4101 research outputs found
Sort by
Flame Retardancy Index ( FRI ) for Polymer Materials Ranking
No full textIn 2019, we introduced Flame Retardancy Index (FRI) as a universal dimensionless index for the classification of flame-retardant polymer materials (Polymers, 2019, 11(3), 407). FRI simply takes the peak of Heat Release Rate (pHRR), Total Heat Release (THR), and Time-To-Ignition (ti) from cone calorimetry data and quantifies the flame retardancy performance of polymer composites with respect to the blank polymer (the reference sample) on a logarithmic scale, as of Poor (FRI ˂ 100), Good (100 ≤ FRI ˂ 101), or Excellent (FRI ≥ 101). Although initially applied to categorize thermoplastic composites, the versatility of FRI was later verified upon analyzing several sets of data collected from investigations/reports on thermoset composites. Over four years from the time FRI was introduced, we have adequate proof of FRI reliability for polymer materials ranking in terms of flame retardancy performance. Since the mission of FRI was to roughly classify flame-retardant polymer materials, its simplicity of usage and fast performance quantification were highly valued. Herein, we answered the question “does inclusion of additional cone calorimetry parameters, e.g., the time to pHRR (tp), affect the predictability of FRI?”. In this regard, we defined new variants to evaluate classification capability and variation interval of FRI. We also defined the Flammability Index (FI) based on Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry (PCFC) data to invite specialists for analysis of the relationship between the FRI and FI, which may deepen our understanding of the flame retardancy mechanisms of the condensed and gas phases
Effect of dust accumulation on the performance of photovoltaic modules for different climate regions
No full textIn the past decade, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have emerged as promising energy sources worldwide. The only limitation associated with PV modules is the efficiency with which they can generate electricity. The dust is the prime ingredient whose accumulation on the surface of PV impacts negatively over its efficiency at a greater rate. This research aims to explore the effects of dust accumulation on the energy output and operating temperature of polycrystalline silicon PV panels situated in two different climatic regions of Pakistan, i.e., Islamabad and Bahawalpur. In both the regions, one PV module is kept in ambient environment for six weeks to allow dust to deposit over its surface and perform experimental analysis with one clean module as reference for performance comparison. After six weeks of atmospheric exposure, dusty modules displayed significantly smaller efficiency as a function of different dust densities in the two regions. Dust samples from both cities are collected and analyzed to evaluate their structural attributes and composition. The PV module in Islamabad region had a dust layer over its surface with a density of 6.388 g/m2 and its efficiency was reduced by 15.08%. In Bahawalpur region, the dust density was observed to be 10.254 g/m2 which caused the output power to be slashed by 25.42%. Temperature analysis of modules shows that dust increases their temperatures which is also a quantity responsible for lower PV power generation with same amount of irradiance. The research findings are crucial for determining and predicting PV power degradation in two different atmospheres and determining the schedule of cleaning cycle
Parasocial Relationship in relation to the Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Purchase Intention
No full textGlobalization and the expansion of cross-border businesses have greatly impacted consumer behavior. Businesses and marketers now have the opportunity to target wider audiences and gain deeper insights into customer behavior, particularly in relation to cultural variables, thanks to this expansion. However, the rise of social media platforms has altered the ways in which consumers are impacted, necessitating a reevaluation of the factors influencing consumer behavior. In particular, social media use has facilitated direct communication between influencers, bloggers, celebrities, and their followers, which has encouraged the growth of parasocial interactions. These connections demonstrate that there are bonds between regular citizens and public officials that go beyond just physical proximity. Studies have shown that the widespread use of social media and the resulting parasocial connections can influence how customers’ interactions with influencers impact their buying intentions. Positive brand-product or service connections on social media have grown to be a trusted source of information, influencing consumers’ thoughts, decisions, and purchase intentions. However, the concept of xenocentrism (XEN)—which characterizes individuals who like products created in other countries—may act as a mediator in the relationship between parasocial impact and purchase intention. This study aimed to explore the ways in which xenocentrism affects consumers’ purchase intentions and their parasocial relationships with social media influencers. By carefully analyzing the literature, this study aimed to develop a model that makes these connections more understandable. The findings of this study broaden our understanding of the complex interactions between consumer behavior, influencer credibility, and xenocentrism. Internet marketing specialists and marketers alike find these linkages significant
Acute Medicine: How will we grow? - An analysis of organisational capabilities for quality improvement, research & education from SAMBA 2021
No full textBackground: Education, research, and Quality Improvement (QI) are key enablers for high quality care. We aimed to map the capability of Acute Medical Units (AMUs) to facilitate excellence in these areas.Methods: AMUs were surveyed in an organisational questionnaire within the Society for Acute Medicine Benchmarking Audit 2021.Results: 143 units participated. 80 units had a QI lead, 24 had a research lead and 99 had a medical education lead. 15 units had all three leadership roles. Most QI work considered service structure rather than changes in processes or care outcomes.Conclusion: The organisational capability of AMUs in the strategic areas considered is variable. Improving leadership and disseminating learning could help build a strategic foundation for acute medicine to grow
Comparative analysis on the use of teleconsultation using support vector regression and decision tree regression to predict patient satisfaction
No full textTeleconsultation is the use of electronic information and communication technology to assist and provide medical care to patients who are unable to go to a healthcare facility for treatment. Globally, teleconsultation is used to provide medical care in a variety of specialisations, for different ailments, and in a variety of ways. Over the past years, significant advancement in technology has improved the accessibility and standard of care that is received by patients through teleconsultation. Over time, researchers have examined the benefits and drawbacks of teleconsultation in comparison to conventional patients visit but still note that the benefits of teleconsultation outweigh its drawbacks as patients can easily have access to quality medical care attention remotely, easily, and timely. Recently, researchers have documented the use of machine-learning techniques to predict diseases and patient experiences like satisfaction, however, there are few papers on the prediction of experiences compared to the prediction of diseases. Therefore, this paper adopts the use of Supervised Machine Learning techniques in training and testing patients’ dataset and specifically used regression to predict patient satisfaction. Comparing the results gotten for Support Vector Regression (SVR) Model (using radial basis function kernel) with Decision Tree Regression, it is evident that SVR Model is the best-fit model for the dataset because it has a lower mean squared error of 1.061899561612261 for test data compared to the mean squared error value of DTR Model which is 2.6202531645569622. Hence, this paper concludes that SVR Model is the best-fit model to be used with teleconsultation in predicting patient satisfaction. However, the paper recommends that more machine learning algorithms should be explored and implemented with teleconsultation in treating patients and improving other healthcare services
Performance of admission pathways within acute medicine services: Analysis from the Society for Acute Medicine Benchmarking Audit 2022 and comparison with performance 2019 - 2021
No full textUrgent and emergency care services face increasing pressure, impacting patient care. We evaluated the performance of acute medicine services, assessing clinical quality indicators for unplanned medical admissions to acute hospital services.152 acute UK hospital services accepting unplanned admissions to acute and general internal medicine completed a day-of-care survey incorporating organisational structure questionnaire and patient-level data over a pre-defined 24-hour period in June 2022. Clinical quality indicators were: Early Warning Score (EWS) measurement within 30 min of hospital arrival; clinician assessment within 4 h; assessment by consultant physician within 6 h (daytime) or 14 h (night-time). Results were compared with 2019, 2020, 2021.7293 sequential patients were included (and compared with 19,817 patients across 2019–2021). In 2022, 69% of patients (95%CI 67.7–69.9%) had an EWS documented within 30 min. 79% of patients (95%CI 77.8–79.7%) were reviewed by a clinical decision maker within 4 h of hospital arrival. Patients assessed in Same Day Emergency Care services were more likely to meet this target than those assessed in Acute Medical Units or Emergency Departments (OR 2.4, 95%CI 2.02–2.87, p<0.001). Overall, 50% of patients received consultant physician review within the target time (3065/6161, 95%CI 48.5–51.0%); performance varied with time of arrival and location of initial assessment. Performance against all three clinical quality indicators was lower than 2019, 2020 and 2021 (p<0.001 for all).Performance against all quality indicators within acute medicine services is deteriorating. However, performance in Same Day Emergency Care Units is greater than in Acute Medical Units or Emergency Department
Application of knowledge management principles to support maintenance strategies in healthcare organisations
No full textHealthcare is a vital service that touches people's lives on a daily basis by providing treatment and resolving patients' health problems through the staff. Human lives are ultimately dependent on the skilled hands of the staff and those who manage the infrastructure that supports the daily operations of the service, making it a compelling reason for a dedicated research study. However, the UK healthcare sector is undergoing rapid changes, driven by rising costs, technological advancements, changing patient expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver sustainable healthcare. With the global rise in healthcare challenges, the need for sustainable healthcare delivery has become imperative. Sustainable healthcare delivery requires the integration of various practices that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare infrastructural assets. One critical area that requires attention is the management of healthcare facilities.Healthcare facilitiesis considered one of the core elements in the delivery of effective healthcare services, as shortcomings in the provision of facilities management (FM) services in hospitals may have much more drastic negative effects than in any other general forms of buildings. An essential element in healthcare FM is linked to the relationship between action and knowledge. With a full sense of understanding of infrastructural assets, it is possible to improve, manage and make buildings suitable to the needs of users and to ensure the functionality of the structure and processes.The premise of FM is that an organisation's effectiveness and efficiency are linked to the physical environment in which it operates and that improving the environment can result in direct benefits in operational performance. The goal of healthcare FM is to support the achievement of organisational mission and goals by designing and managing space and infrastructural assets in the best combination of suitability, efficiency, and cost. In operational terms, performance refers to how well a building contributes to fulfilling its intended functions.Therefore, comprehensive deployment of efficient FM approaches is essential for ensuring quality healthcare provision while positively impacting overall patient experiences. In this regard, incorporating knowledge management (KM) principles into hospitals' FM processes contributes significantly to ensuring sustainable healthcare provision and enhancement of patient experiences. Organisations implementing KM principles are better positioned to navigate the constantly evolving business ecosystem easily.Furthermore, KM is vital in processes and service improvement, strategic decision-making, and organisational adaptation and renewal.In this regard, KM principles can be applied to improve hospital FM, thereby ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery. Knowledge management assumes that organisations that manage their organisational and individual knowledge more effectively will be able to cope more successfully with the challenges of the new business ecosystem. There is also the argument that KM plays a crucial role in improving processes and services, strategic decision-making, and adapting and renewing an organisation.The goal of KM is to aid action – providing "a knowledge pull" rather than the information overload most people experience in healthcare FM. Other motivations for seeking better KM in healthcare FM include patient safety, evidence-based care, and cost efficiency as the dominant drivers. The most evidence exists for the success of such approaches at knowledge bottlenecks, such as infection prevention and control, working safely, compliances, automated systems and reminders, and recall based on best practices. The ability to cultivate, nurture and maximise knowledge at multiple levels and in multiple contexts is one of the most significant challenges for those responsible for KM. However, despite the potential benefits, applying KM principles in hospital facilities is still limited. There is a lack of understanding of how KM can be effectively applied in this context, and few studies have explored the potential challenges and opportunities associated with implementing KM principles in hospitals facilities for sustainable healthcare delivery.This study explores applying KM principles to support maintenance strategies in healthcare organisations.The study also explores the challenges and opportunities, for healthcare organisations and FM practitioners, in operationalising a framework which draws the interconnectedness between healthcare.The study begins by defining healthcare FM and its importance in the healthcare industry. It then discusses the concept of KM and the different types of knowledge that are relevant in the healthcare FM sector.The study also examines the challenges that healthcare FM face in managing knowledge and how the application of KM principles can help to overcome these challenges. The study then explores the different KM strategies that can be applied in healthcare FM. The KM benefits include improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, increased efficiency, and enhanced collaboration among healthcare professionals.Additionally, issues like creating a culture of innovation, technology, and benchmarking are considered.In addition, a framework that integrates the essential concepts of KM in healthcare FM will be presented and discussed.The field of KM is introduced as a complex adaptive system with numerous possibilities and challenges.In this context, and in consideration of healthcare FM, five objectives have been formulated to achieve the research aim. As part of the research, a number of objectives will be evaluated, including appraising the concept of KM and how knowledge is created, stored, transferred, and utilised in healthcare FM, evaluating the impact of organisational structure on job satisfaction as well as exploring how cultural differences impact knowledge sharing and performance in healthcare FM organisations.This study uses a combination of qualitative methods, such as meetings, observations, document analysis (internal and external), and semi-structured interviews, to discover the subjective experiences of healthcare FM employees and to understand the phenomenon within a real-world context and attitudes of healthcare FM as the data collection method, using open questions to allow probing where appropriate and facilitating KM development in the delivery and practice of healthcare FM.The study describes the research methodology using the theoretical concept of the "research onion". The qualitative research was conducted in the NHS acute and non-acute hospitals in Northwest England.Findings from the research study revealed that while the concept of KM has grown significantly in recent years, KM in healthcare FM has received little or no attention. The target population was fifty (five FM directors, five academics, five industry experts, ten managers, ten supervisors, five team leaders and ten operatives). These seven groups were purposively selected as the target population because they play a crucial role in KM enhancement in healthcare FM. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with all participants based on their pre-determined availability. Out of the 50-target population, only 25 were successfully interviewed to the point of saturation. Data collected from the interview were coded and analysed using NVivo to identify themes and patterns related to KM in healthcare FM.The study is divided into eight major sections. First, it discusses literature findings regarding healthcare FM and KM, including underlying trends in FM, KM in general, and KM in healthcare FM. Second, the research establishes the study's methodology, introducing the five research objectives, questions and hypothesis. The chapter introduces the literature on methodology elements, including philosophical views and inquiry strategies. The interview and data analysis look at the feedback from the interviews. Lastly, a conclusion and recommendation summarise the research objectives and suggest further research.Overall, this study highlights the importance of KM in healthcare FM and provides insights for healthcare FM directors, managers, supervisors, academia, researchers and operatives on effectively leveraging knowledge to improve patient care and organisational effectiveness
Modified CNN with Adam and Nadam optimizers for emotion recognition using facial expressions
No full textPeople communicate using one of the communication types of facial expressions. Human feelings are detected through facial expressions to interpret their present state of mood. It stimulates researchers to work in the field of emotion recognition. The design of deep learning models is essential to interpret the human current mind state by capturing the pattern of the facial gesture through their facial expressions.This study proposed a customized Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with various optimizers Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam) and Nesterov-accelerated Adaptive Moment Estimation (Nadam) to improve emotion recognition using the dataset FER-2013. The customized proposed model is designed by varying the number of convolution layers, filters, filter sizes, and optimizers. The emotions are recognized using softmax activation in the output layer. The experimental results have proved that the proposed model classified the facial expressions with accuracy of 0.841, 0.826 using Nadam and Adam optimizers respectively
A positive approach to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction
No full textBackground: Addiction is a major public health concern, with risk of significant relapse.Traditional treatment modes look at correcting deficit, not developing positive personal utility.Understanding addiction recovery as a process of change and growth, as well as how positive interventions can improve recovery outcomes are vital to addressing this health concern.Aims: Contribute valuable and original knowledge to what constitutes successful addiction recovery. Specifically, in how it can be understood through a positive lens, how this knowledge can be used to support its efficacy, and how positive interventions can be used to safeguard its future. The overarching aim is to empirically improve addiction recovery, through a series of complementary and reinforcing studies that endorse and facilitate it as a state of improved wellbeing, where recovery is strengthened, and a foundation for future flourishing established.Method: The conceptualisation of a new recovery model, G-CHIME, which considers growth, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment as central to addiction recovery. This is used with apposite contributions from positive psychology (PP) to study addiction recovery using a mixed-methods approach. This benefits from the methodological pluralism advocated in third wave PP, and the philosophical backing of second wave PP, which recognises growth as a facilitator for positive outcome from a negative life event. To this effect, a qualitative study comprising (n=15) individual narrative analysis studies aggregated using G-CHIME as a connecting theory, explores the phenomenon of addiction recovery through accounts of lived experience. A case study investigates how the Values in Action (VIA) character strengths model, an important contribution from PP to positive functioning, can be used to identify and explain (subjectively and objectively) positive traits and capacities that support recovery. A complementary group study (n=100) analyses the VIA character strengths of people in addiction recovery, which are most and least represented, how this differs from normative data and why this may be important. From this, G-CHIME and the VIA character strengths model are used as inputs to the design of a new treatment programme called Positive Addiction Recovery Therapy (PART). To study the efficacy of PART, two studies using a within-subjects design assess its effect on wellbeing, recovery capital, and flourishing.Inherently this includes the quantitative study of G-CHIME, complementing the qualitative narrative analysis study using this model. The first is a pilot study (n=30) field testing the programme, and the second, a replication and follow-up study (n=35), substantiating its findings. PART is then engineered for eHealth using a novel implementation framework, so it may reach a wider audience via a website. A user evaluation study (n=20) assesses its perceived impact and reported quality in comparison to other eHealth solutions using independent summary data, to gauge its success. To complete the digital branch of this work, the use of chatbots in addiction is systematically reviewed, the output of which is employed in a user-led design showcasing a novel addiction recovery chatbot, which is not subject to the prevalent concerns raised in the review. Criterion-based purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants in addiction recovery for all qualitative and quantitative investigations in this research. Results: The narrative analysis studies showed the G-CHIME model is helpful for understanding addiction recovery, and that the important elements of growth, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment were identifiable in each of the accounts. The VIA character strengths model was found to be effective in identifying personal assets that benefit recovery, and that these could be subjectively explored and objectively measured. The character strengths profile of people in addiction recovery was seen to have two characteristics unique to this population, humour, and teamwork. Both the PART pilot, and replication and follow-up studies yielded statistically significant results affirming the positive effect that PART has on wellbeing, recovery capital and flourishing. The PART website was well received by representative users, who reported higher scores than seen in other studies evaluating eHealth implementation. A perceived impact on health-related change was also reported. Chatbots were found to be a poorly used resources with serious ethical concerns, requiring better design. Discussion: The findings from a methodologically diverse set of studies, including both quantitative and qualitative investigations, support a positive approach to addiction recovery. G-CHIME has been shown as an effective model for understanding addiction recovery and the components important to its success, providing evidence that addiction recovery is the positive outcome of a negative experience. G-CHIME has been found helpful in intervention design, where it provided theoretical input to a comprehensive treatment programme that was seen to improve the wellbeing and recovery of the participants who engaged with it, as well as establishing a foundation for them to flourish.The pluralistic approach advocated in third wave PP, led to the inclusion of the VIA character strengths, providing further evidence and direction on how PP can be used with effect to aid positive function in addiction recovery. The eHealth interventions highlighted the need for new and efficacious design approaches, cognisant of the target population, which can disseminate positive interventions to a wider group than achievable through face-to-face intervention. A methodological limitation in this work means a control group has not been considered. Future study, using a control group design would advance the credibility of the conclusions drawn in the quantitative aspects of this work. Implications: This work generated several contributions to knowledge with implications for practice, policy, and research. PART has been operationalised in a manual, and funding decisions that support its accessibility for future service users have been made. It is envisioned this could extend to community referrals from outside of the service where it is currently delivered. The G-CHIME model and the analytical approach used in the narrative analysis studies continues to be employed in a curated series of addiction recovery stories in a peer reviewed journal, further developing its evidence base as an effective model for studying addiction recovery. The opening studies on the VIA character strengths model in addiction recovery, sets a foundation for further research on how it may benefit people in addiction recovery. Similarly, the systematic review offered a starting study on chatbots in the field of addiction, which could help advance their applied use in addiction and recovery, so that it does not fall behind other areas of healthcare, as is currently the case
Prevalence of perceived discrimination and associations with mental health inequalities in the UK during 2019-2020: A cross-sectional study
No full textExperiencing discrimination is associated with poorer mental health and demographic patterning of discrimination may explain inequalities in mental health.The present research examined prevalence of perceived discrimination in the UK and associations with inequalities in mental health. Data were taken from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (n = 32,003). Population subgroups (sex, age, ethnicity, health, religiousness, income, education, and occupation), perceived personal discrimination (personal experience) and perceived belonging to a discriminated group (identified as belonging to a group discriminated against in this country), and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12 assessed, cut off 4+) were reported on in 2019/2020. Nineteen percent of participants perceived personal discrimination in the last year, 9% perceived belonging to a discriminated group, and 22% had probable mental health problems. There were significant inequalities in both perceived discrimination and mental health. Being a younger adult, of mixed ethnicity, having health problems, having a university degree, and being unemployed increased risk of mental health problems and these associations were partially explained by perceived discrimination being more common among these groups.Perceived discrimination is common among UK adults, but prevalence differs by population subgroup. Perceived discrimination may contribute to social inequalities in mental health