Showing papers by "University of Salford published in 2000"
TL;DR: Magnetron sputtering has become the process of choice for the deposition of a wide range of industrially important coatings, such as hard, wear-resistant, low friction, corrosion resistant, and decorative coatings as discussed by the authors.
1,640 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of soil moisture on water repellency for Portuguese sandy loam and loamy sand forest soils was explored using field and laboratory measurements, and it was suggested that after wetting, re-establishment of repellencies may also require a fresh input of water-repellent substances.
408 citations
TL;DR: The logistic-regression analyses indicated that even after the effects of personal vulnerability to psychiatric disorder and ongoing social stress outside of work had been taken into account, stressful situations at work contributed to anxiety and depressive disorders.
362 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the topological properties of the charge density ρ ( r b ) at the (3, − 1) bond critical points (BCPs) where the gradient of ρ( r ) vanishes were investigated.
324 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the efficacy of teaching and learning in higher education by investigating the relationship between students assessment of their own academic proficiency (in this case Research Methods Proficiency [RMP]), learning style, academic locus of control, academic self-efficacy and academic achievement.
Abstract: Both learning style and academic belief systems have been identified as significant factors contributing to academic achievement. This paper evaluates the efficacy of teaching and learning in higher education by investigating the relationship between students assessment of their own academic proficiency (in this case Research Methods Proficiency [RMP]), learning style, academic locus of control, academic self-efficacy and academic achievement. First and second year undergraduate students' RMP was measured before and after completing modules in Research Methods. Students also completed measures of approaches to learning, academic self-efficacy and academic locus of control. Academic achievement (module mark) was also recorded. Results showed that perceived proficiency increased after completing the taught modules and that perceived proficiency was positively correlated with academic performance. Level 1 students, taught under the recently modified programme, reported significantly higher perceived proficie...
290 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the magnetization distributions in a series of ternary intermetallic compounds based on the composition Co2 YZ where Y is Ti, Mn or Fe and Z a subgroup-B element have been determined from polarized neutron diffraction measurements.
Abstract: The magnetization distributions in a series of ternary intermetallic compounds based on the composition Co2 YZ where Y is Ti, Mn or Fe and Z a subgroup-B element have been determined from polarized neutron diffraction measurements. Comparison of the magnetic structure factors with model calculations shows that the magnetization is associated principally with those atoms which in their elemental state are themselves magnetic. The observed deviations of the magnetic moment distributions from spherical symmetry have been used to deduce which of the 3d sub-bands are active at the Fermi energy. A small moment close to the limits of resolution is observed at some of the Z sites, together with a small delocalized moment which in most cases is negative. The results have been compared with the predictions of band models, which indicate that the Fermi level falls in a broad minimum in the minority-spin density of d states. Although the identity of the bands active at the Fermi surface is in broad agreement with predictions of band-structure calculations (Ishida S, Akazawa S, Kubo Y and Ishida J 1982 J. Phys. F: Met. Phys. 12 1111), the results suggest that there is a finite density of states in the minority-spin d band of manganese. Hence the compounds cannot be classified as half-metallic ferromagnets.
280 citations
TL;DR: The lack of any relationship between capsaicin responsiveness and airflow limitation as measured by the FEV1 suggests that the mechanisms producing cough are likely to be different from those causing airways obstruction, at least in patients with COPD.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Chronic cough is associated with an increased sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin in a number of conditions but there are no data for patients with more severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, the relationships between the capsaicin response (expressed as the concentration of capsaicin provoking five coughs, C5), self-reported cough, and routine medication is not known. METHODS The cough response to capsaicin in 53 subjects with asthma, 56 subjects with COPD, and 96 healthy individuals was recorded and compared with a number of subjective measures of self-reported cough, measures of airway obstruction, and prescribed medication. In asthmatic subjects the relationships between the cough response to capsaicin and mean daily peak flow variability and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine were also examined. RESULTS Subjects with asthma (median C5 = 62 mM) and COPD (median C5 = 31 mM) were similarly sensitive to capsaicin and both were more reactive than normal subjects (median C5 >500 mM). Capsaicin sensitivity was related to symptomatic cough as measured by the diary card score in both asthma and COPD ( r = –0.38 and r = –0.44, respectively), but only in asthma and not COPD when measured using a visual analogue score ( r = –0.32 and r = –0.05, respectively). Capsaicin sensitivity was independent of the degree of airway obstruction and in asthmatics was not related to PEF variability or PC 20 for histamine. The response to capsaicin was not related to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids but was increased in those using anticholinergic agents in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that an increased cough reflex, as measured by capsaicin responsiveness, is an important contributor to the presence of cough in asthma and COPD, rather than cough being simply secondary to excessive airway secretions. The lack of any relationship between capsaicin responsiveness and airflow limitation as measured by the FEV 1 suggests that the mechanisms producing cough are likely to be different from those causing airways obstruction, at least in patients with COPD.
252 citations
TL;DR: The issues arising from combining artificial intelligence and artificial life techniques with those of virtual environments to produce just such intelligent virtual environments are reviewed.
Abstract: Research into virtual environments on the one hand and artificial intelligence and artificial life on the other has largely been carried out by two different groups of people with different preoccupation and interests, but some convergence is now apparent between the two fields. Applications in which activity independent of the user takes place- involving crowds or other agents- are beginning to be tackled, while synthetic agents, virtual humans, and computer pets are all areas in which techniques from the two fields require strong integration. The two communities have much to learn from each other if wheels are not to be reinvented on both sides. This paper reviews the issues arising from combining artificial intelligence and artificial life techniques with those of virtual environments to produce just such intelligent virtual environments. The discussion is illustrated with examples that include environments providing knowledge to direct or assist the user rather than relying entirely on the user's know...
242 citations
TL;DR: The Process Protocol as mentioned in this paper identifies the various phases of a construction project with particular emphasis on what is described in the manufacturing industry as the 'fuzzy front end' and the participants in the process are described in terms of the activities that need to be undertaken in order to achieve a successful project and process execution.
Abstract: The complexity of construction projects and the fragmentation of the construction industry undertaking those projects has effectively resulted in linear, uncoordinated and highly variable project processes in the UK construction sector. Research undertaken at the University of Salford resulted in the development of an improved project process, the Process Protocol, which considers the whole lifecycle of a construction project whilst integrating its participants under a common framework. The Process Protocol identifies the various phases of a construction project with particular emphasis on what is described in the manufacturing industry as the ‘fuzzy front end’. The participants in the process are described in terms of the activities that need to be undertaken in order to achieve a successful project and process execution. In addition, the decision-making mechanisms, from a client perspective, are illustrated and the foundations for a learning organization/industry are facilitated within a consistent Process Protocol.
241 citations
TL;DR: The role of sustained dialogue between researchers and the users of research in improving the utilisation of research-based evidence in the policy process is highlighted.
Abstract: Study objective—This paper is based on a qualitative study that aimed to identify factors that facilitate or impede evidencebased policy making at a local level in the UK National Health Service (NHS). It considers how models of research utilisation drawn from the social sciences map onto empirical evidence from this study. Design—A literature review and case studies of social research projects that were initiated by NHS health authority managers or GP fundholders in one region of the NHS. In depth interviews and document analysis were used. Setting—One NHS region in England. Participants—Policy makers, GPs and researchers working on each of the social research projects selected as case studies. Main results—The direct influence of research evidence on decision making was tempered by factors such as financial constraints, shifting timescales and decision makers’ own experiential knowledge. Research was more likely to impact on policy in indirect ways, including shaping policy debate and mediating dialogue between service providers and users. Conclusions—The study highlights the role of sustained dialogue between researchers and the users of research in improving the utilisation of researchbased evidence in the policy process. (J Epidemiol Community Health 2000;54:461‐468)
235 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a coding scheme that addresses two basic questions applicable to all political Web sites: (a) what the purpose of the sites are, and (b) how effectively they deliver their contents.
Abstract: The growth of party and candidate activity on the World Wide Web over the past 5 years has provoked much comment and criticism. Although initially most assessments were descriptive and anecdotal, more recent studies have taken a more systematic and quantitative approach to this topic. This article builds on the existing literature by developing a coding scheme that addresses two basic questions applicable to all political Web sites: (a) what the purpose of the sites are, and (b) how effectively they deliver their contents. In doing so, this article attempts to standardize the study of party Web sites and to promote the growth of cross-national and longitudinal comparative research in this area.
24 Apr 2000
TL;DR: A new model of operation of pneumatic muscle systems is developed that considers the distortion effects at the termination nodes and the radial pressure loss due to rubber elasticity and is compared against previous systems models.
Abstract: Traditional robotic/mechatronic design has successfully exploited the attributes of heavy mechanical systems engineering, but future scientific trends suggest a need for technology that will emulate natural systems. Among the most pressing of the requirements are actuation systems that can interact in a safer and more natural way. Pneumatic technology has many of the compliance forms needed for this softer interaction and a number of new systems based on McKibben muscles have been developed in recent years. In this paper a new model of operation of pneumatic muscle systems is developed. In particular, the model considers the distortion effects at the termination nodes and the radial pressure loss due to rubber elasticity. The new model is compared experimentation on a very large actuator and shows how this new model improves the assessment of forces and displacement that can be achieved by the actuator. The new model is compared against previous systems models.
TL;DR: Compared to the last major multiple hospital study published in 1992, the results of this study suggest that there appears to have been an improvement in survival of in-hospital patients in the UK who have a VF/VT cardiac arrest.
TL;DR: This study compares the cognitive effects of topiramate with those of valproate (VPA) using efficacious doses of each drug when used as adjunctive therapy to carbamazepine (CBZ).
Abstract: Summary: Purpose: This study compares the cognitive effects of topiramate (TPM) with those of valproate (VPA) using efficacious doses of each drug when used as adjunctive therapy to carbamazepine (CBZ). A key question of the study is to what extent a more gradual introduction of TPM improves tolerabil-ity and prevents cognitive impairment.
Methods: The study is a multicenter, randomized, observer-blinded, parallel-group clinical trial with VPA or TPM given as first-line add-on therapy to steady-state treatment with CBZ. TPM is introduced at 25 mg and increased with weekly 25-mg/d increments to a minimum dosage of 200 mg/d. The target dosage ranges from 200 to 400 mg/d for TPM and is 1800 mg/d for VPA. The study evaluates cognitive function changes from baseline to end point (after 20 weeks of treatment) and during titration (after 8 weeks of treatment). The primary outcome measure is the difference between the treatments (TPM versus VPA) in change from baseline to end point and change from baseline to titration, using a 95% confidence interval approach.
Results: For the 10 baseline-to-end point comparisons, one test measuring short-term verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) yields a statistically significant difference between the treatments (p = 0.02), showing worsening for TPM and improvement of scores for VPA. The 10 baseline-to-titration comparisons also show one statistically significant difference, again for a test measuring short-term memory (Recognition of Words; p = 0.04), showing a larger change in the negative direction for TPM. None of the mood tests or the test for subjective complaints shows statistically significant differences between the treatments, although more scores are in the negative direction for TPM during titration.
Conclusion: Although the pattern of changes in the negative direction seems consistent with clinical information, the differences found between the treatments are small. An important finding of our study is that, when the results are compared with those of other studies, it is clear that gradual introduction of TPM can reduce the extent of cognitive impairment (with a maximum of about 0.6 SD).
TL;DR: Long-term transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis and risk of zoonotic infection of south Gansu farmers may be related ultimately to a process of deforestation driven by agriculture and subsequent development of a peri-domestic cycle involving dogs.
TL;DR: The high lipid/water partition coefficient of ⋅NO, its capacity to diffuse and concentrate in lipophilic milieu, and a potent reactivity toward lipid radical species reveal how⋅no can play a critical role in regulating membrane and lipoprotein lipid oxidation reactions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the efficiency of five aeolian sand samplers was tested via wind tunnel experiments and field measurements, and the most recommendable sampler in the test is the MWAC, not only because of its high efficiency, but also because its efficiency is independent of wind speed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured the hydrogen permeability of a Pd/stainless steel membrane in the presence of carbon monoxide and steam and with mixtures of these two additives.
TL;DR: It is confirmed that MACP vaccine induces immunologic hyporesponsiveness to C polysaccharide in adults, but this can be overcome with MCC vaccine.
Abstract: Widespread use of meningococcal AC polysaccharide (MACP) vaccines has raised concerns about induction of hyporesponsiveness to C polysaccharide. Whether meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine overcomes any immunologic refractoriness following MACP vaccination in adults was investigated. University students vaccinated 6 months previously with MACP vaccine were randomized to receive MACP or MCC vaccine, and antibody responses were compared with those of previously unvaccinated students receiving MACP or MCC vaccine. In students primed with MACP vaccine, MCC vaccine induced significantly higher IgG and serum bactericidal antibody levels than did a second dose of MACP vaccine. Responses to a second dose of MACP vaccine were significantly lower than to the first dose. Previous receipt of MACP vaccine reduced serum bactericidal antibody but not IgG responses to MCC vaccine compared with those in previously unvaccinated students. This confirms that MACP vaccine induces immunologic hyporesponsiveness to C polysaccharide in adults, but this can be overcome with MCC vaccine. Repeated vaccination with MACP vaccine may be ineffective, and MCC vaccines should provide better long-term protection.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new data source, containing information on a range of specific play variables, was used to estimate a production function for English Premiership football, emphasizing the key attacking and defensive skills, and providing support for the notion that teams may intentionally employ dubious or illegal tactics to succeed.
Abstract: Sporting production function studies have been almost entirely US based concentrating largely, although not exclusively, on baseball. Mainly due to a dearth of match play statistics, there have been few studies of other sports, with that of association football being a significant omission given the sport's international appeal and global coverage. This study attempts to redress the balance by utilizing a new data source, containing information on a range of specific play variables, to estimate a production function for English Premiership football. Our results emphasize the key attacking and defensive skills, and provide support for the notion that teams may intentionally employ dubious or illegal tactics to succeed. The inclusion of team effects provides evidence consistent with the view of the emergence of an elite group of clubs dominating the league. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Skin integrity is essential for the normal usage of a stoma appliance and there is little published on the prevalence, nature or management of stoma‐related skin disorders.
Abstract: Background Skin integrity is essential for the normal usage of a stoma appliance. However, there is little published on the prevalence, nature or management of stoma-related skin disorders.
Objectives To document stoma-related skin disorders in a large cohort of patients.
Methods We sent a postal questionnaire to all surviving patients who had had abdominal stoma surgery at Hope Hospital, Salford, U.K. in the 10 years from 1 January 1989. Those reporting skin disease were invited to attend a clinic run by a dermatologist and a stoma-care specialist nurse. All lesions were categorized and swabs taken for microbiological examination.
Results Of 525 surviving patients, 325 (62%) replied to the questionnaire. Of these, 73% reported a skin problem that had affected normal stoma bag use. Dermatoses included irritant reactions, particularly from leakage of urine or faeces (42%); pre-existing skin diseases, principally psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and eczema (20%); infections (6%); allergic contact dermatitis (0·7%) and pyoderma gangrenosum (0·6% annual incidence). A further 15% of patients with skin problems had persistent or recurrent dermatitis not explained by allergy, frank infection or faecal irritation. This responded to short-term treatment with topical corticosteroids. Further investigation is under way into its pathogenesis.
Conclusions Skin disorders are common in stoma patients, and various patterns can be recognized and effectively treated.
TL;DR: The concept of supply chain design and management has come to the fore owing to the everincreasing complexity of the systems driving buyer-supplier relations in both industrial and consumer-based markets.
Abstract: The concepts of supply‐chain design and management have come to the fore, owing to the ever‐increasing complexity of the systems driving buyer‐supplier relations in both industrial and consumer‐based markets. The unprecedented levels of supply‐chain management complexity are partly attributed to the Internet, through its more recent business acceptance and commercial use. Deals with new competitive challenges being realised from the unprecedented speed of growth of the Internet and building commercially‐viable supply chains to meet the challenges faced by emerging virtual organisations.
TL;DR: Dermatologic problems are common in prosthetic limb users and allergic contact dermatitis is a significant problem, and all patients with dermatitis on the residual limb should be patch tested.
Abstract: Background: Dermatologic problems restrict the normal use of a prosthetic limb. The importance of contact dermatitis to skin morbidity in a population of amputees and the selection criteria for patch testing have not been clearly defined. Objective: We describe the range of dermatoses seen in a population of amputees and examine the incidence, causes, and patterns of contact dermatitis. Methods: This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of 210 amputees. Those with a skin problem were assessed by a dermatologist. Patch testing was undertaken in patients with persistent dermatitis. Results: A total of 34% of amputees experienced a skin problem. Lesions resulting from friction, pressure, and occlusion are common. Allergic contact dermatitis is seen in a third of patients with stump dermatitis. There are no features that distinguish allergic from irritant (chemical or physical) dermatitis. Conclusion: Dermatologic problems are common in prosthetic limb users. Allergic contact dermatitis is a significant problem, and all patients with dermatitis on the residual limb should be patch tested. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:501-7.)
TL;DR: The use of kinematic data, collected at 50 Hz to define foot contact events during gait initiation, was validated and inter-rater reliability was extremely high, reflecting the precision of the definitions used.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the future of performance assessment of facilities management will have to shift in emphasis towards a measurement and management system and further discuss the potential for the application of such a management system, the balanced scorecard.
Abstract: Facilities management operates on the premises that the efficiency of any organisation is linked to the physical environment in which it operates and that the environment can be improved to increase its efficiency. This has increasingly become an important function of the built environment. This paper looks at performance measurement of facilities management practices and argues that the future of performance assessment of facilities management will have to shift in emphasis towards a measurement and management system. It further discusses the potential for the application of such a management system, the balanced scorecard, through which facilities management performance assessment may be explored.
TL;DR: A model is presented to advise at a monitoring check what maintenance action to take based upon the condition monitoring and preventive maintenance information obtained to date, relevant to a large class of condition monitoring techniques currently employed in industry including vibration and oil analysis.
Abstract: This paper considers a stochastic dynamic system subject to random deterioration, with regular condition monitoring and preventive maintenance. A model is presented to advise at a monitoring check what maintenance action to take based upon the condition monitoring and preventive maintenance information obtained to date. A general assumption adopted in the paper is that the performance of the system concerned can not be described directly by the monitored information, but is correlated with it stochastically. The model is relevant to a large class of condition monitoring techniques currently employed in industry including vibration and oil analysis. The model is constructed under fairly general conditions and includes two novel developments. Firstly, the concept of the conditional residual time is used to measure the condition of the monitored system at the time of a monitoring check, and secondly, contrary to previous practice, the monitored observation is now assumed to be a function of the system condition. Relationships between the observed history of condition monitoring, preventive maintenance actions, and the condition of the system are established. Methods for estimating model parameters are discussed. Since the model presented is generally beyond the scope for an analytical solution, a numerical approximation method is also proposed. Finally, a case example is presented to illustrate the modelling concepts in the case of non-maintained plant.
TL;DR: The epidemiology of outbreaks of infection due to SRSVs is reviewed, recommendations for their management in the hospital setting are made and the basic principles which underpin these recommendations will be applicable to the management of some community-based institutional outbreaks.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present initial findings of the characteristics of important aspects of a performance evaluation approach related to higher education properties, and discuss the development of a framework based on the balanced scorecard to measure performance.
Abstract: In the general facilities management literature, it is assumed that there is a causal link between facilities management practices and performance. The role of facilities management in facilitating organisational performance, and thereby in providing competitive advantage, is widely acknowledged. However, the mechanisms of how this happens in higher educational establishments are quite unclear, prompting performance evaluation researchers to question whether performance evaluation in fact does add value, and enhance organisational performance. Assessment of performance of buildings of institutions delivering higher educational services has become a matter of particular interest to governments seeking to increase the effectiveness of educational provision and maximise value for money. This paper presents initial findings of the characteristics of important aspects of a performance evaluation approach related to higher education properties, and discusses the development of a framework based on the balanced scorecard to measure performance relating to higher education establishments.
TL;DR: In this article, the potential of thin SiO2 oxides implanted by very low energy (1 keV) Si ions and subsequently annealed are explored with regards to their potential as active elements of memory devices.
Abstract: Thin SiO2 oxides implanted by very-low-energy (1 keV) Si ions and subsequently annealed are explored with regards to their potential as active elements of memory devices. Charge storage effects as a function of Si fluence are investigated through capacitance and channel current measurements. Capacitance–voltage and source–drain current versus gate voltage characteristics of devices implanted with a dose of 1×1016 cm−2 or lower exhibit clear hysteresis characteristics at low electric field. The observed fluence dependence of the device electrical properties is interpreted in terms of the implanted oxide structure.