Provision Of Foundation Research Articles

Identification of Potential Habitats and Adjustment of Protected Area Boundaries for Large Wild Herbivores in the Yellow-River-Source National Park, China

The wild large herbivores inhabiting the Yellow-River-Source National Park (YRSNP) are confronted with a significant threat from climate change and human activities. In response to these detrimental influences, measures have been proposed by the government, such as the Ecological Conservation and Restoration Project in the Sanjiangyuan Region (ECRPSR) and the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP). To advance species diversity, it is crucial to investigate the spatial distribution of large herbivores, identify factors influencing their distribution, and address conflicts arising from divergent plans within the YRSNP. In this study, unmanned aerial vehicles were employed for surveying the distribution of the Tibetan wild ass (Equus kiang) and Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). The findings indicate that the optimal habitat area for Tibetan wild ass is 437.16 km2, while for Tibetan gazelle, it is 776.46 km2. Precipitation and the human footprint index emerge as the primary factors influencing the habitat distribution of large herbivores within the YRSNP. Under the influence of the ECRPSR, there was a noteworthy expansion of the habitat area for Tibetan wild ass by 791.25 km2, and for Tibetan gazelle, it expanded by 1612.94 km2. From a wildlife conservation standpoint, this study proposes the establishment of a wildlife refuge in the YRSNP, effective coordination of conflicts between various functional zones and plans, preservation of suitable habitats for large herbivores, and the provision of a scientific foundation to reconcile development and conservation conflicts in the region, while concurrently fostering biodiversity conservation.

Ekolojik Mimarlık ve Eko-Mimari Üzerine Sistematik Literatür Taraması ve Bilimsel Haritaları

The purpose of this article is to examine systematic literature reviews and scientific maps on the subjects of Ecological architecture, eco-architecture, and ecological architectural design. The method of this research is bibliometric analysis, one of the quantitative research methods. The data of the research are publications in the Scopus database between 2000 and 2023. For the analysis, graphics from the Scopus database and the Biblioshiny software program were used. Research findings offer a comprehensive overview of theories, concepts, trends, and publications in the field of ecological architecture, eco-architecture, and ecological architectural design. Additionally, the concepts that stand out in the publications are ecology, sustainable architecture architectural design, environment, green building, design, energy efficiency, architecture design, green architecture, experimental simulation, sustainable design, landscape, nature, sustainable design, thermal design, architectural education, climate change, construction, ecological architecture design. The significance of this research lies in its provision of a conceptual foundation for future studies in the intersection of ecology and architecture. For future research, it is recommended to conduct studies using various databases such as Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, etc., at different intervals over the years.

Object detection in optical imaging of the Internet of Things based on deep learning.

This article endeavors to enhance image recognition technology within the context of the Internet of Things (IoT). A dynamic image target detection training model is established through the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm within the framework of deep learning (DL). Three distinct model configurations are proposed: a nine-layer convolution model, a seven-layer convolution model, and a residual module convolution model. Subsequently, the simulation model of CNN image target detection based on optical imaging is constructed, and the simulation experiments are conducted in scenarios of simple and salient environments, complex and salient environments, and intricate micro-environment. By determining the optimal training iterations, comparisons are drawn in terms of precision, accuracy, Intersection Over Union (IoU), and frames per second (FPS) among different model configurations. Finally, an attention mechanism is incorporated within the DL framework, leading to the construction of an attention mechanism CNN target detection model that operates at three difficulty levels: simple, intermediate, and challenging. Through comparative analysis against prevalent target detection algorithms, this article delves into the accuracy and detection efficiency of various models for IoT target detection. Key findings include: (1) The seven-layer CNN model exhibits commendable accuracy and confidence in simple and salient environments, although it encounters certain instances of undetected images, indicating scope for improvement. (2) The residual network model, when employing a loss function comprising both mean square error (MSE) and cross entropy, demonstrates superior performance in complex and salient environments, manifesting high precision, IoU, and accuracy metrics, thereby establishing itself as a robust detection model. (3) Within intricate micro-environments, the residual CNN model, utilizing loss functions of MSE and cross entropy, yields substantial results, with precision, IoU, and FPS values amounting to 0.99, 0.83, and 29.9, respectively. (4) The CNN model enriched with an attention mechanism outperforms other models in IoT target image detection, achieving the highest accuracy rates of 24.86%, 17.8%, and 14.77% in the simple, intermediate, and challenging levels, respectively. Although this model entails slightly longer detection times, its overall detection performance is excellent, augmenting the effectiveness of object detection within IoT. This article strives to enhance image target detection accuracy and speed, bolster the recognition capability of IoT systems, and refine dynamic image target detection within IoT settings. The implications encompass reduced manual recognition costs and the provision of a theoretical foundation for optimizing imaging and image target detection technologies in the IoT context.

스마트공장에 대한 이해가 스마트공장 구축성과에 미치는 영향 : 정부지원요소의 매개효과를 중심으로

Purpose This study intends to examine the effect of members'' understanding of the smart factory of SMEs that introduce and build a smart factory and the government-level support on the construction performance through empirical analysis. Method The subjects of the study were 3 business (automotive, machinery, electronic) companies participating in the ‘Specialized Smart Factory Construction Support Project for Each Industry'' conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce in 2020 was analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Result Hypothesis that understanding of smart factory will have a significant effect on smart factory performance was adopted. The provision of the government-level foundation that can be the basis of the smart factory was found to play a mediating role between the SMEs'' understanding of the smart factory and the performance of building the smart factory. However, it was found that government-level financial support does not play a mediating role between SMEs'' understanding of smart factories and the performance of smart factories. Conclusion Based on these research results, smart factory construction support needs to target companies that have a sufficient understanding of smart factories. In particular, I think it needs to be prioritized that professional manpower education and training, information provision, and benchmarking opportunities for smart factory construction companies are more important than anything else.

Anatomical Sciences in Chiropractic Education: A Survey of Chiropractic Programs in Australia.

Human anatomy knowledge is a core requirement for all health care clinicians. There is a paucity of information relating to anatomy content and delivery in Australian chiropractic programs. The aim of this study was to describe anatomy teaching in Australian chiropractic programs, utilizing a survey which was distributed to all four programs, requesting information on: anatomy program structure, delivery methods, assessment, teaching resources, and academic staff profile at their institution. The survey was undertaken in 2016 and documented practices in that academic year. All four institutions responded. There was a reported difference in the teaching hours, content, delivery and assessment of anatomy utilized in Australian chiropractic programs. Anatomy was compulsory at all four institutions with the mean total of 214 (SD ± 100.2) teaching hours. Teaching was undertaken by permanent ongoing (30%) and sessional academic staff, and student to teacher ratio varied from 15:1 to 12:1. A variety of teaching resources were utilized, including human tissue access, either as prosected cadavers or plastinated body parts. The results of this survey confirm that anatomy has an established place in chiropractic education programs in Australia and while curricular variations exist, all programs had similar course design, delivery, and assessment methods. This study confirmed the provision of a strong foundation in topographical anatomy and neuroanatomy, while other anatomical sciences, such as histology and embryology were not consistently delivered. Formalization of a core anatomy curriculum together with competency standards is needed to assist program evaluation and development, and for accreditation purposes.

Stiffening Effect on Settlement Reduction for a Single Partially Stiffened Floating Granular Pile

With increasing rate of development and limitation of land, it becomes necessary to use those areas where typical weak soil conditions occur. One needs to look upon some economic and feasible options for the provision of foundation, and one of the options available is to use the granular pile (GP). This paper presents analysis of a single partially stiffened floating pile. Partial stiffening means replacement of material in the top region of pile by some material, having good mechanical properties, i.e., higher deformation modulus, e.g., RCC, PCC in comparison with conventional material of granular pile, thus not only providing the solution for bulging at the top but also helping in increasing the load-carrying capacity of the GP. In this paper, the variation in settlement reduction factor is analyzed with relative length, relative stiffness of GP, stiffening parameters and is found to decrease with the increase in stiffening parameters.

Analysis and Settlement of Partially Stiffened Single and Group of Two Floating Granular Piles

Ground improvement is a technique which a geotechnical engineer normally faces whenever soft soil is encountered. There is a need to look for some economic and feasible option for the provision of foundation in such cases, and one of the option available, is to use the granular pile (GP). The present paper analyzes a single partially stiffened floating and group of two partially stiffened floating GPs. Partial stiffening simply means that the material of the GP is replaced partially in the top region of granular pile by some material, having good mechanical properties i.e. higher deformation modulus e.g. geo-grids, stiffened deep cement mixing, etc. Mathematical formulation and its numerical solution is developed to incorporate the stiffening of granular pile at top portion in the analysis to study its behavior. The effect of stiffening factor i.e. ratio of modulus of deformation of stiffened to un-stiffened portion of GP and percentage length of stiffening i.e. ratio of length of stiffened portion to the total length of the pile are studied on various parameters such as settlement influence factor at top, settlement interaction factor, settlement reduction factor, normalized shear stress distribution along the length of the pile and percentage load transferred to base. As obvious, the settlement influence factor at top decreases with the increase in the stiffening parameters viz. stiffening factor and percentage length of stiffening.

Complex socio-organisational phenomena and ill-defined problem spaces: a multi-method approach to the rescue

This paper reports on a multi-method (also referred to as mixed method) approach for studying complex socio-organisational phenomena where the problem space is ill-defined, and its utility in providing meaningful decision support to a branch within a military headquarters. The study comprised two phases: diagnostic (I) and intervention (II). The Phase I instruments were an organisation and team effectiveness survey and workforce modelling. Phase II involved a series of workshops situated in sensemaking and complexity theory. Combining the modelling results with qualitative and quantitative data provided by the survey resulted in: capitalisation on the strengths of individual methods while compensating for their weaknesses, a better delineation of issues and understanding of the branch processes, and provision of a solid foundation for design of the intervention workshops. This research design integrates multiple organisational measures to develop instruments suitable for application in other settings where problem definitions are nebulous.

Honey production of the “uruçu-cinzenta” stingless bee (Melipona fasciculata) after offering cerumen in natural form or as artificially made pots

The “uruçu-cinzenta” (Melipona fasciculata) is an Amazonian stingless bee species that is easily maintained in artificial hives. It is reputed to be a good honey producer, and has potential to be used as a pollinator of tropical crops. The provision of beeswax foundation in honey bee hives was possibly the technique that most improved honey production in apiculture. In meliponiculture, the use of a similar technology is unknown or does not exist. In the present work, honey production was evaluated after the introduction of cerumen to colonies of M. fasciculata in the form of: artificially-constructed pots (the beeswax foundation analog for meliponiculture); amorphous masses (balls); and recovered naturally-made pots after honey extraction. After the provision of natural pots, honey production was 2.7 times higher than in the control treatment, so, this technique is likely to be adopted as a practice in the beekeeping of M. fasciculata during high foraging season. With the offering of the cerumen in balls, honey production was 1.6 times higher than in the control treatment, but this difference was not significant, which may be a consequence of the high variability in honey production among hives. The introduction of artificially-constructed cerumen pots can be considered an equivalent technique to beeswax foundation in terms of improving honey production and facilitating its harvest. Therefore, this technique has the potential to revolutionize stingless beekeeping by saving labor; furthermore, the compartmentalization of honey pots to a super, would facilitate harvesting and diminish stress for larvae and young bees.

Midwives and the Computerization of Perinatal Data Entry: The Theory of Beneficial Engagement.

Theory building in nursing and midwifery both to explain and inform practice is important to advance these professions via provision of a theoretical foundation. This research explored the process of perinatal data entry undertaken by midwives to explore the impact of the movement from paper to computer collection of data. Use of grounded theory methodology enabled theory building, leading to a theoretical understanding of the phenomenon and development of the Theory of Beneficial Engagement grounded in the data. Methods involved in-depth semistructured interviews with 15 users of perinatal data systems. Participants were recruited from 12 different healthcare locations and were utilizing three different electronic systems for data entry. The research question that guided the study focused on examining the influences of using the computer for perinatal data entry. Findings indicated that qualities particular to some midwives denoted engagement with perinatal data entry, suggesting a strong desire to enter complete, timely, and accurate data. The Theory of Beneficial Engagement provides a model of user engagement with systems for perinatal data entry consistent with other theories of engagement. The theory developed describes this phenomenon in a simple, elegant manner that can be applied to other areas where mandatory data entry is undertaken.

Student attraction to engineering through flexibility and breadth in the curriculum

Several European universities provide entry to general engineering studies prior to degree specialisation. The potential advantages of such entry include the provision of a broader foundation in engineering fundamentals, the option for students to defer specialisation until a greater awareness of the different engineering disciplines and the preparation of students for a more versatile career. In this paper, the attractiveness of general engineering (specifically in the first year of study) is explored through a national (UK) survey on pre-university students. Attention is given to gauging student enthusiasm for flexibility in engineering specialisation, combined degree options and exposure to other non-technical courses. The findings indicate that a general engineering programme is highly attractive to students who are currently considering an engineering degree. The programme is also attractive to some students who had previously not considered engineering. For both sets of students, the desire for education on broader topics is indicated, specifically in areas of leadership, teamwork and business skills, and more generally self-awareness and personal development.

Scalability and scientific due diligence

It was L. H. Baekeland who, in his 1916 Perkin Medal address to the Society of Chemical Industry in New York, said ‘Commit your blunders on the small scale and make your profits on the large scale’. While he said this in the context of developing industrial chemical processes, its wider significance lies in the obvious but also possibly under-appreciated point, viz. the measure of success (whatever this might be) in any multi-step activity relies on the product of this measure for each individual step and not the sum. Also implicit in Baekeland’s dictum is the importance of appreciating and anticipating scaling issues in technological development. While these are bread and butter matters for engineers, technologists and chemical companies engaged in such development, this is less true for academic chemists and others not directly involved in, or responsible for, the development process. Furthermore, when applied to global questions relating to systems for more sustainable energy, fuel and chemicals production, the issues of scale (and scalability) become even more complex and their wider appreciation yet more critical. In a multi-step chemical synthesis the overall yield will be the product of the yields of the individual steps: a low yield for a single critical (and possibly overlooked) step will impact on the overall yield. In an industrial context, there is a need to decide whether to amend the synthetic route to avoid the low-yielding step; or, to research it in the hope of improving the yield through better understanding. An industrial operation (governed by the primary imperative of providing returns on investment) will usually opt, pragmatically, for the quicker less-costly option after (if following Baekeland’s advice) fully evaluating the pros and cons of the alternatives and applying expert judgement before coming to a decision. A similar dilemma applies to the more complex problems found in the development and assessment of sustainable technologies, where there may be disagreement about the relative merits of research-led or a systemsdesign-led options (and even disagreement as to which the critical problematic step or steps might be). These are so-called ‘wicked’ (as opposed to ‘tame’) problems, multifaceted and multi-stakeholder, characterised by a lack of consensus on the goals to be aimed at, influenced by a range of scientific and other disciplines and subject to the flux of public opinion. With scarce resources and (in terms of the timescales of technological change) little time to identify more sustainable technologies how can we decide which are to be preferred: radical but disruptive technological approaches (such as the hydrogen economy) or seemingly more ‘drop-in’ alternatives (such as hydrocarbon production from biomass)? As it will not be possible to research and develop all the conceivable alternatives, back-of-the-envelope order-of-magnitude assessments are needed to rule out the obvious non-starters. Or, as Murray Gell-Mann said, ‘it is vitally important that we supplement our specialized studies with serious attempts to take a crude look at the whole.’ However, sustainability-related research, development, impact assessment, promotion and comment by interestgroups and media now often proceed in parallel, seeking to influence as well as to inform (and too often it is difficult to distinguish between the two). The resulting confused and confusing environment makes difficult the development of an informed awareness of reliable evidence, a balanced assessment of its significance and the provision of a sound foundation for judgement and decision-making, whether by N. Winterton (&) Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK e-mail: N.Winterton@liverpool.ac.uk

Exploring the use of experiential learning workshops and reflective practice within professional practice development for post-graduate health promotion students

Objective To explore and evaluate the use of two methods (1) experiential learning workshops and (2) reflective practice within post-graduate health promotion education, with a view to providing a foundation in professional practice based on health promotion principles and critical thinking. Design This is an empirical study exploring the usefulness and outcomes of two methods within an educational process. The study is informed by a number of theoretical and pedagogical perspectives including reflective practice, adult learning, constructivism, as well as the principles of health promotion and Freire's concept of conscientization. It involves the design, pilot implementation and evaluation of experiential workshops and reflective practice. Setting The study was undertaken within the postgraduate Masters / Higher Diploma in Health Promotion programme at the Department of Health Promotion, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). Participants included 19 full-time students and six staff members. Method The two educational methods were piloted during the academic year 2003—2004. They were evaluated by students and staff using a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaires, focus groups and discursive processes. Findings The experiential workshops were evaluated very positively both in terms of effectiveness as educational methods and content. The introduction of reflective practice was modestly successful as a first attempt and showed potential to make a valuable contribution to professional development. There was some evidence of students adopting the principles of health promotion as a result of participation in these processes. Conclusion The two methods were found to be complimentary and to display significant potential to enhance students' postgraduate health promotion education through the provision of a strong foundation in the principles of health promotion as well as knowledge, requisite skills and `know-how'. This foundation will contribute positively to their future as health promotion practitioners.

Science and technology policies for industrialization of developing countries

Science and technology have been increasingly looked upon by many countries, particularly the so-called developing countries, as the most important and powerful instruments for bringing about extensive economic growth. The development of a nation, however, neither starts nor ends with economic development alone. It should encompass much more than that if it is both to bear and to enjoy the fruits of economic development. This paper is not intended to dwell on the pros and cons of these conflicting views. Instead, we will discuss the policies and strategies of science and technology development in the industrialization of a developing country from a point of view of industrial growth as the prime source of impetus for national development. Some of the leading industrial sectors in a developing country are geared primarily to breaking the inertia of underdevelopment of many kinds. They introduce technology quite advanced relative to their absorptive capacity, but feeder industries supporting the leader sectors do not necessary require such advanced technology. We desire, therefore, to look at the issue from both the national and the local points of view so that what is thought to be the ideal—“production by the masses” not “mass production,” involving both leader and feeder industries—can be realized. One pressing problem in developing these lead-sector industries was whether or not they could be operated at full or at least near-full capacity. It was found that the allowance was extremely small because of the fact the cost of the capital for these industries, which mostly originated abroad, was very much higher than for the advanced countries. In addition, the adaptation of a lead-sector approach with greater economy of scale necessitated the introduction to industry of new, more, and higher level technologies of an order of magnitude never before experienced. It is an irreversible decision so far as science and technology development are concerned and was an issue of survival or extinction in an ever-stiffening international competition. For these reasons, the Korean government opted to begin with a formulation of intensive policies and strategies for the development of science and technology with many innovative supporting measures. The major elements of the policy guidelines for the 1970s were: 1. Provision of a secure foundation for scientific and technologic growth; 2. Strategic development of industrial technology, and 3. Creation of a favorable climate for science and technology. This was followed by concrete planning to execute these policies. In this plan, Korea adopted what might be called a three-pronged approach, emphasizing capability build-up—particularly manpower development at various levels—accelerated introduction of foreign technologies, and stimulation of domestic R&D activities. To this end, the implementation plan was formulated with consideration for the institutional and legal factors, among others. For the institutional framework, the Korean approach was somewhat daring. It included the establishment of 1) the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in 1967 as the central policy-making, planning, coordinating, and promotional body in the government; 2) the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, by a special law (KIST Assistant Act) in 1966, as an autonomous, multidisciplinary industrial-research institute chartered as a contract research organization; 3) the Korea Technology Development Corporation, as a financial intermediary to ensure a smooth flow of money for R&D purposes; 4) the Korea Advanced Institute of Science (KAIS) in 1971, in addition to the many existing universities and colleges, as a mission-oriented postgraduate school in selected applied sciences and engineering, to educate high-caliber scientists and engineers in number and in quality sufficient enough to meet the emerging needs of Korean industry; and 5) a huge number of vocational-training institutes along with technical high schools to meet the rapidly rising, almost explosive demand for skilled workers and technicians. The emergence of the Ministry of Science and Technology spearheaded the enactment of several very important laws for the development of science and technology. They include the Science and Technology Advancement Law, the Law for the Promotion of Industrial Technology Development, and the National Technical Qualification Law.

Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

Two methods of reconstruction are described and illustrated. The procedure is delayed for as long as possible and thereafter a one-stage procedure is performed, or, in the patients who have undergone radical mastectomies, a two-stage procedure is used, after provision of a satisfactory foundation by the importation of vascularized skin and subcutaneous tissue by local myocutaneous flaps.

Foundations for concrete roads: their preparation and protection

Summary This paper describes the practical measures that should be adopted by road engineers in the initial preparation and for the subsequent protection of the foundations of concrete roads. The provision of a stable foundation for a concrete road consists of: (1) the selection of suitable soils for embankments and materials for the road bases; (2) the compaction of these soils and materials; (3) the control of the moisture conditions in these soils and materials. Each of these aspects is dealt with in turn, and the paper concludes with a selection of photographs of concrete roads which illustrate a number of cases in which defects might have been avoided if more attention had been given in the first place to the provision of a stable foundation.