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.

Estimating rates of biologically driven coral reef framework production and erosion: a new census-based carbonate budget methodology and applications to the reefs of Bonaire

Abstract: Census-based approaches can provide important measures of the ecological processes controlling reef carbonate production states. Here, we describe a rapid, non-destructive approach to carbonate budget assessments, termed ReefBudget that is census-based and which focuses on quantifying the relative contributions made by different biological carbonate producer/eroder groups to net reef framework carbonate production. The methodology is presently designed only for Caribbean sites, but has potential to be adapted for use in other regions. Rates are calculated using data on organism cover and abundance, combined with annual extension or production rate measures. Set against this are estimates of the rates at which bioeroding species of fish, urchins and internal substrate borers erode reef framework. Resultant data provide a measure of net rates of biologically driven carbonate production (kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1). These data have potential to be integrated into ecological assessments of reef state, to aid monitoring of temporal (same-site) changes in rates of biological carbonate production and to provide insights into the key ecological drivers of reef growth or erosion as a function of environmental change. Individual aspects of the budget methodology can also be used alongside other census approaches if deemed appropriate for specific study aims. Furthermore, the methodology spreadsheets are user-changeable, allowing local or new process/rate data to be integrated into calculations. Application of the methodology is considered at sites around Bonaire. Highest net rates of carbonate production, +9.52 to +2.30 kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1, were calculated at leeward sites, whilst lower rates, +0.98 to −0.98 kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1, were calculated at windward sites. Data are within the ranges calculated in previous budget studies and provide confidence in the production estimates the methodology generates.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in the UK: a national representative survey

Abstract: Background: Respiratory disease is a common cause of disability in middle and late life. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic lung diseases. However, currently, in the UK the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and their characteristics are unknown.Methods: We surveyed pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in terms of number, size, duration, content of educational and exercise programme, and staffing. We mailed a 17-item questionnaire previously used in Canadian study to 190 physiotherapy departments within acute hospitals in UK.Results: One hundred and seventy-one (90%) responses were received. Sixty-eight centres (40%) run a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (99% outpatient). Mean age of subjects was]=70 in only seven centres (10%), though most cited no upper age limit. Ninety-nine per cent of centres incorporated exercise training. Programmes recruited a median group size of 10 patients (range 4 - 17) at a given time w...

Carbonate budgets and reef production states: a geomorphic perspective on the ecological phase-shift concept

Abstract: Recent, region-scale estimates suggest that high levels of coral cover loss have occurred in both the Caribbean and Indo-PaciWc reef provinces (Gardner et al. 2003; Bruno and Selig 2007), and that some 60–70% of coral communities globally are directly threatened by anthropogenic activities (Wilkinson 1996; Hoegh-Guldberg 1999; Goreau et al. 2000). The ecological changes that have resulted from these disturbances have been widely discussed in terms of coral reef ‘health’ and resilience (Hughes et al. 2003; Bellwood et al. 2004) and often aligned with the ecological phase-shift concept originally outlined by Done (1992). A phase shift, in the context of a coral reef, has been deWned as a transition in the ecological state of the reef to conditions of low coral cover and persistent high Xeshy macroalgal cover (Done 1992; McManus and Polsenberg 2004). Whilst episodic natural disturbance events can be important drivers of such ecological transitions, a variety of both direct and indirect anthropogenic disturbances are also widely implicated (Done 1999). Such disturbances might modify natural reef processes, either by altering the ecological balance within individual reef systems (Jackson 1997; Jackson et al. 2001) or the environmental conditions under which reef growth occurs (Kleypas et al. 1999). Whilst earlier concerns over passive reef ‘drowning’ in response to greatly accelerated sea-level rise (e.g. Buddemeier and Smith 1988) have not been maintained (Spencer 1995), there remains considerable concern as to how more modest rates of sea-level rise, alongside climate change-related shifts in chronic stress from changing ocean temperatures and ocean chemistry, may lead to damage acute events occurring at ever more frequent intervals (e.g. Hoegh-Guldberg et al. 2007). The implications for reefs: as geomorphic structures, in terms of the extent of reef framework development and in terms of net carbonate accumulation (Edinger et al. 2000); the geomorphic integrity of reef associated sedimentary landforms; and the ecological eVects, in terms of changes in reef community structures (Chadwick-Furman 1996; Harvell et al. 2002; Hughes et al. 2003; Hoegh-Guldberg et al. 2007) remain, however, unclear. In the scientiWc literature, much of the discussion about the eVects of such ecological and environmental change has focused on quantifying the impacts upon coral communities, especially in terms of monitoring changes in coral cover and diversity, and in coral community structure. Central to many such discussions has been the issue of variations in the relative abundance of corals and macroalgae Communicated by Geology Editor Dr Bernhard Riegl

Value of Augmented Reality at Cultural Heritage Sites: A Stakeholder Approach

Abstract: As the pace of augmented reality (AR) adoption quickens, cultural heritage sites have begun to focus on the opportunities provided by this new and innovative technology. However, small organizations often fear making large investments in AR without a proof of concept due to the risk of failure. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the perceived value of AR from multiple stakeholders’ perspectives to ensure the long-term viability of technological innovations in small cultural heritage organizations. The present study uses a small museum in the UK to explore the perceived value of the implementation of AR within the museum context using a stakeholder approach. Qualitative data were gathered from twenty-four stakeholders via focus groups and interviews. This case study shows that AR has economic, experiential, social, epistemic, cultural and historical, and educational value from both internal and external stakeholders’ perspectives. AR is considered to be a way to preserve history, enhance visitor satisfaction, generate positive word-of-mouth, attract new target markets and contribute to a positive learning experience. This paper contributes to the knowledge gap in the area of stakeholders’ perceived value of AR for cultural heritage tourism.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli on immobilized TiO2 using fluorescent light

Abstract: There are many circumstances where it is necessary or desirable to remove or to kill microorganisms found on surfaces. In this paper, we present evidence of the photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli (ATCC8739) cells deposited on TiO 2 loaded membrane filters during irradiation with fluorescent light. The TiO 2 selected was the photocatalyst PC105, with loadings ranging from 520 to 15,590 mg m −2 . Irradiation was produced by eight 8 W lamps with visible light, and UV (290–400 nm) at 0.05–0.12 W m −2 intensity. E. coli inactivation as a function of time was monitored for up to 120 min. In the presence of fluorescent light, the inactivation rate of E. coli increased with a decrease in the TiO 2 loading, giving the best results at 520 mg m −2 loading, with complete inactivation achieved after 2 h of exposure. TiO 2 loading higher than 6236 mg m −2 resulted in decreased inactivation. SEM images of photocatalyst and bacteria show that increasing the particle contact with the bacteria enhanced the disinfection process. Thus excess TiO 2 did not enhance the antibacterial effect, once maximum cell–photocatalyst contact had been achieved.