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Optimized Tile Quality Selection in 360° Video Streaming
No full textThis paper investigates the tile quality selection problem in multi-quality tiled 360° video streaming. We consider 360° video quality assessment (VQA) metrics, with the objective of maximizing the quality of the user's viewport in bandwidth-constrained communication. We formulate the problem as a multiple-choice knapsack problem (MCKP) and apply a greedy algorithm to solve it. The simulation results validate the advantages of our proposed method, demonstrated as an improvement in the viewport's weighted-to-spherical peak signal-to-noise ratio (WS-PSNR).</p
Mass graves of the Holocaust era in Ukraine as archaeological sites:strategies for searching, documenting and protection
No full textMass graves of the Holocaust era have dotted the territory of present-day Ukraine in various forms and states of commemoration/preservation. These sites are well-recognised symbols of the suffering and persecution of victims of Nazi regimes (predominantly Jewish people but not only limited to this category). The nature of these sites and broad worldwide practice allow to consider them as a part of the archaeological heritage and apply specific mechanisms of its protection and search. This chapter will analyse perspectives and considerations for the wider application of the forensic archaeological approach to Holocaust studies, based on the perception of archaeological sites in Ukraine and existing legislation in the country. The current legal system in Ukraine was analyzed from different perspectives. In addition, this chapter highlights the urgent challenges that arisen in relation to the protection of burial sites and the restricted access to sites due to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War
Nature-inspired adaptive differential evolution:A unified meta-heuristic framework for complex engineering optimisation and UAV path planning
No full textUnlike traditional meta-heuristic algorithms that typically draw inspiration from a single biological or collective behaviour, this paper introduces a novel meta-heuristic approach from a holistic natural perspective. Drawing on the principles of biological evolution, collective behaviours within populations, and the self-regulation mechanisms of ecosystems, the proposed algorithm is termed Nature-Inspired Adaptive Differential Evolution (NIADE). By integrating multiple strategies and global optimisation concepts, NIADE effectively addresses complex problems characterised by numerous interacting variables, thus overcoming the limitations inherent in existing algorithms that depend primarily on single strategies or local optimisation methods. This integration provides innovative pathways for solving complex optimisation challenges. The algorithm's performance is evaluated using benchmark functions from CEC2017 and CEC2022 and compared with seven prominent algorithms. Statistical analysis via Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Friedman test statistics confirms the superiority of NIADE. Furthermore, the effectiveness of NIADE in solving multi-constrained real-world engineering problems is validated through the CEC2020 Real-World Constrained Problems set. Additionally, its applicability to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning is demonstrated through modelling and practical experiments, presenting a promising new solution in this domain. Finally, the paper discusses potential improvements and future research directions for the NIADE algorithm. The algorithm's source code is available in the Appendix D.</p
Operationalizing modular autonomous customised buses based on different demand prediction scenarios
No full textThis paper presents a novel framework for customised modularbus systems that leverages travel demand prediction and modu-lar autonomous vehicles to optimise services proactively. The pro-posed framework addresses two prediction scenarios with differ-ent forward-looking operations: optimistic operation and pessimisticoperation. A mixed integer programming model in a space-time-state network is developed for the optimistic operation to determinemodule routes, schedules, formations and passenger-to-moduleassignments. For the pessimistic case, a two-stage optimisation pro-cedure is introduced. The first stage involves two formulations (i.e.,deterministic and robust) to generate cost-saving plans, and thesecond stage adapts plans with control strategies periodically. ALagrangian heuristic approach is proposed to solve formulations effi-ciently. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluatedusing smartcard data from Beijing and two state-of-the-art machinelearning algorithms. Results indicate that the proposed frameworkoutperforms the real-time approach in operating costs and high-lights the role of module capacity and time dependency
Twelve paths of European business ethics
No full textThe purpose of this book is to explore the rich variety in business ethics research and education across a diverse range of European countries. The countries represented in this collection are, in alphabetical order: the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom. Each chapter presents the expert view of individual business ethics scholars in the respective countries. Twelve countries are addressed in this book, representing twelve different ‘paths’ of business ethics, so to speak, because each country’s narrative and history of business ethics is different, with different roots and different problematics. On the other hand, there are many family resemblances between the countries, as there have always been between adjacent and interrelated paths in human history. The perspectives and recollections collected here are those of reflective professionals, and therefore unique, insightful, and bearing the mark of a deep conviction and personal engagement. This is the story of European business ethics told from within. It will be of interest to all business ethics scholars wishing to understand the development of their field
Business Ethics on the Edge:An Autoethnographic Perspective from the UK
No full textThere are many ways in which the story of the development of business ethics can be told. Given the concurrence of the author’s career with the maturing of the academic field, an autoethnographic approach is used to provide insights into what has happened in the UK. Since the 1980s, consistent with wider ‘infrastructural’ developments internationally, such as the launch of specialist journals, business ethics research and teaching have grown significantly in the UK. However, as noticed by commentators in other countries, much of this growth has taken place under labels such as ‘corporate social responsibility’ and ‘sustainability’. I also note that, given how business schools have expanded over the period, the absolute growth is much less impressive when viewed in relative terms. I suggest that business ethics, especially when viewed as a normative endeavour rooted in philosophical ethics, is still ‘on the edge’—a dual-aspect concept that I explore further in terms of both marginality and precarity
Investigation of the correlation between radiographic image quality and surface measurement quality of XCT using frequency response analysis
No full textX-ray computed tomography (XCT) is developing into a dimensional metrology tool. However, its quality control remains challenging due to the unknown correlation between radiographic image quality and surface measurement quality. This paper investigates this correlation by comparing the modulation transfer function (MTF) of radiographic image with the surface amplitude transfer function (SATF). Results indicate that the limit of measurable surface scale can be predicted by MTF10%. While the shape of the filtering effect on XCT measured surface can be predicted from MTF, the measurement error from this effect cannot be predicted due to the influence of surface determination
Evaluating the Impact of Therapeutic Anticoagulation on Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19:Insights and Future Directions
No full textA mixed methods study of influences on perceived budgeting accuracy in UK universities
Get PDFPurpose: The accuracy of budgeting is important to fulfilling its various roles. The aim of this study is to examine perceptions of budgeting accuracy in UK universities and to identify and understand the factors that influence them. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed methods research design comprising a questionnaire survey (84 responses, = 51.5%) and 42 semi-structured, qualitative interviews is employed. Findings: The findings reveal that universities tend to be conservative in their budgeting, although previous financial difficulties, the attitude of the governing body and the need to convince lenders that finances are being managed competently might lead to a greater emphasis on a “realistic” rather than cautious budget. Stepwise multiple regression identified four significantly negative influences on perceived budgeting accuracy: the difficulty of forecasting student numbers; difficulties associated with allowing unspent balances to be carried forward; taking a relatively long time to prepare the budget; and the institution’s level of financial surplus. The interviews are drawn upon to both explain and elaborate on the statistical findings. Forecasting student numbers and associated fee income emerges as a particularly challenging and complex issue. Research limitations/implications: Our regression analysis is cross-sectional and therefore based on correlations. Furthermore, the research could be developed by investigating the views of other parties as well as repeating the study in both the UK and overseas. Practical implications: Implications for university management follow from the four factors identified as significant influences upon budget accuracy. These include involving the finance department in estimating student numbers, removing or controlling the carry forward of unspent funds, and reducing the length of the budget cycle. Originality/value: The first study to examine the factors that influence the perceived accuracy of universities’ budgeting, this paper also advances understanding of budgeting accuracy more generally.</p
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