4101 research outputs found
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Innovative augmented and virtual reality applications for disease diagnosis based on integrated genetic algorithms
No full textIn this comprehensive paper the method of detecting various diseases within short period of time using Audio Reality/ Virtual Reality (AR/VR) techniques is proposed. For proper functioning of AR/VR models in medical applications three distinct algorithms such Genetic Algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is integrated where the entire operation is performed with respect to search space. Moreover, the detection process in AR/VR models depends on several factors where minimum error functions must be ensured. Hence in the integrated technique both Absolute Errors (AE) and Time Errors (TE) are measured and compared with existing methods. As the performance of detection is greatly improved with search space the fitness function of each algorithm is observed and it is considered as maximization objective in the proposed method. Furthermore, the complexity of AR/VR models in real time detection process is detected and it is realistic that high complex detections are converted to simple detections. In the comparative analysis of three algorithms ACO proves to be much better as errors are minimized with maximization of fitness function
Season of the Witch: The Book of Goth, Cathi Unsworth (2023)
No full textReview of:
Season of the Witch: The Book of Goth
, Cathi Unsworth (2023)
London: Nine Eight Books, 496 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-78870-624-7, h/bk, £2
Supply chain decision-making using artificial intelligence and data analytics
No full textoai:alma.44UOBO_INST:114026730008841This chapter examines the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics and other digital technologies in the management of the supply chain decision-making. The study highlights the challenges faced by supply chain managers and how the application of AI and data analytics can help in making better and more informed decisions with respect to sustainability. Data analytics, AI techniques, such as machine learning, natural language processing and other digital technologies that include Internet of Things, Robotics and Cloud computing and their applications to different areas of supply chain management, such as demand forecasting, inventory management and logistics optimisation are discussed. Some of the challenges (initial cost of physical and cloud resources, change management, ethical and legal-related issues) that the supply chain managers need to put into consideration when adopting these technologies are also presented. The chapter concludes that continuous data collection and storage across all the stakeholders in the supply chain must be ensured to enable transparent and efficient use of AI algorithms to support quick and timely supply chain decision-making
Multifunctional waterproof breathable coating on polyester-based woven protective clothing for healthcare application
No full textThe development of multifunctional waterproof breathable coated textiles (WBCTs) with a long-lasting ultraviolet resistant, antibacterial properties is created by integrating weaving and surface coating technology. Using oxford weave, four different polyester-based jammed woven textiles structures are created from 100 % polyester, 100 % texturized polyester, polyester/viscose and polyester/cotton, and then treated with four different biopolymeric finishes viz. Neem, Tulsi, Aloe Vera and Grapeseed oil. The finished samples are then coated with two different concentration of breathable polyurethane (PU) coating. As a result, the PU coating significantly reduces the overall pore size, resulting in highest level of liquid barrier protection of Level 4 according to Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) requirements. The proposed material complies with AAMI standards and can be used in protective apparel along with healthcare applications.[Display omitted]•A novel approach to develop polyester-based woven multifunctional waterproof breathable coated textiles.•Antibacterial textile made of biopolymeric Neem, Tulsi, Aloe vera, and Grapeseed oil that can sustain 50 home laundry washes.•Multifunctional protective clothing with antibacterial, liquid barrier, blood repellent, and UV protection features.•A novel approach to the develop reusable protective clothing for healthcare and hygiene applications
Technological innovation for digital supply chains within small and medium size manufacturing enterprises
No full textThe rapidly growing world of digitalisation opens the doorway for the new era of automation that plays a crucial role within the industry. Furthermore, technological innovations that are emerging every day are disrupting traditional business processes especially within small and medium size manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). The current industrial revolution pioneer for profit maximisation with cost reduction shows a significant refinement in improving sustainability that drives forward digitalisation.Evidence shows that industries have identified digitalisation as a priority in the upcoming years as the global supply chain is equipping itself with the digital world in the current industrial revolution. Economic growth is dependent on SMEs around the world where small and medium size Manufacturing Enterprises (SMMEs) play a vital role in the current competitive world while they are not able to manage their supply chains effectively and efficiently due to a lack of optimisation of digitalisation. They identify that technological innovation is evident for transforming themselves with digital supply chain, while global market leading organisations are positioning themselves with the world of digitalisation to their end consumers in their supply chain utilising technological innovation virtually driving towards a new era of a digital ecosystem.This research aims to investigate the impact of technological innovation to foster and promote digital supply chain within SMMEs. Due to the exploratory nature, this study adopted a case study approach where the data is collected using a semi-structured interview across 4 cases from three various countries. The findings indicate a lack of framework for the digitalisation of supply chains within SMMEs, in addition to a lack of technological innovation and financial constraints that served as limiting factors for digitalisation of supply chain within organisations. Further, a framework has been developed consisting of five elements that have been identified from empirical data as being critical for Digital Supply Chain (DSC) transformation. The theoretical contributions of this research are the identification of problems faced, limitations of technological innovation, and an improved understanding of how digital supply chain transformation can be initiated and achieved in the context of SMMEs. The practical contribution of this study is imbedded in the developed framework in the form of recommended strategies for SMMEs for digitalisation of supply chain
Positive addiction recovery therapy: a replication and follow-up study.
No full textThe purpose of this study is to see if the affirmative results seen in the pilot study of the Positive Addiction Recovery Therapy (PART) programme are replicable and durable given a new cohort of participants. PART is a programme of work designed to improve the recovery and wellbeing of people in early addiction recovery. Its foundation is in the G-CHIME (Growth, Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in life, and Empowerment) model of addiction recovery. It also uses the Values in Action character strengths and includes a set of recovery protection techniques.This study uses a mixed method experimental design, incorporating direct replication and a follow-up study. Measures for recovery capital, wellbeing, and level of flourishing are employed to collect pre, post and one month follow up data from participants. The replication data analysis uses the non-parametric Wilcoxon test, and follow-up analysis the Friedman test with pairwise comparison post-hoc analysis. The eligibility criteria ensure participants (n=35) are all in early addiction recovery, classified as having been abstinent for between 3 and 6 months.This study found a statistically significant improvement in wellbeing, recovery capital and flourishing on completion of the PART programme. These findings upheld the hypotheses in the pilot study and the successful results reported. It also found these gains to be sustained at a one-month follow-up.This study endorses the efficacy of the PART programme and its continued use in a clinical setting. It also adds further credibility to adopting an holistic approach when delivering interventions which consider important components of addiction recovery such as those outlined in the G-CHIME model.This study adds to the existing evidence base endorsing the PART programme and the applied use of the G-CHIME model
Re-assessing entrepreneurship education and gamification as a learning process
No full textThe role of entrepreneurship in moving forward economic sustainability, boosting national and international markets by improving employability is undeniable. Although personal characteristics play an important role in the success of entrepreneurs, several studies have shown that entrepreneurship can be learned and trained. This makes the entrepreneurship education all the more important and worth unravelling. There is a correlation between entrepreneurship education and success of the entrepreneurs, and different pedagogical approaches are often introduced into teaching making entrepreneurship a worthwhile discipline in higher education. In this chapter we re-asses entrepreneurship education by concentrating on gamification method through the exploration of current studies on game-based learning. The findings from the literature suggest different views on entrepreneurship education and its importance. However, they help in the development of a road map to educate entrepreneurs and stimulate them to become more successful via creating an entrepreneurship culture. Different pedagogical approaches are noted, and these upsurge the value of entrepreneurship education, by increasing students’ motivation, attitude, and engagement. Much attention is drawn to gamification as a learning process, and the analysis of different viewpoints has provided a deeper understanding, strong platform, and appreciation of game-based learning approaches in higher education
An evaluation of inequality of enterprising women in developing countries: a case study of Nepal
No full textThis study aims to analyze the existence of gender inequality in Nepalese society and the response of the government towards it through policy documents. It also explores the changing scenario of women representation in the political and public sector because of the government policies. This research provides a critical review of the government policies and social practices regarding affirmative action and gender equality in Nepal. This research further unravels the systematic review of policy documents and future insight into government policies to enhance the position of women in public sector employment.This research is based on secondary data and a descriptive method has been adopted to show the status of women in Nepal. Secondary data were taken from the academic published articles and policy documents of the Government of Nepal. This research has found that the Government of Nepal has taken up aggressive steps to ensure gender equality in each sector by increasing representation of women. The latest constitution of Nepal, 2007 and the second amendment of Civil Service Act, 1993 are the key policy documents from which, women representation in public sector has been increasing marvelously. Hence, the country has been moving towards gender equality and has impacted positively on society. It could be an example for other developing countries as well
Research ethics in Sub-Saharan Africa: uncovering graduate business students’ attitudes and beliefs which inform approaches toward research ethics
No full textTransnational education has grown rapidly in recent years, but the policies and procedures embedded within Western universities may not adequately reflect the environment in which students study and conduct research.This thesis explores the beliefs and attitudes towards research ethics among graduate students in the two south-central African countries of Zambia and Malawi. The participants were ten mid-career professionals studying graduate business programs delivered in-country in partnership with a British university; as part of their programme they were required to undertake their own primary research project.By undertaking a qualitative study of students in the region, it uncovers a complex multi-layered ethical system, which includes traditional sources, oral traditions, village uncles, and indigenous religious sources, alongside Western-centric missionary religions, and the formal processes such as those advocated by their professions and University ethics processes. Each of these informs the students’ approaches, often resulting in traditional cultural attitudes towards ethics sitting uneasily alongside contemporary ethical views. This can make the formal research ethics processes used by Western universities operating in the region appear overly strict and inflexible to students leading to tensions between what they are required to do by the university and what they believe is right.The growth of transnational education necessitates the investigation of approaches that make research ethics processes more flexible without removing the ethics approval processes, so this thesis advocates a culturally adapted research ethics protocol (CAREP) as a model, bringing regional attitudes to ethics and culture into the research ethics processes through a continuing dialogic approach. CAREP recognises the impact of cultural factors on an under researched area of education and provides a contribution to the growing debate on ethics in general and indigenous ethics in particular. It also offers a new perspective on the decolonisation of universities by recognising the importance of processes as well as the curriculum.Adopting a phenomenographic approach, the study uses semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews to consider the students’ views of ethics and the influences that contribute to their ethical perspective. Their beliefs and attitudes are contrasted with the rigid ethical compliance required in Western universities. Through rich data, including vivid storytelling, the participants indicated numerous factors that contributed to their beliefs and attitudes towards research ethics which are categorised into close social groups, traditional historical ethics reinforced through storytelling, their religion, their urban versus rural location, and their beliefs about professionalism