Showing papers by "Northampton Community College published in 1996"

Review: Modified Atmosphere Packaging and its effects on the microbiological quality and safety of produce

Abstract: Modified Atmosphere Packaging and related technologies are increasingly used to extend shelf-life of fresh produce. This paper reviews the effect of such technology on the spoilage microbiological flora and food-borne pathogens which may be present in produce and also on the organoleptic properties of the product.

The Modelling of Recent Mortality Trends in United Kingdom Male Assured Lives

Abstract: Deaths and exposures by individual calendar year and individual years of age for the U.K. male assured lives experience over the recent past are comprehensively modelled using generalised linear modelling techniques. Our principal objective is to develop a model which incorporates both the age variation in mortality and the underlying time trends in the mortality rates. The approach has considerable advantages over ad hoc methods of fitting parametric models to represent the age variation in mortality and then separately attempting to represent the time trends in the parameters of these models. The approach advocated can be seen as an extension to the conventional parametric graduation techniques used by the CMI Bureau to represent trends in mortality.

Airflow and roughness characteristics over partially vegetated linear dunes in the southwest Kalahari Desert

Abstract: There is little understanding of the flow-field surrounding semi-vegetated linear dunes, and predictions of dune mobility are hampered by a lack of empirical data concerning windflow. In an attempt to characterize the near-surface airflow upwind of and over partially vegetated linear dunes in the southwest Kalahari Desert, this study presents measurements of vertical and horizontal wind velocity profiles across cross-sectional transects of seven partially vegetated linear dunes. Vegetation surveys combined with velocity measurements from vertical arrays of cup-anemometers, placed up to 2·3 m above the ground surface, were used to gain information concerning the modification of airflow structure caused by the intrusion of the dunes into the atmospheric boundary layer and to predict the variability of aerodynamic roughness (z0) from interdune to crest. The results suggest an acceleration of flow up the windward slopes of the dunes and, as such, the data correspond to classical theory concerning flow over low hills (essentially Jackson and Hunt (1975) principles). Where the theory is incapable of explaining the airflow structure and acceleration characteristics, this is explained, in part, by the presence of a spatially variable vegetation cover over the dunes. The vegetation is important both in terms of the varying aerodynamic roughness (z0) and problems concerning the definition of a zero-plane displacement (d). It is considered that any attempts to characterize surface shear stress over the Kalahari linear dunes, in order to predict sand transport and dune mobility, will be hampered by two problems. These are the progressively non-log-linear nature of the velocity profiles over the dunes caused by flow acceleration, and the production of thin near-surface boundary layers caused by areally variable aerodynamic roughness as a result of the partially vegetated nature of the dunes.

Problem‐solving style, stress and psychological illness: Development of a multifactorial measure

Abstract: Problem-solving style has emerged in the literature as an important variable in the development and maintenance of affective disorders. Furthermore, the literature would suggest that it is related to other variables such as attributional style, achievement motivation and control in the mediation of the stress process. Research has been hampered and somewhat clouded by lack of clarity regarding the nature of the construct. It would appear to be a multidimensional construct, yet a suitable multifactorial measure is not available. The current paper reports on two studies (N = 408 and N = 611 respectively) which produced a 24-item six-factor measure. The factors were labelled helplessness, problem-solving control, creative problem-solving style, problem-solving confidence, avoidance style and approach style. The studies produced evidence that the utility of problem-solving style as an explanatory variable is enhanced when it is treated as a multidimensional construct. The factors appear to be differentially predictive of different affective states and clinical disorders. The data also support the 24-item measure as a useful, reliable and valid measure of problem-solving style.

Outcome of intensive rehabilitation after severe brain injury: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract: Fifty-five brain-injured adults (of 64 discharged) were followed up from 19 to 101 months after discharge from a rehabilitation unit. Change was assessed in terms of discharge and current placement, as compared with pre-admission placement. The results demonstrate that rehabilitation achieved improvements in functional skills and social behaviour that lastingly affected the type of placement possible, and thus improved quality of life. In most cases where improvements were seen during rehabilitation, further improvements occurred after discharge. The findings also have implications for the timing of rehabilitation and for discharge and resettlement planning.

Estimating the life expectancies of building components in life‐cycle costing calculations

Abstract: Considers how the life expectancies of building components in a life cycle cost calculation can be determined. Makes comparisons with initial capital cost estimating, where forecasts or estimates of cost have been carried out for many years. By definition an estimate is unlikely to be spot‐on. Also recognizes that life expectancy is not just a mathematical calculation but also requires the use of expert judgement. Any forecast of a future event, while utilizing previously recorded performance data, will always be influenced by prevailing conditions and future expectations. The initial quality and standards of the building project are important characteristics in determining component life expectancy as is the type of project itself. Identifies a range of different sources of published information on building component life expectancies. Different techniques are also discussed that have a potential in assisting with the prediction of the lives of building components.

Entry age, entry mode and academic performance on a Project 2000 common foundation programme.

Abstract: With the increasing academic expectations in the United Kingdom arising from the demands of the recently-introduced Diploma in Higher Education/ Registration course (Project 2000) and with fairly substantial proportions of both unqualified (DC test) and mature entrants being admitted onto the course, a study was carried out into the relationship between entry age, entry qualifications and academic performance on the common foundation programme, which lasts for the first 18 months of the course The entry data and common foundation programme results of each student from the first three intakes, 258 in total, were reviewed A different subject design was used for the study m which students were placed into one of four groups, according to entry age and entry qualifications, which were (a) 17-21 conventional entry requirements met, (b) 22 + conventional entry requirements met, (c) 17-21 unqualified (DC test entrant), and (d) 22 + unqualified (DC test entrant) Results indicated that the performance of most mature students, whether qualified or not, was above average, with the qualified group securing the best results of any of the four groups Among the 17-21 age group, while the qualified performed as expected, the unqualified performed the worst of any of the four groups, registering both a high discontinuation rate and low overall mean scores for the programme No improvement in the relative performance of the 17-21 unqualified group was noted over the three cohorts and there were indications that under-performance among the unqualified group extended beyond the 17-21 age range In terms of recruitment, results could indicate a need for a change m policy, with evidence of proven academic ability being required from all younger applicants If continued recruitment of unqualified younger students is planned, then a more vigorously targeted policy of academic support and guidance for these students will be required Without this, it seems likely that poor performance and high wastage among this group will continue

Repetition of previously novel melodies sometimes increases both remember and know responses in recognition memory

Abstract: Recognition memory for previously novel melodies was tested in three experiments in which subjects usedremember andknow responses to report experiences of recollection, or of familiarity in the absence of recollection, for each melody they recognized. Some of the melodies were taken from Polish folk songs and presented vocally, but without the words. Others were taken from obscure pieces of classical music, presented as single-line melodies. Prior to the test, the melodies were repeated for varying numbers of study trials. Repetition of the Polish melodies increased both remember and know responses, while repetition of classical melodies increased remember but not know responses. When subjects were instructed to report guesses, guess responses were inversely related to remember and know responses and there were more guesses to lures than to targets. These findings establish that remembering and knowing are fully independent functionally and, by the same token, they provide further evidence against the idea that response exclusivity causes increases in remembering to force decreases in knowing. The findings also suggest that simultaneous increases in remembering and knowing occurred because the Polish melodies came from a genre for which the subjects had relatively little previous experience.

Wind energy variations in the southwestern kalahari desert and implications for linear dunefield activity

Abstract: The southwestern Kalahari linear dunefield, which displays marked morphological variability, possesses a partial but temporally and spatially variable vegetation cover and has frequently been described as a palaeodunefield. Palaeo status has been ascribed on the basis of several criteria including the presence of vegetation, but also because dunes are thought to be out of alignment with modern resultant potential sand-moving wind directions and because present-day wind energy is regarded as low. For the period 1960–1992, wind data from eight dunefield meteorological stations are analysed in detail to examine these assertions. Potential sand transport directions, including spatial and temporal variations, and potential drift directions for the windiest three month periods, are calculated and explained. It is concluded that the present-day potential sand transport environment is markedly variable from year to year and from place to place. While periods of low sand transport energy do occur, it is also noted that the 1980s possessed considerable potential for sand transport in the dunefield. Directional variability is also relatively high, perhaps exceeding that under which linear dunes can be expected to form. Because linear dune aeolian activity has a number of states, however, the present-day wind environment may allow dune surface aeolian activity to occur which does not alter the overall pattern of the dunes.

Learning in small groups in university geography courses: designing a core module around group projects

Abstract: As class sizes have increased and staff‐student ratios have worsened, group work has been seen as one way in which the quality of the learning experience for students may be maintained or improved. This paper focuses on the use of learning in small groups to undertake geography projects. We explore how the advantages for students and staff of learning through group project work may be achieved, and how the potential disadvantages can be reduced or overcome. This is done in the context of a case study of a course for final‐year undergraduate geography students which the authors taught for two years at Coventry University, UK, which was designed around a field course and two eight‐week group projects.

Evaluating interactive systems in TREC

Abstract: The TREC (Text REtrieval Conference) experiments were designed to allow large-scale laboratory testing of information retrieval techniques. As the experiments have progressed, groups within TREC have become increasingly interested in finding ways to allow user interaction without invalidating the experimental design. The development of an “interactive tract” within TREC to accommodate user interaction has required some modifications in the way the retrieval tasks is designed. In particular there is a need to simulate a realistic interactive searching task within a laboratory environment. Through successive interactive studies in TREC, the Okapi team at City University London has identified methodological issues relevant to this process. A diagnostic experiment was conducted as a follow-up to TREC searches which attempted to isolate the human and automatic contributions to query formulation and retrieval performance. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Blue microchip laser fabricated from Nd:YAG and KNbO3

Abstract: A Nd:YAG/KNbO(3) composite-material microchip laser has generated blue radiation at 473 nm with output powers of 1 mW when diode laser pumped and 9 mW when Ti:sapphire laser pumped. The fundamental radiation generated by the quasi-three-level (4)F(3/2)-(4)I(9/2) transition in Nd:YAG at 946 nm was frequency doubled in KNbO(3) angle cut to be type I critically phase matched at 45 degrees C. Despite the normally isotropic nature of Nd:YAG, the fundamental is emitted linearly polarized and orthogonal to the linearly polarized blue radiation.

Leadership of a cultural change process

Abstract: Explores the successful role of leadership in initiating and sustaining a major process of change. The findings build on the work of others who have so ably demonstrated the influence of powerful leaders. Research is based on qualitative data from an ethnographic study which immersed itself in the minutiae of organizational life. Outlines the processes that have unfolded in the wider context of NHS change. Discusses the findings and debates supporting evidence. The resultant model of change indicates that successful leadership of cultural change requires leaders to think culturally, to be guided by a cognitive model of change and to employ the cultural tools of symbolism while actively focusing on the politics of acceptance. Hard systems and structural changes can be implemented in parallel with soft symbolic and political activity. A highly receptive context, either real or created, assists by providing a trigger for change.

All work and no play: A focus on leisure time as a means for promoting health

Abstract: In a study of 294 participants the relationship between attitude to leisure time and engagement in leisure activities and psychological and physical health was investigated Using questionnaire methods a consistent and significant relationship was found in that individuals with more positive attitudes towards and engagement in leisure activities experienced less general psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and hostility. They also experienced higher levels of positive affect and reported feeling physically healthier. Leisure measures were also related to levels of achievement motivation. The data points to leisure time behaviour as a rich source of information about coping styles and the positive use of leisure counselling as a therapeutic intervention.

Barriers to career progress for women in education: the perceptions of female headteachers

Abstract: Summary The number of women who achieve senior posts in educational management is disproportionate to the number of women employed. This is particularly true for women in secondary education, where only about 20 per cent of headships are held by women. All the female headteachers of one English shire county were interviewed about their own experiences and views on barriers to women's progress. The interview schedule was based on the author's classification of the theories of Shakeshaft and Schmuck. The data are analysed under the headings of: overt and covert discrimination; constraints experienced within the work situation; and constraints experienced through roles outside the work situation and early career influences. The headteachers had experienced both overt discrimination and more subtle sexism and tended to meet both with pragmatism, rather than confrontation. They had avoided gender‐stereotyped roles within the work situation, and were generally free of the major responsibility for domestic affai...

Dynamic integrated system optimization and parameter estimation for discrete time optimal control of nonlinear systems

Abstract: An algorithm for solving nonlinear discrete time optimal control problems with model-reality differences is presented. The technique uses Dynamic Integrated System Optimization and Parameter Estimation (DISOPE), which achieves the correct optimal solution in spite of deficiencies in the mathematical model employed in the optimization procedure. A version of the algorithm with a linear-quadratic model-based problem, implemented in the C+ + programming language, is developed and applied to illustrative simulation examples. An analysis of the optimality and convergence properties of the algorithm is also presented.

Managing interference

Abstract: The construction of a complex software system involves many agents with different perspectives or views of the system they are trying to describe or model. This gives rise to many partial specifications Ð viewpoints. These viewpoints may "interfere" with each other that is the goals of the agents may be mutually interdependent. This interference is inevitable and acceptable in system development. In this paper we examine how interference can be "managed" and the tasks that this entails. We summarise ongoing research and suggest new research directions.