E-learning at University of the Arts London

This report is a systematic exploration of staff relationships with e-learning. It presents a renewed evidence base from which e-learning provision and related support can be planned particularly in a rapidly changing HE terrain and an institutional context where e-learning and academic structures are emerging from large change programmes. The research is based on 25 interviews with programme directors (PD) evenly distributed across the 4 colleges, with representatives from all discipline groups, and levels of study. The interviewees provided rich insights into attitudes to, practices in and aspirations for e-learning, but in some instances, were also limited by the newness of the PD role. While some PDs had an intimate understanding of their programme areas, others, understandably, given the newness of posts, were in the process of familiarising themselves with the work of their teams

Pathload for available bandwidth esti-mation techniques (ABETs) for an efficient telemedicine content transport network

A research article was submitted to International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 8, August-2013The ability to measure end-to-end Available Bandwidth (unused capacity) in the network path is useful for route selection in overlay networks, for QoS verification, network management and traffic engineering. This paper investigates at applying techniques and measurement of Available Bandwidth (AB) in the congestion control for the transmission of an efficient telemedicine content transport network by using an important ABETs tool such as Pathload. This paper discusses measurement and simulation results of wired and wireless networks for the unused capacity in the real telemedicine network path and normal network path. The results can assist an organization or country in estimating the network bandwidth requirements depending on the ability of exchange multimedia data of an organization or country. The logistics could cater implementation of low cost telemedicine applications. The telemedicine systems could include wireless and wired medical interface and communication infrastructure. A simulation has been done to investigate the network quality of servic

Phenotypic and genotypic data integration and exploration through a web-service architecture

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Linking genotypic and phenotypic information is one of the greatest challenges of current genetics research. The definition of an Information Technology infrastructure to support this kind of studies, and in particular studies aimed at the analysis of complex traits, which require the definition of multifaceted phenotypes and the integration genotypic information to discover the most prevalent diseases, is a paradigmatic goal of Biomedical Informatics. This paper describes the use of Information Technology methods and tools to develop a system for the management, inspection and integration of phenotypic and genotypic data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We present the design and architecture of the Phenotype Miner, a software system able to flexibly manage phenotypic information, and its extended functionalities to retrieve genotype information from external repositories and to relate it to phenotypic data. For this purpose we developed a module to allow customized data upload by the user and a SOAP-based communications layer to retrieve data from existing biomedical knowledge management tools. In this paper we also demonstrate the system functionality by an example application of the system in which we analyze two related genomic datasets.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this paper we show how a comprehensive, integrated and automated workbench for genotype and phenotype integration can facilitate and improve the hypothesis generation process underlying modern genetic studies.</p

Design and Experimental Validation of a Cooperative Driving System in the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge

In this paper, we present the Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) architecture, which was proposed and implemented by the team from Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden, that joined the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge (GCDC) in 2011. The proposed CACC architecture consists of the following three main components, which are described in detail: 1) communication; 2) sensor fusion; and 3) control. Both simulation and experimental results are provided, demonstrating that the proposed CACC system can drive within a vehicle platoon while minimizing the inter-vehicle spacing within the allowed range of safety distances, tracking a desired speed profile, and attenuating acceleration shockwaves

Solid oxide fuel cell hybrid system: A detailed review of an environmentally clean and efficient source of energy

This paper reports a review of an environmentally clean and efficient source of energy such as solid oxide fuel cell hybrid systems. Due to climate concerns, most nations are seeking alternative means of generating energy from a clean, efficient and environmental-friendly method. However, this has proven a big hurdle for both academic and industry researchers over many years. Currently, practical and technically feasible solution can be obtained via an integration of a microturbine and a fuel cell (hybrid systems). Combining the two distinct systems in a hybrid arrangement the efficiency of the microturbine increases from 25 to 30% to the 60-65% range. Hence, this paper outlines an engineering power generation solution towards the acute global population growth, the growing need, environmental concerns, intelligent use of energy with attendant environmental and hybrid system layouts concerning arising problems and tentative proposed solutions. Furthermore, advantages of a solid oxide fuel cell hybrid systems with respect to the other technologies are identified and discussed rationally. Special attention is devoted to modelling with software and emulator rigs and system prototypes. The paper also reviews the limitations and the benefits of these hybrid systems in relationship with energy, environment and sustainable development. Few potential applications, as long-term potential actions for sustainable development, and the future of such devices are further discussed