Showing papers by "Coventry University published in 1995"

Nurses' power in interactions with patients

Abstract: Power in interactions between nurses and patients, as mediated through language, is examined in this paper The findings from an observational study confirm much previous research in that the majority of nurse-patient interactions were superficial, routinized and related to tasks It was found that nurses exert a lot of control over interactions and the linguistic devices used to achieve this are explored Links are established between macro-level factors, such as the institution, and the micro-level of nurse—patient encounters, to demonstrate how wider forces affect and are reflected in interactions Examination of the interactions also reveals issues of conflict arising from the caring and controlling functions that nurses perform It is suggested that the power dimension inherent in the relationship constitutes a barrier to open and meaningful communication between nurses and patients

Coastal Sedimentation Associated with the December 12th, 1992 Tsunami in Flores, Indonesia

Abstract: This paper presents the result of a detailed granulometric investigation of sediments deposited by a modern tsunami, the 1992 tsunami in Flores, Indonesia. Eyewitness accounts indicate that sediments were deposited upon coastal lowlands over wide areas as a result of the tsunami inundation. Distinctive vertical and lateral variations in particle size composition are characteristic features of the tsunami deposits and these are intimately related to sedimentary processes associated with flood inundation. The geomorphological and sedimentary evidence is used here to establish a preliminary model of tsunami sedimentation. This information is believed to be of great value in understanding sedimentary processes associated with tsunami flooding and in the interpretation of palaeo-tsunami deposits.

Tsunami sedimentation associated with the Lisbon earthquake of 1 November AD 1755: Boca do Rio, Algarve, Portugal

Abstract: A description is given of a distinctive marine deposit at Boca do Rio on the Algarve coast of Portugal. It is proposed here that the sediment accumulation was deposited by the tsunami generated by the Lisbon earthquake of 1 November, AD 1755. The deposit exhibits sedimentary characteristics quite unlike other coastal sediment accumulations that are deposited by more moderate wave regimes. These include laterally continuous sand layers, chaotic pebble horizons, large amounts of gravel-sized shell debris and distinctive assemblages of marine microfossils. A preliminary attempt is made here to use the empirical field and laboratory data to define more clearly the processes of coastal sedimentation that characterize tsunami runup. The use of tsunami sediments as time synchronous marker horizons is also discussed.

Cardiorespiratory, hormonal and haematological responses to submaximal cycling performed 2 days after eccentric or concentric exercise bouts.

Abstract: Eccentric muscle actions are known to induce delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle weakness (reduced static strength and dynamic peak power output) that may persist for several days. The aim of the present study was to determine whether DOMS‐inducing exercise affects physiological responses to subsequent submaximal dynamic exercise. Physiological and metabolic responses to a standardized exercise task were measured 2 days after the performance of an eccentric or concentric exercise bout. Six healthy, untrained male subjects aged 30 ± 7 years (mean ± S.D.) performed repeated eccentric contractions during 30 min of bench stepping (47‐cm step, 15 steps min‐1). On another occasion, they performed concentric contractions by walking uphill (8% incline) for 30 min at 5 km h‐1, which elicited a similar heart rate response to bench stepping. Two days after the eccentric or concentric exercise, the subjects cycled for 15 min on an electrically braked cycle ergometer at a work rate (172 ± 37 W) equivalent ...

Haematological and acute-phase responses associated with delayed-onset muscle soreness in humans.

Abstract: Delayed-onset muscle soreness following unaccustomed or eccentric exercise is associated with inflammation, tissue necrosis and the release of muscle enzymes (Newham et al. 1983). We have investigated the time course of changes in circulating leucocytes and serum levels of some acute phase reactants, serum creatine kinase activity (CK) and muscle pain after a 40-min bout of bench-stepping exercise in eight healthy untrained subjects. Leg muscle soreness was greatest 2 days after the exercise bout. Peak serum CK values [mean (SD) 540 (502) IU.1-1] occurred 1-7 days post-exercise. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was unchanged from pre-exercise levels [7.8 (3.4) mg.1-1] immediately post-exercise [7.9 (2.3) mg.1-1] but rose to a peak of 17.0 (3.9) mg.1-1 1 day post-exercise, thereafter declining to basal levels. Serum levels of iron and zinc fell below pre-exercise levels for 1-3 days post-exercise. Serum albumin, IgG and IgM fell below pre-exercise levels from 1 day post-exercise, reaching minimal values (about 80% of basal levels) at 7 days post-exercise. The exercise did not appear to significantly affect serum levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Two and three days after the exercise bout the circulating numbers of total leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils fell 15-20% below pre-exercise levels, whereas lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelets were unchanged. The results indicate that a rapid acute phase inflammatory response is initiated within 1 day of a bout of exercise that induces delayed-onset muscle soreness, and that any later tissue necrosis that may occur is not accompanied by further marked changes in acute-phase reactants such as CRP.

An Experimental Design Perspective on Genetic Algorithms

Abstract: In this paper we examine the relationship between genetic algorithms (GAs) and traditional methods of experimental design. This was motivated by an investigation into the problem caused by epistasis in the implementation and application of GAs to optimization problems: one which has long been acknowledged to have an important influence on GA performance. Davidor [1, 2] has attempted an investigation of the important question of determining the degree of epistasis of a given problem. In this paper, we shall first summarise his methodology, and then provide a critique from the perspective of experimental design. We proceed to show how this viewpoint enables us to gain further insights into the determination of epistatic effects, and into the value of different forms of encoding a problem for a GA solution. We also demonstrate the equivalence of this approach to the Walsh transform analysis popularized by Goldberg [3, 4], and its extension to the idea of partition coefficients [5]. We then show how the experimental design perspective helps to throw further light on the nature of deception.

Telematics and Rural Development Evidence From a Survey of Small Businesses in the European Union

Abstract: Indigenous rural development in the peripheral regions of Europe could be encouraged through the uptake of telematics by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, little is known about patterns of and resistances towards the adoption of telematics in rural areas and there exists a view that the main beneficiaries will be larger businesses in core areas of economic activity. After a brief exploration of the relationships between telematics and rural development, this article reports the early findings of a research project on the use of, and attitudes towards, telematics among SMEs in seven rural regions of the European Union. Results indicate that the predominantly very small, independent and privately owned businesses make very limited use of telematics services, mainly because of a lack of awareness and inadequate training. The main business problems faced by these businesses — cashflow, marketing, lack of qualified staff, and information technology support- present opportunities for telematic...

Sonovoltammetry at platinum electrodes: surface phenomena and mass transport processes

Abstract: Application of simultaneous ultrasound to representative solution-phase reversible voltammetric couples produce a step-shaped voltammogram at platinum electrodes of both ‘macro’ and ‘micro’ dimensions. The limiting current increases with ultrasonic power, but is not markedly affected by ultrasonic frequency in the 20–800kHz region. In contrast the complex voltammetry of a platinized platinum electrode surface within the hydrogen adsorption regime in aqueous acid medium is very little affected by sonication. Factors affecting the reproducibility of sonoelectrochemical experiments when employing ultrasonic sources are discussed.

Enhanced laser beam welding

Abstract: An arc augmented laser welding apparatus has a welding head (10) which comprises a housing (14) a focusing system in the housing for focusing a laser beam through a laser opening in the housing onto a workpiece and a plasma torch nozzle (28) through which a plasma arc is established between an electrode (22) and the workpiece. A first power source (44) applies a high voltage across the electrode and nozzle to strike a pilot arc which is then sustained by power from a second source (42). A third power source (40) applies a high amperage signal to strike the main plasma arc between the electrode and the workpiece. The nozzle has a tip (33) which is adapted to constrict the plasma arc and restrict its impingement on the workpiece. The nozzle and the focusing system are arranged to cause the focused laser beam and the constricted plasma arc to impinge on the workpiece at predetermined relative positions which may coincide or may be slightly spaced apart. The power sources and the laser beam are controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with a predetermined programme in dependence on the type and thickness of material to be welded.

“DEAR RESEARCHER”: The Use of Correspondence as a Method within Feminist Qualitative Research

Abstract: This article is concerned with the use of correspondence (communication by letter between researchers and respondents) as research data. It focuses on the author's own experience of this method and considers the methodological implications of correspondence as a research method for research in general and feminist research in particular. We argue that at present this method is not often used, even though it provides rich data and is a potential powerful tool for feminist research.

Late middle pleistocene interglacial deposits at upper strensham, worcestershire, england

Abstract: Pleistocene deposits containing the disarticulated skeleton of a mammoth, and associated faunal and floral remains, were discovered in July 1990 at Upper Strensham, Worcestershire. The environmental evidence from the fauna and flora together with limited geological evidence, indicates that the deposits accumulated within a low energy fluvial environment with a surrounding marsh and restricted tree cover on, or close to, the floodplain. The patchy occurrence of trees in a species-rich grassland is discussed, and the climatic significance of the fauna and flora is considered. The Strensham site lies within the valley of the River Avon, which is known to contain at least five altitudinally distinct river terraces. The deposits at Strensham lie beneath a terraced surface that cannot be accommodated within the existing framework of terrace development in the valley, and evidence IS presented which may suggest that these deposits form a previously unrecognised fluvial unit, the Strensham Member of the Avon Valley Formation. Amino-acid age estimates from shells taken from the fossiliferous sediments of the Strensham Member suggest a correlation with Oxygen Isotope Stage 7. This correlation suggests that the temperate deposits at this site should be correlated with the temperate phase recorded at Marsworth, Buckinghamshire and Stoke Goldington in the vafley of the Great Ouse. Journal of Quaternary Science

Using gravestones to assess changing rates of weathering in the United Kingdom

Abstract: Weathering rates were calculated using the height difference between lead lettering and marble on gravestones at three sites in the UK. Comparison of their regression lines and residuals suggested that two of the sites, Portsmouth and Wolverhampton, had similar amounts and rates of weathering over the last 100-150 years. Gravestones in Swansea appear to have weathered much more and much faster than gravestones at the other two sites. These differences may be the result of the differing pollution and rainfall histories of the three sites.

Sedimentary records of recent environmental change in Lake Baikal, Siberia

Abstract: Lake Baikal is the world's largest freshwater lake and is internationally famous for its rich and largely endemic biota. Concern about this unique ecosystem has grown since the late 1970s but whether recent biological changes result from natural fluctuations or pollution is unclear. One way of discriminating between these processes is to examine records of recent change in radiometrically dated deep-water sediment cores. Here we use high-resolution diatom analysis of one core to show that abundances have not changed significantly over recent decades. By contrast, we demonstrate that the lake is contaminated by atmospheric pollutants and has experienced a small qualitative change in soil derived magnetic minerals. Sedimentary lead concentrations show an increasing trend in the c. 150-year core sequence and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) contaminate post-1930 sediment. Although we provide no evidence that twentieth-century pollution has affected the endemic planktonic diatoms in the central wester...

Peacekeeping: the African dimension

Abstract: Following the end of the cold war there developed a general perception that the United Nations would now be able to adopt a more enhanced role as the world's peacekeeper and peacemaker, especially if it enjoyed the support of the US. This view appeared to be vindicated following the successful US led UN operation to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein in 1991. However, since then the reluctance of the West to become involved in Africa's conflicts unless it is for their own ends, points to establishing an African peacekeeping structure. Yet as this article demonstrates, the political and military structures are not yet in place, nor is there any likelihood that there is any organisation to fill the post‐cold war security vacuum.

Selection of Knowledge-based Engineering Design Applications

Abstract: The adoption of knowledge-based systems (KBS) technology into engineering design presents a massive opportunity to companies in search of new ways to improve their product introduction process (PIP). However, past experience has shown that such promise has not been realized in the adoption of expert systems technology. The failure of the introduction of KBS technology under the banner of expert systems can frequently be attributed to the inappropriate selection of suitable applications. Despite these past experiences, history seems poised to repeat itself with the adoption of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) technology within the product development process. Therefore, the ability to identify ‘winner’ applications would be of considerable benefit. This paper outlines the consolidation of past experience relating to KBS development and outlines a method for the selection of suitable KBE design applications.

Holocene vegetation history and human impact at Bryn y Castell, Snowdonia, north Wales

Abstract: SUMMARY Three radiocarbon-dated pollen diagrams are presented from Holocene peat and lake deposits in Snowdonia, close to the Late Iron Age/Romano-British ironworking hill-fort of Bryn y Castell, Gwynedd, in upland north Wales. This paper discusses pollen, charcoal and peat-stratigraphic evidence for major local vegetation changes and for the development of the surrounding cultural landscape during the last 10 000 radiocarbon yr. Pollen data from one of the sites (BYC 2) provided a vegetational record for most of the Holocene. The early part of the sequence suggests an oligotrophic lake in a landscape that is being colonized by birch-pine woodland; later, mixed deciduous woodland surrounds an infilling lake basin. Dating of peat deposits at two of the sites (BYC, BYC H) indicated that their pollen records commenced between 5500 and 5000 yr BP. By this time, the lake basin was fringed by alder carr. There followed a gradual and then, c. 2700 yr BP, a more abrupt decline in woodland, such that, by the end of the Bronze Age and with the basin largely terrestrialized, the local landscape became dominated by mire vegetation communities, which have persisted to the present. Human activity seems to have been a major factor in the loss of woodland cover. Although there is some circumstantial evidence for earlier phases of human disturbance at BYC 2, human activity becomes increasingly apparent from c. 5000 yr BP. During the mid Holocene, the impact of Neolithic and early- to mid-Bronze Age cultures appears to be characterized by temporary woodland clearances, for arable and pastoral agriculture. By c. 2700 yr BP the majority of woodland cover seems to have been permanently removed from the landscape, but as there is scant archaeological evidence for late Bronze Age cultures in this part of Snowdonia, other factors, especially climate change, could be implicated. During the late Holocene, especially during part of the late Iron Age and Romano-British period, remaining local stands of woodland seem to have been exploited for iron smelting, although the overall impact of ironworking was limited.

Computerised blank shape prediction for sheet metal components having doubly-curved surfaces

Abstract: The article describes a computerised approach to the prediction of blank shapes for arbitrarily shaped components which have doubly-curved surfaces. Blank shapes can be developed rapidly using a standard personal computer. In this work, an industrial component has been modelled by a CAD program, its geometric data exported to a special purpose program (DYNSRF) and then its blank shape was predicted. The predicted results were found to be in good accordance with the real blank shape geometry.

Resonator-based touch-sensitive probe

Abstract: This paper presents a design of a simple low-cost resonator-based touch-sensitive probe. The design exploits the fact that when a stiff element (probe) oscillating near the resonance frequency comes into physical contact with the surface of another body (workpiece), the frequency of vibrational resonance of the probe changes depending on the latter's stiffness. This change can be detected by monitoring the variations in the phase shift between the probe driving force and the resulting strain, which consequently prompts the trigger signal. Standard phase-lock-loop oscillator circuitry is used to adjust the drive frequency to maintain a pre-set phase difference between the input and output signals, thus ensuring that the oscillator remains locked at the probe resonance frequency as contact takes place. A prototype probe has been designed and tested. The probe is excited to resonate at its fundamental frequency by employing piezoelectric drive and pick-up arrangements. The operating frequency of the probe is set at 25.179 kHz (second-mode frequency), which seems to be an adequate choice for excellent static and dynamic characteristics. The shift in the natural frequency as the contact force progresses follows a non-linear trend before it saturates. The maximum frequency shift measured is about 2 kHz, which corresponds to 140 mN contact force in the axial direction, whilst the minimum detectable trigger force is 3.8 mN.