Showing papers by "University of Huddersfield published in 2015"
TL;DR: Rigour, or the integrity in which a study is conducted, is outlined and concepts such as reliability, validity and generalisability typically associated with quantitative research and alternative terminology will be compared in relation to their application to qualitative research.
Abstract: Evaluating the quality of research is essential if findings are to be utilised in practice and incorporated into care delivery. In a previous article we explored ‘bias’ across research designs and outlined strategies to minimise bias.1 The aim of this article is to further outline rigour, or the integrity in which a study is conducted, and ensure the credibility of findings in relation to qualitative research. Concepts such as reliability, validity and generalisability typically associated with quantitative research and alternative terminology will be compared in relation to their application to qualitative research. In addition, some of the strategies adopted by qualitative researchers to enhance the credibility of their research are outlined.
Assessing the reliability of study findings requires researchers and health professionals to make judgements about the ‘soundness’ of the research in relation to …
1,401 citations
TL;DR: This article describes three case studies of research projects which employed Template Analysis and highlights the distinctive features of this style of thematic analysis, discussing the kind of research where it may be particularly appropriate, and consider possible limitations of the technique.
Abstract: Thematic analysis is widely used in qualitative psychology research, and in this article, we present a particular style of thematic analysis known as Template Analysis We outline the technique and consider its epistemological position, then describe three case studies of research projects which employed Template Analysis to illustrate the diverse ways it can be used Our first case study illustrates how the technique was employed in data analysis undertaken by a team of researchers in a large-scale qualitative research project Our second example demonstrates how a qualitative study that set out to build on mainstream theory made use of the a priori themes (themes determined in advance of coding) permitted in Template Analysis Our final case study shows how Template Analysis can be used from an interpretative phenomenological stance We highlight the distinctive features of this style of thematic analysis, discuss the kind of research where it may be particularly appropriate, and consider possible limitations of the technique We conclude that Template Analysis is a flexible form of thematic analysis with real utility in qualitative psychology research
848 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors employed a systematic procedure to review the literature on universities-industry collaboration (UIC) and identified five key aspects, which underpinned the theory of UIC.
Abstract: The collaboration between universities and the industry is increasingly perceived as a vehicle to enhance innovation through knowledge exchange. This is evident by a significant increase in studies that investigate the topic from different perspectives. However, this body of knowledge is still described as fragmented and lacks efficient comprehensive view. To address this gap, we employed a systematic procedure to review the literature on universities-industry collaboration (UIC). The review resulted in identifying five key aspects, which underpinned the theory of UIC. We integrate these key aspects into an overarching process framework, which together with the review, provide a substantial contribution by creating an integrated analysis of the state of literature concerning this phenomenon. Several research avenues are reported as distilled from the analysis.
495 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed a systematic procedure to review the literature on universities-industry collaboration (UIC) and identified five key aspects, which underpinned the theory of UIC.
474 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the factors that influence SMEs in developing countries in adopting e-commerce and found that perceived benefits, technology readiness, owners innovativeness, owners' IT ability and owners's IT experience were the determinant factors that influenced Indonesian SMEs.
369 citations
TL;DR: The practical translational challenges of using gender theory broadly, and hegemonic masculinity in particular, are discussed in a Swedish case study of the intervention Machofabriken [The Macho Factory], and it is illustrated how the concept is brought to life in this activist work with men.
Abstract: The concept of hegemonic masculinity has been used in gender studies since the early-1980s to explain men’s power over women. Stressing the legitimating power of consent (rather than crude physical or political power to ensure submission), it has been used to explain men’s health behaviours and the use of violence. Gender activists and others seeking to change men’s relations with women have mobilised the concept of hegemonic masculinity in interventions, but the links between gender theory and activism have often not been explored. The translation of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ into interventions is little examined. We show how, in South Africa and Sweden, the concept has been used to inform theoretically-based gender interventions and to ensure that men are brought into broader social efforts to build gender equity. We discuss the practical translational challenges of using gender theory broadly, and hegemonic masculinity in particular, in a Swedish case study, of the intervention Machofabriken [The Macho Factory], and illustrate how the concept is brought to life in this activist work with men. The concept has considerable practical application in developing a sustainable praxis of theoretically grounded interventions that are more likely to have enduring effect, but evaluating broader societal change in hegemonic masculinity remains an enduring challenge.
237 citations
01 Feb 2015
TL;DR: This paper first reviews different methods of designing thermal error models, before concentrating on employing an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to design two thermal prediction models that show that the ANFIS-FCM model is superior in terms of the accuracy of its predictive ability with the benefit of fewer rules.
Abstract: This paper first reviews different methods of designing thermal error models, before concentrating on employing ANFIS models.The GM(1, N) model and fuzzy c-means clustering are used for variable selection, which is capable of simplifying the system prediction model.The results of the study show that the ANFIS-FCM model is superior in terms of the accuracy of its predictive ability with the benefit of fewer rules. Thermal errors can have significant effects on CNC machine tool accuracy. The errors come from thermal deformations of the machine elements caused by heat sources within the machine structure or from ambient temperature change. The effect of temperature can be reduced by error avoidance or numerical compensation. The performance of a thermal error compensation system essentially depends upon the accuracy and robustness of the thermal error model and its input measurements. This paper first reviews different methods of designing thermal error models, before concentrating on employing an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to design two thermal prediction models: ANFIS by dividing the data space into rectangular sub-spaces (ANFIS-Grid model) and ANFIS by using the fuzzy c-means clustering method (ANFIS-FCM model). Grey system theory is used to obtain the influence ranking of all possible temperature sensors on the thermal response of the machine structure. All the influence weightings of the thermal sensors are clustered into groups using the fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering method, the groups then being further reduced by correlation analysis.A study of a small CNC milling machine is used to provide training data for the proposed models and then to provide independent testing data sets. The results of the study show that the ANFIS-FCM model is superior in terms of the accuracy of its predictive ability with the benefit of fewer rules. The residual value of the proposed model is smaller than ?4µm. This combined methodology can provide improved accuracy and robustness of a thermal error compensation system.
219 citations
TL;DR: The systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies of care bundles to reduce SSI showed that use of an evidence-based, surgical care bundle in patients undergoing colorectal surgery significantly reduced the risk of SSI.
201 citations
16 May 2015
TL;DR: A cross-disciplinary initiative to create a common ground and a point of reference for the global community of research and practice in software and sustainability, to be used for effectively communicating key issues, goals, values and principles of sustainability design for software-intensive systems.
Abstract: Sustainability has emerged as a broad concern for society. Many engineering disciplines have been grappling with challenges in how we sustain technical, social and ecological systems. In the software engineering community, for example, maintainability has been a concern for a long time. But too often, these issues are treated in isolation from one another. Misperceptions among practitioners and research communities persist, rooted in a lack of coherent understanding of sustainability, and how it relates to software systems research and practice. This article presents a cross-disciplinary initiative to create a common ground and a point of reference for the global community of research and practice in software and sustainability, to be used for effectively communicating key issues, goals, values and principles of sustainability design for software-intensive systems. The centrepiece of this effort is the Karlskrona Manifesto for Sustainability Design, a vehicle for a much needed conversation about sustainability within and beyond the software community, and an articulation of the fundamental principles underpinning design choices that affect sustainability. We describe the motivation for developing this manifesto, including some considerations of the genre of the manifesto as well as the dynamics of its creation. We illustrate the collaborative reflective writing process and present the current edition of the manifesto itself. We assess immediate implications and applications of the articulated principles, compare these to current practice, and suggest future steps.
181 citations
TL;DR: The use of antiseptic dressings for preventing and managing biofilm and infection progression in chronic wound management needs further research involving well-designed, randomized controlled trials as discussed by the authors, however, there is little evidence to support the theoretical risk that antiseptics select resistant pathogens.
Abstract: Infection is the likeliest single cause of delayed healing in healing of chronic open wounds by secondary intention. If neglected it can progress from contamination to colonization and local infection through to systemic infection, sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and it can be life-threatening. Infection in chronic wounds is not as easy to define as in acute wounds, and is complicated by the presence of biofilms. There is, as yet, no diagnostic for biofilm presence, but it contributes to excessive inflammation - through excessive and prolonged stimulation of nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines and free radicals - and activation of immune complexes and complement, leading to a delay in healing. Control of biofilm is a key part of chronic wound management. Maintenance debridement and use of topical antimicrobials (antiseptics) are more effective than antibiotics, which should be reserved for treating spreading local and systemic infection. The continuing rise of antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics should lead us to reserve their use for these indications, as no new effective antibiotics are in the research pipeline. Antiseptics are effective through many mechanisms of action, unlike antibiotics, which makes the development of resistance to them unlikely. There is little evidence to support the theoretical risk that antiseptics select resistant pathogens. However, the use of antiseptic dressings for preventing and managing biofilm and infection progression needs further research involving well-designed, randomized controlled trials.
162 citations
TL;DR: A dynamic and complex evolution in the microstructure was observed including the formation of defect clusters, dislocations and bubbles, indicating the important role grain boundaries can play in trapping He and thus in giving rise to the enhanced radiation tolerance of nanocrystalline materials.
Abstract: In-situ TEM observation of the response of ultrafine- and nanocrystalline-grained tungsten to extreme irradiation environments
TL;DR: This review has compiled and critically reviewed data from numerous studies of GI anatomy and physiology of various animal species commonly used in drug delivery modeling, commenting on the appropriateness of these animals for in vivo comparison and extrapolation to humans.
TL;DR: This paper investigated whether the stock market values ethnic and gender diversity within organizational boards and found that board diversity is positively associated with market valuation and distinctively demonstrated that ethnic diversity is valued more highly by stock market than gender diversity by finding no evidence of a significant non-linear link between board diversity and market valuation.
Abstract: Organizational boards of directors are one of the most important subgroups within most modern organizations, performing critical advisory, monitoring and resource dependence roles This paper investigates the crucial question of whether the stock market values ethnic and gender diversity within organizational boards We find that board diversity is positively associated with market valuation We distinctively demonstrate further that ethnic diversity is valued more highly by the stock market than gender diversity By contrast, we do not find any evidence of a significant non-linear link between board diversity and market valuation Our findings are robust across a number of econometric models that deal with different types of endogeneities and market valuation measures Overall, our results are consistent with agency and resource dependence theoretical predictions
TL;DR: The key attributes of engagement, collaboration and empowerment are outlined in a practical framework of involvement which may promote parent-professional collaboration for families of children with long-term conditions.
TL;DR: In this article, the grafting and sulfation of zirconia conformal monolayers on SBA-15 to create mesoporous catalysts of tunable solid acid/base character is reported.
Abstract: The grafting and sulfation of zirconia conformal monolayers on SBA-15 to create mesoporous catalysts of tunable solid acid/base character is reported. Conformal zirconia and sulfated zirconia (SZ) materials exhibit both Bronsted and Lewis acidity, with the Bronsted/Lewis acid ratio increasing with film thickness and sulfate content. Grafted zirconia films also exhibit amphoteric character, whose Bronsted/Lewis acid site ratio increases with sulfate loading at the expense of base sites. Bilayer ZrO2/SBA-15 affords an ordered mesoporous material with a high acid site loading upon sulfation and excellent hydrothermal stability. Catalytic performance of SZ/SBA-15 was explored in the aqueous phase conversion of glucose to 5-HMF, delivering a 3-fold enhancement in 5-HMF productivity over nonporous SZ counterparts. The coexistence of accessible solid basic/Lewis acid and Bronsted acid sites in grafted SZ/SBA-15 promotes the respective isomerization of glucose to fructose and dehydration of reactively formed fructose to the desired 5-HMF platform chemical.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a new model of authentic leadership derived from research with senior leaders in the UK, which was developed and tested using three independent samples: 140 business leaders, 54 senior military officers with 390 independent raters and 303 business leaders.
Abstract: Purpose
This paper aims to summarise a new model of authentic leadership derived from research with senior leaders in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The model was developed and tested using three independent samples: 140 business leaders, 54 senior military officers with 390 independent raters and 303 business leaders.
Findings
A 15-item, self-report, three-component measure of authentic leadership was obtained from testing across samples. The three components measure an individual’s capacity for self-awareness, self-regulation and ethical behaviour.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the authentic leadership literature through the creation of a short authentic leadership scale that could be used in leadership research and which simplifies and unifies previous conceptualisations of authentic leadership. The three-pillar model offers guidance to HR practitioners looking to design leadership development interventions.
TL;DR: Pectin was extracted by aqueous extraction at pH 6.0 or 2.0 from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pods as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: In this article, an adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System with fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM-ANFIS) was employed to design the thermal prediction model.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of helium ion irradiation energy and sample temperature on the performance of grain boundaries as helium sinks in ultrafine grained and nanocrystalline tungsten were investigated.
TL;DR: Suicide attempters differed from suicide ideators on all volitional factors (fearlessness about death, impulsivity, and exposure to suicidal behaviour), with the exception of discomfort tolerance.
TL;DR: The data identify a strong RAE bias at the entry-point to English soccer developmental programmes, and talent selectors should consider motor function and maturation status assessments to avoid premature and unwarranted drop-out of soccer players within youth development programmes.
Abstract: The relative age effect (RAE) and its relationships with maturation, anthropometry, and physical performance characteristics were examined across a representative sample of English youth soccer development programmes. Birth dates of 1,212 players, chronologically age-grouped (i.e., U9's-U18's), representing 17 professional clubs (i.e., playing in Leagues 1 & 2) were obtained and categorised into relative age quartiles from the start of the selection year (Q1 = Sep-Nov; Q2 = Dec-Feb; Q3 = Mar-May; Q4 = Jun-Aug). Players were measured for somatic maturation and performed a battery of physical tests to determine aerobic fitness (Multi-Stage Fitness Test [MSFT]), Maximal Vertical Jump (MVJ), sprint (10 & 20m), and agility (T-Test) performance capabilities. Odds ratio's (OR) revealed Q1 players were 5.3 times (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 4.08-6.83) more likely to be selected than Q4's, with a particularly strong RAE bias observed in U9 (OR: 5.56) and U13-U16 squads (OR: 5.45-6.13). Multivariate statistical models identified few between quartile differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics, and confirmed chronological age-group and estimated age at peak height velocity (APHV) as covariates. Assessment of practical significance using magnitude-based inferences demonstrated body size advantages in relatively older players (Q1 vs. Q4) that were very-likely small (Effect Size [ES]: 0.53-0.57), and likely to very-likely moderate (ES: 0.62-0.72) in U12 and U14 squads, respectively. Relatively older U12-U14 players also demonstrated small advantages in 10m (ES: 0.31-0.45) and 20m sprint performance (ES: 0.36-0.46). The data identify a strong RAE bias at the entry-point to English soccer developmental programmes. RAE was also stronger circa-PHV, and relatively older players demonstrated anaerobic performance advantages during the pubescent period. Talent selectors should consider motor function and maturation status assessments to avoid premature and unwarranted drop-out of soccer players within youth development programmes.
TL;DR: This research will mostly focus on the web based phishing detection methods rather than email based detection methods and aims to recognize the up-to-date developments in phishing and its precautionary measures and provide a comprehensive study and evaluation of these researches.
TL;DR: The findings support the effectiveness of nonopioid medication, epidural injections, and disc surgery and suggest that spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and experimental treatments, such as anti-inflammatory biological agents, may be considered.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of pH, hydroxyl radical scavengers, humic acids and phosphates on the efficiency of catalytic ozonation on alumina were studied.
Abstract: This study aims to understand the efficiency and role of adsorption of common water pollutants (volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), pharmaceuticals and carboxylic acids) in the catalytic ozonation process on γ-alumina. In order to understand the catalytic processes occurring, the effects of pH, hydroxyl radical scavengers, humic acids and phosphates on the efficiency of catalytic ozonation on alumina were studied. The results revealed that catalytic ozonation on alumina could substantially enhance the removal of ibuprofen and acetic acid when compared with ozonation alone. However, alumina did not catalyse the removal of VOCs. The adsorption of pollutants plays a key role in the effectiveness of this process. The presence of hydroxyl radical scavengers, phosphates and humic acids had a significant effect on the removal of pollutants on alumina. It is therefore suggested that catalytic ozonation of organic pollutants on alumina proceeds via a radical mechanism that involves reactions of hydroxyl radicals with pollutants adsorbed on the surface of alumina.
TL;DR: In this paper, a modulation signal bispectrum (MSB) analysis is applied to motor current from different broken rotor bar cases and a new MSB based sideband estimator is introduced for obtaining the amplitude at ( 1 ± 2 s ) f s (s is the rotor slip and f s is the fundamental supply frequency) with high accuracy.
TL;DR: This review found that women felt vulnerable during childbirth and valued the relationships they had with health professionals, and would like health professionals to maintain a continuous presence throughout childbirth and support a social model of care that promotes continuity of care and an increasing acceptance of pain as part of normal childbirth.
TL;DR: The use of high fidelity manikins for advanced life support training is associated with moderate benefits for improving skills performance at course conclusion and future research should define the optimal means of tailoring fidelity to enhance short and long term educational goals and clinical outcomes.
TL;DR: Recommendations include the need for further research and continuous updating of guidelines; comprehensive surveillance, using validated definitions that facilitate benchmarking of anonymised surgeon‐specific SSI rates and assurance that incorporation of checklists and care bundles has taken place.
Abstract: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are probably the most preventable of the health care-associated infections. Despite the widespread international introduction of level I evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of SSIs, such as that of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK and the surgical care improvement project (SCIP) of the USA, SSI rates have not measurably fallen. The care bundle approach is an accepted method of packaging best, evidence-based measures into routine care for all patients and, common to many guidelines for the prevention of SSI, includes methods for preoperative removal of hair (where appropriate), rational antibiotic prophylaxis, avoidance of perioperative hypothermia, management of perioperative blood glucose and effective skin preparation. Reasons for poor compliance with care bundles are not clear and have not matched the wide uptake and perceived benefit of the WHO ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ checklist. Recommendations include the need for further research and continuous updating of guidelines; comprehensive surveillance, using validated definitions that facilitate benchmarking of anonymised surgeon-specific SSI rates; assurance that incorporation of checklists and care bundles has taken place; the development of effective communication strategies for all health care providers and those who commission services and comprehensive information for patients.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the implementation of lean within two contrasting UK-based organizations; a food manufacturer and a healthcare organization, and find that the adoption of lean provides a strategic benefit, as well as providing a basis for a strategy of operational change.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of lean within two contrasting UK-based organizations; a food manufacturer and a healthcare organization. The different contexts provide insight to the strategic desire for efficiency gains and tactical issues and challenges of lean execution and implementation. Design/methodology/approach – The research questions developed from the review of the literature were tested using evidence from field-based, action research within a food manufacturer and a National Health Service organization. The reported contrasting case studies contribute to the longer term debate on the adoption and adaptation of lean-based “best practice” within organizations. Findings – There are three primary findings: first, that the adoption of lean provides a strategic benefit, as well as providing a basis for a strategy of operational change; second, that partial, as opposed to full, adoption of lean occurs due to external organizational constraints, such as demand p...