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.

Fishers who rely on mangroves: Modelling and mapping the global intensity of mangrove-associated fisheries

Abstract: Mangroves are critical nursery habitats for fish and invertebrates, providing livelihoods for many coastal communities. Despite their importance, there is currently no estimate of the number of fishers engaged in mangrove associated fisheries, nor of the fishing intensity associated with mangroves at a global scale. We address these gaps by developing a global model of mangrove associated fisher numbers and mangrove fishing intensity. To develop the model, we undertook a three-round Delphi process with mangrove fisheries experts to identify the key drivers of mangrove fishing intensity. We then developed a conceptual model of intensity of mangrove fishing using those factors identified both as being important and for which appropriate global data could be found or developed. These factors were non-urban population, distance to market, distance to mangroves and other fishing grounds, and storm events. By projecting this conceptual model using geospatial datasets, we were able to estimate the number and distribution of mangrove associated fishers and the intensity of fishing in mangroves. We estimate there are 4.1 million mangrove associated fishers globally, with the highest number of mangrove fishers found in Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Brazil. Mangrove fishing intensity was greatest throughout Asia, and to a lesser extent West and Central Africa, and Central and South America.

Digital Democracy through Electronic Petitioning

Abstract: The International Teledemocracy Centre at Napier University has designed an innovative e-democracy toolkit to support participation in the democratic decision-making process. Electronic petitioning is one of the web-based applications in the toolkit. It can be found at www.e-petitioner.org.uk and has the functionality to create petitions; to view/sign petitions; to add background information, to join discussion forum; and to submit petitions. On 14th March 2000, the Scottish Parliament agreed to allow groups and individuals to submit petitions using the e-petitioner system for a trial period. The special arrangement between the Teledemocracy Centre and the Scottish Parliament has allowed both parties to start to evaluate the use and civic impact of electronic petitioning in Scotland. The development, deployment and evaluation of e-petitioner have demonstrated how straightforward computing techniques can enhance public participation in the newly established Scottish Parliament. As well as the system being used to submit e-petitions to the Scottish Parliament, it is also hosting the first ever e-petition to the British Prime Minister at No. 10 Downing St.

Deep Learning Based Single Image Super-resolution: A Survey

Abstract: Image super-resolution is a process of obtaining one or more high-resolution image from single or multiple samples of low-resolution images. Due to its wide applications, a number of different techniques have been developed recently, including interpolation-based, reconstruction-based and learning-based. The learning-based methods have recently attracted increasing great attention due to their capability in predicting the high-frequency details lost in low resolution image. This survey mainly provides an overview on most of published work for single image reconstruction using Convolutional Neural Network. Furthermore, common issues in super-resolution algorithms, such as imaging models, improvement factor and assessment criteria are also discussed.

Social media in nursing and midwifery education: A mixed study systematic review

Abstract: Aim To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of social media in nursing and midwifery education Background Social media are being explored to see if these online tools can support teaching, learning, and assessment Design A mixed study systematic review Data sources A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and ERIC was run in January 2016 An updated search was run in June 2017 No date limits were applied Methods Titles, abstracts, and full papers were screened against inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers, who extracted and quality assessed data Synthesis followed a sequential explanatory approach Results Twelve studies were included Social media seemed to support students to acquire new knowledge and skills The learning process centred on the interactive nature of the platforms which allow information to be dynamically shared and discussed in near real time The characteristics of social media enabled social support and a more student-centred setting, which appeared to enhance collaborative learning, although information quality was sometimes problematic Learning via social media was underpinned by how well the educational interventions were organized, digital literacy and e-Professionalism of students and faculty, the accessibility of the online applications, and personal motivation Conclusion This review provides the first rigorous synthesis of social media in nursing and midwifery education A new Social Media Learning Model was conceptualized to aid our understanding of learning via this technology Knowledge gaps are identified and recommendations on how to capitalize on social media to improve learning in higher and continuing education provided