Edinburgh Napier University

About: Edinburgh Napier University is a education organization based out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

PSFGA: parallel processing and evolutionary computation for multiobjective optimisation

Abstract: This paper deals with the study of the cooperation between parallel processing and evolutionary computation to obtain efficient procedures for solving multiobjective optimisation problems. We propose a new algorithm called PSFGA (parallel single front genetic algorithm), an elitist evolutionary algorithm for multiobjective problems with a clearing procedure that uses a grid in the objective space for diversity maintaining purposes. Thus, PSFGA is a parallel genetic algorithm with a structured population in the form of a set of islands. The performance analysis of PSFGA has been carried out in a cluster system and experimental results show that our parallel algorithm provides adequate results in both, the quality of the solutions found and the time to obtain them. It has been shown that its sequential version also outperforms other previously proposed sequential procedures for multiobjective optimisation in the cases studied.

Work-life balancing strategies used by women managers in British ‘modern’ universities.

Abstract: Purpose – The “work‐life balance” literature is mainly concerned with the provision and up‐take of flexible employment patterns. The purpose of this qualitative study of women managers' coping strategies for reconciling work with their other roles and responsibilities is to provide a complementary perspective.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured extended interviews were carried out with 16 women managers of academic or “support” departments in eight UK post‐1992 universities, about their working practices and how they sought to integrate work with other parts of their lives.Findings – These women reported high workloads, requiring long working hours, which consumed time and energy otherwise available for other relationships and commitments and their own leisure. Various strategies were adopted to manage the situation, including establishing rigid boundaries between work and non‐work, and shifting these boundaries in favour of work when necessary. Temporal, spatial and symbolic distinctions were u...

In a lonely place? : Social networks, job seeking and the experience of long-term unemployment

Abstract: Combating long-term unemployment remains a central strand of policies to promote social and labour market inclusion. One area of increasing concern is that the long-term unemployed (and especially those residing in disadvantaged communities) can find themselves isolated from the diverse social networks that can contribute to effective job seeking. This article draws on interviews conducted with 220 job seekers in two areas of high unemployment within the city of Glasgow to investigate: whether long-term unemployed people in these areas struggle to access social networks for job search; and the extent to which long-term unemployment is in itself associated with a more general erosion of social/community relations and a withdrawal from what has been termed the ‘tertiary sphere of sociability’. The article concludes with a discussion of the potential role for social policy in seeking to help the long-term unemployed and other job seekers to develop and broaden social networks and activities.

Factors influencing primary school children's knowledge of wildlife

Abstract: We examined the wildlife knowledge of primary (aged 4–12) schoolchildren. In particular, we examined the effects of children's age and gender, as well as the taxonomy and origin (indigenous versus exotic) of wildlife, on the degree of knowledge about different species.We used illustrated ‘flashcards’ of mammals, birds and arthropods, drawn randomly from a species pool. Each indigenous example was paired with an exotic animal. Wildlife knowledge overall increased steadily with age, although the ability to identify species peaked at age 9 then declined slightly. Boys had significantly greater wildlife knowledge than girls, and children of both sexes identified more indigenous than exotic species. Knowledge of mammals was significantly better than that of birds and arthropods. Knowledge of some very common indigenous species, such as sparrow and earwig, was poor.We conclude that the potential for primary school wildlife education using common and easily accessible species of birds and arthropods is not fully...