Showing papers by "University of Bedfordshire published in 2011"

A Thermodynamic Approach for Assessing the Environmental Exposure of Chemicals Absorbed to Microplastic

Abstract: The environmental distribution and fate of microplastic in the marine environment represents a potential cause of concern. One aspect is the influence that microplastic may have on enhancing the transport and bioavailability of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (PBT). In this study we assess these potential risks using a thermodynamic approach, aiming to prioritize the physicochemical properties of chemicals that are most likely absorbed by microplastic and therefore ingested by biota. Using a multimedia modeling approach, we define a chemical space aimed at improving our understanding of how chemicals partition in the marine environment with varying volume ratios of air/water/organic carbon/polyethylene, where polyethylene represents a main group of microplastic. Results suggest that chemicals with log KOW > 5 have the potential to partition >1% to polyethylene. Food-web model results suggest that reductions in body burden concentrations for nonpolar organic chemicals are likely to occur ...

Emotional labour, burnout and job satisfaction in UK teachers: the role of workplace social support

Abstract: Although teaching has been described as a profoundly emotional activity, little is known about the emotional demands faced by teachers or how this impacts on their well-being. This study examined relationships between ‘emotional labour’, burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment) and job satisfaction in a sample of UK teachers. Also examined was whether workplace social support moderated any relationships found between emotional labour and strain. The relationship between job experience and emotional labour was also investigated. Six hundred and twenty-eight teachers working in secondary schools in the UK completed questionnaires. Significant associations were observed between emotional labour and all outcomes, with a positive relationship found between emotional labour and personal accomplishment. Some evidence was found that social support mitigates the negative impact of emotional demands on emotional exhaustion, feelings of personal accomplishment and job satisfactio...

Exploring Stress Resilience in Trainee Social Workers: The Role of Emotional and Social Competencies

Abstract: The high levels of stress and burnout endemic to social work have been found to con-tribute to the current retention problems in the UK. It has been argued that resilienceis a protective factor that enhances the ability to manage stress, and promotes well-being in the social care context. Little is known, however, about the individualdifference factors that promote resilience in this context, or whether this protects thewell-being of staff. In order to inform the development of interventions to enhancethe work-related well-being of early career social workers, this study examined severalemotional and social competencies (i.e. emotional intelligence, reflective ability,empathy and social competence) as predictors of resilience in 240 trainees. Whetherresilience predicted psychological distress was also investigated, together with theroleplayedbyresilienceintherelationshipbetweenemotionalintelligenceanddistress.The emotional and social competencies explained 47 per cent of variance in resilience. Asignificant negative relationship was found between resilience and psychologicaldistress. Resilience fully mediated the negative association between emotional inte-lligence and psychological distress, highlighting the importance of inter- and intra-individual emotional competencies in promoting resilience and enhancing well-being.How these findings might inform the curriculum to help trainees enhance resistanceto workplace stress is considered.Keywords: Resilience, work-related stress, well-being

Genome-wide association study identifies a single major locus contributing to survival into old age; the APOE locus revisited.

Abstract: By studying the loci that contribute to human longevity, we aim to identify mechanisms that contribute to healthy aging To identify such loci, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comparing 403 unrelated nonagenarians from long-living families included in the Leiden Longevity Study (LLS) and 1670 younger population controls The strongest candidate SNPs from this GWAS have been analyzed in a meta-analysis of nonagenarian cases from the Rotterdam Study, Leiden 85-plus study, and Danish 1905 cohort Only one of the 62 prioritized SNPs from the GWAS analysis (P<1×10(-4) ) showed genome-wide significance with survival into old age in the meta-analysis of 4149 nonagenarian cases and 7582 younger controls [OR=071 (95% CI 065-077), P=339 × 10(-17) ] This SNP, rs2075650, is located in TOMM40 at chromosome 19q1332 close to the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene Although there was only moderate linkage disequilibrium between rs2075650 and the ApoE e4 defining SNP rs429358, we could not find an APOE-independent effect of rs2075650 on longevity, either in cross-sectional or in longitudinal analyses As expected, rs429358 associated with metabolic phenotypes in the offspring of the nonagenarian cases from the LLS and their partners In addition, we observed a novel association between this locus and serum levels of IGF-1 in women (P=0005) In conclusion, the major locus determining familial longevity up to high age as detected by GWAS was marked by rs2075650, which tags the deleterious effects of the ApoE e4 allele No other major longevity locus was found

A Meta-analysis of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)

Abstract: The originating article of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) has been cited by a large number of studies. However, a detailed examination of such citations revealed that only small proportion (43 articles) of these citations actually utilized the theory or its constructs in their empirical research for examining IS/IT related issues. In order to examine whether the theory is performing consistently well across various studies, this research aims to undertake a statistical meta-analysis of findings reported in 43 published studies that have actually utilized UTAUT or its constructs in their empirical research. Findings reveal the underperformance of theory in subsequent studies in comparison to the performance of UTAUT reported in the originating article. The limitations experienced while conducting the meta-analysis, recommendations, and the future scope for the further research in this area have also been briefly explained in concluding section.

Global distribution of linear and cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes in air.

Abstract: The global distribution of linear and cyclic volatile methyl silxoanes (VMS) was investigated at 20 sites worldwide, including 5 locations in the Arctic, using sorbent-impregnated polyurethane foam ...

Toward the Development of a Pedagogical Model for Health-Based Physical Education

Abstract: The purpose of this advocacy paper is to make a case for the development of a pedagogical model for Health-Based Physical Education (HBPE) drawing on Jewett, Bain and Ennis's (1995) and Metzler's (2005) ground-breaking work on models-based practice in physical education A selective review of what has been learnt about HBPE was made to be able to define the central theme for the model as ‘pupils valuing a physically active life, so that they learn to value and practice appropriate physical activities that enhance health and wellbeing for the rest of their lives’ This theme requires that teachers' beliefs are oriented toward selfactualization and social reconstruction It also suggests that the affective domain (valuing physical active) is prominent in planning for learning The discussion focuses on identified tensions related to the central theme and its associated value orientations and learning domain priorities A stepwise research agenda for progressively developing the model through implementation

‘Street‐level Bureaucracy’ Revisited: The Changing Face of Frontline Discretion in Adult Social Care in England

Abstract: This reassessment of the continuing significance of Lipsky's (1980) work on ‘street-level bureaucracy’ for frontline decision making is based on a retrospective review of the author's research on assessment practice in adult social care in England. The studies span the past two decades during which time successive governments have restructured and modernized social services departments. When these were established in 1970, they represented the high watermark of bureau-professionalism – a mode of administration which dominated social welfare at the time Lipsky was writing. The subsequent dismantling of bureau-professionalism calls into question the validity of his findings, and the author draws on her own research to assess conflicting views about the impact of social care reforms on the discretion which social workers exercise as street-level bureaucrats. She concludes that the distinct types of discretion to emerge from her findings, represented in a taxonomy, are shaped by the differing micro environments of frontline practice which, in turn, affect the relative force of managerialism, professionalism and user empowerment in countering the defensive exercise of discretion described by Lipsky. Whilst her analysis affirms the continuing significance of Lipsky's analysis, it also points to the need for some revision to accommodate major shifts in welfare administration since the publication of his work. She highlights the potential relevance of these insights for investigating the next planned transformation of adult social care, personalization, as well as for the implementation literature more widely.

Optimization method for the joint allocation of modulation schemes, coding rates, resource blocks and power in self-organizing LTE networks

Abstract: This article investigates the problem of the allocation of modulation and coding, subcarriers and power to users in LTE. The proposed model achieves inter-cell interference mitigation through the dynamic and distributed self-organization of cells. Therefore, there is no need for any a prior frequency planning. Moreover, a two-level decomposition method able to find near optimal solutions is proposed to solve the optimization problem. Finally, simulation results show that compared to classic reuse schemes the proposed approach is able to pack more users into the same bandwidth, decreasing the probability of user outage.

Bacteriophage therapy: potential uses in the control of antibiotic-resistant pathogens

Abstract: The use of bacteriophages (phages) to treat bacterial infections, known as phage therapy, has a history substantially longer than that of antibiotics, yet these drugs have been the treatment of choice in the West for over 60 years owing to efficacy, low toxicity and ease of production. Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics while efforts to discover new agents have drastically reduced. Phages have co-evolved with their hosts over billions of years and have acquired mechanisms to counter bacterial defences such as extracellular biofilm production, which severely reduces the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Recent animal and human trials show phages to be safe, well-tolerated agents with a bright future as an alternative to chemical agents.

Normalisation Revisited: The Effective Use of Technology in Language Education

Abstract: This article revisits the issue of the normalisation of technology in language education, defined as the stage at which a technology is used in language education without our being consciously aware of its role as a technology, as an effective element in the language learning process Bax, 2003. It draws on the literature relating to the history of sociotechnical innovation Bijker, 1997 to develop the theoretical basis of the concept and examines normalisation in the light of a neo-Vygotskian conceptual framework, in order to establish a set of central principles by which to understand and interpret the normalisation process. It then considers the implications for the language teacher and other change agents, with proposals for how to introduce new technologies into language education settings with maximum impact.

The role of the user within the medical device design and development process: medical device manufacturers' perspectives

Abstract: Background: Academic literature and international standards bodies suggest that user involvement, via the incorporation of human factors engineering methods within the medical device design and development (MDDD) process, offer many benefits that enable the development of safer and more usable medical devices that are better suited to users’ needs. However, little research has been carried out to explore medical device manufacturers’ beliefs and attitudes towards user involvement within this process, or indeed what value they believe can be added by doing so. Methods: In-depth interviews with representatives from 11 medical device manufacturers are carried out. We ask them to specify who they believe the intended users of the device to be, who they consult to inform the MDDD process, what role they believe the user plays within this process, and what value (if any) they believe users add. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the fully transcribed interview data, to gain insight into medical device manufacturers’ beliefs and attitudes towards user involvement within the MDDD process. Results: A number of high-level themes emerged, relating who the user is perceived to be, the methods used, the perceived value and barriers to user involvement, and the nature of user contributions. The findings reveal that despite standards agencies and academic literature offering strong support for the employment formal methods, manufacturers are still hesitant due to a range of factors including: perceived barriers to obtaining ethical approval; the speed at which such activity may be carried out; the belief that there is no need given the ‘all-knowing’ nature of senior health care staff and clinical champions; a belief that effective results are achievable by consulting a minimal number of champions. Furthermore, less senior health care practitioners and patients were rarely seen as being able to provide valuable input into the process. Conclusions: Medical device manufacturers often do not see the benefit of employing formal human factors engineering methods within the MDDD process. Research is required to better understand the day-to-day requirements of manufacturers within this sector. The development of new or adapted methods may be required if user involvement is to be fully realised.

Health effects of green tea catechins in overweight and obese men: a randomised controlled cross-over trial.

Abstract: Regular consumption of green tea may be cardioprotective. In the present study we investigated the health effects of dietary supplementation with green tea catechins and the potential modifying effect of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val/Met genotype. Subjects (sedentary males, aged 40-69 years, with BMI ≥ 28 and ≤ 38 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to consume decaffeinated green tea extract (DGT; 530 mg containing about 400 mg total catechins/capsule, twice daily) and placebo in a complete cross-over design. Ambulatory blood pressure and biomarkers of metabolic function (cholesterol, TAG, glucose and insulin) were measured at weeks 0 and 6. Although a marked increase in the concentration of plasma epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), urinary epigallocatechin (EGC) and urinary 4'-O-methyl EGC was found after DGT treatment, no effect on blood pressure or biomarkers of metabolic function was observed. However, a period × treatment interaction (P < 0·05) was detected for body-weight change. Despite a similar increase in estimated energy intake during intervention period 1, body weight decreased by 0·64 (sd 2·2) kg and increased by 0·53 (sd 1·9) kg in the DGT and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0·025), suggesting a protective effect of green tea catechins on weight gain. Additionally, the COMT Val/Met genotype influenced urinary accumulation of EGC and 4'-O-methyl EGC (P < 0·01). Mean concentrations were lower in individuals homozygous for the high-activity G-allele, possibly reflecting increased metabolic flux and a more rapid conversion to downstream metabolic species, compared with individuals carrying at least one copy of the low-activity A-allele. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and further explore the modifying effect of genotype.

Cancer, pre-cancer and normal oral cells distinguished by dielectrophoresis

Abstract: Most oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) that arise from the epithelial lining of the oral mucosa. Given that the oral cavity is easily accessible, the disease lends itself to early detection; however, most oral cancers are diagnosed at a late stage, and approximately half of oral cancer sufferers do not survive beyond five years, post-diagnosis. The low survival rate has been attributed to late detection, but there is no accepted, reliable and convenient method for the detection of oral cancer and oral pre-cancer. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a label-free technique which can be used to obtain multi-parametric measurements of cell electrical properties. Parameters such as cytoplasmic conductivity and effective membrane capacitance (C(Eff)) can be non-invasively determined by the technique. In this study, a novel lab-on-a-chip device was used to determine the cytoplasmic conductivity and C(Eff) of primary normal oral keratinocytes, and pre-cancerous and cancerous oral keratinocyte cell lines. Our results show that the electrical properties of normal, pre-cancerous and cancerous oral keratinocytes are distinct. Furthermore, increasing C (Eff) and decreasing cytoplasmic conductivity correlate with disease progression which could prove significant for diagnostic and prognostic applications. DEP has the potential to be used as a non-invasive technique to detect oral cancer and oral pre-cancer. Clinical investigation is needed to establish the reliability and temporal relationship of the correlation between oncologic disease progression and the electrical parameters identified in this study. To use this technique as an OSCC detection tool in a clinical setting, further characterisation and refinement is warranted.

Settlers, vagrants and mutual indifference: unintended consequences of hot‐desking

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a sociological analysis of emergent sociospatial structures in a hot‐desking office environment, where space is used exchangeably It considers hot‐desking as part of broader societal shifts in the ownership of spaceDesign/methodology/approach – This analysis is based on an ethnographically‐oriented investigation, in which data collection methods used were participant‐observation and interviewing The analysis uses Lefebvre's conceptualisation of the social production of space and draws on the urban sociology literatureFindings – The analysis first indicates that, in hot‐desking environments, there may be an emergent social structure distinguishing employees who settle in one place, and others who have to move constantly Second, the practice of movement itself generates additional work and a sense of marginalisation for hot‐deskersResearch limitations/implications – The paper does not provide a generalisable theory, but suggests that loss of everyday o

In vitro genotoxicity test approaches with better predictivity: Summary of an IWGT workshop.

Abstract: Improving current in vitro genotoxicity tests is an ongoing task for genetic toxicologists. Further, the question on how to deal with positive in vitro results that are demonstrated to not predict genotoxicity or carcinogenicity potential in rodents or humans is a challenge. These two aspects were addressed at the 5th International Workshop on Genotoxicity Testing (IWGT) held in Basel, Switzerland, on August 17-19, 2009. The objectives of the working group (WG) were to make recommendations on the use of cell types or lines, if possible, and to provide evaluations of promising new approaches. Results obtained in rodent cell lines with impaired p53 function (L5178Y, V79, CHL and CHO cells) and human p53-competent cells (peripheral blood lymphocytes, TK6 and HepG2 cells) suggest that a reduction in the percentage of non-relevant positive results for carcinogenicity prediction can be achieved by careful selection of cells used without decreasing the sensitivity of the assays. Therefore, the WG suggested using p53- competent - preferably human - cells in in vitro micronucleus or chromosomal aberration tests. The use of the hepatoma cell line HepaRG for genotoxicity testing was considered promising since these cells possess better phase I and II metabolizing potential compared to cell lines commonly used in this area and may overcome the need for the addition of S9. For dermally applied compounds, the WG agreed that in vitro reconstructed skin models, once validated, will be useful to follow up on positive results from standard in vitro assays as they resemble the properties of human skin (barrier function, metabolism). While the reconstructed skin micronucleus assay has been shown to be further advanced, there was also consensus that the Comet assay should be further evaluated due to its independence from cell proliferation and coverage of a wider spectrum of DNA damage.

Betel-derived alkaloid up-regulates keratinocyte alphavbeta6 integrin expression and promotes oral submucous fibrosis.

Abstract: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant, fibrosing disorder of the mouth, pharynx, and oesophagus, with a malignant transformation rate of 7-13%. OSF is strongly associated with areca (betel) nut chewing and worldwide, over 5 million people are affected. As αvβ6 integrin is capable of promoting both tissue fibrosis and carcinoma invasion, we examined its expression in fibroepithelial hyperplasia and OSF. αvβ6 was markedly up-regulated in OSF, with high expression detected in 22 of 41 cases (p < 0.001). We investigated the functional role of αvβ6 using oral keratinocyte-derived cells genetically modified to express high αvβ6 (VB6), and also NTERT-immortalized oral keratinocytes, which express low αvβ6 (OKF6/TERT-1). VB6 cells showed significant αvβ6-dependent activation of TGF-β1, which induced transdifferentiation of oral fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and resulted in up-regulation of genes associated with tissue fibrosis. These experimental in vitro findings were confirmed using human clinical samples, where we showed that the stroma of OSF contained myofibroblasts and that TGF-β1-dependent Smad signalling was detectable both in keratinocytes and in myofibroblasts. We also found that arecoline, the major alkaloid of areca nuts, up-regulated keratinocyte αvβ6 expression. This was modulated through the M(4) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and was suppressed by the M(4) antagonist, tropicamide. Arecoline-dependent αvβ6 up-regulation promoted keratinocyte migration and induced invasion, raising the possibility that this mechanism may support malignant transformation. Over 80% of OSF-related oral cancers examined had moderate/high αvβ6 expression. These data suggest that the pathogenesis of OSF may be epithelial-driven and involve arecoline-dependent up-regulation of αvβ6 integrin.

Cyclic volatile methylsiloxane bioaccumulation in flounder and ragworm in the Humber Estuary.

Abstract: Cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes are being subjected to regulatory scrutiny as possible PET chemicals. The investigation of bioaccumulation has yielded apparently contradictory results, with high la ...

What is ‘Substance Misuse’?

Abstract: This literature review concerned the end of life care needs of patients with drug and alcohol addiction, particularly in the UK, and to identify existing good practice guidance. Three themes emerged: » The need to improve recognition of substance misuse in patients receiving palliative care, and to meet the challenges palliative care teams face when caring for patients who have current or past opiate, benzodiazepine or alcohol addictions. » A lack of UK literature addressing the end of life care needs of patients with drug and alcohol addiction. There are articles in the US literature concerning a family-systems approach to the care of dying patients who have misused substances, and the role of social workers and counsellors in the care of dying patients receiving opiate-substitution treatment. » Inequitable access to end of life and palliative care services for homeless people, many of whom are addicted to substances or alcohol.

Working to Ensure Safety, Belonging and Success for Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children

Abstract: This paper considers what safety, belonging and success mean to children and young people who seek asylum alone within richer nations. These three elements are conceptualised, taking account of journeys away from their countries of origin towards a sense of ‘home’ in a new country. The conceptual map is then used to frame existing research to establish what is known, and what needs to be further examined in understanding the ways in which the three elements are manifest when permanent resettlement, temporary admission and enforced return are all possible outcomes of an asylum claim. The paper concludes that the state of knowledge is currently uncertain in relation to each element, with some good evidence of safety and belonging in the context of permanent resettlement and relatively poor understanding of success when children and young people are forced to return away from the country of asylum. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘Home is the place where, when you have to go there, They have to take you in.’ The Death of the Hired Man by Robert Frost, 1915 (Frost, 1973) ‘permanent resettlement, temporary admission and enforced return are all possible outcomes of an asylum claim’

A new method to study changes in microvascular blood volume in muscle and adipose tissue: real-time imaging in humans and rat

Abstract: We employed and evaluated a new application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for real-time imaging of changes in microvascular blood volume (MBV) in tissues in females, males, and rat. Continuous re...

Bacteriophages for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

Abstract: Bacteriophages were first identified in 1915 and were used as antimicrobial agents from 1919 onwards Despite apparent successes and widespread application, early users did not understand the nature of these agents and their efficacy remained controversial As a result, they were replaced in the west by chemical antibiotics once these became available However, bacteriophages remained a common therapeutic approach in parts of Eastern Europe where they are still in use Increasing levels of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are now driving demand for novel therapeutic approaches In cases where antibiotic options are limited or nonexistent, the pressure for new agents is greatest One of the most prominent areas of concern is multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a prominent member of this class and is the cause of damaging infections that can be resistant to successful treatment with conventional antibiotics At the same time, it exhibits a number of properties that make it a suitable target for bacteriophage-based approaches, including growth in biofilms that can hydrolyse following phage infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa provides a striking example of an infection where clinical need and the availability of a practical therapy coincide