Brunel University London

About: Brunel University London is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Large Hadron Collider & Population. The organization has 10918 authors who have published 29515 publications receiving 893330 citations. The organization is also known as: Brunel & University of Brunel.

Do all health and social care professionals interact equally: a study of interactions in multidisciplinary teams in the United Kingdom

Abstract: Problems around deficits in interprofessional collaboration have been identified since the National Health Service (NHS) was introduced. It is within the context of the current policy focus on improving collaborative working that this study was undertaken. A direct observational study using the Bales' Interaction Process Analysis tool was carried out in two older persons teams to explore patterns of interaction in the multidisciplinary team meetings. Analysis revealed some key differences in the way in which different professions interacted. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers (SW) and nurses rarely asked for opinions and for orientation. The consultant (the individual in charge of the medical team) tended to have high rates for asking for orientation, giving opinions and giving orientation. Although some nurses did have high individual rates for the giving of orientation. The data from the research has highlighted that therapists, SWs and nurses are reluctance to voice their opinions in multidisciplinary teams and thus conformity may dominate its culture. It is suggested that therapists, SWs and nurses need to cite their opinions in teams more effectively if they are to be competent and committed patient-centred practitioners.

Surface texture measurement for additive manufacturing

Abstract: The surface texture of additively manufactured metallic surfaces made by powder bed methods is affected by a number of factors, including the powder's particle size distribution, the effect of the heat source, the thickness of the printed layers, the angle of the surface relative to the horizontal build bed and the effect of any post processing/finishing. The aim of the research reported here is to understand the way these surfaces should be measured in order to characterise them. In published research to date, the surface texture is generally reported as an Ra value, measured across the lay. The appropriateness of this method for such surfaces is investigated here. A preliminary investigation was carried out on two additive manufacturing processes—selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM)—focusing on the effect of build angle and post processing. The surfaces were measured using both tactile and optical methods and a range of profile and areal parameters were reported. Test coupons were manufactured at four angles relative to the horizontal plane of the powder bed using both SLM and EBM. The effect of lay—caused by the layered nature of the manufacturing process—was investigated, as was the required sample area for optical measurements. The surfaces were also measured before and after grit blasting.

Pinning Stabilization of Linearly Coupled Stochastic Neural Networks via Minimum Number of Controllers

Abstract: Pinning stabilization problem of linearly coupled stochastic neural networks (LCSNNs) is studied in this paper. A minimum number of controllers are used to force the LCSNNs to the desired equilibrium point by fully utilizing the structure of the network. In order to pinning control the LCSNNs to a certain desired state, only one controller is required for strongly connected network topology, and m controllers, which will be shown to be the minimum number, are needed for LCSNNs with m -reducible coupling matrix. The isolate node of the LCSNNs can be stable, periodic, or even chaotic. The coupling Laplacian matrix of the LCSNNs can be symmetric irreducible, asymmetric irreducible, or m-reducible, which means that the network topology can be strongly connected, weakly connected, or even unconnected. There is no constraint on the network topology. Some criteria are derived to judge whether the LCSNNs can be controlled in mean square by using designed controllers. The given criteria are expressed in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities, which can be easily checked by resorting to recently developed algorithm. Moreover, numerical examples including small-world and scale-free networks are also given to demonstrate that our theoretical results are valid and efficient for large systems.

Men in Non‐Traditional Occupations: Career Entry, Career Orientation and Experience of Role Strain

Abstract: This article explores the experiences of men in non-traditional occupations. In particular it focuses on the dynamics of career entry, career orientation (namely, a preference for intrinsic or extrinsic rewards) and the possible existence, nature and consequences of role strain. Four occupational groups are examined: nurses, cabin crew, librarians and primary school teachers. The results suggest that men fall into three main categories: seekers (who actively chose the ‘female’ occupation), ‘finders’ (who did not actively seek a non-traditional career but who found the occupation in the process of making general career decisions) and settlers (who actively chose the occupation, often as a result of dissatisfaction with a more ‘masculine’ job, and who then settled in their non-traditional career). Settlers, in particular, are associated with a more intrinsic career orientation and express a desire to remain close to occupational and professional practice. Role strain is prevalent in men's experiences in their non-traditional career. The potential sources of such role strain and the implications for career aspirations and career choices are explored.