Showing papers by "Manchester Metropolitan University published in 1996"
TL;DR: The application of MALDI-TOF-MS is reported for the identification of intact Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms taken directly from culture, providing a unique mass spectral fingerprint of the microorganism, produced from desorbed components of the cell wall.
Abstract: Antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria continue to emerge, increasing the need for their fast and accurate identification. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), has become a prominent technique in biological mass spectrometry. We report the application of MALDI-TOF-MS for the identification of intact Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms taken directly from culture. Analysis of bacteria from a single colony is possible, allowing the screening of mixed cultures. Sample preparation is simple and the analysis automated, providing spectra within minutes. The spectra obtained allow identification of microorganisms from different genera, different species, and from different strains of the same species. The procedure provides a unique mass spectral fingerprint of the microorganism, produced from desorbed components of the cell wall. Consistent data were obtained from subcultures grown for 3-day and 6-day periods, from the same cultures 1 day later and from fresh subcultures 2 months later.
595 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between political marketing and product or service marketing has been investigated and the importance of exogeneous factors in electoral success has been discussed, with the current absence of predictive and prescriptive theories of political marketing action.
Abstract: Suggests that insufficient attention has been given to the significant differences between political and product or service marketing. The rise in awareness of political marketing has coincided with a decline of party membership in Britain and an increased distance between party and voter. Considers the relationships between party leader, brand image, exposure and awareness. Notes the current absence of predictive and prescriptive theories of political marketing action, and the relative significance of exogeneous factors in electoral success. Crossovers between conventional marketing, political science and political marketing are identified for future study.
301 citations
TL;DR: Magnesium hydroxide has all the characteristics required for use as a flame retardant filler and can be made synthetically with high purity and in a range of useful morphologies, responds well to surface modifiers and decomposes endothermically with release of water at temperatures close to those of polymer degradation and high enough to allow incorporation into most polymer types as mentioned in this paper.
292 citations
TL;DR: Background and Purpose Occlusion in cerebral vessels results in ischemic stroke and is followed by proliferation of microvessels, ie, angiogenesis, which is particularly marked in the border regions of Europe.
Abstract: Background and Purpose Occlusion in cerebral vessels results in ischemic stroke and is followed by proliferation of microvessels, ie, angiogenesis. The process is particularly marked in the border ...
264 citations
TL;DR: The photoinitiator is the key to the control of these processes and, in recent years, has seen many new developments as discussed by the authors, such as the need for water-soluble, co-reactive and polymeric structures with low migration rates, as well as cheaper UV/visible sensitizers with enhanced speed.
Abstract: The radiation curing industry is one of the most rapidly developing fields in the entire coatings industry. The low toxicity, cheapness, speed, control and ease of formulation and operation are some of the main advantages of this growing technology. UV and/or visible light radiation is used to induce photochemical polymerization or crosslinking of a monomer, oligomer or prepolymer formulation containing a certain type of unsaturation, such as an acrylic group, and an appropriate initiator. The latter is used to absorb the light energy and transform it into active species, such as radicals or ions, capable of inducing such reactions. Applications extend to general coatings for paper, board, wood, tapes, compact discs and holograms, inks, photoresists for imaging processes and adhesives for welding and sealing in electronic circuit boards. The photoinitiator is the key to the control of these processes and, in recent years, has seen many new developments. These include the need for water-soluble, co-reactive and polymeric structures with low migration rates, as well as cheaper UV/ visible sensitizers with enhanced speed. New and effective cationic systems are also on the scene and, although expensive, are attracting significant academic and commercial interest.
238 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a modified version of the SERVQUAL instrument was tested by volunteers from three undergraduate degrees (n = 134) in class time just before the Christmas vacation, and the results revealed higher average perception scores than expectation scores on every dimension except tangibles.
Abstract: Explains the need for a valid and reliable instrument for course managers to evaluate their product through customer feedback as part of the system of quality assurance, and examines the justification for viewing higher education as a service provision with the student body as the customer. Provides a short review of the existing tools for measuring student experience, along with the rationale for testing a modified version of the SERVQUAL instrument. The instrument was completed by volunteers from three undergraduate degrees (n = 134) in class time just before the Christmas vacation. Analysis of the results revealed higher average perception scores than expectation scores on every dimension except tangibles. However, analysis also revealed rather lower reliability coefficients than those achieved by Parasuraman or later replication studies. Factor analysis did not support the original five SERVQUAL dimensions in line with other replication studies. Considers the reasons for the low reliability score and the different factor structure. In particular, proposes the modified instrument’s lack of focus on a specific aspect of the complex service experience as a possible source of error. Recommends that the elements of service quality should be revisited and a higher education‐specific instrument for course managers should be constructed.
211 citations
TL;DR: There is sufficient evidence in the literature to establish a strong link between injury to the lower back and the use of the mixed technique, and for research into other aspects of injury.
Abstract: This review concentrates on synthesizing and analysing the biomechanical research which has been carried out on fast bowling in men's cricket. Specifically, it relates to those elements of the bowling technique which contribute towards a fast ball release, the aerodynamics and technique of swing bowling, and the association between fast bowling and lower back injury. With regard to bowling technique, no firm conclusions are drawn on the relationships between elements of the fast bowling technique and ball release speed. Recommendations for future research in this area include intra-player studies to establish the bowler-specific factors which contribute to fast ball release and features of body segment dynamics. There is general agreement that the phenomenon of differential boundary layer separation is the reason for normal and reverse cricket ball swing. Systematic research to establish the essential aspects of the bowling technique which contribute to successful swing bowling is recommended, along with studies of the behaviour of the ball in games to ascertain the effects of ball asymmetries on ball swing. There is sufficient evidence in the literature to establish a strong link between injury to the lower back and the use of the mixed technique. Recommendations are made for screening and intervention to reduce the use of the mixed technique, and for research into other aspects of injury. Fundamental research to develop biomechanical models of the lower back in fast bowling is strongly recommended.
196 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that a prior bout of isokinetic eccentric training reduces muscle damage, reduces the amount of strength loss and decreases the sensation of DOMS after downhill running.
Abstract: Unaccustomed exercise (usually of an eccentric nature) is often followed by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Previous studies have found that prior eccentric activity produces a training effect which reduces DOMS and morphological changes. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a prior bout of maximal isokinetic eccentric exercise on DOMS, strength loss and plasma creatine kinase (CK) changes following a downhill run. Ten male subjects with a mean (± s.d. age of 22.5 ± 2.8 years, body mass of 62.67 ± 0.05 kg and height of 176 ± 3 cm were allocated to either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group performed 100 maximal eccentric activations of the knee extensors in the dominant leg at 0.52 rad s‐1. Two weeks later, the downhill run was performed on a motor‐driven treadmill. This consisted of five bouts of 8 min at a gradient of ‐10% at a speed corresponding to 80% of the predicted maximal heart rate. The untrained group performed the downhill run as above but without the...
169 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework for examining international child rights legislation and the concept of childhood that underlies it is presented, and the distinctions between local, global and global child rights laws are discussed.
Abstract: This article elaborates a conceptual framework for examining international child rights legislation and the concept of childhood that underlies it. The distinctions between local, global and global...
164 citations
TL;DR: Three-dimensional cinematography was used to establish the relationship between distance and the kinematics of shooting with respect to playing position in basketball and the more consistent changes in kinematic patterns with changes in shooting distance exhibited by guards as compared to centres would suggest that such adjustments are easier to make for those players who regularly shoot from long range.
Abstract: Three‐dimensional cinematography (100 Hz) was used to establish the relationship between distance and the kinematics of shooting with respect to playing position in basketball. Fifteen subjects, divided into guards, forwards and centres (all n = 5), performed jump shots from each of three distances: 2.74, 4.57 and 6.40 m from the basket. Increases in mean release speed were found as shooting distance increased for all groups. This was due to increased angular velocities of both shoulder flexion and elbow extension and an increased speed of the centre of mass in the direction of the basket. Release angles for the two shorter distances (52–55°) tended to provide the advantage of a steep angle of entry into the basket, whereas those at the longest distance (48–50°) were closer to those requiring the minimum possible release speed. All groups exhibited an earlier timing of release as shooting distance increased, which gave rise to an earlier rotation of the shoulder axis. The more consistent changes in kinema...
164 citations
TL;DR: Fruit development in oil‐seed rape and in the related B. juncea and Arabidopsis is examined using a combination of cytological, cytochemical and molecular techniques, and it is suggested how this results in the shattering phenotype.
Abstract: Wild Brassica plants release seeds by a pod shattering mechanism; in related crop plants, such as oil-seed rape, this can result in substantial loss of seed, and hence loss of revenue, and also in the distribution of seeds which can contaminate future crops and the environment. To identify strategies which may be used to reduce shatter, either by conventional breeding programmes or by genetic engineering, we have examined fruit development in oil-seed rape (Brassica napus), and in the related B. juncea and Arabidopsis, using a combination of cytological, cytochemical and molecular techniques. We report here on the patterns of cellular differentiation and tissue development during fruit maturation, and suggest how this results in the shattering phenotype.
Book•
03 Dec 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored observable oral participation (OOP) of customers at the front stage of the service delivery system within a retail store setting and proposed a process and structure of classification of OOP1 and OOP2 interactions.
Abstract: Explores observable oral participation (OOP) of customers at the front stage of the service delivery system within a retail store setting. Spoken interactions between a customer and a sales assistant are denoted as OOP1, and those between one customer and another as OOP2. The respective front stage roles of customers and sales assistants are examined through an analysis of the content of OOP1 and OOP2 as described by a large sample of customers of a particular store. A process and structure of classification of OOP1 and OOP2 interactions is described and proposed. Results show that, while overall patterns of OOP1 and OOP2 activities are significantly different, the proportion of products‐related interactions for each is very similar. OOP2 interactions were predominantly positive and there is evidence that, for some customers, product‐related conversations with other customers replace or reinforce those with sales assistants. Discusses the actual roles enacted by persons at the front stage in the context of the management of the service encounter.
05 Aug 1996
TL;DR: This paper proposes an algorithm for a semi-automatic extraction of nested uninterrupted and interrupted collocations, paying particular attention to nested collocation.
Abstract: This paper provides an approach to the semi-automatic extraction of collocations from corpora using statistics. The growing availability of large textual corpora, and the increasing number of applications of collocation extraction, has given rise to various approaches on the topic. In this paper, we address the problem of nested collocations; that is, those being part of longer collocations. Most approaches till now, treated substrings of collocations as collocations, only if they appeared frequently enough by themselves in the corpus. These techniques left a lot of collocations unextracted. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for a semi-automatic extraction of nested uninterrupted and interrupted collocations, paying particular attention to nested collocation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the effects of viewing same-gender photographic models on women and men's body-esteem, and find that women score significantly lower than men on the bodyesteem scale.
Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the effects of viewing same-gender photographic models on women and men's body-esteem. Women and men completed body-esteem scales before and after viewing pictures of same-gender photographic models (experimental group) or landscapes (control group). Women scored significantly lower than men on the body-esteem scale [F(1, 90) = 58.5, p < .001]. Women [F(1, 90) = 8.70, p < .05] and men [F(1, 90) = 4.17, p < .05] in the experimental group showed a significant decrease in body-esteem after seeing the photographs and the controls showed no significant change [women F(1, 90) = 0.57; men F(1, 90) = 0.00]. Results suggest that upward comparisons are made by women and men when viewing attractive same-gender models.
TL;DR: It would appear that a thrower’s body position at the instant of final foot strike, his ability to transfer momentum between the lower body and the upper body during the delivery, and coordination of the working body segments in the most effective manner are linked to his success in the event.
Abstract: In the men’s javelin event the athlete throws an 800g implement into a 40° sector. The objective is to throw as far as possible. Compared with most other throwing implements, the javelin is relatively aerodynamic. Even so, the most important release parameter is still the release speed. Maximising this parameter gives the athlete the best chance of attaining success in the event.
TL;DR: Patients with scoliosis exhibit balance problems during the stance phase of gait and have significant asymmetry in the frequency characteristics, which could be a primary effect that contributes to the medial-lateral deformity of the spine and its initiation and progression.
Abstract: Study Design. The walking gait in 20 healthy adolescent girls and 20 adolescent girls with iodiopathic scoliosis was compared using time and frequency domain analysis of the ground reaction forces. Objectives. To investigate the support phase mechanics of walking gait in health subjects and those with scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. Previous studies have demonstrated the important role of gait in the etiology of scoliosis, although, to date, there are no detailed reports that examine kinetic gait parameters. Methods. Selected force-time parameters were used to investigate time domain patterns. The frequency content of the vertical, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral components was used to examine frequency characteristics. Inter- and intrasubject variability and bilateral symmetry also were examined. Results. The findings indicated no significant differences between the two groups for the time domain variables. However, the frequency content of the group with scoliosis was significantly higher than that of the control group, especially in the medial-lateral component, suggesting presence of a balance control misfunction. In addition, substantially higher inter- and intrasubject variability and asymmetry was found within the frequency content of the group with scoliosis compared with the control group in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions. Conclusions. Patients with scoliosis exhibit balance problems during the stance phase of gait and have significant asymmetry in the frequency characteristics. These findings could be a primary effect that contributes to the medial-lateral deformity of the spine and its initiation and progression.
TL;DR: It is argued that the classical attention model of alpha is untenable, except for simple sensori-motor responses, and it is proposed that in this case, alpha amplitude may be dependent on an intention component of behaviour.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a short review of the existing tools for measuring student experience along with the rationale for testing a modified version of the SERVQUAL instrument, which was completed by volunteers from three undergraduate degrees (n = 134) in class time just before the Christmas vacation.
Abstract: Explains the need for a valid and reliable instrument for course managers to evaluate their product through customer feedback as part of the system of quality assurance. Examines the justification for viewing higher education as a service provision with the student body as the customer. Provides a short review of the existing tools for measuring student experience along with the rationale for testing a modified version of the SERVQUAL instrument. The instrument was completed by volunteers from three undergraduate degrees (n = 134) in class time just before the Christmas vacation. Analysis of the results revealed higher average perception scores than expectation scores on every dimension except tangibles. However, analysis also revealed rather lower reliability coefficients than achieved by Parasuraman or later replication studies. Factor analysis did not support the original five SERVQUAL dimensions in line with other replication studies. Considers the reasons for the low reliability score and the different factor structure. In particular, proposes the modified instrument’s lack of focus on a specific aspect of the complex service experience as a possible source of error. Recommends that the elements of service quality should be revisited and a higher education specific instrument for course managers should be constructed.
TL;DR: The present findings demonstrate that the method of normalization significantly influences the conclusions on antagonistic activity during isokinetic maximum voluntary efforts.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined self-reported height and weight, self/body esteem, current-ideal body figure discrepancy, dietary restraint, intentions to diet and underlying beliefs based upon the theory of planned behaviour in 128 11-year-olds (61 boys, 67 girls) and 103 13-14-year olds (52 boys, 51 girls).
Abstract: This study examined self-reported height and weight, self/body esteem, current-ideal body figure discrepancy, dietary restraint, intentions to diet and underlying beliefs based upon the theory of planned behaviour in 128 11-year-olds (61 boys, 67 girls) and 103 13–14-year-olds (52 boys, 51 girls). Overall the sample showed low levels of restraint and intentions to diet, although there were a number of significant differences between the age-sex groups. Restraint and intentions to diet were higher in the girls and restraint was more closely related to current-ideal body figure discrepancy than actual degree of overweight. Intentions to diet, and restraint were significantly predicted by beliefs about the positive outcomes of dieting, conditions facilitating dieting, and pressure from the media to attain a slim body shape. These variables mediated the effects of actual weight, sex and age but not self/body esteem or current-ideal body figure discrepancy on intentions and restraint.
TL;DR: In this article, changes in the luminescence, infra-red and visible spectra of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) when degraded at melt temperatures in air and nitrogen have been examined.
TL;DR: In this article, a new stencil, Maximum Limited Gradient (MLG) reconstruction technique is presented for unstructured elements, which turns out to be a multidimensional analogue of the one-dimensional Superbee slope.
Abstract: Despite their geometric flexibility, unstructured mesh schemes for compressible gas dynamics do not usually resolve captured shocks and contact discontinuities as well as corresponding structured mesh schemes. The main reason for this appears to be the difficulty in constructing analogous extensions to higher-order accuracy. This issue is addressed in some detail and a new, compact stencil, Maximum Limited Gradient (MLG) reconstruction technique is presented for unstructured elements. The MLG reconstruction turns out to be a multidimensional analogue of the one-dimensional Superbee slope. We then describe a simple and robust extension to systems of equations, which does not require any diagonalization of flux Jacobian matrices. An application to a blast wave hazard prediction problem is presented using the wave-by-wave extension of the MLG limiter to the Euler equations.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the social history paradigm in the context of philanthropy and the role of social history in the development of the social sciences, focusing on the following:
Abstract: (1996). Philanthropy and the ‘social history paradigm' Social History: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 180-192.
TL;DR: It is concluded that there may be substantial benefit in providing training in management skills and introducing a stress management programme for GPs.
Abstract: SUMMARY Questionnaires assessing levels of job satisfaction, mental well-being and sources of stress were distributed to a random sample of 850 general practitioners (GPs) in England. The final sample size was 414. Compared to a normative sample, male GPs exhibit significantly higher levels of anxiety, whereas female GPs compare favourably to the population norms. Job satisfaction levels among male and female GPs were significantly lower than when they were measured in 1987. Multivariate analysis revealed five major stressors that were predictive of high levels of job dissatisfaction and negative mental well-being; these were practice administration and demands of the job, interference with family and social life, routine medical work, interruptions and working environment. In addition, emotional involvement and type A behaviour were predictive of lack of mental well-being. It is concluded that there may be substantial benefit in providing training in management skills and introducing a stress management programme for GPs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic analysis and evaluation of employment relationship issues in the industry and finds them to be different from those observed elsewhere in the economy is presented. But, they also find that there is a predominance of "unbridled individualism" associated with "poor" industrial relations outcomes which, paradoxically, exist alongside an above average presence of personnel specialists.
Abstract: Given that hotels and catering comprise an important part of the service sector representing the changing face of the economy, their neglect in industrial relations discourse about the ‘new’ industrial relations is no longer sustainable. Previously unpublished data from the Workplace Industrial Relations Survey 1990 (WIRS3) have provided the first opportunity for systematic analysis and evaluation of employment relationship issues in the industry and finds them to be different from those observed elsewhere in the economy. Consequently, hotels and catering can be said to manifest a predominance of ‘unbridled individualism’ associated with ‘poor’ industrial relations outcomes which, paradoxically, exist alongside an above average presence of personnel specialists.
TL;DR: The authors found that children as young as 8 years give accounts of body dissatisfaction that are similar to those of adult women, and that suggest acceptance of the slim adult ideal, suggesting cultural influences on young women that encourage objectification and criticism of the body.
Abstract: This paper reports two group-interviews of young women aged 8 and 13 years. These young women were dissatisfied with their bodies and described ideal figures that matched the slim adult ideal. The younger girls were not dieting but were involved in helping their parents to diet. Adolescents had avoided “fattening” foods and would be concerned if they put on half a stone in weight. Eating (particularly sweet food) was used as a means of comfort and to relieve boredom by young women in both age groups. Results are similar to those of Nickie Charles and Marion Kerr (1986) who interviewed adult women. It is concluded that children as young as 8 years give accounts of body dissatisfaction that are similar to those of adult women, and that suggest acceptance of the slim adult ideal. Implications are discussed in relation to cultural influences on young women that encourage objectification and criticism of the body.
TL;DR: The role of the political lobbyist and corporate campaigner is a modem reflection of Machiavelli's ideas as discussed by the authors, and there is an assessment of the insights which marketing can bring to this growing area.
Abstract: Political lobbying by business has grown considerably in recent years. This paper considers its relationship with marketing communication and marketing. Niccolo Machiavelli, in “The Prince”, gives a practical treatise on how to use power and the influences upon the ruler. It is argued that the role of the political lobbyist and corporate campaigner is a modem reflection of Machiavelli's ideas. The literature on lobbying and corporate campaigning in the UK is reviewed and there is an assessment of the insights which marketing can bring to this growing area. The paper presents a working definition of corporate lobbying and campaigning, and an indication of the scale of activity in the UK. A practical research programme for marketing researchers in this significant area is outlined. Some recent cases from current research are given with an outline of some of the core reasons for the growth of “Machiavellian Marketing”.
TL;DR: Baudrillard as mentioned in this paper argues that while Baudrillards' analysis of the fetishism does not go far enough in describing the social and discursive practices in which objects are used and sometimes transformed into fetishes, it is proposed that the fetishisation of objects involves an overdetermination of their social value through a discursive negotiation of the capacities of objects that stimulates fantasy and desire for them.
Abstract: The idea of the fetish has a particular presence in the writings of both Marx and Freud. It implies for these two theorists of the social, a particular form of relation between human beings and objects. In the work of both the idea of the fetish involves attributing properties to objects that they do not 'really' have and that should correctly be recognised as human. While Marx's account of fetishism addresses the exchange-value of commodities at the level of the economic relations of production, it fails to deal in any detail with the use-value or consumption of commodities. In contrast Freud's concept of the fetish as a desired substitute for a suitable sex object explores how objects are desired and consumed. Drawing on both Marx and Freud, Baudrillard breaks with their analyses of fetishism as demonstrating a human relation with unreal objects. He explores the creation of value in objects through the social exchange of sign values, showing how objects are fetishised in ostentation. This paper argues that while Baudrillard breaks with the realism characteristic of Marx's and Freud's analyses of fetishism, he does not go far enough in describing the social and discursive practices in which objects are used and sometimes transformed into fetishes. It is proposed that the fetishisation of objects involves an overdetermination of their social value through a discursive negotiation of the capacities of objects that stimulates fantasy and desire for them.