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Design and evaluation of a robot telemedicine system for initial medical examination with UK and Thai doctors
No full textThis study presents the evaluation of a robot telemedicine system used for initial diagnosis of patient with UK and Thai doctors. In a prior study, a set of user requirements for a robot telemedicine system were outlined based on a focus group with medical professionals and an online survey with the public. Based on these recommendations we have developed a robot telemedicine system that consists of a telepresence interface with examination functionality for doctors to control a robot that is present with patients. The system is designed for initial diagnosis of medical conditions, and Bell’s palsy diagnosis is chosen as an example use case. This paper presents the design and usability evaluation of this robot telemedicine system. The usability study was conducted using a thinking-aloud protocol, and a semi-structured interview was conducted after using the system. Study results were analysed using framework analysis. Additionally, participants were asked to give subjective ratings of the system. The study was conducted cross-culturally with doctors from the UK and Thailand, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of system usability with groups that differ in their medical practice and user needs. Study participants rated the system with 72.19 points on the System Usability Scale, which indicates acceptable usability when interpreted semantically. The system also received a presence score of 0.691, normalized between 0 (least) and 1 (highest). Based on the framework analysis the prior set of user requirements has been refined and developed into a set of design recommendations for use in the development of future robot telemedicine systems. Additionally, study results indicate differences in medical practice between UK and Thai doctors which could be relevant to adjust the robot telemedicine system to local users
Collaboration for the sustainable food supply chain: A bibliometric analysis
Get PDFThere is increasing attention on the topic of collaboration for sustainable food supply chains (SFSCs), with increasingly contributing journals and publications every year. The urgency of this topic is even more highlighted due to the COVID‐19 pandemic and the more recent energy and food crisis. Hence, the field needs to have a good portrait of the ongoing research in this area and to better understand future research directions to enable optimized future strategic plans and problem‐solving capability of effective collaboration for SFSCs. This paper reviews, analyses, and synthesizes the current state of research into collaboration for SFSCs. We examine a sample of 528 articles identified from the Scopus and Web of Science databases using bibliometric analysis methodology. We identify four research clusters: collaboration and sustainable supply chain management, emerging markets and resilience, digital technologies, and perishable food products. This paper clarifies interrelated themes and identifies a range of topic areas that still demand further investigation
The stoic practice of sustainability leadership in complex social-ecological systems
No full textThe United Nations has sought a new standard of leadership aligned with a sustainability agenda consistent with recent scholarship calls for greater reflection and independence of thought, pro-social outcomes and understanding of the place of leadership. Through this conceptual paper, we outline how the practice of Stoic principles can inform the enactment of contemporary leadership to address sustainability challenges. The teachings of Epictetus and Seneca provide context for potential contemporary applications of these principles in leadership conduct aligned with Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory within social-ecological systems (SES). Leadership practices, captured in the reflective journals of Roman Emperor and Stoic, Marcus Aurelius, encourage consideration of leadership conduct that is informed through broader SES perspectives. This conceptual enquiry contributes insight into the potential for Stoicism to provide practical leadership responses to the UN sustainability agenda and emerging ‘sustainability leadership’ debate
Developing preceptorship programmes by exploring the needs of newly qualified sonographers through the lens of experienced ultrasound preceptors
Get PDFIntroduction:This study aimed to explore the needs of newly qualified sonographers with respect to the requirements of preceptorship. This paper describes the first stage of research, with data obtained from a cohort of experienced preceptors. A second stage of research with data from newly qualified sonographers is pending synthesis with this work. The aim is to produce an evidenced-based tool to support departments in developing and implementing effective and robust preceptorship.Methods:Twelve experienced participants from eight trusts, with a range of clinical backgrounds and experience were recruited. Two focus groups were held with questions structured around known themes highlighted in current evidence regarding newly qualified sonographers. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results:Four main themes with subthemes emerged. These were: (1) the gaps between qualification and proficiency, (2) the need for managerial investment and formalisation, (3) the preceptor and (4) tools to support the transition and prevent burnout. Frequency data and quotes are given as exemplars.Conclusion:Participants report that newly qualified sonographers require support in report writing, clinical reasoning and confidence, and this should be addressed within preceptorship while acknowledging individual needs. Managerial investment is essential in ensuring adequate support and protected time is available for important preceptorship activities, such as meeting for feedback and feedforward with opportunity to clearly document progression. Inadequate support may be damaging for the wellbeing of preceptor and preceptee and ultimately impact the standard of our ultrasound services and patient care
Literature review: Industry 5.0. Leveraging technologies for environmental, social and governance advancement in corporate settings
Get PDFPurposeThis research paper explores the transformative potential of Industry 5.0 for environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors within corporate settings. This study aims to elucidate the role of Industry 5.0 and its related technologies in influencing ESG factors, explore potential risks linked to ESG and present strategies for mitigation through Industry 5.0.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is the literature review that introduces Industry 5.0 as a pivotal factor in implementing and mitigating ESG and its related risks. It outlines Industry 5.0's characteristics, driven by advanced technologies.FindingsLiterature reviews suggest that Industry 5.0 has the potential to significantly influence ESG factors within corporate settings. It can promote sustainability, enhance working conditions and offer operational advantages.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research paper are twofold. First, it provides valuable insights to policymakers, organizations and regulatory bodies, guiding them in adapting their frameworks to embrace Industry 5.0. This adaptation is essential for achieving ESG goals and facilitating sustainable development. Second, it highlights the critical role of Industry 5.0 in mitigating ESG-related risks, offering a robust structure for sustainable development.Originality/valueThis research paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the transformative potential of Industry 5.0 in the context of ESG. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical evolution of corporate governance, the integration of sustainability and the growing focus on ESG. It also highlights the originality and value of Industry 5.0 as a critical mitigating factor for ESG-related risks, presenting a holistic approach to sustainable corporate practices
Preservice teachers learning to teach reading using one-to-one tutoring: Does learning 'stick' for tutees and tutors?
Get PDFTeaching reading is a key element of initial teacher education programmes in England. This study contributes to the research about the most effective way to ensure preservice teachers have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach reading. One-to-one reading tutoring of children has been demonstrated to have some positive effects on preservice teacher learning, but often the impact on the child of these teacher education initiatives is not considered. This study used a mixed methods, quasi-experimental design to investigate the impact on children’s (n=205) reading of a one-to-one tutoring programme and the impact on the preservice teachers (n=75) who implemented the tutoring as part of their teacher education programme. The study investigated if gains made by children were greater than if they had maintained ‘business as usual’ adaptive classroom teaching and if there was impact on learning beyond the end of the tutoring programme for children and preservice teachers. Results show that the intervention children made statistically significant gains compared to the comparator group (n=44) however, the maintenance of gains for children was not consistent across the treatment group. However, most preservice teachers maintained their skills and knowledge six months following the end of the tutoring
Chatbots in customer service within banking and finance: Do chatbots herald the start of an AI revolution in the corporate world?
No full textThe main aim of this paper is to identify whether chatbots are useful for customer service, how they are impacting customer service in banking, and how professionals feel about the future impact of chatbots. Employing a largely qualitative approach, the study found that chatbots are a useful tool for customer service automation, with significant potential for providing good quality service. In general, sentiments towards chatbots were positive for simple tasks, with users and experts citing convenience, 24/7 availability, and speed as primary factors driving customer satisfaction levels. However, the limitations of chatbots in answer accuracy and reliability mean that they still require significant learning and development to be a sufficient solution for complex customer service problems. Chatbots are significantly limited in their capabilities and ability to parse customer queries. Therefore, they cannot be expected to handle all customer queries without some assistance from a human. On the other hand, chatbots have huge potential for learning, and artificial intelligence as a field presents a largely untapped universe of opportunity. This study thus highlights how chatbots are currently being used and how they are likely to be used in the future. Based on these findings, we develop an experimental framework that explains how to assess chatbots for dynamic customer service capabilities
GREENGAGE-based Citizen Observatory White Book for public administration
Get PDFThis White Book is a step-by-step manual designed to teach public authorities, organizations, and citizens how to build Citizen Observatories from the ground up. It provides the necessary framework to co-create these community platforms as a primary tool for tackling problems such as climate change adaptation and mitigation.The White Book draws on lessons from the GREENGAGE project (www.greengage-project.eu), a three year pan-European Innovation Action funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme, alongside the UK and Swiss funding partners
Scan-to-BIM-to-Sim: Automated reconstruction of digital and simulation models from point clouds with applications on bridges
Get PDFThe automation of 3D geometric model reconstruction from point clouds is essential for efficient management of critical infrastructure assets like bridges, significantly streamlining and enhancing inspection and structural analysis tasks. However, existing automated frameworks frequently encounter challenges due to substantial computational demands and the difficulties when applied to defective point clouds, which arise from adverse environmental conditions, measurement errors, and limitations of surveying equipment. Major limitations also exist in achieving real-time data exchange and mapping between Building Information Modelling (BIM) models and simulation (Sim) models. To address this gap, this paper proposes a comprehensive Scan-to-BIM-to-Sim framework that efficiently reconstructs bridge BIM models from imperfect point clouds and supports bidirectional mapping between BIM and numerical simulations. The method proposes an improved edge detection for contour extraction from imperfect point cloud and parametric modelling for the direct generation of 3D models within BIM software. Additionally, it automates the exchange between BIM models and simulation software, facilitating bidirectional operation for real-time analysis and visualisation. The framework, validated using the Arial Aqueduct Bridge case, reduces modelling time and computational demands, thereby streamlining construction simulations with improved accuracy and cost efficiency
More sustainable than it seems – Social sustainability of Warsaw’s multi-residential prefabricated housing from 1970-80s
Get PDFAfter the fall of communism in 1989, Warsaw's large-panel housing estates became an unwanted legacy of the previous era. Frequently they were characterized by poor quality of workmanship, deficiencies in the surrounding infrastructure and the monotony of the urban space. However, in the second decade of the 21st century their potential has become increasingly appreciated. Unlike other European capitals, large housing estates from the 1970s and 1980s have not become isolated poor districts of the city, but rather an integrated part of Warsaw with a socio-economically diverse community. This research analyses this phenomenon to explain how spaces that were doomed to failure 30 years ago can inform building a sustainable city. Despite the several flaws in the large-panel estates, they are characterised by features that are currently unattainable such as apartment size, layout and public spaces. The way these estates function today forces us to consider sources of positive social reception and differences in relation to housing developments implemented under the current free market conditions