Showing papers by "Northampton Community College published in 2006"
TL;DR: This article considers the scientific process whereby new and better clinical tests of executive function might be developed, and what form they might take, and considers as an alternative approach a function-led development programme which in principle could yield tasks better suited to the concerns of the clinician because of the transparency afforded by increased “representativeness” and “generalisability.
Abstract: This article considers the scientific process whereby new and better clinical tests of executive function might be developed, and what form they might take. We argue that many of the traditional tests of executive function most commonly in use (e.g., the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; Stroop) are adaptations of procedures that emerged almost coincidentally from conceptual and experimental frameworks far removed from those currently in favour, and that the prolongation of their use has been encouraged by a sustained period of concentration on “construct-driven” experimentation in neuropsychology. This resulted from the special theoretical demands made by the field of executive function, but was not a necessary consequence, and may not even have been a useful one. Whilst useful, these tests may not therefore be optimal for their purpose. We consider as an alternative approach a function-led development programme which in principle could yield tasks better suited to the concerns of the clinician because of the transparency afforded by increased “representativeness” and “generalisability.” We further argue that the requirement of such a programme to represent the interaction between the individual and situational context might also provide useful constraints for purely experimental investigations. We provide an example of such a programme with reference to the Multiple Errands and Six Element tests. (JINS, 2006, 12, 194–209.)
591 citations
TL;DR: The source and nature of errors in digital models of elevation, and in the derivatives of such models, are reviewed, the correction of errors and assessment of fitness for use are examined, and some priorities for future research are identified.
Abstract: All digital data contain error and many are uncertain. Digital models of elevation surfaces consist of files containing large numbers of measurements representing the height of the surface of the earth, and therefore a proportion of those measurements are very likely to be subject to some level of error and uncertainty. The collection and handling of such data and their associated uncertainties has been a subject of considerable research, which has focused largely upon the description of the effects of interpolation and resolution uncertainties, as well as modelling the occurrence of errors. However, digital models of elevation derived from new technologies employing active methods of laser and radar ranging are becoming more widespread, and past research will need to be re-evaluated in the near future to accommodate such new data products. In this paper we review the source and nature of errors in digital models of elevation, and in the derivatives of such models. We examine the correction of errors and assessment of fitness for use, and finally we identify some priorities for future research.
459 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors simulate interbank lending with homogeneous banks and heterogeneous banks, and show that the interbank market can play an ambiguous role in stabilizing the system.
Abstract: We simulate interbank lending. Each bank faces fluctuations in liquid assets and stochastic investment opportunities that mature with delay, creating the risk of liquidity shortages. An interbank market lets participants pool this risk but also creates the potential for one bank’s crisis to propagate through the system. We study banking systems with homogeneous banks, as well as systems in which banks are heterogeneous. With homogeneous banks, an interbank market unambiguously stabilizes the system. With heterogeneity, knock-on effects become possible, but the stabilizing role of interbank lending remains so that the interbank market can play an ambiguous role.
286 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors quantify the energy used by a reuse/recycling operation and whether this resulted in a net energy benefit, using a streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA), an LCA restricted in scope in order to target specific aspects of the footprint.
Abstract: In the UK, between 4 and 5% of the municipal solid waste stream is composed of clothes/textiles. Approximately 25% of this is recycled by companies such as the Salvation Army Trading Company Limited (SATCOL) who provide a collection and distribution infrastructure for ‘donated’ clothing and shoes. Textiles can be reused or undergo a processing stage and enter a recycling stream. Research was conducted in order to quantify the energy used by a reuse/recycling operation and whether this resulted in a net energy benefit. The energy footprint was quantified using a streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA), an LCA restricted in scope in order to target specific aspects of the footprint, in this case energy consumption. Taking into account extraction of resources, manufacture of materials, electricity generation, clothing collection, processing and distribution and final disposal of wastes it was demonstrated that for every kilogram of virgin cotton displaced by second hand clothing approximately 65 kWh is saved, and for every kilogram of polyester around 90 kWh is saved. Therefore, the reuse and recycling of the donated clothing results in a reduction in the environmental burden compared to purchasing new clothing made from virgin materials.
216 citations
TL;DR: This work uses the theory of complex networks in order to quantitatively characterize the formation of communities in a particular financial market by means of a model of network growth and it reproduces correctly all the various statistical properties of the system.
Abstract: We use the theory of complex networks in order to quantitatively characterize the formation of communities in a particular financial market. The system is composed by different banks exchanging on a daily basis loans and debts of liquidity. Through topological analysis and by means of a model of network growth we can determine the formation of different group of banks characterized by different business strategy. The model based on Pareto’s law makes no use of growth or preferential attachment and it reproduces correctly all the various statistical properties of the system. We believe that this network modeling of the market could be an efficient way to evaluate the impact of different policies in the market of liquidity.
198 citations
17 Jun 2006
TL;DR: The aim of the study was to develop a framework for use by project teams wishing to integrate UCD practices with agile development, and five principles for integrating UCD and agile development arising from this work are discussed.
Abstract: Due to a number of similarities between user-centred design (UCD) and agile development, coupled with an appreciation that developers are rarely usability experts, it seems attractive to integrate these two approaches. However, although agile methods share some of the same aims as UCD, there are also distinct differences. These differences have made the use of these methods on development projects problematic. This paper reports a field study designed to investigate the use of agile methods alongside UCD in one particular organization. The aim of the study was to develop a framework for use by project teams wishing to integrate UCD practices with agile development. The study, its findings and five principles for integrating UCD and agile development arising from this work are discussed.
194 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the free bending vibration of rotating tapered beams is investigated by using the dynamic stiffness method, and the expressions for bending rotation, shear force and bending moment at any cross-section of the beam are also obtained in explicit analytical form.
191 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that autistic traits are increased following prenatal exposure to abnormally high levels of testosterone caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia is examined and hormonal factors may be involved in vulnerability to autism.
187 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary findings suggest that prenatal exposure to high levels of testosterone has a substantial influence on sex-typical play behaviour, including sex-typed toy preferences, whereas influences on core gender identify and sexual orientation are less dramatic.
Abstract: Testosterone plays an important role in mammalian brain development. In neural regions with appropriate receptors testosterone, or its metabolites, influences patterns of cell death and survival, neural connectivity and neurochemical characterization. Consequently, testosterone exposure during critical periods of early development produces permanent behavioural changes. In humans, affected behaviours include childhood play behaviour, sexual orientation, core gender identity and other characteristics that show sex differences (i.e. differ on average between males and females). These influences have been demonstrated primarily in individuals who experienced marked prenatal hormone abnormalities and associated ambiguities of genital development (e.g. congenital adrenal hyperplasia). However, there is also evidence that testosterone works within the normal range to make some individuals within each sex more sex-typical than others. The size of testosterone-related influences, and perhaps even their existence, varies from one sex-typed characteristic to another. For instance: prenatal exposure to high levels of testosterone has a substantial influence on sex-typical play behaviour, including sex-typed toy preferences, whereas influences on core gender identify and sexual orientation are less dramatic. In addition: there appears to be little or no influence of prenatal testosterone on mental rotations ability, although mental rotations ability shows a marked sex difference. These findings have implications for basic understanding of the role of testosterone in normative gender development, as well as for the clinical management of individuals with disorders of sex development (formerly called intersex syndromes).
180 citations
TL;DR: On the basis of the findings of this review, it cannot be recommended that amniotomy should be introduced routinely as part of standard labour management and care, but it may be useful as a foundation for discussion and any resulting decisions made between women and their caregivers.
Abstract: Background
Intentional artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes during labour, sometimes called amniotomy or 'breaking of the waters', is one of the most commonly performed procedures in modern obstetric and midwifery practice. The primary aim of amniotomy is to speed up contractions and, therefore, shorten the length of labour. However, there are concerns regarding unintended adverse effects on the woman and baby.
Objectives
To determine the effectiveness and safety of amniotomy alone for routinely shortening all labours that start spontaneously.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 April 2013).
Selection criteria
Randomised controlled trials comparing amniotomy alone versus intention to preserve the membranes. We excluded quasi-randomised trials.
Data collection and analysis
Two review authors assessed identified studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat.
Main results
We have included 15 studies in this updated review, involving 5583 women.
Amniotomy alone versus intention to preserve the membranes (no amniotomy) for spontaneous labour
There was no clear statistically significant difference between women in the amniotomy and control groups in length of the first stage of labour (mean difference (MD) -20.43 minutes, 95% confidence interval (CI) -95.93 to 55.06), caesarean section (risk ratio (RR) 1.27, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.63), maternal satisfaction with childbirth experience (MD -1.10, 95% CI -7.15 to 4.95) or Apgar score less than seven at five minutes (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.00). There was no consistency between trials regarding the timing of amniotomy during labour in terms of cervical dilatation.
Amniotomy alone versus intention to preserve the membranes (no amniotomy) for spontaneous labours that have become prolonged
There was no clear statistically significant difference between women in the amniotomy and control group in caesarean section (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.08), maternal satisfaction with childbirth experience (MD 22.00, 95% CI 2.74 to 41.26) or Apgar score less than seven at five minutes (RR 2.86, 95% CI 0.12 to 66.11).
Authors' conclusions
On the basis of the findings of this review, we cannot recommend that amniotomy should be introduced routinely as part of standard labour management and care. We recommend that the evidence presented in this review should be made available to women offered an amniotomy and may be useful as a foundation for discussion and any resulting decisions made between women and their caregivers.
141 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a perturbative treatment for non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems, which are explicitly time dependent, has been proposed for the harmonic oscillator perturbed by a cubic non-hermitian term, for the situation when these systems are exposed to a monochromatic linearly polarized electric field.
Abstract: We provide time-evolution operators, gauge transformations and a perturbative treatment for non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems, which are explicitly time dependent. We determine various new equivalence pairs for Hermitian and non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, which are therefore pseudo-Hermitian and in addition in some cases also invariant under PT-symmetry. In particular, for the harmonic oscillator perturbed by a cubic non-Hermitian term, we evaluate explicitly various transition amplitudes, for the situation when these systems are exposed to a monochromatic linearly polarized electric field.
TL;DR: The results from this study can be used to help inform local authorities who are considering the development of their recycling schemes and associated promotional campaigns based on an understanding of their socio-demographic profile as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Many UK local authorities, looking to meet their regulatory recycling targets, have opted for voluntary kerbside collection schemes for source segregated recyclables from households. The success of a recycling service is highly dependant on the number of people who participate in the service and the frequency of its use. High participation rates are therefore an essential component of any effective kerbside collection scheme. It is commonly accepted that recycling behaviour is strongly influenced and motivated by personal opinions as well as external issues such as access and convenience. This paper characterises the recycling attitudes within West Oxfordshire, UK, and compares them with the results from a previous study conducted during 2003 in Brixworth, in Daventry, UK. From 1st April 2004, West Oxfordshire District Council, expanded its kerbside collection scheme for dry recyclables, adding cardboard, batteries, aerosols and mixed plastics to the already collected recyclables (paper, glass, textiles and metals) and increasing the frequency from fortnightly to weekly In this study, the recycling attitudes and behaviour of a cross-sectional socio-economic sample from households from West Oxfordshire, is investigated. It is observed that the propensity to recycle varies between individuals and socio-economic areas, and that recycling is influenced by concern for future generations, the need to bury less waste in landfills, and the fact that recycling saves resources and protects the environment. The results from this study can be used to help inform local authorities who are considering the development of their recycling schemes and associated promotional campaigns based on an understanding of their socio-demographic profile.
TL;DR: The null hypothesis is only partially correct: Healos and BMA are not inferior to autologous iliac crest bone as a graft material in posterolateral lumbar spine fusions but are radiographically ineffective in lumbr interbody fusions.
Abstract: STUDY DESIGN: A prospective case controlled study to compare the clinical and radiographic performance of Healos soaked in bone marrow aspirate (BMA) to iliac crest autograft when used in lumbar spinal fusion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the null hypothesis: Healos used with BMA is not an effective alternative to iliac crest autograft in lumbar spine fusions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Healos (a Type 1 collagen/hydroxyapatite matrix) is osteoconductive and when soaked for at least 20 minutes in BMA becomes osteoinductive. It is nontoxic and straightforward to use, avoiding the morbidity of autograft harvest. Animal studies and early clinical series in humans have suggested that Healos and BMA are an effective substitute for autograft in certain circumstances. METHODS: From July 2000, Healos and BMA were used as the graft material, instead of autograft harvested from the iliac crest, in all patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. Clinical outcome measures used were the Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS), a Patient Satisfaction Score, and the Prolo Economic Score (after Schnee). Standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken at 12- and 24-month follow-up visits. The first 50 cases in this consecutive series were age, sex, and operative intervention matched to historical controls who underwent surgery between 1997 and 2000 and in whom autograft from the iliac crest had been used as the graft material. Surgical outcome data in these patients had also been gathered prospectively. An independent radiologist, blinded to the graft material, using standard plain radiograph criteria for fusion, examined all the radiographs. An independent surgeon assessed clinical outcomes. RESULTS: For posterolateral lumbar fusions, there were equivalent radiologic fusion rates for the 2 groups with no significant difference in the subjective and objective clinical outcomes. The radiologic fusions rate was significantly lower when Healos had been used for lumbar interbody fusions. Clinical outcomes for both groups were similar. There were no lasting complications associated with Healos use compared with a 14%; persisting donor site complication rate in the autograft patients. CONCLUSION: The null hypothesis is only partially correct. Healos and BMA are not inferior to autologous iliac crest bone as a graft material in posterolateral lumbar spine fusions but are radiographically ineffective in lumbar interbody fusions.
TL;DR: Students enjoyed working in online groups and found the discussion board useful, but often gave preference to other communication methods, and interaction on the group discussion board was mostly student-centred.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to improve understanding of the attitudes, experiences and dynamics of interaction of students working in online groups. This was achieved through a case study of postgraduate Information Studies students using the WebCT discussion board at City University in the academic year 2004–2005. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in combination including questionnaires, interviews, document analysis, and discussion board analysis. The latter method involved adapting an existing content analysis framework. The findings highlight the significance of group member participation, collegiality, and familiarity among group members. Students enjoyed working in online groups and found the discussion board useful, but often gave preference to other communication methods. Lecturer presence in online groups was found to be important to students, but interaction on the group discussion board was mostly student-centred. Provision of non-referential topic-related information, opinion, and solidarity were the most common types of interaction.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a qualitative analysis of managers' comments from structured interviews and focus groups in several countries, concluding in a model of various adaptations to both work pressure and need to use technology in today's business work, including the potential to overadapt or lapse into a pattern of addiction.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study is an exploration of the behavioural addictions to work (workaholism) and to use of technology (technolophilia), particularly as they overlap in managers' work routines and expectations placed on their employees.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a qualitative analysis of managers' comments from structured interviews and focus groups in several countries.Findings – This research culminated in a model of various adaptations to both work pressure and need to use technology in today's business work, including the potential to over‐adapt or lapse into a pattern of addiction.Research limitations/implications – The consolidation of multi‐disciplinary literature and the framework of the model will serve as a reference points for continuing research on behavioural addictions related to work and technology.Practical implications – Human resource professionals concerned with employee well‐being can utilize the components of this model to proactively recognize problems a...
TL;DR: Some of the problems encountered in the definition and quantification of ISB are discussed, in particular the absence of standardized measurement tools to record ISB within an inpatient setting.
Abstract: The subject of Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour (ISB) amongst clients with neurological impairment, specifically Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and dementia, has received limited coverage to date within the literature. This paper discusses some of the problems encountered in the definition and quantification of ISB, in particular the absence of standardized measurement tools to record ISB within an inpatient setting. Whilst ISB is reported to be less prevalent than other behavioural sequelae of brain injury or dementia, it is suggested that its impact on patients and carers can be significant. Ill-defined terminology and the absence of relevant assessment tools add to the specific challenges of understanding and managing ISB within a care or rehabilitation setting. As a result, it is argued that the subjective attitudes of staff and the culture of an institution can dominate the approach taken to dealing with ISB for these client groups.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of chief executive officers in the development of the business strategy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was examined, and the authors explored the hypotheses that there is a relationship between: CEOs' age, work experiences, educational background and strategy formulation; and the impact of the strategic awareness on their part upon firm performance, using UK Standard Industrial Classification.
Abstract: Purpose – This research sets out to examine the role of chief executive officers (CEOs) in the development of the business strategy in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach – The study explores the hypotheses that there is a relationship between: CEOs' age, work experiences, educational background and strategy formulation; and the impact of the strategic awareness on their part upon firm performance, using UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sample consisted of 508 SMEs in the electronics industry using “self‐reported rating” survey questionnaire and interviews which resulted in 132 completed responses and 12 in‐depth interviews.Findings – Correlation analysis of data showed that: there was no significant correlation between the age of the CEO's and their performance; professionally experienced CEOs placed more emphasis on formal strategy development; CEOs with an educational background are inclined to develop formal strategic plans. Strategic awareness of the CEOs p...
TL;DR: A policy review of the regulations related to food advertising on television aimed at children in 20 countries found a deep division over the way forward and the role and place of legislation.
Abstract: Aim: To conduct a policy review of the regulations related to food advertising on television aimed at children. Design: The study consisted of documentary analysis of relevant legislation and policy documents related to children’s advertising from both industry and nongovernmental organisations at a global level and in 20 countries. This was supported with semi-structured telephone interviews with individuals from 11 countries. Results: The initial findings resulted in a listing of regulatory impacts from which we developed a taxonomy of regulatory schemes. There was a tension between the development of legislation to cover this area and the use of voluntary agreements and codes. This tension represents a food industry/civic society split. The food and advertising industries are still engaged in a process of denying the impact of advertising on food choice and children as well as commissioning their own research. Outright bans are unusual, with most countries addressing the situation through voluntary agreements and self-regulation. We found a deep division over the way forward and the role and place of legislation. Policy-makers expressed concerns that national legislation was increasingly less relevant in dealing with broadcast media transmitted from outside national boundaries and therefore not subject to the receiving countries’ laws but to the laws of the country from which they were transmitted. Conclusions: The options for the regulation of advertising targeted at children range from (1) a complete ban on advertising as in the case of Sweden, through (2) partial restrictions on advertising by type of food, target group or limits on the amount of advertisements or times shown, to (3) continuation of self-regulation by the advertising and food industries. There is a global dimension to regulation that needs to be built in, as national frontiers are no barriers to broadcast media and public health nutrition needs to ensure that its concerns are heard and addressed.
TL;DR: The need for early recognition and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in young people and the importance of continuing paediatric support to reduce symptom persistence in the sensitive recovery period is highlighted.
Abstract: This is a follow-up study of 28 young people aged between 7 and 17 meeting the Oxford criteria for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome treated in a specialist paediatric/psychiatric service. Retrospective case note analysis revealed a wide range and duration of symptoms together with high levels of school absenteeism prior to the diagnosis. The mean follow-up interval after discharge from the specialist service was 3 years and although most of the young people regarded themselves as fully recovered by this time, improvement was variable and about one third were still experiencing disabling symptoms. The illness had impacted on the education or career plans of all the young people to some extent with 15 experiencing difficulty returning to school. This article highlights the need for early recognition and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in young people and the importance of continuing paediatric support to reduce symptom persistence in the sensitive recovery period. Maintaining school attendance by close liaison between health and education services both before and after diagnosis and treatment is also vital if long-term morbidity is to be reduced.
TL;DR: The use of superstitious behavior in sport is a widespread phenomenon and has become increasingly popular at an elite level as mentioned in this paper, which has been defined as a behavior which does not have a clear techn...
Abstract: The use of superstitious behavior (SB) in sport is a widespread phenomenon and has become increasingly popular at an elite level. SB has been defined as a behavior which does not have a clear techn...
TL;DR: This paper presents a newly developed quasi arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian finite element method (QALE-FEM) for simulating water waves based on fully nonlinear potential theory that has high potential in enhancing computational efficiency when applied to problems associated with the complex interaction between large steep waves and structures.
TL;DR: Reactive attachment disorder is a relatively new diagnosis that is not well studied and its etiology and presentation pervade the theoretical, research, clinical, and popular literature.
Abstract: Reactive attachment disorder is a relatively new diagnosis that is not well studied Conflicting ideas about its etiology and presentation pervade the theoretical, research, clinical, and popular literature Clarifying core characteristics of this disorder and distinguishing them from comorbid conditions are critical for improved diagnosis and treatment of children with attachment problems
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report that the plagiarism procedure at University College Northampton (UCN) did not provide adequate guidance to students, and that the provision of student support and the application of sanctions were inconsistent.
Abstract: University College Northampton (UCN) provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a wide range of subjects. In the past, instances of plagiarism were considered rare and were dealt with by academic staff on a case‐by‐case basis. However, the increase in instances detected by staff has led to a need to address the issue more consistently. The University has, for many years, provided students with a definition of plagiarism and has developed a procedure to deal with it. The definition however, did not provide adequate guidance to students, and staff have reported the plagiarism procedure to be unsatisfactory. Discussions with colleagues and students illuminated a general lack of understanding of plagiarism and a wide range of values and attitudes about the issue. It also appeared that the provision of student support and the application of sanctions were inconsistent. Before any institution‐wide changes in policy could be initiated, research was needed to clarify staff and student attitudes to plagiar...
TL;DR: This study supports previous work indicating that the Mallett unit is a useful tool for detecting symptomatic heterophoria at near and finds that the testing method is important: patients need to be asked not just whether the nonius strips are aligned but also whether one or both of the strips ever moves.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the blocks of the Brauer algebra were determined in characteristic zero and information on the submodule structure of standard modules for this algebra was given, as well as a characterization of the sub-module structure.
Abstract: We determine the blocks of the Brauer algebra in characteristic zero. We also give information on the submodule structure of standard modules for this algebra.
TL;DR: In this article, the dynamic stiffness matrix of a spinning composite beam is developed and then used to investigate its free vibration characteristics, including the bending-torsion coupling effect that arises from the ply orientation and stacking sequence in laminated fibrous composites.
TL;DR: In this article, the representation theory of towers of algebras is studied and an axiomatic framework for studying the representation of towers is given. But this framework is restricted to the case of contours.
TL;DR: During the course of an investigation into domestic radon levels in Northamptonshire, two hourly sampling real-time radon detectors were operated simultaneously in separate locations 2.25 km apart for a 25-week period during which the Dudley earthquake and smaller aftershocks occurred.
TL;DR: The authors argue that the arguments put forward by Westerman and Yanchar do not quite achieve consolidation at this new level, because they remain embedded in a post-positivist contextualism that demands an a priori rejection of psychological universals and strong forms of quantification.
Abstract: This paper explores the value of reflexivity for Glaserian grounded theory methodology, using examples drawn from experiences recruiting a sample for a doctoral research project. Reflexivity is highly relevant for grounded theory research due to its foundations in symbolic interactionism. In this study, reflexivity facilitated the identification of factors influencing sample recruitment at a process and a personal level. It provides a vehicle for the identification of the impact of self on the research relationship. Glaser’s (1978, 1992) early works situated personal experience within theoretical sensitivity, and as data to be included within constant comparative analysis method. His later writings (Glaser, 2001) explicitly reject reflexivity as a distraction from the data, seeing constant comparative analysis as having the ability to expose researcher effects on the data. He does not explore researcher influences on study recruitment. The analysis presented here suggests that the impact of the researcher...