Showing papers by "Edinburgh Napier University published in 1999"

Methods & tools: The activity checklist: a tool for representing the “space” of context

Abstract: I Introduction In recent years, specialists in human–computer interaction (HCI) have come to appreciate the importance of understanding the context in which computer-supported activities take place [1]. Such understanding directly affects design and evaluation by revealing what users are up to and how they might most effectively use a technology. The idea is to gain this understanding before the design process has progressed too far, or during evaluation, when openings for modifications and improvements to the technology exist. There have been several attempts to come up with tools and techniques to support taking context into account in the design and evaluation of computer technologies. These approaches include task analysis [6], participa-tory design [3], and contextual design [7], among others. However, contextual factors are notoriously elusive and difficult to pin down [5], so there is still a need for conceptual tools to deal with context at a practical level. The existing approaches to context are for the most part " bottom up " ones. They start with an empirical analysis of contextual factors and gradually develop concepts such as " task decomposition " [6], " future workshops " [3], or " flow models " [7], which later can be put in an appropriate theoretical framework. From our point of view, this " bottom up " or empirically-driven strategy can be complemented with a " top down " one, that is, starting with an abstract theoretical representation of context and then situating this representation in the reality of design and evaluation. Borrowing Brown and Duguid's well-known metaphor [5], we can say that if it is difficult to grapple with the " whale " of context by trying to get a firm grip on its specific parts, let's try a large net instead. In this paper we present a tool that is directly shaped by a general theoretical approach—activity theory [10, 11, 18]. Activity theory provides a broad theoretical framework for describing the structure, development , and context of human activity. In the 1990s, activity theory has been applied to problems of human–computer interaction by an international community of scholars and practitioners [1–4, 8, 9, 12]. Activity theory is framed by several basic principles (explained in the next section): hierarchical structure of activity, object-ori-entedness, internalization and–externaliza-tion, tool mediation, and development. These general principles help orient thought and research, but they are somewhat abstract when it comes to the actual business of working on …

Short-term inflammatory responses following intratracheal instillation of fine and ultrafine carbon black in rats

Abstract: Ultrafine carbon black (ufCB) 14 nm in diameter and fine carbon black (CB) 260 nm in diameter were instilled intratracheally in rats at mass of 125 mug, and the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) profile at 6 h was assessed. UfCB generated a 50% neutrophil alveolitis 6 h after intratracheal instillation compared to CB, which showed similar activity to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) vehicle control. UfCB instillation also produced a marked increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in BAL fluid, which was associated with increased epithelial permeability measured as total protein. In contrast, CB had much less of an effect in increasing BAL protein. Although both particle types caused a decrease in glutathione (GSH) in lung tissue compared to control, the greatest depletion was seen in ufCB-treated animals. To investigate time response, bronchoalveolar lavage was carried out at 6 h, 24 h, and 7 days after a single 125-mug instillation of ufCB. Neutrophil influx was relatively persistent and was still ma...

The Bromeliad Microcosm and the Assessment of Faunal Diversity in a Neotropical Forest1

Abstract: The faunas of tank bromeliads were sampled over two years in three forest types at different elevations in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico, and the diversity of their animal communities compared. Bromeliad plants behaved as islands in that, within forests, the species richness and abundance of their animal communities were significantly and positively correlated with increase in plant size. The amount of canopy debris they accumulated was similarly correlated with increase in plant size. Overall diversity was lowest in the dwarf forest, where plants were uniformly small. Animal communities were stable from year to year, and could be characterised for each forest type and for compartments within the plant. They showed a pattern of high dominance, which increased with elevation (McNaughton index 37, 54, and 73, respectively, for the tabonuco, palo colorado, and dwarf forest). Alpha-diversity for sites sampled in each year reflected net primary productivity (NPP) of the forest, declining with increasing elevation when animal abundance measures were used (jackknife estimates of Simpson's diversity index 6.54 & 11.04 [tabonuco], 3.53 & 6.22 [palo colorado], and 2.75 & 2.17 [dwarf forest]). Species richness over the two years, however, was highest in the intermediate palo colorado forest (187 species), compared to 146 and 88 in the tabonuco and dwarf forests, respectively. These figures were close to jackknife estimates of maximum species richness. The difference in species richness between tabonuco and palo colorado forests was significant in one year only. In addition to NPP, other factors, such as litter quality and the structural complexity of the habitat in the palo colorado forest, may have influenced species richness. The most abundant species in individual plants were also the most widely occurring, confirming known patterns of abundance and distribution in other functional groups. Diversity within bromeliad microcosms at different elevations supported known relationships between diversity, productivity, and habitat complexity along gradients and was not related to differences in the total bromeliad habitat available for colonization.

An empirical study of the efficiency of learning boolean functions using a Cartesian Genetic Programming approach

Abstract: A new form of Genetic Programming (GP) called Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP) is proposed in which programs are represented by linear integer chromosomes in the form of connections and functionalities of a rectangular array of primitive functions. The effectiveness of this approach is investigated for boolean even-parity functions (3,4,5), and the 2-bit multiplier. The minimum number of evaluations required to give a 0.99 probability of evolving a target function is used to measure the efficiency of the new approach. It is found that extremely low populations are most effective. A simple probabilistic hillclimber (PH) is devised which proves to be even more effective. For these boolean functions either method appears to be much more efficient than the GP and Evolutionary Programming (EP) methods reported. The efficacy of the PH suggests that boolean function learning may not be an appropriate problem for testing the effectiveness of GP and EP.

Devolving human resource responsibilities to the line: Beginning of the end or a new beginning for personnel?

Abstract: Alternative hypotheses for the personnel function are presented, based on findings from four case study organisations which have devolved personnel responsibilities from a designated personnel department to line managers The views of line managers and employees are sought to assess the effects of these changes The study finds that devolved responsibilities of personnel are formally geared to securing commitment from employees by promoting an integrative culture of employee management through line managers In practice, though, we find little evidence that personnel has succeeded in catalysing such changes The case study findings do not point to any clear evidence of a general increase in influence for personnel practitioners following devolution Tensions exist between line managers and personnel and the function appears to be vulnerable to further contraction The study concludes that prospects for personnel following devolution are at best uncertain

Mechanisms and mediators in coal dust induced toxicity: a review.

Abstract: Chronic inhalation of coal dust can cause several lung disorders, including simple coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP), progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), chronic bronchitis, lung function loss, and emphysema. This review focuses on the cellular actions and interactions of key inflammatory cells and target cells in coal dust toxicity and related lung disorders, i.e. macrophages and neutrophils, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Factors released from or affecting these cells are outlined in separate sections, i.e. (1) reactive oxygen species (ROS) and related antioxidant protection mechanisms, and (2) cytokines, growth factors and related proteins. Furthermore, (3) components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including the modifying role of ROS, cytokines, proteases and antiproteases are discussed in relation to tissue damage and remodelling in the respiratory tract. It is recognised that inhaled coal dust particles are important non-cellular and cellular sources of ROS in the lung, and may be significantly involved in the damage of lung target cells as well as important macromolecules including alpha-1-antitrypsin and DNA. In vitro and in vivo studies with coal dusts showed the up-regulation of important leukocyte recruiting factors, e.g. Leukotriene-B4 (LTB4), Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF alpha), as well as the neutrophil adhesion factor Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Coal dust particles are also known to stimulate the (macrophage) production of various factors with potential capacity to modulate lung cells and/or extracellular matrix, including O2-., H2O2, and NO, fibroblast chemoattractants (e.g. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF beta), PDGF, and fibronectin) and a number of factors that have been shown to stimulate and/or inhibit fibroblast growth or collagen production such as (TNF alpha, TGF beta, PDGF, Insulin Like Growth Factor, and Prostaglandin-E2). Further studies are needed to clarify the in vivo kinetics and relative impact of these factors.

The professional socialization of diploma of higher education in nursing students (Project 2000): a longitudinal qualitative study.

Abstract: This paper presents a new theory of professional socialization in relation to diploma of higher education in nursing students (Project 2000). It was derived from a 3-year, grounded theory, longitudinal study exploring the effects of supernumerary status and mentorship on students undertaking practice placements. A purposive sample of 17 students was used. Ten students volunteered to be interviewed on five separate occasions throughout their course and to keep a diary to record their experiences of mentorship during their practice placements. Their diary acted as an aide memoir during their tape-recorded interviews. The other seven students participated by diary only and kept written accounts of their experiences of being supernumerary and having a mentor whilst on practice placements. Data were analysed with the aid of NUD.IST and subjected to the constant comparative method of analysis. Findings indicate that the mentor is the linchpin of the students' experience and that some students develop intuition much earlier than previous work has stated.

Particulate Air Pollution: Injurious and Protective Mechanisms in the Lungs

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter addresses issues in relation to the adverse health effects of PM 10 ( mass of particulate air pollution). Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between the levels of PM 10 and exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Deaths, not only from respiratory causes, but also from vascular causes, that is, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, are also related to levels of PM 10 . The mechanisms of these effects are not well understood. The ability of the lung to protect itself against inhaled particles, and the susceptibility of individuals to the effects of particles, will determine the outcome in terms of the adverse effects of environmental particles. An important defense mechanism in the airways against inhaled particles is the mucociliary escalator. In the large proximal airways, goblet cells secrete mucus, which trap deposited particles. Mucus has a major role in protecting the airways, particularly as it is a rich source of antioxidants.

Using patterns to model variability in product families

Abstract: A product family can generate significant savings in cost and time by permitting software component reuse. The authors have developed a simple method of product family engineering using patterns to model variability and tested it on the European Space Operations Centre new mission planning software system with positive results.

Evolving more efficient digital circuits by allowing circuit layout evolution and multi-objective fitness

Abstract: We use evolutionary search to design combinational logic circuits. The technique is based on evolving the functionality and connectivity of a rectangular array of logic cells whose dimension is defined by the circuit layout. The main idea of this approach is to improve quality of the circuits evolved by the genetic algorithm (GA) by reducing the number of active gates used. We accomplish this by combining two ideas: 1) using multi-objective fitness function; 2) evolving circuit layout. It will be shown that using these two approaches allows us to increase the quality of evolved circuits. The circuits are evolved in two phases. Initially the genome fitness is given by the percentage of output bits that are correct. Once 100% functional circuits have been evolved, the number of gates actually used in the circuit is taken into account in the fitness function. This allows us to evolve circuits with 100% functionality and minimise the number of active gates in circuit structure. The population is initialised with heterogeneous circuit layouts and the circuit layout is allowed to vary during the evolutionary process. Evolving the circuit layout together with the function is one of the distinctive features of proposed approach. The experimental results show that allowing the circuit layout to be flexible is useful when we want to evolve circuits with the smallest number of gates used. We find that it is better to use a fixed circuit layout when the objective is to achieve the highest number of 100% functional circuits. The two-fitness strategy is most effective when we allow a large number of generations.

Regulation of macrophage IL-12 synthesis by leishmania phosphoglycans

Abstract: It is now generally accepted that IFN-gamma, secreted by Th1 cells, is the most potent cytokine leading to macrophage activation and host resistance against infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania. It is also established that IL-12 is a critical cytokine involved in the differentiation and expansion of Th1 cells. Therefore, the ability of Leishmania parasites to actively suppress IL-12 production by host macrophages may be an important strategy for parasite survival. Here we report that a major parasite cell surface molecule, phosphoglycan (PG), of Leishmania could selectively inhibit the synthesis of IL-12(p40, p70) by activated murine macrophages. Furthermore, synthetic PG (sPG) was able to inhibit IL-12 release in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition was dependent on the galactose(beta1-4)mannose(alpha1)-PO4 repeating units and not the glycophosphoinositol lipid anchor of lipophosphoglycan. At the concentration used, sPG had no effect on the release of TNF-alpha or IL-6 in activated macrophages. The inhibition of IL-12(p40) production was at the transcriptional level, but was not mediated through NF kappaB inhibition. These data demonstrate that PG may be an important molecule for the establishment and survival of the parasite in permissive hosts.

Morphological and reproductive characteristics of male mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis holbrooki) inhabiting sewage-contaminated waters in New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract: The potential effects of exposure of fish to reproductive endocrine disruptors (REDs) is of major concern. This study reports on the effects of sewage effluent exposure on morphology of male mosquitofish (Gambusia a. holbrooki) in a tributary of the Hawksbury-Nepean River system in New South Wales, Australia. The growth and development of the modified anal fin (the gonopodium, GP) is a secondary sexual characteristic in males, forms under the influence of testosterone, and is critical for sperm transfer. The GP was reduced in length in males sampled downstream from a sewage treatment plant discharge point compared to GP fin length in males upstream or from other comparison sites. The reduction in size of this androgen-dependent structure suggests the presence of RED substances in the water. The presence or absence of spermatozeugmata (sperm packet) was not related to a reduction in GP length, which suggests spermatogenesis may not be reduced, but other measures of fertility remain to be evaluated. These results are discussed in the context of RED contaminants associated with sewage effluent.

Life After Mining: Hidden Unemployment and Changing Patterns of Economic Activity amongst Miners in England and Wales, 1981-1991:

Abstract: Official counts of unemployment in the coalfields have not reflected the large-scale losses of thousands of jobs from the mining industry in the 1980s and 1990s. Recent studies have suggested that there are indeed high incidences of unemployment among ex-miners and that much of the unemployment in the coalfields is `hidden', masked by the removal of miners from the official unemployment register through early retirement or being classed permanently sick. This paper examines how miners have been absorbed into the labour market over a ten-year period, between 1981 and 1991. Using data from the ONS Longitudinal Study a sample of miners are identified in 1981 and their labour market position in 1991 examined. The data are used to highlight changes in occupation, employment status and social class. In addition, regional differences in unemployment and joblessness are assessed.

Reusing single system requirements from application family requirements

Abstract: Reuse and requirements engineering are very important for efficient and successful systems development. However there are many open issues for performing them well in practice, especially raise of requirements. We present a new approach to reusing requirements based on application families i.e. several systems in a given problem domain. In contrast to precious approaches, an application family model in our approach consists of a pool of requirements (linked in a lattice structure), a domain model and a set of discriminants (a special kind of requirement that differentiate one system from another). We focus on how to make an efficient and clean selection of the requirements for a new system from an application family model. We have developed a method for solving this problem and a prototypical tool for supporting it. The method and the prototype were successfully developed under a study contract for ESA (European Space Agency). We present a case study, where we generated commanding requirements for an individual mission from an application family model of commanding requirements for spacecraft control operating systems. As a consequence, we propose this approach for reusing requirements based an application families.

Gordonia desulfuricans sp. nov., a benzothiophene-desulphurizing actinomycete.

Abstract: The taxonomic position of two actinomycetes isolated from soil was established using a polyphasic approach. The organisms, designated 213ET and 213F, were found to have chemical and morphological properties consistent with their assignment to the genus Gordonia. Nearly complete sequences of the 16S rDNA genes of the two strains were determined following the isolation and direct sequencing of the amplified genes. The tested strains were found to have identical 16S rDNA sequences and formed a phylogenetic line within the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Gordonia that was most closely related to Gordonia rubropertincta DSM 43197T. However, DNA-DNA relatedness data showed that strain 213ET and Gordonia rubropertincta DSM 43197T belonged to distinct genomic species. Strains 213ET and 213F also shared an identical phenotypic profile which distinguished them from representatives of validly described Gordonia species. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that strains 213ET and 213F merit recognition as a new species of Gordonia. The name proposed for the new species is Gordonia desulfuricans, for which the type strain is 213ET (= NCIMB 40816T).

A reassessment of the alternative press

Abstract: This article revisits the Comedia group's assessment of the alternative press as one of commercial failure. It examines the British alternative press of the 1990s and finds that, while financial exigency and anti-commercialism are still prevalent, new methods of reproduction and distribution have evolved that enable it to overcome the economic problems caused by such conditions. These methods are highly decentralized, relying on the sharing of resources and responsibility by editors, writers and readers. The findings suggest that Comedia's view is based on an inappropriate model of `market penetration' on the mainstream's terms, not on those of the alternative press. If instead the alternative press is considered as a co-operative enterprise based on alternative economic strategies firmly within the alternative public sphere, then there is reason for it to be considered a success.

The impact of European Directives on estuarine and coastal science and management

Abstract: Many recent developments in European marine and estuarine science have been against the demands of European Union legislation. The implementation of certain statutes, the role of scientists and the nature of the data required are discussed using examples from the UK, the Netherlands and Portugal. This includes the implementation of the EU Directives on Urban Waste-water Treatment, the control of Nitrates, the designation of Species and Habitats, the control of Dangerous Substances, the statutory requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments and the recently proposed Water Framework Directive. For these, the integration of physical, chemical and biological monitoring and investigation is discussed in relation to the science dictated by the legislative and administrative requirements. Each of these Directives requires the development of generic guidelines and protocols for implementation and the use of national enabling legislation. This indicates that, in several cases, the science should concentrate on monitoring and assessment in a well-structured and quality-controlled manner. The paper concludes by summarising developments based on similarities in the implementation of present and proposed Directives across Europe.

Knowledge management techniques

Abstract: This paper describes knowledge management teaching and dissemination concepts to support the training of professionals in an organization to manage their knowledge assets. They are based on AIAI's experience of working with large organizations to establish a technical knowledge management framework and to support their personnel in implementing the framework.The concepts support organizations who embark on a knowledge management programme. They promote the importance of knowledge management and the awareness of how knowledge management can be accomplished within, and across, operational divisions: create an awareness of a framework to achieve knowledge management; and establish a group of personnel who have skills in knowledge management techniques to enable them to facilitate the development, maintenance, use and sharing of the organization's knowledge assets.The main objective is to ensure that knowledge management techniques are rolled out across the organization. Importantly, these concepts provide the organization with the necessary training in the use of techniques to identify, analyse and manage knowledge assets.

Identification and environmental detection of Rhodococcus species by 16S rDNA‐targeted PCR

Abstract: Bacteria of the genus Rhodococcus can degrade a wide range of organic pollutants and catalyse many useful biotransformations. There is a need for improved tests to identify Rhodococcus species. PCR-based methods for species identification offer advantages in terms of speed and accuracy over traditional methods and can allow direct detection of microbes in environmental samples., PCR tests, using primers targeted at species-specific sequences in the 16S rRNA gene, were successfully developed for R. globerulus, R. erythropolis, R. opacus and R. ruber. These tests gave positive results with all or most strains of target species but did not generally cross-react with other species. Cases of apparent cross-reaction were shown to be due to prior misclassification of strains of R. opacus as R. erythropolis and of strains of R. ruber as R. rhodochrous. A simple and rapid method for the extraction and purification of DNA from soil was developed and successfully applied to the PCR detection of indigenous R. erythropolis in an environmental sample. Cell lysis in the samples was achieved by lysozyme and sarkosyl treatment, aided by freeze-thaw cycles. Removal of humic compounds inhibitory to PCR was accomplished by CTAB treatment with solvent extraction and, if necessary, passage of extracts through Sepharose CL-6B in a spun-column format. Extracts prepared using a tris-EDTA buffer were much clearer than those prepared using a sodium phosphate buffer, indicating lower levels of humic compounds. A detection limit of 104 cfu g−1 of soil was achieved and the use of a secondary PCR allowed detection of 1 cfu g−1.

Digital filter design at gate-level using evolutionary algorithms

Abstract: Traditionally digital filters are designed using the concept of a linear difference equation with the output response being a weighted sum of signal samples with usually floating point coefficients Unfortunately such a model is necessarily expensive in terms of hardware as it requires many large bit additions and multiplications In this paper it is shown how it is possible to evolve a tiny feed-forward rectangular array of logic gates to perform various filtering tasks – lowpass, bandpass, and multiband The circuit is evolved by assessing its response to digitised pure sine waves Some of the evolved circuits possess almost linear properties, which means that they are capable of filtering composite signals which have not been encountered in training

Induction of nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in epithelial cells by respirable mineral fibres.

Abstract: A panel of mineral fibres has been studied for their ability to cause translocation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to the nucleus in A549 lung epithelial cells. On the basis of inhalation studies, three fibres were designated as being carcinogenic-amosite asbestos, silicon carbide and refractory ceramic fibre 1 (RCF1)-or non-carcinogenic-man-made vitreous fibre (MMVF10), Code 100/475 glass fibre, and RCF4. The experiments were carried out at equal fibre number. It was hypothesized that carcinogenic fibres have greater free radical activity than non-carcinogenic fibres and that an oxidative stress produced in the lung after inhalation of fibres could cause translocation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to the nucleus, where transcription of pro-inflammatory genes such as cytokines could occur. It was demonstrated that a simple oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, caused translocation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The three carcinogenic fibres produced a significant dose-dependent translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus, whereas the non-carcinogenic fibres did not. Silicon carbide fibres were the most potent of the pathogenic fibres. MMVF10 was the most potent of the non-pathogenic fibres, causing significant nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB at high fibre number. Using three antioxidants, curcumin, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and Nacystelin, translocation caused by carcinogenic fibres could be significantly reduced. The present study shows that a short-term in vitro assay can discriminate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic fibres in terms of a key pro-inflammatory event in epithelial cells. The mechanism of the activation of NF-kappaB by pathogenic fibres and its general applicability to other fibre types remain to be determined.

Defining and Assessing Competence in Generic Skills

Abstract: It is widely believed that today's student population would benefit from receiving explicit training in generic skills, but there is substantially less agreement concerning the best way in which to bring this about. It is argued in this paper that it is very difficult, and perhaps impossible, to establish the skills levels that students should reach by the various stages of their degree courses. There appear to be two issues: the different needs of various disciplines and courses on the one hand, and the differing needs and expectations of the UK's diverse student population on the other. These issues are discussed via a case study of one academic teaching department that is running a stand‐alone module in generic skills, which is mandatory for all first‐year students.

The Teallach tool: using models for flexible user interface design

Abstract: Model-based user interface development environments aim to provide designers with a more systematic approach to user interface development using a particular design method. This method is realised through tools which support the construction and linkage of the supported models. This paper presents the tools which support the construction of the Teallach models in the context of the Teallach design method. Distinctive features of the Teallach tool include comprehensive facilities for relating the different models, and the provision of a flexible design method in which models can be constructed and related by designers in different orders and in different ways.

From description to requirements: an activity theoretic perspective

Abstract: This paper demonstrates how activity theoretic concepts can be used in conjunction with an ethnographically informed approach to derive requirements on a work situation. We present a case study based on a series of collaborative design episodes, the structured description derived from it and show how a preliminary set of contextually-grounded requirements on supporting the design process can be created.

On the filtering properties of evolved gate arrays

Abstract: A small gate array is evolved extrinsically to carry out a low pass filtering task defined over fifteen different frequencies The circuit is evolved by assessing its response to digitised sine waves Two different fitness functions are contrasted One is based on computing the sum of the absolute differences between the actual response and that desired, the other is defined by examining characteristics of the discrete Fourier transform of the output The gate arrays possess some linear properties, which means that they are capable of filtering composite signals which have not been encountered in training This includes signals with noise added and with frequencies which are not in the training set

Evolution of Digital Filters Using a Gate Array Model

Abstract: The traditional paradigm for digital filter design is based on the concept of a linear difference equation with the output response being a weighted sum of signal samples with usually floating point coefficients Unfortunately such a model is necessarily expensive in terms of hardware as it requires many large bit additions and multiplications In this paper it is shown how it is possible to evolve a small rectangular array of logic gates to perform low pass FIR filtering The circuit is evolved by assessing its response to digitised pure sine waves The evolved circuit is demonstrated to possess nearly linear properties, which means that it is capable of filtering composite signals which it has never seen before