Coventry University

About: Coventry University is a education organization based out in Coventry, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 4964 authors who have published 12700 publications receiving 255898 citations. The organization is also known as: Lanchester Polytechnic & Coventry Polytechnic.

The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale in people with arthritis.

Abstract: Objective. To examine the comprehensibility, reliability, and validity of a trait measure, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), among people with arthritis. The scale is designed to measure perceived coping ability across a wide range of demanding situations. Methods. Four studies were conducted. Study 1 tested the comprehensibility of the GSES. Studies 2, 3, and 4 tested the reliability and validity of the modified scale. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Reliability and structure of the GSES were examined using standard item analysis, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability, and factor analyses. Concurrent and predictive validity were examined in relation to demographic, physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Results. The GSES assessed a unitary concept. Higher generalized self-efficacy was associated with greater psychological well-being, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The GSES was independent of age and physical health status. Conclusions. The GSES is a reliable and valid measure for use among community-based samples of people with arthritis and may be a useful indicator of general adaptational outcomes.

Energy Expenditure and Metabolism during Exercise in Persons with a Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract: Resting energy expenditure of persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally lower than that seen in able-bodied (AB) individuals due to the reduced amounts of muscle mass and sympathetic nervous system available. However, outside of clinical studies, much less data is available regarding athletes with an SCI. In order to predict the energy expenditure of persons with SCI, the generation and validation of prediction equations in relation to specific levels of SCI and training status are required. Specific prediction equations for the SCI would enable a quick and accurate estimate of energy requirements. When compared with the equivalent AB individuals, sports energy expenditure is generally reduced in SCI with values representing 30–75% of AB values. The lowest energy expenditure values are observed for sports involving athletes with tetraplegia and where the sport is a static version of that undertaken by the AB, such as fencing. As with AB sports there is a lack of SCI data for true competition situations due to methodological constraints. However, where energy expenditure during field tests are predicted from laboratory-based protocols, wheelchair ergometry is likely to be the most appropriate exercise mode. The physiological and metabolic responses of persons with SCI are similar to those for AB athletes, but at lower absolute levels. However, the underlying mechanisms pertaining to substrate utilization appear to differ between the AB and SCI. Carbohydrate feeding has been shown to improve endurance performance in athletes with generally low levels of SCI, but no data have been reported for mid to high levels of SCI or for sport-specific tests of an intermittent nature. Further research within the areas reviewed may help to bridge the gap between what is known regarding AB athletes and athletes with SCI (and other disabilities) during exercise and also the gap between clinical practice and performance.

Modern Engineering Mathematics

Abstract: Table of Contents Chapter 1: Numbers, Algebra and Geometry 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Number and arithmetic 1.3 Algebra 1.4 Geometry 1.5 Numbers and accuracy 1.6 Engineering applications 1.7 Review exercises Chapter 2: Functions 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Basic definitions 2.3 Linear and quadratic functions 2.4 Polynomial functions 2.5 Rational functions 2.6 Circular functions 2.7 Exponential, logarithmic and hyperbolic functions 2.8 Irrational functions 2.9 Numerical evaluation of functions 2.10 Engineering application: a design problem 2.11 Review exercises Chapter 3: Complex Numbers 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Properties 3.3 Powers of complex numbers 3.4 Loci in the complex plane 3.5 Functions of a complex variable 3.6 Engineering application: alternating currents in electrical networks 3.7 Review exercises Chapter 4: Vector Algebra 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Basic definitions and results 4.3 The vector treatment of the geometry of lines and planes 4.4 Engineering application: spin-dryer suspension 4.5 Engineering application: cable stayed bridge 4.6 Review exercises Chapter 5: Matrix Algebra 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Definitions and properties 5.3 Determinants 5.4 The inverse matrix 5.5 Linear equations 5.6 Rank 5.7 The eigenvalue problem 5.8 Engineering application: spring systems 5.9 Engineering application: steady heat transfer through composite materials 5.10 Review exercises Chapter 6: An Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Set theory 6.3 Switching and logic circuits 6.4 Propositional logic and methods of proof 6.5 Engineering application: expert systems 6.6 Engineering application: control 6.7 Review exercises Chapter 7: Sequences, Series and Limits 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Sequences and series 7.3 Finite sequences and series 7.4 Recurrence relations 7.5 Limit of a sequence 7.6 Infinite series 7.7 Power series 7.8 Functions of a real variable 7.9 Continuity of functions of a real variable 7.10 Engineering application: insulator chain 7.11 Engineering application: approximating functions and Pade approximants 7.12 Review exercises Chapter 8: Differentiation and Integration 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Differentiation 8.3 Techniques of differentiation 8.4 Hiderivatives 8.5 Applications of optimization problems 8.6 Numerical differentiation 8.7 Integration 8.8 Techniques of integration 8.9 Applications of integration 8.10 Numerical evaluation of integrals 8.11 Engineering application: design of prismatic channels 8.12 Engineering application: harmonic analysis of periodic functions 8.13 Review exercises Chapter 9: Further Calculus 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Improper integrals 9.3 Some theorems with applications to numerical methods 9.4 Taylor's theorem and related results 9.5 Calculus of vectors 9.6 Functions of several variables 9.7 Taylor's theorem for functions of two variables 9.8 Engineering application: deflection of built-in column 9.9 Engineering application: streamlines in fluid dynamics 9.10 Review exercises Chapter 10: Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Engineering examples 10.3 The classification of differential equations 10.4 Solving differential equations 10.5 first-order ordinary differential equations 10.6 Numerical solution of first-order ordinary differential equations 10.7 Engineering application: analysis of damper performance 10.8 Linear differential equations 10.9 Linear constant-coefficient differential equations 10.10 Engineering application: second-order linear constant-coefficient differential equations 10.11 Numerical solution of second-and higher-order differential equations 10.12 Qualitative analysis of second-order differential equations 10.13 Review exercises Chapter 11: Introduction to Laplace Transforms 11.1 Introduction 11.2 The Laplace transform 11.3 Solution of differential equations 11.4 Engineering applications: electrical circuits and mechanical vibrations 11.5 Review exercises Chapter 12: Introduction to Fourier Series 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Fourier series expansion 12.3 Functions defined over a finite interval 12.4 Differentiation and integration of Fourier series 12.5 Engineering application: analysis of a slider-crank mechanism 12.6 Review exercises Chapter 13: Data Handling and Probability Theory 13.1 Introduction 13.2 The raw material of statistics 13.3 Probabilities of random events 13.4 Random variables 13.5 Important practical distributions 13.6 Engineering application: quality control 13.7 Engineering application: clustering of rare events 13.8 Review exercises Appendix I Tables Answers to Exercises Index

Prosopis pods as human food, with special reference to Kenya

Abstract: Several legume tree and shrub species of the genus Prosopis from South and Central America have been distributed around the dry regions of the world over the past 200 years. The first documented introduction of Prosopis in Kenya was in 1973, since when it has spread widely, adversely affecting natural habitats, rangelands and cultivated areas. P. juliflora is the most common naturalised species in Kenya, but P. pallida also occurs. In contrast to their undesirable effects as invasive weeds, many Prosopis species are valuable multipurpose resources in their native range, providing timber, firewood, livestock feed, human food, shade, shelter and soil improvement. The pods, which are high in sugars, carbohydrates and protein, have been a historic source of food for human populations in North and South America providing flour and other edible products. However, this indigenous knowledge has not followed the Prosopis trees and the fruit are unused or provide only fodder for livestock in most of Africa and Asia. Although Prosopis will not easily be eradicated in Kenya, a degree of control may be achieved through intensive utilisation of tree products and by improved management. In 2005, a project was launched in Kenya to develop income-generating activities using Prosopis. A workshop in 2006 explored the possibility of producing locally-acceptable food from Prosopis flour. Taste tests and feedback on the different recipes indicated that all of the food made with 20% Prosopis flour had a pleasant taste. Preliminary analyses of Prosopis flour samples from Kenya indicate good nutritional properties, but also the presence of aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A. Further study is required to determine toxin levels in freshly harvested pods, and in pods and flour after various periods of storage, and to develop appropriate harvesting and storage methods to maximise nutritional benefit and minimise risk to human health.