A holistic approach for multi-objective design of experiment, model discrimination, and self-optimization of batch and continuous crystallization processes [Abstract]

A holistic approach for multi-objective design of experiment, model discrimination, and self-optimization of batch and continuous crystallization processes [Abstract]</p

Isometric exercise training and arterial hypertension: an updated review

Hypertension is recognised as a leading attributable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Global initiatives towards the prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension are centred around non-pharmacological lifestyle modification. Exercise recommendations differ between professional and scientific organisations, but are generally unanimous on the primary role of traditional aerobic and dynamic resistance exercise. In recent years, isometric exercise training (IET) has emerged as an effective novel exercise intervention with consistent evidence of reductions in blood pressure (BP) superior to that reported from traditional guideline-recommended exercise modes. Despite a wealth of emerging new data and endorsement by select governing bodies, IET remains underutilised and is not widely prescribed in clinical practice. This expert-informed review critically examines the role of IET as a potential adjuvant tool in the future clinical management of BP. We explore the efficacy, prescription protocols, evidence quality and certainty, acute cardiovascular stimulus, and physiological mechanisms underpinning its anti-hypertensive effects. We end the review with take-home suggestions regarding the direction of future IET research.</p

Vaccum tankers

Sanitation in humanitarian settingsfrom: Sanitation in Humanitarian Settings R.A Reed Published by  Practical Action Publishing In an emergency the collection, treatment and disposal/reuse of human waste is critical to the health, wellbeing and environment of affected populations. Addressing this is difficult and complex requiring an understanding of the technical, social, institutional, political and environmental issues affecting the situation. In large emergencies where international relief agencies are involved there usually will be specialists available to advise and assist inexperienced field staff deliver essential services. However, most emergencies are not large. They are local in nature and rely on local officials to provide an emergency response, especially in the early stages of the emergency. It is very likely that these officials will have minimal knowledge and experience of emergency response, indeed they have probably never been faced with such an event before. This book sets out to assist such individuals. Working from a technical perspective, it provides an understanding of the critical elements controlling the delivery of human waste related services, together with strategies for decision making and guidance on how to design, construct and operate key infrastructure. The book concentrates on the acute response and stabilization phases of an emergency – but much of the content is equally relevant to the long term and rehabilitation phases. Donate and support this book project and we will send copies of this book to communities in need of this important guide. Published: 2024 Pages: 392 eBook: 9781788532679 Paperback: 9781788532655 Hardback: 9781788532662</p

So much done yet still much more to be done: A Review of executive compensation research post-1998

The compensation of corporate executives continues to captivate various stakeholders, including management scholars, due to its implications for corporate governance and firm performance. Research on executive pay primarily addresses two key questions: the determinants of CEO compensation and the effectiveness of these determinants in linking pay to performance. Contrasting theoretical perspectives have dominated this discourse. While agency theory advocates for performance-based pay tied to firm outcomes, alternative perspectives emphasize the salience of managerial power, socio-psychological processes, socio-political models, and institutional environments in shaping compensation practices. Scholars such as Barkema and Gomez-Mejia (1998) have highlighted the limitations of agency theory and urged the exploration of broader theoretical frameworks. This article traces the evolution of executive compensation research post-1998, examining whether scholars heeded calls to diversify their theoretical approaches to gain better understanding of the topic. By reviewing articles from the Academy of Management, this study assesses advancements in understanding executive pay and identifies potential missed opportunities, suggesting future research directions to enhance the field's development.</p

Campaign to promote handwashing with soap: an example of the application of recommended good practice in behaviour change

This record contains a poster. Presented at the 43rd WEDC International Conference</p

Temporary toilet block over existing sewer

Sanitation in humanitarian settingsfrom: Sanitation in Humanitarian Settings R.A Reed Published by  Practical Action Publishing In an emergency the collection, treatment and disposal/reuse of human waste is critical to the health, wellbeing and environment of affected populations. Addressing this is difficult and complex requiring an understanding of the technical, social, institutional, political and environmental issues affecting the situation. In large emergencies where international relief agencies are involved there usually will be specialists available to advise and assist inexperienced field staff deliver essential services. However, most emergencies are not large. They are local in nature and rely on local officials to provide an emergency response, especially in the early stages of the emergency. It is very likely that these officials will have minimal knowledge and experience of emergency response, indeed they have probably never been faced with such an event before. This book sets out to assist such individuals. Working from a technical perspective, it provides an understanding of the critical elements controlling the delivery of human waste related services, together with strategies for decision making and guidance on how to design, construct and operate key infrastructure. The book concentrates on the acute response and stabilization phases of an emergency – but much of the content is equally relevant to the long term and rehabilitation phases. Donate and support this book project and we will send copies of this book to communities in need of this important guide. Published: 2024 Pages: 392 eBook: 9781788532679 Paperback: 9781788532655 Hardback: 9781788532662</p

Development of a WASH financing strategy for Rwanda

This record contains an extended abstract and MP4 presentation. Presented at the 43rd WEDC International Conference</p

Advancing wastewater monitoring through the integration of AI-Driven software sensor with SCADA system in Malawi

This record contains a poster. Presented at the 43rd WEDC International Conference</p

Statistical methods for task detection in lifelong reinforcement learning

Lifelong reinforcement learning is a growing field where artificial intelligence agents are expected to learn multiple tasks over a lifetime. Great strides have been made in the field recently, with agents being able to adapt to multiple tasks, and even taking advantage of experience from previous tasks when new tasks are encountered. However, the majority of those agents rely on being told when the task changes or an explicit task label. Labelling these task changes in the lifelong reinforcement learning case is non-trivial as reinforcement learning environments have temporal dynamics and sometimes large state spaces.In this thesis I introduce a variety of statistical methods for detecting and labelling tasks, in order to empower existing lifelong learning agents to work in environments where task labels are not provided. Specifically, two algorithms are introduced: Adaptive Model Detection (AMD), for the discrete Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) setting; and Sliced Wasserstein Online Kolmogorov-Smirnov (SWOKS), for the deep lifelong reinforcement learning setting. Comparisons are made in the latter case between different goodness-of-fit statistical tests.The methods introduced in this thesis are assessed in lifelong learning environments with task interference. Lifelong learning agents equipped with the novel task labelling modules are shown to achieve a higher overall reward compared to agents with no task labels provided. With artificial intelligence being used in an expanding range of real-world problems, statistical methods of detecting changes in the environment may be necessary for the long-term deployment of systems in non-stationary applications.</p

WEDC Guide No. 42: Infrastructure for vulnerable people

This unit introduces the range of people in a population and their differing needs; the kind of problems they commonly encounter in the physical environment and what this means for the physical infrastructure. © WEDC, Loughborough University, 2020 Author: Bob Reed lllustrated by Rod Shaw Edited and produced by Rod Shaw, Kay Davey and Glenda McMahon</p