Birmingham City University Open Access Repository
Not a member yet
8823 research outputs found
Sort by
CS-FuzGA-PTS: Maximizing Fault Detection through Optimizing T-way Test Suite Prioritization based on Boundary Value Analysis
No full textIn the realm of software testing, resource limitations pose a significant challenge to ensuring comprehensive testing coverage. While there are numerous attempts to systematically generate test cases that maximize input coverage and fault detection, there remains an essential need for prioritizing test cases to ensure efficient utilization of resources. Given the important role of each individual test case in the overall testing process, Prioritized Test Suite (PTS) plays a vital role in optimizing testing resources, achieving maximum fault detection, and providing comprehensive test coverage. This research addresses this need by proposing and implementing a new testing strategy called Cuckoo Search with Adaptive Fuzzy Logic-Controlled Genetic Algorithm Operators for Generating PTS (CS-FuzGA-PTS). CS-FuzGA-PTS aims to systematically generate PTS by utilizing t-way testing, boundary value analysis (BVA), and optimization techniques. CS-FuzGA-PTS employs T-way testing for test case reduction and ensures maximum input coverage. CS-FuzGA-PTS incorporates BVA to prioritize test cases based on their boundary values to identify potential defects that occur at the boundaries of input ranges thereby optimizing the test execution efforts by focusing on high-priority cases. The core of CS-FuzGA-PTS lies in a new optimization algorithm called CS-FuzGA as a search algorithm. The algorithm integrates adaptive fuzzy logic-controlled Genetic Algorithm (GA) operators with Cuckoo Search (CS). By dynamically adjusting search behavior based on solutions diversity, CS-FuzGA enhances both exploration and exploitation, achieving an optimal balance between them through integrating GA’s operators into CS according to search requirements. The results obtained from the experiments provide insights into the effectiveness of CS-FuzGA-PTS in generating a PTS that can identify potential defects occurring at input boundaries. Moreover, CS-FuzGA-PTS outperforms existing strategies in terms of test reduction
Uncovering ‘Islamic Art’: al-Birūnī and the Ilkhanid Miniatures
No full textThis essay provides a detailed study of an Ilkhanid miniature of Adam and Eve from 1307/08. The story of Adam and Eve has captured the imaginations of countless artists over centuries. Islamic tradition does not have the religious, figural art culture of its Christian counterpart, and images of Adam and Eve present further issues due to their nudity. The miniature in question is an isolated example which has been presented under the banner of ‘Islamic art’ in David Talbot Rice’s landmark study Islamic Art (1965). In the picture, Adam and Eve are both naked, though Eve covers her private area with one hand. This essay proves that this image, based on al-Birūnī’s Chronology of Ancient Nations (c. 1000) is not a straightforward exemplification of Islamic art for several reasons, including details of its materiality, the timing of its composition, and the various influences on its style and content
Prior probability biases perceptual choices by modulating the accumulation rate, rather than the baseline, of decision evidence
No full textThe prior probability of an upcoming stimulus has been shown to influence the formation of perceptual decisions. Computationally, these effects have typically been attributed to changes in the starting point (i.e., baseline) of evidence accumulation in sequential sampling models. More recently, it has also been proposed that prior probability might additionally lead to changes in the rate of evidence accumulation. Here, we introduce a neurally-informed behavioural modelling approach to understand whether prior probability influences the starting point, the rate of evidence accumulation or both. To this end, we employ a well-established visual object categorisation task for which two neural components underpinning participants’ choices have been characterised using single-trial analysis of the electroencephalogram. These components are reliable measures of trial-by-trial variability in the quality of the relevant decision evidence, which we use to constrain the estimation of a hierarchical drift diffusion model of perceptual choice. We find that, unlike previous computational accounts, constraining the model with the endogenous variability in the relevant decision evidence results in prior probability effects being explained primarily by changes in the rate of evidence accumulation rather than changes in the starting point or a combination of both. Ultimately, our neurally-informed modelling approach helps disambiguate the mechanistic effect of prior probability on perceptual decision formation, suggesting that prior probability biases primarily the interpretation of sensory evidence towards the most likely stimulus
Posthumanist, post-apocalyptic, and post-anthropocentric possibilities: Kantian morals and posthuman ethics in My Friend is a Raven
No full textThis paper analyses My Friend is A Raven (Two Star Games, 2019), a short post-apocalyptic game with four potential endings. Playing as the lone survivor of the world, Lutum, we unlock different endings through our exchange with the titular Raven. Depending on the navigation through the game, I argue Lutum either demonstrates an anthropocentric disregard for the Raven, or a posthumanist ethic of viewing the Raven as an equal, and even a friend. I explore how the game echoes either humanist or posthumanist ideologies. On the one hand, morality tales are often centred around ideas of individuality, responsibility, choice, and self-reflection. These all align with humanist ideals of the ‘rational self’, rather than questioning wider structures, environments and affects. However, there are still examples in the game of how the different endings suggest right and wrong ways to act that move beyond the human. Drawing on wider discourses around humanistic, Kantian understandings of morality versus posthumanist ethics, I consider how ‘the good ending’ offers a potential for an ethico-onto-epistemological way of being. Through my analysis I therefore demonstrate that the gameplay offers a range of perspectives on the response-ability of humans when confronted with post-apocalyptic scenarios, with the labelled endings suggesting lessons for a post-anthropocentric future. I also explore how material meaning-making occurs through the intra-action between player and game, allowing different material configurations of the world to emerge
Uniform temperature distribution, prolonged temperature regulation, and accelerated recovery of battery thermal management system using a novel fin design
No full textThis study proposed a battery thermal management system (BTMS) integrating phase change material (PCM) with novel interior-exterior fins to address the low heat conduction properties of PCM. The battery heat generation and PCM liquefaction were analysed using the lumped model and enthalpy-porosity technique. The irreversible, reversible, and total battery heat generation were investigated. The BTMS was investigated under 1C, 2C, 3C, and 5C current rates. The Interior-Exterior Fin-PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS outperformed the Air-Cooled BTMS, PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS, Interior Fin-PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS, and Exterior Fin-PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS before, during, and after the PCM melting process, providing a superior uniform cooling effect to the battery. Different heat transfer mechanisms were identified throughout the PCM phase transition. During PCM melting and solidification cycles at 5C, the variation in the maximum battery surface temperature in the Interior-Exterior Fin-PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS was 15.98 K lower than that in the PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS, buffering the effects of the temperature change. In the first cycle at 5C, the interior-exterior fins extended the duration for which the battery's temperature remained within the optimal range by 6.91 % and decreased the recovery period of the thermal management system by 37.56 % compared to the PCM-Air-Cooled BTMS. These results provided new horizons for the development of effective BTMSs
“Eating isn’t just about paying attention—It's about the self-regulation of sensory attention while eating!”: Exploring mindful eating by examining sensory attention and non-judgmental awareness in the context of eating cessation
No full textBackground: Recent research has focused on several critical categories linked to eating cessation, including decreased food appeal (DFA), physical satisfaction (PS), planned amount (PA), self-consciousness (SC), and decreased priority of eating (DPE). However, how these factors connect to mindful eating remains unclear. Aim: The present study sought to re-examine the relationships between these categories using the Reasons Individuals Stop Eating Questionnaire (RISE-Q) and the Mindful Eating Behavior Scale-Trait (MEBS-T). The MEBS-T measures the self-regulation of sensory attention (SA) while eating, and comprises two subscales—SA and non-judgmental awareness (NJA)—that align with the principles and literature of mindful eating and mindfulness, and create a possible distinction between attentive vs. regulated or reoccurring attentive eating. Methods: A sample of 485 participants was recruited, and Pearson's correlations and multiple linear regressions were used to assess the associations between the MEBS-T and RISE-Q variables. Results: The results indicated a positive association between mindful eating and DFA, PS, and PA, supported by both the SA and NJA subscales. Additionally, unique relationships were observed between the SA and NJA subscales and the SC and DPE scales of the RISE-Q. Multiple linear regression analyses further confirmed these associations and highlighted an increased variance of NJA. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the significance of NJA in understanding the cessation of eating due to negative emotions and social comparison. The study also underlines the potential role of NJA in enhancing attentive eating and its relevance for weight regulation management strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these findings and their potential applications in improving mindful eating practices
Mental Health First Aid experiences: a qualitative investigation into the emotional impact of Mental Health First Aid responsibilities and the significance of self-compassion
No full textMental illness is increasingly imposing significant economic burdens, manifesting in various ways such as elevated business expenses due to absenteeism and staff turnover, as well as heightened pressure on healthcare services. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an effective tool to support people with ill mental health. This study explored the experiences of MHFA volunteers with the aim of enhancing understanding of how best to provide support for them. Twelve students who had completed the two-day MHFA training course participated in a semi-structured interview. Results indicated that being a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAer) was a responsibility highly valued by participants; however, data highlighted that anxiety associated with this role was of utmost significance. The study revealed the inherent compassion of MHFA volunteers; however, it also underscored that for many participants, this compassion came at the cost of neglecting self-compassion. This study suggests a need to enhance the support materials for MHFA volunteers, alongside a model of compassionate self-care for enhancing personal coping, health and wellbeing
Feasibility of Adopting Telemedicine Abortion (TMA) Care to Improve Access to Quality Abortion Services in Kenya: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Unsafe abortion accounts for one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Kenya. Access to safe abortion has been bombarded by the restrictive factors such as legal, economic, and social aspects thus denying the eligible group their universal right of quality healthcare. This study explored the feasibility of implementing Telemedicine Abortion (TMA) to improve accessibility of safe abortion care services based on safety, effectiveness, acceptability, and accessibility.
Methodology: This study applied a systematic review approach. The following electronic databases were searched; Cochrane Library, CINHAL plus, Embase, Scopus Medline studies for the articles published between 2012 up until 2024. Abstracts and articles were subjected to double screening and data extracted using Data Extraction Form (DEF) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Thematic analysis was carried out using Atlas.ti software. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was adopted to determine the quality of selected articles.
Results: Out of 2147 articles searched, 44 papers met the inclusion criteria. Most papers originated from the developed countries such as United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The following themes emerged, safety of Telemedicine Abortion, effectiveness of Telemedicine Abortion, acceptability of Telemedicine Abortion and Access through Telemedicine Abortion. Most studies reported high patient satisfaction and increased access. Also, TMA was found to be highly effective with no deaths and an insignificant proportion of complications reported.
Conclusion: Telemedicine Abortion is safe, acceptable and improves access to abortion care services. This study recommends further research on tackling health inequalities linked to telemedicine abortion
Adolescents' Participation in Drug Addiction Interventions, Individual Perceptions, and Attitudes towards Recovery: A Scoping Review
No full textIntroduction: Adolescents recovering from substance use problems face significant psycho-social challenges. These challenges can affect their recovery progress, overall well-being, and integration into the society. Due to paucity studies, this study aimed to identify the perceptions and attitude towards recovery among adolescents participating in drug addiction interventions. Methods: This systematic review study applied a complete search of relevant databases, including Scopus, Embase, Cinahl, and PubMed/Medline using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to articles published in English language, between 2013 and 2023, and focused on adolescents drug addiction. Twelve articles were critically appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) for qualitative studies and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The results were synthesised using a thematic analysis. Results: The findings identify that adolescents in addiction recovery face several challenges, including stigmatisation, social isolation, self-doubt, and difficulties accessing and maintaining treatment. The findings also point out that supportive relationships, culturally sensitive treatment approaches and interventions to combat self-stigma can play a critical role in promoting resilience and recovery for adolescents in recovery. Conclusion: The comprehensive review brings us up to speed on the challenging experiences young people recovering from addiction in different addiction intervention go through, it underscores the importance of supportive relationships and encourages strengthening of interventions that mitigate against stigmatization
A systematic review on WebRTC for potential applications and challenges beyond audio video streaming
No full textVideo conferencing and live streaming are being used in various industries, such as healthcare, gaming, telecommunication, manufacturing and others. As technology progresses, the need for real-time data transmission with minimal latency has increased. Web Real-Time Communication () addresses this need effectively. WebRTC is a technology designed to provide real-time communication through web and mobile browsers. Its low latency and P2P communication capabilities make it a convenient technology for secure, efficient communication in real-time applications. This paper reviews the key features of WebRTC, discusses its strengths and weaknesses and investigates a detailed analysis of 83 existing studies. Moreover, It evaluates all use cases that can be adopted by WebRTC by examining their descriptions, problem statements, and research gaps based on literature to date. Finally, It highlights the open research directions for the emerging technologies and enhancements of WebRTC. to identify their potential applications