Coventry University

About: Coventry University is a education organization based out in Coventry, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Higher education. The organization has 4964 authors who have published 12700 publications receiving 255898 citations. The organization is also known as: Lanchester Polytechnic & Coventry Polytechnic.

Adapting visual methods: action research with Kampala street children

Abstract: The paper examines the use of four visual ‘action’ methods for eliciting information from street children about their interactions with the socio-spatial environment. These methods were adapted and used to encourage child-led activities and minimize researcher input. The advantages and constraints associated with the successful implementation of visual methods with children are examined, followed by a brief examination of the ‘real’ and ethical considerations surrounding their use. The paper concludes that visual methods allow a high level of child-led participation in research, as well as providing a stimulus for eliciting further oral material.

The psychosocial well-being of children with chronic disease, their parents and siblings: an overview of the research evidence base

Abstract: Background Chronic disease of childhood may have implications for the psychosocial well-being of children and their families. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current literature regarding the psychosocial well-being of children with chronic disease, their parents and siblings. Methods Electronic searches were conducted using AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Database, DARE, HTA, MEDLINE, NHS EED, PsycLIT, PsycINFO and PubMED (1990 to week 24, 2004). Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews, meta-analyses and overviews based on traditional reviews of published literature. The titles of papers were reviewed, abstracts were obtained and reviewed, and full copies of selected papers were obtained. Results Six reviews of the psychosocial well-being of children were identified: three on chronic disease in general, one on asthma, one on juvenile idiopathic arthritis and one on sickle cell disease. Two reviews of psychosocial well-being among parents and two reviews of sibling psychosocial well-being were identified. Evidence from meta-analyses shows that children were at slightly elevated risk of psychosocial distress, although only a minority experience clinical symptomatology. The proportion that experience distress remains to be clarified, as do contributory risk factors. Few conclusions can be drawn from the two reviews of parents. However, a meta-analysis of siblings showed that they are at risk from a number of negative effects. Conclusion This overview has highlighted the need to extend the evidence base for psychosocial well-being of children, parents and siblings.

Evolutionary computation: a unified approach

Abstract: While Lawrence Fogel, John Holland, Ingo Rechenberg and others were the undoubted pioneers of the field we now know as evolutionary algorithms (EA), or evolutionary computation (EC), Ken De Jong’s doctoral thesis of 1975 deserves much of the credit for firing the enthusiasm of several research communities in the practical exploration of these methods. Moreover, as he has taken a very active part in the development of the field through the last 30 years, there could scarcely be anyone better placed to write a book on evolutionary computation. As the subtitle of his book promises, De Jong takes a unified approach. His first 4 chapters carefully explain and differentiate, whilst putting in their historical context, the common aspects of different EC paradigms (evolutionary programming—EP, evolution strategies—ES and genetic algorithms—GA). Chapters 1–4 use clear examples, rather than too many mathematical symbols. They form a truly superb introduction. Any novice coming to EC should come away with an excellent grasp of the basics. In chapter 5 he discusses the different uses to which EAs have been put as problem-solvers. The greater part is devoted to optimization (OPT-EA), with shorter sections on search, machine learning, and automated programming. There is a final, very brief, section on adaptive EAs. In the optimization part, considerable care is taken in the organisation of his material—again, presumably, with the novice in mind. Chapter 6 is the longest, and focuses on EC theory. De Jong carefully builds up a picture of the influences of selection, mutation and recombination on the behaviour of EAs. If you are expecting theory in the sense of a comprehensive, general model with well-understood effects, you will be disappointed. There are equations, but the argument is in fact founded on a series of experiments, whose results are displayed in a series of graphs. That is not to say that the insights gained are incorrect, or