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Connectedness and investment strategies of volatile assets: DCC-GARCH R2 analysis of cryptocurrencies and emerging market sectors
Get PDFThis study investigates the return propagation dynamics between cryptocurrencies and emerging market sectoral indices (EMSI), focusing on portfolio impact from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and two gold-backed cryptocurrencies (PAXG and X8X). Using data from 2019 to 2024, we apply a novel DCC-GARCH-based R2 decomposed connectedness approach to analyse return connectedness among these high-risk assets. We also utilize innovative concepts such as minimum dynamic pairwise connectedness and minimum R2 decomposed connectedness portfolios in our multivariate hedging portfolios. Our findings reveal that total connectedness is time-variant and influenced by economic events. Bitcoin and Ethereum are identified as net transmitters of shocks, while other assets, particularly gold-backed cryptocurrencies, serve as net shock receivers with minimal impact. Moreover, few EMSIs (financials, industrials, and materials sectors) show significant connectedness in the system. Although our suggested portfolio analysis offers improved returns, none consistently outperform the market. This research offers valuable insights for investors and policymakers regarding the interconnectedness and risk management of cryptocurrencies and EMSI
Transforming programming education: The effectiveness of motivational scenario-based design in serious games
Get PDFProgramming education faces persistent challenges, particularly in sustaining learner engagement and motivation while teaching abstract concepts like algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving skills. Traditional methods, focused heavily on theory, often fail to engage students effectively, resulting in high dropout rates, especially among novice programmers. This study proposed a Motivational Scenario-Based Design (MSBD), which integrates Scenario-Based Design (SBD) with Keller’s ARCS motivational model to create an adaptive and personalised learning experience. The MSBD framework embeds programming tasks within game-based learning environments, supporting learners to apply abstract concepts in simulated real-world scenarios. The ARCS model sustains motivation throughout the learning journey by targeting Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. As a proof of concept based on a case study, this study developed the serious game GhostCoder, incorporating Objective, Structural, and Adaptive Scenarios to guide learners from foundational programming concepts to advanced problem-solving skills. The experimental evaluation involving IT diploma students at a vocational institution demonstrated the efficacy of the MSBD framework. Pre-test and post-test assessments and the IMMS Survey showed statistically significant improvements in programming knowledge and learner motivation. The results indicate that MSBD effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. While further refinement of the adaptive learning features is needed, the study underscores the potential of MSBD to optimise serious games for novice programmers and other educational contexts
Serum mesothelin as a response biomarker in pleural mesothelioma
Get PDFBackgroundCT scans are the current gold standard for disease monitoring for Pleural mesothelioma (PM), with radiology reported using the modified RECIST criteria. While mRECIST has its own challenges, attending for CT scans adds time and expense. A blood-based biomarker which tracks disease status could enable more responsive, community-based disease monitoring. This study evaluated the relationship between serial serum mesothelin (SM) levels and disease status.MethodsPatients with PM were recruited from Assess-Meso, a multi-centre prospective cohort study of patients with mesothelioma, between 28/2/2019 and 31/12/2023. Logistic regression, adjusted for sex, age, histology, performance status, eGFR and treatment, was used to assess the relationship between serial SM and radiological disease status. Prespecified sub-group analyses stratified participants by initial SM and treatment status.Results156 patients had ≥ 2 SM measurements with paired CT scans. Rising SM was associated with disease progression in the coincident time period (Adj OR 1.11, 95 % CI 1.03–1.19) and the subsequent 6 months (Adj OR 1.13, 1.03–1.23), regardless of initial SM. A 25 % change in SM was the optimal threshold, with a 25 % rise associated with disease progression (Adj OR 2.68 (1.52–4.73)) with sensitivity and specificity of 48.7 % (43.1 %-54.4 %) and 75.7 % (70.8 %-80.5 %) respectively. For patients receiving treatment, falling SM predicted subsequent disease response (Adj OR 1.37, 1.16–1.61).ConclusionsSerial SM is a reliable response biomarker in PM, regardless of initial value and treatment status. These results support the use of SM in routine clinical care as an adjunct to CT scans, with several benefits over radiological monitoring
A linguistic analysis of future perceptions of parents of adolescents with complex regional pain syndrome and parents of pain‐free peers
Get PDFBackground: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition which typically affects a body extremity and occurs more frequently from the onset of adolescence. Parents of adolescents with chronic pain report uncertainty and fear concerning their adolescent's transition to adulthood. Nonetheless, little is known about how parents of adolescents with CRPS perceive their adolescent's future. Methods: This study sought to explore the future perceptions of parents of adolescents with CRPS (n = 45) and compare their use of language with a sample of parents of adolescents without chronic pain (n = 50). All participants completed an online story completion task in which they described their imagined future for their adolescent (14–25 years). Responses were coded using a linguistic analysis programme and the significance of group differences was tested using inferential statistics. Results: Parents of adolescents with CRPS used significantly more negative emotion and anger words, and their responses had an overall lower emotional tone score (i.e., were more negative) than parents of pain‐free adolescents. Parents of pain‐free adolescents used significantly more certainty and friends words. Adolescent age and gender predicted a significant amount of variance in use of family words. No group differences were found for the remaining dimensions. Conclusions: Key differences exist regarding expectations of their adolescent's future between parents of adolescents with and without chronic pain. Given the important contribution of parents to the pain experience of their adolescent, and the influence of parental expectations on future outcomes, interventions should target the future‐focused expectations of parents. Significance Statement: Parental expectations of their adolescent's future may be impacted by the presence of their adolescent's chronic pain condition. Our findings point to the importance of considering and targeting parental future perceptions in paediatric chronic pain interventions
Enhancing GPR detection of salt-accumulated layer in oasis terraced fields by seasonal root zone freezing
No full textAccurate characterization of salt-accumulated layer (SAL) distribution is crucial for salinity regulation in oasis terraced fields. In salinized soil environments, high salt content leads to signal attenuation and limits the depth of radar wave penetration, which poses significant interpretation challenges. As a result, Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, widely used and effective in conventional soil surveys, has shown limited applicability under such conditions. This study proposes an innovative approach to enhancing GPR detection of SAL by strategically leveraging seasonal root zone soil freezing phenomena. The influence of the main control factors, namely freezing depth, pre-freezing irrigation, and soil salinity level, on the performance of the methodology was systematically evaluated through numerical simulations and field testing. Results reveal that GPR detection of SAL achieved optimal feasibility when conducted during late winter, when the seasonal freezing depth reaches its maximum. Even better results could be expected when conducting the GPR survey over the land with common pre-freezing irrigation for salinity regulation. Moreover, these enhancements are effective for high salinity soils. Finally, a successful application of GPR to map and diagnose the SAL in an oasis terraced field validated the proposed approach, based on positive correlations with freezing depth and soil salinity level. The outcomes of this study not only broaden the application scope of GPR in soil surveying, but also provide a scientific basis for implementing precision irrigation strategies in salinized soil management, thereby contributing to water conservation efforts
Automation of predictive maintenance: An experimental framework for aircraft landing gear
Get PDFTerabytes of data are recorded per flight by modern aircraft, providing a goldmine for predictive maintenance modeling, however, the required domain knowledge to build ML tools limits the number developed by airline manufacturers each year. Automated machine learning (AutoML) libraries can simplify model development, providing features such as automated preprocessing, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the development workflow. This research presents an experimental analysis comparing industry‐selected machine learning models and a hand‐picked selection of automated machine‐learning tools. The selected models were evaluated against real and synthetic time series datasets for different Airbus landing gear components across six datasets. The traditional and automated models obtained comparable MAE and F1 scores on regression and classification problems, accordingly, demonstrating the effectiveness of their use in this field. Based on these findings, a robust framework is proposed to utilize automated ML to optimize predictive maintenance tool development. This research is a stepping stone towards greater use of automation for predictive maintenance and presents insights into the field and AutoML. By integrating greater automation, AutoML can exploit more of the available data and deskill the development process to enable non‐data scientists to produce health monitoring models for a more diverse pool of aircraft components
Blockage of action potential-like spiking in D2O-suspended proteinoid microspheres
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of heavy water (D 2 O) on action potential-like electrical activity in proteinoid microspheres. We demonstrate that D 2 O completely suppresses spontaneous electrical spiking, contrasting with the robust spiking patterns observed in deionized water (mean amplitude 5.39-9.81 mV, period 2489-2826 s). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that charge transport differs between the two environments: deionized water has charge transfer behavior (í µí± ′ í µí±í µí±í µí±¥ ≈ 8 kΩ), while D 2 O exhibits diffusion-dominated responses (í µí± ′ í µí±í µí±í µí±¥ ≈ 120 kΩ). Cyclic voltammetry measurements show different behaviors for D 2 O and H 2 O. D 2 O has stable current responses up to 900 mV/s. Then, at 1000 mV/s, there is a sharp rise (I a = 22.71 μA, I c = −22.19 μA). H 2 O, on the other hand, shows gradual current increases as the scan rate rises. Statistical analysis shows significant differences (í µí± < 0.0001) in membrane potential dynamics between the two conditions, with D 2 O showing reduced variability (í µí¼ í µí°· 2 í µí± = 1.70−15.08 mV vs í µí¼ í µí°·í µí°¼ = 12.01−22.40 mV). Using an R(CW)RO topology for equivalent circuit modeling shows enhanced diffusion limits in D 2 O. This suggests changes in charge transport mechanisms. The model has a í µí¼ 2 of 0.0736. These findings show how cellular bioelectricity works. They highlight the important role of proton dynamics in creating the basic membrane potential
The accessibility project of the Beckford Tower in Bath: A case study on tactile experiences for people with visual impairments
No full textBeckford’s Tower, a Grade I-listed building, and a landmark of UNESCO City of Bath’s historic heritage has stood for two centuries. Born in 1760, William Beckford was only ten years old when his father died. Consequently, he inherited an immense fortune from the sugar plantations they owned in Jamaica and from the exploitation of slaves. Following his return to Britain after a long exile, Beckford settled first in Wiltshire and then permanently in Bath. In 19 years, he created a mile-long landscaped garden, atop of which he had architect Henry Edmund Goodridge build the Lansdown Tower (1826-1827). The tower has since become known as Beckford's Tower. In October 2022, the Bath Preservation Trust initiated a significant restoration project of the tower, its museum and environment, culminating in the reopening in the summer of 2024. The tower building has a rectangular base and rises to about forty metres. The top part (lantern) shows clear references to Greek architecture, with a ‘belvedere’ over the Bath countryside. It features a notable spiral staircase that rests structurally on the external masonry walls without any internal support (with reference to Renaissance staircases such as that of Jacopo Barozzi, known as ‘Vignola’). Accessibility issuesBeckford's Tower presents challenges in accessibility for individuals with different needs, primarily due to its original architectural structure, which does not fully accommodate those with mobility or visual impairments. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, education, and outreach, the Bath Preservation Trust has designed a dedicated information room on the ground floor to cater to individuals with different requirements, including those with mobility and visual impairments. The Bath Preservation Trust commissioned the Centre for Print Research, UWE Bristol (CFPR), to improve the accessibility of information regarding the tower's history, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this historical site. The CFPR has designed and produced a series of replicas and tactile models to facilitate an understanding of the architecture and enhance the visiting experience for people with visual impairments. Beckford's Tower, was clearly conceived and constructed long before regulations or considerations for accessibility were established. As society progresses towards greater inclusivity, retrofitting these historic sites to meet current accessibility standards is both a necessity and a matter of respecting human rights. However, preserving the site's integrity and authenticity holds significant value. Introducing modern elements such as external elevators or ramps might disrupt the historical aesthetics and compromise the original design intent. For Beckford's Tower, structural constraints and spatial limitations render such modifications impractical. For example, the staircase dimensions are minimal, far from ideal for accessibility adaptations, making retrofitting highly unfeasible. Despite these challenges, it is crucial that people with varying needs can experience the site, its history, and its natural surroundings as fully as possible. Given these constraints, the most appropriate solution identified in this case study, considering technical feasibility and budget, is the production of tactile replicas for exploration by Visually Impaired People (VIPs). Tactile exploration within museum exhibitions has recently developed due to the advent of 3D printing and rapid prototyping technologies. These methods allow visitors to obtain detailed sensory information, enriching their understanding of cultural heritage artefacts. However, tactile artefacts present significant challenges; they often require modifications from the original, such as changes in material, colour, and size, necessitating careful translation and curation. Various artefacts, including maps and 3D replicas, have been produced in this context. Tactile graphics use raised surfaces to convey visual information, 3D models illustrate fundamental or abstract concepts, and real objects are unmodified items from the environment
Integration of a vertical voluntary medical male circumcision program into routine health services in Zimbabwe: A solution for sustainable HIV prevention
No full textThe global health community has recognized the importance of integrating and sustaining health programs within national health systems rather than managing stand-alone ‘vertical’ interventions. Corresponding with these objectives, international aid donors are embracing the principle of localization. Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) in Zimbabwe is a large vertical HIV prevention program that was primarily funded through development assistance for health. Program stakeholders want to sustainably integrate VMMC into routine health services so that the program will continue to be a cost-effective HIV prevention strategy. The research team studied the effectiveness of a district-level intervention to empower local stakeholders in this integration effort. To evaluate this intervention, the research team conducted a document review of district-level work plans, combined with a survey administered to district teams assessing sustainability capacity of the program. Over a two-year period, Task Teams in all five intervention districts successfully integrated the VMMC program by reducing barriers and leveraging opportunities in other parts of the health system. Key outcomes impacted all WHO health system building blocks, including enhanced leadership and governance, improved service delivery through better access and acceptability, an expanded health workforce through training, more efficient use of medical technologies, improved data quality, and the mobilization of local funds to support program financing and sustainability. The sustainability survey showed a reduction in funding stability but a significant increase in communications, program adaptation, and organizational capacity. By institutionalizing participatory work planning, fostering local ownership, and mobilizing resources, the project demonstrated a successful model for integrating, scaling, and sustaining VMMC services. Other health programs in low- and middle-income countries seeking to integrate and sustain health services at subnational levels should consider this diagonal, bottom-up model to promote local leadership development and health system strengthening
Change management: A systematic review on implementing robotic technology in healthcare
Get PDFPurpose This study investigates how change management (CM) practices support the adoption of robotic technologies in healthcare. It aims to identify effective implementation strategies and develop a framework tailored to the organisational realities of complex healthcare systems. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 44 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023 was conducted. Bibliometric analysis was used to map research trends, co-authorship networks and keyword co-occurrences, offering both thematic and structural insights into the field’s evolution. Findings The review highlights the significance of strategic and operational CM practices, such as stakeholder engagement, continuous training and role alignment, in shaping successful implementation. The bibliometric analysis reveals dominant research themes and geographical contributions, offering a contextual understanding of the field’s progression. Drawing on empirical patterns, a novel CM framework is proposed that integrates complexity-informed principles, emphasising co-creation, adaptability and distributed leadership. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to literature published within the last decade and focuses on healthcare robotics. Future research should empirically test the proposed framework across diverse healthcare systems. Practical implications The findings offer actionable insights for healthcare administrators, emphasising the importance of proactive and structured CM strategies to enhance technology adoption and integration. Social implications By addressing resistance and fostering innovation-friendly cultures, this study contributes to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Originality/value This review uniquely combines bibliometric and systematic methods to advance understanding of CM in healthcare robotics. The proposed framework bridges a gap in the literature by offering actionable, evidence-based guidance for navigating robotic implementation and promoting long-term organisational change in healthcare delivery