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Nuclear geophysical assessment of aquifer groundwater quality in Okerenkoko community, Niger Delta: implications for human health risk.
Get PDFThe evaluation of aquifer groundwater quality in Okerenkoko, an oil-producing community in southern Niger Delta, Nigeria was conveyed by exploiting the vertical electrical soundings (VES) method with the support (aid) of Terrameter (1000) The Assays, Borehole Electro-Magnetics (ABEM) signal (recording) averaging system, groundwater collection and samples analysis with the assistance of sodium iodide [Na(TI)] detector. ABEM device is an easy-to-use, quick survey tool that can provide accurate resistivity models in the sounding field for environmental research, groundwater exploration, mapping, and tracking, as well as subsurface formations and mineral deposits studies. It takes only a few minutes to study depths of hundreds of meters, and the ABEM can complete the task. The geotechnical resistivity method of eight (8) VES units exposed the studied layers of the locations with poor/pathetic (<0.1 mho), weak/deficient (0.1–0.19 mho), and moderate/fair (0.2–0.69 mho) conductance identified by the longitudinal conductance map. It also revealed the depth of aquifer groundwater reservoirs to be 60–80 meters as shown from infinite vertical thickness via resistivity measurement of 562.0 to 7794.6 Ωm, in the fifth layer of the sand cluster. Therefore, thirty groundwater samples were collated and analyzed to establish the level and extent (amount) of hydrocarbon contamination, and pollution radiology of the aquifer groundwater quality within the reservoir depth. The mean results of radionuclide activity concentrations of aquifer groundwater are 264.85 ± 19.27Bql−1, 16.22 ± 4.18Bql−1, and 4.22 ± 1.11 Bql−1 for 40K, 238U, and 232Th respectively. The mean results exceeded world limits of 10 Bql−1 1.0 Bql−1 and 0.1 Bql−1 respectively. This may be attributed to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination waste released, oil spillage, the geological configuration of the area, and other anthropologic activities in the area. Nevertheless, the calculated radiological index health implications of aquifer groundwater mean results slightly exceeded world permissible limits. Therefore, there should be proper treatment of the aquifer groundwater before usage for domestic, agricultural, and industrial (purposes) works
Enhancing student experience and career knowledge through alumni engagement: case study of a sport and exercise science course.
Get PDFThe aims of this project were to utilise alumni to enhance Sport and Exercise Science students' knowledge of possible career pathways and enhance student engagement through relatable real-life applications. The project began by contacting all Alumni from the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science degree at Robert Gordon University since its commencement in 2012 (n = 329). Thirty-one percent of graduates responded to this initial contact and the information gained from this and associated follow up led to the creation and implementation of four key outputs. These outputs were 1) a careers journey's document, 2) work placement opportunities, 3) guest lecturing, and 4) careers testimonial videos. The implementation of these outputs was evaluated via online questionnaires. When asked to evaluate the careers journey's document 90% of students found it useful, and 92% agreed it encouraged them to think about their future career. Six of the eight students who completed a work placement created by the project reported it was beneficial to work with a graduate and all the placement supervisors who responded reported that being a graduate from the course helped them as a placement supervisor. Ninety nine percent of students fed back positively that they found live guest lectures from alumni interesting, and 89% reported that they would like to hear from more graduates in the future. When evaluating the use of video snippets from graduates rather than live guest lectures there were no significant differences in the evaluation responses (P > 0.05). Ninety six percent of students found the careers testimonial videos interesting, and 71% were encouraged to act regarding their own career/personal development. In conclusion, the use of alumni enhanced student's knowledge of career options and pathways post-graduation, it encouraged students to think about and take action regarding their future careers. Students engaged with content from alumni finding it interesting and requesting more in the future. Input from graduates should be embedded into courses where possible
Exploring human hair degradation: a preliminary study for estimating time-since-death.
Get PDFPostmortem interval (PMI) estimation is a challenging task in forensic investigations. PMI assessment frequently requires the application of the currently available methods which can lead to unsatisfactory results due to the poor accuracy of time interval estimation. To address these concerns, the present study aimed to evaluate whether there is a correlation between human hair proteolysis and PMI. Scalp hair samples of three living donors and eleven individuals exhumed from different burial types from Portuguese cemeteries were analysed by ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflectance - Fourier-transform infrared). Four band areas and three hair degradation indices were considered in the 2000-1000cm spectral region. When analysing the entire dataset (i.e., 126 infrared spectra) - and when separating and analysing the spectroscopic data by burial type - the ratio between amide II (∼1550cm ) and S = O and SO combined (∼1074cm and ∼1043cm , respectively) suggests there is a correlation between hair proteolysis and PMI (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, it is recommended that a larger dataset is required to confirm the preliminary results obtained in this study and to explore how this correlation can be used to estimate PMI in forensic casework
Explaining a staff rostering problem using partial solutions.
Get PDFThere are many critical optimisation tasks that metaheuristic approaches have been shown to be able to solve effectively. Despite promising results, users might not trust these algorithms due to their intrinsic lack of interpretability. This paper demonstrates the use of explainability to resolve this issue by producing human-interpretable insights that focus on simplicity, fitness and linkage. Our explainability approach revolves around the concept of Partial Solutions, which assist in breaking up the solutions of optimisation problems into smaller components. We first expand upon our previous research proposing the technique, and then provide a use case on the Staff Rostering task: a large and otherwise uninterpretable optimisation problem with ethical implications due to its direct impact on humans. The explanations consist in rota assignments for interacting groups of workers, along with the reasons why they are interacting. Lastly, some experiments are used to ascertain that the algorithms work as intended and for hyperparameter tuning. The results suggest that our methodology is capable of presenting insightful information for the Staff Rostering problem, by producing both local explanations of solutions and global explanations of the problem definition
Unassisted photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction by employing III–V photoelectrode with 15% solar‐to‐fuel efficiency.
Get PDFSolar-driven carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) provides an opportunity to produce value-added chemical feedstocks and fuels. However, achieving efficient and stable photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2RR into selective products is challenging owing to the difficulties associated with the optical and the electrical configuration of PEC devices and electrocatalyst properties. Herein, we construct an efficient, concentrated sunlight-driven CO2RR setup consisting of InGaP/GaAs/Ge triple-junction cell as a photoanode and oxide-derived Au (Ox-Au) as a cathode to perform the unassisted PEC CO2RR. Under one-sun illumination, a maximum operating current density of 11.5 mA cm–2 with an impressive Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ~98% is achieved for carbon monoxide (CO) production, leading to a solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency of ~15%. Under concentrated intensity of 10 sun, the photoanode records a maximum current density of ~124 mA cm–2 and maintains ~60% of FE for CO production. The results demonstrate crucial advancements in using III–V based photoanodes for concentrated PEC CO2RR
A person-centred approach to researcher development for business management doctorates.
No full textThis chapter explores the experiences of business management postgraduate research students (PGRs) within the evolving landscape of doctoral education, despite the increasing number of postgraduate students, business management PGRs are rarely addressed in academic literature. This study examines whether the stereotypical portrayal of doctoral journeys as solitary and challenging reflects PGRs' lived experiences. Using interventions and evaluations, including semi-structured interviews and the Post Graduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), the research highlights the importance of a person-centred approach in fostering effective researcher development. Our findings suggest steps to promote a person-centred approach, countering the notion of a solitary doctorate and fostering a supportive academic community. This chapter critiques the transactional nature of supervisor-supervisee relationships and advocates for aligning personal dispositions to enhance doctoral experiences. Person-centred supervision can reduce the isolation of doctoral work and build a supportive community. Recognising institutional roles, the research maps student satisfaction and positive outcomes, emphasising inclusivity and tailored support, especially for underrepresented groups. This chapter also explores how disciplinary paradigms shape researcher personas and whether business management education’s competitive nature enhances resilience. Ultimately, it discusses embedding person-centred approaches to nurture diverse, resilient researchers, countering traditional academic norms and promoting a transformative educational experience
Modelling metasurface patterned anode for enhanced performance of solid oxide electrolyser.
Get PDFSolid oxide electrolysers (SOE) are a promising type of technology of hydrogen production with the potential to be a part of the sustainable future of the energy sector. Advantageous efficiency of these devices is coming from the combined use of the heat and electrical energy. The current research proposes to improve the electrical efficiency of solid oxide electrolysers by fabricating a metasurface upon the standard porous anode layer of the electrolysis cell. The study considers the tubular cell design with the thick metallic support and several types of meta-elements, including squared shapes, lines parallel to the air flow and a net-structured surface. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is performed for the 1/16 sector model of the tubular cell in parallel flow conditions to evaluate current density characteristics of the considered metasurfaces. As a result of this study, the net-structured metasurface is found to increase the current density by 8.5%
We go hunting...: understanding experiences of people living with obesity and food insecurity when shopping for food in the supermarket to meet their weight-related goals.
Get PDFThe high prevalence of food insecurity in the United Kingdom has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. In high-income countries, those experiencing food insecurity struggle to buy and consume foods that meet Government healthy eating recommendations, and are at increased risk of obesity, linked to poor diet quality. Individuals in high-income countries purchase most of their food to consume at home from supermarkets, making this an important context within which healthier and environmentally sustainable food purchasing should be supported. However, the lived experience of supermarket food purchasing in people living with obesity and food insecurity has not been explored in depth. Adults, living in England and Scotland, who self-identified as living with obesity and food insecurity and looking to reduce their weight, were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews (n = 25) or focus groups (n = 8) to explore their experience of shopping for food in the supermarket. Using thematic analysis, four main themes were generated: 1) the Restricted Consumer - restrictions around the type of food purchased, where food can be purchased and the resulting emotional toll; 2) the Conscious Consumer - decision making and effortful practices both in preparation of and during the shopping trip; 3) Mitigating the Rising Cost of Food - agency and actions taken to mitigate high food prices; and 4) Stigma - instances of perceived and/or experienced weight and poverty-related stigma, and the physical actions and cognitive social comparisons used to minimise stigma. Findings provide insights for evidence-based policy on the need for upstream changes within the wider food system to address the social determinants of health and support people living with obesity and food insecurity to eat healthier and more sustainable diets
Effective utilization of unidirectional laminates for mass reduction in composite blades of multi-MW wind turbines.
Get PDFIn this study, a reduction of 7.8–10.37% in the blade mass was achieved by optimizing the thickness of unidirectional spars in the Sandia 100-m all-glass baseline blade for a 13.2 MW wind turbine. The optimized design still complies with stiffness, strength, buckling, and resonance requirements for two design load conditions (i.e. DLCs 6.2 and 1.4) specified in the IEC 61,400-1 standard for both stationary and spinning blades. A genetic algorithm was utilized to solve the multi-criteria, multi-constraint optimization problem while satisfying the allowable design limits specified by the wind turbine standard. The optimized blade designs demonstrated effective use of unidirectional laminates in the spars but led to increased tip deflection and longitudinal strains along with a decrease in buckling performance and first natural frequency
Dual teacher: improving the reliability of pseudo labels for semi-supervised oriented object detection.
Get PDFOriented object detection in remote sensing is a critical task for accurately location and measurement of the interested targets. Despite of its success in object detection, deep learning-based detectors rely heavily on extensive data annotation. However, variations in object appearance significantly increase the difficulty and the cost of creating large-scale annotated datasets. Semi-supervised learning aims to utilize unlabeled data to enhance object detectors. Among these, pseudo-label-based methods have shown promising results recently. Nonetheless, as training progresses, the accumulation of errors in pseudo-labels leads to prediction bias without corrections. To tackle this particular challenge, we present a semi-supervised learning pipeline, named "Dual Teacher", for improving the reliability of pseudo labels in the semi-supervised oriented object detection. Firstly, to mitigate the bias caused by limited annotated data, a global burn-in strategy is introduced at the beginning of training, which guides the student detector to learn the feature extraction on a global scale. Additionally, an online bounding box correction module is proposed to decrease the occurrence of mislabeled instances and enhance the reliability of detection. These improvements are facilitated by an additional detector, instead of a single teacher model in the teacher-student architecture. Dual Teacher reduces the dependency on the quality of pseudo-labels related to the model complexity, and combines the strengths of both the two-stage and one-stage detectors. With only 20% labeled data, Dual Teacher outperforms fully supervised R-FCOS, YOLOX-s and R-RCNN by up to 2% on both DOTA and SODA-A datasets. This reveals its potential in reducing labor-intensive tasks and enhancing robustness against environmental interference and noisy labels. The code is available at https://github.com/ZYFFF-CV/DualTeacher-semisup.git
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