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2023 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-39
Author(s):  
Thanh Tuan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Phuong Nguyen

Representing dynamic textures (DTs) plays an important role in many real implementations in the computer vision community. Due to the turbulent and non-directional motions of DTs along with the negative impacts of different factors (e.g., environmental changes, noise, illumination, etc.), efficiently analyzing DTs has raised considerable challenges for the state-of-the-art approaches. For 20 years, many different techniques have been introduced to handle the above well-known issues for enhancing the performance. Those methods have shown valuable contributions, but the problems have been incompletely dealt with, particularly recognizing DTs on large-scale datasets. In this article, we present a comprehensive taxonomy of DT representation in order to purposefully give a thorough overview of the existing methods along with overall evaluations of their obtained performances. Accordingly, we arrange the methods into six canonical categories. Each of them is then taken in a brief presentation of its principal methodology stream and various related variants. The effectiveness levels of the state-of-the-art methods are then investigated and thoroughly discussed with respect to quantitative and qualitative evaluations in classifying DTs on benchmark datasets. Finally, we point out several potential applications and the remaining challenges that should be addressed in further directions. In comparison with two existing shallow DT surveys (i.e., the first one is out of date as it was made in 2005, while the newer one (published in 2016) is an inadequate overview), we believe that our proposed comprehensive taxonomy not only provides a better view of DT representation for the target readers but also stimulates future research activities.


2024 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Baig ◽  
T. Mahmood ◽  
N. Munawar ◽  
A. Saman ◽  
A. Razzaq ◽  
...  

Abstract Dietary habits of bandicoot rats (bandicota bengalensis) were investigated in the agricultural crops of the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan by analysing stomach contents. The research activities were conducted in major field crops including wheat-groundnut and in the fallow lands during non-crop season at the field boundaries. The specimens were captured from the fields using kill/snap traps, and dissected to collect their stomach samples for laboratory analysis. Light microscopic slides of the plant material were recovered from stomach samples and the reference materials were collected from the field. Results revealed that the bandicoot rat predominantly fed upon cultivated crops during cropping season but consumed wild vegetation during non-cropping season. There was no significance difference between summer and winter diets. Most frequently consumed crop food items were wheat (Triticum aestivum; 28.57%), groundnut (Arachis hypogea; 11.26%), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor; 10.17%), chickpea (Cicer arietinum; 9.52%), maize (Zea mays; 6.49%), millet (Pennisetum glaucum; 5.84%), barley (Hordeum vulgare; 4.98%) and mustard (Brassica campestris; 4.98%). Among wild vegetation were consumed khbal gha (Cynodon dactylon; 7.79%), baron dhab (Demostachya bipinnata; 7.36%) and Prickly flower (Achyranthes aspera; 3.03%). The study concludes that, in addition to consuming wheat and groundnut crops, the Lesser bandicoot rat also subsists on grasses, weeds, and some fodder crops, as important component of its diet in agro-ecosystem of the Pothwar Plateau.


Sensors ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 655
Author(s):  
Andrzej Stateczny ◽  
Krzysztof Gierlowski ◽  
Michal Hoeft

As the number of research activities and practical deployments of unmanned vehicles has shown a rapid growth, topics related to their communication with operator and external infrastructure became of high importance. As a result a trend of employing IP communication for this purpose is emerging and can be expected to bring significant advantages. However, its employment can be expected to be most effective using broadband communication technologies such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). To verify the effectiveness of such an approach in a specific case of surface unmanned vehicles, the paper includes an overview of IP-based MAVLink communication advantages and requirements, followed by a laboratory and field-experiment study of selected WLAN technologies, compared to popular narrowband communication solutions. The conclusions confirm the general applicability of IP/WLAN communication for surface unmanned vehicles, providing an overview of their advantages and pointing out deployment requirements.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Murfield ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Analise O’Donovan

Abstract Background This article describes the research activities undertaken to plan and design a self-compassion intervention for family carers of people living with dementia using a person-based and co-design approach. In providing this example, our aim is two-fold: to highlight the value of using qualitative research and co-design processes within intervention development; and to showcase systematic reporting of an intervention’s early planning and design stages. Methods A person-based and co-design approach informed the planning and design of the self-compassion intervention. In Stage 1, qualitative interviews were undertaken with 14 family carers of people living with dementia and 14 professional stakeholders. In Stage 2, intervention guiding principles were developed, psychological theory was incorporated, and six family carers of people living with dementia were engaged as co-designers. Results Knowledge generated during intervention planning identified that the intervention should be situated within the concept of compassion more broadly; address misperceptions, fears, blocks, and resistances to self-compassion; and target feelings of shame, guilt, and self-criticism. Subsequent intervention design activities determined that the needs of family carers of people living with dementia were best met by tailoring an existing intervention, namely group-based Compassion-Focused Therapy. Conclusions Our systematic approach highlights the value of incorporating in-depth qualitative research and co-design within the intervention development process to prioritise the perspectives and lived experiences of family carers of people living with dementia. The planning and design process outlined provides insight that is applicable to the development of our intervention and complex health interventions within gerontology and beyond.


2022 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Joy Waiharo ◽  
Caroline Kithinji ◽  
Mercy Mwakisha ◽  
Elizabeth Anne Bukusi

Inadequate training in matters of ethics renders health care providers unprepared for dilemmas faced in public health, research, and clinical practice. Certificate course training offer opportunities to gain more knowledge and skills on all matter ethics. Over the past decade, the increase in research activities in Kenya has not been proportionate to training in ethics. The centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Bioethics training Initiative (CK-BTI) is a Forgaty funded program for building capacity in research ethics for Kenya and Pakistan. This paper evaluates the characteristics of participants that attended the CK-BTI certificate level courses in Kenya between 2017 to 2021. This data was analysed for this paper and utilized information from the training application process. Between November 2017 and July 2021, a total of 1,359 applications were received and 457 (33.6%) trained. The target countries were Kenya and Pakistan but interest was drawn from Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and Zambia. The continued interest in the certificate level ethics courses may imply a need to increase the number of ethics training offered within the East African region.


Author(s):  
Ashley Stengel ◽  
Rhae Drijber ◽  
Erin Carr ◽  
Thais Egreja ◽  
Edward Hillman ◽  
...  

Systems of classification are important for guiding research activities and providing a common platform for discussion and investigation. One such system is assigning microbial taxa to the roles of mutualists and pathogens. Yet, there are often challenges and even inconsistencies in reports of research findings when microbial taxa display behaviors outside of these two static conditions (e.g. commensal). Over the last two decades, there has been some effort to highlight a continuum of symbiosis, wherein certain microbial taxa may exhibit mutualistic or pathogenic traits depending on environmental contexts, life stages, and plant host associations. However, gaps remain in understanding how to apply the continuum approach to host-microbe pairs across a range of environmental and ecological factors. This commentary presents an alternative framework for evaluating the continuum of symbiosis using dominant archetypes that define symbiotic ranges. We focus particularly on fungi and bacteria, though we recognize that archaea and other microeukaryotes play important roles in host-microbe interactions that may be described by this approach. This framework is centered in eco-evolutionary theory and aims to enhance communication among researchers, as well as prioritize holistic consideration of the factors shaping microbial life strategies. We discuss the influence of plant-mediated factors, habitat constraints, co-evolutionary forces, and the genetic contributions which shape different microbial lifestyles. Looking to the future, using a continuum of symbiosis paradigm will enable greater flexibility in defining the roles of target microbes and facilitate a more holistic view of the complex and dynamic relationship between microbes and plants.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana I. Velazquez ◽  
Urshila Durani ◽  
Lachelle D. Weeks ◽  
Ajay Major ◽  
Robby Reynolds ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented challenges in medical training, and we sought to assess the specific impact of COVID-19 on hematology-oncology (HO) fellowship programs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey of 103 HO program directors (PDs) in conjunction with the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and ASCO. We sought to assess the specific impact of COVID-19 on HO fellowship programs' clinical, educational, and research activities, evaluate perceptions regarding PD and trainee emotional and mental health, and identify ways to support programs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric tests, and multivariable logistic regression models. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed with thematic analysis. RESULTS: Significant changes to fellowship activities included transitioning fellow training from outpatient clinics to telehealth (77.7%), shifting to virtual education (94.2%), and moving to remote research work (63.1%). A minority (21.4%) of PDs reported that their fellows were redeployed to cover non-HO services. Most PDs (54.4%) believed COVID-19 had a slight negative impact on fellowship training. PD self-reported burnout increased significantly from 15.5% prepandemic to 44.7% during the pandemic, and most PDs witnessed minor signs of fellow burnout (52.4%). Common PD concerns included inadequate supervision for telehealth activities, reduced opportunities for fellow advancement and promotion, lack of professional development activities, limited research operations and funding, program financial constraints, and virtual recruitment. CONCLUSION: We encourage institutions and national societies to allocate resources and develop programs that can support fellowships and mitigate the potential negative effects of COVID-19 on trainee and PD career development.


Management ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-76
Author(s):  
Iryna Goncharenko

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES. For student youth the process of entering the profession and harmonization of interactions with professional environment and future professional activity is the key moment of life activity. This process, according to the majority of modern researchers, is a certain complexity and contradiction both for students and for higher education institution, as well as social institutions and organizations acting as social customers.METHODS. The study of the process of adaptation of student youth to research and professional activity was carried out on the basis of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. Assessment of students' expectations regarding studies, the level of students' awareness of the future professional and scientific activity was carried out with the help of the University Hackathon Ecosystem toolkit. Processing of the obtained results of the survey was carried out on the basis of the "Methodology of research of students' adaptability to dual education in higher education". The methodology includes two scales: adaptability to professional activity and adaptability to research activity.FINDINGS. The following directions of training are distinguished: professional, social and research, as well as stages of adaptation to professional training: learning identification, learning-professional activation, professional-value reflection. Integration of these directions allows us to organize activities that ensure formation of necessary professionally important qualities (competences) in students (graduates), agreed with potential employers and demanded by the corresponding profession. The conducted experiment on the basis of Hackathon-ecosystem of the university was carried out taking into account the directions of training and their corresponding adaptation criteria: professional direction – activity-result and motivation-value criteria; humanitarian – communication-professional criterion; research – personal-creative criterion.CONCLUSION. Students' adaptation to future professional and research activities can be defined as one of the most urgent social problems at the pre-production stage. This is due to the fact that the student spends one of the main periods of his life in a higher education institution, since it is at this time he is formed as a professional and as a person, masters the necessary competencies in order to achieve a certain professional and research level. At this stage the professional intentions of the individual and the requirements of the profession come into alignment, i.e. there is an adaptation to professional and research activities.


Author(s):  
Iryna M. Goncharenko ◽  
Nina A. Krakhmalova

The article seeks to provide insights into the growing role of the research component within the higher education system as a key element in ensuring quality education and boosting student talent and potential. Given that modern society imposes new demands for a more skilled workforce, future professionals must demonstrate not only high-level professional competencies but also display well developed cognitive skills, independence, initiative and creative thinking. In the context of this study, a research competence is viewed as an integral personality trait which translates into the capacity and willingness to resolve research problems independently, mastering of research technology skills, recognition of the value of research and the ability to use it in the professional business settings. The dominant methodology of the study is to build a linear mathematical model that allows evaluating the readiness of student and post-graduates to conduct a research. The developed model provides the minimum, maximum and threshold values as well as diagnostic assessment indicators of the student readiness to perform research. In addition, the study presents a method to assess the readiness of student and post-graduates to research activities which was tested on the basis of the Hackathon Ecosystem of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. The survey held has revealed the structure of a research competence that consists of ten main elements (competencies) of readiness of student and post-graduates to conduct research. Processing the results of the questionnaire has enabled to calculate the weight of each element, their mathematical expectation values, the density of probability distribution, and the average value of all the necessary characteristics for research. The calculation results have verified that the priority competencies of student and post-graduates are motivation to research and the level of academic training. University student and post-graduate engagement into research activities is an integral part of academic training to tackle professional issues. Within the study process, student research practices involve problem-based learning, a professional focus of training through a wide range of problem solving activities, as well as encouraging enhanced creativity. The findings demonstrate that making use of the University Hackathon ecosystem tools will contribute to identifying the students’ and post-graduates’ propensity to research activities, building relevant skills and abilities of research competence.


Management ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-89
Author(s):  
Svitlana Arabuli

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES. The changes in society associated with the country's transition to an innovative way of development radically change the nature and goals of labor activity. Profession under such conditions is considered by a person as a source of material well-being and gaining the desired social status. Professional self-determination occurs too late or is realized as forced, so the lack of opportunity to realize one's professional preferences has a negative impact on the individual and on society as a whole. As a result, in recent decades there has been a significant increase in the requirements of modern employers to the professional training of graduates of educational institutions. A young specialist must improve in the profession, be ready to change professional activity, i.e. be socially and professionally mobile, scientifically established, which can be realized with the help of Hackathon-ecosystem.METHODS. Collection of information, survey of students and teachers were carried out using a systematic approach on the basis of the Hackathon ecosystem. Processing of the obtained information, definition of scientific statements, generation of conclusions and practical recommendations were carried out with the help of the software product "Methodology of studying students' adaptation to dual education in higher education".FINDINGS. It is proved that the research activity of students is a necessary condition for their professional self-determination, acts as part of a holistic, long-term, dynamic process of entry into the profession and as a result of the choice and design of their future professional activity. Students' involvement in research activity largely determines the effectiveness of their social and professional development.CONCLUSION. Research activity of university students is an effective means of forming knowledge, abilities and skills necessary for personal and professional self-determination. It not only stimulates and motivates personal and intellectual development, contributes to the continuation of education, proves the degree of its readiness and acts as one of the guarantors of the success of the process of professional self-determination in general.


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