6297 research outputs found
Sort by
Butterfly Dreams and other new short stories from Uganda: edited with an introduction from Emma Dawson
No full text‘Butterfly Dreams’ and Other New Short Stories From Uganda was short listed for the Caine Prize 2011 for Beatrice Lamwaka’s narrative on a child soldier’s experience and her lost childhood dreams. This collection of short stories showcases new writing imagined from various perspectives. These are tales of love, loss and change, alongside humorous stories of a nearly-not marriage and a function for Excellencies which has a very different dress code
Collaborative Sensing and Communication Schemes for Cooperative Wireless Sensor Networks
No full textEnergy conservation is considered to be one of the key design challenges within resource constrained wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that leads the researchers to investigate energy efficient protocols with some application specific challenges. Dynamic clustering scheme within the deployed sensor nodes is generally considered as one of the energy conservation techniques. However, unbalanced distribution of cluster heads, highly variable number of sensor nodes in the clusters and high number of sensor nodes involved in event reporting tend to drain out the network energy quickly, resulting in unplanned decrease in network lifetime. Performing power aware signal processing, defining communication methods that can provide progressive accuracy and, optimising processing and communication for signal transmission are the challenging tasks. In this thesis, energy efficient solutions are proposed for collaborative sensing and cooperative communication within resource constrained WSNs.
A dynamic and cooperative clustering as well as neighbourhood formation scheme is proposed that is expected to evenly distribute the energy demand from the cluster heads and optimise the number of sensor nodes involved in event reporting. The distributive and dynamic behaviour of the proposed framework provides an energy efficient self-organising solution for WSNs that results in an improved network lifetime. The proposed framework is independent of the nature of the sensing type to support applications that require either time-driven sensing, event-driven sensing or hybrid of both sensing types.
A cooperative resource selection and transmission scheme is also proposed to improve the performance of collaborative WSNs in terms of maintaining link reliability. As a part of the proposed cooperative nature of transmission, the transmitreceive antennae selection scheme and lattice reduction algorithm have also been considered. It is assumed that the channel state information is estimated at the
ii
receiver and there is a feedback link between the wireless sensing nodes and the fusion centre receiver. For the ease of system design engineer to achieve a predefined capacity or quality of service, a set of analytical frameworks that provide tighter error performance lower bound for zero forcing (ZF), minimum mean square error (MMSE) and maximum likelihood (ML) detection schemes are also presented. The dynamic behaviour has been adopted within the framework with a proposed index derived from the received measure of the channel quality, which has been attained through the feedback channel from the fusion centre. The dynamic property of the proposed framework makes it robust against time-varying behaviour of the propagation environment.
Finally, a unified framework of collaborative sensing and communication schemes for cooperative WSNs is proposed to provide energy efficient solutions within resource constrained environments. The proposed unified framework is fully decentralised which reduces the amount of information required to be broadcasted. Such distributive capability accelerates the decision-making process and enhances the energy conservation. Furthermore, it is validated by simulation results that the proposed unified framework provides a trade-off between network lifetime and transmission reliability while maintaining required quality of service
Talking about sunbed tanning in online discussion forums: Assertions and arguments
Get PDFObjective: There is increasing evidence of both health and appearance risks associated with sunbed use. At the same time, the sunbed industry promotes the benefits of using sunbeds, and the image of a tanned skin as attractive and healthy arguably remains embedded within contemporary western culture. These tensions are played out in everyday conversations, and this paper reports a study which explored how sunbed users manage them within online discussion forums.
Design: A total of 556 posts from 13 sunbed-related threads, taken from six different UK-based online forums, were analysed thematically followed by techniques from discourse analysis.
Main outcome measures: Informed by social representations theory and discursive-rhetorical psychology, the way social representations of sunbed use are constructed, debated and disputed in online discussion forums were explored.
Results: Sunbed users drew upon numerous representations to distance and protect themselves from negativity they were confronted with in the forums, utilising a range of rhetorical, discursive strategies to help them.
Conclusion: Theoretical contributions and potential practical implications of the findings are discussed. Findings indicate, for example, that those working on campaigns and interventions in this area need to consider the wider negativity and argumentative orientation of sunbed users’ responses
Inter-individual similarities and variations in muscle forces acting on the ankle joint during gait
Get PDFMuscle forces acting over the ankle joint play an important role in the forward progression of the body during gait. Yet despite the importance of ankle muscle forces, direct in-vivo measurements are neither possible nor practical. This makes musculoskeletal simulation useful as an indirect technique to quantify the muscle forces at work during locomotion. The purpose of this study was to: 1) identify the maximum peaks of individual ankle muscle forces during gait; 2) investigate the order over which the muscles are sorted based on their maximum peak force. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were measured during the gait of 10 healthy subjects, and the data so obtained were input into the musculoskeletal model distributed with the OpenSim software. In all 10 individuals we observed that the soleus muscle generated the greatest strength both in dynamic (1856.1N) and isometric (3549N) conditions, followed by the gastrocnemius in dynamic conditions (1232.5N). For all other muscles, however, the sequence looks different across subjects, so the k-means clustering method was used to obtain one main order over which the muscles’ peak-forces are sorted. The results indicate a common theme, with some variations in the maximum peaks of ankle muscle force across subjects
DRIVERS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IMPLEMENTATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE CASE OF LEBANESE PRIVATE BUSINESS SCHOOLS
Get PDFThis research provides evidence on the relationship between responsiveness to quality assurance implementation and a business school i) organisational and leadership characteristics, ii) stakeholders’ perceptions of quality assurance as innovation, and iii) the institutional pressures in the organisational field. It is based on the insights from the institutional theory and the diffusion of innovation theory and uses a mixed-methods research approach. The current global demand for accountability and concern with educational productivity in higher education makes this research timely.
The results of the study indicate that a business school’s level of internationalisation (normative pressure) is positively associated with responsiveness whereas competition (mimetic pressure) and the government stipulations (coercive pressure) are not significant in determining whether a business school will or will not implement any quality assurance measures. In addition, leadership and organisational characteristics (such as size and level of conferred degrees) have been found to be associated with positive responsiveness. On the other hand, stakeholders’ perceptions of quality assurance as innovation have not been found to explain the level of responsiveness to quality assurance implementation.
This research concludes that responsiveness is due to a number of factors; government guidelines for quality assurance have not been seen to be effective mainly due to the lack of sanctions. The type of business has been found to impact responsiveness to quality implementation with for-profit organisations being less likely to implement quality assurance measures than their not-for- profit counterparts.
By recommending appropriate approaches to increase institutional responsiveness to implement quality assurance, the research contributes to practice as it may inform state and business schools decision makers on the appropriateness of their policy formulation and execution. It can thus assist in drawing well-versed strategies and tactics. The research also contributes to the body of knowledge on the factors affecting the adoption of quality assurance in higher education institutions
Developing Performance Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): A Case Study With an Elite Archer
Get PDFRational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT; Ellis, 1957) is a psychotherapeutic approach receiving increasing interest within sport. REBT is focused on identifying, disputing and replacing Irrational Beliefs (IBs) with Rational Beliefs (RBs) to promote emotional well-being and goal achievement. This study provides a detailed case outlining the application and effect of seven one-to-one REBT sessions with an elite level archer who was experiencing performance-related anxiety, prior to and during competition. The case also offers an insight into common misconceptions, challenges and guidance for those who may consider applying REBT within their practice. Data revealed meaningful short and long –term (6-months) reductions in IBs and improvements in RBs, self-efficacy, perception of control and archery performance. The case supports the effective application of REBT as an intervention with athletic performers, promoting lasting changes in an athlete’s ability to manage their cognitions, emotions and behaviors in the pursuit of performance excellence
The Archaeology of Cultural Genocide: A Forensic Turn in Holocaust Studies?
No full textWhilst historians have discussed cultural genocide during the Holocaust, the subject has received less attention from forensic investigators and archaeologists. This is in spite of the fact that cultural genocide directly relates to material remains, the built environment and heritage. It is also in spite of the fact that in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of forensic and archaeological investigations at Holocaust sites. This paper provides a timely assessment of approaches to the investigation of cultural genocide and an examination of the potential for a “forensic turn” in this topic. It will demonstrate how investigating sites of cultural genocide offers the opportunity to enhance knowledge of crimes perpetrated during the Holocaust and recover evidence of societies who, as a direct result of both physical and cultural genocide, were diminished, eradicated and/or forgotten
‘Dropped from the system’: the experiences and challenges of long term breast cancer survivors.
Get PDFAims: The aim of this study was to explore breast cancer patients’ experiences during survivorship. Particular attention is given to the role of specialist breast care nurses in supporting women throughout this phase.
Background: There is a relative lack of research involving long term breast cancer survivors. Yet, many survivors experience substantial psychosocial and iatrogenic harms created by diagnosis, symptoms of disease and treatment. A more comprehensive understanding may assist in supporting the needs of breast cancer survivors.
Design: An exploratory qualitative approach was used to collect data on breast cancer survivors’ experiences during 2013.
Methods: Semi-structured interview data were collected from seven British women aged 38-80 years exploring the support received during survivorship. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.
Findings: Breast cancer survivors perceived a systemic absence in support from oncology teams and rapid deterioration of support from personal support networks. Despite this, survivors were able to find benefits from the cancer experience. This allowed for adjustment and enabled patients to assume a new identity as a breast cancer survivor. We recommend specialist breast care nurses would be suitably placed to provide extended support allowing for a salient transition from treatment to survivorship.
Conclusion: This study yields insights into breast cancer survivorship and specifically the role of specialist breast care nurses. Given the growing cohort of breast cancer survivors and the increased importance on promoting and supporting optimal psychosocial adjustment, we
advise the cost-effectiveness of providing continuing nursing support and the mode of administration requires further research
Synthesis, structural characterisation and solution behaviour of high symmetry lanthanide triflate complexes with the sterically demanding phosphine oxides Cy3PO and tBu3PO
Get PDFThe synthesis and characterisation of lanthanide trifluoromethane sulfonate (Ln(OTf)3) complexes with tricyclohexylphosphine oxide, (Cy3PO) and tritert-butylphosphine oxide, (tBu3PO) is described. The structures of [Ln(H2O)5(Cy3PO)2].2R3PO.[OTf]3 (Ln = Pr, Tm R = Cy Ln = Nd R = tBu) are pentagonal bipyramidal with an equatorial plane of five H2O and two axial Cy3PO. The remaining Cy3PO molecules are hydrogen bonded to the coordinated water molecules as are the triflate anions. Solution NMR spectroscopy shows the triflate ions remain associated with the complexes in CDCl3 solution. Lanthanide induced shifts in the 19-F and 31-P NMR spectra confirm that one structure is present for all the lanthanides with an additional structure for the heavier metals. The acidity of the complexes has been examined by 31-P NMR spectroscopy of the reactions between [Ln(H2O)5(Cy3PO)2].2Cy3PO.[OTf]3 (Ln = La, Eu, Er, Lu) and phosphines PR3 (R = Ph, mesityl and Cy) and Ph2PC2H4PPh2 and Ph2PC3H6PPh2 . Protonation of the more basic phosphines and H-bonding to the less basic phosphines is observed
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage STORE - Staffordshire Online Repository? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!