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Showing papers by "University of Salford published in 2008"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Many clinical tests are used to confirm or refute the presence of a disease or further the diagnostic process, but most clinical tests fall short of the ideal of correctly identifying all patients with the disease and all patients who are disease free.
Abstract: Many clinical tests are used to confirm or refute the presence of a disease or further the diagnostic process. Ideally such tests correctly identify all patients with the disease, and similarly correctly identify all patients who are disease free. In other words, a perfect test is never positive in a patient who is disease free and is never negative in a patient who is in fact diseased. Most clinical tests fall short of this ideal.

863 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: These guidelines present evidence‐based guidance for treatment, with identification of the strength of evidence available at the time of preparation of the guidelines, and a brief overview of epidemiological aspects, diagnosis and investigation.
Abstract: This article represents a planned regular updating of the previous British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of basal cell carcinoma. These guidelines present evidence-based guidance for treatment, with identification of the strength of evidence available at the time of preparation of the guidelines, and a brief overview of epidemiological aspects, diagnosis and investigation.

792 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
15 Oct 2008-PLOS ONE
TL;DR: Human tuberculosis was confirmed by morphological and molecular methods in a population living in one of the first villages with evidence of agriculture and animal domestication and gave support to the theory of a long-term co-existence of host and pathogen.
Abstract: Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the principal etiologic agent of human tuberculosis. It has no environmental reservoir and is believed to have co-evolved with its host over millennia. This is supported by skeletal evidence of the disease in early humans, and inferred from M. tuberculosis genomic analysis. Direct examination of ancient human remains for M. tuberculosis biomarkers should aid our understanding of the nature of prehistoric tuberculosis and the host/pathogen relationship.Methodology/Principal Findings: We used conventional PCR to examine bone samples with typical tuberculosis lesions from a woman and infant, who were buried together in the now submerged site of Atlit-Yam in the Eastern Mediterranean, dating from 9250-8160 years ago. Rigorous precautions were taken to prevent contamination, and independent centers were used to confirm authenticity of findings. DNA from five M. tuberculosis genetic loci was detected and had characteristics consistent with extant genetic lineages. High performance liquid chromatography was used as an independent method of verification and it directly detected mycolic acid lipid biomarkers, specific for the M. tuberculosis complex.Conclusions/Significance: Human tuberculosis was confirmed by morphological and molecular methods in a population living in one of the first villages with evidence of agriculture and animal domestication. The widespread use of animals was not a source of infection but may have supported a denser human population that facilitated transmission of the tubercle bacillus. The similarity of the M. tuberculosis genetic signature with those of today gives support to the theory of a long-term co-existence of host and pathogen.

401 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to use bone anchored external markers to describe the kinematics of the tibia, fibula, talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, medial cuneiform, first and fifth metatarsals during gait.

285 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is argued that the unique contribution that OR can continue to make to forecasting is through developing models that link the effectiveness of new forecasting methods to the organizational context in which the models will be applied.
Abstract: From its foundation, operational research (OR) has made many substantial contributions to practical forecasting in organizations. Equally, researchers in other disciplines have influenced forecasting practice. Since the last survey articles in JORS, forecasting has developed as a discipline with its own journals. While the effect of this increased specialization has been a narrowing of the scope of OR's interest in forecasting, research from an OR perspective remains vigorous. OR has been more receptive than other disciplines to the specialist research published in the forecasting journals, capitalizing on some of their key findings. In this paper, we identify the particular topics of OR interest over the past 25 years. After a brief summary of the current research in forecasting methods, we examine those topic areas that have grabbed the attention of OR researchers: computationally intensive methods and applications in operations and marketing. Applications in operations have proved particularly important, including the management of inventories and the effects of sharing forecast information across the supply chain. The second area of application is marketing, including customer relationship management using data mining and computer-intensive methods. The paper concludes by arguing that the unique contribution that OR can continue to make to forecasting is through developing models that link the effectiveness of new forecasting methods to the organizational context in which the models will be applied. The benefits of examining the system rather than its separate components are likely to be substantial.

272 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although calcium, phosphate, and calcium-phosphate product levels exhibit complex associations with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes, they may be potentially modifiable risk factors for stroke and death in community-dwelling adults.

251 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the issue of knowledge and its management in small businesses and found that small firms do indeed manage knowledge informally as part of their normal activities, without the use of the terminology and concepts of KM.
Abstract: Recent studies of knowledge management indicate that the growth of interest in this area is primarily focused on the larger organization. Not only do large firms feature in the majority of published case studies but also their employees are regular contributors to conference proceedings.This article addresses the comparatively under-researched issue of knowledge and its management in small businesses. Looking beyond formal Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives and structures, emphasis is placed upon the importance of informal knowledge processes.Two related propositions are made: first, knowledge is managed by organizations without use of the language and concepts of KM and accompanying formal KM structures, and that this behaviour might uncontroversially be called `informal' knowledge management, and secondly, small firms are more likely to adopt such informal processes to manage knowledge.These propositions are explored within the context of small firms and the research revealed that small firms do indeed manage knowledge informally as part of their normal activities, without the use of the terminology and concepts of KM. However, contrary to expectations, on occasion some also engage in formal KM.

246 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Sensory impairments of all modalities are common after stroke, although tactile impairment is more frequent than proprioceptive loss, especially in the leg.
Abstract: Objective: To characterize the nature of sensory impairments after stroke, identify associated factors, and assess the relationships between sensory impairment, disability, and recovery. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional survey of 102 people with hemiparesis following their first stroke. Tactile and proprioceptive sensation in the affected arm and leg were measured using the Rivermead Assessment of Somatosensory Perception 2-4 weeks post-stroke. Demographics, stroke pathology, weakness, neglect, disability, and recovery were documented. Results: Tactile impairment was more common than proprioceptive (p < .000), impairment of discrimination was more common than detection (p < .000), and tactile sensation was more severely impaired in the leg than the arm (p < .000). No difference in proprioception between the arm and leg (p = .703) or between proximal and distal joints (p = .589, p = .705) was found. The degree of weakness and the degree of stroke severity were significantly associated with sensory impairment; demographics, stroke side and type, and neglect were not associated.All the sensory modalities were significantly related to independence, mobility, and recovery (r = 0.287 [p < .011] to r = 0.533 [p < .000]). Conclusion: Sensory impairments of all modalities are common after stroke, although tactile impairment is more frequent than proprioceptive loss, especially in the leg. They are associated with the degree of weakness and the degree of stroke severity but not demographics, stroke pathology, or neglect, and they are related to mobility, independence in activities of daily living (ADL), and recovery.

239 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The model gave reasonably good estimates of sagittal plane ground forces and moment; however, the estimates in the other planes were less good, which the authors believe is largely due to their small magnitudes in comparison to the sagittal forces and Moment.

226 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An additional sub-scale to the CLES scale for measuring the quality of nurse teacher's co-operation with the crucial actors in the clinical practice of student nurses in Finland is developed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: After the participation in 3D animations at the CAVE^T^M students comprehended the molecules' structure and their changes during a chemical reaction better than during the 2D animations on the computer's desktop, as the limitations of human vision had been overcome.
Abstract: By comparing two-dimensional (2D) chemical animations designed for computer's desktop with three-dimensional (3D) chemical animations designed for the full immersive virtual reality environment CAVE^T^M we studied how virtual reality environments could raise student's interest and motivation for learning. By using the 3ds max^T^M, we can visualize the chemical phenomena easily and quickly without knowing any special computer language and export the application to files which are compatible with the CAVE^T^M (Object or OpenGL files). After the participation in 3D animations at the CAVE^T^M students comprehended the molecules' structure and their changes during a chemical reaction better than during the 2D animations on the computer's desktop, as the limitations of human vision had been overcome. Furthermore, the students were enthusiastic, as they had the feeling that they were inside the chemical reactions and they were facing the 3D molecules as if they were real objects front of them.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 1-year data set is presented and the types of visual impairment occurring following stroke and their prevalence are identified and ninety-two per cent had visual impairment of some form confirmed which is considerably higher than previous publications.
Abstract: Background: the types of visual impairment followings stroke are wide ranging and encompass low vision, eye movement and visual field abnormalities, and visual perceptual difficuilties. Objective: the purpose of this paper is to present a 1-year data set and identify the types of visual impairment occurring following stroke and their prevalence. Methods: a multi-centre prospective observation study was undertaken in 14 acute trust hospitals. Stroke survivors with a suspectedvisualdifficultywererecruited.Standardisedscreening/referralandinvestigationformswereemployedtodocument data on visual impairment specifically assessment of visual acuity, ocular pathology, eye alignment and movement, visual perception (including inattention) and visual field defects. Results: three hundred and twenty-three patients were recruited with a mean age of 69 years [standard deviation (SD) 15]. Sixty-eight per cent had eye alignment/movement impairment, 49% had visual field impairment, 26.5% had low vision and 20.5% had perceptual difficulties. Conclusions: of patients referred with a suspected visual difficulty, only 8% had normal vision status confirmed on examination. Ninety-two per cent had visual impairment of some form confirmed which is considerably higher than previous publications and probably relates to the prospective, standardised investigation offered by specialist orthoptists. However, under-ascertainment of visual problems cannot be ruled out.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is confirmed that a significant proportion of females suffer moderate to severe kidney involvement in Fabry disease and proteinuria values were significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure in both sexes.
Abstract: Background. Fabry disease, an X-linked genetic disorder with deficient α-galactosidase A activity, is characterized by kidney disease and kidney failure. The spectrum of kidney disease has not been well defined, especially in female patients. Methods. We did a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of natural history of glomerular filtration rate (estimated— eGFR), albuminuria and proteinuria in 1262 adult patients (585 males, 677 females) from the Fabry Registry. Results. Twenty-eight percent of males (age 20–79 years) and 13% of females (age 20–82 years) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) with eGFR 300 mg/24 h) was demonstrated in 43 and 26% of males and females with CKD stage 1, respectively, and the proportions were higher with more severe kidney involvement. However, 11% of males and 28% of females with eGFR 30 mg/24 h. Systemic blood pressure was ≥130/80 mmHg in 48% and 67% of patients with eGFR ≥ and <60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , respectively, with no significant differences between males and females. Proteinuria values were significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure in both sexes. Conclusions. Kidney involvement in Fabry disease is more prevalent and heterogeneous than previously reported. Proteinuria is an early complication, but may not be overt in patients with advanced kidney disease. This analysis, which includes more females than males, confirms that a significant proportion of females suffer moderate to severe kidney involvement in Fabry disease.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The research demonstrated that it is possible to transfer high level of geometric and semantic information acquired from BIMs into the geospatial environment and demonstrated that B IMs provide a sufficient level and amount of data management tasks in the site selection and fire response management processes.

Journal ArticleDOI
30 Jun 2008-Pain
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that psychosocial factors indicative of the process of somatisation are independent risk markers for the development of IBS in a group of subjects previously free of Ibs, further supporting the hypothesis that they have similar aetiologies.
Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 22% of the general population. Its aetiology remains unclear. Previously reported cross-sectional associations with psychological distress and depression are not fully understood. We hypothesised that psychosocial factors, particularly those associated with somatisation, would act as risk markers for the onset of IBS. We conducted a community-based prospective study of subjects, aged 25-65 years, randomly selected from the registers of three primary care practices. Responses to a detailed questionnaire allowed subjects' IBS status to be classified using a modified version of the Rome II criteria. The questionnaire also included validated psychosocial instruments. Subjects free of IBS at baseline and eligible for follow-up 15 months later formed the cohort for this analysis (n=3732). An adjusted participation rate of 71% (n=2456) was achieved at follow-up. 3.5% (n=86) of subjects developed IBS. After adjustment for age, gender and baseline abdominal pain status, high levels of illness behaviour (odds ratio (OR)=5.2; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.5-11.0), anxiety (OR=2.0; 95% CI 0.98-4.1), sleep problems (OR=1.6; 95% CI 0.8-3.2), and somatic symptoms (OR=1.6; 95% CI 0.8-2.9) were found to be independent predictors of IBS onset. This study has demonstrated that psychosocial factors indicative of the process of somatisation are independent risk markers for the development of IBS in a group of subjects previously free of IBS. Similar relationships are observed in other "functional" disorders, further supporting the hypothesis that they have similar aetiologies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although there are a growing number of applications of 3D VR modelling applications, some built environment applications such as disaster management, environmental simulations, computer‐aided architectural design and planning require more sophisticated models beyond 3D graphical visualization such as multifunctional, interoperable, intelligent, and multi‐representational.
Abstract: Purpose – The transformation of cities from the industrial age (unsustainable) to the knowledge age (sustainable) is essentially a “whole life cycle” process consisting of planning, development, operation, reuse and renewal. During this transformation, a multi‐disciplinary knowledge base, created from studies and research about the built environment aspects is fundamental: historical, architectural, archeologically, environmental, social, economic, etc., and critical. Although there are a growing number of applications of 3D VR modelling applications, some built environment applications such as disaster management, environmental simulations, computer‐aided architectural design and planning require more sophisticated models beyond 3D graphical visualization such as multifunctional, interoperable, intelligent, and multi‐representational. Advanced digital mapping technologies such as 3D laser scanner technologies can be enablers for effective e‐planning, consultation and communication of users' views during ...

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 2008-Pain
TL;DR: Sources analysis (LORETA) revealed that uncertainty about expected heat intensity involves an anticipatory cortical network commonly associated with attention, however, relative certainty involves cortical areas previously associated with semantic and prospective memory (left inferior frontal and inferior temporal cortex, and right anterior prefrontal cortex).
Abstract: Expectations about the magnitude of impending pain exert a substantial effect on subsequent perception. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie the predictive processes that modulate pain are poorly understood. In a combined behavioral and high-density electrophysiological study we measured anticipatory neural responses to heat stimuli to determine how predictions of pain intensity, and certainty about those predictions, modulate brain activity and subjective pain ratings. Prior to receiving randomized laser heat stimuli at different intensities (low, medium or high) subjects (n=15) viewed cues that either accurately informed them of forthcoming intensity (certain expectation) or not (uncertain expectation). Pain ratings were biased towards prior expectations of either high or low intensity. Anticipatory neural responses increased with expectations of painful vs. non-painful heat intensity, suggesting the presence of neural responses that represent predicted heat stimulus intensity. These anticipatory responses also correlated with the amplitude of the Laser-Evoked Potential (LEP) response to painful stimuli when the intensity was predictable. Source analysis (LORETA) revealed that uncertainty about expected heat intensity involves an anticipatory cortical network commonly associated with attention (left dorsolateral prefrontal, posterior cingulate and bilateral inferior parietal cortices). Relative certainty, however, involves cortical areas previously associated with semantic and prospective memory (left inferior frontal and inferior temporal cortex, and right anterior prefrontal cortex). This suggests that biasing of pain reports and LEPs by expectation involves temporally precise activity in specific cortical networks.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To determine in acutely ill and injured patients who have real or anticipated problems in maintaining an adequate airway whether emergency endotracheal intubation, as opposed to other airway management techniques, improves the outcome in terms of survival, degree of disability at discharge or length of stay and complications occurring in hospital.
Abstract: Background Emergency intubation has been widely advocated as a life saving procedure in severe acute illness and injury associated with real or potential compromises to the patient's airway and ventilation. However, some initial data have suggested a lack of observed benefit. Objectives To determine in acutely ill and injured patients who have real or anticipated problems in maintaining an adequate airway whether emergency endotracheal intubation, as opposed to other airway management techniques, improves the outcome in terms of survival, degree of disability at discharge or length of stay and complications occurring in hospital. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register (December 2006), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1950 to November 2006), EMBASE (1980 to week 50, December 2006), National Research Register (Issue 4, 2006), CINAHL (1980 to December 2006), BIDS (to December 2006) and ICNARC (to December 2006). We also examined reference lists of articles for relevant material and contacted experts in the field. Non-English language publications were searched for and examined. Selection criteria All randomised (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials involving the emergency use of endotracheal intubation in the injured or acutely ill patient were examined. Data collection and analysis The full texts of 452 studies were reviewed independently by two authors using a standard form. Where the review authors felt a study may be relevant for inclusion in the final review or disagreed, the authors examined the study and a collective decision was made regarding its inclusion or exclusion from the review. The results were not combined in a meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of patients, practitioners and alternatives to intubation that were used. Main results We identified three eligible RCTs carried out in urban environments. Two trials involved adults with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. One of these trials found a non-significant survival disadvantage in patients randomised to receive a physician-operated intubation versus a combi-tube (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.99). The second trial detected a non-significant survival disadvantage in patients randomised to paramedic intubation versus an oesophageal gastric airway (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.90). The third included study was a trial of children requiring airway intervention in the prehospital environment. The results indicated no difference in survival (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11) or neurologic outcome (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.22) between paramedic intubation versus bag-valve-mask ventilation and later hospital intubation by emergency physicians; however, only 42% of the children randomised to paramedic endotracheal intubation actually received it. Authors' conclusions The efficacy of emergency intubation as currently practised has not been rigorously studied. The skill level of the operator may be key in determining efficacy. In non-traumatic cardiac arrest, it is unlikely that intubation carries the same life saving benefit as early defibrillation and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In trauma and paediatric patients, the current evidence base provides no imperative to extend the practice of prehospital intubation in urban systems. It would be ethical and pertinent to initiate a large, high quality randomised trial comparing the efficacy of competently practised emergency intubation with basic bag-valve-mask manoeuvres (BVM) in urban adult out-of-hospital non-traumatic cardiac arrest.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The stock control implications of the development of a theoretically coherent demand categorization scheme for forecasting only are assessed by experimentation on an inventory system developed by a UK-based software manufacturer.
Abstract: Different stock keeping units (SKUs) are associated with different underlying demand structures, which in turn require different methods for forecasting and stock control. Consequently, there is a need to categorize SKUs and apply the most appropriate methods in each category. The way this task is performed has significant implications in terms of stock and customer satisfaction. Therefore, categorization rules constitute a vital element of intelligent inventory management systems. Very little work has been conducted in this area and, from the limited research to date, it is not clear how managers should classify demand patterns for forecasting and inventory management. A previous research project was concerned with the development of a theoretically coherent demand categorization scheme for forecasting only. In this paper, the stock control implications of such an approach are assessed by experimentation on an inventory system developed by a UK-based software manufacturer. The experimental database consists of the individual demand histories of almost 16 000 SKUs. The empirical results from this study demonstrate considerable scope for improving real-world systems.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Molecular modeling experiments involving 12f and the colchicine binding site of alpha,beta-tubulin showed that the triazole moiety interacts with beta- Tubulin via hydrogen bonding with several amino acids.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A synopsis of a recent systematic review of the literature regarding the effectiveness of workplace physical activity interventions, commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is reported.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to report a synopsis of a recent systematic review of the literature regarding the effectiveness of workplace physical activity interventions, commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).Design/methodology/approach – A search for English‐language papers published between 1996 and 2007 was conducted using 12 relevant databases and associated grey literature. Search protocols and analysis regarding study quality as recommended by NICE were utilised. Key inclusion criteria were, workplace intervention aiming to increase physical activity, intervention aimed at working adults, intervention initiated/endorsed by the employer, physical activity outcome. Thirty‐three studies (38 papers) met the inclusion criteria and were independently reviewed (checked by two reviewers) with a narrative synthesis of findings.Findings – Fourteen studies were graded as high quality or good quality. Evidence from previous systematic reviews was inconclusive. Data regar...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Airway‐associated patient safety incidents submitted to the UK National Patient Safety Agency from critical care units in England and Wales from October 2005 to September 2007 are identified and recommendations concerning minimum standards for capnography, availability and checking of equipment and tracheostomy placement are made.
Abstract: We used key words and letter sequences to identify airway-associated patient safety incidents submitted to the UK National Patient Safety Agency from critical care units in England and Wales. We identified 1085 such airway incidents submitted in the two years from October 2005 to September 2007. Three hundred and twelve incidents (28.8%) involved neonates or babies. Of the total 1085 incidents, 200 (18.4%) were associated with tracheal intubation, 53 (4.9%) with tracheostomy and 893 (82.3%) were post-procedure problems. One hundred and ten incidents (10.1%) were associated with more than temporary harm. Eighty-eight intubation incidents were associated with equipment problems. Partial displacement of tubes resulted in more than temporary harm to the patient more frequently than complete tube displacement (15.7% vs 3.8%). Capnography was not described in any cases of displacement or blockage of tracheal or tracheostomy tubes. Recommendations concerning minimum standards for capnography, availability and checking of equipment and tracheostomy placement are made.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify key knowledge gaps in the current state of knowledge on hydrogen acceptance and lay perception and acceptance, and present key findings from qualitative social research conducted by the authors within two projects in the United Kingdom.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A wearable system based only on footwear mounted sensors and a simpler sensor set providing only acceleration data shows potential, and predictions were generally stable when sensor data was lost, it remains to be seen whether the generalised regression networks algorithm is robust for other activities such as stair climbing.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present some of the advantages and issues for consideration in relation to its effectiveness as a teaching and learning method and the limited empirical evidence to support its effect on clinical practice.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the design and testing of a gripper developed for the handling of delicate sliced fruit and vegetable products commonly found in the food industry, which operates on the Bernoulli principle whereby air flow over the surface of an object generates a lift.
Abstract: This paper describes the design and testing of a gripper developed for the handling of delicate sliced fruit and vegetable products commonly found in the food industry. The device operates on the Bernoulli principle whereby air flow over the surface of an object generates a lift. The gripper allows objects to be lifted with minimal contact thereby reducing the chances of damaging or contaminating the object. The paper will describe the mathematical basis of the gripper operation followed by tests showing the nature of the grasp. As a secondary benefit it will be shown that the flow of air over the object can also be used to remove surface moisture produced during slicing. This drying effect is a feature particularly useful in some areas of food production. The paper will show a test manufacturing cell demonstrating the placement of slices of tomatoes and cucumber on to sandwiches.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a learning-based approach is proposed for risk management in a real construction project, and a tool has been developed to facilitate construction of a lessons learned database that contains risk-related information and risk assessment throughout the life cycle of a project.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results show that TiO2/CuO coated surfaces are highly antiviral and may have applications in the food and healthcare industries.
Abstract: TiO(2)-coated surfaces are increasingly studied for their ability to inactivate microorganisms. The activity of glass coated with thin films of TiO(2), CuO and hybrid CuO/TiO(2) prepared by atmospheric Chemical Vapour Deposition (Ap-CVD) and TiO(2) prepared by a sol-gel process was investigated using the inactivation of bacteriophage T4 as a model for inactivation of viruses. The chemical oxidising activity was also determined by measuring stearic acid oxidation. The results showed that the rate of inactivation of bacteriophage T4 increased with increasing chemical oxidising activity with the maximum rate obtained on highly active sol-gel preparations. However, these were delicate and easily damaged unlike the Ap-CVD coatings. Inactivation rates were highest on CuO and CuO/TiO(2) which had the lowest chemical oxidising activities. The inactivation of T4 was higher than that of Escherichia coli on low activity surfaces. The combination of photocatalysis and toxicity of copper acted synergistically to inactivate bacteriophage T4 and retained some self-cleaning activity. The presence of phosphate ions slowed inactivation but NaCl had no effect. The results show that TiO(2)/CuO coated surfaces are highly antiviral and may have applications in the food and healthcare industries.