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.

Safewards: the empirical basis of the model and a critical appraisal.

Abstract: ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY: In the previous paper we described a model explaining differences in rates of conflict and containment between wards, grouping causal factors into six domains: the staff team, the physical environment, outside hospital, the patient community, patient characteristics and the regulatory framework. This paper reviews and evaluates the evidence for the model from previously published research. The model is supported, but the evidence is not very strong. More research using more rigorous methods is required in order to confirm or improve this model. ABSTRACT: In a previous paper, we described a proposed model explaining differences in rates of conflict (aggression, absconding, self-harm, etc.) and containment (seclusion, special observation, manual restraint, etc.). The Safewards Model identified six originating domains as sources of conflict and containment: the patient community, patient characteristics, the regulatory framework, the staff team, the physical environment, and outside hospital. In this paper, we assemble the evidence underpinning the inclusion of these six domains, drawing upon a wide ranging review of the literature across all conflict and containment items; our own programme of research; and reasoned thinking. There is good evidence that the six domains are important in conflict and containment generation. Specific claims about single items within those domains are more difficult to support with convincing evidence, although the weight of evidence does vary between items and between different types of conflict behaviour or containment method. The Safewards Model is supported by the evidence, but that evidence is not particularly strong. There is a dearth of rigorous outcome studies and trials in this area, and an excess of descriptive studies. The model allows the generation of a number of different interventions in order to reduce rates of conflict and containment, and properly conducted trials are now needed to test its validity.

An empirical examination of stakeholder pressures, green operations practices and environmental performance

Abstract: This study explores two key attributes constituting green operations practices (i.e. internal green management and green product/process design) and examines the links of adopting green operations practices with its antecedent factors (stakeholder pressures) and consequent performance outcomes (environmental performance). Data collected from 167 manufacturing firms in the UK were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results reveal that stakeholder pressures have a significant positive effect on internal green management, and that internal green management significantly affects green product/process design. The two attributes of green operations practices are significantly and positively related to environmental performance. More specifically, we find that internal green management fully mediates the relationship between stakeholder pressures and green product/process design and the relationship between stakeholder pressures and environmental performance.

Toll-like receptor ligand activation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

Abstract: Dendritic cells (DCs) are required for the initiation of primary immune responses The pattern of Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression on various subsets of these cells has been shown to differ, suggestive of distinct roles in influencing immune responses We have examined here the responses of immature DCs derived from murine bone marrow (BMDCs) to a range of TLR ligands BMDCs cultured for 6 days in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were stimulated for 24 hr with ligands to TLR1-2 [Pam(3)Cys-Ser-(Lys)(4) (PAM)], TLR2-6 (macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2); zymosan or peptidoglycan (PG)], TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid), TLR4 [lipopolysaccharide R515 (LPS)], TLR5 (flagellin), TLR7 (polyuridylic acid) and TLR9 [CpG ODN2395 (CpG)] DC activation was monitored using membrane marker expression and analysis of culture supernatants for cytokine/chemokine release Ligands to TLR3 and TLR7 failed to activate BMDCs All other TLR ligands caused elevated expression of membrane markers PAM, MALP-2 and LPS induced high-level expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines Treatment with CpG was associated with a preferential type 1 cytokine and chemokine profile Zymosan and PG were proinflammatory but also skewed towards a type 2 pattern of cytokines and chemokines In contrast, flagellin did not cause marked secretion by BMDCs of cytokines or chemokines These data for BMDCs are largely consistent with the reported TLR repertoire of freshly isolated murine Langerhans cells In addition, murine BMDCs show selective responses to TLR ligands with respect to general activation, with differentiated cytokine patterns suggestive of potential priming for divergent immune responses