Showing papers by "Coventry University published in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, the performance of concrete mixtures incorporating 5%, 7.5% and 10% of discarded tyre rubber as aggregate and cement replacements was investigated, and the results showed that with up to 5% replacement, in each set, no major changes on concrete characteristics would occur, however, with further increase in replacement ratios considerable changes were observed.
591 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the effect of ultrasound treatment on physical properties of soy proteins and found that 20 kHz probe ultrasound leads to significant changes in conductivity, increased solubility for SPC, significantly increased specific surface area that is of interest in food texture and increased values of emulsion activity index.
408 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the advantages and limitation involved with a presentation of old and new methods and of the tools used for their creation are discussed, as well as their advantages and limitations.
362 citations
TL;DR: This paper explores changes to teaching through a consideration of an exploratory learning model which allows practitioners to rethink how they teach in 3D and immersive spaces where learning sequences and experiences are choreographed to support peer interactions and exchanges.
Abstract: User interfaces are becoming more intuitive following the requirements of the individual learner and reinforcing the drive towards more personalised learning and greater learner autonomy. There are clearly a new set of challenges emerging for teaching practitioners that will have implications upon not just what is learned but importantly upon lesson planning. This paper explores these changes to teaching through a consideration of an exploratory learning model which allows practitioners to rethink how they teach in 3D and immersive spaces where learning sequences and experiences are choreographed to support peer interactions and exchanges. The ELM extends from Kolb's experiential learning model to adapt the use of 3D applications, and provides examples from research and development projects to exemplify how the model works in practice. Teaching in these contexts provides less emphasis upon curriculum and more emphasis upon sequencing learning experiences, meta-reflection, peer assessment and group work.
361 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of regulations related to the three pillars of Basel II (i.e., capital adequacy requirements, official supervisory power, and market discipline mechanisms), as well as restrictions on bank activities, on cost and profit efficiency of banks, while controlling for other country-specific characteristics.
300 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an extended version of the TAM (TAM) was developed to investigate the underlying factors that influence students' decisions to use an e-learning system and their relationships among these factors.
Abstract: The primary questions addressed in this paper are the following: what are the factors that affect students’ adoption of an e-learning system and what are the relationships among these factors? This paper investigates and identifies some of the major factors affecting students’ adoption of an e-learning system in a university in Jordan. E-learning adoption is approached from the information systems acceptance point of view. This suggests that a prior condition for learning effectively using e-learning systems is that students must actually use them. Thus, a greater knowledge of the factors that affect IT adoption and their interrelationships is a pre-cursor to a better understanding of student acceptance of e-learning systems. In turn, this will help and guide those who develop, implement, and deliver e-learning systems. In this study, an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was developed to investigate the underlying factors that influence students’ decisions to use an e-learning system. The TAM was populated using data gathered from a survey of 486 undergraduate students using the Moodle based e-learning system at the Arab Open University. The model was estimated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). A path model was developed to analyze the relationships between the factors to explain students’ adoption of the e-learning system. Whilst findings support existing literature about prior experience affecting perceptions, they also point to surprising group effects, which may merit future exploration.
297 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed public transport networks of fourteen cities of so far unexplored network size in standardized graph representations: the simple graph of the network map, the bipartite graph of routes and stations, and both one mode projections of the latter.
Abstract: Public transport networks of fourteen cities of so far unexplored network size are analyzed in standardized graph representations: the simple graph of the network map, the bipartite graph of routes and stations, and both one mode projections of the latter. Special attention is paid to the inter-relations and spatial embedding of transport routes. This systematic approach reveals rich behavior beyond that of the ubiquitous scale-free complex network. We find strong evidence for structures in PTNs that are counter-intuitive and need to be explained, among these a pronounced diversity in the expression of typical network characteristics within the present sample of cities, a surprising geometrical behavior with respect to the two-dimensional geographical embedding and an unexpected attraction between transport routes. A simple model based on these observations reproduces many of the identified PTN properties by growing networks of attractive self-avoiding walks.
256 citations
TL;DR: Children's textism use predicted word reading ability after controlling for individual differences in age, short-term memory, vocabulary, phonological awareness and how long they had owned a mobile phone.
Abstract: This paper presents a study of 88 British 10-12-year-old children's knowledge of text message (SMS) abbreviations ('textisms') and how it relates to their school literacy attainment. As a measure of textism knowledge, the children were asked to compose text messages they might write if they were in each of a set of scenarios. Their text messages were coded for types of text abbreviations (textisms) used, and the ratio of textisms to total words was calculated to indicate density of textism use. The children also completed a short questionnaire about their mobile phone use. The ratio of textisms to total words used was positively associated with word reading, vocabulary, and phonological awareness measures. Moreover, the children's textism use predicted word reading ability after controlling for individual differences in age, short-term memory, vocabulary, phonological awareness and how long they had owned a mobile phone. The nature of the contribution that textism knowledge makes to children's word reading attainment is discussed in terms of the notion of increased exposure to print, and Crystal's (2006a) notion of ludic language use.
221 citations
TL;DR: The file attached to this record is the authors final version of this article as discussed by the authors, which can be found by following the DOI link and can be used to access the full version of the paper.
219 citations
14 Jul 2009
TL;DR: An evaluation to assess the usability of the NeuroSky's MindSet by defining a model of attention to fuse attention signals with user-generated data in a Second Life assessment exercise suggests that the MS provides accurate readings regarding attention.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of a usability evaluation of the NeuroSky's MindSet (MS). Until recently most Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) have been designed for clinical and research purposes partly due to their size and complexity. However, a new generation of consumer-oriented BCI has appeared for the video game industry. The MS, a headset with a single electrode, is based on electro-encephalogram readings (EEG) capturing faint electrical signals generated by neural activity. The electrical signal across the electrode is measured to determine levels of attention (based on Alpha waveforms) and then translated into binary data. This paper presents the results of an evaluation to assess the usability of the MS by defining a model of attention to fuse attention signals with user-generated data in a Second Life assessment exercise. The results of this evaluation suggest that the MS provides accurate readings regarding attention, since there is a positive correlation between measured and self-reported attention levels. The results also suggest there are some usability and technical problems with its operation. Future research is presented consisting of the definition a standardized reading methodology and an algorithm to level out the natural fluctuation of users' attention levels if they are to be used as inputs.
182 citations
TL;DR: The challenges for Database Management in the Internet of Things are considered, in particular, the areas of querying, indexing, process modeling, transaction handling, and integration of heterogeneous systems.
Abstract: This article discusses the challenges for Database Management in the Internet of Things. We provide scenarios to illustrate the new world that will be produced by the Internet of Things, where physical objects are fully integrated into the information highway. We discuss the different types of data that will be part of the Internet of Things. These include identification, positional, environmental, historical, and descriptive data. We consider the challenges brought by the need to manage vast quantities of data across heterogeneous systems. In particular, we consider the areas of querying, indexing, process modeling, transaction handling, and integration of heterogeneous systems. We refer to the earlier work that might provide solutions for these challenges. Finally we discuss a road map for the Internet of Things and respective technical priorities.
TL;DR: The IPPS problem has been developed as a combinatorial optimisation model, and a modern evolutionary algorithm, i.e., the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, has been modified and applied to solve it effectively.
Abstract: Integration of process planning and scheduling (IPPS) is an important research issue to achieve manufacturing planning optimisation In both process planning and scheduling, vast search spaces and complex technical constraints are significant barriers to the effectiveness of the processes In this paper, the IPPS problem has been developed as a combinatorial optimisation model, and a modern evolutionary algorithm, ie, the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, has been modified and applied to solve it effectively Initial solutions are formed and encoded into particles of the PSO algorithm The particles ''fly'' intelligently in the search space to achieve the best sequence according to the optimisation strategies of the PSO algorithm Meanwhile, to explore the search space comprehensively and to avoid being trapped into local optima, several new operators have been developed to improve the particles' movements to form a modified PSO algorithm Case studies have been conducted to verify the performance and efficiency of the modified PSO algorithm A comparison has been made between the result of the modified PSO algorithm and the previous results generated by the genetic algorithm (GA) and the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, respectively, and the different characteristics of the three algorithms are indicated Case studies show that the developed PSO can generate satisfactory results in both applications
TL;DR: The majority of nanomaterials produced by pulsed sonoelectrochemistry are pure metals, but more recently the syntheses have been extended to include the preparation of nanosized metallic alloys and metal oxide semiconductors.
Abstract: This article reviews the nanomaterials that have been prepared to date by pulsed sonoelectrochemistry. The majority of nanomaterials produced by this method are pure metals such as silver, palladium, platinum, zinc, nickel and gold, but more recently the syntheses have been extended to include the preparation of nanosized metallic alloys and metal oxide semiconductors. A major advantage of this methodology is that the shape andsize of the nanoparticles can be adjusted by varying the operating parameters which include ultrasonic power, current density, deposition potential and the ultrasonic vs electrochemical pulse times. Together with these, it is also possible to adjust the pH, temperature and composition of the electrolyte in the sonoelectrochemistry cell.
TL;DR: A preliminary integrated model of stress, coping, and motivation, based on the two aforementioned theories, is offered in an attempt to illustrate and instigate research on how motivational factors are implicated in the coping process.
Abstract: Purpose To explore conceptual links between the cognitive-motivational-relational theory (CMRT) of coping (Lazarus, 1991) and self-determination theory (SDT) of motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985).
Method We present a very brief overview of the two theories. We also discuss how components from the two theories can be examined together to facilitate research in the health/exercise domain. To this effect, we offer a preliminary integrated model of stress, coping, and motivation, based on the two aforementioned theories, in an attempt to illustrate and instigate research on how motivational factors are implicated in the coping process.
Conclusion We believe that the proposed model can serve as a platform for generating new research ideas which, besides their theoretical relevance, may have important applied implications.
TL;DR: For example, this article found that less than 10% of shareholders abstain or vote against the mandated Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR) resolution and that shareholders are more likely to vote against DRR resolutions compared to non-pay resolutions.
Abstract: This paper investigates shareholder voting in the UK. The Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR) Regulations of 2002 gave shareholders a mandatory non-binding vote on boardroom pay. First, using data on about 50,000 resolutions over the period 2002 to 2007 we find that less than 10% of shareholders abstain or vote against the mandated Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR) resolution. Second, investors are more likely to vote against DRR resolutions compared to non-pay resolutions. Third, shareholders are more likely to vote against general executive pay resolutions, such as stock options, long-term incentive plans and bonus resolutions compared to non-pay resolutions. Forth, firms with higher CEO pay attract greater voting dissent. Fifth, there is little evidence that CEO pay is lower in firms that previously experienced high levels of shareholder dissent. In addition, there is little evidence that the equity pay-mix, representing better owner-manager alignment, is greater in such firms. Currently, we find limited evidence that, on average, ‘say on pay’ materially alters the subsequent level and design of CEO compensation.
TL;DR: The authors examined a variety of factors that may influence attributions towards rape victims and found that male participants blamed the victim to a greater extent than did female participants, with participants consistently attributing most blame to the victim in the seduction rape scenario, then the date rape scenario and finally the stranger rape scenario.
Abstract: This study examined a variety of factors that may influence attributions towards rape victims A total of 156 participants completed a questionnaire, which included a measure of attitudes towards rape victims and a vignette depicting one of three rape scenarios (a stranger rape, date rape and seduction rape) Participants rated the extent to which they blamed the rape victim as well as the degree to which they identified with the victim and perpetrator Results indicated that male participants blamed the victim to a greater extent than did female participants, with participants consistently attributing most blame to the victim in the seduction rape scenario, then the date rape scenario, and finally the stranger rape scenario Perceptions of similarity to the rape victim and perpetrator were correlated negatively with attributions of blame These findings have important implications for juror selection, jury decision-making and attempts to improve the conviction rate in rape cases
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative study exploring how distributed patterns of leadership manifest themselves in project teams within a higher education institution was conducted, focusing on both the "what" and "how" of distributed leadership.
Abstract: This paper reports on a qualitative study exploring how distributed patterns of leadership manifest themselves in project teams within a Higher Education institution. The emphasis is on both the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of distributed leadership, thus providing an account of the nature of distributed leadership in higher education and the factors which were found to enhance and inhibit its occurrence and effectiveness. The findings are presented in a model of distributed leadership which seeks to provide an integrative account and a framework for further study. The conclusions focus on both the theoretical implications for the study of distributed leadership and the practical implications for HE institutions wishing to promote effective leadership.
TL;DR: Results indicated that, compared with conventional solvent extraction, the use of ultrasound gives a more effective extraction at lower temperatures with less dependence on the extraction solvent employed and that scale up of the process is possible.
TL;DR: The PREVIEW project, outlined in this article, trialled a replacement to traditional paper PBL with virtual patients (VPs) delivered through a virtual world platform to provide greater realism and active decision-making and a suitable environment for collaboration amongst work-based learners meeting remotely.
Abstract: Collaborative learning through case-based or problem-based learning (PBL) scenarios is an excellent way for students to acquire knowledge and develop decision-making skills. However, the process is threatened by the movement towards more self-directed learning and the migration of students from campus-based to workplace-based learning. Paper-based PBL cases can only proceed in a single direction which can prevent learners from exploring the impact of their decisions. The PREVIEW project, outlined in this article, trialled a replacement to traditional paper PBL with virtual patients (VPs) delivered through a virtual world platform. The idea was that an immersive 3D environment could provide (a) greater realism (b) active decision-making and (c) a suitable environment for collaboration amongst work-based learners meeting remotely. Five VP scenarios were designed for learners on a Paramedic Foundation Degree within the virtual world second life (SL). A player using the MedBiquitous VP international standard allowed cases to be played both within SL and on the web. Three testing days were run to evaluate the scenarios with paramedic students and tutors. Students unfamiliar with the SL environment worked through five PBL scenarios in small groups, shadowed by 'in-world' facilitators. Feedback indicated that the SL environment engages students effectively in learning, despite some technology barriers. Students believed SL could provide a more authentic learner environment than classroom-based PBL.
TL;DR: In this paper, the structure and morphology of the metal oxides adhering to the fabric on the coated cotton have been characterized by XRD and HR SEM, and shown to be nanocrystalline oxides (~10-20nm in size).
Abstract: The pilot installation is designed for the scale up of sonochemically assisted coating of textile fabrics with various kinds of nanoparticles. The installation can coat up to 50 m of continuous cotton fabric per run with CuO or ZnO nanoparticles. The structure and morphology of the metal oxides adhering to the fabric on the coated cotton have been characterized by XRD and HR SEM, and shown to be nanocrystalline oxides (~ 10–20 nm in size). The coating is homogeneous, stable and retains its biocidal properties through at least 20 washing cycles. The CuO–cotton bandages demonstrated good antimicrobial properties against E. coli bacteria.
TL;DR: The augmentation of hydrogen sulphide production in human intrauterine tissues in a low oxygen environment could have a role in pathophysiology of pregnancy.
Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide is a gas signalling molecule which is produced endogenously from L-cysteine via the enzymes cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE). The possible role of hydrogen sulphide in reproduction has not yet been fully investigated. It has been previously demonstrated that hydrogen sulphide relaxes uterine smooth muscle in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the endogenous production of hydrogen sulphide in rat and human intrauterine tissues in vitro. The production of hydrogen sulphide in rat and human intrauterine tissues was measured in vitro using a standard technique. The expression of CBS and CSE was also investigated in rat and human intrauterine tissues via Western blotting. Furthermore, the effects of nitric oxide (NO) and low oxygen conditions on the production rates of hydrogen sulphide were investigated. The order of hydrogen sulphide production rates (mean +/- SD, n = 4) for rat tissues were: liver (777 +/- 163 nM/min/g) > uterus (168 +/- 100 nM/min/g) > fetal membranes (22.3 +/- 15.0 nM/min/g) > placenta (11.1 +/- 4.7 nM/min/g), compared to human placenta (200 +/- 102 nM/min/g). NO significantly increased hydrogen sulphide production in rat fetal membranes (P < 0.05). Under low oxygen conditions the production of hydrogen sulphide was significantly elevated in human placenta, rat liver, uterus and fetal membranes (P < 0.05). Western blotting (n = 4) detected the expression of CBS and CSE in all rat intrauterine tissues, and in human placenta, myometrium, amnion and chorion. Rat and human intrauterine tissues produce hydrogen sulphide in vitro possibly via CBS and CSE enzymes. NO increased the production of hydrogen sulphide in rat fetal membranes. The augmentation of hydrogen sulphide production in human intrauterine tissues in a low oxygen environment could have a role in pathophysiology of pregnancy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explain that corporate citizenship refers to specific activities that an organisation engages in to meet social obligations, and which has become an issue of growing importance within the business community.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain that corporate citizenship refers to the specific activities that an organisation engages in to meet social obligations, and which has become an issue of growing importance within the business community. A key area in academic literature concentrates on justifying corporate citizenship initiatives to the corporate sector by illustrating a range of strategic benefits that a firm can achieve. This study is located within this body of work and aims to illustrate the strategic benefits that a football club can gain from the implementation of corporate citizenship activities through the community trust model of governance.Design/methodology/approach – The study draws from qualitative primary and secondary data gathered from Charlton Athletic and Brentford football clubs.Findings – Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of six strategic benefits that a football club can realise through the creation of a community trust model of governance. These are...
TL;DR: This paper describes the observation of the HMRI in an improved Taylor-Couette setup with the Ekman pumping significantly reduced by using split end caps, and concludes that the observed HMRI represents a self-sustained global instability rather than a noise-Sustained convective one.
Abstract: The magnetorotational instability (MRI) is thought to play a key role in the formation of stars and black holes by sustaining the turbulence in hydrodynamically stable Keplerian accretion disks. In previous experiments the MRI was observed in a liquid metal Taylor-Couette flow at moderate Reynolds numbers by applying a helical magnetic field. The observation of this helical MRI (HMRI) was interfered with a significant Ekman pumping driven by solid end caps that confined the instability only to a part of the Taylor-Couette cell. This paper describes the observation of the HMRI in an improved Taylor-Couette setup with the Ekman pumping significantly reduced by using split end caps. The HMRI, which now spreads over the whole height of the cell, appears much sharper and in better agreement with numerical predictions. By analyzing various parameter dependencies we conclude that the observed HMRI represents a self-sustained global instability rather than a noise-sustained convective one.
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: This report focuses on the state-of-the-art with respect to the theories, methods and technologies used in serious heritage games and provides an overview of existing literature of relevance to the domain.
Abstract: Although the widespread use of gaming for leisure purposes has been well documented, the use of games to support cultural heritage purposes, such as historical teaching and learning, or for enhancing museum visits, has been less well considered. The state-of-the-art in serious game technology is identical to that of the state-of-the-art in entertainment games technology. As a result the field of serious heritage games concerns itself with recent advances in computer games, real-time computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality and artificial intelligence. On the other hand, the main strengths of serious gaming applications may be generalised as being in the areas of communication, visual expression of information, collaboration mechanisms, interactivity and entertainment. In this report, we will focus on the state-of-the-art with respect to the theories, methods and technologies used in serious heritage games. We provide an overview of existing literature of relevance to the domain, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the described methods and point out unsolved problems and challenges. In addition, several case studies illustrating the application of methods and technologies used in cultural heritage are presented.
06 Nov 2009
TL;DR: This paper represents a first attempt at exploring a number of important concepts that the term engagement has been used to refer to, of relevance to both human-human and human-machine interaction modelling.
Abstract: Engagement is a concept of the utmost importance in human computer interaction, not only for informing the design and implementation of interfaces, but also for enabling more sophisticated interfaces capable of adapting to users. While the notion of engagement is actively being studied in a diverse set of domains, the term has been used to refer to a number of related, but different concepts. This paper represents a first attempt at exploring a number of important concepts that the term has been used to refer to, of relevance to both human-human and human-machine interaction modelling.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a brief overview of the development of sport and explore the fundamental elements of sport that mark it out as being different from other products or industrial sectors.
Abstract: Purpose – Major changes have taken place in sport in recent years, which has consequently led to the emergence and development of an associated sport management literature. To date, this literature has been confined to the margins of management theory and research, although the development of sport has been such that a multitude of opportunities now exist for academics and practitioners to address the most pertinent issues facing sport management. This paper aims to focus on the changes and to address the issues arising from them.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins by providing a brief overview of the development of sport. It then explores the fundamental elements of sport that mark it out as being different from other products or industrial sectors. This covers the following areas: the uncertainty of outcome; competitive balance; contest management; collaboration and competition; and performance measurement. The paper then considers the management issues pertaining to the models of sport emplo...
TL;DR: In this paper, a unified representation model for integrated process planning and scheduling (IPPS) has been developed based on this model, a modern evolutionary algorithm, i.e., particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm has been employed to optimise the IPPS problem.
Abstract: Traditionally, process planning and scheduling are two independent essential functions in a job shop manufacturing environment In this paper, a unified representation model for integrated process planning and scheduling (IPPS) has been developed Based on this model, a modern evolutionary algorithm, ie the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm has been employed to optimise the IPPS problem To explore the search space comprehensively, and to avoid being trapped into local optima, the PSO algorithm has been enhanced with new operators to improve its performance and different criteria, such as makespan, total job tardiness and balanced level of machine utilisation, have been used to evaluate the job performance To improve the flexibility and agility, a re-planning method has been developed to address the conditions of machine breakdown and new order arrival Case studies have been used to a verify the performance and efficiency of the modified PSO algorithm under different criteria A comparison has been made between the result of the modified PSO algorithm and those of the genetic algorithm (GA) and the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm respectively, and different characteristics of the three algorithms are indicated Case studies show that the developed PSO can generate satisfactory results in optimising the IPPS problem
TL;DR: From the studies identified, there seems to be no single way that consistently achieves changes in breast feeding duration and it seems that UNICEF/WHO Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFI) training might have the potential to influence breast feedingduration.
TL;DR: Preteen British children's use of text messaging, particularly the abbreviations and characteristic language used within text messages, is looked at, not only at the language style used by the children, but at the ways in which it relates to their traditional literacy skills, as measured through standardized tests and assessments.
Abstract: This article focuses on preteen British children's use of text messaging, particularly the abbreviations and characteristic language used within text messages. We look not only at the language style used by the children, but at the ways in which it relates to their traditional literacy skills, as measured through standardized tests and assessments. We have found repeated positive relationships between use of text register language and traditional literacy skills, and we give here a preview of our latest, longitudinal work, which allows those relationships to be studied directionally, enabling us to draw causal conclusions.
TL;DR: Physiological evidence suggests that incentive Spirometry may be appropriate for lung re-expansion following major thoracic surgery, and postoperative physiotherapy regimes with, or without, the use of incentive spirometry appear to be effective following thorACic surgery compared with no physiotherapy input.