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.

Harnessing the power of theorising in implementation science

Abstract: Theories occupy different positions in the scientific circle of enquiry as they vary in scope, abstraction, and complexity. Mid-range theories play a crucial bridging role between raw empirical observations and all-encompassing grand-theoretical schemes. A shift of perspective from ‘theories’ as products to ‘theorising’ as a process can enable empirical researchers to capitalise on the two-way relationships between empirical data and different levels of theory and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. This can be facilitated by embracing theoretically informative (in addition to merely theoretically informed) research, developing mechanism-based explanations, and broadening the repertoire of grand-theoretical orientations.

Online branding strategies of UK fashion retailers

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on exploratory research that aims to contribute to knowledge on online branding, and the way in which the online channel is being used to support brands. The focus of this research is the top multi‐channel UK fashion retailers.Design/methodology/approach – Content analyses were performed on the web sites of a number of top fashion and clothing retailers, plus three supermarket chains with a strong presence in clothes retailing. An analysis of the extent to which the retailers were using their web site to provide online services and information provided a context for a more detailed analysis of online branding strategies, including communicating brand identity and presence, and building brand relationships.Findings – Most top “non‐value” fashion retailers offer transactions through their web site, offering extended opportunities for brand engagement and experience. While all fashion retailers achieve consistency of visual identity between the online and othe...

Measurement of exercise dependence in bodybuilders.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore exercise dependence in bodybuilders, and undertake preliminary validation of a measurement instrument EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A comparative analysis of self-report indices between groups PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven bodybuilders, 31 individuals who weight trained for general fitness purposes and 24 weightlifters participated in the study MEASURES: Each subject completed the following: demographic information, bodybuilding-specific versions of the social identity and exclusivity scales of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, the physical strength and body attractiveness subscales of the Physical Self-Perception Profile, a short form of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, and a 9-item Bodybuilding Dependence Scale RESULTS: Factor analysis on the BDS revealed 3 subscales (social dependency, training dependency and mastery) which accounted for 684% of the variance Internal consistency was satisfactory for each subscale (Chronbach's alpha = 076, 075 and 078 respectively) The BDS social dependency and PSPP body attractiveness scores of the bodybuilders were higher than those of the weightlifters, whose scores were higher than those of the fitness trainers The bodybuilders scored higher on both AIMS subscales than the other groups The bodybuilders and weightlifters scored higher on PSPP physical strength than the fitness trainers BDS social dependency correlated with both AIMS and both PSPP subscales, and BDS training dependency correlated with AIMS exclusivity All three BDS subscales correlated with training frequency Discriminant analysis found the combination of AIMS social identity, BDS social dependency and years training experience enabled correct classification of 92% of the respondents CONCLUSIONS: These results support the construct and concurrent validity of the BDS social dependency subscale, but do not wholly support the validity of the other two subscales

Fully convolutional networks for diabetic foot ulcer segmentation

Abstract: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a major complication of Diabetes, which if not managed properly can lead to amputation. DFU can appear anywhere on the foot and can vary in size, colour, and contrast depending on various pathologies. Current clinical approaches to DFU treatment rely on patients and clinician vigilance, which has significant limitations such as the high cost involved in the diagnosis, treatment and lengthy care of the DFU. We introduce a dataset of 705 foot images. We provide the ground truth of ulcer region and the surrounding skin that is an important indicator for clinicians to assess the progress of ulcer. Then, we propose a two-tier transfer learning from bigger datasets to train the Fully Convolutional Networks (FCNs) to automatically segment the ulcer and surrounding skin. Using 5fold cross-validation, the proposed two-tier transfer learning FCN Models achieve a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.794 (±0.104) for ulcer region, 0.851 (±0.148) for surrounding skin region, and 0.899 (±0.072) for the combination of both regions. This demonstrates the potential of FCNs in DFU segmentation, which can be further improved with a larger dataset.

The Impact of Language Ability on Employment and Earnings of Britain's Ethnic Communities

Abstract: The Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities contains useful information about the language ability of Britain's non–whites as well as a wealth of comparative information for whites. The paper attempts to establish how much of the lower unemployment and higher earnings enjoyed by whites is the result of a comparative advantage in language. Language is shown to contribute to a part of the non–white disadvantage, but after language effects are removed non–whites males still have higher unemployment rates and lower earnings. Language disadvantage among non–white females leads to higher inactivity rates rather than more unemployment.