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.

Universality in the three-dimensional random-field Ising model.

Abstract: We solve a long-standing puzzle in statistical mechanics of disordered systems. By performing a high-statistics simulation of the $D=3$ random-field Ising model at zero temperature for different shapes of the random-field distribution, we show that the model is ruled by a single universality class. We compute the complete set of critical exponents for this class, including the correction-to-scaling exponent, and we show, to high numerical accuracy, that scaling is described by two independent exponents. Discrepancies with previous works are explained in terms of strong scaling corrections.

Optimisation of integrated process planning and scheduling using a particle swarm optimisation approach

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

Effect of Bond Condition on Flexible Pavement Performance

Abstract: This paper summarizes a theoretical study undertaken to provide a deeper understanding of the consequences of poor bond on flexible pavement performance. Two different modeling approaches have been used. In the first, the pavement structure was analyzed using a layered linear elastic program taking into account different degrees of interface bond between pavement layers and a static horizontal load in addition to the standard vertical dual load. The results indicate that the condition of the bond between the binder course and the base can reduce the life of the pavement structure by up to 80%. For poor bond between the surface course and binder course, the pavement life was found to be particularly sensitive to any horizontal loading applied by the traffic. Static linear two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) modeling confirmed these results. Nonlinear 2D FE modeling was also performed to investigate the effect of more realistic bond conditions between pavement layers. The results cast additional light on the overall structural performance of pavement with different degrees of bond subjected to both horizontal and vertical forces.

Development and feasibility testing of a smart phone based attentive eating intervention.

Abstract: Attentive eating means eating devoid of distraction and increasing awareness and memory for food being consumed. Encouraging individuals to eat more attentively could help reduce calorie intake, as a strong evidence base suggests that memory and awareness of food being consumed substantially influence energy intake. The development and feasibility testing of a smartphone based attentive eating intervention is reported. Informed by models of behavioral change, a smartphone application was developed. Feasibility was tested in twelve overweight and obese volunteers, sampled from university staff. Participants used the application during a four week trial and semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess acceptability and to identify barriers to usage. We also recorded adherence by downloading application usage data from participants’ phones at the end of the trial. Adherence data indicated that participants used the application regularly. Participants also felt the application was easy to use and lost weight during the trial. Thematic analysis indicated that participants felt that the application raised their awareness of what they were eating. Analysis also indicated barriers to using a smartphone application to change dietary behavior. An attentive eating based intervention using smartphone technology is feasible and testing of its effectiveness for dietary change and weight loss is warranted.

The effects of the Mediterranean diet on rheumatoid arthritis prevention and treatment: a systematic review of human prospective studies

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease characterised by severely swollen and painful joints. To compliment pharmacotherapy, people living with rheumatoid arthritis often turn to dietary interventions such as the Mediterranean diet. The aim of the present systematic review is to discuss the effects of the Mediterranean diet on the management and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis in human prospective studies. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, including two intervention studies reporting improvement in the pain visual analogue scale (p < 0.05) and a decrease in the health assessment questionnaire for rheumatoid arthritis score (p < 0.05) in the Mediterranean diet groups. Only one study reported a reduction in the 28 joint count disease activity score for rheumatoid arthritis for the Mediterranean diet group (p < 0.05). This review has identified beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet in reducing pain and increasing physical function in people living with rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support widespread recommendation of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.