Showing papers by "University of Huddersfield published in 1998"

Figures of speech: Figurative expressions and the management of topic transition in conversation

Abstract: In conversation, speakers occasionally use figurative expressions such as “had a good innings,” “take with a pinch of salt,” or “come to the end of her tether.” This article investigates where in conversation such expressions are used, in terms of their sequential distribution. One clear distributional pattern is found: Figurative expressions occur regularly in topic transition sequences, and specifically in the turn where a topic is summarized, thereby initiating the closing of a topic. The paper discusses some of the distinctive features of the topic termination/transition sequences with which figurative closings are associated, particularly participants’ orientation to their moving to new topics. Finally, the interactional use of figurative expressions is considered in the context of instances where their use fails to secure topical closure, manifesting some conflict (disaffiliation, etc.) between the participants. (Figurative expressions, idioms, conversation, topic)* One feature of conversation that contributes to its colloquial character is that, from time to time, speakers use certain forms of idiomatic expressions which may be regarded as figures of speech. The following fragment from a telephone conversation illustrates this kind of linguistic object, the use of which we shall examine in this article.

Risk, Advanced Liberalism and Child Welfare: The Need to Rediscover Uncertainty and Ambiguity

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyse and reflect upon the current state of child welfare policy and practice and how this has changed over recent times. In the process it aims to make a contribution to the current debates on ‘the refocusing of children's services’. A central part of the argument is that new strategies have emerged which do not have as their central focus either meeting the needs of children or responding to child abuse, but the assessment and management of risk. In selecting such a focus, such developments are in danger of overlooking a central characteristic of policy and practice in terms of the pervasiveness of uncertainty and ambiguity. Not only do these characteristics need to be reorganized, but they need to be built on in order to take our thinking and practices forward.

The Use of Secondary Data in Business Ethics Research

Abstract: The relatively recent increase in empirical research conducted in business ethics has been accompanied by a growing literature which addresses its present shortcomings and continuing challenges. Particular attention has been focused on the difficulties of obtaining valid and reliable primary data. However, little or no attention has been paid to the use of secondary data. The aim of this paper is to stimulate the interest of business ethics researchers in using secondary data, either as a substitute or complement for primary data, bearing in mind both the benefits and shortcomings of doing so. It is suggested that secondary data not only offer advantages in terms of cost and effort, as conventionally described in research methods books, but also that in certain cases their use may overcome some of the difficulties that particularly afflict business ethics researchers in the gathering of primary data. In order to help business ethicists respond to this call for greater consideration of the potential offered by secondary data, the wide variety of forms that such data may take is indicated and a number of themes regarding their use discussed.

Finding Acceptable Solutions in the Pareto-Optimal Range using Multiobjective Genetic Algorithms

Abstract: This paper investigates the problem of using a genetic algorithm to converge on a small, user-defined subset of acceptable solutions to multiobjective problems, in the Pareto-optimal (P-O) range. The paper initially explores exactly why separate objectives can cause problems in a genetic algorithm (GA). A technique to guide the GA to converge on the subset of acceptable solutions is then introduced.

The mechanism of catalysis and the inhibition of the Bacillus cereus zinc-dependent beta-lactamase.

Abstract: The plot of kcat/Km against pH for the Bacillus cereus 569/H beta-lactamase class B catalysed hydrolysis of benzylpenicillin and cephalosporin indicates that there are three catalytically important groups, two of pKa 5.6+/-0.2 and one of pKa 9.5+/-0.2. Below pH 5 there is an inverse second-order dependence of reactivity upon hydrogen ion concentration, indicative of the requirement of two basic residues for catalysis. These are assigned to zinc(II)-bound water and Asp-90, both with a pKa of 5.6+/-0.2. A thiol, N-(2'-mercaptoethyl)-2-phenylacetamide, is an inhibitor of the class B enzyme with a Ki of 70 microM. The pH-dependence of Ki shows similar pH inflections to those observed in the catalysed hydrolysis of substrates. The pH-independence of Ki between pH 6 and 9 indicates that the pKa of zinc(II)-bound water must be 5.6 and not the higher pKa of 9.5. The kinetic solvent isotope effect on kcat/Km is 1.3+/-0.5 and that on kcat is 1.5. There is no effect on reactivity by either added zinc(II) or methanol. The possible mechanisms of action for the class B beta-lactamase are discussed, and it is concluded that zinc(II) acts as a Lewis acid to stabilize the dianionic form of the tetrahedral intermediate and to provide a hydroxide-ion bound nucleophile, whereas the carboxylate anion of Asp-90 acts as a general base to form the dianion and also, presumably, as a general acid catalyst facilitating C-N bond fission.

Non-compliance and professional power

Abstract: The non-compliance of patients with prescribed treatments is considered as a barrier to effective health care. Non-compliance has implications for the health of patients, effective use of resources and assessments of the clinical efficacy of treatments. Research into non-compliance has increased over the last 30 years. This seems to indicate that it is seen as an important area of concern for all health care professionals. Definitions of non-compliance are problematic, as are methods of assessment of its nature and frequency. Many factors which may account for non-compliance have been proposed, as well as methods to improve compliance. Research into these factors however, mainly based on a positivist epistemology, has failed to provide any conclusive answers to the problem. Sound clinical reasons are suggested as the basis for the increase in interest in non-compliance. It is contended, however, that it is not only these reasons that account for the identification of non-compliance as a problem. Non-compliant behaviour is seen as problematic, because it contravenes professional beliefs, norms and expectations regarding the ‘proper’ roles of patients and professionals. These have formed the basis of an ideology that views patients as passive recipients of health care. It has led to an inherent tendency to ‘blame’ the patient and view non-compliance as irrational and deviant. The professional view of non-compliance as irrational, is exemplified in the case of individuals with mental illness, where there are inherent assumptions that non-compliance can be seen primarily as a symptom of illness. This denies the legitimacy of patient choice, and has led to attempts to control compliance via suggested legislative measures. Serious moral and ethical problems arise from such measures, and can be seen as the ultimate legitimization of an ideology of non-compliance. The maintenance of professional power and control is suggested as central to the debates surrounding non-compliance. The ideological assumptions underpinning the concept of non-compliance need questioning, and a re-conceptualization of the roles of patients and professionals is required. This must involve a view of patients as active participators in their own health care. Research based on an interpretative epistemology, aimed at understanding individual action, rather than control, would seem a more appropriate model to pursue.

Purbeck–Wealden (early Cretaceous) climates

Abstract: A multidisciplinary colligation including new data and analysis of the evidence for the climates of southern Britain during c. 140 Ma. to c. 120 Ma BP (Berriasian-Barremian — ? earliest Aptian). The climate was at first hot, semi-arid and ‘Mediterranean’ (rather than ‘monsoonal’) in type, probably with seasonally opposed winds (E/W). An irregular long-term trend of increasing rainfall in the moister seasons is evident. This was probably associated with establishment of predominant westerlies during the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition and slightly lower average annual temperatures thereafter until Barremian times. Causes proposed are frequent changes in the regional climatic system due to technically induced adjustments of relief under the special conditions of the semi-enclosed Purbeck–Wealden archipelago and increasing proximity of the widening Protoatlantic sea.

Starting simple: adding value to static visualisation through simple interaction

Abstract: Interactive visualisation has been one of the most exciting areas in HCI over recent years. The key term here is 'interactive', and in this paper we assert that virtually any static representation can become more powerful by the addition of simple interactive elements. This is demonstrated by adding interactivity to standard representations including stacked histograms, pie charts and scatter plots. We show how adding interactivity can help resolve many of the trade-offs inherent in static visualisations by allowing multiple options to be available and most importantly for them to be interactively related. Many years of creativity and effort have been invested in traditional generic and bespoke visualisations. Adding interactivity leverages this accumulated experience, but also adds an extra dimension.

‘Fitting In and Sticking Out’: Consumption, Consumer Meanings and the Construction of Young People's Identities

Abstract: The impact of consumption on the construction of identities is emerging as a key concern of social theory. Despite this, little progress has been made towards developing an understanding of the actual everyday contexts in which young people consume and what implications these contexts have for the construction of their identities. The data considered were generated from a Consumer Meanings Questionnaire as part of a triangulated research project which sought to address the construction of consumer meanings amongst young people in Britain. In light of this data it is suggested that consumption allows young people to feel as though they ‘fit in’ whilst simultaneously giving them some semblance of individuality. This combination provides young people with a sense of stability not otherwise available to them as part of their experience of a ‘risk society’. The need for innovative methodologies which tap experiential aspects of youth experience and identities is therefore stressed.

Bank lending and the environment: policies and opportunities

Abstract: Recently bankers have come to realise that banking operations, especially corporate lending, affect and are affected by the natural environment and that consequently the banks might have an important role to play in helping to raise environmental standards. Although the environment presents significant risks to banks, in particular environmental credit risk, it also perhaps presents profitable opportunities. Stricter environmental regulations have forced companies to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and pollution control measures and in turn generated lending opportunities for bankers. This article examines the lending policies of a sample of UK banks with respect to the environment, focusing on issues of environmental risk management, market segmentation and the exploitation of marketing opportunities. The research found that while the banks are placing considerable emphasis on environmental risk management in their corporate lending operations, there is little evidence of them harnessing the opportunities presented by the “greening” of industry.

Vascular injuries in total knee arthroplasty. A review of the problem with special reference to the possible effects of the tourniquet.

Abstract: Considering the proximity of the major vascular structures to the back of the knee, vascular complications of total knee arthroplasty are relatively rare. A patient who developed acute vascular insufficiency immediately following a total knee arthroplasty is reported. This stimulated a survey of arterial complications encountered by members of the British Association for the Surgery of the Knee. The majority of surgeons still use a tourniquet but will modify their practice if there is anxiety about vascular status. The mechanism of injury to the vascular system is either direct trauma or thrombosis. The outcome following treatment after direct injury is extremely good. The outcome after thrombosis is extremely poor. There is no recorded case of thrombosis occurring when a tourniquet was not used. Whether all knee arthroplasties should be done without a tourniquet is discussed. Early intervention is vital if a vascular injury is suspected.

Communicating graphical information to blind users using music: the role of context

Abstract: We describe the design and use of AUDIOGRAPH - a tool for investigating the use of music in the communication of graphical information to blind and partially sighted users. This paper examines the use of the system to communicate complex diagrams and gives some examples of user output. Performance is not as good as expected and it is postulated that context will play an important part in the perception of diagrams communicated using music. A set of experiments are reported which indicate that context does indeed seem to play an important role in assisting meaningful understanding of the diagrams communicated. The implications for using music in auditory interface design are discussed.

Assessment of exposure to traffic-related fumes during the journey to work

Abstract: A pilot study was carried out to assess the levels of traffic related pollution individuals are exposed to while using different modes of transport on a typical journey to work route. This was carried out during the daily journey to work, and compared train, bus, car and bicycle (the latter both on the road and on an exclusive cycle path). The project monitored for benzene and inhalable particulates in September and October 1996. The car driver’s exposure was on all occasions the highest for benzene and the first or second highest for particulates compared to the other modes. The cyclists on the cycle path had in most cases the lowest or second lowest exposure to both pollutants. The road modes of transport always had the highest exposures to benzene. The cyclists on the road were exposed to significantly greater levels of both benzene and particulates than the cyclists on the path. There was large daily variation in levels of pollution exposure. This correlated with wind speed—the lower the wind speed the higher the levels of pollution. Based on the results of this pilot study tentative policy recommendations can be made. Public awareness should be raised concerning the potential pollution exposures by transport mode. Public transport should be promoted on the basis of low personal pollution exposure. To reduce cyclists’ pollution exposure, cycle paths should, wherever possible, be located away from main roads.

Clinical guidelines in the management of low back pain

Abstract: With the emergent concept of evidence-based practice, various countries have produced clinical guidelines for the management of acute low back pain since 1993–94. By and large the evidence-base for these proposals is consistent, though over the last 4 years it has increased considerably, and there has been a slight change of emphasis in several aspects. As all the guidelines are based on the same evidence, the similarity between them is not surprising. The common features are diagnostic triage along with periodic assessment to guide management strategies. There has been progressive reduction in the recommendation of rest as a treatment option, and early activation is increasingly recognized as a potent intervention. There has been a progressive recognition that psychosocial factors are important determinants for the risk of chronicity, and that such factors need to be addressed clinically. Specific therapeutic recommendations vary, but these are probably less important than the overall strategy. It is obviously hoped that clinical management should improve as a result of these initiatives, but effective dissemination and implementation are persisting concerns, and the effectiveness of clinical guidelines in changing clinical practice is still unproven.

On-Line Error Detection for Bit-Serial Multipliers in GF(2m)

Abstract: In this paper error detection is applied to four finite field bit-serial multipliers. It is shown that by using parity prediction, on-line error detection can be incorporated into these multipliers with very low hardware overheads. These hardware overheads are generally independent of m and comprise only a handful of gates, so for large values of m these overheads are particularly low. The fault coverage of the presented structures has been investigated by simulation experiment and shown to range between 90% and 94.3%.

Involving residents in quality specification

Abstract: The extension of user involvement in different aspects of service delivery in health and social care has been a central element of care in the community policy. Purchasers and providers of such services for older people have been exploring ways of tailoring services to meet individual need and ensure that the quality of the service reflects user preference rather than service-provider requirements. This article describes a project involving residents from a random proportionate sample of nursing homes and residential homes for older people in the City of Manchester. The project was designed to bring user views about quality into the service contract specification for the purchase of residential and nursing home care. The process and the outcomes are described. Factors which appear to promote the movement of user involvement into the mainstream of service specification and service development are identified. The role of small-scale initiatives is discussed.

Towards sustainable production and consumption: A literature review and conceptual framework for the service sector

Abstract: For firms to act in a way which is consistent with sustainable development, they need a method for analysing the contributions they can make up and down the supply chain. This requires consideration of both supply and demand sides of firm activity. In a review of how this might be achieved in the service sector, a range of different frameworks are explored and the article suggests the adoption of a model based on seven principles, namely environment, economy, employment, empowerment, equity, ethics and education. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

The welfare of the child. An emerging issue in the regulation of assisted conception.

Abstract: The regulation of assisted conception has been a contentious issue for many years and the debate shows no sign of approaching a conclusion. New reproductive technologies are being developed so rapidly that they are outstripping the provisions of the few legal frameworks that have been devised to regulate them (Ohl et al., 1996). Legislators have raised doubts as to whether any ‘single piece of primary legislation will ever be sufficient of itself to deal with such a complex area and with such fast-moving technology’ (Jowell, 1996). Year on year, fresh issues arise and are featured prominently in the media and academic journals. Lurid headlines follow reports of women being implanted with the ‘wrong’ embryo (Rogers, 1994), the misappropriation of embryos (Goodwin, 1995), women psychologically damaged by being reduced to baby making machines (Hunt, 1996) and lesbian women having ‘do-it-yourself’ babies (Rayner, 1997). Fresh controversy has been aroused by reports of the posthumous retrieval of gametes. In the UK, successful posthumous gamete retrieval has been accompanied by sceptical reporting (Ahujaet al., 1997a) and in the US, the absence of clear legal or ethical frameworks has been noted (Ohl et al., 1996). In sharp contrast to countries where assisted conception services are not subject to formal legislation and regulation, the UK position is clearly set out in Schedule 3 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (hereafter called the Act). The Act came into force after wide public consultation and a government appointed Committee of Inquiry into Human Fertilisation and Embryology. After due consideration, the Report of the Committee expressed ‘grave misgivings’ about the posthumous use of gametes because this ‘may give rise to profound psychological problems for the child and the mother’ (Warnock, 1984, p. 18). However the report made no recommendation for action, stating instead that ‘posthumous use of gametes is a practice which we feel should be actively discouraged’ (Warnock, 1984, p. 55). Accordingly, the Act did not prohibit the retrieval and storage of such gametes, it added a proviso: the effective consent of the originator was required

Assessing the environmental risk exposure of UK banks

Abstract: In recent years, bankers have come to realise that banking operations, in particular lending, affect and are affected by the environment and that consequently the banks might have an important role to play in helping to raise environmental standards. Stricter environmental regulations have forced companies to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and pollution control measures and in turn generated lending opportunities for bankers. However, the environment also presents significant risks to banks including direct, indirect and reputational. This article begins with an attempt to define environmental risk in the context of bank lending. It goes on to assess the relative environmental risk exposures of the UK’s major clearing banks using publicly available data on current market shares of environmentally sensitive industry sectors.

Sociality, role, and embodiment

Abstract: The author critically reviews Kelly's concepts of ‘role’ and sociality, which are seen as central to the project of personal construct psychology. ‘Construing the constructions’ of the other conjures us a picture of putting ourselves in the position of the other through an act of imagination, that is subsequently followed by action. It is argued here that this is not always (or even often) an appropriate description of what happens when we understand another person. Drawing on Merleau-Ponty's (1962) existential phenomenology, the author elaborates an alternative version of construing other's constructions. In this model, playing a role with another involves all the person's processes, without giving undue emphasis to the cognitive functions of deliberation and imagination. The clinical implications of this formulation are examined.