8364 research outputs found
Sort by
Cutting-edge strategies for breast lesions detection through Radiomics in novel microwave imaging technologies: Features' extraction reliability on microwave images from MammoWave device
Get PDFEmerging business models in local energy markets: A systematic review of peer-to-peer, community self-consumption, and transactive energy models
Get PDFThe emergence of peer-to-peer, collective or community self-consumption, and transactive energy concepts gives rise to new configurations of business models for local energy trading among a variety of actors. Much attention has been paid in the academic literature to the transition of the underlying energy system with its macroeconomic market framework. However, fewer contributions focus on the microeconomic aspects of the broad set of involved actors. Even though specific case studies highlight single business models, a comprehensive analysis of emerging business models for the entire set of actors is missing. Following this research gap, this paper conducts a systematic literature review of 135 peer-reviewed journal articles to examine business models of actors operating in local energy markets. From 221 businesses in the reviewed literature, nine macro-actor categories are identified. For each type of market actor, a business model archetype is determined and characterised using the business model canvas. The key elements of each business model archetype are discussed, and areas are highlighted where further research is needed. Finally, this paper outlines the differences of business models for their presence in the three local energy market models. Focusing on the identified customers and partner relationships, this study highlights the key actors per market model and the character of the interactions between market participants
Transforming Nanomaterial Synthesis with Flow Chemistry
Get PDFMicrofluidic methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials allow the generation of high-quality products with outstanding structural, electronic and optical properties. At a fundamental level, this is engendered by the ability to control both heat and mass transfer in a rapid and precise manner, but also by the facile integration of in-line characterization tools and machine learning algorithms. Such integrated platforms provide for exquisite control over material properties during synthesis, accelerate the optimization of electronic and optical properties and bestow new insights into the optoelectronic properties of nanomaterials. Herein, we present a brief perspec-tive on the role that microfluidic technologies can play in nanomaterial synthesis, with a particular focus on recent studies that incorporate in-line optical characterization and machine learning. We also consider the importance and challenges associated with integrating additional functional components within experimental workflows and the upscaling of microfluidic platforms for production of industrial-scale quantities of nanomaterials
A Solution Architecture for Energy Monitoring and Visualisation in Smart Factories with Robotic Automation
Get PDFIn today's manufacturing landscape, digital twin-enabled smart factories are revolutionising traditional practises by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). These factories create virtual replicas, or digital twins, of their physical counterparts, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and control of manufacturing operations. One area of innovation within smart factories is the role of energy condition monitoring and data analytics, which has gained significant attention due to the challenges of interoperability in industrial environments and the emerging need for sustainable manufacturing systems. This paper proposes an energy monitoring and visualisation solution architecture and example data visualisation dashboards at multiple user levels. The proposed solution architecture is deployed on a case study that included robotic material handling, and the results showed that the proposed solution can provide valuable insights to the users regarding the energy consumption of shop-floor components and provide a cost-efficient solution for energy analytics that can be used within SMEs
A Critical Review of Nigerian Electricity Policies between 2001 and 2020
Get PDFLike many developing nations, Nigeria has experienced prolonged electricity supply shortages for decades. As a result, the government has implemented several policies and reforms to tackle the issue, including privatisation, unbundling, and tariff adjustments. This paper critically reviews Nigeria's electricity policies, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining a review of relevant literature, official documents, and interviews with experts in the field. The findings suggest that while some policies have had positive impacts, others have failed to address critical challenges in the sector. Although progress has been made in improving electricity access and supply, much remains to ensure a sustainable and reliable electricity supply in Nigeria. The paper concludes by highlighting some key policy recommendations that could help overcome the sector's challenges
Methodological procedures for priority setting mental health research: a systematic review summarising the methods, designs and frameworks involved with priority setting
Get PDFAbstract
Background
Research priority setting aims to identify research gaps within particular health fields. Given the global burden of mental illness and underfunding of mental health research compared to other health topics, knowledge of methodological procedures may raise the quality of priority setting to identify research with value and impact. However, to date there has been no comprehensive review on the approaches adopted with priority setting projects that identify mental health research, despite viewed as essential knowledge to address research gaps. Hence, the paper presents a summary of the methods, designs, and existing frameworks that can be adopted for prioritising mental health research to inform future prioritising projects.
Method
A systematic review of electronic databases located prioritisation literature, while a critical interpretive synthesis was adopted whereby the appraisal of methodological procedures was integrated into the synthesis of the findings. The synthesis was shaped using the good practice checklist for priority setting by Viergever and colleagues drawing on their following categories to identify and appraise methodological procedures: (1) Comprehensive Approach—frameworks/designs guiding the entire priority setting; (2) Inclusiveness –participation methods to aid the equal contribution of stakeholders; (3) Information Gathering—data collecting methods to identify research gaps, and (4) Deciding Priorities—methods to finalise priorities.
Results
In total 903 papers were located with 889 papers removed as either duplicates or not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 14 papers were identified, describing 13 separate priority setting projects. Participatory approaches were the dominant method adopted but existing prioritisation frameworks were modified with little explanation regarding the rationale, processes for adaptation and theoretical foundation. Processes were predominately researcher led, although with some patient involvement. Surveys and consensus building methods gathered information while ranking systems and thematic analysis tend to generate finalised priorities. However, limited evidence found about transforming priorities into actual research projects and few described plans for implementation to promote translation into user-informed research.
Conclusion
Prioritisation projects may benefit from justifying the methodological approaches taken to identify mental health research, stating reasons for adapting frameworks alongside reasons for adopting particular methods, while finalised priorities should be worded in such a way as to facilitate their easy translation into research projects
Integrating Lean Management, Sustainability, Circular Capabilities, and Waste Minimization to Optimise Operational Performance in Manufacturing
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of lean production, sustainability, circular capabilities, and waste management on enhancing operational performance. Additionally, the research aims to examine the moderating influence of organisational dynamics. The present study was conducted within the framework of the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia. The research study has employed a quantitative research methodology. The data was gathered through the utilisation of a survey questionnaire. The study's target population consists of individuals who possess expertise in manufacturing organisations located in Saudi Arabia. The study has employed a statistical data analysis approach through the utilisation of Smart-PLS. The results of the study indicate that circular capabilities and lean production practises have a significant effect on operational performance. However, the influence of sustainability in manufacturing and waste minimization on operational performance is found to be insignificant. The results from the moderation analysis suggest that the relationship between circular capabilities and operational performance is significantly influenced by organisational dynamism. These findings can be employed by organisations to attain sustainable operational performance. Additionally, it is suggested that manufacturing firms should explore strategies for incorporating lean production practices, sustainability initiatives, circular capabilities, and waste minimization techniques to enhance the efficiency of their operations and optimise resource utilisation. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the study employed a limited sample size, and as a result, the findings may only be applicable to a specific industry. Therefore, it is advisable for future researchers to utilise a larger sample size in order to enhance the generalizability of the findings
Cost-effective and Resilient Operation of Distribution Grids and 5G Telecommunication
Get PDF5G base stations have growing importance in an
integrated electric power and telecommunication system, for
mobile user equipment mobile data supply and demand response
in distribution grids. However, demand response through base
station’s flexibility can have a growing impact on the power flow of the grid. Additionally, in extreme events, if a power outage occurs at the physical base station, data loads need to be first reconnected to the 5G network, which is essential for the grid to further recover the electricity loads. In this paper, a cost-effective and resilient operation method is proposed to optimally utilize the flexibility of renewable-based 5G base stations and the data
load shedding to recover the data transmission. The flexibility from batteries equipped in the base stations and the flexible associations between user equipments and base stations are considered. The simulation results verify the proposed method can achieve lower energy costs and power losses of the grid in normal operation and a resilient operation in an extreme event
Recognising and addressing health misinformation in nursing practice
Get PDFMisleading and inaccurate health information increasingly being shared within the public domain, particularly via social media platforms. This can result in negative real-world consequences, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nurses and other healthcare professionals need to be aware of those people who are susceptible to believing false information and be prepared to have open conversations with patients about what they may have read or heard about health-related matters. Correcting disinformation and misinformation can be complex as it is often based on part truths and if handled inappropriately can risk causing the belief to become further embedded. This article provides nurses with information and resources to address incorrect information in clinical practice, as well as highlighting strategies for debunking online myths
The Windrush Scandal: have lessons really been learnt?
No full textIn 2018 the UK government finally accepted that it had wrongly detained, deported and denied legal rights to Commonwealth citizens from the Caribbean, Africa, and Southern Asia in what is now known as the ‘Windrush scandal.’ A reparatory government scheme, including compensation, was set up to right the wrongs committed. The reparatory scheme has been extensively criticised in repeated independent reviews and there is a serious lack of access to justice.
The Windrush Justice Clinic (WJC) was set up in response to the Windrush scandal. It is a collaborative partnership between three universities, Community Law Centres and Community organisations. The WJC strives to help victims of the Windrush scandal receive the compensation they deserve.
In 2022, the WJC carried out research into unmet need for legal advice for people making claims under the Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS). The research found that the process is too complex for claimants to claim compensation without legal advice, there are few sources of free accessible advice, and it is likely that there is significant unmet need. The paper will explore WCS in the context of the hostile environment, the WJC research findings and examine the compensation scheme through the lens of transitional justice reparations