cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11558835.v1
title: Toward greater involvement of youth with complex communication needs in the selection of augmentative and alternative communication devices

description: <b>Purpose:</b> The study aim was to examine the measurement properties of the Youth Evaluation of Products Scale for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (YEP-AAC) as a means to understand the product attitudes of youth toward their AAC devices. <b>Methods:</b> In study 1, four males and two females between the ages of 8 and 17 years (median age = 14 years) participated in face-to-face interviews. A researcher administered the YEP-AAC and then asked youths to explain the rationale for their item ratings. Two researchers analyzed masked transcripts of the interviews to predict the valence of item ratings assigned by youths. In study 2, 18 families participated in a mailed survey to examine the reliability and validity of the scale domains. Seventeen mothers/one father and their children (9 male/9 female) between the ages of 10 and 20 years participated (median age = 16 years). <b>Results:</b> The level of chance-corrected agreement between valences converted from youth ratings on the YEP-AAC and those assigned by researchers was fair (weighted kappa = 0.38). Internal consistencies of the scale domains were acceptable. Youths who rated their AAC devices more favourably had higher functional communication as hypothesized. <b>Conclusion:</b> The two studies provide support for the face validity, internal consistency and convergent validity of the YEP-AAC as a measure of the product attitudes of youth with complex communication needs.Implications for rehabilitationDeveloping reliable ways to understand the product needs, preferences and values of youth with complex communication needs will help to support the selection, acquisition and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.Consumer socialization helps to explain how youth may acquire the skills, knowledge and experience relevant to their role as AAC consumers.Reliable youth-report questionnaires that are grounded in consumer socialization provide an expedient way to understand the product attitudes of young consumers with complex communication needs. Developing reliable ways to understand the product needs, preferences and values of youth with complex communication needs will help to support the selection, acquisition and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Consumer socialization helps to explain how youth may acquire the skills, knowledge and experience relevant to their role as AAC consumers. Reliable youth-report questionnaires that are grounded in consumer socialization provide an expedient way to understand the product attitudes of young consumers with complex communication needs.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11558832.v1
title: A scoping literature review of studies assessing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prosthetic and orthotic interventions

description: <b>Purpose:</b> Approximately 1.5% of the world’s population (∼100 million people) need a prosthesis/orthosis. The objective of the study was to establish an overview of the literature that has examined prosthetic and orthotic interventions with a view to inform policy development. <b>Methods:</b> Fourteen databases were searched from 1995–2015. Studies reporting primary research on the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of prosthetic and orthotic interventions were examined. Metadata and information on study characteristics were extracted from the included studies. <b>Results:</b> The searches resulted in a total of 28,958 articles, a focus on studies with the words “randomized” OR “randomized” OR “cost” OR “economic” in their citation reduced this total to 2644. Research has predominantly been conducted in Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, UK and USA. A total of 346 randomized controlled trials were identified, with only four randomized controlled trials examining prosthetic interventions. The majority of research examined lower limb orthoses in the adult population and used a wide range of outcome measures. <b>Conclusions:</b> While various international organizations have highlighted the value of providing prosthetic and orthotic services, both to the user and society as a whole, the availability of scientific research to inform policy is limited. Future structured evaluation of prosthetic and orthotic interventions/services is warranted to inform future policy developments.Implications for rehabilitationResearch into prosthetic and orthotic interventions has grown substantially in the last 20 years, with most of this research conducted in a small number of countries and focusing on the use of lower limb orthotics in adult populations.Research to date has utilized an extensive range of outcome measures, the development of agreed standardized sets of outcomes would allow comparison and combination of results in future research.This study highlights the need for further research in this area, especially studies which examine the cost-effectiveness of prosthetic and orthotic provision. Research into prosthetic and orthotic interventions has grown substantially in the last 20 years, with most of this research conducted in a small number of countries and focusing on the use of lower limb orthotics in adult populations. Research to date has utilized an extensive range of outcome measures, the development of agreed standardized sets of outcomes would allow comparison and combination of results in future research. This study highlights the need for further research in this area, especially studies which examine the cost-effectiveness of prosthetic and orthotic provision.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11558793
title: Maize genetic diversity in traditionally cultivated polycultures in an isolated rural community in Mexico: implications for management and sustainability

description: <b>Background</b>: Maize in Mexico exhibits great genetic diversity, maintained by traditional practices of indigenous and non-indigenous communities, the same practices that have led to crop diversification over centuries. As one of the main staple crops worldwide, safeguarding the genetic diversity of maize is paramount to food security. <b>Aims</b>: This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of traditionally cultured maize landraces in a rural seasonal agricultural community in Veracruz, Mexico, in order to learn how traditional practices shape these landraces, and propose strategies for their preservation. <b>Methods</b>: We analysed 118 individual maize samples belonging to five morphotypes (white, yellow, black, red and mottled) with eight microsatellite markers. <b>Results</b>: We encountered high genetic diversity, according to expected heterozygosity (H<sub>e</sub> = 0.61). However, inbreeding coefficient and gene flow values suggested the existence of assortative mating, which causes low genetic differentiation. Population structure analysis identified three genetic pools, independent of grain colour. These findings suggest that all morphotypes belong to the same population, which is sub-structured due to assortative mating and gene flow related to local agronomic management. <b>Conclusions</b>: Current management practices in this community could lead to genetic erosion. In order to preserve diversity, wider regional seed exchange and selection for morphological diversity could be implemented.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11558793.v1
title: Maize genetic diversity in traditionally cultivated polycultures in an isolated rural community in Mexico: implications for management and sustainability

description: <b>Background</b>: Maize in Mexico exhibits great genetic diversity, maintained by traditional practices of indigenous and non-indigenous communities, the same practices that have led to crop diversification over centuries. As one of the main staple crops worldwide, safeguarding the genetic diversity of maize is paramount to food security. <b>Aims</b>: This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of traditionally cultured maize landraces in a rural seasonal agricultural community in Veracruz, Mexico, in order to learn how traditional practices shape these landraces, and propose strategies for their preservation. <b>Methods</b>: We analysed 118 individual maize samples belonging to five morphotypes (white, yellow, black, red and mottled) with eight microsatellite markers. <b>Results</b>: We encountered high genetic diversity, according to expected heterozygosity (H<sub>e</sub> = 0.61). However, inbreeding coefficient and gene flow values suggested the existence of assortative mating, which causes low genetic differentiation. Population structure analysis identified three genetic pools, independent of grain colour. These findings suggest that all morphotypes belong to the same population, which is sub-structured due to assortative mating and gene flow related to local agronomic management. <b>Conclusions</b>: Current management practices in this community could lead to genetic erosion. In order to preserve diversity, wider regional seed exchange and selection for morphological diversity could be implemented.
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558748
title: The potential benefits of strategically located energy storage and integration of power from renewable sources. Appendices.

description: Appendices to doctoral thesis. <br>Abstract:Ultimately there will be a limit on the amount of power from variable sources of renewable energy which can be absorbed by the electricity supply system and continue to remain stable and secure. New technical solutions are required. The development of energy storage technology could provide a potential solution. However, all the current methods involve either a significant loss of energy during the process or are unsuitable for the bulk storage of power. The research work reviews current methods of energy storage and examines the supply chain in order to resolve where energy storage should best be located. Most benefits could be gained if the energy storage units were placed adjacent to the final customers. The power lost during transmission and distribution could be minimised and the capital invested in the infrastructure would be more productive. It would require energy to be stored in relatively small quantities using simple technology, be remotely controJled and offer a long operational life. Few current methods match these requirements. In order to support the analysis of benefits which may be delivered by storing energy, the performance of a modem CCGT power station was monitored while it was operating with a number of different output profiles. The consequences were recorded and analysed for fuel used, C02 emitted, operational costs and maintenance as the plant produced power below its optimum performance. The Flow Battery was identified as the technology likely to deliver most characteristics required of an embedded energy store. However, the flow battery requires space to store the electrolyte and can be expensive to employ in urban areas where land prices are high. An enhancement of the hydraulic accumulator could be developed as an energy store. The initial analysis suggests that it offers the potential technical characteristics required and could be designed for minimum land requirements. Hence it could be located adjacent to existing electricity sub-stations or even within domestic premises, industrial complexes and commercial enterprises where land may already in the hands of the potential user.
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558748.v1
title: The potential benefits of strategically located energy storage and integration of power from renewable sources. Appendices.

description: Appendices to doctoral thesis. <br>Abstract:Ultimately there will be a limit on the amount of power from variable sources of renewable energy which can be absorbed by the electricity supply system and continue to remain stable and secure. New technical solutions are required. The development of energy storage technology could provide a potential solution. However, all the current methods involve either a significant loss of energy during the process or are unsuitable for the bulk storage of power. The research work reviews current methods of energy storage and examines the supply chain in order to resolve where energy storage should best be located. Most benefits could be gained if the energy storage units were placed adjacent to the final customers. The power lost during transmission and distribution could be minimised and the capital invested in the infrastructure would be more productive. It would require energy to be stored in relatively small quantities using simple technology, be remotely controJled and offer a long operational life. Few current methods match these requirements. In order to support the analysis of benefits which may be delivered by storing energy, the performance of a modem CCGT power station was monitored while it was operating with a number of different output profiles. The consequences were recorded and analysed for fuel used, C02 emitted, operational costs and maintenance as the plant produced power below its optimum performance. The Flow Battery was identified as the technology likely to deliver most characteristics required of an embedded energy store. However, the flow battery requires space to store the electrolyte and can be expensive to employ in urban areas where land prices are high. An enhancement of the hydraulic accumulator could be developed as an energy store. The initial analysis suggests that it offers the potential technical characteristics required and could be designed for minimum land requirements. Hence it could be located adjacent to existing electricity sub-stations or even within domestic premises, industrial complexes and commercial enterprises where land may already in the hands of the potential user.
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558688
title: Appendices E, F & H - Multi-process modelling approach to complex organisation design

description: Zipped folder contains:Appendix E - Cross Huller Domain (Feasible Resource Models)Appendix F - Cross Huller Domain (Progress Monitoring Models)Appendix H - Pan American University (E-MPM Application)<br>Abstract:Present day markets require manufacturing enterprises (MEs) to be designed and run in a flexibly structured yet optimised way. However, contemporary approaches to ME engineering do not enable this requirement to capture ME attributes such that suitable processes, resource systems and support services can be readily implemented and changed. This study has developed and prototyped a model-driven environment for the design, optimisation and control of MEs with an embedded capability to handle various types of change. This so called Enriched-Process Modelling (E-MPM) Environment can support the engineering of strategic, tactical and operational processes and comprises two parts: (1) an E-MPM Method that informs, structures, and guides modelling activities required at different stages of ME systems design; and (2) an E-MPM Modelling Framework that specifies interconnections between modelling concepts necessary for the design and run time operation of ME systems. [Continues.]<br>
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558688.v1
title: Appendices E, F & H - Multi-process modelling approach to complex organisation design

description: Zipped folder contains:Appendix E - Cross Huller Domain (Feasible Resource Models)Appendix F - Cross Huller Domain (Progress Monitoring Models)Appendix H - Pan American University (E-MPM Application)<br>Abstract:Present day markets require manufacturing enterprises (MEs) to be designed and run in a flexibly structured yet optimised way. However, contemporary approaches to ME engineering do not enable this requirement to capture ME attributes such that suitable processes, resource systems and support services can be readily implemented and changed. This study has developed and prototyped a model-driven environment for the design, optimisation and control of MEs with an embedded capability to handle various types of change. This so called Enriched-Process Modelling (E-MPM) Environment can support the engineering of strategic, tactical and operational processes and comprises two parts: (1) an E-MPM Method that informs, structures, and guides modelling activities required at different stages of ME systems design; and (2) an E-MPM Modelling Framework that specifies interconnections between modelling concepts necessary for the design and run time operation of ME systems. [Continues.]<br>
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558670
title: A grid-aware emergency response model for natural disasters. Appendices 2 - 5.

description: Abstract:Natural phenomena are essential and unavoidable planetary actions. When they occur in extreme forms they may have a disastrous impact on human life, property and the environment. Emergency management bodies mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from such events. Emergency response is a sum of decisions and actions taken through the collaboration and cooperation of many specialists from different disciplines. However, primary and secondary research findings suggest that there are limitations in the current information and communication technologies (leT), which affect the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response tasks. Therefore, the focus of this research was to investigate whether the appropriate use of cutting-edge leT (such as the Grid) can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response operations for natural disasters. The approach adopted in the research involved literature reviews, case studies, face-toface structured interviews with emergency management stakeholders and leT experts, model development using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) linked to Information Systems Development Methodologies (lSDMs), and finally, one-to-one evaluation exercises. ease studies and interviews involving two member states of the European Union were carried out to investigate current practices and to highlight the limitations that emergency management stakeholders face during response operations. SSM was used to investigate the problem area and to produce a conceptual Emergency Response Model (ERM). Further literature review and interviews suggested the Grid as the most appropriate technology to support the ERM. The linking together of the SSM findings with ISDMs - resulted in the production of a Grid-Aware Emergency Response Model (G-AERM) for natural disasters. The evaluation of the G-AERM demonstrated the applicability of Grid technology to emergency response by supporting stakeholders in monitoring, planning, controlling and managing actions within emergency situations caused by natural disasters in a far more informed way in terms of effectiveness and efficiency....<br>
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558670.v1
title: A grid-aware emergency response model for natural disasters. Appendices 2 - 5.

description: Abstract:Natural phenomena are essential and unavoidable planetary actions. When they occur in extreme forms they may have a disastrous impact on human life, property and the environment. Emergency management bodies mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from such events. Emergency response is a sum of decisions and actions taken through the collaboration and cooperation of many specialists from different disciplines. However, primary and secondary research findings suggest that there are limitations in the current information and communication technologies (leT), which affect the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response tasks. Therefore, the focus of this research was to investigate whether the appropriate use of cutting-edge leT (such as the Grid) can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response operations for natural disasters. The approach adopted in the research involved literature reviews, case studies, face-toface structured interviews with emergency management stakeholders and leT experts, model development using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) linked to Information Systems Development Methodologies (lSDMs), and finally, one-to-one evaluation exercises. ease studies and interviews involving two member states of the European Union were carried out to investigate current practices and to highlight the limitations that emergency management stakeholders face during response operations. SSM was used to investigate the problem area and to produce a conceptual Emergency Response Model (ERM). Further literature review and interviews suggested the Grid as the most appropriate technology to support the ERM. The linking together of the SSM findings with ISDMs - resulted in the production of a Grid-Aware Emergency Response Model (G-AERM) for natural disasters. The evaluation of the G-AERM demonstrated the applicability of Grid technology to emergency response by supporting stakeholders in monitoring, planning, controlling and managing actions within emergency situations caused by natural disasters in a far more informed way in terms of effectiveness and efficiency....<br>
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558625
title: Appendices F and G - Decision support to avoid collapses in structural refurbishment projects

description: Zipped folder contains:<br>Appendix F - Programme codeAppendix G - Guidance to install/run the programme<br>Abstract:Safety management to avoid collapses during structural refurbishments of buildings has been of great concern to site professionals and management involved in structural refurbishments. The problems hindering safety in refurbishment projects were identified as: process bottlenecks, absence of a structured refurbishment process and limitations in the use of decision support tools. The aim of the research was to develop a Safety-Integrated Refurbishment Process Model (RPM) and establish its viability as the basis for a Decision Support System (DSS) to avoid structural collapses in refurbishment projects. [Continues.]<br>
DOI: 10.17028/rd.lboro.11558625.v1
title: Appendices F and G - Decision support to avoid collapses in structural refurbishment projects

description: Zipped folder contains:<br>Appendix F - Programme codeAppendix G - Guidance to install/run the programme<br>Abstract:Safety management to avoid collapses during structural refurbishments of buildings has been of great concern to site professionals and management involved in structural refurbishments. The problems hindering safety in refurbishment projects were identified as: process bottlenecks, absence of a structured refurbishment process and limitations in the use of decision support tools. The aim of the research was to develop a Safety-Integrated Refurbishment Process Model (RPM) and establish its viability as the basis for a Decision Support System (DSS) to avoid structural collapses in refurbishment projects. [Continues.]<br>