Examine quality of education through classification of universities providing undergraduate pre-registration nursing courses in the United Kingdom using data from university league tables. Educational quality for nursing courses can be defined in many ways. University league tables are often used, but it can be difficult to interpret these because of the diversity of measures. These include educational input and output measures, but are not patient focussed. Cluster analysis of league table data. Data were from the Complete University and Guardian University League Tables. Cluster analysis was undertaken using euclidean distance and average linkage. Data were scaled by turning each value into a percentage of the maximum possible score. Careers and graduate prospects for nurses are high. Satisfaction with teaching and feedback are closely related and while these broadly cluster with research quality but there was a weak relationship between research quality and overall student satisfaction (correlation -0.008, SE 0.049, p = 0.869, adjusted R2 = -0.014). There was no clear pattern and few universities excelled in all areas. Traditional methods of ranking universities does not fit nursing well, where employment is higher and research quality lower than other subjects. There was no clear pattern in university results. Countries considering a free-market approach to nurse education should consider how they will meet the needs of students and health and social care services, while promoting research. The quality of nursing education should include broader measures of societal value and address the theory-practice gap.

High flexibility of publish/Subscribe architecture that is a common architectural style for component based systems make it to be capable of developing and supporting large software systems. But difficult aspect of Publish/Subscribe systems is their validation. Existing efforts for developing formal foundation for specifying and reasoning about these systems are hard to use by practitioners who are not familiar with formal methods. To face this challenge this paper proposes a formal framework for software development using Publish/Subscribe architecture. Modeling components by Abstract State Machines (ASMs), presentation new characteristics for parametric dispatcher and the use of modelbased testing for validation are the key features of this framework. © 2010 IEEE.

In this study, Least Trimmed Squares (LTS), Theil’s Pair-wise Median (Theil) and Bayesian estimation methods (BAYES) are compared relative to the OLSE via Monte-Carlo Simulation. Variance, Bias, Mean Square Error (MSE) and Relative Mean Square Error (RMSE) were calculated to evaluate the estimators’ performance. The Simple Linear Regression model is explored for the conditions in which the error term is assumed to be drawn from three error distributions: unit normal, lognormal and Cauchy. Theil’s non-parametric estimation procedure was found to have the strongest and most reliable performance. The subsequent-best results are acquired from LTS approach Though it was observed that the Bayesian estimators are affected by deviation of the dataset from normality, yet it is established from the results that the Bayesian estimators performed optimally more than all other competitors, even under non normal situations (especially under the standard lognormal distribution) in some cases, except whenever the error is drawn from a heavy tail distribution (Lognormal and Cauchy)..OLSE is most effective reliable as long as the normality assumptions preserve

Sensor-generated data is vital to the operation of numerous systems and services in the rapidly growing field of the Internet of Things. Wireless Sensor Networks, as an essential setup for these systems, are frequently deployed in large, diverse, and often harsh environments. However, these networks are highly vulnerable to various faults, potentially leading to improper data transmission, reliability, and financial stability of the systems. To address these challenges, we propose a hybrid model for sensor fault detection that integrates a machine learning classifier with the deep learning (DL) model, specifically VGG-16 and ResNet-50. Synthetic samples are generated using a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network and common sensor faults, such as hardover, drift, spike, erratic, and stuck fault are introduced by leveraging a publicly available temperature sensor dataset. Time-series data is transformed into Gramian Angular Field images, from which deep features are extracted using VGG-16 and ResNet-50. These extracted features are then fused to form a hybrid feature pool. Our framework effectively addresses problems related to data imbalance and enhances accuracy. The proposed model outperforms the individual feature sets, VGG-16 (89.22%) and ResNet-50 (84.21%), achieving notable accuracy of 92.55% with the fused feature set, underscoring its potential for robust sensor fault detection.

The rapid diffusion of internet couple with the digitalization of most economies in the world today which have given rise to e-Government services adoption to promote good governance capability and accountability of public organisations. There are still concerns about e-Service security in developing countries as consumers and online users have become the victims of co-ordinated cybercrimes despite the fact that e-Government services are helping to boost government revenue through very fast transactions, reduce corruption through the use of modern technology and transparent operations. It is imperative to state that the security issues in the E-Service domain have been gaining more attention over past two decades. This paper discusses the general overview through the use of on-going online survey and literature review of related works in e-Service security as existing approach to combat the issues still has many setbacks. The findings show a deep understanding of what proactive measures need to be taken against e-Service theft in developing countries. A model also emerged that capture the e-Service technology security issues in developing countries and the proactive measures to reduce and eradicate these threats.

For this thesis there are two backgrounds: 1 systemic practice in social work, family therapy, training, coaching and consultancy, and 2 physical theatre, martial arts and other physical practices. As a starting point there is a suspicion or hunch from my own practice that systemic practice overly relies and focusses on verbal communication, missing out on the potential for change that non-verbal communication offers. This was suspected to be particularly the case after the linguistic turn that could be summarised in the sentence: Reality is created in language. Three research questions were developed that build on each other: 1 Is there now a tendency to focus on the spoken and written word or verbal communication in the field of systemic practice? 2 If so, what are the consequences for practitioners of a focus on verbal aspects of communication? 3 Are there ways the practitioner can include non-verbal aspects of communication in a useful way? Methodologically there are two main strands: 1 A review of the literature examines introductions to systemic practice and philosophical, sociological and linguistic trends that underpin and influence developments in systemic practice on the level of approach, to map the terrain of systemic practice. Ideas from communication theory are used to further investigate what is focussed on and what is meant by language. This review offers a new distinction of symbolic and dynamic action instead of verbal and non-verbal communication. Using ideas from process philosophy and affect theory alongside ideas from physical theatre in a framework of metaphors, a new theoretical frame for both practice and the research of it is developed. 2 A series of workshops with systemic practitioners and practitioners from physical practices investigated how (social) reality is also created in dynamic action. These workshops were video recorded and followed up with verbal discussions with the practitioners. Earlier workshops were analysed within a social constructionist framework and later workshops were analysed to incorporate the arguments made when developing a new theoretical frame for both practice and the research of it. Both the practical and theoretical investigations lead to answer the research questions: While practitioners might attend to dynamic action and are certainly influenced by it, this is not theorised much. The literature as well as practitioner interviews (as part of the workshops) indicate that after the linguistic turn in the field the central metaphor has changed from systems and feedback loops to language and meaning. If practitioners respond to dynamic action they do this mostly in symbolic action. But language in form of symbolic action can only ever approximate what it describes and there is a lot of potential for change in using dynamic action. Beyond developing a theoretical frame for attending to and using dynamic action in systemic practice and systemic practitioner research, techniques for use in practice are developed. These ideas, by no means an exhaustive list, are offered as a catalogue of ‘cards’, brief descriptions with some thoughts in which circumstances these ideas might be useful and video examples.

This thesis explores the journeys of Global Majority (GM) Family Systemic Psychotherapists as they navigate the interplay of personal and professional identities in the UK. By centring and co-constructing knowledge through their personal stories and lived experiences, this research asks: What can we learn from the journeys of Global Majority family systemic psychotherapists as they navigate their personal and professional identities within predominantly white contexts? Employing a multi-methodological approach grounded in narrative inquiry, critical autoethnography, critical race theory, intersectionality, and storytelling, the study critically engages with participants’ narratives. One paired interview and individual narrative interviews with six therapists, three of whom further contributed reflections on their interview transcripts, highlight systemic challenges such as racism, cultural marginalisation, and identity negotiation. While all participants were from the UK, limiting generalisability, the combination of narrative, autoethnographic, and storytelling methods provides rich, in-depth insights into their journeys, thereby illuminating an intricate tapestry of personal and professional identities that broadens the discourse on diversity and inclusivity in mental health practice. Findings reveal the complex interplay between personal and professional selves, shaped by systemic biases, cultural heritage, and prevailing professional norms. Some themes that emerged include dual identity navigation, resilience afforded by cultural heritage, and ethical positioning, underscore the ways in which GM therapists adapt to institutional inequalities. Participants identified gaps in training and institutional support, calling for inclusive reforms that acknowledge and integrate the diverse lived realities of therapists from GM backgrounds. This thesis provides original insights into how systemic therapy training and professional practice can evolve to become more inclusive, reflective, and responsive to previously underacknowledged experiences. It emphasises the importance of integrating therapists’ cultural identities into training and practice as assets that enhance therapeutic relationships and foster authenticity. Tailored supervision and peer networks emerge as strategies. Through the transformative power of storytelling and the co-construction of knowledge, this thesis contributes meaningfully to Family Systemic Psychotherapy. It advocates for structural changes, encouraging professionals and institutions to incorporate the nuanced, culturally informed perspectives of GM therapists, enabling more equitable and inclusive therapeutic spaces, ultimately enriching the field of systemic practice.

Considered a deeply personal and challenging experience, infertility affects numerous individuals and couples worldwide. Previous research has suggested a relationship between dyadic adjustment, romantic attachment, and levels of infertilityrelated and general stress among couples undergoing IVF procedures. The present prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate whether women’s subjective perception of their couple’s dyadic adjustment prior to undergoing IVF procedures is associated with infertility-related stress and general stress. Furthermore, the study explores the moderating effects of dyadic adjustment and romantic attachment style on the impact of IVF outcome, infertility-related stress, and general stress. A total of 42 Romanian women diagnosed with infertility in committed relationships completed the ECR-short version, DAS-32, FertyQal, and GHQ-12 at two time points, before and after their IVF cycles. The results suggest a statistically non-significant negative correlation between dyadic adjustment and infertility-related stress (r = -.14, p = .18) and a statistically significant weak positive correlation with general stress (r = .27, p = .04). The results of the multiple regression analysis reported that anxious attachment style at T1 is significantly associated with general stress at T2 (β =.82, p <.001), controlling for pregnancy status. Non-statistically significant correlations were found between infertility-related stress, general stress, and IVF outcome. Clinicians should consider clients’ attachment style and relational dynamics when adopting personalised interventions to meet individual needs effectively.

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) poses significant concerns for mental health. While quantitative research has advanced our understanding, the lived experiences of those affected remain underexplored. This qualitative study addresses this gap by interviewing individuals with IGD symptoms, focusing on the interplay between gaming behaviour, stress, cognition, and emotions. Research spanning over three decades links excessive and problematic gaming (EPG) with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This led to the introduction of IGD as the dominant concept of what is considered gaming addiction. However, various scholars have proposed theories suggesting that IGD is rather a maladaptive stress response than addiction, yet there is a lack of qualitative insights into this area. This study interviewed individuals exhibiting IGD symptoms to uncover personal experiences and identify common themes. 11 (10 Male) participants exhibiting symptoms of IGD were recruited from online gaming communities, with the use of purposive, criterion, and snowball sampling. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted online with questions related to personal life, psychoemotional states and gaming behaviour and analyzed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Six key themes have been identified: 1) The double-edged sword of stress and gaming as a coping mechanism, 2) Escaping reality: Real vs. Virtual world and emotional difficulties, 3) Online gaming as social compensation, 4) Achievement Hunter: the obsession with progress, 5) From hobby to ‘addiction’, and 6) Inner battles: trauma, mental schemas, and gaming. The findings enhance understanding of behaviours and psychoemotional states related to IGD and its implications. The study partially supports existing models linking IGD to maladaptive coping and underlying mental health problems. However, it also highlights their limitations and the need for further research with more comprehensive frameworks. Finally, in the context of practical implications, it is suggested to adopt multifaceted approaches to support individuals with IGD.

In an investigator-blind, randomized cross-over design, male cyclists (mean± SD) age 34.0 (± 10.2) years, body mass 74.6 (±7.9) kg, stature 178.3 (±8.0) cm, peak power output (PPO) 393 (±36) W, and VO2max 62 (±9) ml·kg−1min−1 training for more than 6 hr/wk for more than 3y (n = 20) completed four experimental trials. Each trial consisted of a 2-hr constant load ride at 95% of lactate threshold (185 ± 25W) then a work-matched time trial task (~30min at 70% of PPO). Three commercially available carbohydrate (CHO) beverages, plus a control (water), were administered during the 2-hr ride providing 0, 20, 39, or 64g·hr−1 of CHO at a fluid intake rate of 1L·hr−1. Performance was assessed by time to complete the time trial task, mean power output sustained, and pacing strategy used. Mean task completion time (min:sec ± SD) for 39g·hr−1 (34:19.5 ± 03:07.1, p = .006) and 64g·hr−1 (34:11.3 ± 03:08.5 p = .004) of CHO were significantly faster than control (37:01.9 ± 05:35.0). The mean percentage improvement from control was −6.1% (95% CI: −11.3 to −1.0) and −6.5% (95% CI: −11.7 to −1.4) in the 39 and 64g·hr−1 trials respectively. The 20g·hr−1 (35:17.6 ± 04:16.3) treatment did not reach statistical significance compared with control (p = .126) despite a mean improvement of −3.7% (95% CI −8.8−1.5%). No further differences between CHO trials were reported. No interaction between CHO dose and pacing strategy occurred. 39 and 64g·hr−1 of CHO were similarly effective at improving endurance cycling performance compared with a 0g·hr−1 control in our trained cyclists.