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Exploring the Impact of Urban Transformation on Building Functions: A Case Study of Main Saddar Bazar Sialkot Cantt
No full textCurrently, almost half of the world's population lives in urban areas, and it is projected that by 2050, about one-third of the global population will reside in cities. This significant urbanization trend is particularly noticeable in towns in the Global South. One such town is Sialkot, known as the city of Iqbal, an important city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Sialkot has experienced significant physical expansion to accommodate its growing population. As land is a crucial resource for the city's expansion and residential development, Saddar Bazaar, located in the Sialkot Cantonment area, has become the central hub of this historic city. However, this rapid and uncontrolled urbanization has presented various challenges, including haphazard urban development, unregulated construction, and inappropriate changes in building function. This study examines the compatibility of traditional building functions, layouts, and components within Saddar Bazaar, Sialkot Cantt. It also investigates how changes in a building's function affect its components and, on a broader scale, how it impacts the residents. This study follows a qualitative research approach and employs a field survey as the primary data collection method. The survey combines a questionnaire and direct observation to achieve the research objective, highlighting the problems and challenges associated with urban development and tracking the transformation of a residential area into a commercial one. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires to a hundred residents who had lived in different parts of Sialkot for over two decades. Site observations were conducted at various times of the day from late 2021 to spring 2022. Statistical data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, and thematic analysis was used to group the qualitative findings. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that features like Baraza exemplify the typical characteristics and layout of the transformation. Furthermore, this study proposes alternative solutions to address the challenges related to urbanization and commercialization, benefiting policymakers, academics, and citizens alike
Enhanced corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy via surface transfer of microwave-synthesized, non-toxic, and ultra-smooth nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon thin film
No full textMagnesium (Mg) alloys are increasingly recognized as a promising material for the next generation of implants due to their biocompatibility, favorable mechanical strength, and ability to biodegrade effectively in physiological environments. However, their clinical utility is hindered by rapid corrosion. This study introduces and investigates the application of an ultrathin, ultrasmooth, and corrosion-resistant nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon (a-C:N) thin film on a magnesium alloy (Mg-0.5Zn-0.2Ca) for the first time. The a-C:N film was synthesized using a polymer composite based on branched polyethyleneimine and subsequently applied to the magnesium alloy surface to enhance its corrosion resistance. Comprehensive characterization using advanced techniques confirmed the amorphous nature of the synthesized film, revealing the presence of sp2-C, sp3-C, and C-N bonds. AFM analyses and electrochemical corrosion tests demonstrated that the synthesized a-C:N film exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and reduces the corrosion rate of the substrate. Additionally, cytotoxicity tests indicated that the film is non-toxic and compatible for orthopedic implant applications, thereby expanding the potential clinical use of Mg-based implants. Carbon, being a biocompatible and inert nonmetallic element, makes it a suitable choice for enhancing the biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of Mg-based implants
A Systematic Review of Reciprocal Peer Observation in Higher Education
No full textThis article presents a systematic literature review focused on the collaborative approach of Reciprocal Peer Observation (RPO) in Higher Education (HE). The aim was to analyse the effectiveness of RPO on Teacher Professional Development (TPD). Following the PRISMA protocol, 57 journal articles were analysed for their research characteristics and empirical evidence on the benefits and challenges of RPO for teachers, students and institutions. Findings underscore RPO's growing interest and versatility (pairs/groups, intra/interdisciplinary, face-to-face/online) to meet the diverse TPD needs in HE. Qualitative studies were the most common research design (77.19%), providing compelling evidence of teachers' perceptions of the RPO's effectiveness for TPD and fostering collegiality. However, RPO's impact on improving teaching practice and student learning remains unclear. Therefore, RPO shows promise as a collaborative TPD approach in HE, but further research using mixed methods designs is needed to understand its full impact on teaching and learning. Challenges for effective RPO practice include ensuring constructive feedback and a meaningful process for teachers. The studies reviewed highlight the crucial role of HE institutions in managing RPO within a formal TPD program. Addressing challenges and institutional support can enhance RPO's effectiveness and promote continuous professional growth among teachers in HE
COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories, discourses of liberty, and “the new normal” on social media
No full textPublic distrust in government, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professions, and medical science and technology has been consistently linked with vaccine rejection. Policymakers, therefore, want to better understand links between distrust of institutions and vaccine refusal. This paper reports on a case study of posts (tweets) to the social media platform Twitter (now X) collected as part of the TRAC:COVID (Trust and Communication: A Coronavirus Online Visual Dashboard) project. The TRAC:COVID dashboard combines methods from corpus linguistics with various visualization techniques to enable users to explore approximately 84 million posts containing reference to COVID-19 published between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2021 (encompassing the dates of UK coronavirus lockdowns). The dashboard and all sampling considerations (including an overview of the detailed search query used) are available at https://www.traccovid.com . Specifically, the paper analyses a subsample of posts that make reference to vaccines and contain at least one hashtag relating to various categories of dis/misinformation. By employing keyword co-occurrence analysis – a method for examining statistically significant keywords using multiple correspondence analysis – we find that these posts draw on various “discourses of liberty” to protest against perceived infringements on “health freedoms” through the imposition of new norms of behaviour (e.g., mask-wearing)
The Role of Social Prescribing Interventions in Addressing Health Inequalities in the UK: A Narrative Review
No full textBackground:
Social prescribing, developed in the UK through General Practice, has seen varied implementation worldwide, influenced by cultural, healthcare, and political contexts. Among the various efforts to reduce health inequalities among individuals and groups, Social Prescribing has been proposed as a key intervention. Despite growing interest, there is a need for a critical examination of social prescribing's role in addressing health inequalities.
Aim:
This study aims to review the experiences of social prescribing (SP) service users and service providers concerning the impact of SP on health inequalities in the UK. By synthesising existing evidence, it seeks to contribute to ongoing discussions and inform future research and policy directions.
Methods:
A systematic search and narrative synthesis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched included Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, PsycArticles, and PsycINFO, using keywords related to social prescribing and inequalities.
Results:
A total of 441 records were identified, with 20 papers meeting the inclusion criteria selected for analysis. The findings highlighted the positive role of social prescribing in addressing the socio-psychological needs of patients and managing long-term conditions. Barriers included resource constraints, training limitations, and accessibility challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators emphasised the importance of the link worker/service user relationship, collaboration, and integration.
Conclusion:
Social prescribing is important in addressing health inequalities, particularly by targeting socio-psychological factors and managing long-term conditions. However, the complexity of these inequalities requires more tailored models and research. None of the studies examined SP within national NHS National Health Inequalities framework such as Core20Plus5. Future research should explore how SP interventions align with and contribute to national efforts to reduce health inequalities. Overcoming barriers such as resource limitations, training gaps, and accessibility challenges, while strengthening link-worker relationships, is essential. Multi-sectoral collaboration and integrating SP into clinical practices are key to enhancing its impact
An integrated cyber security risk management framework for online banking systems
No full textOnline banking systems have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering access to financial services through Internet technologies and applications, however, as these systems grow in prevalence, they also introduce significant security and privacy challenges. These systems can be exposed to various cybersecurity threats that can result in data breaches, compromise of sensitive financial information, reputational damage, and significant operational disruptions. The existing model designed to ensure the security of consumers and service providers often fails to address the unique security and privacy challenges posed by banking environments. This paper proposes an integrated management framework based on threat and risk models, specifically designed for online banking systems. The framework incorporates a comprehensive risk management process and systematic assessment techniques while considering security features attributed to the banking environment, threat landscapes, and accessible information within the banking. During the threat identification and vulnerability analysis phases, potential attack scenarios and their possible impacts are evaluated using pre-defined procedures while considering the context. The assessment process quantifies cybersecurity risks, facilitating the appropriate mitigation strategies to address identified threats and risks. The framework’s applicability has been evaluated to determine its potential for effective real-world implementation in online banking systems. The evaluation addressed the security and privacy challenges of digital banking, and its ability to integrate with existing technologies and regulatory requirements
How Have Quality Improvement Strategies Been Adopted and How Has Impact Been Assessed in Care Homes for Older People? A Systematic Search and Narrative Review
No full textIntroduction We conducted a systematic search and narrative review of quality improvement in care homes. Our aim was to examine how quality improvement strategies have been adopted and how impact has been assessed in care homes for older people.
Methods Following PRISMA guidelines we conducted systematic searches of the electronic databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, PsycINFO and Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA) (2019-2024). We replicated the search strategy of a previous published review. Three co-authors undertook selection and data extraction.
Results Forty-four articles were included describing varied stages of quality improvement initiatives in care homes. The United States produced the largest number of studies. Quality improvement strategies were often poorly reported. Included papers reported stages of Quality Improvement from inception to evaluation. Most aimed for improved clinical outcomes, mainly those subject to external scrutiny. Few studies reported impact robustly. Quantitative measures, surveys and qualitative data were reported alongside staff-reported changes. There was no evidence of sustained improvement. There is some evidence of the use of theories, models and frameworks usually associated with implementation and knowledge mobilisation.
Conclusion Current improvement practice is having limited impact. We recommend any initiative to enhance resident experience and outcomes should involve establishing a project team, moving away from a deficit model, prioritising areas for improvement, identifying best practice, deciding how to measure improvement, understanding the challenges to best practice, co-designing strategies to effect change, sustaining the improvement, sharing learning and providing clear, detailed and accessible reporting
HaptiShare: Exploring Shared Co-Located Haptic Experiences with a Mobile Multi-Party Haptic Communication Device
No full textSocial Haptic Communication (SHC) is a tactile communication method enabling the transmission of messages through touch, commonly used by interpreters to communicate environmental and social information to Deafblind individuals. While prior work has explored the use of vibrotactile patterns to replicate SHC at a distance, current technologies only allow one-to-one interactions, limiting their use in group settings or one-to-many communication. In this paper, we introduce HaptiShare, a novel assistive communication device that facilitates one-to-many social haptic communication. HaptiShare uses a mobile interface connected to multiple wearable haptic vests, leveraging a tactile interpolation technique to generate smooth, two-dimensional vibrotactile signals with variable speed, intensity, and direction that resemble natural touch movements. Preliminary user testing highlights its potential in supporting interpreters working with a group of Deafblind people, enhancing educational inclusivity, and improving group communication in social and professional contexts. HaptiShare contributes to a growing body of haptic communication devices for accessibility, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple recipients and enhancing accessibility for Deafblind individuals in shared environments
Workload Balancing for Photolithography Machines in Semiconductor Manufacturing via Estimation of Distribution Algorithm Integrating Kmeans Clustering
No full textThis work focuses on the scheduling of a photolithography area with multiple machine groups and each one consists of a predetermined number of photolithography machines (PMs). PMs belonging to the same machine group should have identical processing capacities. Additionally, all PMs are designated with downward processing compatibility. This means that the wafers requiring relatively low pattern precision can be processed by the PMs used to deal with high pattern precision. After executing a photolithography process, a circuit pattern is transferred from an auxiliary resource called a reticle onto the wafer surface. Moreover, when processing wafers with different reticle and processing environment requirements, the machine setup is necessary. With those complex processing requirements, the objective is to minimize the difference between the longest and shortest working time of PMs so as to balance the workloads among all PMs. To do so, a mixed-integer linear programming model is built and then solved by using CPLEX for the small-sized problem. For medium-and large-sized problems, a designed estimation of distribution algorithm integrating a Kmeans clustering is constructed to improve the productivity of the photolithography area. Comparison results show that the proposed method outperforms the compared algorithms regardless of problem sizes
Modeling of Stress Concentration Factors in CFRP-Reinforced Circular Hollow Section KT-Joints Under Axial Compression
No full textTubular structures are critical in renewable energy and offshore industries but face significant loads over time, leading to joint degradation. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) offer promising rehabilitation solutions, yet existing studies often overlook stress concentration factors (SCFs) along the weld toe. This study examines SCFs at 24 weld toe positions in CFRP-reinforced KT-joints under axial compression. Using 5429 simulations and artificial neural networks, precise estimations of CFRPs’ impact on SCFs were achieved, with <10% error. These findings demonstrate CFRPs’ potential to reduce SCFs and improve fatigue life prediction for tubular joints under axial compression