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.

How are policy makers using evidence? Models of research utilisation and local NHS policy making

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)

Mold sensitization is common amongst patients with severe asthma requiring multiple hospital admissions.

Abstract: Background Multiple studies have linked fungal exposure to asthma, but the link to severe asthma is controversial. We studied the relationship between asthma severity and immediate type hypersensitivity to mold (fungal) and non-mold allergens in 181 asthmatic subjects.

DNA differential diagnosis of taeniasis and cysticercosis by multiplex PCR

Abstract: Multiplex PCR was established for differential diagnosis of taeniasis and cysticercosis, including their causative agents. For identification of the parasites, multiplex PCR with cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene yielded evident differential products unique for Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica and for American/African and Asian genotypes of Taenia solium with molecular sizes of 827, 269, 720, and 984 bp, respectively. In the PCR-based detection of tapeworm carriers using fecal samples, the diagnostic markers were detected from 7 of 14 and 4 of 9 T. solium carriers from Guatemala and Indonesia, respectively. Test sensitivity may have been reduced by the length of time (up to 12 years) that samples were stored and/or small sample volumes (ca. 30 to 50 mg). However, the diagnostic markers were detected by nested PCR in five worm carriers from Guatemalan cases that were found to be negative by multiplex PCR. It was noteworthy that a 720 bp-diagnostic marker was detected from a T. solium carrier who was egg-free, implying that it is possible to detect worm carriers and treat before mature gravid proglottids are discharged. In contrast to T. solium carriers, 827-bp markers were detected by multiplex PCR in all T. saginata carriers. The application of the multiplex PCR would be useful not only for surveillance of taeniasis and cysticercosis control but also for the molecular epidemiological survey of these cestode infections.

Role-based access control with X.509 attribute certificates

Abstract: We adapted the standard X.509 privilege management infrastructure to build an efficient role-based trust management system in which role assignments can be widely distributed among organizations, and an XML-based local policy determines which roles to trust and which privileges to grant. A simple Java API lets target applications easily incorporate the system. The Permis API has already proven its general utility in four very different applications throughout Europe.

Evaluating contractor prequalification data: selection criteria and project success factors

Abstract: A Delphic study investigating the perceived relationship between 20 contractor selection criteria (CSC) currently in use and project success factors (PSFs) in terms of time, cost and quality is described involving a sample of eight experienced construction personnel, including two validators. A consensus of the likely impact of each criterion on time, cost and quality is established in terms of pessimistic, average and optimistic values, which are then converted into expected means and variances via the PERT approach. The ten most and ten least important CSCs are identified and examined for differences and similarities between PSFs. The results show that past failures, financial status, financial stability, credit ratings, experience, ability, management personnel and management knowledge are perceived to be the dominant CSCs affecting all three PSFs, with safety criteria (safety, experience modification rate, OSHA incidence rate, management safety accountability) and the length of time in business being ...