18624 research outputs found
Sort by
The role of trait mindfulness in shaping the perception of stress, including its role as a moderator or mediator of the effects of personality
Get PDFStress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, have been gaining popularity over the last few decades with research focus shifting toward understanding the factors that contribute to why certain individuals are more likely to benefit from stress reduction techniques compared to others. Mindfulness and personality traits are two factors that have been examined to help explain some of the individual differences in the perception of stress. Thus, the present study aimed to increase our understanding of the relationships between personality traits, mindfulness, and perceived stress. A total of 266 adults (70 % female; age range: 18–64 years; age (M ± SD): 34 ± 13) participated an online survey. A hierarchical multiple regression indicated that 58 % of the variance in perceived stress was explained by personality and mindfulness. Trait mindfulness-attention significantly moderated the relationship between agreeableness and perceived stress. Effect size calculations showed that 57 % of the variation in perceived stress was attributed to neuroticism mediated by mindfulness, attention, and acceptance. Furthermore, 51 % of the variance in perceived stress was attributed to agreeableness mediated by mindfulness (attention and acceptance). © 2024 The Author
Multi-agreements in social networks based on LaSalle invariance principle and positive definiteness
No full textThe paper considers multi-agreements that may exist in social networks that do not have connectivity across the network, and where each agent can decide on how an opinion from an influencing agent is accepted or not. The opinion dynamics considered in this paper are therefore nonlinear. Because of this nonlinearity, and because general directed graphs are considered, the first contribution is using a decomposition of the directed graph, which identifies the key influencers (with strong connectivity) and the pure followers in the graph, to partition the dynamics into two cascaded subsystems. Based on a LaSalle invariance principle and a max–min Lyapunov function, global asymptotic stability of “agreements” can then be established under very weak, nearly necessary conditions. The result generalizes a number of results for consensus networks with first-order multi-agent systems, as well as three important models, namely, stubborn extremists, stubborn positives, and stubborn neutrals. A Gaussian elimination based algorithm is introduced to simultaneously identify the key influencers and a particular basis of the left kernel space of the Laplacian matrix. To compute a special basis of the right kernel space of the Laplacian matrix, an effective algorithm is then proposed based on the Cramer's rule. These algorithms are closely related to the prediction of final agreement values. Simulation studies complement the theoretical results, hinting toward agreement design. © 2024 Elsevier Lt
Navigating the new normal: student perspectives on transitioning from online to face-to-face learning after COVID-19 lockdowns
No full textThis paper explores the transition from online learning to face-to-face learning in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a survey conducted among students in engineering classes, the study investigates the challenges and preferences experienced during this critical period. The survey responses provide valuable insights into lecture delivery methods, time management, social skills, workload comparisons, and the support required for a successful transition. The findings highlight the preference for a hybrid approach that combines the benefits of both online and face- to- face learning. Flexibility in scheduling, access to digital resources, and personalized learning experiences emerged as key factors influencing student satisfaction. Additionally, the survey identifies the need for effective time management strategies, social skills development, and mental health support during the transition. By prioritizing student needs and preferences, educational institutions can create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being in the post-pandemic education landscape. © 2024 IEEE
A community-based modified sport program for rural community-dwelling older adults : a pilot study
No full textIntroduction: With Australiaʼs ageing population, especially in rural regions, promoting physical activity among older adults is crucial. Objective: To identify factors influencing participation of older adults (60 years or over) from a rural community in a modified sport program and assess satisfaction with a pilot modified sport program informed by these findings. Design: Insights and ideas from two focus groups exploring community perspectives on a modified sport program informed the development of a six-week pilot modified sport program delivered with the local fitness centre. Post-program surveys assessed participant satisfaction, willingness to continue, and likelihood of recommending the program to others. Findings: Nine participants attended the focus groups, highlighting increased social connection, health management, and healthy ageing as key motivators. Joint and health concerns, cost, and time constraints emerged as main barriers. Preferences for the program included weekly sessions, alternating sports, indoor venues, and supporting modifications, but maintaining traditional rules. Thirteen participants participated in the pilot modified sport program. There was strong program attendance (86%). All participants (13/13) rated their satisfaction as very satisfied. They were highly likely to recommend the program to others (8.5/10) and were interested in continuing modified sport after the pilot (7.7/10). Discussion: This study demonstrates for the first time that modified sport is of interest to older people in the rural setting, and that delivering such a program is feasible in a small community. Rural communities implementing modified sport should consider the availability of suitable facilities and equipment, access to an engaging facilitator and participant cost. Conclusion: Through a strong connection between the health service and community fitness centre, a modified sport program was developed and implemented, well-attended and enjoyed by participants in a rural community. © 2024 National Rural Health Alliance Ltd
A dual-coupled double-lcc system with the capability of misalignment tolerance improvement for wireless charging substation inspection robots
No full textThis article presents a wireless power transfer system for substation inspection robots. Employing a dual-coupled double inductor-capacitor-capacitor (LCC-LCC) compensation topology, the system aims to address the prevalent challenge of misalignment tolerance improvements. It reveals that the system's output is predominantly influenced by the denominator parameter (i.e.
Utilizing artificial intelligence and finite element method to simulate the effects of new tunnels on existing tunnel deformation
Get PDFBuildings and infrastructure should be constructed while maintaining the safety of the existing infrastructure. Since tunnels are an essential component of urban infrastructure, building new tunnels next to existing ones may have unintended consequences. This study aims to examine the effects of building a new tunnel next to an existing tunnel under different conditions. Two-dimensional models have been developed using the finite element method (FEM) for the existing tunnel, with a diameter of 5 meters, and for the new tunnel, with a diameter that differs from the existing tunnel. Then, the effects of two factors, namely the distance between the two tunnels and the diameter of the new tunnel, were examined on the horizontal, vertical, and total deformation of the soil and the existing tunnel. For the first time, this study attempts to predict the effect of new tunnels on existing tunnels using artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Due to the importance of tunnels and the increasing number of tunnels being constructed in urban areas, this issue will be of great interest. For analyzing the feasibility of using mathematical methods to predict tunnel deformation, the multiple linear regression (MLR) method and an AI technique, namely classification and regression random forests (CRRFs), were used to utilize the generated database. Analyzing FEM results represented that by increasing the diameter of the new tunnel from 3 to 5, horizontal and vertical displacement of the existing tunnel increased by approximately 5 and 10 times, respectively. Further, by reducing the distance between the new tunnel and the existing tunnel from 11 meters to 6 meters, the intensity of horizontal and vertical deformation of the existing tunnel increased by about 2 and 3 times, respectively. Moreover, the results of mathematical models demonstrated that the CRRF method was more accurate than the MLR method, with R of 0.94 and mean absolute error of 2.89 for the testing database, which indicated its proper performance. © The Author(s) 2022
Subgraph federated learning with global graph reconstruction
No full textMissing cross-subgraph information is a unique problem in Subgraph Federated Learning (SFL) and severely affects the performance of the learned model. Existing cutting-edge methods typically allow clients to exchange data with all other clients to predict missing neighbor nodes. However, such client-to-client data exchanges are highly complex and lead to expensive communication overhead. In this paper, we propose FedGGR: subgraph federated learning with global graph reconstruction. FedGGR is a practical and effective framework. Specifically, the core idea behind it is to directly learn a global graph on the server by a graph structure learning module instead of predicting the missing neighbors on each client. Compared to existing methods, FedGGR does not require any data exchange among clients and achieves remarkable enhancements in model performance. The experimental results on four benchmark datasets show that the proposed method excels with other state-of-the-art methods. We release our source code at https://github.com/poipoipoi233/FedGGR. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024
A simultaneous wireless power and data transfer method utilizing a novel coupler design for rotary steerable systems
No full textThis article introduces a simultaneous wireless power and data transfer method by using a half-cylinder-stator and quarter-cylinder-rotator coupling mechanism for rotary steerable systems. Through this configuration, stability and synchronization of both power and data transfers are ensured, notably under comprehensive 360° rotational conditions. Moreover, based on the decoupling characteristics, the interference between power and data transfer is also greatly reduced. A prototype is built, which illustrates that the proposed structure possesses the constant voltage output and stable data transfer capability. Furthermore, observations indicate that the output voltage can be maintained as stable at 48 V with a deviation of ±2.7%. And there is no detectable significant change in data transfer voltage amplitude. During the full 360° rotation, the system dc-dc efficiency range is from 86.7% to 88.9%. © 1986-2012 IEEE
Data-driven flexibility assessment for demand response in wastewater treatment plant
Get PDFToday’s energy system is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from conventional energy sources to renewable energy (RE) systems on both national and global scales. This transition is expected to reduce global carbon emissions and meet the increased energy demand. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RESs) can affect power system stability which poses the need for more flexibility in the power system. Supply-side flexibility through peaking power plants is expensive, and relying on conventional generation is undesirable, which shows the urgency of flexibility from the demand-side. Demand-side flexibility through demand response (DR) is a well-accepted mechanism in which consumers change their energy consumption patterns by responding to any power system issue or need and can receive financial benefits. Unlike residential consumers commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers are extensive energy users and potential DR candidates. However, a lack of knowledge about DR implementation and benefits hinders DR participation by C&I consumers having complex industrial processes. Therefore, further research on the applicability of DR for C&I consumers including benefits evaluation is significant. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is one of the C&I consumers in the water industry which accounts for about 2-3% of global electricity use. DR participation by WWTPs can deliver benefits in multiple ways: it can reduce energy costs for the plant; provide sustained stability to the power system and decarbonisation for the wider community. However, WWTP loads and processes are usually interconnected and complicated and might not be interrupted frequently to provide DR as required, which has not been extensively reviewed in past studies. Further, WWTP processes are guided by different control parameters which should be strictly maintained to provide the quality requirements. Besides, the energy consumption of a system can be associated with different parameters and variables that are linked with the loads and processes. A systematic analysis of the energy data to extract information about the key parameters and variables can give an understanding of the potential flexible loads for DR participation. Moreover, the feasibility of DR application while securing techno-economic benefits is vital to encourage and realize DR participation of WWTPs. This research initially performed a literature survey to gain an understanding of the possible means to increase flexibility by C&I consumers which can apply to WWTPs. Consumers with inflexible or restricted loads can participate in DR program with the aid of an energy storage system (ESS), which is useful in storing energy for later use. Besides, onsite renewable generation (ORG) allows consumers to use RES generation during peak demand periods, avoid high energy prices, and respond to grid pressure relief. The literature survey addresses the gaps in both C&I consumers and WWTP-focused DR surveys which can lessen the knowledge barrier for WWTP DR participation. The survey analysis exhibits that, utilising ESS and ORG C&I consumers with inflexible loads can participate in DR programs, which can be applied to WWTPs. Several recommendations are provided which are deemed critical for fruitful DR implementation using appropriate ESS and DR strategy. Afterward, a data analysis is performed using WWTP real energy data which identifies the association of energy consumption with key parameters and variables based on the correlation analysis and ANN model. A systematic approach is developed to evaluate the influence of key features including wastewater inflow and weather parameters on the WWTP energy consumption. This data analysis can provide identifying energy consumption patterns of loads/processes which is useful in assessing DR flexibility. Finally, data-driven flexibility assessment is performed using 5%, 10%, and 15% load shifting flexibility potential on hybrid energy systems (HES). Four HES combining PV, battery, and fuel cells are analysed using HOMER software. The techno-economic assessment shows that up to 29.5% energy cost savings can be obtained with load-shifting flexibility integrated into HES which provides the economic feasibility of DR-ESS-ORG integrated energy system for WWTPs. Besides, the reduction of carbon emissions by 28.3% ensured environmental benefits and explored the promising role of hydrogen-based FC. The sensitivity analysis conducted integrating bioenergy from the WWTP results in additional economic and environmental benefits. In brief, this thesis focuses on WWTP DR participation with both flexible and inflexible loads. The data characterisation analysis can assist in identifying flexible loads for DR and the application of ESS and ORG can assist in DR participation without interrupting any inflexible loads/ processes. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive approach to the DR flexibility assessment of WWTPs. Further, it contributed to addressing the contemporary issues with energy transition and provided promising solutions to respond to the energy transition challenges through WWTP DR flexibility. The application of DR in HES including PV, battery and hydrogen-based FC provides a novel energy system model for WWTPs which can result in energy cost reduction and play a key role in decarbonisation.Masters by Researc
Evaluation of LAMP for Fasciola hepatica detection from faecal samples of experimentally and naturally infected cattle
Get PDFFasciola hepatica causes liver fluke disease in production animals and humans worldwide. Faecal egg counts (FEC) are the most common diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of liver fluke disease. However, FEC has low sensitivity and is often unreliable for the detection of patent infection. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was optimised and evaluated for the detection of Fasciola hepatica infection, with the aim of increased sensitivity and making it suitable for on-farm application. LAMP was initially conducted under laboratory conditions, optimised to enable visual detection using calcein dye. DNA extraction based on bead-beating was developed to enable on-farm application. LAMP results were compared to FEC and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Under laboratory conditions, LAMP was conducted using two incubation methods: a conventional PCR thermocycler and a field-deployable LAMP instrument. When compared to a ‘rigorous’ FEC protocol consisting of multiple counts using a comparatively large volume of faeces and with infection confirmed post-mortem, LAMP was highly sensitive and specific (using silica membrane DNA extraction sensitivity 88 %, specificity 100 %; using sieving and beat-beating DNA extraction sensitivity 98.9 %, specificity 100 %). When applied on-farm, LAMP was compared to conventional FEC, which suggested high sensitivity but low specificity (sensitivity 97 %, specificity 37.5 %). However, further analysis, comparing field LAMP results to laboratory PCR, suggested that the low specificity was likely the outcome of the inability of conventional FEC to detect all true F. hepatica positive samples. Based on the high sensitivity and specificity of LAMP compared to a ‘rigorous’ FEC protocol and its ability to be used in field settings, the study demonstrates the potential of LAMP for diagnosing F. hepatica infection in agriculture. © 2024 The Author