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Solar power forecasting based on domain adaptive learning
No full textRay, BR ORCiD: 0000-0002-3016-1695Solar power forecasting is critical to ensure the safety and stability of the power grid with high photovoltaic power penetration. Machine learning methods are compelling in solar forecasting. These methods can capture the complex coupling relationship between different meteorological factors without physical modeling. Most of the existing machine learning based forecasts follow the batch learning manner. Once the training is completed, the structure and parameters of the model are usually no longer adjusted. However, the climate is complex and dynamic. It is difficult for a fixed model to adapt to the climate characteristics of different regions or periods. Therefore, an online domain adaptive learning approach is proposed in this paper. Knowledge can be selectively accumulated or forgotten in its iterative process. As weather changes, the model can dynamically adjust its structure to adapt to the latest weather conditions. Unlike existing adaptive iterative methods, the proposed adaptive learning approach does not rely on the labels of the test data in the updating process. Experiments show that this method can effectively track changes in data distribution and obtain reliable prediction results
Multicriteria group cecision making approach for evaluating the performance of FinTech projects
No full textGrandhi, S ORCiD: 0000-0001-9704-7822; Wibowo, S ORCiD: 0000-0002-5318-8428Financial technologies (FinTech) are gaining popularity amongst organizations due to its ability in improving their competitiveness. As a result, organizations are seeking ways in the development of FinTech projects. The performance evaluation of the most suitable FinTech project, however, is complex and challenging due to the involvement of multiple decision makers, the multi-dimensional nature of the evaluation
process and the presence of vagueness and imprecision inherent in
the human decision making process. To deal with this problem,
this paper presents a multicriteria group decision making approach for evaluating the performance of FinTech projects. Intuitionistic fuzzy numbers are used for effectively modelling the vagueness and imprecision of the decision making process. A multicriteria group decision making approach is developed for calculating an overall performance index for every FinTech project alternative across all criteria. A FinTech project performance evaluation problem is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach
Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: The need for effective targeting of island-specific issues through strategic implementation of global management plans for disease detection and control
No full textTaylor-Robinson, AW ORCiD: 0000-0001-7342-8348Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania sp., has become a considerable global public health burden in recent decades, such that it is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of eight major neglected tropical parasitic diseases worldwide. The causative protozoan parasite is detected on every continent except Antarctica. There are three clinically distinct forms of leishmaniasis: cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral, the latter being the most serious manifestation. In Sri Lanka, at the turn of this century, leishmaniasis was limited initially to a few imported cases but it is now a growing healthcare concern that is endemic to almost all districts. In particular, Hambantota, Matara, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura are seriously affected. Socioeconomic conditions, population mobility, environmental and climate changes are each considered important influences on the prevalence of leishmaniasis throughout the island nation. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the precise epidemiology and severity of the disease, in large part due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. Development of effective diagnostic tools, mapping disease distribution in unexplored locations and implementation of strategic management plans are all needed to meet the formidable challenge of eliminating leishmaniasis from Sri Lanka
Hydrogen production from methane cracking in dielectric barrier discharge catalytic plasma reactor using a nanocatalyst
No full textAzad, M ORCiD: 0000-0001-8258-6057The study experimentally investigated a novel approach for producing hydrogen from methane cracking in dielectric barrier discharge catalytic plasma reactor using a nanocatalyst. Plasma-catalytic methane (CH4) cracking was undertaken in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) catalytic plasma reactor using Ni/MgAl2O4. The Ni/MgAl2O4 was synthesised through co-precipitation followed customised hydrothermal method. The physicochemical properties of the catalyst were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Ni/MgAl2O4 shows a porous structure spinel MgAl2O4 and thermal stability. In the catalytic-plasma methane cracking, the Ni/MgAl2O4 shows 80% of the maximum conversion of CH4 with H2 selectivity 75%. Furthermore, the stability of the catalyst was encouraging 16 h with CH4 conversion above 75%, and the selectivity of H2 was above 70%. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of the catalyst and plasma. The plasma-catalytic CH4 cracking is a promising technology for the simultaneous H2 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) production for energy storage applications
Regional screen cultures: The precarity and significance of Queensland’s film festival landscape
No full textEllison, ER ORCiD: 0000-0002-0865-950XIn the midst of drought in Central Queensland, the small town of Winton triples its population for the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival. Even when facing challenges, the local community values the way the festival brings the community together, injects tourist dollars into the local economy and provides visibility to the local screen industry. However, staging a film festival in a regional location can be challenging. There are often less local funding and sponsorship opportunities available and the geographical distances involved increase pressure on time, resources and costs. Combined with increasingly accessible digital content and changing audience habits, regional film festivals face significant disadvantages in comparison to their metropolitan counterparts.
This article examines the role of Queensland's film festival network, focusing on how regional festivals are central to the development of the screen industry beyond the metropolitan centres. The research is based on a mapping project of film festivals in Queensland undertaken in 2018, which included interviews with festival organisers and industry professionals. 68 active festivals were identified across Queensland, of which 45% took place in Brisbane. This article investigates both the value of film festivals and the challenges for their economic sustainability in Queensland's screen culture and industry
Measuring the validity and reliability of the Lithuanian missed nursing care in infection prevention and control scales using Rasch analysis
No full textWillis, EM ORCiD: 0000-0001-7576-971XAIM: The aim was to translate and validate the Missed Nursing Care in Infection Prevention and Control Survey for its use in the Lithuanian context. METHODS: A convenience sample of 331 nurses was surveyed. The study instrument explored missed care in the context of infection prevention and control practices. Rasch analysis was undertaken using Winsteps® Rasch measurement computer program and the generalized item response modelling software. RESULTS: The Missed Nursing Care in Infection Prevention and Control Survey in the Lithuanian language demonstrated unidimensionality and provided evidence of item fit to the modified instrument. The reliability of both sub-scales was 0.78 and 0.98, respectively. Differing consensus between the nurses based on their perceived frequencies and reasons of missed care was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The final Lithuanian version of the Missed Nursing Care in Infection Prevention and Control Survey consists of 29 items that assess type and frequency of missed care and 17 items that identify reasons for missed care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Unit managers will be able to use the modified scales to generate evidence as to the sources of missed infection control practices in their clinical areas and the rationale for the breaks in the hierarchy of mandatory infection prevention
Innovative methodology for heavy haul train-track interaction dynamics issues
No full textSpiryagin, M ORCiD: 0000-0003-1197-898X; Wu, Q ORCiD: 0000-0001-9407-5617With the introduction of higher axleload wagons and higher traction locomotives in Australia, more rail damage can be observed. To investigate rail damage due to wheel-rail dynamic interactions, a new method is introduced which uses a two-way co-simulation technique to link a detailed infinitely long track model that is written in FORTRAN and a detailed locomotive or wagon model that is developed using the GENSYS software package. The original finite length track model has been evolved into an infinite one by using the method described in [1], considering rails, fasteners, sleepers, ballast, and subgrade. The locomotive or wagon model considers the carbody, bogie frames and wheelsets. Traction motors and gear boxes are considered in the locomotive model. As the track model and vehicle model can run mostly independently, a parallel computing technique is applied to improve the simulation speed as well as to simplify the model integration process. The co-simulation method can be applied to understand the dynamic performance characteristics of high axleload wagons and high adhesion locomotives to give an accurate evaluation and assessment of rail damage based on simulation results. One simulation case is used to demonstrate the method’s effectiveness
A thematic literature review of innovative strategies to prepare nursing students for aged-care
No full textBrien, DL ORCiD: 0000-0002-9005-3645; Dodd, LT ORCiD: 0000-0001-5916-9386; Mcallister, MM ORCiD: 0000-0003-1181-1610; Ryan, CL ORCiD: 0000-0002-1126-3901Background: The exponential rise in people living longer but requiring residential care is adding pressure to already overstretched aged care nurses. Consequently, a
person-centred care culture in residential care remains aspirational, rather than a reality. For nursing students in Australia and elsewhere, clinical placements in aged
care facilities are under-utilised due to negative perceptions about the likelihood for learning. Creative strategies to engage students to safely challenge ageist
thinking and to inspire enthusiasm for learning in this context are needed.
Objectives: The purpose of this thematic review of the literature is to better understand challenges related to learning in aged care settings and identify innovative strategies to enhance nursing student learning experiences in residential aged care placements.
Review methods: A literature review was undertaken in 2019 using CINAHL, PUBMED, Elsevier, Medline, ProQuest and Google Scholar. The search was limited to papers that were peer reviewed, in English, and published between 2001 and the date of review (mid-2019) in order to situate the review in the new millennium.
Results: 47 articles and books were included in the review that introduce solutions and innovative strategies that could be used to improve students' attitudes to
learning in aged care and from older people. The literature review was categorized into three main themes, including: barriers to working with older people; the need
for pedagogical change to foster empathy; and innovative strategies to address barriers.
Conclusion: These themes are useful to consider in designing engaging learning and teaching for nursing students to be effective in working in aged care
Activating parents in early intervention: Preliminary findings from an empirical case study
No full textRonan, KR ORCiD: 0000-0002-2698-5886; Signal, TD ORCiD: 0000-0001-5677-9496The Parent-Child Relationally Informed Early Intervention was developed from the clinical application of attachment theory. The premise is to expand the responsiveness of parents and clinicians working with children who have developmental delays. It was evaluated via four single case studies (children aged 18-months to 6 years) using an AB(A) design including baseline assessment and evaluation across 12-week therapy blocks. Parents provided session-by-session feedback. A battery of measures was used pre- and post-treatment. An independent evaluator assessed fidelity. Functional gains were reported. Parental stress, parent/child relational stress and difficult child rating decreased. Parental sense of competence increased; there were slight gains in well-being measures. Results suggest PCRI-EI is a promising intervention for engaging parents in therapy and achieving positive outcomes
Interest in inducements: A psychophysiological study on sports betting advertising
No full textHing, N ORCiD: 0000-0002-2150-9784; Lole, LR ORCiD: 0000-0001-7756-3176; Russell, AM ORCiD: 0000-0002-3685-7220Recent research has shown an association between the viewing of wagering advertising, which often presents inducements to gamble, and maladaptive sports-betting behaviours; however, the mechanism/s underlying the development of the intention to gamble remains relatively understudied. Eye-tracking and tonic electrodermal activity was recorded from 59 participants (including 49 regular gamblers and 10 non-gamblers), while they watched a series of advertisements. Following each advertisement, participants were asked to rate how likely they would be to take up the offer presented, therein. The number of fixations placed on each offer differed according to the type of inducement shown (p < .001), with reduced risk and cash back inducements being looked at more often than better odds and bonus bet inducements by all groups. Increased electrodermal activity while viewing the advertisements was associated with greater severity of gambling-related harm (p < .001), as well as greater ratings of desire for most advertisements. Rating of desire was, likewise, positively associated with gambling-related harm (p < .001). These results may suggest that, while the offers in gambling advertisements may be looked at by most viewers, unless there an attendant increase in arousal, it is quite unlikely that these inducements will elicit a desire to gamble. For individuals already at risk of gambling problems, exposure to these advertisements, especially those offering what is perceived to be safer betting options that minimise financial losses, may exacerbate existing harms. Such information may prove useful in guiding industry practice, government regulations, therapeutic interventions, and future research on this topic. © 2019 Elsevier B.V