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Determinants of intention to use project management information system by agile project teams in the information technology industry in Sri Lanka: An extension of the classic technology acceptance model
No full textEffective project management is crucial for success in today's fast-paced information technology industry. Agile methodologies have gained prominence for adaptability, but managing multiple agile projects can be complex. Project management information systems offer a solution, yet their adoption remains limited, particularly in Sri Lanka. This research, guided by the technology acceptance model, aims to identify the determinants of intention to use project management information systems by agile project teams in the Sri Lankan information technology sector. The objectives are to identify the factors driving the intention to use project management information systems in agile project teams from the past literature and to shortlist and discuss the most relevant factors for the Sri Lankan context with academia and industry experts' opinions. The study highlights the crucial role of perceived usefulness, ease of use, social pressure, performance expectancy, and perceived self-efficacy in influencing the intention to use project management information systems. Despite the potential of project management information systems to enhance project management, limited interest in different project management information systems and technical expertise hinders their adoption in Sri Lanka. Addressing this issue is vital for improving project performance, collaboration, and overall effectiveness within the information technology industry. The research bridges the gap that hinders the literature about the user's intention to use project management information systems, based on the factors that determine the intention to use various information systems, ultimately supporting the successful integration of project management information systems into agile project management practices
Application of fuzzy cellular automata to optimize a vessel route considering the forecasted hydrometeorological conditions
No full textThe object of research is the processes of planning the minimum operating costs of a vessel with minimal risk to it and its cargo, considering the forecasted hydrometeorological conditions. The aim is to increase the fuel efficiency of a vessel’s passage, considering the forecast of weather conditions when forming an optimal safe route in the e-Navigation system. To achieve the research goal, conventional cellular automata and the mathematical apparatus of fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic were used in the process of decision-making and assessment of the impact of weather conditions on traffic efficiency. The devised approach makes it possible to synthesize an optimal route for the vessel, which ensures minimum fuel consumption and has minimal risk for the vessel and cargo while considering variable hydrometeorological conditions along the route. Minimization of operating costs is achieved through the ability of cellular automata to describe the complex behavior of objects, considering local rules. Automata are a computing system in discrete spaces. Data uncertainty has led to the need to use a fuzzy system, the effectiveness of which depends on the quality and accuracy of rules. Fuzzy automata, by combining fuzzy logic and automata theory, made it possible to process continuous steps and model the inherent uncertainty. To determine the state of cells of a fuzzy cellular automaton and the transition function between them, a system of productive rules and membership functions was used. It is the consistency of the system of productive rules when using fuzzy logic to build a cellular automaton that enables the construction of a quasi-global optimal routing method in comparison with conventional methods for calculating the ship’s route
Drivers of actual usage of building information modelling tools by civil engineering professionals in construction industry of Sri Lanka
No full textThe construction industry in Sri Lanka is a key driver of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and infrastructure development. However, the industry faces challenges due to outdated design methods and antiquated technology, hindering efficient stakeholder communication and collaboration, particularly during crucial stages like design. Cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a solution, providing a centralized platform for real-time collaboration. BIM is widely recognized as an industry standard worldwide, but its implementation in Sri Lanka’s construction industry is still in its early stages. This research, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance Model and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), explores BIM adoption factors. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify key drivers through a meticulous analysis of 50 studies: Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), and Behavioral Intention (BI). The conceptual framework, based on TAM and UTAUT, was developed. Analyzing data from 131 respondents via PLS-SEM, the study found positive impacts of SI on BI, as well as impacts of BI and FC on Actual Usage (AU). Moreover, the impact of SI, PU, and PEOU on AU was fully mediated by BI. Results of this research underscore BIM’s significance, offering insights for effective adoption in Sri Lanka’s construction projects
The inculcation of entrepreneurship into tertiary education: An evaluation of the impact of policy-driven entrepreneurship education in emerging economies
No full textHamstring muscle-tendon geometric adaptations to resistance training using the hip extension and Nordic hamstring exercises
No full textTargeted resistance training stimulates hamstring muscle hypertrophy, but its effect on tendon-aponeurosis geometry is unknown. This study examined changes in hamstring muscle, free tendon, and aponeurosis geometry following a 10?week Nordic or hip extension exercise intervention. Thirty recreationally active males were randomly allocated (n?=?10 per group) to a Nordic, hip extension, or control group. Magnetic resonance imaging of both thighs was acquired pre- and post-intervention. Changes in free tendon and aponeurosis volume for each hamstring muscle, biceps femoris long head (BFlh) aponeurosis interface area and muscle volume-to-interface area ratio were compared between groups. Regional changes in muscle CSA were examined via statistical parametric mapping. The change in semimembranosus free tendon volume was greater for the Nordic than control group (mean difference?=?0.06?cm3, 95% CI?=?0.02?0.11?cm3). No significant between-group differences existed for other hamstring free tendons or aponeuroses. There were no between-group differences in change in BFlh interface area. Change in BFlh muscle volume-to-interface area ratio was greater in the hip extension than Nordic (mean difference?=?0.10, 95% CI?=?0.007?0.19, p?=?0.03) and control (mean difference?=?0.12, 95% CI?=?0.03?0.22, p?=?0.009) groups. Change in muscle CSA following training was greatest in the mid-portion of semitendinosus for both intervention groups, and the mid-portion of BFlh for the hip extension group. There was limited evidence for tendon-aponeurosis hypertrophy after 10?weeks of training with the Nordic or hip extension exercises. For the BFlh, neither intervention altered the interface area although hip extension training stimulated an increase in the muscle volume-to-interface area ratio, which may have implications for localized tissue strains. Alternative muscle-tendon loading strategies appear necessary to stimulate hamstring tendon adaptations
Agathisflavone modulates reactive gliosis after trauma and increases the neuroblast population at the subventricular zone
No full textBackground: Reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis are coordinated responses to CNS insults and are pathological hallmarks of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In these conditions, persistent reactive gliosis can impede tissue repopulation and limit neurogenesis. Thus, modulating this phenomenon has been increasingly recognized as potential therapeutic approach. Methods: In this study, we investigated the potential of the flavonoid agathisflavone to modulate astroglial and microglial injury responses and promote neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenic niche. Agathisflavone, or the vehicle in controls, was administered directly into the lateral ventricles in postnatal day (P)8-10 mice by twice daily intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections for 3 days, and brains were examined at P11. Results: In the controls, ICV injection caused glial reactivity along the needle track, characterised immunohistochemically by increased astrocyte expression of glial fibrillary protein (GFAP) and the number of Iba-1+ microglia at the lesion site. Treatment with agathisflavone decreased GFAP expression, reduced both astrocyte reactivity and the number of Iba-1+ microglia at the core of the lesion site and the penumbra, and induced a 2-fold increase on the ratio of anti-inflammatory CD206+ to pro-inflammatory CD16/32+ microglia. Notably, agathisflavone increased the population of neuroblasts (GFAP+ type B cells) in all SVZ microdomains by up to double, without significantly increasing the number of neuronal progenitors (DCX+). Conclusions: Although future studies should investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms driving agathisflavone effects on microglial polarization and neurogenesis at different timepoints, these data indicate that agathisflavone could be a potential adjuvant treatment for TBI or central nervous system disorders that have reactive gliosis as a common feature
Investigating the influence of limb blood flow on contraction-induced muscle growth and the impact of that growth on changes in maximal strength
No full textChanges in skeletal muscle size may be affected by resting blood flow (e.g., nutrient delivery), and this change in size is a hypothesized mechanism for changes in strength. Purpose To determine 1) whether the relationship between isometric training and muscle growth depends on baseline blood flow or is mediated by a change in blood flow, and 2) whether muscle growth mediates changes in maximal isometric strength. Methods A total of 179 participants were randomized into low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (LI), low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR), maximal handgrip exercise (MAX), and a non-exercise control (CONTROL). Muscle thickness, strength, and resting limb blood flow were measured before and after the 6-wk intervention. Results Baseline blood flow did not moderate training effects on muscle thickness changes (MTHchg) (P = 0.666), and moderated mediation tests were nonsignificant. Although the LI-BFR group showed a significant effect on MTHchg (P = 0.018), MTHchg was not significantly related to handgrip strength change (HGchg) (P = 0.281), suggesting no mediation of the training-to-strength effect by MTHchg. Both the LI-BFR (P = 0.004) and MAX (P < 0.001) groups exhibited positive direct effects on HGchg compared with CONTROL. Furthermore, there were no differences between training groups and CONTROL on blood flow change (BFchg), BFchg and MTHchg were not significantly related, and neither BFchg nor MTHchg predicted HGchg, providing no evidence for mediated pathways. Conclusions Muscle growth may not have occurred to an extent that would require vascular adaptation. Training maximally induced the greatest strength adaptations but was seemingly not driven by muscle growth
Pressing reset: reimagining performer and songwriter revenues in the contemporary music industry
Get PDFIn addition to growing calls in the UK for a ‘complete reset’ of the streaming economy, music industry organizations are re-evaluating how revenue from the public performance of music could be more effectively shared between different copyright owners. In this chapter, we outline how current industry practices significantly favour gatekeepers such as record companies and publishers at the expense of performers and songwriters. The chapter focuses on three key areas. First, we examine how revenues from music streaming are typically calculated and distributed, and consider some of the alternatives that have been proposed. Second, we explore the arguments for and against the introduction of performer equitable remuneration on streaming. Finally, we analyse issues around data management and the ‘black boxes’ of unallocated revenue that result from missing or inaccurate metadata
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