Showing papers by "University of Salford published in 1997"

Applying Case-Based Reasoning: Techniques for Enterprise Systems

Abstract: Chapter 1: What Is Case-Based Reasoning? Chapter 2: Understanding CBR Chapter 3: The Application of CBR Chapter 4: Industrial Applications of CBR Chapter 5: CBR and Customer Service Chapter 6: CBR Software Tools Chapter 7: Building a Diagnostic Case-Base Chapter 8: Building, Testing, and Maintaining Case-Bases Chapter 9: Conclusion Chapter 10: Bibliography

Variance Components Structures for the Extreme-Value and Logistic Distributions with Application to Models of Heterogeneity

Abstract: Two new classes of probability distributions are introduced that radically simplify the process of developing variance components structures for extremevalue and logistic distributions. When one of these new variates is added to an extreme-value (logistic) variate, the resulting distribution is also extreme value (logistic). Thus, quite complicated variance structures can be generated by recursively adding components having this new distribution, and the result will retain a marginal extreme-value (logistic) distribution. It is demonstrated that the computational simplicity of extreme-value error structures extends to the introduction of heterogeneity in duration, selection bias, limited-dependent- and qualitative-variable models. The usefulness of these new classes of distributions is illustrated with the examples of nested logit, multivariate risk, and competing risk models, where important generalizations to conventional stochastic structures are developed. The new models are shown to be computationally simpler and far more tractable than alternatives such as estimation by simulated moments. These results will be of considerable use to applied microeconomic researchers who have been hampered by computational difficulties in constructing more sophisticated estimators.

A summary review of literature relating to workplace bullying

Abstract: This paper is intended to provide literature signposts for the new researcher into adult bullying. A concise, but not exhaustive, overview of literature relating to workplace bullying is undertaken. It draws on the base provided by work into school bullying and progresses to the arena of adult bullying. In both fields Scandinavian countries have contributed a significant proportion of the research. Research reported in the English language into adult bullying at work is rather limited, but will have emphasis in this paper. Broadly there are two direct approaches; that of investigating the incidence of bullying, and also that of attempting to understand the bullying process. Both approaches are sometimes integrated within a study. There is a wide range of work that can be related to bullying at work, and some of these areas are highlighted.

Quality of life in patients with psoriasis : the contribution of clinical variables and psoriasis-specific stress

Abstract: The purpose of this study was: (i) to examine the impact of the clinical severity, anatomical location and treatment of psoriasis on patients' quality of life, and (ii) to investigate the effects of perceptions of psoriasis-related stress on patients' physical and mental health and on areas of disability in everyday life. All patients (n = 204) attending a psoriasis specialty clinic were invited to complete a multidimensional quality of life assessment comprising the Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI), the SF-36 Health Survey and the Psoriasis Life Stress Inventory (PLSI). Results (n = 150) indicated that overall clinical severity of psoriasis as assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and duration of psoriasis, were unrelated to impairment in any areas of quality of life. Anatomical location (social visibility) of psoriasis was associated with self-report of poor physical health (P = 0.01), and there was a modest association with patients' mental health (P = 0.04); however, anatomical location of psoriasis was not significantly associated with self-reported disability in everyday life, or stress scores. Patients who were classified as more reactive to the stress associated with psoriasis (78% of the sample) were functioning less well in terms of their mental health (P = 0.001) and also experienced significantly more disability in all areas of everyday life (P = 0.001). Differences in method of treatment for psoriasis did not significantly affect scores on the psoriasis-specific (PDI; PLSI) or generic (SF-36) quality of life measures. A multiple regression analysis demonstrated that stress resulting from anticipating other people's reactions to their psoriasis contributed more to the variance in patients' disability in everyday life than any other medical or health status variable. The results support the importance of assessing the effects of stress in patients' adjustment to their condition and may indicate a role for adjunctive psychological stress management training for a significant number of patients with psoriasis.

Criteria for contractor selection

Abstract: This paper is concerned with identifying universal criteria for prequalification and bid evaluation, and the means by which different emphases can be accommodated to suit the requirements of clients and projects. The information, assessment and evaluation strategies currently used by procurers for screening contractors are considered, and the results are reported of an extensive literature review and a Delphic interview study with a small select sample of construction professionals with extensive experience in prequalification and bid evaluation processes. The findings indicate that the most common criteria considered by procurers during the prequalification and bid process are those pertaining to financial soundness, technical ability, management capability, and the health and safety performance of contractors.

Criteria for contractor selection

Abstract: This paper is concerned with identifying universal criteria for prequalification and bid evaluation, and the means by which different emphases can be accommodated to suit the requirements of clients and projects. The information, assessment and evaluation strategies currently used by procurers for screening contractors are considered, and the results are reported of an extensive literature review and a Delphic interview study with a small select sample of construction professionals with extensive experience in prequalification and bid evaluation processes. The findings indicate that the most common criteria considered by procurers during the prequalification and bid process are those pertaining to financial soundness, technical ability, management capability, and the health and safety performance of contractors.

Evaluating contractor prequalification data: selection criteria and project success factors

Abstract: A Delphic study investigating the perceived relationship between 20 contractor selection criteria (CSC) currently in use and project success factors (PSFs) in terms of time, cost and quality is described involving a sample of eight experienced construction personnel, including two validators. A consensus of the likely impact of each criterion on time, cost and quality is established in terms of pessimistic, average and optimistic values, which are then converted into expected means and variances via the PERT approach. The ten most and ten least important CSCs are identified and examined for differences and similarities between PSFs. The results show that past failures, financial status, financial stability, credit ratings, experience, ability, management personnel and management knowledge are perceived to be the dominant CSCs affecting all three PSFs, with safety criteria (safety, experience modification rate, OSHA incidence rate, management safety accountability) and the length of time in business being ...

An investigation of dento-alveolar trauma and its treatment in an adolescent population. Part 1: The prevalence and incidence of injuries and the extent and adequacy of treatment received

Abstract: AIM: To measure the prevalence and incidence of dental trauma and to assess the extent and success of treatment provided. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and one-year incremental study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 2022 11-14-year-old pupils were examined in schools for clinical evidence of trauma of anterior teeth. 1891 were examined 15 months later. A history of the trauma and treatment provided were obtained together with some social data. Radiographs were taken of affected teeth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Degree of trauma, whether treatment was provided and its quality, ACORN classification. RESULTS: 34% had suffered trauma but only 12% needed treatment for 332 teeth. 47% of these teeth had received treatment, of which 59% was inadequate. After 15 months 4% had experienced new injuries. 42% of boys and 28% of girls (P Language: en

Long‐term efficacy and safety of cyclosporin in severe adult atopic dermatitis

Abstract: Summary A prospective, open, multicentre study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of longterm treatment with cyclosporin in adults with severe atopic dermatitis. Subjects were treated for a maximum of 48 weeks. For the first 8 weeks, cyclosporin was administered at 2.5 mg/kg per day. The dose was then adjusted according to response. Disease activity was monitored using the six-area. six-sign score and the proportion of skin involved. Pruritus and sleep disturbance were assessed using four-point scales. Response was further evaluated on a five-point scale. Adverse events. blood pressure and serum biochemistry were monitored. Tolerability was assessed on a five-point scale. One hundred subjects were enrolled and 65 completed 48 weeks of treatment. Withdrawals occurred due to remission (three), inadequate response (seven), protocol violations (11) and adverse events (14, of which seven were probably treatment related). Cyclosporin produced rapid and highly significant improvements in all indices of disease activity. Sixty-five subjects considered that they had shown a considerable improvement or complete clearance of disease. Most patients relapsed after cessation of treatment. but neither signs nor symptoms had returned to baseline severity 8 weeks later. Blood pressure and serum creatinine levels increased slightly. and in one subject renal impairment was a major factor contributing to withdrawal of the drug. Overall, 85 subjects rated the tolerability of cyclosporin as good or very good. The results indicate that cyclosporin has a place in the long-term treatment of severe atopic dermatitis provided that appropriate patients are selected and careful monitoring is performed.

Guidelines for the investigation of invasive fungal infections in haematological malignancy and solid organ transplantation

Abstract: Invasive fungal infections are increasing in incidence and now affect as many as 50% of neutropenic/bone marrow transplant patients and 5 to 20% of solid organ transplant recipients. Unfortunately, many of the diagnostic tests available have a low sensitivity. The guidelines presented here have been produced by a working party of the British Society for Medical Mycology in an attempt to optimise the use of these tests. The yield of fungi from blood cultures can be increased by ensuring that at least 20 ml of blood are taken for aerobic culture, by using more than one method of blood culture, and by employing terminal subculture if continuous monitoring systems are used with a five-day incubation protocol. Skin lesions in febrile neutropenic patients should be biopsied and cultured for fungi. The detection of galactomannan in blood or urine is of value in diagnosing invasive aspergillosis only if tests are performed at least twice weekly in high-risk patients. Antigen detection tests for invasive candidiasis are less valuable. Computed tomography scanning is particularly valuable in diagnosing invasive pulmonary fungal infection when the chest radiograph is negative or shows only minimal changes. Bronchoalveolar lavage is most useful in patients with diffuse changes on computed tomography scan. The major advances in the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection in patients with haematological malignancy or solid organ transplantation have been in the use of imaging techniques, rather than in the development of new mycological methods in the routine laboratory.

The behavioural response to whiplash injury

Abstract: We studied 50 consecutive patients presenting at an accident department after rear-end vehicle collisions and recorded symptoms and psychological test scores within one week of injury, at three months and at two years. The range of neck movement was noted at three months. Within one week of injury, psychological test scores were normal in 82% of the group but became abnormal in 81% of the patients with intrusive or disabling symptoms at over three months (p < 0.001) and remained abnormal in 69% at two years. The clinical outcome after two years could be predicted at three months with 76% accuracy by neck stiffness, 74% by psychological score and 82% by a combination of these variables. The severity of symptoms after a whiplash injury is related both to the physical restriction of neck movement and to psychological disorder. The latter becomes established within three months of the injury.

Evidence for the Role of Psychological Factors in Abnormal Paraspinal Activity in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of physical and psychological factors on changes in surface electromyography [sEMG] during static and dynamic activity of the lumbar pa...

The ilizarov method in nonunion, malunion and infection of fractures

Abstract: We have reviewed a series of 56 consecutive patients treated by the Ilizarov circular fixator for various combinations of nonunion, malunion and infection of fractures. We used segmental excision, distraction osteogenesis and gradual correction of the deformity as appropriate. Treatment was effective in eliminating 40 out of 46 nonunions and all 22 infections. There were two cases of refracture some months after removal of the frame, both of which healed securely in a second frame. Correction of malunion was good in the coronal plane but there was a tendency to anterior angulation, often occurring in the regenerate bone rather than at the original fracture site, after removal of the frame. This was associated with very slow maturation of regenerate bone in some patients, occurring largely, but not exclusively, in those who smoked heavily. Patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with the outcome, despite relatively modest improvements in pain and function, presumably because their longstanding and intractable nonunion had been treated. None the less, the degree of satisfaction correlated strongly with the degree of improvement in pain and function. We emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary team in the assessment and support of patients undergoing long and demanding treatment. The Ilizarov method is valuable, but research is needed to overcome the problems of delayed maturation of the regenerate and slow or insecure healing of the docking site.

Investigation of lay knowledge of the management of avulsed permanent incisors

Abstract: The prognosis of replanted avulsed permanent incisors depends largely on prompt and appropriate emergency management. The aim of this study was to investigate lay knowledge and attitudes in this respect. Postal questionnaires were sent to all physical education teachers, school nurses and secretaries, attendants in swimming baths and leisure centres and to 220 parents of teenage children in a defined area of North West England. The overall questionnaire response rate was 86.9%. Knowledge of methods of dealing with this problem was generally inadequate in both parents and the other groups. Although 53.6% of respondents claimed to have received first aid training only 3.1% could remember dental injuries being included. There was evidence that dental health education in this field can be effective, since the highest mean knowledge score was found in the 11.5% of respondents who recalled receiving advice from sources such as posters, magazines and newspapers. More than 80% of the respondents stated that they would not want to replant an avulsed incisor themselves, the main reason being lack of knowledge and training. It is suggested that there is a need for potentially effective dental health education in relation to this problem.

Cranial nerve modulation of human cortical swallowing motor pathways

Abstract: Animal data indicate that cortical swallowing pathways can be modulated by cranial nerve afferent stimulation. We therefore studied the effects of human trigeminal and vagal nerve excitation on the corticofugal pathways to the oropharynx and esophagus, using electromagnetic stimulation. Unilateral stimulation of either the trigeminal or vagus nerve evoked two distinct reflex electromyographic responses in the pharynx and esophagus, an early response (latency range 19-30 ms) and a late response (latency range 42-72 ms). In the mylohyoid muscles, however, only a single response was seen (latency range 36-64 ms). Cortical stimulation also evoked electromyographic responses in the mylohyoid muscles, pharynx, and esophagus, with latencies of 8.5 +/- 0.3, 9.3 +/- 0.3, and 10.1 +/- 0.4 ms, respectively. When either trigeminal or vagus nerve stimulation preceded cortical stimulation, the cortically evoked responses were facilitated, with maximal effects at interstimulation intervals of 30-200 ms for pharynx and esophagus (P < 0.02) and at interstimulation intervals of 50-100 ms for mylohyoid muscles (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that stimulation of human cranial nerve afferent fibers facilitates cortical swallowing motor pathways.

Assessment and evaluation of contractor data against client goals using PERT approach

Abstract: A methodology for assessing and evaluating contractor data for the purpose of prequalification and bid evaluation is presented. The PERT approach is used to develop a linear model for the assessment of contractor data. The model incorporates a multiple ratings permitting the uncertainty in contractor data to be evaluated. An empirical study investigating the importance of different contractor criteria is described. A lexicographical ordering with aspiration levels and risk analysis with sensitivity methods are used to evaluate and select or rank-order contractors against the main client goals of time, cost, and quality. A literature review is reported regarding client goals and current evaluation strategies. The assumptions, advantages and disadvantages of this work as well as an example are also presented.

The Standardisation Debate in International Marketing

Abstract: Some ten years on from Levitt's seminal contribution to the debate, this article addresses the issue of globalization and attempts to illustrate how far this concept has become a reality. The focus of the discussion is on how far consumer products and brands have become standardised. The role of culture in preventing globalization and of technology in advancing its progress is also looked at. Finally, an examination of economies of scale, an important rationale for the pursuit of globalization, is undertaken. Each of these issues is interrelated, but it is possible to suggest that there is evidence to support the growing trend towards product and brand standardisation. It is also difficult to find evidence that traditional cultural barriers are breaking down; cultural influences on the purchasing process seem to be persistent. The argument in favour of economies of scale seems valid, however, not to reduce prices but to allow more resources to be spent on brand building.

Mass chemotherapy for intestinal Taenia solium infection: effect on prevalence in humans and pigs

Abstract: Mass treatment of the human population with niclosamide was carried out in 2 villages in rural Guatemala where Taenia solium was endemic, to determine how this would affect the epidemiology of the parasite. Intestinal taeniasis was diagnosed by microscopy and coproantigen testing, and porcine cysticercosis by a specific Western blot. Before mass treatment, the prevalence of human taeniasis was 3·5%; 10 months after treatment it was 1%, a significant decrease (P < 10−4. All tapeworms that could be identified to the species level were T. solium. Similarly, the seroprevalence of antibodies to cysticercosis in pigs declined from 55% before treatment to 7% 10 months after treatment, once again a significant decrease (P < 10−6). These effects were seen in both villages. The possible use of mass chemotherapy as a tool in the control of T. solium is discussed.

The Q-switched neodymium:YAG laser and tattoos: a microscopic analysis of laser-tattoo interactions.

Abstract: The Nd:YAG laser effectively removes or lightens amateur and professional tattoos. The biomechanics of the removal of tattoo particles at the cellular level are incompletely understood. We examined biopsies obtained from 35 amateur and professional tattoos (including coloured tattoos), treated on three or more occasions with the Nd:YAG laser. Biopsies taken immediately after laser treatment showed vacuolation with complete clearance of tattoo particles in the most superficial layers of the dermis, as assessed by light and electron microscopy. We propose that the 'disappearance' of the tattoo particle arises from the formation of atomic species and gaseous products, which are rapidly dissolved in the extracellular fluid. Residual fragmented particles that are commonly found in the mid- and lower dermis are rephagocytosed. The interaction between the Nd:YAG laser and black tattoo particles at 1064 nm, and red tattoo particles at 532 nm, appears to be specific, as there was little evidence of thermal damage to adjacent cells or stromal collagen.

Comparison of a genetic algorithm neural network with logistic regression for predicting outcome after surgery for patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Neural networks have been used to predict outcome in cancer patients. Their accuracy compared with standard statistical methods has not been fully assessed. METHODS In this study, the authors examined the ability to predict the outcome of surgery in 620 patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by a genetic algorithm neural network (GANN) using Bayes' theorem compared with logistic regression, and the predictive value of tumor volume measures in addition to standard indices such as histologic type and stage. Predictive methods were compared by examining accuracy of classifying target outcome of patients living or dead at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS GANN was a significantly better predictor of outcome than logistic regression at all time points (McNemar, P < 0.01). Measures of tumor volume produced significant improvement in the prediction of 12-, 18-, and 24-month time points with GANN, and at 18- and 24-month time points with logistic regression (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In this study of surgically treated NSCLC patients, outcome predictions were significantly improved by including measures of tumor volume. For predicting individual patient outcome, GANN was found to be highly accurate and significantly better than logistic regression. Cancer 1997; 79:1338-42. © 1997 American Cancer Society.

Ageing, defence mechanisms and the immune system.

Abstract: Of all the systems in the body, the immune system is probably the best understood, both in mechanistic terms and in the ways in which it changes during ageing. Studies of the ageing immune system (immuno gerontology) can be traced back to the early part of this century (and even earlier), and the literature has burgeoned in the last three decades. Perhaps the first publication was of the investigation undertaken by Peter Ludwig Panum (a Danish physician and discoverer of endotoxin) on the outbreak of measles in the Faroes in 1846. The Faroes had been free of measles since the previous epidemic of 1781. The 1846 outbreak affected 75-95% of the population although "of the many aged people still living on the Faroes who had had measles in 1781, not one was attacked a second time" [1]. This experiment of nature seems out of step with traditional thought about ageing and immunity, which views ageing as an immunodeficiency state that predisposes the host to infectious diseases (and possibly neoplasms).