6277 research outputs found
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Stroke detection in brain CT images using convolutional neural networks: model development, optimization and interpretability
No full textStroke detection using medical imaging plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and treatment planning. In this study, we propose a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based model for detecting strokes from brain Computed Tomography (CT) images. The model is trained on a dataset consisting of 2501 images, including both normal and stroke cases, and employs a series of preprocessing steps, including resizing, normalization, data augmentation, and splitting into training, validation, and test sets. The CNN architecture comprises three convolutional blocks followed by dense layers optimized through hyperparameter tuning to maximize performance. Our model achieved a validation accuracy of 97.2%, with precision and recall values of 96%, demonstrating high efficacy in stroke classification. Additionally, interpretability techniques such as Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), occlusion sensitivity, and saliency maps were used to visualize the model’s decision-making process, enhancing transparency and trust for clinical use. The results suggest that deep learning models, particularly CNNs, can provide valuable support for medical professionals in detecting strokes, offering both high performance and interpretability. The model demonstrates moderate generalizability, achieving 89.73% accuracy on an external, patient-independent dataset of 9900 CT images, underscoring the need for further optimization in diverse clinical settings
Antecedents of the actual usage of HRIS by employees in WFH and hybrid contexts: integration of DIT, TAM, and UTAUT
No full textThis study integrates the diffusion of innovation theory (DIT), technology acceptance model (TAM), and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to explore the antecedents of the actual usage of human resource information systems (HRISs) by employees in work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid contexts. The study gathered a total of 274 usable responses from employees across ten Sri Lankan software companies. Data analysis utilized the partial least square (PLS) path modelling technique, chosen due to the non-normality of the data. The research findings revealed that observability influences the perceived ease of use (PEOU) of HRIS in WFH and hybrid contexts. Similarly, compatibility emerged as the most critical attribute affecting perceived usefulness (PU). Both PEOU and PU, in conjunction with social influence, contribute to driving employees’ behavioural intention to use HRIS in WFH and hybrid contexts. Ultimately, behavioural intention and facilitating conditions were identified as the major variables that impact the actual usage of HRIS by employees in WFH and hybrid contexts. Notably, within the expanding body of post-pandemic business literature, this study represents one of the very first to investigate the actual usage of HRIS in WFH and hybrid contexts. Practitioners can utilize the findings to enhance and optimize their HRIS adoption efforts
Differences in hamstring muscle-tendon unit geometry and function between elite sprint and jump athletes and recreationally active controls
No full textThe hamstrings are critical for athletic performance; however, no study has examined differences in hamstring muscle-tendon geometry (cross-sectional area/volume) and muscle typology (proportion of Type I/II fibers) between elite sprinters/jumpers and recreationally active individuals. This study aimed to compare hamstring geometry and typology between these groups and examine how these characteristics relate to sprint and strength performance. Elite sprint and jump athletes (n = 15, 3 fe-male, 21.7 ± 2.2 y, 180.6 ± 9.9 cm, 72.2 ± 9.6 kg) and recreationally active individuals (n = 15, 4 female, 25.7 ± 3.0 y, 176.0 ± 9.5 cm,76.3 ± 17.6 kg) completed sprint and eccentric knee flexor strength testing. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were used to assess hamstring muscle-tendon geometry and typology, respectively. Compared to recreationally active individuals, elite athletes had larger hamstring muscles (all muscles, mean difference: 59.75–150.45 cm 3 , p < 0.009), biceps femoris long head (BFlh) proximal aponeuroses (1.09 cm 3 , p < 0.001), BF short head distal aponeuroses (1.24 cm 3 , p = 0.002), semimembranosus proximal free tendons (0.75 cm 3 , p = 0.024) and aponeuroses (2.29 cm 3 , p < 0.001), semitendinosus distal free tendons (0.49 cm 3 ,p = 0.01) and BFlh proximal aponeurosis interface areas (10.43 cm 2 , p < 0.001). Elite athletes also had 1.5 times greater estimated proportion of Type II fibers (p < 0.001). Medial hamstring geometry and muscle typology explained the greatest variance in maximal sprint speed (R2 = 0.65), while BFlh and semimembranosus muscle volumes with semitendinosus tendon volume explained the greatest variance in eccentric knee flexor strength (R2 = 0.59). Elite athletes had larger hamstring muscles, aponeuroses, and free tendons, and a greater estimated proportion of Type II fibers than recreationally active individuals. These structural and compositional differences likely contribute to their superior sprint and strength performance
Antecedents of customer awareness in banking security: a protection motivation theory-based systematic review
No full textThis study examines the factors influencing customer awareness in personal banking security, with particular emphasis on the Sri Lankan context, where rising cyber-fraud incidents highlight the need for stronger customer awareness. While prior research has focused on technology adoption and security behavior, evidence on the antecedents of customer awareness remains fragmented. A PRISMA-guided systematic literature review of thirty-eight empirical studies indexed in Scopus was conducted using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as the primary analytical framework. The review synthesizes findings related to threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and additional factors influencing awareness in digital banking security. The results show that self-efficacy and response efficacy are the most consistent drivers of awareness, while perceived severity and vulnerability show mixed effects. Social influence, fear, and trust further shape awareness beyond PMT’s core constructs. The findings are contextualized to Sri Lanka, offering insights to strengthen local banking security awareness strategies
Differences in hamstring muscle-tendon unit geometry and function between elite sprint and jump athletes and recreationally active controls
No full textThe hamstrings are critical for athletic performance; however, no study has examined differences in hamstring muscle-tendon geometry (cross-sectional area/volume) and muscle typology (proportion of Type I/II fibers) between elite sprinters/jumpers and recreationally active individuals. This study aimed to compare hamstring geometry and typology between these groups and examine how these characteristics relate to sprint and strength performance. Elite sprint and jump athletes (n = 15, 3 fe-male, 21.7 ± 2.2 y, 180.6 ± 9.9 cm, 72.2 ± 9.6 kg) and recreationally active individuals (n = 15, 4 female, 25.7 ± 3.0 y, 176.0 ± 9.5 cm,76.3 ± 17.6 kg) completed sprint and eccentric knee flexor strength testing. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were used to assess hamstring muscle-tendon geometry and typology, respectively. Compared to recreationally active individuals, elite athletes had larger hamstring muscles (all muscles, mean difference: 59.75–150.45 cm 3 , p < 0.009), biceps femoris long head (BFlh) proximal aponeuroses (1.09 cm 3 , p < 0.001), BF short head distal aponeuroses (1.24 cm 3 , p = 0.002), semimembranosus proximal free tendons (0.75 cm 3 , p = 0.024) and aponeuroses (2.29 cm 3 , p < 0.001), semitendinosus distal free tendons (0.49 cm 3 ,p = 0.01) and BFlh proximal aponeurosis interface areas (10.43 cm 2 , p < 0.001). Elite athletes also had 1.5 times greater estimated proportion of Type II fibers (p < 0.001). Medial hamstring geometry and muscle typology explained the greatest variance in maximal sprint speed (R2 = 0.65), while BFlh and semimembranosus muscle volumes with semitendinosus tendon volume explained the greatest variance in eccentric knee flexor strength (R2 = 0.59). Elite athletes had larger hamstring muscles, aponeuroses, and free tendons, and a greater estimated proportion of Type II fibers than recreationally active individuals. These structural and compositional differences likely contribute to their superior sprint and strength performance
Impacts of hydraulic structures on lake water quality deterioration and eutrophication in Malaysia
No full textReservoirs serve many essential purposes, including water resource, flood mitigation, recreation, and hydropower generation. However, these reservoirs created by constructing hydraulic structures across the waterways encounter substantial challenges in water quality. One of the issues is eutrophication, which demands attention in reservoir management. This study employs a two-dimensional (2D) depth-averaged hydrodynamic model, utilising Delft3D, to analyse the spatial distributions and hydro-environmental processes occurring in Putrajaya Lake, Malaysia. The model effectively simulates various scenarios for both dry and wet seasons. Calibration and validation were performed using measured data from 72 points within the lake. The water quality modelling focuses on key parameters (i.e. phosphate, nitrate, and chlorophyll a). The results indicate higher phosphate concentrations during dry seasons, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 mg∙dm−3, compared to wet seasons, suggesting a higher risk of eutrophication during dry seasons. In assessing lake eutrophication, a modified Lamparelli index was developed and adopted to evaluate the lake’s eutrophication status. The findings indicate that increasing phosphorus concentration to 0.35 mg∙dm−3 at the upstream inflow will likely trigger eutrophication in Putrajaya Lake. We recommend this phosphorus concentration as a critical threshold value at all drainage inlets as the best management practice to prevent eutrophication. A detailed assessment of water quality can be established from this finding as one of the design criteria for any hydraulic structures that could jeopardise water quality, rather than an afterthought. Addressing water quality problems through rehabilitation after they arise can be costly and often irreversible
"Stereotypes": les chansons engagées et l'arrivée au pouvoir du New Labour
No full textThis chapter talks about the state of political songs as New Labour came to power in the mid to late 90s. Artists discussed include Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Manic Street Preachers, Chumbawamba, and Morrissey
Online lecturer: a lonely performer - how relational pedagogies are (re)enacted in digital spaces
No full textThis study explores the impact of the shift to online education on relational pedagogy, particularly during the pandemic and the subsequent adaptation of hybrid learning. It aims to understand how online teaching affects the enactment of relational pedagogies from the lecturers' perspectives.A duoethnographic method was employed, reflecting on the authors' experiences over three academic terms during the pandemic. Data was collected through five unstructured, conversational interviews between the two authors, focusing on their experiences and reflections. The analysis was conducted using Goffman's dramaturgical framework, applying theatrical metaphors to illustrate the performative dimensions of online teaching.The transition to online education transformed relational pedagogical approaches, shifting teaching towards content-focused delivery. The absence of micro-interactions altered connections and reduced shared, co-productive learning. Lecturers compensated by delivering monologues aligned with curricula. Despite some positive outcomes, technological and disembodied complicated the enactment of relational pedagogy and in our view inhibited teaching effectiveness and performance repertoire.This study highlights the critical role of micro-interactions in meaningful classroom engagement and the challenges posed by online education to relational pedagogy. It offers recommendations for improving online teaching practices to better support relational pedagogies
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