Showing papers by "Teesside University published in 1998"

Cyberspace divide: equality, agency and policy in the information society

Abstract: From the Publisher: Politicians, policy makers and business gurus are all encouraging us to join the information superhighway at the nearest junction or risk being excluded from the social and economic benefits of the information revolution. Cyberspace Divide critically considers the complex relationship between technological change, its effect upon social divisions, its consequences for social action an the emerging strategies for social inclusion in the Information Age. The contributors cover such themes as human interaction, ethical behavior, and the growing disparity between the information rich and the information poor.

Irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in the general population

Abstract: Background—Associations have been shown between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastro-oesophageal reflux, between gastro-oesophageal reflux and asthma, and more recently between IBS and bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR). Aims—To explore the inter-relations between these conditions. Subjects—A randomly selected community sample of 4432 adults. Methods—A validated postal symptom questionnaire investigating the associations between IBS, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms, and symptomatic BHR. Results—3169 questionnaires (71.7% response) returned by 1451 men and 1718 women were analysed. One year prevalences, in men and women respectively, of IBS were 10.5% and 22.9%, of dyspepsia 26.3% and 25.25%, of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms 29.4% and 28.2%, of BHR 13.2% and 14.6%, and of chronic bronchitis 8.3% and 4.9%. Logistic regression showed independent associations between IBS and BHR, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms, and dyspepsia. There was no significant independent association between IBS and chronic bronchitis. In men and women the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) for IBS and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms was 2.6 (2.1‐3.1; p<0.001) and for IBS and BHR 2.1 (1.7‐2.7; p<0.001). These associations held on stratifying for sex and consultation behaviour. IBS, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness occurred more frequently together than expected, 2.5% (95% CI 2.41‐2.57) of the sample having all three conditions compared with an expected prevalence of 0.7% (95% CI 0.66‐0.71). The conditions were independently associated with each other. Conclusions—These observations may indicate the presence of an underlying disorder producing symptoms in gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. (Gut 1998;43:770‐774)

Chocs away : Weight watching in the contemporary airline industry

Abstract: This paper draws on empirical research into the recruitment, training, and management of female flight attendants, working primarily in the transatlantic business travel sector of the contemporary airline industry. We argue that whilst the `skills' which flight attendants are required to deploy are denied, being treated as somehow inherent abilities and thus neither trained nor remunerated, they are nevertheless managed in a directive way. This management involves, in particular, a focus on a flight attendant's figure, and `dieting' - what Naomi Wolf has referred to as `the essence of contemporary femininity' (Wolf 1990:200) - as a recruitment, training and managerial strategy. The work of a female flight attendant involves adhering to culturally prescribed norms on femininity as well as organisational regulations governing her figure - its presentation and performance - whilst undertaking work which involves, at least in part, serving food to others. We conclude that this aspect of the work of flight att...

Service quality and human resource management

Abstract: Service organisations are striving to increase the quality of the services they offer. They are also using a wide variety of people management techniques. These two activities can sometimes come into conflict. This article examines a variety of management practices, particularly from human resource management (HRM), used by the service sector, and assesses their potential impact on service quality and total quality management (TQM). Many techniques are identified as being potentially supportive of quality improvement but some pose threats, particularly those most closely associated with cost minimisation and the less subtle forms of managerial control. In order to encourage research in this area a number of research propositions and an agenda for further research are developed.

An update on British medical students' lifestyles

Abstract: Information about medical students' lifestyles was obtained from 785 second-year students from seven medical schools in Great Britain by a personally administered questionnaire. Fifteen per cent of the students were non-drinkers. Among those who drank, 48% of the men and 38% of the women exceeded sensible weekly limits of alcohol consumption, and high-risk levels of consumption were reported by 12% of men and 7% of women. Cannabis had been used at least once or twice by more than half the men and 40% of the women, and 10% reported regular use (weekly or more often). Experience with other illicit drugs was also reported: amphetamines (8% of students), LSD (7%), ecstasy (4%), amyl/butyl nitrate (10%) and magic mushrooms (7%). Nineteen per cent of the students had used two or more different drugs. Experience with illicit drugs started before entering university in more than a third of those who used them. Comparison of the results with other student surveys suggests that the lifestyles of medical students differ little from those of other student groups, but that alcohol and illicit drug consumption is increasing in university students generally. Prospective studies are under way to establish whether medical students change their lifestyles at later stages of their course and after qualification.

Youth, Transitions and Social Exclusion: Some Issues for Youth Research in the UK

Abstract: Studies of the economic restructuring of the UK suggest that the future labour market will be typified by increasing proportions of workers unemployed or subemployed in casual, informal, peripheral...

Empowerment of dying patients: the strategies and barriers to patient autonomy

Abstract: The growing debate about the ability of the nurse to empower patients has featured frequently in the nursing journals over recent years. This paper seeks to address the issue around the need to empower dying patients by an examination of nurses' written reflections on critical incidents in their practice. Geertz's 'thick description' has been used to interpret the data. The issues of power and professionalism are central to the discussion. The results are tentative given the sample size but point towards a redefinition of the empathetic approach and the adoption of a 'facilitative' approach to the sharing of power. The paper recommends careful examination of the role of the nurse and the communication process to identify further barriers to patient empowerment.

A Permutation Based Genetic Algorithm for Minimum Span Frequency Assignment

Abstract: We describe a Genetic Algorithm (GA) for solving the minimum span frequency assignment problem (MSFAP).The MSFAP involves assigning frequencies to each transmitter in a region, subject to a number of constraints being satisfied, such that the span, i.e. the range of frequencies used, is minimized. The technique involves finding an ordering of the transmitters for use in a sequential (greedy) assignment process. Results are given which show that our GA produces optimal solutions to several practical problem instances, and compares favourably to simulated annealing and tabu search algorithms.

On-line leisure: Gender, and ICTs in the home

Abstract: Research into office automation originally acted as a catalyst for research into gender perspectives on information technology. Whilst a fuller picture of women's use of ICTs is emerging, there has been little research on women's leisure use of ICTs, particularly within a domestic setting. Added to the way in which the leisure studies discipline has discovered gender as a variable, this is somewhat surprising. In this paper we argue that current debates on ‘virtual culture’ would be enriched by analysing the gender dimensions of the use of ICTs for leisure. In addressing personal agency we see women as active agents rather than passive victims of existing structures. The paper addresses negotiations around leisure and the use of technology in the home and how this illuminates the construction of gender identities. The ways in which work and leisure seep into one another are examined through a consideration of electronic mail and the World Wide Web. Although we conclude that women's leisure access...

Ritual action and its effect on the role of the nurse as advocate

Abstract: Problems related to the ability of the nurse to act as advocate for patients have caused dilemmas in the profession over recent years. This paper seeks to address the issue from the aspect of ritual action which pervades the day-to-day activities of nurses and could therefore have an effect on nurse-patient relations. By looking at a short study based on data from nurses working with dying patients, part of work in progress on the subject, it is possible to draw some conclusions about the effect that such rituals and routines have on practice. Examination of the work of Douglas leads to speculation about the ways that rituals associated with restricted language can undermine the nurse's ability to advocate successfully. Results from the study are limited given the small sample, but they give some indication of trends and possibilities that more exhaustive research may confirm.

Reproducibility of three different methods of measuring baroreflex sensitivity in normal subjects

Abstract: 1. Baroreflex sensitivity is a useful tool for investigating cardiovascular reflexes in a number of clinical settings. Several different methods of measuring baroreflex sensitivity are available. In order to determine a clinically useful non-invasive method of measuring baroreflex sensitivity we compared two methods (spectral analysis and the Valsalva manoeuvre) with regard to reproducibility, agreement with a standard invasive method (phenylephrine infusion) and failure rate. 2. Twenty-six healthy subjects aged 22 to 63 years attended on three separate occasions for measurement of baroreflex sensitivity using the different methods. The effect of a recent head-up tilt on baroreflex sensitivity was measured. 3. Reproducibility was best for the low-frequency component of the spectral method [coefficient of variation 25.0% (range 3.5–42.4%)] and worst for the Valsalva method [coefficient of variation 29.3% (range 13.8–93.1%)]. Both non-invasive methods overestimated values compared with the phenylephrine method [bias of low-frequency component of the spectral method, 1.17 (0.38–3.6); bias of the Valsalva method, 1.13 (0.19–6.7)]. The high-frequency component of the spectral method did not agree with the phenylephrine method. 4. The spectral analysis method had the fewest failures (seven subjects with a failure on at least one occasion), and the phenylephrine method the most (16 subjects with a failure on at least one occasion). A short head-up tilt did not affect the subsequent non-invasive measurement of baroreflex sensitivity. 5. It was concluded that the low-frequency component of the spectral method was the most clinically useful non-invasive measurement of baroreflex sensitivity.

An automated student diagram assessment system

Abstract: The teaching of systems analysis and design diagramming methods commonly utilises Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools to provide a way for students to actively practice the subject. However, many versions of these tools do not cater for the academic users who will require assistance in the underlying methods as well as the usage of the tool. The automated diagram comparison system developed at the University of Teesside can be used by students to compare a diagram that they consider to be a solution to a given problem against a model answer, and receive feedback commenting on their solution, which strengthens their understanding of the subject. This paper outlines a framework for such interactive learning, describes the use of the diagram comparison system, and highlights the benefits for the student.

Condylocephalic nails versus extramedullary implants for extracapsular hip fractures.

Abstract: Background Two types of implants used for the surgical fixation of extracapsular hip fractures are condylocephalic nails (intramedullary nails that are inserted up through the femoral canal from above the knee and across the fracture) and extramedullary implants. Objectives To compare condylocephalic nails (e.g. Ender and Harris nails) with extramedullary implants (e.g. fixed nail plates and sliding hip screws) for the treatment of extracapsular (trochanteric and subtrochanteric) hip fracture in adults. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (September 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to September week 1 2004), EMBASE, the UK National Research Register, orthopaedic journals, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. Selection criteria Randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing condylocephalic nails with extramedullary implants. Data collection and analysis We independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Ender nails and Harris nail data were presented separately. Results from fixed nail plates and sliding hip screws were subgrouped. Main results Eleven trials involving 1667 people with predominantly trochanteric fractures were included. Ten compared Ender nails with either a fixed nail plate or a sliding hip screw. One compared the Harris condylocephalic nail with a sliding hip screw. The only advantages of condylocephalic nails were a reduced deep wound sepsis rate (0.9% versus 4.2%; relative risk 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 0.62), length of surgery and operative blood loss. However, there was an increased risk of reoperation (20.9% versus 5.5%; relative risk 3.72, 95% confidence interval 2.54 to 5.44) and later fracture of the femur when compared with extramedullary implants. There was an increased risk of cut-out of the implant from the femoral head for Ender nails compared with the sliding hip screw, but not for fixed nail plates. Backing out of the nail was a frequent complication (30%) of Ender nails and often resulted in revision surgery. Ender nails had an increased risk of shortening of the leg and external rotation deformity and potentially a poorer return to previous walking ability. An increase in residual pain, predominantly knee pain, was also evident in patients undergoing condylocephalic nailing. There was no apparent difference in mortality between the condylocephalic nail and extramedullary implant groups. Authors' conclusions Any advantages in intra-operative outcomes of condylocephalic nails are outweighed by the increase in fracture healing complications, reoperation rate, residual pain and limb deformity when compared with an extramedullary implant, particularly a sliding hip screw. The use of condylocephalic nails (in particular Ender nails), for trochanteric fracture is no longer appropriate.

Management in South Korea: a review

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyse and illustrate selected aspects of management in South Korea. South Korean management is placed within its South East Asian context; but western influences on it are also identified. Parallels with French management are drawn. The article describes the national and business culture of South Korea. It analyses prevailing approaches to organisation and communication. It discusses and illustrates the changing role of the taipan, the family, the clan, and professional management within the context of the ownership and management of Korean enterprises. It examines working practices and relations. It analyses and comments on style of management. It deals with issues of internationalisation and globalisation. The article concludes by analysing a number of issues that are likely to affect South Korean management after the crisis of 1997‐1998, and more generally in the foreseeable future. The analysis is illustrated by a variety of case examples.

Mental Models and Lifelong Learning

Abstract: SUMMARY The development of mental models is the underlying ‘driving force’ that forms the basis for all teaching and learning activities. Such models also play an important and fundamental role in dialogue and communication processes (writing, reading, talking and listening), thinking and problem solving activities. The formation and subsequent adaptation of mental models takes place throughout a human's life‐span. The ‘richness’ of an individual's mental models usually increases with his/her growing maturity and exposure to new and varied experiences ‐ and may, ultimately, lead to ‘expert performance’. This type of behaviour, within a given subject domain, can often be positively correlated with the quality of the mental models involved. Because of their importance, this paper discusses the basic nature of mental models and the need to provide appropriate environments to stimulate their ongoing development within the context of providing mechanisms for the support of lifelong learning.

Miscarriage : Is vividness of visual imagery a factor in the grief reaction of the partner?

Abstract: Objectives. In the context of recent findings concerning the unexpressed psychological reactions of men to their partner's miscarriage, this study explores the role of visual imagery in mediating this reaction. Design. Questionnaire data from 158 male partners of women who had miscarried prior to the start of the 25th week of pregnancy were collected with a view to exploring the relation of vividness of visual imagery within this cohort to their subsequent grief response. Methods. Volunteers recruited via referrals from general hospitals and general practices in the North East and Midlands regions of England, were administered the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, a modified object-specific form, i.e. the Baby Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, and the Perinatal Grief Scale. Results. It was found that men with ‘unvivid’ visual imagery were less likely to have seen an ultrasound scan of their unborn child. When men were compared by the length of gestation at which the miscarriage occurred there was not a significant difference in vividness of visual imagery. Those men exhibiting vivid imagery exhibited significantly higher levels of measured grief when their partner miscarried than those of lower or unvivid imagery. Conclusions. These findings suggest that vivid visual imagery assisted or oriented men towards a sense of baby (or perceived foetal ontology) early in pregnancy, and in consequence they appeared at greater risk of negative impact following their partner's miscarriage.

The reliability of three techniques for measuring foot position

Abstract: The reliability of three commonly used techniques for measuring foot position--valgus index, navicular height, and arch height--was evaluated in a study involving 20 healthy subjects. The results demonstrated significant differences (P < .05) between two observers for all three techniques, although there were no significant differences between two visits for the same observer (P < .05). Secondary analysis demonstrated that navicular height yielded the highest degree of intraobserver and interobserver agreement. The results suggest that there is a wide variation in foot position in the general population, and that measurement error may result from difficulties in defining foot position, techniques used, and instrumentation.

Communication Breakdown or Ideal Speech Situation: the problem of nurse advocacy

Abstract: The issue of advocacy has dominated discussion of the ethical dilemmas facing nurses. However, despite this, nurses seem to be no further towards a solution of how they can be effective advocates for patients without compromising their working identity or facing conflicts of loyalty. This article considers some of the problems around advocacy and, by the use of critical incidents written by nurses involved in a diploma module, attempts to highlight where the problem could lie. A communications model is outlined, using a theoretical framework taken from the work of Jurgen Habermas, and applied to nursing practice. Finally, two examples are given from the research, which illustrate how the model could be used, highlighting the problems and pitfalls that still have to be overcome. The conclusion is a positive one, in that it suggests that advocacy is possible if nurses re-examine their practice in the light of the model proposed.

Local Stack Allocation

Abstract: Considering the renewed interest in stack machines (in particular, the Java Virtual Machine), efficient execution of Algol-family languages on this class of hardware becomes increasingly important Local variable accesses in the source language should be translated into stack accesses on the target machine (in analogy to register allocation on register machines)

Design of smart machinery installations to reduce transmitted vibrations by adaptive modification of internal forces

Abstract: There is a requirement to isolate machinery from their surroundings to reduce the transmission of noise and vibration. Reducing the input disturbance of a system can reduce vibration levels, but this is not always a feasible option. One of the simplest ways to overcome these problems is to retrofit a vibration attenuation device. The method used for vibration isolation discussed in this paper is semi-active control and involves using tunable resonators at the mounting positions. These resonators operate by continually adjusting their characteristics such that a large force is generated, achieving vibration attenuation over a range of varying operating conditions. In this paper, the resonators are tuned such that the natural frequency of the resonator is equal to the excitation frequency. Open-loop control is used to roughly tune the resonator, with a precise algorithm changing the characteristics of the resonator such that the host structure and resonator are in quadrature. Using multiple resonato...

Ultrasonic heel pad thickness measurements: a preliminary study.

Abstract: The heel pad has an important role in pain-free locomotion due to its shock-attenuation function. Various diagnostic techniques are available to measure heel pad thickness. Ultrasonic measurement of the heel pad is inexpensive, involves no ionizing radiation and is portable, making it an ideal screening technique. Measurement errors may occur between different ultrasonic techniques used to measure heel pad thickness. A new standardized ultrasonic technique was performed on 15 healthy volunteers. The ultrasonic measurements were compared with the measurement obtained from a normal non-weightbearing heel pad thickness ultrasonic assessment. The results demonstrated a significant mean difference (p < 0.001) between the two techniques. The 95% confidence interval of the heel pad thickness difference indicated values between 7.68 and 9.13 mm. These results suggest that a standardized technique reduces the variability of measurement error when using weightbearing ultrasound, allowing a more reproducible diagnos...

Poverty and access to the arts: Inequalities in arts attendance

Abstract: (1998). Poverty and access to the arts: Inequalities in arts attendance. Cultural Trends: Vol. 8, No. 31, pp. 53-73.

Festivals of science and the two cultures: science, design and display in the Festival of Britain, 1951

Abstract: National exhibitions and festivals perform a number of roles at the same time. In the first half of the twentieth century exhibitions were first and foremost trade fairs, occasions on which to promote British goods but at the same time provide an opportunity for cementing imperial relations. Exhibitions are also sites of aesthetic discourse where, for example, particular architectural or design ideologies may be promoted; in addition, they provide platforms for the conspicuous display of scientific and technical achievement; and finally, they provide opportunities for creating and projecting ideas of national identity, however multi-faceted those might be. Furthermore, in order to encourage the widest possible attendance and popularity, most exhibitions from the late nineteenth century onwards included a large number of purely entertaining attractions, which of course provided places for the mingling of social classes, something that appealed to post-1945 notions of a properly democratic society. Exhibitions therefore always perform a number of functions, some of which may indeed conflict with each other, and need to be analysed on a number of levels.

Issues in human resource management in central Europe

Abstract: Provides a number of basic indicators in support of the assertion that, while the general‐management literature on post‐command developments in central and eastern Europe is well established, the corresponding literature in HRM/HRD is probably less well advanced. Highlights the issues identified by each of the contributors, two organising themes being involved. The first asserts the value of mutual knowledge transfer, through which the western academic and practitioner might benefit as much as his/her central European counterpart; the second considers the extent to which personnel managers can make a strategic, as distinct from administrative‐operational, contribution to the organisation in the post‐command economy.

The role of retailing in a Russian consumer society

Abstract: The paper examines the role that potentially could be played by the retailing sector in the economic and social transformation in Russia. The move towards a consumer goods society, by its very definition, necessitates the developments of channels whereby consumer goods can reach their end customer and consumer. In this context various models of relating evolution are considered as well as an examination of the possible methods by which retailing will develop over time. The potential for inward investments is examined but the paper concludes that inward investment by retailers from the western European states will take the form of skills investment rather than financial and operational investment. The most important element in the future evolution of retailing will be the development of the multiple format as well as the procurement from indigenous consumer goods suppliers “driven” by the multiple retailers.

Date Rape and Consent

Abstract: Stranger rape and date rape: how rape is dealt with in Britain theories of rape legal definitions of rape rape as a moral category. Date rape - the evidence: forms of rape excluded by the definition used two descriptions of date rape introduction to the surveys US surveys - the MS report on date rape, other US surveys relating to date rape, studies which undermine Koss and Russell Canadian surveys - woman abuse in dating relationships, the statistics Canada Violence Against Women survey, the Canadian panel on violence against women British studies - ask any woman, Glasgow Evening Times survey on violence against women, the hidden figure - domestic violence in North London, surviving sexual violence date rape - the "prison works" solution - Mary Koss in Warsaw, I never called it rape, Diana Russell, San Francisco survey, Canadian panel on violence against women, Ruth Hall, ask any women Glasgow Evening Times survey on violence against women, Jayne Mooney, the hidden figure - domestic violence in North London issues raised by the survey literature on date rape. Date rape and the concept of consent: a general concept of consent? aspects of sexual consent - knowing what you consent to aspects of sexual consent - intending to consent aspects of sexual consent - the communication of consent, communicative sexuality communicative sexuality criticised, aspects of sexual consent - background of free choice. Sex on a sloping playing field: sex in a patriarchal society - rival theories male and female diversity and sexual bargaining. Conclusion: philosophical issues legal issues issues for further research.