Showing papers by "University of Lincoln published in 2004"

Optic nerve head segmentation

Abstract: Reliable and efficient optic disk localization and segmentation are important tasks in automated retinal screening. General-purpose edge detection algorithms often fail to segment the optic disk due to fuzzy boundaries, inconsistent image contrast or missing edge features. This paper presents an algorithm for the localization and segmentation of the optic nerve head boundary in low-resolution images (about 20 /spl mu//pixel). Optic disk localization is achieved using specialized template matching, and segmentation by a deformable contour model. The latter uses a global elliptical model and a local deformable model with variable edge-strength dependent stiffness. The algorithm is evaluated against a randomly selected database of 100 images from a diabetic screening programme. Ten images were classified as unusable; the others were of variable quality. The localization algorithm succeeded on all bar one usable image; the contour estimation algorithm was qualitatively assessed by an ophthalmologist as having Excellent-Fair performance in 83% of cases, and performs well even on blurred images.

Environmental responsibility in SMEs: does it deliver competitive advantage?

Abstract: Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can gain a competitive advantage and create sustainable business by adopting environmental good practices. However, the perceptions of SMEs and their approach to environmental improvements suggest that there are some fundamental misunderstandings and difficulties in acheiving this in practice.

Measurement of retinal vessel widths from fundus images based on 2-D modeling

Abstract: Changes in retinal vessel diameter are an important sign of diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Obtaining precise measurements of vascular widths is a critical and demanding process in automated retinal image analysis as the typical vessel is only a few pixels wide. This paper presents an algorithm to measure the vessel diameter to subpixel accuracy. The diameter measurement is based on a two-dimensional difference of Gaussian model, which is optimized to fit a two-dimensional intensity vessel segment. The performance of the method is evaluated against Brinchmann-Hansen's half height, Gregson's rectangular profile and Zhou's Gaussian model. Results from 100 sample profiles show that the presented algorithm is over 30% more precise than the compared techniques and is accurate to a third of a pixel.

Psychological health in early pregnancy: relationship with nausea and vomiting.

Abstract: The psychological health of women in early pregnancy was investigated in a sample of 273 women (mean gestational age 12.8 weeks, SD = 2.8) using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and mood and illness perception visual analogue scales, and compared with the prevalence and severity of nausea and vomiting as measured using the Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Instrument (NVPI). Using a cut-off of 4/5 for the GHQ, 50.5% of pregnant women were found to have potential psychiatric problems. However, perceived mental health and physical illness was significantly better than anticipated. The severity of nausea and vomiting correlated independently with GHQ subscales for somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety/insomnia and severe depression. The contradiction between high GHQ scored and high perceived wellbeing might be explained through cognitive processing. Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy is associated with psychiatric morbidity. The causal relationship between the two conditions has not been es...

Dendritic cells are dysfunctional in patients with operable breast cancer

Abstract: Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in presenting antigens to T lymphocytes and inducing cytotoxic T cells. DCs have been studied in patients with breast cancer to define the factors leading to failure of an effective systemic and locoregional anticancer host response. Methods: Purified DCs were obtained from peripheral blood (PB) and lymph nodes (LNs) of women with operable breast cancer, using immunomagnetic bead selection. The stimulatory capacity of DCs in the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) and autologous T cell proliferation test (purified protein derivative (PPD) as stimulator), the expression of surface markers on DCs and the production of cytokines in vitro by DCs from patients with operable breast cancer and from healthy donors (controls) were studied. Results: 70–75% purified DCs were isolated from PB and LNs. PBDCs and LNDCs from patients with operable breast cancer demonstrated a reduced capacity to stimulate in an MLR, compared with PBDCs from normal donors (p<0.01). Autologous T cell proliferation in patients had a decreased ability to respond to PPD, when compared with controls (p<0.01). However, T cells from patients responded as well as control T lymphocytes in the presence of control DCs. PBDCs and LNDCs from patients expressed low levels of HLA-DR and CD86, and induced decreased interleukin-12 (IL-12) secretion in vitro, compared with DCs from normal donors (p<0.01). Conclusion: These data suggest a defective DC function in patients with operable breast cancer. Switched-off DCs in patients with early breast cancer and decreased IL-12 production may be important factors for progressive tumour growth.

The role of BMP-6, IL-6, and BMP-4 in mesenchymal stem cell-dependent bone development: effects on osteoblastic differentiation induced by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D(3).

Abstract: Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an ideal source for cell therapy for inherited and degenerative diseases, bone and cartilage repair, and as target for gene therapy. The role of the combination of human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D(3) in bone formation and mineralization has been established in several osteoblast cell culture studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of this hormonal combination alone and in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) or-6 (BMP-6) in inducing osteogenic differentiation of human MSC. Human MSC derived from adult normal bone marrow that are positive for CD29, CD44, CD105, and CD166 and negative for CD14, CD34, and CD45, were treated with the PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in the presence and absence of recombinant human BMP-4 or BMP6. PTH and vitamin D(3) induced high levels of expression of two key markers of bone formation: osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase by MSCs. BMP-6 but not BMP-4 increased osteocalcin expression induced by PTH and vitamin D(3). Both BMPs enhanced calcium formation in MSC cultures and this response was potentiated by PTH and vitamin D(3). The present results revealed a novel potent effect of PTH and vitamin D(3) plus BMPs in inducing bone development by human MSCs. These results may facilitate therapeutic utility of MSCs for bone disease and help clarify mechanisms involved in stem cell-mediated bone development.

Visualizing Madness: Mental Illness and Public Representation

Abstract: This article explores continuities between traditional iconographies of madness and images of mental illness mobilized by contemporary television program makers. In particular, it investigates how contrasting forms of British TV documentary visualize “dangerous” mental patients abroad in the community. In constructing the argument, particular attention is given to the role of documentary television in making visible the lives of schizophrenics vis-a-vis changing notions of psychiatric care in the community. By doing so, the article adopts an approach to public representations of madness/mental illness that takes account of documentary television as a cultural form with social responsibility. The article concludes by emphasizing television’s cultural importance as a visual medium capable of promoting or undermining mentally ill people’s symbolic presence within a community of citizens.

Adult Bone-Marrow Stem Cells and Their Potential in Medicine:

Abstract: An area of research that today generates great optimism is the use of stem cells for therapy of human diseases. Much of the excitement centres on embryonic stem cells, but this approach remains controversial for ethical reasons; moreover, routine clinical application of this strategy is many years away. By contrast, haematopoietic stem cells from adult bone marrow are well characterized and have long been used therapeutically.1 An adult weighing 70 kg has a functional haematopoietic marrow volume of about 1.75 L and upon increased demands such as infection or haemorrhage it can increase sixfold.1,2 No moral controversy surrounds the use of these cells since they are either autologous or collected from a consenting donor. The potential applications of adult bone marrow cells have gained momentum with discoveries relating to the mesenchymal stem cell.

Persistent regional unemployment differentials revisited

Abstract: Gray D. (2004) Persistent regional unemployment differentials revisited, Reg. Studies 38, 167–176. Based on bivariate and multivariate cointegration, three inferences concerning the nature of the British regional unemployment rates are drawn. First, regional unemployment rates are characterized by long-run, persistent relationships. The differentials are maintained by equilibrating systemic forces that induce co-movements of rates in the long-run, implying that decreasing the national rate of unemployment will reduce regional rates, but not eliminate differentials. Second, multivariate cointegration provides a richer picture of unemployment co-movements compared with bivariate analysis. Third, East Anglia does not revert to an equilibrium relationship with the other regions, suggesting that it is not constrained to follow the common trends driving the British regional system in the long-run.

Permeabilising effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of microcystin on the growth of Escherichia coli

Abstract: Microcystin, a cyanotoxin produced by Microcystis aeruginosa, lacks potent antibacterial activity. When tested in combination, in vitro, inhibitory values for a range of hydrophobic antibiotics were significantly reduced in the presence of at least 1/20×the minimum inhibitory concentration of microcystin. The degree of inhibition was equivalent to that of a well-characterised permeabilising agent, polymyxin B nonapeptide. The permeabilising ability of sub-inhibitory concentrations of microcystin to affect the envelope of Escherichia coli was demonstrated by a rapid and sustained reduction in absorbance values of lysozyme-treated cells and by enhanced uptake of crystal violet in microcystin-treated cultures. Direct effects of appropriate concentrations of microcystin on the integrity of bacterial outer and inner membranes were measured by release of specific enzyme markers. Although the exact mechanism for permeabilising E. coli with microcystin has not been elucidated, the effects were consistent with permeability changes to the enterobacterial outer membrane caused by polymyxin B nonapeptide.

Refugee Law at Sea

Abstract: This article evaluates the relevant rules of maritime law and human rights law in light of the Tampa incident. In particular, it considers the interface of these separate branches of law and the inconsistencies which arise between them. It shows the law to be unsatisfactory because it fails to define and structure a number of key rights and obligations with sufficient clarity. Moreover, States have failed to adequately implement a number of these obligations under domestic law. These failures combine to undermine the protection of those in peril at sea and those seeking refuge. Finally, some possible solutions are offered up for consideration.

An evaluation of organisational groundwork and learning objectives for new product development

Abstract: This paper discusses New Product Development (NPD) Process and the perception required for effective NPD Learning (NPDL). A model of learning for NPD organisations is presented and the necessity to assess progression towards learning objectives at the individual, job and organisation level is shown. Three aspects of organisational groundwork are identified and discussed. These include developing the NPD process, implementing the NPD strategy and allocating resources for NPD and NPDL. Ten sets of learning objectives are identified and discussed. These are organisational analysis, barrier demolition, team working, flexible problem solving, use of advanced support tools, facilitating communication, maintaining communication, decision making, assessment of the NPD process and NPDL, and NPD risk analysis. It is proposed that adopting both an organisational needs analysis and individual needs analyses can support the development of NPD organisations. These analyses will identify the groundwork that should be undertaken by the organisation and the initial learning objectives for the individuals. The progression of NPD through the NPD process can then be assessed and implemented sufficiently.

Influence of music and distraction on visual search performance of participants with high and low affect intensity.

Abstract: This study examined the role of music and distraction on the performance of a visual search task (grid test) for 57 volunteer sports science undergraduates (M = 21.6 yr., SD = 3.0), comprising 39 men and 18 women who were subsequently classified as either high or low in Affect Intensity (responsiveness to emotional stimuli). Participants were instructed to identify as many numbers in sequence from an 8 x 8 concentration grid while being randomly exposed to four conditions: silence (Control), distraction (Talking), Instrumental Music, and Lyrical Music. Each trial lasted 120 sec., with 180-sec. rest periods between trials. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls post hoc analysis for the entire sample (N = 57) indicated that significantly higher scores on the grid test were attained with Lyrical Music than with Instrumental Music (p < .05), Talking (p < .01), or Control conditions (p < .01). The Instrumental Music condition had significantly better performance than either the Talking or Control condition (p < .01). When the 20 highest and lowest Affect Intensity scores were analysed, no significant between-group mean differences in performance were evident. Results suggest that music may facilitate a simple visual search task.

Does Individualization Help Productivity of Transition Agriculture

Abstract: There are large differences across transition countries with respect to agricultural-sector performance and corresponding scope of farm restructuring and shift to individual farming. In this paper we analyze the impact of individualization on productivity growth within an augmented neo-classical growth model framework. This approach allows us to circumvent criticisms on the grounds of lack of theoretical and objective criteria for inclusion of explanatory variables. Furthermore, in the empirical analysis using a panel data covering 15 transition countries over the period 1990-2001 and applying a GMM-IV estimator we are able to control for the impact of various factors and the potential endogeneity of variables. Our estimation results are robust and support the view that the shift to individual farming, as well as the overall economic reforms, have positively contributed to the productivity growth in agriculture during the first decade of transition.

Software, architecture, and participatory design

Abstract: Much work in software architecture has been inspired by work in physical architecture, in particular Alexander's work on 'design patterns'. By contrast, Alexander's work is little-used in town planning and architecture. In this paper, we examine some of the reasons that this is so, describe some parallels and differences between the fields of physical and software architecture, and identify areas in which future collaboration may be fruitful. The notion of 'participatory design' is important in software engineering and in urban regeneration, but the participatory mechanisms in each field are quite different.

A macro and micro perspective of the global software industry with specific orientation to India, China and the Philippines

Abstract: Much has been made of the importance of the Indian market as the future of the software industry. However, according to mainstream internationalisation theory the market in India may be seen as a less preferential market to other higher growth and low cost markets such as China and Russia. India will have to move higher up the value chain if it is to maintain this favourable position. This article sets out to explain the main reasons why India is proving attractive for foreign direct investment by examining theories of internationalisation and drawing on key FDI data. Contrasts are also made with other important markets including China and Philippines. The article then goes on to examine industry specific variables. The article then considers some alternative historical and cultural factors that may also have a role in explaining the success of this particular industry and location.

Comment on Christopher Winch's the Economic Aims of Education.

Abstract: This paper argues that Christopher Winch's contribution to the debate on the aims of education contains some significant errors and omissions. His definition of work is problematic and leads to the conclusion that education should be directed towards very narrow vocational targets. His argument makes unstated and contestable assumptions about the source of educational aims. Lastly, he underplays the implications of the economic aims of education for the achievement of liberal aims. His programme would lead to less pluralism than the liberal alternative.

Does use of public relations promote a higher growth rate in small firms

Abstract: A survey was undertaken to identify the ways in which small businesses in Lincolnshire used public relations. For many of the 51 activities, techniques and skills examined, it is found that only a minority of small firms practise them. Analysis of the results of the survey highlight an interesting connection between those businesses with a high rate of growth and use of certain public relations activities and techniques. Specifically, based on Mann‐Whitney tests and using a restrictive level of significance (0.1 per cent), it is found that managing government relations (local or central), mounting exhibitions (consumer), providing media news releases, and writing letters to the media are associated with growth. As these four are not commonly used it is suggested that these, among other uses of PR, should be included in skills programmes for small business development.

Inputs to an adoption panel: a case study

Abstract: Terence O'Sullivan reports on an observational case study of an adoption panel and focuses on some of its inputs, namely social work reports, social worker attendance and applicant attendance. The research found that although the outputs of the panel meetings were well defined, including the recommendations to the agency decision-maker, the inputs lacked a clear sense of purpose. It was hypothesised that this related to a lack of clarity as to the prime purpose of the panel, in particular whether it was a decision-making group that made recommendations to the agency decision-maker or a decision-validation group, confirming recommendations made by agency social workers. The article discusses ways in which the purpose and inputs of the panel meetings could be aligned with one another and how this could lead to the panel becoming a forum for more open dialogue between panel attendees and panel members.

Constructing a new KS3 curriculum at Brooke Weston CTC: a review and commentary

Abstract: This paper reviews changes to the key stage 3 curriculum at a leading comprehensive school. The nature and practical concerns of the changes are described. These move beyond a fresh approach to content; they include issues about engaging students actively in learning for the future, planning around the school's distinctive ethos and expertise in ICT, and using curriculum as a vehicle for providing energy for new staff and heads of department to engage in learning leadership. Theoretical models of curriculum are examined to locate thinking at Brooke Weston CTC in a conceptual framework. The paper suggests that futuristic curriculum development resonates with some classical curriculum models that have been ignored over the past two decades of the National Curriculum.

An evaluation framework to drive future evolution of a research prototype

Abstract: The open source component artefact repository (OSCAR) requires evaluation to confirm its suitability as a development environment for distributed software engineers. The evaluation takes note of several factors including usability of OSCAR as a stand-alone system, scalability and maintainability of the system and novel features not provided by existing artefact management systems. Additionally, the evaluation design attempts to address some of the omissions (due to time constraints) from the industrial partner evaluations. This evaluation is intended to be a prelude to the evaluation of the awareness support being added to OSCAR; thus establishing a baseline to which the effects of awareness support may be compared.

CFD investigation of airflow around conic tensile membrane structures

Abstract: This paper is part of continuing research on the airflow around membrane structures. The research explores how the form and orientation of the structure itself affect the ventilation rates and the comfort level within the enclosures and in their immediate vicinity. This paper describes a study of the airflow patterns around and under conic tensile membrane structures covering open and semi-enclosed spaces using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modelling, carried out in order to ascertain the potential of conic membranes of different forms for modifying the microclimate and improving human comfort. The reason for using CFD modelling is to give the opportunity to explore different geometries, to investigate the use of structure topology to assist in passive cooling and achieving higher comfort rates of spaces covered by membrane structures in hot climates.