Showing papers by "Manchester Metropolitan University published in 2002"

Online surveys in marketing research: pros and cons

Abstract: In a recent article on conducting international marketing research in the twenty-first century (Craig & Douglas 2001), the application of new (electronic) technology for data collection was encoura...

Corporate Reputation and Competitiveness

Abstract: This unique book written by four world leaders in reputation research, presents the latest cutting-edge thinking on organizational improvement. It covers media management, crisis management, the use of logos and other aspects of corporate identity, and argues the case for reputation management as a way of overseeing long-term organizational strategy. It presents a new approach to managing reputation, one that relies on surveying customers and employees on their view of the corporate character and in harmonizing the values of both. This approach has been trialled in a number of organizations and here the authors demonstrate how improving reputation, merely by learning more about what a company is already doing, is worth some five per cent sales growth. The book is a vital, up to date resource for specialists in corporate communication, public relations, marketing, HRM, and business strategy as well as for all senior management. Highly illustrated with over eighty diagrams and tables, it includes up to the minute illustrative case studies and interviews with leading authorities in the field.

Energy cost of walking and running at extreme uphill and downhill slopes

Abstract: The costs of walking (Cw) and running (Cr) were measured on 10 runners on a treadmill inclined between -0.45 to +0.45 at different speeds. The minimum Cw was 1.64 +/- 0.50 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at a 1.0 +/- 0.3 m/s speed on the level. It increased on positive slopes, attained 17.33 +/- 1.11 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at +0.45, and was reduced to 0.81 +/- 0.37 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at -0.10. At steeper slopes, it increased to reach 3.46 +/- 0.95 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at -0.45. Cr was 3.40 +/- 0.24 J. kg(-1). m(-1) on the level, independent of speed. It increased on positive slopes, attained 18.93 +/- 1.74 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at +0.45, and was reduced to 1.73 +/- 0.36 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at -0.20. At steeper slopes, it increased to reach 3.92 +/- 0.81 J. kg(-1). m(-1) at -0.45. The mechanical efficiencies of walking and running above +0.15 and below -0.15 attained those of concentric and eccentric muscular contraction, respectively. The optimum gradients for mountain paths approximated 0.20-0.30 for both gaits. Downhill, Cr was some 40% lower than reported in the literature for sedentary subjects. The estimated maximum running speeds on positive gradients corresponded to those adopted in uphill races; on negative gradients they were well above those attained in downhill competitions.

ADER: Arbitrary High Order Godunov Approach

Abstract: This paper concerns the construction of non-oscillatory schemes of very high order of accuracy in space and time, to solve non-linear hyperbolic conservation laws The schemes result from extending the ADER approach, which is related to the ENO/WENO methodology Our schemes are conservative, one-step, explicit and fully discrete, requiring only the computation of the inter-cell fluxes to advance the solution by a full time step; the schemes have optimal stability condition To compute the intercell flux in one space dimension we solve a generalised Riemann problem by reducing it to the solution a sequence of m conventional Riemann problems for the kth spatial derivatives of the solution, with ke0, 1,m, m−1, where m is arbitrary and is the order of the accuracy of the resulting scheme We provide numerical examples using schemes of up to fifth order of accuracy in both time and space

Organic milk: attitudes and consumption patterns

Abstract: This article considers consumer attitudes and motivation towards organic food, and milk specifically. This is then linked to the resulting purchase behaviour. Based on a combination of secondary and primary research, the results indicate the dynamics between these concepts. The resulting discussion highlights the importance of the associated internal and external factors within this area, and their impact for marketing managers.

Solution of the generalized Riemann problem for advection–reaction equations

Abstract: We present a method for solving the generalized Riemann problem for partial differential equations of the advection–reaction type. The generalization of the Riemann problem here is twofold. Firstly, the governing equations include nonlinear advection as well as reaction terms and, secondly, the initial condition consists of two arbitrary but infinitely differentiable functions, an assumption that is consistent with piecewise smooth solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws. The solution procedure, local and valid for sufficiently small times, reduces the solution of the generalized Riemann problem of the inhomogeneous nonlinear equations to that of solving a sequence of conventional Riemann problems for homogeneous advection equations for spatial derivatives of the initial conditions. We illustrate the approach via the model advection–reaction equation, the inhomogeneous Burgers equation and the nonlinear shallow–water equations with variable bed elevation.

Vertical jump coordination: fatigue effects.

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the segmental coordination of vertical jumps under fatigue of the knee extensor and flexor muscles. METHODS: Eleven healthy and active subjects performed maximal vertical jumps with and without fatigue, which was imposed by requesting the subjects to extend/flex their knees continuously in a weight machine, until they could not lift a load corresponding to approximately 50% of their body weight. Knee extensor and flexor isokinetic peak torques were also measured before and after fatigue. Video, ground reaction forces, and electromyographic data were collected simultaneously and used to provide several variables of the jumps. RESULTS: Fatiguing the knee flexor muscles did not reduce the height of the jumps or induce changes in the kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic profiles. Knee extensor fatigue caused the subjects to adjust several variables of the movement, in which the peak joint angular velocity, peak joint net moment, and power around the knee were reduced and occurred earlier in comparison with the nonfatigued jumps. The electromyographic data analyses indicated that the countermovement jumps were performed similarly, i.e., a single strategy was used, irrespective of which muscle group (extensor or flexors) or the changes imposed on the muscle force-generating characteristics (fatigue or nonfatigue). The subjects executed the movements as if they scaled a robust template motor program, which guided the movement execution in all jump conditions. It was speculated that training programs designed to improve jump height performance should avoid severe fatigue levels, which may cause the subjects to learn and adopt a nonoptimal and nonspecific coordination solution. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that the neural input used in the fatigued condition did not constitute an optimal solution and may have played a role in decreasing maximal jump height achievement.

Maximal lactate steady state, critical power and EMG during cycling.

Abstract: We hypothesised that: (1) the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), critical power (CP) and electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMG(FT)) occur at the same power output in cycling exercise, and (2) exercise above the power output at MLSS (P-MLSS) results in continued increases in oxygen uptake (VO(2)), blood lactate concentration ([La]) and integrated electromyogram (iEMG) with time. Eight healthy subjects [mean (SD) age 25 (3) years, body mass 72.1 (8.2) kg] performed a series of laboratory tests for the determination of MLSS, CP and EMG(FT). The CP was determined from four exhaustive trials of between 2 and 15 min duration. The MLSS was determined as the highest power output at which the increase in blood [La] was less than 1.0 mM across the last 20 min of a series of 30-min trials. The EMG(FT) was determined from four trials of 2 min duration at different power outputs. The surface electromyogram was recorded continuously from the vastus lateralis muscle. The CP was significantly higher than the P-MLSS [242 (25) vs. 222 (23) W; P<0.05], although the two variables were strongly correlated (r=0.95; P<0.01). The EMG(FT) could not be determined in 50% of the subjects. Blood [La], VO(2) and minute ventilation all increased significantly with time for exercise at power outputs above the P-MLSS. In conclusion, the P-MLSS, and not the CP, represents the upper limit of the heavy exercise domain in cycling. During exercise above the P-MLSS, there is no association between changes in iEMG and increases in VO(2) and blood [La] with time.

Plantar flexor activation capacity and H reflex in older adults: adaptations to strength training

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the voluntary neural drive and the excitability of the reflex arc could be modulated by training, even in old age. To this aim, the effects of a 16-wk strengthening program on plantar flexor voluntary activation (VA) and on the maximum Hoffman reflex (H(max))-to-maximum M wave (M(max)) ratio were investigated in 14 elderly men (65-80 yr). After training, isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) increased by 18% (P 65% MVC. Compared with younger men (24-35 yr), the H(max)- to M(max) ratio and nerve conduction velocity (H index) of the older group were significantly lower (42%, P < 0.05; and 29%, P < 0.001, respectively) and were not modulated by training. In conclusion, older men seem to preserve a high VA of plantar flexors. However, the impaired functionality of the reflex pathway with aging and the lack of modulation with exercise suggest that the decrease in the H(max)- to M(max) ratio and H index may be related to degenerative phenomena.

Detritivores in Kenyan highland streams: more evidence for the paucity of shredders in the tropics?

Abstract: 1 The relationship between coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) standing stock and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in Kenyan highland streams was determined by sampling seven sites on three rivers (2000-2700 m asl) Taxa recorded were allocated to functional feeding groups using published literature, mouthpart analysis and examination of gut contents Patterns were compared with five structurally similar streams in three areas of Europe (south-west France, south-east England, north-east England) 2 Number of individuals and proportion of detritivores in Kenyan streams were equivalent to, or greater than, those in European sites Shredders were, however, almost completely absent from Kenyan sites, despite high standing stocks of CPOM Shredders were abundant in all European sites 3 The phenomenon of low shredder abundance has been observed in other tropical streams in south-east Asia and Central and South America but, in contrast to these regions, the African rivers studied were devoid of shrimps or fish which may occupy the shredding niche elsewhere 4 These preliminary data suggest that shredder-mediated detritus processing, which is a key functional component of streams in the North Temperate Zone, does not operate in East African streams There are three possible reasons for this The first is that tropical African rivers are functionally different to those in temperate regions This could be because of enhanced microbial activity replacing shredder activity at high temperatures Alternatively, it could be a result of low palatability of detrital inputs from dominant riparian trees in the region The second and third are methodological: that our allocation to functional feeding groups is incorrect, and that our sampling methods missed a potentially key shredding taxon - the freshwater crab Potamonautes sp

Effects of prior heavy exercise on Vo2 kinetics during heavy exercise are related to changes in muscle activity

Abstract: We hypothesized that the elevated primary O2 uptake (V˙o 2) amplitude during the second of two bouts of heavy cycle exercise would be accompanied by an increase in the integrated electromyogram (iE...

Effects of exercise training on aerobic and functional capacity of end-stage renal disease patients.

Abstract: The aim was to assess the effects of exercise training on aerobic and fuctional capacity of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Patients completed an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2 peak and VO2 at ventilatory threshold (VT; V-slope). On a separate day they performed two constant load exercise tests on a cycle ergometer at 90% of VT and at a workload of 33 W, to determine VO2 kinetics. Functional capacity was assessed using measurements of sit-to-stands (STS-5, STS-60) and a walk test. Dialysis patients were randomly allocated to an exercise (ET: n = 18, age = 57.3 years) or control (C: n = 15, age = 50.5 - 5 years) group. The ET group participated in an exercise training programme involving cycling for 3 months. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time by group interactions (P < 0.05) following training for VO2 peak (ET: 17 +/- 6.1 versus 19.9 +/- 6-3, C: 19.5 +/- 4.7 versus 188 +/- 4.9 ml kg min(-1)) and VO2-VT (ET: 10.7 +/- 3.5 versus 11.8 +/- 3.3, C:12.9 +/- 3.2 versus 119 +/- 3.5 ml kg min(-10). VO2 kinetics remained unchanged in both groups at 90% -VT, but a trend (P = 0.059) towards faster kinetics at the 33 W was observed (ET: 49.6 +/- 19.5 versus 37.8 +/- 12.7, C: 42.8 +/- 13 versus 49.4 +/- 20.2 s). Significant time by group interactions (P < 0.05) were also observed for STS-5 (ET: 14.7 +/- 6.2 versus 11.0 +/- 3.3, C: 12.8 +/- 4.4 versus 12.7 +/- 4.8 s) and STS-60 measurements (ET: 21.2 + 7.2 versus 26.9 +/- 6.2, C: 23.7 +/- 6.8 versus 24.1 +/- 7.2). Three months of exercise rehabilitation significantly improves peak exercise capacity of patients with ESRD. Measurements of VO2 kinetics and functional capacity suggest that longer time might be needed to induce peripheral adaptations.

Postural sway and active balance performance in highly active lower-limb amputees.

Abstract: Buckley JG, O’Driscoll D, Bennett SJ: Postural sway and active balance performance in highly active lower-limb amputees. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:13–20.ObjectiveTo determine the balance performance of active lower-limb amputees during quiet standing and under dynamic conditions.DesignCe

How fins affect the economy and efficiency of human swimming.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to quantify the improvements in the economy and efficiency of surface swimming brought about by the use of fins over a range of speeds (v) that could be sustained aerobically. At comparable speeds, the energy cost (C) when swimming with fins was about 40 % lower than when swimming without them; when compared at the same metabolic power, the decrease in C allowed an increase in v of about 0.2 ms(-1). Fins only slightly decrease the amplitude of the kick (by about 10 %) but cause a large reduction (about 40 %) in the kick frequency. The decrease in kick frequency leads to a parallel decrease of the internal work rate ((int), about 75 % at comparable speeds) and of the power wasted to impart kinetic energy to the water ((k), about 40 %). These two components of total power expenditure were calculated from video analysis ((int)) and from measurements of Froude efficiency ((k)). Froude efficiency (eta(F)) was calculated by computing the speed of the bending waves moving along the body in a caudal direction (as proposed for the undulating movements of slender fish); eta(F) was found to be 0.70 when swimming with fins and 0.61 when swimming without them. No difference in the power to overcome frictional forces ((d)) was observed between the two conditions at comparable speeds. Mechanical efficiency [(tot)/(Cv), where (tot)=(k)+(int)+(d)] was found to be about 10 % larger when swimming with fins, i.e. 0.13+/-0.02 with and 0.11+/-0.02 without fins (average for all subjects at comparable speeds).

ADER: A High-Order Approach for Linear Hyperbolic Systems in 2D

Abstract: The ADER scheme for solving systems of linear, hyperbolic partial differential equations in two-dimensions is presented in this paper It is a finite-volume scheme of high order in space and time The scheme is explicit, fully discrete and advances the solution in one single step Several numerical tests have been performed In the first test case the dissipation and dispersion behaviour of the schemes are studied in one space dimension Dispersion as well as dissipation effects strongly influence the discrete wave propagation over long distances and are very important for, eg, aeroacoustical calculations The next test, the so-called co-rotating vortex pair, is a demonstration of the ideas of the two-dimensional ADER approach The linearised Euler equations are used for the simulation of the sound emitted by a co-rotating vortex pair

Repeated contractions alter the geometry of human skeletal muscle.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated contractions on the geometry of human skeletal muscle. Six men performed two sets (sets Aand B) of 10 repeated isometric plantarflexi...

Oxygen uptake kinetics during treadmill running across exercise intensity domains.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine comprehensively the kinetics of oxygen uptake ( % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ ) during treadmill running across the moderate, heavy and severe exercise intensity domains. Nine subjects [mean (SD age, 27 (7) years; mass, 69.8 (9.0) kg; maximum % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ , % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYiabb2gaTjabbggaHjabbIha4bqa % baaaaa!3C8B! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{{\rm 2max}} $$ , 4,137 (697) ml·min–1] performed a series of "square-wave" rest-to-exercise transitions of 6 min duration at running speeds equivalent to 80% and 100% of the % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ at lactate threshold (LT; moderate exercise); and at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the difference between the % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ at LT and % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYiabb2gaTjabbggaHjabbIha4bqa % baaaaa!3C8B! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{{\rm 2max}} $$ (Δ, heavy and severe exercise). Critical velocity (CV) was also determined using four maximal treadmill runs designed to result in exhaustion in 2–15 min. The % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ response was modelled using non-linear regression techniques. As expected, the amplitude of the % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ primary component increased with exercise intensity [from 1,868 (136) ml·min–1 at 80% LT to 3,296 (218) ml·min–1 at 100% Δ, P<0.05]. However, there was a non-significant trend for the "gain" of the primary component to decrease as exercise intensity increased [181 (7) ml·kg–1·km–1 at 80% LT to 160 (6) ml·kg–1·km–1 at 100% Δ]. The time constant of the primary component was not different between supra-LT running speeds (mean value range = 17.9–19.1 s), but was significantly shorter during the 80% LT trial [12.7 (1.4) s, P<0.05]. The % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ slow component increased with exercise intensity from 139 (39) ml·min–1 at 20% Δ to 487 (57) ml·min–1 at 80% Δ (P<0.05), but decreased to 317 (84) ml·min–1 during the 100% Δ trial (P<0.05). During both the 80% Δ and 100% Δ trials, the % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ at the end of exercise reached % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYiabb2gaTjabbggaHjabbIha4bqa % baaaaa!3C8B! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{{\rm 2max}} $$ [4,152 (242) ml·min–1 and 4,154 (114) ml·min–1, respectively]. Our results suggest that the "gain" of the primary component is not constant as exercise intensity increases across the moderate, heavy and severe domains of treadmill running. These intensity-dependent changes in the amplitudes and kinetics of the % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aqatCvAUfKttLearuavP1wzZbqedmvETj2BSbWexL % MBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyWqVvNCPvMCG4uz3bqee0evGueE % 0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf % ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr % 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbdAfawzaaca % Gaee4ta80aaSbaaSqaaiabbkdaYaqabaaaaa!386A! $$\dot V{\rm O}_{\rm 2} $$ response profiles may be associated with the changing patterns of muscle fibre recruitment that occur as exercise intensity increases.

Photooxidative and thermal degradation of polyethylenes: interrelationship by chemiluminescence, thermal gravimetric analysis and FTIR data

Abstract: The thermal and photooxidative behaviour of polyethylenes of different manufacturing histories (linear low, metallocene and high density) have been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and the data related to the chemiluminescence (CL) and thermal analysis of the polymers. The CL intensity and activation energies for thermal decomposition were found to be dependent on the rates of oxidation of the polymers under light and heat. On thermal oxidation, the activation energies were found to decrease with time and followed the order HDPE>m-PE>LLDPE, which correlated with the results obtained by means of CL analysis, where a higher intensity of CL at low temperature was found for HDPE. On photooxidation, the order followed their instability, i.e. m-PE>HDPE>LLDPE. The rates of thermal oxidation in each case were found to be the same irrespective of the nature of the oxidation product, i.e. hydroperoxide, vinyl and carbonyl groups. The influence of branching in the polymer appears to be important, showing a decrease of thermal stability as branching in polyethylene increases.

South Asian women, psychological distress and self-harm: lessons for primary care trusts

Abstract: The present paper reports an investigation of the self-reported needs of South Asian women suffering distress and mental health problems which may lead to self-harm and suicide, and uses the data to define indicators of good practice for primary care. The design was a qualitative study using focus group discussion. Four focus groups of South Asian women (using existing women's groups in Manchester, UK) formed the setting for this study. Each focus group was facilitated by one of the authors, and the discussions occurred in Urdu, English and Punjabi. An interview guide was used, although the direction of the discussions followed the women's agenda. Notes were taken during the focus group discussions. Analysis of notes to define themes and emergence of framework was carried out. The data were analysed according to the principles of framework analysis. A range of systemic issues were described by respondents including: social, political and economic pressures; domestic violence; poverty; language problems; family and children's issues; and health. These experiences were reinforced by an extremely efficient community grapevine and were evident in described experiences such as: racism and stereotyping of Asian women; Asian communities and Islam; and the concept of izzat (honour) in Asian family life, which was seen as a major influence in the lives of Asian women. These experiences were thought to result in mental distress, which was described in a variety of ways by the women. The women saw self-harm as a usable coping strategy to deal with their distress. Perceived barriers to services were described by the women. Services tended to be accessed only at a point of desperation, rather than prior to crisis points. This indicated the need for services to be able to respond rapidly when Asian women did ask for help. Whilst the present paper describes a local study, thus limiting its generalisability, the use of such work in commissioning local health and social services is outlined. A number of indicators for good practice were drawn up in relation to addressing systemic issues in service provision using these findings. Such indicators will be of use by primary care trusts in developing, commissioning and monitoring services for this patient group.

Numerical solutions of the shallow water equations with discontinuous bed topography

Abstract: A simple scheme is developed for treatment of vertical bed topography in shallow water flows. The effect of the vertical step on flows is modelled with the shallow water equations including local energy loss terms. The bed elevation is denoted with zb- for the left and zb+ for the right values at each grid point, hence exactly representing a discontinuity in the bed topography. The surface gradient method (SGM) is generalized to reconstruct water depths at cell interfaces involving a vertical step so that the fluxes at the cell interfaces can accurately be calculated with a Riemann solver. The scheme is verified by predicting a surge crossing a step, a tidal flow over a step and dam-break flows on wet/dry beds. The results have shown good agreements compared with analytical solutions and available experimental data. The scheme is efficient, robust, and may be used for practical flow calculations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.