University of Salford

About: University of Salford is a education organization based out in Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 13049 authors who have published 22957 publications receiving 537330 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Salford Manchester & The University of Salford Manchester.

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 measurement of lumbar proprioception in individuals with and without low back pain.

Abstract: Study design A clinical trial comparing a back pain group with a pain-free group. Objectives To investigate whether proprioceptive deficits existed in a group of individuals reporting low back pain. Summary of background data Little work has so far been conducted on the measurement of proprioception in the spine. Those studies that have been carried out, however, have failed to identify proprioceptive deficits in individuals with back pain. Previous work on peripheral joints has revealed that proprioception is affected with muscular or joint injury or degeneration. Methods Forty individuals took part in the study, 20 with back pain and 20 with no pain. Participants were required to reproduce a predetermined target position, in standing and four-point kneeling, 10 times in 30 seconds. A computer screen was used to provide visual feedback on position. A mean deviation from the target position was obtained for each individual. A measurement of left elbow position sense was conducted in five individuals from each group to establish differences in short-term motor memory between the groups. Results There were no differences between the subject groups in terms of short-term motor memory (P > 0.05). A two-way analysis of variance between subject groups and position to identify differences in accuracy (deviation from the target) found that there were differences between subject groups in either position (P 0.05). Conclusions Differences in proprioception do exist between individuals with back pain and those free from back pain. Further research needs to be undertaken on proprioceptive exercise programs and their effect on back pain.

Relationships between trauma and psychosis: an exploration of cognitive and dissociative factors.

Abstract: Objective: There is a growing awareness of the relationship between trauma and psychosis. Studies have found associations between traumatic life experiences and the development of psychosis. Method: This study examined the prevalence of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 32 people with psychotic diagnoses and investigated associations between specific traumas and psychotic symptoms. The role of dissociation and cognitive factors was also explored. Results: The prevalence of lifetime trauma was high (94% of the sample reported at least one traumatic event). The prevalence of current PTSD was 53%. Severity of trauma was associated with severity of PTSD and psychotic experiences. Physical abuse was associated with positive psychotic symptoms and sexual abuse was specifically related to hallucinations. Dissociative processes and negative beliefs formed as a result of trauma were associated with psychotic experiences (particularly hallucinations). Conclusion: These findings are consistent with the suggestion that psychosis may be trauma-induced, and other implications are considered.

Roadmap for implementation of BIM in the UK construction industry

Abstract: Purpose – Building information modelling (BIM) implementation is a major change management task, involving diversity of risk areas. The identification of the challenges and barriers is therefore an imperative precondition of this change process. This paper aims to diagnose UK's construction industry to develop a clear understanding about BIM adoption and to form an imperative step of consolidating collective movements towards wider BIM implementation and to provide strategies and recommendations for the UK construction industry for BIM implementation.Design/methodology/approach – Through comprehensive literature review, the paper initially establishes BIM maturity concept, which paves the way for the analysis via qualitative and quantitative methods: interviews are carried out with high profile organisations in Finland to gauge the best practice before combining the results with the analysis of survey questionnaire amongst the major contractors in the UK.Findings – The results are established in the form ...

What's in a Name: ‘Client’, ‘Patient’, ‘Customer’, ‘Consumer’, ‘Expert by Experience’, ‘Service User’—What's Next?

Abstract: This article challenges the terms we use to describe the relationship between those who assess and commission services and those who are the recipient of those services. In particular, the article identifies the different terms that have been used in British social work, including ‘client’, ‘customer’, ‘consumer’, ‘service user’ and ‘expert by experience’, highlighting their assumptive worlds and the relationships the terms suggest and signify. Service user (the most popular term at present) is highlighted and critically analysed and found to be increasingly problematic and unable to describe the complexities of the service–recipient relationship. Alternative terms are discussed and found wanting, whilst a possible way forward is suggested to avoid the negative connotations of any one particular term.