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The RAGE game software components repository supporting applied game development
No full textThis paper presents the architecture of the RAGE repository, a unique and dedicated infrastructure that provides access to a wide variety of advanced technology components for applied game development. The RAGE project, which is the principal Horizon2020 research and innovation project in applied gaming, will develop software components (RAGE software assets) that are reusable across a variety of game engines, game platforms and programming languages. The RAGE repository provides storage space for these assets and associated artefacts and is designed as an asset life-cycle management system for defining, publishing, updating, searching and packaging for distribution of the assets. The repository will be embedded in a social platform for asset developers and other stakeholders. A dedicated Asset Repository Manager provides the main functionality of the repository and its integration with other systems. Additional Tools supporting the Asset Manager are also presented and discussed. When the RAGE repository is fully operational, applied game developers will be able to enhance the quality of their games through the application of selected advanced game software assets. By making available the RAGE repository system and software assets the RAGE project’s aim is to stimulate the development and uptake of the Applied Games Industry IN Europe
Working in partnership: the role of Peer Assisted Study Sessions in engaging the Citizen Scholar
No full textThis article argues that peer learning, specifically Peer Assisted Study Sessions, supported by academic tutors, is a valuable part of the agenda to emphasise the social mission of higher education. This study draws on data collected at two time points from respondents who were trained as Peer Assisted Study Sessions leaders.The data reveal that peer learning interventions nurture specific proficiencies and attributes of the Citizen Scholar, particularly creativity and innovation, design thinking and resilience. This study focuses on how Peer Assisted Study Sessions leader respondents conceptualise and articulate their own learning, relating it to the development of these specific proficiencies and attributes. It also offers insight into how Peer Assisted Study Sessions leaders foster the skills of citizen scholarship for those participating in their sessions
The ‘Learning Excellence Achievement Pathway’ (LEAP): striving for excellence in learning development
No full textChester step test as a reliable, reproducible method of assessing physical fitness of disaster deployment personnel
No full textDisaster response in the field is typically very strenuous, difficult work, both physically and mentally. While hard evidence is lacking, it may be inferred that disaster providers lacking appropriate physical fitness are at increased risk of injury or compromising safety operations during a deployment. This problem may be amplified depending on where the disaster has occurred. For example, deploying to a large-scale international disaster, particularly in a developing country under austere conditions, often brings the additional variable of limited or non-existent local healthcare
Novel π-conjugated iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for high performance electrochemical supercapacitors
No full textA novel nanocomposite consisting of p-conjugated 2-aminoterephthalic acid (ATA) coated iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been synthesized using a facile combination of wet-chemistry and low-power sonication. The ATA–Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites exhibited a high specific capacitance of the order of 576 F g-1; significantly higher than that of pristine Fe3O4 (132 F g-1) and RGO (60 F g-1) counterparts, indicative of a synergistic effect between the ATA–Fe3O4 and RGO components. Furthermore, the maximum energy storage density was calculated to be 75 W h kg-1 (at a current density of 6 A g-1). The charging–discharging analysis showed promising long-term stability with nearly 86% retention of the capacitance after 5000 cycles. The superior capacitive behaviour of these ATA–Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites is attributed to the synergistic effect of the p-conjugated ATA coating on Fe3O4 which enhances the pseudo-capacitive charge transfer process of Fe3O4 and works in conjunction with the surface functional groups (such as carboxylic, amino and amide) present on the RGO surface, providing enhanced double layer capacitance. Thus, the current system exploits the advantages of both the double layer capacitors and pseudocapacitors in a hybrid structure
Achieving strategic growth in microenterprises through information technology: UK micro enterprise case study
No full textTechnology is a powerful tool that aims to assist efficient and effective use of resources within businesses. The paper examines to provide an understanding on the use of Information Technology tools and its influence on a UK microenterprise. It aims to explore further understanding on the strategic growth of any microenterprise firms. Through research findings and that of the analysis, it develops reasons and factors towards achieving greater time efficient practices with the use of information technology tools to achieve strategic growth for the business in the challenging economic markets. The paper presents the preliminary case study of UK microenterprise through observational findings examining general business processes, the challenges and drawbacks within the working environments and that of the use of technological tools. The findings of this case study will further enable the researchers to develop a novel framework to assist and enable any microenterprise in achieving overall strategic growth
Researcher efficacy Vs The tick box culture
No full textWestern Universities have increasingly sought a systematic or process based approach to ensuring researchers undertake ethical research which complies with their institutes research policies and regulations. This ensures researchers gain prior permission for undertaking Human Subject Research, gives managers a measure of oversight on the research being undertaken in their institution, and attempts to ensure it is done in an ethical manner. However universities also see this as a defence against increasingly litigious practices which can create an inflexible approach that in itself can create tensions when unusual or previously unencountered research situations occur. On undertaking research involving Human Subject Research, researchers and their supervisors are often confronted with a list of criteria based on their institute's research ethics policy containing the key aspects of their institute's ethics requirements such as informed consent, permission statements and information requirements etc. Researchers and supervisors are normally required to tick the criteria as a checklist and sign to 'ensure' ethical research is being undertaken.However contemporary research is beginning to suggest this may not be sufficient to create an ethical framework and in some situations may actually lead to a lack of underpinning ethics in the research. This occurs for various reasons including when the checklist is relied on for the duration of the research, signed before the implications of the research is fully understood, or given little regard once the research is underway. This places significant responsibility on both the researcher and the supervisor. Evidence shows this may be accentuated in global research and as western universities form global delivery networks in regions with different values.In this paper the author outlines contemporary literature about research ethics approaches and suggests the tick box checklist may not be sufficient to guarantee ethical Human Subject Research or even form a defence against litigation for unethical research practices. It also suggests the development of ethical research may even be hindered by tick box checklists and discusses alternative approaches to research ethics before forming a contemporary model based on substantial ethical training for supervisors and researchers. It concludes by advocating for a more open and flexible approach using a continual reflective ethical dialogue with the university from the outset, through the research period, and on completion
Development of a VLE Recipe for xAPI: process and implications
No full textThe Jisc Effective Learning Analytics Initiative is “working in collaboration to build a learning analytics service for the sector”, with “over 50 universities and colleges signed up to the initial phases of the implementation” (Jisc, 2017). Cetis LLP was awarded a contract by Jisc to support the development of xAPI recipes for the Initiative. This paper describes the work carried out and its implications
Being SAM President - A Long Journey in a Short Time
No full textMy first piece of advice for all aspiring medical leaders would be this, 'don't bother' with a leadership course, as nothing can fully prepare you for the role. That said, please continue reading as I will try and provide an honest review of my time as President to the Society for Acute Medicine (SAM)
Green My Place: Evaluation of a Serious Social Online Game Designed to Promote Energy Efficient Behaviour Change
No full textSerious games are interventions with potential for tackling pressing issues by raising awareness and inciting behaviour change. However, it is unclear which design choices maximise efficient production or intervention efficacy. For example, health games and games tackling social crises may have radically different audiences. Furthermore, players of serious games don't self-select like audiences for entertainment games, suggesting a need to examine and discuss the outcomes of any and all serious games built upon clear design principles for clearly-defined scenarios.
This paper presents a case study of Green My Place, a series game promoting energy-efficiency. GMP deployed unique site-specific metrics distinguishing it from similar projects 'disembodied' from the environments they are intended to affect. The game's design methodology-an MMOG framework with atomic mini-games linked to specific learning materials-offers a scaleable generic solution applicable to any domain entailing awareness/education.
Field study evaluations show (weak) positive evidence of a positive impact, but lack of traction hindered success. We examine these outcomes and their possible causes, concluding that although the game itself was a noble failure, the evidence suggests that successful behavioural influence may be independent of degree of engagement-a finding with potential significance for any game with learning objectives