University of Lincoln

About: University of Lincoln is a education organization based out in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2341 authors who have published 7025 publications receiving 124797 citations.

Two-Channel Linear Phase FIR QMF Bank Minimax Design via Global Nonconvex Optimization Programming

Abstract: In this correspondence, a two-channel linear phase finite-impulse-response (FIR) quadrature mirror filter (QMF) bank minimax design problem is formulated as a nonconvex optimization problem so that a weighted sum of the maximum amplitude distortion of the filter bank, the maximum passband ripple magnitude and the maximum stopband ripple magnitude of the prototype filter is minimized subject to specifications on these performances. A modified filled function method is proposed for finding the global minimum of the nonconvex optimization problem. Computer numerical simulations show that our proposed design method is efficient and effective.

Patients' and clinicians' experiences and perceptions of the primary care management of insomnia: qualitative study.

Abstract: Background Insomnia is common leading to patients with sleep problems often presenting to primary care services including general practice, community pharmacies and community mental health teams. Little is known about how health professionals in primary care respond to patients with insomnia. Aim We aimed to explore health professionals’ and patients’ experiences and perceptions of the management of insomnia in primary care. Design We used a qualitative design and thematic approach. Setting Primary care in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Method We undertook focus groups and one-to-one interviews with a purposive sample of health professionals and adults with insomnia. Results We interviewed 28 patients and 23 health professionals. Practitioners focused on treating the cause of insomnia rather than the insomnia itself. They described providing stepped care for insomnia, but this focused on sleep hygiene which patients often disregarded, rather than cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Practitioners were ambivalent towards hypnotic drugs but often colluded with patients to prescribe to avoid confrontation or express empathy. Patients sometimes took hypnotics in ways that were not intended, for example together with over-the-counter medication. Practitioners and patients were sometimes but not always concerned about addiction. Practitioners sometimes prescribed despite these concerns but at other times withdrew hypnotics abruptly without treating insomnia. Both patients and practitioners wanted more options and better training for the management of insomnia in primary care. Conclusion A better understanding of the current approaches and difficulties in the management of insomnia will help to inform more therapeutic options and health professional training.

Reflective practice: a learning tool for student nurses.

Abstract: Reflection is a vital skill in contemporary nursing with student nurses expected to engage in reflective learning from the very beginning of the nurse educational programme. This article demonstrates the meaningful learning that resulted as a consequence of using critical reflection on practice. Gibbs' (1988) cycle aided the process highlighting the practical application of this cyclical framework to the author - a first-year student nurse. Matters concerning gender issues in nursing and professional conduct emerged from the analysis and were inherently explored. The article concludes by demonstrating the personal benefits of using Gibbs' (1988) cycle to varying situations and thus promoting its excellence as a learning tool for student nurses worldwide as a consequence.

Responsible development of autonomous robotics in agriculture

Abstract: Despite the potential contributions of autonomous robots to agricultural sustainability, social, legal and ethical issues threaten adoption. We discuss how responsible innovation principles can be embedded into the user-centred design of autonomous robots and identify areas for further empirical research.