Manchester Metropolitan University

About: Manchester Metropolitan University is a education organization based out in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 5435 authors who have published 16202 publications receiving 442561 citations. The organization is also known as: Manchester Polytechnic & MMU.

Towards a Theory of Cooperative Problem Solving

Abstract: One objective of distributed artificial intelligence research is to build systems that are capable of cooperative problem solving. To this end, a number of implementation-oriented models of cooperative problem solving have been developed. However, mathematical models of social activity have focussed only on limited aspects of the cooperative problem solving process: no mathematical model of the entire process has yet been described. In this paper, we rectify this omission. We present a preliminary model that describes the cooperative problem solving process from recognition of the potential for cooperation through to team action. The model is formalised by representing it as a theory in a quantified multimodal logic. A key feature of the model is its reliance on the twin notions of commitments and conventions; conventions (protocols for monitoring commitments) are formalised for the first time in this paper. We comment on the generality of the model, outline its deficiencies, and suggest some possible refinements and other future areas of research.

Individualization, gender and cultural work

Abstract: In the ‘new’ economy the virtues of creative and cultural industry production are widely promoted and idealized. For women, set free from their ‘feudal chains’, the ‘cool creative and egalitarian’ cultural economy — particularly in areas such new media, music, design and fashion — appears to offer paths to workplace freedom. But is this really so? Using evidence from the digital ‘new media’ sector, this article builds on the work of Lash and Adkins that suggests that the ostensibly detraditionalized cultural economy continues to play host to some markedly regressive traditional social structures. In particular it is shown how the new media sector exhibits some clear continuity with the old economy in terms of some enduring gender inequality and discrimination. However, more positively, evidence is presented of how women have been able to take advantage of individualized workplace structures and develop more autonomous and reflexive workplace roles.

Age-related neuromuscular changes affecting human vastus lateralis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The anterior thigh muscles are particularly susceptible to muscle loss and weakness during ageing, but it remains unclear how this is associated with changes to neuromuscular structure and function in terms of motor unit (MU) number, size and MU potential (MUP) stability. METHODS: Intramuscular and surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis (VL) during voluntary contractions held at 25% maximal knee extensor strength in 22 young (25.3 ± 4.8yrs) and 20 physically active older men (71.4 ± 6.2yrs). MUP size, firing rates, phases, turns and near fibre (NF) jiggle were determined and motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) were made by comparing average surface MUP with maximal electrically-evoked compound muscle action potentials. Quadriceps cross-sectional area was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: 379 individual MUs were sampled in young and 346 in older men. Compared with young, the older MUs had 8% lower firing rates and larger MUP size (∼+25%) as well as increased complexity evidenced as, phases (+13%), turns (+20%) and NF jiggle (+11%) (all P < 0.0005). The MUNE values (derived from the area of muscle in range of the surface-electrode) in older subjects were around 70% of the young (P < 0.05). Taking into consideration the 30% smaller cross-sectional area of the VL, the total number of MUs in the older muscles was between 50-60% lower than in the young (P < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: A large portion of the VL MU pool is lost in older men and those recruited during moderate intensity contractions were enlarged and less stable. These MU changes were evident before clinically relevant changes to muscle function were apparent; nevertheless, the changes in MU number and size are likely to be a prelude to future movement problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.