Global function approach in structural analysis: Basic approach, numerical results

The structural response to a given environment is described by the differential equations of motion of deformable bodies. Analytic solutions of such problems for a reasonably large class of structural configurations are not within the realm of the possible. Consequently, the mathematical problem is recast into a numerical problem for solution on the computer. New technology in the space and energy fields led to a growing demand for accurate analysis which at times cannot be met due to the limits set by available budgets for computer time. In response to this need for more efficient numerical analysis, the possibilities of reducing the number of freedoms in the system through a revival of the global function approach were explored

Transformation theory and e-commerce adoption

This thesis investigates business transformation on the Internet; particularly the nature and significance of Cyber transformation theory and the Marketspace Model as a framework for E-commerce adoption. E-commerce can raise a firm\u27s productivity, transform customer relationships and open up new markets. The extent to which nations become adopters of E-commerce is set to become a source of comparative national competitive advantage (or disadvantage) in the twenty first century

A practical approach to refractory Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel vasculitis and is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. If left untreated, KD leads to coronary artery aneurysms in 15–25% of patients and the mortality rate in the UK is currently 0.4%. As such, KD is an important preventable cause of heart disease in the young. The aetiology of KD remains unknown, but most likely it represents an aberrant inflammatory host response to one or more as yet unidentified immunological trigger(s) in genetically predisposed individuals. The purpose of this article is not to provide an exhaustive review of KD. Rather we provide practical guidance to the clinical approach to refractory KD. Only brief background on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of KD, and emerging newer clinical trials is provided, to place our clinical approach in context

Takayasu arteritis in childhood: retrospective experience from a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is an idiopathic large-vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its major branches. Although the disease rarely affects children, it does occur, even in infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical features, disease activity, treatment and outcome of childhood TA in a tertiary UK centre

E-learning with docugames: AE2 Commander

Mark Brogan and Martin Masek teach and research in the School of Computer and Security Science at Edith Cowan University. Dr Brogan teaches and researches enterprise information management and digital recordkeeping. With Associate Professor Karen Murcia, Dr Masek coordinates research activity in ECU\u27s Research Centre for Transformational Games. 1 This paper describes outcomes from user acceptance testing of AE2 Commander 2 - a docugame released as alpha software in April 2011 by ECU\u27s Research Centre for Transformational Games. Docugames form a genre of serious games that employ digitised copy of historical sources as part of the game narrative. The design and development of AE2 Commander began in 2009, when the authors received an Ian MacLean Award 3 from the National Archives of Australia (NAA) to build an authentic role-play game based on the exploits of the World War I Australian submarine AE2. The design brief required the designers to develop a strategy for incorporating digitised copy of archival records held by the NAA and to measure the e-learning and engagement outcomes that were achieved with the docugame format. In an earlier Archives and Manuscripts article, the authors introduced the methods and technologies of computer game design and development used to produce AE2 Commander. 4 This paper reviews the learning outcomes that have been achieved with the game and the player reaction to the inclusion of authentic digital recreations of historical source records. The topic is significant within the context of e-learning, but also more generally, as many cultural heritage institutions seek new ways of engaging audiences through the leveraging of serious games