Showing papers by "University of Salford published in 2002"

Quantitative and qualitative research in the built environment: application of “mixed” research approach

Abstract: Built environment research consists of cognitive and affective, as well as behavioural, components. Existing built environment research utilises either strong qualitative or, more often, strong quantitative methodologies. Aims to discuss some of the philosophical issues that would be considered when undertaking academic research into the built environment. Considers the available research options or paradigms and suggests ways in which a researcher can make an informed and sensible decision as to how to proceed. The main dimensions of the debate about the relative characteristics and merits of quantitative and qualitative methodology are outlined, developing the argument that the use of a single methodology often fails to explore all of these components. The use of a mixed methods approach is suggested to counteract this weakness and to enhance research into the built environment.

Social and psychological burden of dysphagia: its impact on diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The social and psychological impact of dysphagia has not been routinely reported in large studies. We sought to determine the effects of dysphagia on broad measures of the quality of life of patients and to explore the relationship between the psychological handicaps of the condition and the frequency of diagnosis and treatment. A total of 360 patients selected on the basis of known subjective dysphagia complaints, regardless of origin, in nursing homes and clinics in Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom were interviewed using an established questionnaire. Qualitative interviews with a total of 28 health professionals were conducted to improve understanding of the patient data in the context of each country. Over 50% of patients claimed that they were "eating less" with 44% reporting weight loss during the preceding 12 months. Thirty-six percent of patients acknowledged receiving a confirmed diagnosis of dysphagia; only 32% acknowledged receiving professional treatment for it. Most people with dysphagia believe their condition to be untreatable; only 39% of the sufferers believed that their swallowing difficulties could be treated. Eighty-four percent of patients felt that eating should be an enjoyable experience but only 45% actually found it so. Moreover, 41% of patients stated that they experienced anxiety or panic during mealtimes. Over one-third (36%) of patients reported that they avoided eating with others because of their dysphagia. In a largely elderly population that might accept dysphagia as an untreatable part of the aging process, clinicians need to be aware of the adverse effects of dysphagia on self-esteem, socialization, and enjoyment of life. Careful questioning should assess the impact of the condition on each patient's life, and patients should be educated on their choices for treatment in the context of any coexisting illness. Awareness of the condition, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options must be increased in society and among the medical profession.

Relevance and Linguistic Meaning: The Semantics and Pragmatics of Discourse Markers

Abstract: The importance of discourse markers (words like "so," "however," and "well") lies in the theoretical questions they raise about the nature of discourse and the relationship between linguistic meaning and context Diane Blakemore asserts that the exercise in classification that has dominated discourse marker research should be replaced by the investigation of the way in which linguistic expressions contribute to the inferential processes involved in utterance understanding

Interpreters/Translators and Cross-Language Research: Reflexivity and Border Crossings

Abstract: In this article, the authors examine the implications of extending calls for reflexivity in qualitative research generally to cross-language research with interpreters. Drawing on the concept of ‘borders’, they present two research projects to demonstrate the need to locate the interpreter as active in producing research accounts. They extend the concept of ‘border crossing’, relating this to identity politics and the benefits of making the interpreter visible in research.

Developing the computer user self-efficacy (CUSE) scale : investigating the relationship between computer self-efficacy, gender and experience with computers

Abstract: Describes the development and validation of the 30-item Computer User Self-Efficacy (CUSE) Scale, a copy of which is appended Topics include social cognitive theory; experience and computer self-efficacy; gender differences; and the measurement of computer self-efficacy in student computer users and its relevance to learning in higher education

Current Consensus Guidelines for Treatment of Neurocysticercosis

Abstract: Taenia solium neurocysticercosis is a common cause of epileptic seizures and other neurological morbidity in most developing countries. It is also an increasingly common diagnosis in industrialized countries because of immigration from areas where it is endemic. Its clinical manifestations are highly variable and depend on the number, stage, and size of the lesions and the host's immune response. In part due to this variability, major discrepancies exist in the treatment of neurocysticercosis. A panel of experts in taeniasis/cysticercosis discussed the evidence on treatment of neurocysticercosis for each clinical presentation, and we present the panel's consensus and areas of disagreement. Overall, four general recommendations were made: (i) individualize therapeutic decisions, including whether to use antiparasitic drugs, based on the number, location, and viability of the parasites within the nervous system; (ii) actively manage growing cysticerci either with antiparasitic drugs or surgical excision; (iii) prioritize the management of intracranial hypertension secondary to neurocysticercosis before considering any other form of therapy; and (iv) manage seizures as done for seizures due to other causes of secondary seizures (remote symptomatic seizures) because they are due to an organic focus that has been present for a long time.

Nerve growth factor expression and innervation of the painful intervertebral disc

Abstract: Following a previous description of nociceptive nerve fibre growth into usually aneural inner parts of painful intervertebral disc (IVD), this study has investigated whether nociceptive nerve ingrowth into painful IVD is stimulated by local production of neurotrophins. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization have been used to investigate expression of the candidate neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), and its high- and low-affinity receptors trk-A and p75, respectively, in painful IVD excised for the management of low back pain. IVD from patients with back pain were of two types: those that when examined by discography reproduced the patient symptoms (pain level IVD) and those that did not (non-pain level IVD). Microvascular blood vessels accompanied nerve fibres growing into pain level IVD and these expressed NGF. The adjacent nerves expressed the high-affinity NGF receptor trk-A. These vessels entered the normally avascular IVD through the discal end plates. NGF expression was not identified in non-pain level or control IVD. Some non-pain level IVD had vessels within them, which entered through the annulus fibrosus. These did not express NGF nor did nerves accompany them. These findings show that nociceptive nerve ingrowth into painful IVD is causally linked with NGF production by blood vessels growing into the IVD, from adjacent vertebral bodies.

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Middle-aged Patients

Abstract: Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after noncardiac surgery is strongly associated with increasing age in elderly patients; middle-aged patients (aged 40-60 yr) may be expected to have a lower incidence, although subjective complaints are frequent. Metbods: The authors compared the changes in neuropsychological test results at 1 week and 3 months in patients aged 40-60 yr, using a battery of neuropsychological tests, with those of age-matched control subjects using Z-score analysis. They assessed risk factors and associations of POCD with measures of subjective cognitive function, depression, and activities of daily living. Results: At 7 days, cognitive dysfunction as defined was present in 19.2% (confidence interval [CI], 15.7-23.1) of the patients and in 4.0% (CI, 1.6-8.0) of control subjects (P < 0.001). After 3 months, the incidence was 6.2% (CI, 4.1-8.9) in patients and 4.1% (CI, 1.7-8.4) in control subjects (not significant). POCD at 7 days was associated with supplementary epidural analgesia and reported avoidance of alcohol consumption. At 3 months, 29% of patients had subjective symptoms of POCD, and this finding was associated with depression. Early POCD was associated with reports of lower activity scores at 3 months. Conclusions: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction occurs frequently but resolves by 3 months after surgery. It may be associated with decreased activity during this period. Subjective report overestimates the incidence of POCD. Patients may be helped by recognition that the problem is genuine and reassured that it is likely to be transient.

Antipsychotic-Related QTc Prolongation, Torsade de Pointes and Sudden Death

Abstract: Sudden unexpected deaths have been reported with antipsychotic use since the early 1960s. In some cases the antipsychotic may be unrelated to death, but in others it appears to be a causal factor. Antipsychotics can cause sudden death by several mechanisms, but particular interest has centred on torsade de pointes (TdP), a polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia that can progress to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. The QTc interval is a heart rate-corrected value that represents the time between the onset of electrical depolarisation of the ventricles and the end of repolarisation. Prolongation of the QTc interval is a surrogate marker for the ability of a drug to cause TdP. In individual patients an absolute QTc interval of >500 msec or an increase of 60 msec from baseline is regarded as indicating an increased risk of TdP. However, TdP can occur with lower QTc values or changes.

Moving from performance measurement to performance management

Abstract: In order for a facilities management (FM) organisation to make effective use of the results of performance measurement it must be able to make the transition from measurement to management. It must also be able to anticipate needed changes in the strategic direction of the organisation and have a methodology in place for effecting strategic change. Successful accomplishment of these two tasks represents the foundation of good performance management. This paper explores baselines for moving from performance measurement to performance management and provides a discussion of how the FM performance assessment can be used to manage the FM function effectively.

The PANDAT software package and its applications

Abstract: PANDAT is a software package for multicomponent phase diagram calculation. Given a set of thermodynamic parameters for all phases in a system and a set of user constraints, PANDAT automatically calculates the stable phase diagram without requiring either prior knowledge of the diagram or special user skills. The features of PANDAT are discussed and some application examples presented. In addition to PANDAT, its calculation engine, PanEngine, is also discussed.

The PERMIS X.509 role based privilege management infrastructure

Abstract: This paper describes the output of the PERMIS project, which has developed a role based access control infrastructure that uses X.509 attribute certificates (ACs) to store the users' roles. All access control decisions are driven by an authorization policy, which is itself stored in an X.509 attribute certificate, thus guaranteeing its integrity. All the ACs can be stored in one or more LDAP directories, thus making them widely available. Authorization policies are written in XML according to a DTD that has been published at XML.org. The Access Control Decision Function (ADF) is written in Java and the Java API is simple to use, comprising of just 3 methods and a constructor. There is also a Privilege Allocator, which is a tool that constructs and signs attribute certificates and stores them in an LDAP directory for subsequent use by the ADF.

Outcome uncertainty and attendance demand in sport: the case of English soccer

Abstract: Summary. We test whether attendances in team sports respond positively to the amount of uncertainty of the outcome between the competing teams in a match. Our results show that admissions at English soccer matches relate positively to the quality of teams involved and negatively to a measure of the relative win probabilities of the competing teams. The uncertainty measure is derived from a model of the betting market which corrects for specific biases tested for and identified in the odds in our data set. Although supporters appear to favour an uncertainty of outcome, a greater quality of strength across clubs may still yield a fall in aggregate attendance because of the extent to which home field advantage generates an uneven contest between similarly strong teams.

Crossed Wires: Interpreters, Translators, and Bilingual Workers in Cross-Language Research

Abstract: Increasingly, researchers are undertaking studies involving people who do not speak the same language as they do. Sociologists have long argued that language constructs the social world at the same time as it describes it. However, the implications of this for cross-language research are rarely considered. Employing interpreters/translators and "cultural brokers" in research raises methodological issues around the meanings of concepts and how to convey difference. Using a project that employed two Asian mental health workers, the author teases out some of the implications for research of language difference. She focuses both on the value of a biographical approach and on the problems such an approach presents.

A cognitive‐behavioural symptom management programme as an adjunct in psoriasis therapy

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriasis may experience significant psychological and social disabilities Stress or distress are proposed aggravators of the disease process in psoriasis Preliminary studies to date have suggested that adjunctive psychological therapies may be effective in the clinical management of psoriasis OBJECTIVES: To examine whether a 6-week multidisciplinary management approach, the Psoriasis Symptom Management Programme (PSMP) for patients with psoriasis improves clinical severity of psoriasis and its associated psychological distress and disability METHODS: In a case-control study, patients with psoriasis attending an out-patient psoriasis specialty clinic chose to receive standard psoriasis treatment alone (n = 53) or to enter the PSMP as an adjunct to standard therapy (n = 40) They were assessed at baseline, at the end of the 6-week PSMP and after 6 months follow-up RESULTS: As compared with standard treatment alone, analysis of covariance indicated that participation in the PSMP resulted in a greater reduction in clinical severity of psoriasis (P = 0001), anxiety (P = 0001), depression (P = 0001), psoriasis-related stress (P = 0001) and disability (P = 004) at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up CONCLUSIONS: The management of the physical aspects of psoriasis and its psychological effects are significantly improved for patients who opt for a 6-week integrated multidisciplinary approach Furthermore, the techniques learnt by participation in the PSMP facilitate continued control of psoriasis for at least 6 months

Intelligent window coatings: atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition of vanadium oxides

Abstract: Thin films of the vanadium oxides, V2O5, VO2, VOx (x = 2.00–2.50) and V6O13 were prepared on glass substrates by atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD) of vanadium tetrachloride and water at 400–550 °C. The specific phase deposited was found to be dependent on the substrate temperature and the reagent concentrations. The films were characterised by Raman microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis by X-rays (EDX), reflectance/transmittance and UV absorption spectroscopy. The VO2 films show by Raman microscopy and reflectance/transmittance spectroscopy, reversible switching behaviour at 68 °C associated with a phase change from monoclinic (MoO2 structure) to tetragonal (TiO2, rutile structure).

CLAC: a novel Alzheimer amyloid plaque component derived from a transmembrane precursor, CLAC-P/collagen type XXV

Abstract: We raised monoclonal antibodies against senile plaque (SP) amyloid and obtained a clone 9D2, which labeled amyloid fibrils in SPs and reacted with ∼50/100 kDa polypeptides in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. We purified the 9D2 antigens and cloned a cDNA encoding its precursor, which was a novel type II transmembrane protein specifically expressed in neurons. This precursor harbored three collagen-like Gly–X–Y repeat motifs and was partially homologous to collagen type XIII. Thus, we named the 9D2 antigen as CLAC (collagen-like Alzheimer amyloid plaque component), and its precursor as CLAC-P/collagen type XXV. The extracellular domain of CLAC-P/collagen type XXV was secreted by furin convertase, and the N-terminus of CLAC deposited in AD brains was pyroglutamate modified. Both secreted and membrane-tethered forms of CLAC-P/collagen type XXV specifically bound to fibrillized Aβ, implicating these proteins in β-amyloidogenesis and neuronal degeneration in AD.

The role of the nurse within the multi-professional rehabilitation team.

Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY/PAPER: To identify the contribution of the nurse within the multi-professional rehabilitation team. BACKGROUND: The requirement for nurses to work effectively within the multi-professional rehabilitation team is increasingly important with the higher incidence of chronic disease, growing numbers of older people and enhanced survival from major trauma. METHODS: A 2-year qualitative investigation was undertaken centred on three contrasting condition case studies (fractured neck of femur, rheumatoid arthritis and stroke). Clients were theoretically sampled, with their 'rehabilitation pathway' through different services providing the window through which the nurse's contribution was explored. Multiple methods and points of data collection were used, including observation, face to face interviews (clients, carers and staff) and record review. To enhance generalisability, a series of national expert workshops were undertaken with four groups: users, carers and carers' organizations; nurses; members of the multi-professional team; and educationalists. FINDINGS: Six interlinked roles for the nurse were identified: assessment, co-ordination and communication, technical and physical care, therapy integration and therapy carry-on, emotional support, and involving the family. Of particular significance is the creation of a supportive environment for rehabilitation to occur. Some nurses undertook aspects of all of these roles at any one time while others were only involved in one or two areas. While nurses expressed a desire to integrate therapy into their care delivery, the actual achievement of this goal was variable. CONCLUSIONS: Key elements of the nurse's contribution within rehabilitation should aim to maximize client choice to enhance independent living in the client's future environment. At a nursing educational policy level the nurse needs to have a full understanding of the principles and models of rehabilitation. At a practice level, the nurse's role must be valued and recognized, by nurses themselves and other team members.

Behavior in Huntington's disease: dissociating cognition-based and mood-based changes.

Abstract: The authors examined the relationship of three dimensions of behavioral change (Apathy, Depression, and Irritability) measured by the Problem Behaviors Assessment for Huntington's Disease (PBA-HD) to cognitive and motor indices of disease severity. The Apathy subscale was highly correlated with both cognitive and motor impairment; the Irritability and Depression subscales were not. The findings suggest that certain behavioral alterations are intrinsic to the evolution and progression of HD, whereas others are more variable and are independent of other indices of disease progression.

The distribution of ion energies at the substrate in an asymmetric bi-polar pulsed DC magnetron discharge

Abstract: Using an energy-resolved mass spectrometer and a time-resolved Langmuir probe, the distribution of bombarding ion energies, their fluxes and energy fluxes at a substrate in an asymmetric bi-polar pulsed DC magnetron have been determined. The discharge was operated in Ar at a pressure of 0.53 Pa with a Ti target and pulsed DC frequencies of 100 and 350 kHz with a range of duty cycles (from 50 to 96%). At 100 kHz, the Ar+and Ti+ time-averaged ion energy distribution functions (IEDFs) reveal three peaks, which are at low energy (<10 eV), in a mid-range (20-50 eV) and at high energy (60-100 eV). We correlate these peaks with distinct phases of the discharge voltage. At 350 kHz the IEDFs show four peaks reflecting a more complex voltage waveform. The low-energy ions are generated in the `on' phase when the plasma potential is typically a few volts above ground. The Ti+ energy spectra show a remnant of the original sputter-neutral energy distribution function. The mid-range ions are produced in the quiescent region of the voltage reverse phase, when the plasma potential is raised globally a few volts above the cathode potential, typically 10-30 V. The high-energy ions are generated in a period of ~0.3 µs, during the discharge voltage overshoot, when the target potential rises to typically over +140 V. However, given the time resolution of the Langmuir probe (0.5 µs), it is not possible to determine if plasma potential is lifted globally to this high potential or only close to the cathode. At 350 kHz, these `fast' ions make up to about a quarter of the total ion flux at the substrate and an upper bound transient power flux of about 2.5 times the maximum delivered in the `on' phase. The total power flux to a substrate in the sustained phase of the discharge is found to increase with frequency and reverse time.

Re-conceptualising failure: Social shaping meets IS research

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to illustrate the interplay of the social studies of technology (SST) approach with IS research to further our conceptualisation of failure. It is intended that this cross-fertilisation of disciplinary backgrounds will produce a critique of traditional conceptions of information technology and help to further our understanding of the IS development, implementation and use process. We begin by providing a commentary on the IS failure literature, highlighting the variety of descriptions and noting the lack of consensus regarding how success/failure is constituted. We then go on to delineate the contribution of the SST approach to enlightening our study of failure, since it has as its core concern an understanding of the dynamics of the society–technology relationship. This approach is applied to a case study where the intention is to demonstrate the moving line between success and failure among different groups as well as over different periods of time. The study shows how the success/failure factors can be equally applied to construct an account as and when required, depending upon how legitimacy is ascribed to different ‘voices’. The SST themes are then revisited to enable a deconstruction of the stages that were undertaken before failure was finally declared. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the contribution of SST for aiding our understanding of how failures occur within their social and organisational context.