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 & Context (language use). The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

Designing Electronic Circuits Using Evolutionary Algorithms. Arithmetic Circuits: A Case Study

Abstract: A Genetic Algorithm is presented which is capable of evolving 100% functional arithmetic circuits. Evolved designs are presented for one-bit, two-bit adders with carry, and two and three-bit multipliers and details of the 100% correct evolution of three and four-bit adders. The largest of these circuits are the most complex digital circuits to have been designed by purely evolutionary means. The algorithm is able to re-discover conventionally optimum designs for the one-bit and two-bit adders, but more significantly is able to improve on the conventional designs for the two-bit multiplier. By analysing the history of an evolving design up to complete functionality it is possible to gain insight into evolutionary process. The technique is based on evolving the functionality and connectivity of a rectangular array of logic cells and is modelled on the resources available on the Xilinx 6216 FPGA device. Further work is described about plans to evolve the designs directly onto this device.

Drug development: Lessons from nature (Review)

Abstract: Natural products have been acknowledged for numerous years as a vital source of active ingredients in therapeutic agents. In particular, the use of active ingredients derived from plants for use in microbial natural products have long been used before the dawn of modern medicine. From ancient times, the efficacy of natural products has been associated with the chemistry, biochemistry and synthetic activities of natural products. Thus, with scientific advancement in modern molecular and cellular biology, analytical chemistry and pharmacology, the unique properties of these natural products are being harnessed in order to exploit the chemical and structural diversity and biodiversity of these types of products in relation to their therapeutic effect. Often, new molecules of interest in drug design units focus on the rearrangement of chemical entities or structural isomers of naturally occurring products in order to generate new molecules; these may be formulated into clinically useful therapies.

How older people account for their experiences with interactive technology

Abstract: We present a qualitative study, undertaken over a period of nine months, of older people facing the challenges of learning to use interactive technology, specifically personal computers (PCs) and the internet. We examine the range of causal explanations (attributions) voiced by the group in accounting for their difficulties with it. A discourse analysis of these data reveals some factors (anxiety, age-related issues, being too busy to learn and the need for a purpose for the new tools) that support the work of other researchers, while other themes (issues around alienation, identity and agency) deepen understanding of this domain. The implications of the results for how we approach understanding the difficulties faced by older people in this context are discussed.

Mental health service user involvement in nurse education: exploring the issues.

Abstract: This paper reports on findings and issues arising from a study designed to promote mental health service users’ involvement in a preregistration nursing curriculum. Users’ views about the knowledge, skills and attributes required by mental health nurses were explored to inform the curriculum design. Strategies that would facilitate long term, active user involvement in the design and delivery of the curriculum were also explored. Findings are presented with concurrent discussion of issues arising from the research process in relation to user involvement in education. The issue of ‘conflict’ explores findings relating to users’ views of a ‘good’ mental health nurse and inherent conflicts between user and professional views are highlighted. The representativeness of the research participants is explored and debated in relation to service user involvement in nurse education. Finally, the concepts of ‘involvement’ and ‘tokenism’ are discussed and recommendations made about how active user involvement in nurse education can be achieved.