University of Bedfordshire

About: University of Bedfordshire is a education organization based out in Luton, Bedford, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 3860 authors who have published 6079 publications receiving 143448 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Luton.

Exploratory study in tourism: designing an initial, qualitative phase of sequenced, mixed methods research

Abstract: Exploratory studies in the social sciences are being increasingly advocated, particularly in relation to new research themes or when addressing an existing issue from a new perspective. Although exploration is usually the starting point, it is frequently part of a sequence of research stages. However, until recently the actual process of conducting such exploratory research within the leisure and tourism field has received little attention. This is due not just to perceptions that exploration is merely the initial step in a longer research process, but significantly, because there is a lack of guidance on how to conduct such research. This paper argues that when the overall tourism research study involves the use of mixed methods, an initial exploratory stage conducted as part of a sequential research process, requires a systematic approach to achieve a reliable platform for further investigation. The paper shows how and why a systematic research design process in the exploratory stage can enhance the value of studies, when the initial qualitative stage is to be followed by a quantitative phase. Three phases of an exploratory qualitative research design process are identified: preparation, development and refinement. Criteria for assessing the suitability of qualitative data collection techniques are proposed. It is argued that careful attention to the process of designing the initial exploratory qualitative stage constitutes the necessary condition for achieving results that will form a sound basis for the next quantitative sequence of research.

Seroepidemiology and serodiagnosis of schistosomiasis in Kenya using crude and purified egg antigens of Schistosoma mansoni in ELISA

Abstract: The performance of antibody detection for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis has been evaluated in Kenya. Approximately 1500 blood samples from 3 areas with endemic schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni only, S. haematobium only, and a mixed infection area), and from a non-endemic control area, were tested for their antibody reactivity in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were compared with infection status determined by parasitological examination. Two test antigens were used: unfractionated S. mansoni egg homogenate (SEA), and CEF6, a previously described, partially purified fraction of SEA containing 2 cationic antigens. The antigens prepared from eggs of Kenya and Puerto Rico S. mansoni isolates gave very similar results. Bloods from patients with S. haematobium infection cross-reacted significantly with the two S. mansoni antigen preparations, but reactivity against CEF6 appeared more specifically indicative of S. mansoni infection. Of 254 blood samples from schoolchildren in the non-endemic area, 100% gave ELISA optical density readings at 492 nm (OD492) <0·20 against SEA, and 98% were <0·20 against CEF6. With 887 blood samples from subjects of all ages in the area endemic for S. mansoni alone, using an ELISA OD492 cut-off point of 0·20, SEA and CEF6 had sensitivities of 94% and 97% respectively, and specificities of 64% and 59% respectively. Increasing the OD492 cut-off value reduced the sensitivity and increased the specificity of both test antigens. Specificity of both antigens was poor with samples from 234 children in an area endemic for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium (<20% for both antigens at an OD492 cut-off value of 0·20). It is suggested, with supporting evidence, that one reason for the apparently poor specificity of the serological testing in the endemic area is the inherently poor sensitivity of parasitological examinations of small volumes of stool. There was a significant positive correlation between blood elisa results and the number of eggs excreted by infected subjects in the area endemic for S. mansoni only. Highest correlation coefficients were obtained in children aged under 10 years, and CEF6 gave marginally higher correlation coefficients than SEA. The graphs of prevalence and intensity of schistosome infection drawn from serological results were similar in shape to the graphs of these 2 quantities based on parasitological results, and the results indicate that serology merits wider use as an epidemiological tool for determining infection status in schistosomiasis.

Lost in translation? Psychometric properties and construct validity of the English Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) social climate questionnaire.

Abstract: The social climate of correctional (forensic) settings is likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of treatment and the overall functioning of these units The Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) provides an objective way of measuring social climate that overcomes the content, length, and psychometric limitations of other measures But the English translation of the EssenCES has yet to be sufficiently validated for use in forensic settings in the United Kingdom The current study presents psychometric properties (factor structure and internal consistency) and an examination of construct validity with the English EssenCES Satisfactory internal consistency was found for all EssenCES scales, and the expected three-factor structure was confirmed with both staff and residents and in prison and secure hospital settings using confirmatory factor analysis Evidence to support construct validity was established using multilevel models, which showed statistically significant associations between scores on the EssenCES and scores on the Working Environment Scale, institutional aggression, and site security Future validation work and potential practical applications of the EssenCES are discussed