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Explainable Traffic Accident Severity Prediction with Attention-Enhanced Bidirectional GRU-LSTM
Get PDFThis study aims to improve the accuracy and interpretability of traffic accident severity nowcasting by introducing a stacked Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) deep learning model. Accurately predicting traffic accident severity is crucial for enhancing traffic management and reducing the impact of accidents. We employed a stacked Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) - Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) model with an attention mechanism, integrating multivariate accident data to capture complex temporal dynamics. The use of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values enhances the interpretability of the model. The model demonstrates high reliability and effectiveness, achieving an accuracy of 88.06% and an F1-score of 0.867 in real-time applications. It provides valuable insights into the factors influencing predictions, making the decision-making process transparent. This framework not only advances predictive performance but also aligns with ethical AI deployment, making it a valuable tool for traffic management and policy formulation
Doing critical disciplinary literacies in teacher education: A pedagogical framework
Get PDFData availability: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, C.D.v.d.M., upon reasonable request.Background: This article explores the possibilities for conceptualising and doing critical disciplinary literacies (CDL) in (teacher) education.
Aim: By revisiting and adapting Luke and Freebody’s four resources model, we consider the critical questions that teachers and teacher educators could ask about knowledge, practice, and text and/or representation within different disciplines.
Setting: Our use of the word ‘critical’ in CDL is therefore underpinned by traditions of critical literacies in which power and identity are fundamental to participating in disciplinary fields.
Methods: Using two cases as illustrative examples of CDL in context, one from science education and one from geography education, we demonstrate how our CDL model reveals possibilities for doing critical literacies across the curriculum and with disciplinary content knowledge and practice.
Results: Each case illustrates the pedagogical utility of the CDL framework for: (1) relating the disciplines to students’ lives and (2) demystifying the processes of producing disciplinary texts.
Conclusion: We end with a call to action for student teachers, teachers, and teacher educators to explore the pedagogical utility of our CDL model by identifying the dominant texts of their (inter/trans) disciplinary work, interrogating the privileged sign systems as well as assumptions about imagined audiences of disciplinary texts, and (re) designing text and practice by drawing on multiple sources and approaches to representing knowledge and engaging in social action.
Contribution: In this article, we build on scholarship in critical literacies, disciplinary literacies, and teacher education by adapting and applying Luke and Freebody’s four resources model to different disciplinary texts and practices, with implications for pedagogy at school and higher education contexts.This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors
Unconditional Quantile Regression for Streaming Datasets
Get PDFSupplemental material is available online at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07350015.2023.2293162# .The Unconditional Quantile Regression (UQR) method, initially introduced by Firpo et al. (2009), has gained significant traction as a popular approach for modeling and analyzing data. However, much like Conditional Quantile Regression (CQR), UQR encounters computational challenges when it comes to obtaining parameter estimates for streaming data sets. This is attributed to the involvement of unknown parameters in the logistic regression loss function utilized in UQR, which presents obstacles in both computational execution and theoretical development. To address this, we present a novel approach involving smoothing logistic regression estimation. Subsequently, we propose a renewable estimator tailored for UQR with streaming data, relying exclusively on current data and summary statistics derived from historical data. Theoretically, our proposed estimators exhibit equivalent asymptotic properties to the standard version computed directly on the entire dataset, without any additional constraints. Both simulations and real data analysis are conducted to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed methods.This research is supported by the National Social Science Foundation of China (Series number: 21BTU040) and the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Humanities and Social Science Foundation (Series number: 22YJC910005)
Microfluidic formulation of diazoxide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles as a Novel approach for Friedreich's ataxia treatment
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Data will be made available on request.Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a hereditary autosomal recessive disorder characterized by frataxin deficiency, impacting mitochondrial function and causing oxidative damage. Diazoxide (DZX), a vasodilating drug used in the management of systemic hypertension, has shown promise in preclinical models but faces challenges in crossing the blood-brain barrier and potential toxicity at higher doses. This study aimed to create solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with DZX by microfluidic technique to improve blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and reduce side effects. Employing an in vitro BBB model, SLN-DZX demonstrated enhanced permeability compared to plain DZX. Cell viability assays carried out on FRDA fibroblast cells indicated enhanced viability with 1 μM SLN-DZX. Cellular uptake studies confirmed SLN internalization in FRDA fibroblasts, and subsequent treatment with SLN-DZX significantly reduced both total and mitochondrial ROS levels compared to control and empty SLN-treated cells. These findings suggest SLN-DZX as a potential therapeutic approach for FRDA, mitigating oxidative stress with improved BBB penetration and reduced toxicity.M.I.U.R.—Programma Operativo Nazionale (PON) “Ricerca e Innovazione” 2014–2020 Tematica IV.4 “Dottorati e Contratti di ricerca su tematiche dell’innovazione”
The trouble with TESSOC: the coming crisis in British and allied military counterintelligence doctrine
Get PDFThis article examines the evolution of UK military doctrine on counterintelligence (CI), one of the more consistently troubled aspects of military doctrine in general and intelligence doctrine in particular. We argue that current UK and NATO CI doctrine are in thrall to a deeply problematic defining concept in TESSOC (Terrorism, Espionage, Sabotage, Subversion and Organised Crime) that conflates an intractably diverse assortment of security threats under CI. Furthermore, TESSOC is the latest embodiment of a slow, century-long oscillation between two different basic concepts of CI. The first focuses purely on human threat vectors (referred to here as Human Threat CI or HTCI) while the latter entails a more comprehensive, all-source range of adversary technical and open as well as human source intelligence activities (designated Multidisciplinary CI or MDCI in US doctrine). That oscillation is driven largely by the balance between conventional and asymmetrical operations in defence priorities and recent campaign experience. TESSOC is a legacy of the recent, pre-Russo-Ukraine War emphasis on counterterrorism (CT) and counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. Consequently, UK and allied military counterintelligence doctrine are entering the second quarter of the 21st Century fundamentally ill-equipped to cope with strategic peers and their use of full-spectrum and hybrid strategies.2019-2020 Chief of the Air Staff Trenchard Fellowship awarded to Wing Commander Toby Steward
COVID-19 and persistence in the stock market: a study on a leading emerging market
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.In this study, we examine how sectors of the National Stock Exchange from India respond to the uncertainties introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining the synchronization between the sector-specific and overall market index (NIFTY 50) reaction to COVID-19, we contribute to the inconclusive ongoing academic literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the stock market, especially in the context of persistence in an emerging market. To analyze the persistence of sectoral indices, we apply multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA). We use the generalized Hurst exponent and singularity spectrum as indicators for persistence and spectral width as a measure of volatility. Our analysis shows that the sample sectoral indices are persistent before and after the announcement of COVID-19; however, volatility in some sectors reduces post-announcement of COVID-19. The findings will enrich the academic literature on the relationship between sector-specific and overall market indexes. In practice, the paper will guide investors to organize their portfolios, especially during future economic uncertainty
Mass Optimization of Crane Box Girder Considering Both Ribs and Diaphragms using APDL
Get PDFMass optimization of crane box girder considering both ribs and diaphragms is a crucial aspect of crane structural design in mechanical engineering. However, two common challenges often obscure this process: the sizing of stiffeners such as diaphragms and ribs, and the selection of constraints on state variables related to stresses and deformations for various load cases. In response, this paper focuses on optimizing the dimensions, number, and placement of stiffeners, including ribs and diaphragms, in a two-girder overhead crane structure. The paper begins by establishing criteria for the initial height of the box girder through a comparative analysis of structural strength and stiffness. Subsequently, dimensional relationships between stiffeners and the girder section are built in accordance with the principles of local plate stability. Following this, the ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL) program is coded and executed to optimize the crane mass using three methods: sub-problem approximation, sweep, and first-order methods via Module Design OPT for four chosen sets of state variables. A comparative analysis of the optimum crane mass, based on the rounded-up design variables, reveals that constraints on stresses and deformations from both vertical and transversal impact cases, as well as the vertical frequency from dynamic vibration cases, yield the best results. Furthermore, the proposed APDL method is compared and validated against Grey Wolf Optimizer, Whale Optimization Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Genetic Algorithm. Finally, a parametric study is conducted using curves and tables to explore the influence of structural stiffness and material property on the optimized dimensions of the girder and stiffeners, as well as the overall mass and mechanical performance.National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant number: 51978013), the China Scholarship Council (Grant number: 201906545013), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant number: 2017M620789), and Beijing University of Technology (Grant numbers: 004000514118567, 004000514119060)
Safeguarding: An A/r/tography. Lessons from Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonUsing art-based auto ethnography to compare safeguarding policies and practices for
young people in two educational settings: One in London, England and one in Harare,
Zimbabwe.
The following study used an auto-ethnographic arts-based approach of A/r/tographic to
compare and contrast safeguarding policies in two uniquely different countries with a shared
history the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
A/r/tography is described as a form of arts based research that acknowledges the A (artist), r
(researcher) and t (teacher) within a study. Artographers as this researcher will refer to these
artists and themselves, use their chosen medium of art to explore areas of interest within
education, not in isolation to their audience but in conjunction with them as co-interpreters
and co-inventors. In the African and UK context, EFL (English as a foreign language) or
medium of instruction school based research, utilising this form of auto-ethnographic enquiry
is slowly emerging. However, employingartography to develop an understanding of
indigenous safeguarding systems in education has yet to be examined and was done so in this
study.
Artographical tools and a mixed method approach were utilised to investigate contentions in
safeguarding between the two countries. Furthermore, to gain a clearer viewpoint on those
entities involved in safeguarding, an ecological systems theory perspective was adopted. In
order to sculpt a story of these organisations the voices of managers in both settings were
included.
Findings reveal that safeguarding is a complex system with interconnected and dependent
parts in both contexts. Furthermore, within these parts contention arises which impacts on
effective actioning within the system
Illuminating the dark side of fairy tales
Get PDFThis thesis was submitted for the award of Master of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonContemporary cinema has seen the return of horror in fairy tales. Filmmakers employ various cinematic elements such as genre, style, subversion, visual elements, and historical and cultural details to craft captivating narratives. This study seeks to discover and understand the relevance of Horror and Fairy tales in portraying social behaviour, traditional beliefs, and gender roles and their influence on contemporary media and popular culture. Investigating how filmmakers subvert traditional fairy tale narratives, creating new and thought-provoking stories that challenge genre narrative conventions. This thesis focuses on select post-90s films that feature young protagonists in their narratives. This research identifies key themes, motives, and symbols in both genres and examines how they intersect and inform one another. Utilising a postmodern, psychoanalytic lens, the research delves into unconscious desires and fears represented through symbolism and archetypes in horror and fairy tale narratives. Furthermore, historical and cultural contexts are examined to comprehend their significance and relevance to contemporary social issues
Dwells in museum: The restorative potential of augmented reality
Get PDFData availability: The data that has been used is confidential.Augmented Reality (AR) is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for creating restorative environments within museums. It has the potential to provide psychological benefits for visitors, including attention restoration, stress reduction, and anxiety alleviation. This study explores how AR can foster these benefits within museum spaces. By adopting AR technology, museums can go beyond their traditional roles of knowledge dissemination. The immersive, adaptive, and interactive features of AR can enhance the museum experience, transforming it into an innovative therapeutic space. By combining real exhibits with virtual elements, AR can restore visitors’ psychological energy within museum settings. This integration of digital innovation into restorative contexts surpasses the traditional functions of visual service. Through empirical investigation of multiple dimensions of restorative environments, AR museum experiences offer comprehensive attention restoration. In this study, a survey was conducted with 279 participants to assess the impact of AR museum experiences on visitors’ psychology. The results revealed that such experiences contribute to heightened attention restoration levels, stress reduction, and anxiety relief. With the latest advancements in generative artificial intelligence, AR technology is empowered to integrate within museums. This integration will merge individuals with customized technology, expanding human perceptual experiences and highlighting AR's significant influence within the museum environment.This study is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. This project is the result of a collaboration of academic investigators from Brunel University London and Shanghai Jiao Tong University and practitioners from the museum and gallery sectors in the UK and China, namely Natural History Museums in the UK, the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, Modern Art Museum Shanghai, Link-Stars Design and Jo-Z Design in China
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