12560 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare cector for enhancing sustainability
No full textThe utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of healthcare has shown tremendous growth in the past few years. Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence, in its various types of learning algorithms, processing of natural language, advanced systems for planning, logistics approaches, and artificial neural networks, provide exceptional analytical capabilities. This chapter aims at investigating various practices where AI technologies can be incorporated in the healthcare sector through review of literature with a special focus on sustainabilitySustainability aspect as a result of such integration. The chapter also discusses the challenges in the way of AI adoption in healthcare sector. The review suggests that although AI approaches were initially conceived for radiography, they are now widely utilized in several medical fields. The requirement for adequate infrastructure, proficient workforce, and availability of extensive, well-structured datasets has limited the deployment of healthcare AI applications to predominantly wealthy nations. Nevertheless, significant advancements in technology and the widespread availability of mobile phones have created opportunities for the utilization of AI in healthcare in regions with limited resources. Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence applications have shown promising results in various areas. These include the ability to monitor areas with disparities in socioeconomic standing and variations in the environment to forecast outbreaks of infectious diseases. The chapter offers implications that how AI can be implemented into various healthcare practices for enhanced effectiveness of medical operations and discusses various possibilities that warrant further investigation
Exploring the impact of dark kitchens on community quality-of-life: the role of local biopolitics, disposition, integrity, and lobbying
Get PDFThis study examines residents’ perceived impact of dark kitchens on community Quality-of-Life. A Community Engagement Theory-based research model is developed, including Gentrification, Local Biopolitics, Disposition and Integrity as antecedents, while perceived Lobbying for/against dark kitchens is used as a moderator. A survey is administered to 1827 US adults via Amazon Mechanical Turk. After controlling for Lobbying, the results indicate that Local Biopolitics, Disposition and Integrity positively related to better perceptions of Quality-of-Life, thus pointing that in large urban areas, dark kitchens may become an important player in meal provision. Furthermore, the findings reveal how trust in dark kitchens and positive Disposition towards them can significantly enhance residents’ perceived community impact, specifically when high levels of Lobbying are perceived too. These findings also suggest that while dark kitchens can enhance community well-being through responsible practices and positive public engagement, the role of Lobbying introduces complexity, potentially undermining trust in these businesses. The study underscores the need for balanced regulation and community involvement to maximize the benefits of dark kitchens in urban settings
Splitting frequency behavior of wireless power transfer for eddy current testing applications
Get PDFThis paper presents a novel approach for Non-destructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT&E) of cracks in metallic structures using Eddy Current Testing (ECT) integrated with the resonance Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) concept. The proposed method enhances ECT for efficient power transfer between transmitter-receiver (Tx-Rx) coils and employs Gaussian Random Projection (GRP) for feature reduction, enabling real-time data processing. Experimental results on two aluminium material samples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in localising and characterising slots, with an R2-value/RMSE of 99.86%/0.06 mm for width and 99.38%/0.25 mm for depth slot parameters. The findings highlight the potential of this method for improving NDT&E of metallic structures
Applying software engineering solutions to law firm management, Nigeria as a case study
Get PDFLegal technology has changed the way law firms are managed worldwide. Substantial research has been undertaken on the role of legal technology in law firm management especially in developed countries. Though, most studies have only focused on the benefits and challenges, and have failed to analyse law firm management areas requiring software solutions. The principal objective of this paper was to investigate the level of technology adoption among Nigerian law firms, as well as to develop a software solution to automate work processes in identified areas. This investigation was done using systematic literature review to gather relevant data on the subject area and identify knowledge gaps. Findings from the research indicated a need for further analysis of the various areas in law practice that could require software solutions. The findings also discussed the implementation of a property management module which is an important contribution to the management of law firms in Nigeria. A speech-to-text transcription feature was also implemented to eliminate the need for lengthy typin
Digital language learning: the cognitive, affective and social rewards for older adults
Get PDFDigital technology has transformed the way we learn and access educational materials. While digital technology offers new opportunities for language learning, it also presents new challenges for older adults. However, when older adult learners are supported and encouraged by participatory and collaborative activities that address their interests and needs, their learning motivation can increase. This chapter begins by examining the theoretical background of sociocultural theory and second language acquisition, before discussing the cognitive, affective, and social dimensions of learning. The chapter explores the definitions of older adults and digital language learning and highlights the benefits of blended learning, which provides a context and a platform for interpersonal learning and collective learning autonomy. The chapter concludes by presenting a case study that demonstrates how digital technology can provide older adults with individualised support, making language learning cognitively, emotionally, and socially rewarding for each learner
Feeling the heat: understanding stakeholders’ perceptions of residential-sector heating decarbonisation options in the UK
Get PDFThe reliance on natural gas for residential sector heating in the United Kingdom (UK) presently accounts for around a fifth of national greenhouse gas emissions. Phasing out this reliance is considered important as the UK's ‘Net-Zero’ ambitions. Alternatives to a reliance on natural gas, include the use of hydrogen boilers and electrification using heat pump technologies. The acceptance of these technologies among different societal actors (including publics) will play a significant role in which are backed, available, and used. The aim of this study was to consider the perceptions of key stakeholders in the UK residential heat decarbonisation sector about: (a) policies pertaining to this sector; (b) the factors likely to shape public acceptance of hydrogen and heat-pump technologies; and (c) the prospect of repurposing the gas pipeline network to support heat decarbonisation. Interviews were held with 12 stakeholders from the UK's residential heating sector. Interviews were supported using bespoke ‘flash cards’ to convey core details about each of the options under consideration. Interview principally considered the relative strengths and drawbacks of hydrogen versus ‘standard’ heat pump options, with discussions centring on four primary themes: Relative risks and benefits; Public choice and control over residential heating options; Engaging with the public throughout the energy transition; and Envisioning future energy transition scenarios for residential home heating. The findings confirm that the factors and actors feeding into the relative ‘acceptability’ of each option are manifold, and that the ‘acceptance’ of each option is tied to factors, such as: (a) the consistency of policy signals from government; (b) the relative affordability of the technology; and (c) both the physical infrastructure and social aspects of the local development context. The concept of repurposing the gas pipeline network was considered to be a good idea in principle, although enthusiasm was heavily caveated with reference to the practicalities of achieving this goal
Bus-based sensor deployment for intelligent sensing coverage and k-hop calibration
Get PDFDrive-by sensing is a promising concept that employs public transport as a mobile sensing platform to achieve high spatio-temporal coverage for urban sensing tasks. At the same time, the low-cost nature of mobile IoT sensors necessitates their more frequent calibration to ensure data accuracy and reliability. Manual or lab-based calibration of a large number of mobile sensors may no longer be feasible and thus new approaches for automatic calibration are needed. Most prior work on optimal mobile sensor deployment focuses on coverage aspect without considering the sensor calibration. In this study, we present a joint approach for optimising the placement of bus-based sensors for maximising the total unique sensing area and combining the optimal reference sensors geo-placement for maximising k-hop calibrate requirements on the selected routes. A metric-based system developed in our model uses geographical set operations which includes both spatial and temporal joins to quantify the contribution of each bus route and rank them accordingly. We formulate the coverage optimisation problem as a mixed integer linear program (MILP) solve it with a greedy algorithm, and demonstrate this method’s potential using real-world bus-transit data from Toronto, Canada and Manchester, UK. Our approach involves a metric-based system which quantifies each bus route unique coverage contribution for determining an optimal set of bus routes and bus stops for bus-based and reference sensor deployment, to minimise sensor network costs and maximise spatio-temporal coverage. The comparison with a random baseline algorithm indicates that our method outperforms in terms of deployment and coverage efficiency. Our results also include the potential of our weighted method in improving drive-by sensing for air quality monitoring by comparing it with a separate benchmark scheme with different criteria
Substituting sitting with standing and walking in free-living conditions improves daily glucose concentrations in South Asian adults living with overweight/obesity
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Controlled laboratory studies have demonstrated that breaking up sitting can reduce postprandial glucose in South Asian adults. This study examined the effects of substituting sitting with standing and walking on interstitial glucose in South Asian individuals under free-living conditions.METHODS: South Asian adults (n = 14 [50% male]; body mass index 26.5 ± 0.8 kg·m -2) aged 41 ± 3 years completed two, 4-day regimens in a counter-balanced order: (1) SIT (restrict walking and standing to ≤ 1 h/day each) and (2) SITless (substitute ≥ 5 h/day of sitting with ≥ 3 h of standing and ≥ 2 h of walking, and interrupt sitting every 30 min). Interstitial glucose was measured using Flash glucose monitoring. Sitting and physical activity were measured with the activPAL3. Outcomes were compared between regimens using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Interstitial glucose net incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for waking hours was lower by - 9.2 mmol L -1·16 h -1 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: - 18.1, - 0.3) in SITless than SIT (p = 0.04), while lunch postprandial glucose iAUC was significantly lower by -1.0 mmol L -1.2 h -1 (95% CI - 1.8, 0.2) in SITless (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in other 24 h or 16 h glucose metrics (p ≥ 0.06). Compared to SIT, sitting was lower by - 3.6 h/day (95% CI - 4.9, - 2.3) in SITless (p < 0.01). Standing and stepping time were higher by 1.9 h/day (95% CI 0.6, 3.2) and 1.6 h/day (95% CI 1.2, 2.1) in SITless (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Substituting sitting with standing and walking under free-living conditions can be used to effectively attenuate glycaemia during waking hours, but not across 24 h, in South Asian adults.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04645875..</p
Enhancing children's involvement in, and influence over, domestic abuse and family violence knowledge creation through trauma-informed approaches to research
Get PDFPurpose In this commentary, we explore how a trauma-informed approach to research can help address some of the drivers behind the continued marginalisation of children’s voices in domestic abuse and family violence research, as noted by numerous contributors to this special issue. We focus particularly on how such an approach can help reframe and start to address the safety and wellbeing concerns that are frequently cited as reasons for denying children their Article 12 UNCRC right to have a say about matters than affect them, within trauma-focused research contexts. Method We include examples of practical research strategies, drawing on the authors’ cumulative body of published research and other research reported on in this special issue. Results We identify practical research strategies that can support increased awareness of, and responsiveness to, the potential presence and impacts of trauma in research, in a way that integrates realisation of children’s participation and protection rights. We do so primarily in relation to children’s involvement in research as research participants but conclude with an exploration of the conceptual and practical alignment of trauma-informed and participatory approaches to research. Conclusion We contend that the application of a trauma-informed approach to research can help create safer and more meaningful opportunities for children to be involved in, and influence, domestic abuse and family violence knowledge creation
Co-designing a running/walking programme with adolescent girls using meaningful physical activity and an activist approach
Get PDFThis paper reports the co-design of a run/walk programme with adolescent girls, in collaboration with a UK women’s running organisation, This Woman Runs. The objective of this participatory inquiry was to create a meaningful programme for adolescent girls to support engaging regularly in running/walking for 30 minutes. The study employed co-design and participatory methodologies (Enright and O’Sullivan, 2012) and an activist approach pedagogical model (Oliver and Kirk, 2016), to listen and respond to girls’ interests and ideas for meaningful physical activity. Sixteen girls (age 11-13), their physical education (PE) teacher, researchers, and representatives from This Woman Runs participated in five workshops. The workshops facilitated a process of inquiry and discussion around girls’ interests and needs in learning to run, using written and verbal expressions of what girls found meaningful in running/walking and other physical activity. These materials were mapped, with girls’ input, to meaningful physical education features (Kretchmar, 2006; Beni et al., 2017). Participants then generated ideas about structure, location, frequency, marketing, and curriculum and listened to each other’s experiences in co-designing an accessible programme. The paper presents the outcomes of the inquiry, specifically a 12-week run/walk after-school programme that includes physical and curricular activities to support positive social interactions, feelings of competence, and personally relevant learning. We reflect on how the girls’ knowledge and values about running were supported through the co-design process. Listening to respond, by embedding ongoing inquiry with young people, is crucial for the success and meaningfulness of physical activity interventions
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage University of Bedfordshire Repository? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!