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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

Sue Sharples, Vic Callaghan and Graham Clarke

We describe a new approach to intelligent building systems, that utilises an intelligent agent approach to autonomously governing the building environment. We discuss the role of…

2042

Abstract

We describe a new approach to intelligent building systems, that utilises an intelligent agent approach to autonomously governing the building environment. We discuss the role of learning in building control systems, and contrast this approach with existing IB solutions. We explain the importance of acquiring information from sensors, rather than relying on pre‐programmed models, to determine user needs. We describe how our architecture, consisting of distributed embedded agents, utilises sensory information to learn to perform tasks related to user comfort, energy conservation, safety and monitoring functions. We show how these agents, employing a behaviour‐based approach derived from robotics research, are able to continuously learn and adapt to individuals within a building, while always providing a fast, safe response to any situation. Finally, we show how such a system could be used to provide support for older people, or people with disabilities, allowing them greater independence and quality of life.

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Sensor Review, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

Alan McWhirr

Research in the arts/humanities frequently requires the use of an information retrieval system which can handle varying lengths of text, and which can also be used for large…

40

Abstract

Research in the arts/humanities frequently requires the use of an information retrieval system which can handle varying lengths of text, and which can also be used for large bibliographies. This paper describes a text‐retrieval and processing system developed in‐house at Leicester Polytechnic, entitled General Retrieval System (GRS). The paper is written from the point of view of a humanities lecturer, and emphasises the relevance of the package for non‐specialists. The various modules of the package are described, together with the author's experience of using it to produce a corpus of Roman stamped tiles. Other applications, including use by the library, are mentioned.

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Program, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

John Duff

Explains that current public health policy puts so much emphasis on food and nutrition because the single largest cause of death is nutrition‐related, and also because it is…

816

Abstract

Explains that current public health policy puts so much emphasis on food and nutrition because the single largest cause of death is nutrition‐related, and also because it is easier for a government to promote public health through nutrition than to address ailing health infrastructures or get to grips with adult literacy. Reports, however, the gaps in health equality between different socio‐economic and ethnic groups, and across gender and age. Discusses cultural expectations of a meal and the ideal body. Infers that the higher educational level a person has, the more likely they are to be thin and to occupy a higher place in a hierarchical social structure. Suggests that more food is consumed as snacks – a triumph for mass production, marketing and advertising. Defines what is meant and understood by diet, and evaluates good and bad food. Focuses briefly on traditional food exchanges in Western Samoa and on the use of olive oil in the traditional Mediterranean diet. Indicates that choice of food may be a result of production processes rather than consumer pressure. Explores also the social and cultural interactions of meal times and the role women’s emancipation has played in changing household food and meals. Points out that the lowest socioeconomic groups favour informal takeaways, while the highest socioeconomic groups prefer formal meals out, and, therefore, that the distribution of health and illness is shaped by cultural, social, economic and political forces.

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International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 18 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1983

THAT the intransigence of a minority, maybe, but a very forceful minority of workers in Britain is slowly but surely strangling the economy and with it, their own future may be…

76

Abstract

THAT the intransigence of a minority, maybe, but a very forceful minority of workers in Britain is slowly but surely strangling the economy and with it, their own future may be hard to believe; but incontrovertible evidence is there for all to see.

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Work Study, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2009

Victor Zamudio and Victor Callaghan

This paper aims to address a fundamental problem related to the interaction of rule‐based autonomous agents in pervasive and intelligent environments. Some rules of behaviour can…

168

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address a fundamental problem related to the interaction of rule‐based autonomous agents in pervasive and intelligent environments. Some rules of behaviour can lead a multi‐agent system to display unwanted periodic behaviour, such as networked appliances cycling on and off.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a framework called interaction networks (INs) as a tool to describe and analyse this phenomena. In support of this, and as an aid to the visualisation and understanding of the temporal evolution of agent states, a graphical multi‐dimensional model (MDM) is offered. An instability prevention system (INPRES) based in identifying and locking network nodes is described.

Findings

Both IN, MDM and INPRES enable system designers to identify and prevent cyclic instability. The effectiveness of the approach is evaluated using both simulated and physical implementations.

Research limitations/implications

The problem of cyclic instability is strongly related to the number of cycles in the IN associated. It is postulated that high coupling and high number of cycles contributes to the system to self‐lock; however, more research is needed in this direction.

Practical implications

The MDM, interaction benchmark, IN theory, INPRES and intelligent locking offer a practical solution to the problem of cyclic behaviour.

Originality/value

Before this work there was no framework for analysing and eliminating the problem of cyclic instability in rule‐based multi‐agent systems.

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International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2021

Alycia Jacob, Damhnat McCann, Penny Buykx, Brodie Thomas, Evelien Spelten, Rebecca Schultz, Leigh Kinsman and Elisabeth Jacob

This paper aims to illustrate the complexity of understanding and managing violent behaviour in health care. The authors will show how different perceptions of the reasons for…

576

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the complexity of understanding and managing violent behaviour in health care. The authors will show how different perceptions of the reasons for violent behaviour, and linkages between violent behaviour and illness have contributed to the creation of a wicked problem and added significant complexity to the management of violence towards staff within health-care settings. This paper will conclude with a call for strong multi-disciplinary action to address this ongoing issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review was undertaken to explore the ways that violence has been perceived in health care and the ways in which the concept of violence has moved from being seen as a criminal issue to being within the realms of disease. This paper will show the importance of understanding who is perpetrating violence in health care, why and in what settings. It will expound on the idea that considering violence as a consequence of disease necessarily adds a layer of complexity to both individual and organisational responses to violence towards health-care staff.

Findings

Understanding the complexity in preventing and managing violence against health-care staff can assist policymakers and managers to develop multi-faceted approaches to violence prevention, including better recognition and understanding of perpetrators of violence.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective on thinking about violence in health care and the implications of its complexity.

Details

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-6599

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Article
Publication date: 10 October 2024

Corina Modderman, Rachael Elizabeth Sanders, Fiona Harley, Renée Ficarra and Cheree Jukes

There is a growing recognition that the integration of health systems will benefit children in out-of-home care (OOHC), especially those who have experienced trauma. This paper…

39

Abstract

Purpose

There is a growing recognition that the integration of health systems will benefit children in out-of-home care (OOHC), especially those who have experienced trauma. This paper examines the adaptation of existing health systems and the persistent barriers between rural health and child protection programs. It focuses on health systems integration for children aged 0–6 years in kinship care and their siblings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a multi-methods qualitative approach involving individual interviews and focus groups with project members from operational or strategic reference groups, child protection personnel and the kinship carer program. We also reviewed documentary evidence.

Findings

We found evidence that health clinicians and child protection practitioners adapted and adjusted services as they collaboratively worked together to improve care delivery to children in kinship care. Yet, despite successful adaptations to systems and the appointment of a health navigator, systemic barriers remain. These include service and staff shortages in rural Australia, complications around information sharing, authority and power dynamics and siloed operations. Such barriers prevent better-integrated health systems and ultimately impair health outcomes for children in kinship care.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge and practice to improve the integration of child protection and healthcare services in Australian OOHC. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and successes of health systems integration, highlighting the need for continued collaborative effort to create effective, place-based models of care that benefit these children and their carers.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2024

Rachael Elizabeth Sanders, Corina Modderman, Stacey Bracksley-O'Grady, Fiona Harley, Jacquelin Spencer and Jacinta Molloy

There is a growing recognition of the urgency to enhance health outcomes for children and young people residing in out-of-home care (OOHC). Research underscores the need to…

121

Abstract

Purpose

There is a growing recognition of the urgency to enhance health outcomes for children and young people residing in out-of-home care (OOHC). Research underscores the need to establish effective pathways to quality health care for children and young people who have been exposed to trauma. Child protection (CP) practitioners should play a vital role in proactively improving health outcomes and navigating the intricacies of healthcare systems. Their involvement in initiating and collaborating on healthcare interventions is pivotal for the well-being of these vulnerable children and young people. However, challenges associated with poor health literacy and the complexities of healthcare systems hinder collaborative service delivery in the Australian context. This review explores how CP practitioners support the health care of children and young people in their care.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, employing a narrative synthesis to assess the selected studies.

Findings

Health outcomes for children and young people in OOHC remain under-researched and potentially under-resourced within the realm of CP practice. There is room for enhanced practices and system integration in CP service delivery to better address health needs and prevent further health and well-being disparities.

Originality/value

Through this scoping review and involving industry experts in the discussion of findings, this study contributes valuable insights to the existing knowledge base regarding the active participation of CP practitioners in addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable children.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2001

Paul Blyton, Edmund Heery and Peter Turnbull

Presents 35 abstracts from the 2001 Employment Research Unit Annual conference held at Cardiff Business School in September 2001. Attempts to explore the theme of changing…

12798

Abstract

Presents 35 abstracts from the 2001 Employment Research Unit Annual conference held at Cardiff Business School in September 2001. Attempts to explore the theme of changing politics of employment relations beyond and within the nation state, against a background of concern in the developed economies at the erosion of relatively advanced conditions of work and social welfare through increasing competition and international agitation for more effective global labour standards. Divides this concept into two areas, addressing the erosion of employment standards through processes of restructuring and examining attempts by governments, trade unions and agencies to re‐create effective systems of regulation. Gives case examples from areas such as India, Wales, London, Ireland, South Africa, Europe and Japan. Covers subjects such as the Disability Discrimination Act, minimum wage, training, contract workers and managing change.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 24 no. 10/11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

24

Abstract

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 45 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

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