11237 research outputs found
Sort by
Systematic review of air quality modeling in digital twins for sustainable green cities
No full textUrban climate change and air quality degradation are deeply interlinked challenges, demanding innovative technological interventions for effective management. Digital twin technology has emerged as a transformative tool, offering dynamic, data-driven virtual environments to simulate, evaluate, and optimize climate mitigation strategies before real-world implementation. This systematic review critically evaluates 100 peer-reviewed studies and 17 real-world case applications published between 2018 and 2024, focusing on the application of digital twins for decision-making in urban contexts. Practical applications span key sectors, including building energy management, transportation optimization, and climate-resilient urban planning. Notably, air quality management emerges as a central domain where digital twins enable real-time monitoring, pollution source attribution, and proactive policy simulation. This review further identifies core technical requirements—such as high-resolution geospatial data, interoperable platforms, and robust AI models—for developing effective city-scale digital twins. By synthesizing insights from both research and practice, this study highlights the pivotal role of digital twin technology in advancing urban sustainability, informing policy, and supporting data-driven, climate-resilient city planning.</p
Industry 4.0 internal audit: the impact of big data analytics on manufacturing audit quality and auditor well-being
No full textThis study examines the technological and organisational factors that influence the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) technology, as well as the post-adoption impacts on internal audit quality, auditor performance, and auditor well-being. Using a Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) approach, qualitative data were collected via thirty-one semi-structured interviews with internal auditors from multiple organisations across the manufacturing industry. The results show that although perceived usefulness and ease of use remain important, auditors are keen to adopt complex BDA tools when the benefits are deemed a worthy trade-off. Leadership support and audit risk management are critical enablers in an effective change management approach to drive digitisation. Additionally, an innovative culture positively influences adoption, as resistance can be reduced when employees are motivated and encouraged to take risks with new technologies.Post-adoption, the findings reveal that BDA increases audit quality as full population testing enhances the reliability and accuracy of results, whilst reducing sampling and detection risks. Auditor performance is improved as efficiencies are created with fewer manual tasks and a focused audit planning and scoping process. Interestingly, auditor well-being is overall improved. Job satisfaction increases as remote auditing options reduce business travel. Adding more value to the business with data-driven insights and gaining new transversal skills also contributes positively to well-being. Notably, challenges are presented post-adoption. Auditor pressure may not be relieved due to the nature of the role, and there is a risk that incorrect BDA usage could increase workload or generate the wrong conclusions. Stakeholder relationships may be compromised and cross-functional collaboration weakened due to business apprehension and reduced on-site presence. Furthermore, the success of BDA implementation and post-adoption outcomes will be dictated by the organisation’s IT infrastructure and the availability of high-quality and accessible data. This study provides insights that can be used by policymakers, professional bodies, business leaders, and internal auditors to devise practical frameworks when fostering innovation in internal auditing practice.</p
A maturity matrix and actionable tool for implementing best practices within the radiography support workforce: a mixed methods synthesis
No full textBackground: Radiology is a multidisciplinary specialty, combining the medical specialism of radiologists with the clinical expertise of diagnostic radiographers. Radiographers are skilled in performing imaging procedures such as X-Rays, ultrasound and computed tomography scans to diagnose and monitor conditions within a wide range of patient pathways, and they are assisted by support workers who enable service delivery by providing patient facing and ancillary activities. Imaging service demands in the United Kingdom continue to outpace growth in the radiographer workforce, and there is an urgent need to explore the potential for developing the capability and capacity of the imaging support workforce. A multi-centre mixed methods study investigated the determinants for the utilisation of the radiography support workforce in England, presenting the findings in a maturity matrix. A maturity matrix is an actionable tool which aims to facilitate practice improvements, presented as a series of distinct, iterative steps that showcase the desired developmental path towards an effective service. Methods The mixed methods study employed an explanatory sequential, multi-stage advanced framework design, involving six consecutive workstreams. The final workstream synthesised and integrated findings from the previous workstreams to identify the key factors that contribute to best practices in imaging support workforce deployment. Documentation of critical determinants and articulation of quality indicators were modelled into a maturity matrix to be used by imaging managers to review and plan the development of their support workforce. Results The Imaging Support Workforce Maturity Matrix is constructed as a means of tackling workforce improvements and tracking progress over time at service level. Fifteen critical determinants within three themed categories (evidence-based workforce planning; deployment; development and progression) were embedded within the matrix. Each determinant is presented for self-assessment against four levels of service maturity (Emerging, Developing, Maturing, and Thriving). These support assessment and action-planning towards the goal of fully developing the role and progression route for the support workforce. Conclusion The Imaging Support Workforce Maturity Matrix is presented. The actionable tool was reviewed with service managers in a first stage of validation and further research will be undertaken to implement appropriately across other allied health professions.</p
The impact of emergency remote teaching on computer games students’ self-efficacy and readiness for online learning during COVID-19 lockdown
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted a sudden transition to emergency remote teaching, which demanded greater flexibility and learner autonomy among students. While computing-related disciplines generally exhibit a higher degree of digital adaptability, an examination of computer games education as an emerging field that bridges technical and creative skillsets may offer insights into how students adapt to online learning. This paper reports on a study exploring the impact of emergency remote teaching on computer game students’ self-efficacy and readiness for online learning during the pandemic lockdown. A questionnaire survey involving 103 undergraduate students from computer game courses in the UK was conducted to explore how students’ confidence and belief in their abilities influenced their preparedness for online learning. Findings revealed that self-efficacy positively correlates with and predicts readiness, highlighting the importance of enhancing students’ confidence and belief in their abilities to enhance preparedness for remote learning environments. While participants valued flexibility and self-paced learning, they also reported reduced interaction and collaboration among peers. These contrasting experiences highlight the importance of developing hybrid learning models that combine the accessibility of online modes with the social and collaborative dimensions of in-person learning, offering practical implications for designing more supportive and inclusive computer games education.</p
Green production of carbon nanomaterials in molten salts, mechanisms and applications
No full textScalable green production of three dimensional (3D) graphene materials with high conductivity and thermal/ chemical stability is a critical step towards overcoming the challenges facing the practical applications of graphene in a range of applications. Here, an overview is provided on the interaction between molten salts and carbonaceous materials with particular emphasis on the exfoliation of graphite in molten salts. The electrochemical exfoliation of cathodically charged graphite materials in molten LiCl and NaCl is discussed as an efficient approach for economic and environmentally sustainable production of high quality graphene related nanostructures in large scales with a number of interesting applications. The graphene nanosheets produced in molten salts exhibit a favourable combination of characteristics in terms of high crystallinity, thermal stability and electrical conductivity. The exfoliation mechanisms involved at various processing conditions, the products quality as well as other aspects including the associated economic and cost-benefit analysis are also discussed. The large scale green fabrication of inexpensive but high quality 3D graphene powder can lead to its wide application in various areas such as energy storage systems and composite materials with modified properties.</p
Why the confusion matrix fails as a model of knowledge
No full textWe tend to think that if something is true, and we have good reasons to believe that it is true, then we “know” it. This idea, described by Plato as far back as 360 BCE, is known as the Justified True Belief (JTB) model of knowledge. To “know” something, you have to (1) believe it, (2) it has to be true, and (3) you need good reasons or evidence to justify that belief. For instance, if I look out of the window and see rain and also hear rain hitting the roof, I might say I “know” it is raining. This is knowledge, because (1) I believe it, (2) it truly is raining, and (3) I have good evidence to support my belief (both seeing and hearing the rain)...</p
Team-based learning (TBL) in nursing education and its applicability to nursing practice
No full textBackground: Nurses play a vital role in providing, leading, and coordinating care. They are required to demonstrate a range of interpersonal and communication skills. However, evidence suggests that traditional teaching methods are inadequate in preparing for current health care realities. Team-Based Learning (TBL) is an active learning strategy enabling students to achieve course objectives while learning how to function in teams. Literature suggests that TBL in nursing education has positive benefits, although lacks clarity in terms of its benefit to nursing practice. The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of nursing students and their personal development tutors (PDT) in regard to participating in TBL and understand their beliefs about its applicability to nursing practice.Methods: Case study research was conducted in a higher education institution among first year undergraduate nursing students and their PDTs. Data were collected using online survey, focus group discussion with students and analysis of their practice document, and interviews with staff.Findings: TBL had beneficial effects for learning from others, knowledge enhancement, building relationships and promoting a sense of accountability and responsibility. Transferrable workplace skills developed through TBL such as: confidence in communication, team working and negotiation skills, self-awareness, and an understanding of cultural diversity were also seen. However, several challenges noted with students lacking team commitment, team conflicts, and a mismatch in expectations with TBL process. Strategies recommended to enhance the TBL experience by setting ground rules and personal tutor presence during TBL, creating positive learning environment through modifying the room lay out and positive reinforcement, integrating TBL in the summative assessment and support for the facilitator.Conclusion: TBL is beneficial to prepare nursing students for practice. However, transitioning from traditional teaching to a classroom in which active learning takes place requires a paradigm shift for both students and educators.</p
Can the variance in DP World Tour Golfers’ drive distance be predicted from kinetic variables during a countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull?
No full textIn recent years, a growing body of research has investigated the relationships clubhead velocity has with kinetic variables during a countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). However, to date, no research has investigated the relationships these kinetic variables have with real-world drive distance (DD) in elite DP World Tour golfers. The purpose of this investigation was to assess if CMJ positive impulse (PI), CMJ net impulse (NI), IMTP peak force (PF), force at 200 milliseconds, force at 250 milliseconds, and force at 300 milliseconds could predict the variance in elite DP World Tour golfers DD during a real-world tournament season. Twenty-five DP World Tour golfers performed CMJs and IMTPs on force plates in a real-world setting, with DD assessed using DP World Tour statistics. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to assess if kinetic variables significantly predicted the variance in DP World Tour Golfers' DD. Statistical significance for this investigation was set at p ≤ 0.05 with effect size determined using the f2 statistic. The results of the investigation note that model 2 (CMJ PI and CMJ NI) was the best fit, significantly predicting (R2 = 0.279, p ≤ 0.05) the variance in DP World Tour Golfers' DD, which represented a large effect size (f2 = 0.39). These findings support the use of CMJ PI and CMJ NI when physically profiling elite golfers. In addition, strength and conditioning practitioners should consider utilizing modalities aimed at increasing CMJ impulse when working with golfers.</p
The Effect of Organizational Factors on the Mitigation of Information Security Insider Threats
No full textInsider threats pose significant challenges to organisations, seriously endangering information security and privacy protection. These threats arise when employees with legitimate access to systems and databases misuse their privileges. Such individuals may alter, delete, or insert data into datasets, sell customer or client email addresses, leak strategic company plans, or transfer industrial and intellectual property information. These actions can severely damage a company’s reputation, result in revenue losses and loss of competitive advantage, and, in extreme cases, lead to bankruptcy. This study presents a novel solution that examines how organisational factors such as job satisfaction and security, organisational support, attachment, commitment, involvement in information security, and organisational norms influence employees’ attitudes and intentions, thereby mitigating insider threats. A key strength of this research is its integration of two foundational theories: the Social Bond Theory (SBT) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The results reveal that job satisfaction and security, affective and normative commitment, information security training, and personal norms all contribute to reducing insider threats. Furthermore, the findings indicate that employees’ attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms significantly influence their intentions to mitigate insider threats. However, organisational support and continuance commitment were not found to have a significant impact.</p
The psychological impact of amblyopia treatment: a systematic literature review
No full textAim: The aim of this literature review was to determine if a consensus could be reached on whether amblyopia treatment causes distress to patients and/or their guardians, and if so, establish the impact of this reported psychological distress upon paediatric patients and/or their parents/guardians. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted of all publications written in English. Search terms included both MeSH terms and alternatives related to amblyopia and psychological distress. Evidence quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Score (NOS) and evaluation of the literature was used to form a narrative synthesis of the findings. Results: Initial searches yielded 7,838 titles in total, with 25 peer reviewed papers published between 1999 and 2021 meeting the study inclusion criteria. Factors such as the presence of strabismus, moderate and severe amblyopic density, occlusive patch treatment and patching during school age increase the likelihood of experiencing distress as a result of amblyopia treatment. Conclusions: Both parents/guardians and patients can experience psychological distress as a result of undertaking amblyopia treatment. School-aged children and those receiving occlusion therapy in the form of patching report higher distress than infants and young-children, and those receiving atropine occlusion therapy or refractive correction only. Further study measuring the physiological markers of distress such as Cortisol and BDNF, is recommended.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇