Showing papers by "Northampton Community College published in 2010"
TL;DR: Adolescent gambling prevalence studies that have been carried out in North America, Europe, and Oceania are reviewed to assess the impact of survey methods on identified prevalence rates and to improve the measurement of problem gambling among adolescents.
Abstract: In the wake of rapid expansion of legal gambling internationally, studies of adolescent gambling involvement and problem gambling prevalence have been carried out in numerous jurisdictions. This paper reviews adolescent gambling prevalence studies that have been carried out in North America, Europe, and Oceania. Based on this review, work is clearly needed to assess the impact of survey methods on identified prevalence rates and to improve the measurement of problem gambling among adolescents. From a substantive perspective, several clear demographic and behavioral characteristics are associated with gambling involvement and problem gambling among youth. However, early assumptions about youth gambling and problem gambling must give way to more nuanced understandings of how these phenomena change in response to changes in the social and cultural environment. We may have traveled some distance down the road toward understanding the determinants as well as the distribution of youth gambling and problem gambling, but we still have a long way to go.
296 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed two UTPs implemented in an informal housing zone and an inner-city slum in Istanbul and showed that the UTP projects predominantly aim at physical and demographic upgrading of their respective areas rather than improving the living conditions of existing inhabitants, thus instigating a process of property transfer and displacement.
Abstract: Since 2001, there has been a radical shift in the governance of urban land and housing markets in Turkey from a ‘populist’ to a ‘neo-liberal’ mode. Large ‘urban transformation projects’ (UTPs) are the main mechanisms through which a neo-liberal system is instituted in incompletely commodified urban areas. By analysing two UTPs implemented in an informal housing zone and an inner-city slum in Istanbul, the paper discusses the motivations behind, the socioeconomic consequences of and grassroots resistance movements to the new urban regime. The analysis shows that the UTPs predominantly aim at physical and demographic upgrading of their respective areas rather than improving the living conditions of existing inhabitants, thus instigating a process of property transfer and displacement. It also demonstrates that the property/ tenure structure of an area plays the most important role in determining the form and effectiveness of grassroots movements against the UTPs.
287 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that the worksite may offer a useful, yet underutilised, arena for testing cognitive-behavioural theories of change.
183 citations
01 Dec 2010
TL;DR: This paper describes the concepts of cloud bursting and cloud brokerage and discusses the open management and security issues associated with the two models and presents a possible architectural framework capable of powering the brokerage based cloud services that is currently being developed in the scope of OPTIMIS, an EU FP7 project.
Abstract: The cloud based delivery model for IT resources is revolutionizing the IT industry. Despite the marketing hype around “the cloud”, the paradigm itself is in a critical transition state from the laboratories to mass market. Many technical and business aspects of cloud computing need to mature before it is widely adopted for corporate use. For example, the inability to seamlessly burst between internal cloud and external cloud platforms, termed cloud bursting, is a significant shortcoming of current cloud solutions. Furthermore, the absence of a capability that would allow to broker between multiple cloud providers or to aggregate them into a composite service inhibits the free and open competition that would help the market mature. This paper describes the concepts of cloud bursting and cloud brokerage and discusses the open management and security issues associated with the two models. It also presents a possible architectural framework capable of powering the brokerage based cloud services that is currently being developed in the scope of OPTIMIS, an EU FP7 project.
180 citations
TL;DR: The body of evidence summarised in this review is insufficient to allow any conclusion to be drawn about the use of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of antisocial personality disorder.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Antisocial personality disorder (AsPD) is associated with a wide range of disturbance including persistent rule-breaking, criminality, substance misuse, unemployment, homelessness and relationship difficulties. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential beneficial and adverse effects of pharmacological interventions for people with AsPD. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1950 to September 2009), EMBASE (1980 to 2009, week 37), CINAHL (1982 to September 2009), PsycINFO (1872 to September 2009) , ASSIA (1987 to September 2009) , BIOSIS (1985 to September 2009), COPAC (September 2009), National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts (1970 to July 2008), Sociological Abstracts (1963 to September 2009), ISI-Proceedings (1981 to September 2009), Science Citation Index (1981 to September 2009), Social Science Citation Index (1981 to September 2009), SIGLE (1980 to April 2006), Dissertation Abstracts (September 2009), ZETOC (September 2009) and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (September 2009). SELECTION CRITERIA: Controlled trials in which participants with AsPD were randomly allocated to a pharmacological intervention and a placebo control condition. Two trials comparing one drug against another without a placebo control are reported separately. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently selected studies. Two review authors independently extracted data. We calculated mean differences, with odds ratios for dichotomous data. MAIN RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria involving 394 participants with AsPD. Data were available from four studies involving 274 participants with AsPD. No study set out to recruit participants solely on the basis of having AsPD, and in only one study was the sample entirely of AsPD participants. Eight different drugs were examined in eight studies. Study quality was relatively poor. Inadequate reporting meant the data available were generally insufficient to allow any independent statistical analysis. The findings are limited to descriptive summaries based on analyses carried out and reported by the trial investigators. All the available data were derived from unreplicated single reports. Only three drugs (nortriptyline, bromocriptine, phenytoin) were effective compared to placebo in terms of improvement in at least one outcome. Nortriptyline was reported in one study as superior for men with alcohol dependency on mean number of drinking days and on alcohol dependence, but not for severity of alcohol misuse or on the patient's or clinician's rating of drinking. In the same study, both nortriptyline and bromocriptine were reported as superior to placebo on anxiety on one scale but not on another. In one study, phenytoin was reported as superior to placebo on the frequency and intensity of aggressive acts in male prisoners with impulsive (but not premeditated) aggression. In the remaining two studies, both amantadine and desipramine were not superior to placebo for adults with opioid and cocaine dependence, and desipramine was not superior to placebo for men with cocaine dependence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The body of evidence summarised in this review is insufficient to allow any conclusion to be drawn about the use of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of antisocial personality disorder. Language: en
166 citations
TL;DR: This work has been carried out as part of a joint study between Norsk Hydro (now Statoil) and NIOC (National Iranian Oil Company) as mentioned in this paper, which was conducted as a joint project between NIOC and Statoil.
Abstract: This work has been carried out as part of a joint study between Norsk Hydro (now Statoil) and NIOC (National Iranian Oil Company).
148 citations
TL;DR: A wide range of severity was observed, particularly with ICR1 hypomethylation, and a low threshold for investigation of patients with features suggestive, but not typical, of SRS is recommended.
Abstract: Background Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is characterised by intrauterine growth restriction, poor postnatal growth, relative macrocephaly, triangular face and asymmetry. Maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD) of chromosome 7 and hypomethylation of the imprinting control region (ICR) 1 on chromosome 11p15 are found in 5-10% and up to 60% of patients with SRS, respectively. As many features are non-specific, diagnosis of SRS remains difficult. Studies of patients in whom the molecular diagnosis is confirmed therefore provide valuable clinical information on the condition. Methods A detailed, prospective study of 64 patients with mUPD7 (n=20) or ICR1 hypomethylation (n=44) was undertaken. Results and conclusions The considerable overlap in clinical phenotype makes it difficult to distinguish these two molecular subgroups reliably. ICR1 hypomethylation was more likely to be scored as 'classical' SRS. Asymmetry, fifth finger clinodactyly and congenital anomalies were more commonly seen with ICR1 hypomethylation, whereas learning difficulties and referral for speech therapy were more likely with mUPD7. Myoclonus-dystonia has been reported previously in one mUPD7 patient. The authors report mild movement disorders in three further cases. No correlation was found between clinical severity and level of ICR1 hypomethylation. Use of assisted reproductive technology in association with ICR1 hypomethylation seems increased compared with the general population. ICR1 hypomethylation was also observed in affected siblings, although recurrence risk remains low in the majority of cases. Overall, a wide range of severity was observed, particularly with ICR1 hypomethylation. A low threshold for investigation of patients with features suggestive, but not typical, of SRS is therefore recommended.
136 citations
TL;DR: This commentary is a product of the North American Spine Society and was approved by the NASS Board of Directors and accepted for publication outside The Spine Journal's peer review process.
120 citations
TL;DR: Ethnic minority women, single mothers, and those with an earlier age at completing education access maternity services late, have poorer outcomes, and report poorer experiences across some – though not all – dimensions of maternity care.
Abstract: SummaryObjectiveTo examine ethnic and social inequalities in women's experience of maternity care in England.DesignA 2007 national survey of women (16 years or over) about their experience of mater...
94 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of the CD8+ T-cell responses of nine highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naïve B*2705-positive subjects suggests a previously unrecognized role played by the subdominant Pol-specific KY9 response in HLA-B* 2705-mediated control of HIV and that the recognition of HIV-infected cells by CD8- T cells early in the viral life cycle may be important for viral containment in HIV- infected individuals
Abstract: The association between HLA-B*2705 and the immune control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has previously been linked to the targeting of the HLA-B*2705-restricted Gag epitope KRWIILGLNK (KK10) by CD8+ T cells. In order to better define the mechanisms of the HLA-B*2705 immune control of HIV, we first characterized the CD8+ T-cell responses of nine highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naive B*2705-positive subjects. Unexpectedly, we observed a strong response to an HLA-B*2705-restricted Pol epitope, KRKGGIGGY (KY9), in 8/9 subjects. The magnitude of the KY9 response was only marginally lower than that of the KK10-specific response (median, 695 versus 867 spot-forming cells [SFC]/million peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs]; not significant [NS]), and viral escape mutants were observed in both KY9 and KK10, resulting from selection pressure driven by the respective CD8+ T-cell response. By comparing inhibitions of viral replication by CD8+ T cells specific for the Gag KK10, Pol KY9, and Vpr VL9 HLA-B*2705-restricted epitopes, we observed a consistent hierarchy of antiviral efficacy (Gag KK10 > Pol KY9 > Vpr VL9). This hierarchy was associated with early recognition of HIV-1-infected cells, within 6 h of infection, by KK10- and KY9-specific CD8+ T cells but not until 18 h postinfection by VL9-specific CD8+ T cells. There was no association between antiviral efficacy and proliferative capacity, cytotoxicity, polyfunctionality, or T-cell receptor (TCR) avidity. These data are consistent with previous studies indicating an important role for the B*2705-Gag KK10 response in the control of HIV but also suggest a previously unrecognized role played by the subdominant Pol-specific KY9 response in HLA-B*2705-mediated control of HIV and that the recognition of HIV-infected cells by CD8+ T cells early in the viral life cycle may be important for viral containment in HIV-infected individuals.
90 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the relative cytoarchitectural differentiation of cortical areas is the main determinant of laminar projection origins in cat visual cortex, and may underlie a general laminAR regularity of mammalian cortical connections.
01 Dec 2010
TL;DR: This work proposes a modified Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol between cloud service provider and the user for secretly sharing a symmetric key for secure data access that alleviates the problem of key distribution and management at cloud service service provider.
Abstract: Data security and access control is one of the most challenging ongoing research work in cloud computing, because of users outsourcing their sensitive data to cloud providers Existing solutions that use pure cryptographic techniques to mitigate these security and access control problems suffer from heavy computational overhead on the data owner as well as the cloud service provider for key distribution and management This paper addresses this challenging open problem using capability based access control technique that ensures only valid users will access the outsourced data This work also proposes a modified Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol between cloud service provider and the user for secretly sharing a symmetric key for secure data access that alleviates the problem of key distribution and management at cloud service provider The simulation run and analysis shows that the proposed approach is highly efficient and secure under existing security models
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored coachees and coaches views on aspects important in the formation of the coaching relationship using a qualitative methodology using semi-structured repertory grid interviews with six coachee and six coaches in the UK.
Abstract: This article explores coachees and coaches views on aspects important in the formation of the coaching relationship. The research uses a qualitative methodology. Semi-structured repertory grid interviews were conducted with six coachees and six coaches in the UK. Using content analysis, three primary themes, of bond and engagement, coach attitudes and characteristics, and collaboration were elicited. Findings suggest that coach self-awareness and awareness of the coachee are important to both coachees and coaches; adaptation of the coach to the individual coachee was important to some participants; that the bond and collaboration were perceived differently by participants, however not by coachees and coaches; and that trust was a key aspect of bond and engagement. The quality of interpersonal interactions between coachee and coach, and an emphasis on co-creation of the coaching relationship were highlighted as superordinate themes subsuming several of the study's findings. Recommendations for coa...
TL;DR: This work describes a method of detecting features in retinal images using a model-based approach that does not use any form of region growing or vessel tracking, but thresholds a function of the estimated vessel parameters to determine vessel regions.
TL;DR: In the 21st century, with the world's food system under economic, environmental, social, and political stress, the ethical food umbrella faces an uncertain future as mentioned in this paper, it could be submerged by 'value-for-money'; consumerism; or it could become a champion of what the author calls an emerging set of 'omnistandards', under which fragmented single issues coalesce and articulate a new paradigm.
Abstract: The author considers how ethical food raises complex challenges for policy makers. Looking mainly at Europe and developed countries, it is suggested that the notion of ethical food is plastic, but that therein lie its strength and appeal. Civil society movements see it as a rallying point to restructure food systems, from land use to consumption. The mainstream corporate sector sees ethical food as an umbrella term under which many, sometimes even competing, aspirations nestle, but which can be incorporated as additional niche markets. Far from being new, the ethical-food banner in the late 20th century has resurrected some older traditions, including those which contested power relations in the food system. But in the 21st century, with the world's food system under economic, environmental, social, and political stress, the ethical-food umbrella faces an uncertain future. It could be submerged by 'value-for-money'; consumerism; or it could become a champion of what the author calls an emerging set of 'omnistandards', under which fragmented single issues coalesce and articulate a new paradigm.
TL;DR: Older people are less likely to receive evidence-based treatment for Common Mental Disorders (CMD), and managers and clinicians should prioritize reducing this inequality.
TL;DR: This work generates an implicit radial basis function (RBF) model of the facial surface and this is employed within all four stages of the process of generating either pairwise-aligned or pose-normalised depth maps from noisy 3D point clouds in a relatively unrestricted poses.
Abstract: We consider the problem of generating either pairwise-aligned or pose-normalised depth maps from noisy 3D point clouds in a relatively unrestricted poses. Our system is deployed in a 3D face alignment application and consists of the following four stages: (i) data filtering, (ii) nose tip identification and sub-vertex localisation, (iii) computation of the (relative) face orientation, (iv) generation of either a pose aligned or a pose normalised depth map. We generate an implicit radial basis function (RBF) model of the facial surface and this is employed within all four stages of the process. For example, in stage (ii), construction of novel invariant features is based on sampling this RBF over a set of concentric spheres to give a spherically-sampled RBF (SSR) shape histogram. In stage (iii), a second novel descriptor, called an isoradius contour curvature signal, is defined, which allows rotational alignment to be determined using a simple process of 1D correlation. We test our system on both the University of York (UoY) 3D face dataset and the Face Recognition Grand Challenge (FRGC) 3D data. For the more challenging UoY data, our SSR descriptors significantly outperform three variants of spin images, successfully identifying nose vertices at a rate of 99.6%. Nose localisation performance on the higher quality FRGC data, which has only small pose variations, is 99.9%. Our best system successfully normalises the pose of 3D faces at rates of 99.1% (UoY data) and 99.6% (FRGC data).
TL;DR: Although the e-Bug pack in improving children's knowledge in these key areas is a success, modifications are required in both packs to further improve student knowledge and make the packs more appealing.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: e-Bug, a junior and senior school educational programme to decrease the spread of infection and unnecessary antibiotic use, was developed and consisted of eight sections providing information on the spread, treatment and prevention of infection as well as basic information on microbes, both useful and harmful. Each section comprised teacher background information, lesson plans and an interactive student activity, and extension activities were also available for more able students. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the e-Bug pack in improving children's knowledge in these key areas, when used within the National Curriculum in England, France and the Czech Republic.
METHODS: Junior (9-11 years) and senior (12-15 years) school classes were divided into either control or intervention groups for evaluation of the resource. Students were required to complete identical knowledge questionnaires at three timepoints (before, immediately after and 6 weeks after teaching), to assess knowledge change and retention. Teaching, using the e-Bug pack, was given by junior and senior school teachers.
RESULTS: The junior e-Bug teaching pack demonstrated a significant improvement in student's knowledge in all sections and there was no significant decrease in student knowledge observed after a 6 week period. Knowledge improvement with the senior e-Bug pack varied between regions, although consistent improvement was observed for Gloucestershire (England) and Ostrava (Czech Republic).
CONCLUSIONS: Although a success, modifications are required in both packs to further improve student knowledge and make the packs more appealing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether boards of directors with independent members function as effective corporate governance mechanisms in Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), by analysing four characteristics of non-executive directors (NEDs) that impact on their effectiveness, namely their degree of independence, information, incentive, and competence.
Abstract: Purpose – The primary aim of this paper is to examine whether boards of directors with independent members function as effective corporate governance mechanisms in Chinese State‐Owned Enterprises (SOEs), by analysing four characteristics of non‐executive directors (NEDs) that impact on their effectiveness, namely their degree of independence, information, incentive, and competence.Design/methodology/approach – Being exploratory in nature, the research uses qualitative methods for data collection. It is based on an interpretivist perspective of social sciences, analysing and explaining the factors that influence the effectiveness of NEDs.Findings – The findings indicate that the NED system is weak in China as a result of the concentrated ownership structure, unique business culture, intervention of controlling shareholders and the lack of understanding of the benefits brought by NEDs.Research limitations/implications – The paper examines the salient features of and challenges to the system of NEDs of SOEs ...
TL;DR: Art as a Way of Learning (AWOL) as mentioned in this paper is an approach to early childhood education that integrates visual and performing arts throughout the preschool curriculum to improve the emergent literacy and school readiness of atrisk young children in community-based preschool settings.
Abstract: An approach to early childhood education that integrates visual and performing arts throughout the preschool curriculum—Art as a Way of Learning—was implemented in a program (Promoting and Supporting Early Literacy through the Arts) designed to improve the emergent literacy and school readiness of at-risk young children in community-based preschool settings. A quasi-experimental pre-post treatment-only design was used to explore this program’s potential effects in a real-world setting. Preliminary results revealed improvements in young children’s emergent literacy on a number of targeted and standardized measures after participation in the program. This arts-integrated approach to the teaching of and learning in young children shows considerable promise and warrants a rigorous test of its effects.
TL;DR: Its role in three anomalies associated with selective attention is considered: the apparently undue influence of distractor stimuli when decisions in the Eriksen flanker task have to be made under time pressure; the phenomenon associated with attentional load that distractors distal to a target exert more effect when the demands on selective attention are smaller than larger.
TL;DR: It is concluded that stroke and aphasia have minimal impact on older adults' HRQOL as measured by the SF-36, which conflicts with an established evidence base of the negative consequences of aphasic adults on life.
TL;DR: The use of TRiM may assist in increasing the psychological resilience of military personnel through the facilitation of social support; this may have particular utility during operational deployments.
Abstract: Background Military personnel exposed to potentially traumatic events whilst deployed on operational duties may develop psychological problems. The Royal Marines have made extensive use of Trauma Risk Management (TRiM), a peer-support system that operates through practitioners embedded within operational units. TRiM aims to promote recognition of psychological illness and to facilitate social support. Aims To evaluate the effects of TRiM in two units at different stages of implementation. Methods Royal Marines and Army personnel were surveyed prior to, during and upon return from an operational deployment to Afghanistan. Participants completed measures of general mental health (GHQ12) and traumatic stress [PCL(C)]. Results We received responses from 180 pre-deployment, 105 during deployment and 137 post-deployment. Personnel within units with experience of TRiM reported lower levels of psychological distress than personnel in the unit who were using TRiM for the first time. Both groups reported higher psychological distress scores before and during deployment, compared with post-deployment. However, we found personnel who reported having more access to social support during deployment reported less psychological distress. Conclusions The use of TRiM may assist in increasing the psychological resilience of military personnel through the facilitation of social support; this may have particular utility during operational deployments.
TL;DR: The study explored key factors that hinder and promoteWell-being as well as ways to improve well-being via participatory action research (PAR) and suggest that young refugees face many challenges negotiating a new life in their adopted country but are also resilient and determined to improve their lives.
Abstract: The constructs from the Children's Society's well-being framework were used to develop innovative, child-friendly research methods that explore well-being among vulnerable groups of children, such as asylum seeking and refugee children. The study explored key factors that hinder and promote well-being as well as ways to improve well-being via participatory action research (PAR). The findings suggest that young refugees face many challenges negotiating a new life in their adopted country but they are also resilient and determined to improve their lives. The methods piloted in this study have the potential to enhance the 'child-centredness' of research with at-risk children and adolescents.
TL;DR: The Health Improvement Profile (a tool to help mental health nurses profile the physical health of people with SMI) is adapted for use in primary care by creating a manual and website and bespoke training in its use to the health-care professionals.
Abstract: People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a higher incidence of long-term physical conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This can dramatically reduce their life expectancy. In the UK, it is the duty of health-care professionals in primary care to monitor the physical health of this group of people. However, these professionals have been given no specific training in order to do this effectively. The Northampton Physical Health and Well-Being Project has been developed in order to reduce the mortality of people with SMI, improve their physical and emotional health, and increase their support network. We have adapted the Health Improvement Profile (a tool to help mental health nurses profile the physical health of people with SMI) for use in primary care by creating a manual and website and will provide bespoke training in its use to the health-care professionals.
TL;DR: To study non‐tolerance to spectacle prescriptions in a busy community optometric practice, with several practitioners.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the development of cooperative strategies between countries exporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and members of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
TL;DR: This paper explored current research and theories about disorganized attachment and then examined how that research helped shape the treatment of an 8 year-old boy with attachment problems and found that the treatment strategies for children with disorganized attachments are not well established.
Abstract: Treatment strategies for children with disorganized attachments are not well established. This population exhibits a large array of difficulties in social relationships and self-regulation, as well as numerous other co-morbid conditions. As such, treatment of children with attachment problems is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach. This paper explores current research and theories about disorganized attachment and then examines how that research helped shape the treatment of an 8 year-old boy.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new experimental method for measuring stator heat transfer in a rotor-stator disc system using an electrical heater array is described, where the system is partially blocked at the periphery with radial outflow of rotor-pumped air from an inlet at stator centre.
TL;DR: In this paper, 14 distinct sedimentary environments have been recognized in the surface sediments of the intertidal zone of the North Norfolk coast and nine of these can be distinguished in borehole samples on the basis of sedimentological and micro-palaeontological characteristics.
Abstract: Fourteen distinct sedimentary environments have been recognised in the surface sediments of the intertidal zone of the North Norfolk coast. Nine of these can be distinguished in borehole samples on the basis of sedimentological and micro-palaeontological characteristics. They comprise: gravel; channel sand; intertidal sand; intertidal silty sand; intertidal mud and marsh creek; lower salt marsh; upper salt marsh; dune sand; and peat.
Sediment accumulations have been penetrated to a depth of −8 m OD and basal peats dated by 14C back to 8410 ± 50 years BP. An overall rate of sediment accumulation (and subsidence) of about 1 m per thousand years is indicated. There is considerable persistence of sedimentary environments in the same areas during up-building, but some erosion and roll-over of the coastal barrier system has occurred. Evidence of positive and negative sea-level tendencies are present in the record, but the main development of the tract is determined by sediment supply to the beach and marshes; positive sea-level tendencies occur at c. 6610, 5970, 4630 and 2790 BP, negative sea-level tendencies occur at 4520 to 4450 and (possibly) 3470 BP.