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.

Gender differences in pressure pain threshold in healthy humans

Abstract: Aims of investigation: To quantify the magnitude of putative gender differences in experimental pressure pain threshold (PPT), and to establish the relevance of repeated measurements to any such differences. Methods: Two separate studies were undertaken. A pressure algometer was used in both studies to assess PPT in the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Force was increased at a rate of 5 N /s. In study 1, two measurements were taken from 240 healthy volunteers (120 males, 120 females; mean age 25 years) giving a power for statistical analysis of β =0.80 at α =0.01. In study two, 30 subjects (15 males, 15 females mean age 28 years) were randomly selected from study one. Fourteen repeated PPT measurements were recorded at seven, 10 min intervals. Mean PPT data for gender groups, from both studies, were analysed using analysis of covariance with repeated measures, and age as the covariate. Results: The mean PPT for each of the two measurements in study one showed a difference between gender of 12.2 N ( f =30.5 N, m =42.7 N) and 12.8 N ( f =29.5 N, m =42.3 N), respectively, representing a difference of 28% with females exhibiting a lower threshold. In study two, the mean difference calculated from 14 PPT repeated measurements over a 1 h period was comparable to that in study one at 12.3 N (range 10.4–14.4 N) again females exhibited the lower threshold. The differences in mean PPT values between gender were found to be significant in both study one, at ( P F =37.8, df=1) and study two ( P =0.01, F =7.6, df=1). No significant differences were found in either study with repeated measurement ( P =0.892 and P =0.280), or on the interaction of gender and repeated measurement after controlling for age ( P =0.36 and P =0.62). Conclusion: Healthy females exhibited significantly lower mean PPTs in the first dorsal interosseous muscle than males, which was maintained for fourteen repeated measures within a 1 h period. This difference is likely to be above clinically relevant levels of change, and it has clear implications for the use of different gender subjects in laboratory based experimental designs utilising PPT as an outcome measure.

Microwave and ultrasonic processing: Now a realistic option for industry

Abstract: Environmentally friendlier preparations of chemical compounds and organic or inorganic materials are generally accompanied by the concept of saving resources by optimizing reaction conditions and/or introducing new process technologies. The use of ionic liquids and a solvent-free approach are among these technologies, but in terms of the minimisation of energy and optimization of reaction control both microwave and ultrasound irradiation have now proved to be real options. This review starts from the basic considerations on the separate interaction of microwaves and ultrasound with matter and goes on to explore some laboratory and industrial applications of each type of activation. It is also possible to enhance the effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields, typical of microwaves, or the cavitational energy associated with sonochemistry by combining them with other extreme conditions such as plasmas, high pressure and UV. Finally the simultaneous use of microwaves and ultrasound in a single reactor is described. This novel mixing of technologies has been implemented in order to combine the effects of enhanced energy with improved matter transportation.

Empowering Women Through Social Entrepreneurship: Case Study of a Women's Cooperative in India

Abstract: Women's cooperatives offer self–employment opportunities that can contribute to women's social inclusion and empowerment. This article seeks to broaden existing understandings of women's entreprene...