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.

The role of nitrogen doping on the development of visible light-induced photocatalytic activity in thin TiO2 films grown on glass by chemical vapour deposition

Abstract: A brief review of the findings of a range of studies aimed at describing the influence of the N-doping of TiO2 thin films and particles on possible visible light induced photoactivity is presented. By way of a new approach to the direct growth of N-doped TiO2 thin films, the physical and photochemical effects of the addition of ammonia during atmospheric chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth of TiO2 are described. It is found that the addition of ammonia to the CVD reactive gas mixture causes a dramatic change in film morphology and a reduction in growth rates. In addition, it is found that although we have clear evidence for the incorporation of ?O-substitutional N atoms within the growing film, there is no evidence of any appreciable photocatalytic activity of the doped TiO2 films when irradiated with visible light. In fact the degradation in film morphology results in a decrease in conventional uv-induced photoactivity as compared to that for an undoped film. These findings are discussed in terms of the findings of other studies of N-doped TiO2 films that have been reported.

Absence Resulting From Low Back Trouble Can Be Reduced by Psychosocial Intervention at the Work Place

Abstract: Study Design: A 1-year prospective study in industry, assessing effects of an educational pamphlet on various psychosocial parameters and absenteeism resulting from low back trouble. Objectives: To determine the value of distributing an educational psychosocial pamphlet to reduce absenteeism resulting from back trouble. The pamphlet was designed to alter avoidance behaviors by encouraging a positive, active approach. Summary of Background Data: Attempts to control back-pain disability have failed. Fear of pain and activity seemingly leads to avoidance behaviors that contribute to chronicity and work loss. Avoidance behaviors are mediated by attitudes and beliefs; such attitudes and beliefs are a reasonable target for educational interventions designed to change "inappropriate" behaviors (e.g., extended absenteeism). Health education pamphlets are advocated widely but tested rarely. Methods: Three factories participated in the study. Psychosocial data were collected by questionnaires; absence data were extracted from company records. A psychosocial pamphlet was distributed in one factory; the control subjects received either a nonspecific pamphlet or no intervention. The pamphlet emphasized a positive approach to low back trouble (reduction of negative beliefs and attitudes). Results: In the company whose employees received pamphlets, a significant reduction occurred for the number of spells with extended absence and the number of days of absence (70% and 60%, respectively) compared with extrapolated values. A concomitant positive shift in beliefs concerning the locus of pain control and the inevitable consequences of low back trouble was found. Conclusions: A simple industrial intervention using a psychosocial pamphlet, which was designed to reduce avoidance behaviors by fostering positive beliefs and attitudes, successfully reduced extended absence resulting from low back trouble.

Mental health needs of young offenders in custody and in the community.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has revealed high levels of mental health needs in young offenders but many studies have been small, focusing on specific populations. AIMS: To evaluate the mental health and psychosocial needs of a nationally representative sample of juvenile offenders in England and Wales, including female offenders and those from Black and minority ethnic groups. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, was conducted in six geographically representative areas across England and Wales. Each young person was interviewed to obtain demographic information, mental health and social needs, and psychometric data. RESULTS: Young offenders were found to have high levels of needs in a number of different areas including mental health (31%), education/work (36%) and social relationships (48%). Young offenders in the community had significantly more needs than those in secure care and needs were often unmet. One in five young offenders was also identified as having a learning disability (IQ<70). CONCLUSIONS: Needs for young offenders were high but often unmet. This emphasises the importance of structured needs assessment within custody and community settings in conjunction with a care programme approach that improves continuity of care.