Showing papers by "University of Huddersfield published in 1994"

Product costing in UK manufacturing organizations

Abstract: This paper reports and comments on the findings from a questionnaire survey on the product costing practices used by 260 UK manufacturing companies. The aims of the paper are (1) to provide evidence to ascertain the extent to which recent criticisms of product costing can be judged and (2) to compare and comment upon the theory and practice of product costing. The survey findings indicate that product costs computed to meet inventory valuation requirements are widely used for decision-making and internal profit measurement. The majority of firms, however, used both full costs and variable costs for decision-making and the findings suggest that product cost information is used in a more flexible manner than that depicted by previous studies. The paper reports on the methods used by companies to compute full product costs. Most organizations used questionable overhead allocations that are likely to result in the reporting of distorted product costs. The concluding sections of the paper discuss the possible ...

Research utilization in nursing practice--a pilot study.

Abstract: A low research base and inadequate research utilization are seen as obstacles to acquiring credible professional status for nursing. During recent years there has been some debate, both in Europe and in North America, about the extent to which nurses base their practice on research. This paper reviews recent empirical studies about research utilization, then goes on to describe a small pilot study carried out in the UK to attempt to measure research utilization among general nurses at F/G grade. A large-scale, generalizable survey using similar methods is proposed to build on the knowledge gained from the pilot study. Tentative findings are put forward that show a positive attitude towards research among British clinical nurses. Specialist nurse advisors and research-based protocols are helpful to nurses in accessing research literature. The biggest deterrent to research utilization appears to be lack of perceived autonomy--some nurses feel unable to challenge medical colleagues and organizational managers and so fail to make use of research findings available to them. Significant differences are found between the two hospitals studied in the characteristics of their nursing staff, particularly in relation to their research awareness and degree of perceived autonomy.

The clinical effects of vitamin C supplementation in elderly hospitalised patients with acute respiratory infections.

Abstract: A randomised double-blind trial involving vitamin C/placebo supplementation was conducted on 57 elderly patients admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections (bronchitis and bronchopneumonia). Patients were assessed clinically and biochemically on admission and again at 2 and 4 weeks after admission having received either 200 mg vitamin C per day, or placebo. This relatively modest oral dose led to a significant increase in plasma and white cell vitamin C concentration even in the presence of acute respiratory infection. Using a clinical scoring system based on major symptoms of the respiratory condition, patients supplemented with the vitamin fared significantly better than those on placebo. This was particularly the case for those commencing the trial most severely ill, many of whom had very low plasma and white cell vitamin C concentrations on admission. Various mechanisms by which vitamin C could assist this type of patient are discussed.

“i wanted to be interesting. i wanted to be able to say 'i've done something interesting with my life'”: interviews with surrogate mothers in britain

Abstract: Surrogacy arrangements have generated considerable debate in Britain and elsewhere, although such debate has taken place in an empirical vacuum. Nevertheless, despite the explicit intention of government policy that there should be no provision for licensing of non-commercial surrogacy services, surrogacy arrangements are being inexorably drawn into the regulatory framework established under the provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (Blyth, 1993). Following implementation of the Act an exploratory empirical study (the first of its kind to be conducted in Britain) was carried out to investigate the experiences of British surrogate mothers and commissioning parents. This paper reports on the findings concerning the experiences of the surrogate mothers involved in the study. The experiences of commissioning parents will be reported separately.

Excavations at the Lower Palaeolithic site at East Farm, Barnham, Suffolk 1989-92

Abstract: Preliminary results are presented from three seasons9 work at the Lower Palaeolithic site at Barnham. The complex stratigraphy is described and a provisional interpretation given, which suggests that the archaeological deposits date to a warm phase after the Anglian (Middle Pleistocene) cold stage. A fauna1 assemblage from the deposits is described, providing an environmental and biostratigraphic context for the site. Further geochronological control is provided by amino acid ratios on shells from the sequence. Two flint assemblages have been excavated, the first consisting of flakes and cores, and the second including bifaces. These assemblages and their position in the British sequence are considered in terms of their stratigraphic context and their relationship to other Lower Palaeolithic assemblages in the British Isles.

The human interface

Abstract: Looks at the design elements of an effective human interface. Outlines what makes a good interface and why so many are bad. Explains the importance of having a clear idea of what jobs are to be done and an understanding of the ways errors happen. Also explains the need to understand and involve the user and the importance of trying out the interface at an early stage. Concludes that bad interfaces cost money and can be dangerous and that the human interface should attract at least the same level of resources as any other major part of system design.

Continuous measurement of lumbar posture using flexible electrogoniometers

Abstract: Continuous measurement of changing limb segment angle is possible using a recently introduced flexible electrogoniometer but, unfortunately, the magnitude of linear displacements occurring during flexion and extension of the trunk has prevented its use as a measure of spinal mobility and posture. To overcome this limitation, a specially constructed, lightweight, aluminium carriage has been developed to allow free linear travel of the electrogoniometer, while maintaining the angle recorded between the thoracolumbar junction and the sacrum. The reliability and practicability of this new approach for recording changes in lumbar posture have been investigated. Following bench tests and operator training, measurements of maximal flexion and extension of the lumbar spine were repeated on 12 subjects. The extent of sagittal mobility was compared with measures from a fluid-filled inclinometer and a flexicurve. Analysis of the data showed that the use of the aluminium carriage did not markedly influence the accuracy of the electrogoniometer, and the technique as modified was found to be comparable with standard techniques for estimating the extent of lumbar sagittal flexibility. A field based study, involving four garage mechanics, was undertaken to examine the usability and acceptability of the electrogoniometer technique for continuous measurements. Lumbar curvature was monitored continuously for a two hour period during the course of the mechanics' working day. Dedicated software provided angle-time plots from which it was established that extreme flexed or extended postures were maintained only for relatively short periods; projection to an eight hour shift would indicate that a total of approximately 40 min is spent in extension beyond 10 degrees and flexion beyond 50 degrees. The technique has the potential to provide quantitative information on lumbar posture necessary for non-invasive, biomechanical investigations of spinal loading. It will be particularly useful for both sporting and occupational ergonomics field-studies.

Hypocrisy and Moral Seriousness

Abstract: L'A. etudie les differentes formes d'hypocrisie qui peuvent se definir comme la simulation d'une vertu, la critique morale d'autrui par une personne elle-meme fautive, la contradiction entre le comportement d'une personne et la sentence morale qu'elle professe, la complaisance envers soi

Ability of some strains of lactic acid bacteria to degrade phytic acid

Abstract: K SHIRAI, s REVAH-MOISEEV, M GARC~A-GARIBAY AND VM MARSHALL 1994 Twelve strains of lactic acid bacteria were examined for their ability to degrade phytate In media in which phytic acid was the source of phosphate, phytate degradation was observed Phytate disappearance may however not only be due to phytase, as phytic acid coprecipitated with protein as a consequence of a fall in pH during fermentation

Integrating status and event phenomena in formal specifications of interactive systems

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the appropriateness of formal specification languages for the description of user interface phenomena. Specifically, we are concerned with the distinction between continuously available information, which we call status, and atomic, non-persistent information, which we call events. We propose a hybrid model and notation to address status and event phenomena symmetrically. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this model for designing and understanding mixed control interaction, an especially important topic in the design of multi-user systems.

HIBROWSE for bibliographic database

Abstract: The HIBROWSE (High Resolution Interface for Database Specific Browsing and Searching) design offers improved searching functionality for users of bibliographic databases. The interface provides a multi-windowed view of data stored on a relational database management system, using layered attribute value aggregation and classification. The user interrogates the database by invoking automatically formulated SQL (structured query language) queries that fil ter the contents of each window according to user-selected attribute values. The interface is described using 'hand crafted' screens to create realistic examples of HIBROWSE systems for EPOQUE, the European Parliament Online Query System, INSPEC, MEDLINE and EMBASE.

The Guild of Help and the changing face of Edwardian philanthropy

Abstract: The Guild of Help was formed at Bradford in 1904 with the idea of introducing a new, more community-based, approach to deal with the increasingly important problem of poverty. It emerged to overcome the failures of charity and the threat of increased state intervention, seeking instead to get all the community to take responsibility for the poor. The movement spread rapidly and soon became a major constituent of voluntary urban relief in Britain. Yet, in the end, its community approach failed, largely because solving the problem of poverty was well beyond its means, and intent, but also because it was unable to draw the churches, the working classes and charities into working with the well-regulated system of help for the poor which it envisaged.

The Importance of Organizational and National Culture

Abstract: Reports the findings of a study which examined the attitudes of East and West German managers to the process of strategic industrial change following German reunification. Acknowledges the importance of organizational and national culture, specifically in relation to the process of strategic management, and notes a number of dissimilarities between the perceptions of the two nationalities towards the changes. Their perceptions provide an indicative insight into the combined organizational/national cultures within which each group was socialized. Makes suggestions for possible future research in this area.

Problems of Food Supply Logistics in Russia and the CIS

Abstract: Reviews the structure, characteristics and problems of food supply logistics in the Russian Republic and other former Soviet states. Examines the structural causes of food short‐ages, followed by a description of changes in food supply systems since the introduction of free market policies. The major part of the report is devoted to an analysis of the logistical problems in the food supply chain from food production, through processing, storage and transport.

International comparison of cave radon concentrations identifying the potential alpha radiation risks to British cave users

Abstract: Elevated concentrations of {sup 222}Rn have been recorded in many limestone caves throughout the world. As prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations has been linked to cancer and tumors, particularly of the lung, a national survey of radon in British caves was undertaken. Passive radon detectors were exposed at 250 sites in 47 caves over four 7-d sampling periods. Mean concentrations ranging from 454-8,868 Bq m{sup {minus}3} were recorded. In one system, in the Peak District, radon concentrations of 155,000 Bq m{sup {minus}3} were recorded. The results indicate that the potential radiation dose from a single 4-h trip could exceed the national average annual background radiation dose (for the UK) from radon of 1.25 mSv. 18 refs., 3 tabs.

Women, Decision Making and Academia: An Unholy Alliance

Abstract: Considers the role of women within academia and outlines their experience of decision making within this context. Outlines the significant results of a study on female academics within one institute of higher education. In particular, women are found to experience an exclusion from informal networks and a consequent lack of access to real‐time information via the grapevine. They also perceive themselves to have less influence on organizational decision making than their male counterparts and suffer from a greater feeling of intimidation of authority, finding it difficult to make themselves heard in decision‐making meetings.

Understanding differences between high and low childhood accident rate areas: the importance of qualitative data.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The research discussed in the paper was undertaken for a District Health Authority to aid the development of appropriate policies to achieve the Health of the nation strategic target for reducing the death rate from accidents amongst children under 15. There has been a great deal of quantitative and epidemiological research into childhood accidents which has demonstrated a clear social class gradient in childhood accidents, fatalities and injuries. Less research has been undertaken into the possible reasons for the 'social patterning' of accidents and other aspects of health. Recent sociological research on childhood accidents has adopted a more qualitative approach and studied childhood safety within a family and community context. This approach has been used in the Huddersfield study on parental perspectives on childhood safety. METHODS: In-depth interviews were held with a sample of parents from a high and a low childhood accident rate area. RESULTS: The two focus areas reveal contrasting social profiles. There were significant differences on a number of aspects of parental perceptions on safety and beliefs about accidents, in the two areas. Analysis of accident events revealed that all the families in the high childhood accident rate area sample had children who had had an accident in the past which required hospital treatment. A high proportion of their children had experienced 'near misses'. In contrast, half the families in the low childhood accident rate area had children who had experienced an accident in the past and a much smaller proportion had experienced 'near misses'. All the parents in the sample from both areas developed rules, routines and practices to keep their children safe. The study suggests that there are social class differences in the effective use of these safety rules. CONCLUSION: Qualitatively orientated sociological research into parental perspectives on childhood safety contributes to an understanding of the reasons for the social patterning of childhood accidents. Such information should be of help to professionals in their prevention and safety promotion work. Language: en

Analysing General Practitioners' Referral Decisions I. Developing an Analytical Framework

Abstract: Despite a large volume of research, understanding the influences on general practitioner referral behaviour remains limited. This paper argues for the value of an approach to this area based on the analysis of individual referral decisions, rather than aggregated referral statistics. A framework for analysing referral decisions is described, developed from a study that collected accounts of 167 referral decisions from 28 general practitioners. The framework enables referral decisions to be examined at three levels of analysis of increasing generality. It also encompasses factors that influence general practitioners against making a referral as well as those that influence them towards referral, as it was found that both types of influence can be discerned in most cases. The types of study in which the framework would be a useful analytical tool are discussed.

A journal club as a teaching and learning strategy in nurse teacher education

Abstract: An account of the operation of a journal club in a Postgraduate Certificate in Education course for teachers of nursing is reported here. The paper is based on three issues: the background to journal clubs, the process involved in the operation of the club concerned, and the expected outcomes. The origins of journal clubs and the reading habits of nurses are considered in the background section through a review of some of the relevant literature. The negotiation involved, the frequency of meetings and the ethos in which they were conducted are discussed in the section on the processes involved. In the final section, both the tangible and personal outcomes are discussed and the conclusion reached is that a journal club is a worthwhile educational activity.

Patients to people.

Abstract: The ideas discussed in this paper are derived from a longitudinal study of student nurse socialization. The emergent views of a cohort of student nurses were explored by the researcher, over a period of 3 years, utilizing the approach referred to as grounded theory. ‘Patients to people’ represents a continuum of changing perceptions about those whom the students were nursing. It seemed that the cohort had to move along this continuum in order for them to be able to empathize with those they nursed. In the context of the students' changing perceptions, several things were of significance. For example, encounters with individuals who failed to demonstrate the passive and compliant attitude associated with ‘typical patients’, such as children, challenged the cohort's thinking about those they nursed. During their training the students matured as both nurses and adults and this was also important, as was their recognition of their own ‘personhood’. The cohort's emergent views suggested that there was a reciprocity between the way they viewed themselves and the perceptions they held about those they nursed. Such findings are important to people involved in preparing individuals to enter the caring professions. However, it should be noted that the experiences described in this study represent those of ‘traditionally’ trained rather than of Project 2000 students. The names used to describe people involved in this research are pseudonyms.

Estimation of spinal loads in overhead work.

Abstract: To explore the spinal loads occurring in overhead working postures and to assess the value of ergonomic reduction of lumbar extension, spinal strain was measured by stature change in simulated motor vehicle maintenance tasks. A field study identified the typical extent of lumbar extension incurred in this type of work. In the laboratory eight male volunteers tightened and loosened bolts both overhead and at chest-height for 30min periods; records were made of lumbar posture, ground reaction force, and perceived exertion. Stature change was measured using a refined technique which permitted estimation of net effect of the work loads. The field study revealed that motor mechanics typically spent 8% of their time working overhead with up to 10° of lumbar extension. In the laboratory study, the overhead task entailed more lumbar extension and perceived exertion than did the chest-height task; ground reaction forces did not differ substantially between tasks. Only small changes in stature were observed at the ...

Testing linear macros in mixed-signal systems using transient response testing and dynamic supply current monitoring

Abstract: Transient response testing (TRT) has been shown to be a powerful technique for the testing of linear macros in mixed-signal systems Its most significant advantage is the ease with which the generic digital stimuli can be injected into, and propagated through, a mixed-signal system However, with a deeply buried macro the resulting response is difficult to access, and these benefits cannot be fully exploited The authors show how this problem can be overcome by forcing the transient response of interest to manifest itself in the device supply current, and also present a silicon efficient serial digital test access structure

The Management of Water Colour in Peatland Catchments

Abstract: The problems of water-colour management in peatland catchments are discussed. Colour may be managed in three areas of the reservoir catchment system: on the catchment itself, in the channel/conduit system and within the reservoir. Whilst a number of workers have considered the management of catchment areas and some have evolved tributary turnout strategies, no previous research has considered the role of the reservoir in the amelioration or enhancement of water colour. The management of water colour at Thornton Moor catchment (near Bradford) is described. In this catchment a staged approach has been adopted, with colour being managed in an integrated manner at three stages along the catchment/conduit/reservoir system.

Learning and remembering

Abstract: How do we learn how we should act and how do we store information? These two questions are among the earliest studied by psychologists and still provide a focus for a substantial amount of research. The ability to learn and to reason was thought of by European scientists in the 19th century as the factor which distinguishes human beings from animals. Animals were thought to acquire their behaviour and knowledge by ‘instinct’, whereas people developed their own knowledge through enquiry and had the gift of reason.