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Key concepts of group pattern discovery algorithms from spatio-temporal trajectories
Get PDFOver the years, the increasing development of location acquisition devices have generated a significant amount of spatio-temporal data. This data can be further analysed in search for some interesting patterns, new information, or to construct predictive models such as next location prediction. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the future research and development of group pattern discovery algorithms from spatio-temporal data by providing an insight into algorithms design in this research area which is based on a comprehensive classification of state-of-the-art models. This work includes static, big data as well as data stream processing models which to the best of authors’knowledge is the first attempt of presenting them in this context.Furthermore, the currently available surveys and taxonomies in this research area do not focus on group pattern mining algorithms nor include the state-of-the-art models. The authors conclude with the proposal of a conceptual model of Universal,Streaming, Distributed and Parameter-light (UDSP) algorithm that addresses current challenges in this research area
Role of technology in the design of learning environments
Get PDFThe design of learning environments is being increasingly investigated, largely as a result of higher-education providers being challenged by both societal and technological developments. These providers are becoming more aware that the quality of learning environments affects students’ approaches to learning and satisfaction. This paper presents an alternative to more-traditional methods for designing learning environments that is driven by input of their main stakeholders: students and teachers. By using this method, we were able to explore stakeholders’ insights into learning spaces design and how learning technologies can be integrated in such spaces. Qualitative research was conducted with the aim of guiding the redesign of technology-enhanced learning environments. For this particular research, we used ‘sandpits’, which are creative and design-thinking workshops, in which participants are encouraged to redesign provocative concepts of a large and a small technology-enhanced learning environment. Thirteen ‘sandpits’ were delivered involving 32 teachers and 25 students. Through these design-thinking workshops, students and teachers reflected on and discussed the role of technology in face-to-face learning and teaching and proposed new design solutions for technology-enhanced learning environments
Health humanities and the creative disciplines
Get PDFCreative practitioners, referred to as creatives in this chapter, include visual artists, musicians, theatre directors and designers, writers and poets. These practitioners regularly engage with health care training and delivery e.g. by participating in educational programmes for nurses and doctors and enhancing the aesthetics and ambience in clinical environments. This chapter considers what the health humanities have to offer creatives. I suggest that health humanities can play a greater role in the training and practice of creatives, offering individual opportunities as well as wider benefits to the community. The reciprocal benefits of creativity and health are considered historically using visual arts and mental health as an example, and within the framework of co-creative practice
A reflectivity-based GPR signal processing methodology for mapping tree root systems of street trees
Get PDFStreet trees are broadly acknowledged to be an essential asset of cities. Nonetheless, the growth of tree roots can lead to critical damage, such as the uplifting or cracking of road pavements and curbs, with severe implications on the infrastructure’s safety. For this reason, the assessment and control of tree root systems’ development have become crucial task in forestry and urban management. Within this framework, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is widely recognised as an effective non-destructive testing (NDT) method for the monitoring and assessment of road infrastructures. This study aims to demonstrate the capability of GPR in mapping the root system’s architecture of street trees. To this end, a GPR system equipped with a 700 MHz central frequency antenna was employed to investigate the area around a street tree, located in the vicinity of a flexible pavement structure. A novel processing framework based on the analysis of the signal reflectivity was implemented, in order to automatically identify the reflections from the pavement layers and apply dedicated advanced signal processing techniques. A multistage data processing methodology was employed to map the tree root system architecture. Finally, information on the mass density of roots at different depths was also provided. Results have proven the potential of the proposed methodology to achieve an automatic detection and mapping of roots under road pavements
Nearly-zero energy buildings: retrofitting to meet the standard
No full textExecutive summary
This document presents a method for applying the nearly-zero energy building (nZEB) standard to existing UK commercial and residential buildings. The findings presented are based on analysis supported by dynamic simulation modelling of UK buildings, aiming to demonstrate the potential benefits but also highlight the risks associated with achieving such high energy-efficiency standards within the built environment. This work builds on that presented in TM55: Design for future climate — case studies (CIBSE, 2014).
Four case studies are utilised to explore what it means to achieve the nZEB standard and apply it to existing UK buildings. These have been presented individually within this publication to focus on the various outcomes of each building type. The highlighted outcomes demonstrate that with well thought-out design decisions and careful consideration of a building’s resilience to a changing climate, the standard can be achieved — and this can introduce long-term cost and energy benefits. There is a large amount of work that needs to be done, and many questions to be answered, before fully transitioning to nZEBs
Current reality and preferences for continuing professional development of pharmacists in England – supporting pharmacists to achieve their CPD requirements
Get PDFBackground:
Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for pharmacists and is a regulator requirement in Great Britain (GB).
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to establish current participation in CPD activity in GB, in terms of format and providers, plus preferences of pharmacists, including motivators and barriers, and support needed for application of learning.
Methods:
This study utilised a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews of pharmacists in South London, England.
Results:
The majority of responders (n=293/338, 86.6%) had taken part in CPD activity in the past 12 months. Although face-to-face workshops were the most preferred activity, digital completion was the most used activity. There was
increasing non-participation with reduced working hours (p=0.003). The employer was the most commonly used provider. From 19 interviews, three main themes emerged: Engagement, Intervention and Application.
Conclusions:
It is clear that no single format is preferred by all. There needs to be a strategy to ensure good utilisation of providers, and CPD-based events having an impact on practice
To be Black, Queer and Radical: Centring the epistemology of Marielle Franco
Get PDFThe aim of this article is to pay tribute to Marielle Franco, a Brazilian LGBTQ+ Black activist from the favela who was brutally executed in March 14, 2018. Taking Marielle’s life and death as a case study, I will demonstrate how she embodied Black feminist theory and practice and how her execution can be better addressed by situating it within the context of spatialities of race and the necropolitical governance of Rio de Janeiro
The impact of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in hospitals: An aerial overview
Get PDFThe ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, places healthcare workers
at an increased risk of infection as they are in close contact with patients. In this article, we report an overview of cases of infected healthcare workers in China and Italy during the early periods of the COVID-19 epidemic. China’s coronavirus response highlights the importance of implementing effective public health
strategies. The authorities worldwide therefore, need to be extremely cautious when they implement stringent
protective measures that safeguard healthcare workers in hospitals and counteract the threats created by the pandemic.
Key Words:
COVID-19 disease, Medical staff, Protective measures,
Severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2,
Person-to-person transmissio
Measuring mental wellbeing to improve the lives of children and young people
Get PDFReview article: Measuring mental wellbeing to improve the lives of children and young people e-learning module
by the Child Outcomes Research Consortium (CORC) and Anna Freud Learning Network, London