quality, WBC appears to result in perceived and symptomatic benefits, with some
indications of positive change to recovery via physiological and inflammatory
measures. Endocrinological responses were shown to be vastly under-researched
and required clarification.
A qualitative survey formed the basis of exploring the beliefs and perceptions of
fatigue, recovery and current practice of WBC within elite contact sport environments.
The key findings highlighted that (i) recovery from evening match or training activity
was frequently impacted due to reduced perceived sleep quality; (ii) the perceived
benefits of WBC enhanced sleep quality for those who had experienced WBC; (iii) the
beliefs of those who had not experienced WBC was that they would highly likely adopt
its use on the basis that sleep quality and psychological wellbeing would be enhanced
in order to benefit recovery; (iv) the adoption of WBC as a regular practice-based
modality for recovery is low mainly due to cost, logistics and lack of evidence-based
information supporting parameters of implementation.
Two experimental, field-based studies were conducted using an elite Rugby League
team from the European Super League. The first was an observational study and had
the purpose of analysing the endocrinological (cortisol and testosterone) responses to
a nine-day period of competition involving match and training activity and regular WBC
exposures. These have been shown to be reliable indicators of catabolic and anabolic
basal control in response to high intensity physical activity. The use of WBC post-training appeared to attenuate anabolic status, whereas following matches, anabolic
signaling was enhanced following WBC. The second study was a participant controlled design comparing post-match recovery inclusive of WBC to regular
recovery processes without WBC. Two, three-minute exposures to WBC showed
significant alteration to the endocrine profile of players at 60 h post-match in that
greater concentrations of testosterone were found without concurrent change in
cortisol. A significant effect was shown after one exposure to WBC, albeit to a lesser
degree. Without WBC, the recovery of endocrine and biochemical profile was not
reached by the end of the 60-h sample period.
In summary, this thesis supports the use of WBC in that it appears to hold benefits for
athletes in their recovery from elite level collision sport. Greater benefits appear more
supported following matches, with a lesser extent, post-training sessions. Medical
practitioners, coaches and sport scientists/conditioners should look to optimise the
influence of WBC though applying two, 3-minute exposures as close to the cessation
of high-fatiguing activity as possible. WBC has the potential to improve the wellbeing
and recovery of collision sport athletes, however, the underlying mechanisms involved
remain undetermined despite the observation of a desirable change in endocrinological profile.
Further study should look to specifically investigate the effects of WBC relative to the
time of day of activity given that indications in this study from a perceived perspective
suggest that effects may be relative to activity and time of day. This area currently
holds negligible supporting evidence and will assist to inform the implementation
strategy of WBC in the team environment
Positive addiction recovery therapy: A pilot study
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to evaluate a new programme of work designed to improve the recovery and wellbeing of people in early addiction recovery. The programme, known as positive addiction recovery therapy (PART), is attentive to the recovery process through the G-CHIME (growth, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life, and empowerment) model of addiction recovery. It also uses the values in action character strengths and includes a set of relapse prevention techniques.
An experimental design using repeated measures has been adopted. Measures for recovery capital, wellbeing, and level of flourishing were selected and pre and post data collected. Primary data analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Participants (n=30) were required to be in early addiction recovery, classified as having been abstinent for between 3 and 6 months.
The results showed a statistically significant improvement in participant wellbeing. This was also true for recovery capital and flourishing. Whilst a meaningful increase was seen in all measures, exploratory analysis found females responded better to the PART programme.
This study emphasises the importance of adopting an holistic therapeutic approach, one that considers multifaceted components of recovery such as those outlined in the G-CHIME model.
This study evaluates a new programme of work designed to improve the recovery outcome and mental wellbeing of people who are in early addiction recovery