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 & Thin film. 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.

Applying Artificial Intelligence to Virtual Reality: Intelligent Virtual Environments

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...

Non-technical skills training to enhance patient safety: a systematic review.

Abstract: Medical Education 2012: 46: 1042–1054 CONTEXT Many quality improvement education programmes have been introduced over the last decade with the purpose of enhancing patient safety. The importance of non-technical skills training is becoming increasingly prominent, but the extent to which educational interventions have been used and the theoretical underpinnings of such interventions remain unclear. These issues were investigated through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS Any studies involving an educational intervention to improve non-technical skills amongst undergraduate or postgraduate staff in an acute health care environment were considered. A standardised search of online databases was carried out independently by two authors and consensus reached on the inclusion of studies. Data extraction and multimodal quality assessment were completed independently, followed by a content analysis of interventions and the extraction of key themes. RESULTS A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Measured outcomes were variable, as was the strength of conclusions. Theoretical underpinning of interventions was not described in any studies. Content analysis revealed reasonable consistency with the emergence of five key themes: error; communication; teamwork and leadership; systems, and situational awareness. Teaching was often multidisciplinary and methods used included simulation and role-play exercises, and observation. CONCLUSIONS The methodological quality of published studies is reasonable, although the reporting of specific interventions is poor. Although a recognised model to support the design of patient safety education is lacking, a number of theories have been applied to guide educators in future instructional design. Further published work should clearly describe interventions and their theoretical underpinnings, and should aim to further explore which specific aspects of interventions are effective and why. Such research should also try to assess whether such interventions can impact patient outcomes.

Rethinking construction: the Generic Design and Construction Process Protocol

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.

Sensory loss in hospital-admitted people with stroke: characteristics, associated factors, and relationship with function.

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.