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A comprehensive review of machine learning and deep learning models for non-intrusive load monitoring: performance, analyses, practical insights, and emerging trends
Get PDFNon-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is widely regarded as a key method for energy disaggregation to estimate the energy consumption and operating time of individual equipment and appliances. Over the past few years, NILM has achieved substantially high accuracy through the incorporation of several machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms. This article reviews ML/DL-based approaches that have been applied to address NILM-related problems. This review focuses on five research questions: First, which problems associated with NILM systems have been addressed in recent studies using ML and DL models, and how well have the ML and DL models addressed NILM-related problems? Second, which ML and DL models have been the most explored for NILM, and how do the ML and DL algorithms perform on different NILM datasets? Third, how has model interpretability been addressed in ML/DL-based NILM methods, and what techniques have been proposed to improve the transparency of predictions? Fourth, what are the practical requirements of ML-based NILM systems in real-world settings? Finally, what are the main challenges of ML-based NILM systems in terms of datasets, models, and their implementation? This review also provides recommendations for addressing the identified research gaps and emerging trends and technologies in NILM and presents directions for future research
The impact of Pteropus medius on guava (Psidium guajava) orchards: examining damage and management strategies
Get PDFThe present study was conducted in district Kasur, Pakistan to assess the guava fruit damage by Pteropus medius during summer and winter fruit ripening seasons in 2023-24. Artificial LED (AL) lights of 12W and 30W were used as a management strategy. Damage guava fruits by bats were collected for thirty days during both ripening seasons of guava (Psidium gujava) from three randomly selected acres in orchard, with and without artificial lights. After counting and weighing the collected damaged fruits, economic loss was calculated. The data indicated that on daily basis (WADF) of 1.97 ± 0.17 kg per acre (p < 0.0001) of actual fruit damage was observed in the winter season, while summer season faced 1.27 ± 0.09 kg per acre (p < 0.0001). Seasonal yield loss of 2.6% in summer and 16.14% in winter was estimated. The use of 12W and 30W LED lights as management strategy significantly reduced the fruit damage and economic losses. During winter season, 30WAL and 12WAL showed reduced damaged fruit per acre (0.36 ± 0.03 kg and 0.59 ± 0.05, respectively) as compared to orchard (4.97 ± 0.17 kg) with no artificial light (NAL). The yield loss (%) was significantly lower when the orchard was exposed to LED lights. The lowest yield loss was recorded with 30WALs during both summer (0.13 ± 0.01%) and winter (0.17 ± 0.01%) as compared to yield loss (1.30 ± 0.04%) in summer and (2.32 ± 0.08%) in winter with no artificial lights (NAL). The initial cost of light installation was considerable but the reduction in fruit loss made it economically worthwhile. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the 12WAL lights provided a higher return on investment, with a noteworthy positive net economic return during the winter season. It can be concluded that the installation of artificial lights is a practical and effective solution to manage bats related damage in guava orchards. The 12W AL lights offer a good balance between cost and effectiveness, making them a smart choice for orchard owners looking to minimize damage and maximize their profits without harming the bat population
Hang Time on TikTok: A Netnography of Basketball Fans in NBA and CBA, Exploring Customer-Dominant Logic
No full textThe aim of this study is to survey the roles fans play to identify the types of content that have collected the highest value from fans. Previous research in sports marketing underscores the importance of customers in social media and relationship marketing, thereby enriching fans' viewpoints on sports content management (Filo et al., 2015; Heinonen & Medberg, 2018). This study aimed to explore the convergence and usage of social media by fans, as well as the role of Customer Dominant Logic (CDL) theory in the context of relationship marketing. CDL provides an appropriate theoretical framework for analysing sports social media, given the increasingly pivotal and diverse roles of fans (Abeza et al., 2020). The thesis introduces two CDL models (Heinonen & Strandvik, 2015), emphasising the synergy between CDL theory features, fan community types, and sports coverage types. There is a lack of research investigating the impact of CDL on fans' sports consumption on platforms that focus on vertical video content (Wang 2020). This contributed to Research Question 1, "How do CDL features impact fans' roles and consumption?" seeks to explore fans' perspectives on their social media consumption habits related to sports coverage. Secondly, sports brands are grappling with questions regarding the utilisation and optimisation of content management, as well as the growing prevalence of vertical video across various platforms. It offers implications for other sports organisations with social media followings, emphasising the pivotal role of fans in shaping both their values and consumption behaviours. "How does the creation of customer value-in-use impact sports fans' consumption on sports social media?" aims to explore the factors that contribute to the creation of value-in-use among fans and how these factors influence the reach and engagement of social media posts. Finally, "What are the similarities and differences between the factors of CDL and the formation of customer value-in-use that influence fans' consumption of NBA TikTok and CBA Douyin?" As the last research question, it seeks to explore the cultural similarities and differences that shape these factors, providing deeper insights into how they impact fan consumption on these platforms. Therefore, this perspective aids sports practitioners in organising content on two communities, sharing the same social media tools: TikTok and Douyin with a fan-centric approach (Su et al., 2020; Filo et al., 2015). The study utilized a netnography approach to examine fans' consumption of NBA TikTok and CBA Douyin, addressing these three gaps.NBA TikTok and CBA Douyin serve as representative cases in this study. The study focused on the two largest official leagues: NBA (National Basketball Association) and CBA (Chinese Basketball Association), conducted within two fan communities using CDL in sports social media. The basketball industry ranks among the world's biggest and most popular sports tournaments and professional sports, boasting 825 million fans worldwide (SportyTell, 2023). Both leagues showcase millions of fans interacting with their favourite clubs through social media platforms and coverage. The researcher was deeply involved in basketball communities on TikTok, essentially spending time as an integral part of this netnography. An immersion journal was used which helped to identify the technoculture related to user engagement and highly-reaching posts. As part of the netnography, two questionnaires were also employed for these two communities to illustrate fan differences. The study used a mixed methods approach within the methodology of netnography. During the study period, an immersion journal was utilized to gather data from the CBA and NBA 2020-2021 playoffs, encompassing 115 posts from CBA Douyin and 404 posts from NBA TikTok. In the initial stages of the immersion journal, template analysis revealed the emergence of five factors from the CDL theory, as outlined by Heinonen and Strandvik (2015): Business perspective, customer logic, offer, value formation, and customer ecosystem. These factors were found to impact fans' consumption. The contents included additional factors that contributed to a higher viewership reach. The second stage of the immersion journal analysis, conducted through thematic analysis, corroborated the perspective that CDL service encompasses three primary realms: the provider's world, the interactions arena, and the customer's world (Heinonen & Strandvik, 2015). Via thematic analysis, various types of sports content on NBA TikTok and CBA Douyin were categorised according to the formations of customer value-in-use. Following the immersion journal analysis, survey results from 121 CBA and 117 NBA questionnaires facilitated a comparison of CDL in the consumption behaviours of the two sets of fans. The quantitative data revealed that fans generally favoured content depicting the daily lives of players, with celebrity players garnering a larger viewership. However, CBA fans exhibited a stronger focus on players, while NBA fans showed a preference for topics related to daily life. Greater customer involvement in these subjects leads to a broader content consumption reach.This thesis observes that leagues should discern fans' logic and roles, as they significantly impact fan consumption patterns and influence social media algorithms. Two leagues can accentuate variations in how content is crafted and consumed, depending on their respective fan bases. CBA Douyin adopts a content strategy with a stronger brand perspective, whereas CBA fans are more inclined to engage with content related to their daily lives. NBA TikTok offers diverse coverage from various angles, yet its fans exhibit a greater inclination toward information-oriented content. This study generated new insights into the management of vertical video content, considering the dominant roles of sports fans and the associated values. The first finding is that the five CDL features prioritize customer needs over mere wants and achieve higher levels of fan consumption. The value-in-use on NBA Douyin and CBA TikTok indicates that greater involvement of customer service context elements, encompassing earlier experiences, others' experiences, and customers' goals and tasks, correlates with heightened levels of fan consumption. Finally, the survey indicates a higher level of agreement from participants in both leagues. These five CDL factors and the customers’ context significantly influence fans' roles in the customer value-in-use. This study makes significant contributions to both practical applications and academic understanding in this crucial area in sports social media marketing and fan communities. It draws on established disciplines such as sporting social media marketing, relationship marketing, and the use of vertical content to contribute to the evolving field of CDL theory
Mobilising Community Engagement in Disaster Risk-Sensitive Urban Planning: Insights From Grounded Theory and Two-Mode Social Network Analysis
Get PDFDespite the emphasis in sustainable development goals (SDG) 11, 13, and 17 on collaborative efforts to address climate change-induced disaster risks through inclusive planning, stakeholders' role in fostering community engagement in risk-sensitive urban planning (RSUP) remains underexplored. This study, focusing on Sri Lanka, employs a two-mode social network analysis to examine stakeholders' roles in overcoming barriers and promoting enablers of inclusive RSUP. Through documentary review, expert interviews, and focus-group discussions, 62 stakeholders, 19 barriers, and 19 enablers were identified. State agencies for urban development and disaster management, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and inter-governmental organisations (IGOs) were found to influence over half of the barriers and enablers. Most stakeholders demonstrate the capacity to address gaps in community knowledge, skills, and competencies while incorporating lived experiences into development planning. NGOs and IGOs are vital for securing resources, knowledge, and technical support. The findings emphasise a multistakeholder approach for enhancing national-level decision-making, policy design, and offer insights into fostering partnerships and addressing challenges for resilient urban environments
Interaction of a Spatially Uniform Electron Beam With a Rotational Magnetic Hole in a Form of a Harris Current Sheet
Get PDFIn this work, we use particle-in-cell (PIC) numerical simulations to study interaction of a spatially uniform electron beam with a rotational magnetic hole in the form of a Harris current sheet. We vary the width of the Harris current sheet to investigate how this affects the quasi-linear relaxation, i.e., plateau formation of the bump-on-tail unstable electron beam. We find that when the width of the Harris current sheet approaches and becomes smaller than the electron gyro-radius, quasi-linear relaxation becomes hampered and a positive slope in the electron velocity distribution function (VDF) persists. We explain this by the effects of nonconservation of electron magnetic moment, which, as recent works suggest, can maintain the positive slope of the VDF. In part, this can explain why some electron beams (the ones that interact with narrow magnetic holes with sharp boundaries, represented in our study by a Harris current sheet) in the solar wind travel much longer distances than predicted by the quasi-linear theory, at least in those cases when the electron beams slide along the current sheets that are abundant when the different speed solar wind streams interact with each other
Using thermography to map U-values in homes: a case study of the Heat3D system in controlled conditions
Get PDFPurpose (limit 100 words) This paper provides and alternative approach to ISO 9869-1 (ISO, 2014a), measuring U values of buildings, which is time consuming and costly. Heat3D is a novel application, using thermal imaging to calculate U values. Here, we explain the early stages of the development of the method. Design/methodology/approach (limit 100 words) The performance of Heat3D was compared against ISO 9869-1 metrics under controlled conditions to minimise data “noise” from external factors. Findings (limit 100 words) The results showed that the application can accurately measure the instantaneous heat flux through a building element, with over 90% of the 200+ Heat3D survey measurements matching that of a calibrated heat flux plate to within their combined uncertainty. Practical implications (limit 100 words) Development of a rapid heat flux measurement technique, such as Heat3D, would have benefits such as quantitively assessing new build or retrofit build quality, sizing heating systems, and provide data for updated EPC, which is a forthcoming policy change. Originality/value (limit 100 words) There is an emerging literature on quantitative IR, however, we take a novel approach in using controlled conditions and a highly characterised building to assess the method
Midwifery Digital Clinical Placement Evaluation Report
No full textBereavement care represents one of the most emotionally complex and professionally demanding areas of midwifery practice. Supporting families through perinatal loss requires not only clinical expertise but also profound empathy and emotional resilience. Despite its significance, bereavement education for midwifery students remains inconsistent across institutions, often relying on classroom-based teaching, role play, and sporadic opportunities for clinical exposure to specialist bereavement placements.This report presents a transformative and equitable solution: the Midwifery Bereavement Digital Clinical Placement (DCP). Drawing on successful digital learning models from nursing, medicine, and allied health professions, the DCP offers a virtual, immersive experience that connects students with clinical experts, service users, and authentic care scenarios. The DCP model was originally developed during the Covid-19 pandemic to address placement shortages. It has since demonstrated its value across disciplines in preparing students for complex and sensitive care environments.The adaptation of this model to midwifery bereavement education is both timely and necessary. Delivered over three days as part of theoretical programme hours, the pilot placement enabled students to cultivate the attitudes, behaviours, and values essential for supporting bereaved families. Evaluation data revealed marked improvements in student confidence, digital competency, and preparedness for clinical practice. Direct engagement with service users added a powerful and personal dimension to the experience, deepening students’ understanding of grief and its impact.A detailed mapping exercise aligned the placement with the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Midwives (2019), confirming its educational rigour and relevance. Beyond individual outcomes, the DCP offers broader benefits such as, expanding placement capacity,enhancing consistency in bereavement education, and equipping students with essential digital skills for contemporary healthcare delivery.This pilot was made possible through a collaborative effort involving NHS leaders, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, academic experts, bereavement midwives, students, and service users. Their shared commitment to compassionate, innovative education has resulted in a model that not only prepares midwives for bereavement care but also sets a precedent for future digital learning in midwifery.As midwifery education continues to evolve, the Midwifery DCP pilot stands as a bold and empathetic advancement through navigation of the complexity of loss and the importance of preparing future midwives to meet it with skill and sensitivity
Innovative Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Strategy for Primary Care Staff which Addressed Pandemic Limitations: Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Get PDFBackground: Primary care nurses, dental nurses, and support staff rarely attend cardiac arrest and lack crash-team support. International evidence indicates that retention of resuscitation knowledge and skills fades within the common 12-months re-training period.Aims: (Primary) To develop and refine a new resuscitation training intervention, determining feasibility and acceptability of proposed study procedures and outcome measures. (Secondary) To determine whether useful data should result from the main study. Method: In a mixed-methods study, participants used a manikin with Lifesaver and QCPR resuscitation apps to determine their adult resuscitation and defibrillation skill levels. Data were recorded from the apps, observation and questionnaires. Focused interviews provided narrative data.Results: A diverse sample was secured and robust data resulted from data-collection activities. Participants reported procedures to be acceptable, and maintenance of skills was enhanced in the three-monthly training schedule. For the full study, minor issues of ambiguity in instructions and improved layout of the observation sheet will be corrected. Debriefing and repeated practice will be specific features. Modifications during the COVID-19 pandemic could guide essential training in similarly disruptive events. Conclusion: Progression criteria were exceeded. Proceeding to the statistically-powered, randomized controlled trial to establish the impact of a novel resuscitation training strategy was indicated
Beyond the Prison Wall: Experience of Motherhood after Incarceration in Ethiopia, A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Get PDFIn Ethiopia, the impact of imprisonment on motherhood remains significantly under-researched, despite motherhood being central to Ethiopian cultural identity. This study adopts a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of nine formerly incarcerated Ethiopian mothers. The findings illuminate their struggles with societal stigma, poverty, and fractured family dynamics, alongside their resilience and commitment to rebuilding maternal bonds. Central to the study are the implications for social work practice. The results emphasize the urgent need for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support programmes to assist mothers in overcoming stigma, and successfully reintegrating into their communities. Key recommendations include the development of gender-responsive, community-based initiatives to address the psychological, economic, and relational challenges these mothers encounter. Vocational training, parenting education, and advocacy against discriminatory practices are identified as critical tools for social workers to promote sustainable reintegration. The study also highlights the limited availability of non-custodial measures in Ethiopia, underscoring the detrimental effects of incarceration on maternal roles and child wellbeing. Drawing on global frameworks such as the Bangkok Rules, it advocates for non-custodial alternatives and restorative justice approaches, particularly for mothers with dependent children. This research contributes to global social work knowledge by situating the experiences of Ethiopian mothers within broader discussions on reintegration and motherhood. It underscores the importance of incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into social work practice, policy, and research, thereby advancing a more inclusive understanding of post-incarceration challenges
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