Showing papers by "University of Westminster published in 1999"

Deliberative Democracy or Agonistic Pluralism

Abstract: This article examines the current debate about the nature of democracy and discusses the main theses of the approach called 'deliberative democracy' in its two main versions, the one put forward by John Rawls, and the other one put forwardby Jurgen Habermas. While agreeing with them as regards to the need to develop a more of democracy than the one offered by the 'aggregative' model, I submit that they do not provide an adequate understanding of the main task of democracy. No doubt, by stating that democracy cannot be reduced to a question of procedures to mediate among conflicting interests, deliberative democrats defend a conception of democracy that presents a richer conception of politics. But, albeit in a different way thanthe view they criticize, their vision is also a rationalist one which leaves aside the crucial role played by 'passions' and collective forms of identifications in the field of politics. Moreover, in their attempt to reconcile the liberal tradition with the democratic one, deliberative democrats tend to erase the tension that exist between liberalism and democracy and they are therefore unable to come to terms with the conflictual nature of democratic politics. The main thesis that I put forward in this article is that democratic theory needs to acknowledge the ineradicability of antagonism and the impossibility of achieving a fully inclusive rational consensus. I argue that a model of democracy in terms of 'agonistic pluralism' can help us to better envisage the main challenge facing democratic politics today: how to create democratic forms of identifications that will contribute to mobilize passions towards democratic designs.;

A Multi-View Nonlinear Active Shape Model Using Kernel PCA.

Abstract: Recovering the shape of any 3D object using multiple 2D views requires establishing correspondence between feature points at different views. However changes in viewpoint introduce self-occlusions, resulting nonlinear variations in the shape and inconsistent 2D features between views. Here we introduce a multi-view nonlinear shape model utilising 2D view-dependent constraint without explicit reference to 3D structures. For nonlinear model transformation, we adopt Kernel PCA based on Support Vector Machines.

VaR without Correlations for Portfolios of Derivative Securities

Abstract: We propose filtering historical simulation by GARCH processes to model the future distribution of assets and swap values. The price changes of options are computed by full re-evaluation on the changing prices of underlying assets. Our methodology implicitly takes into account the correlations of assets without restricting their values over time or computing them explicitly. VaR values for portfolios of derivative securities are obtained without linearizing them. Historical simulation assigns equal probability to past returns, neglecting current market conditions. Our methodology is a refinement of historical simulation.

The effects of economic circumstances on British students' mental and physical health.

Abstract: Three-hundred sixty British university students completed a questionnaire providing information on demographic characteristics, financial circumstances, smoking, and drug and alcohol use. A 14-item inventory of physical symptoms, the short form 36 health survey (SF-36), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to assess their physical and psychological well-being. Except for physical functioning, all subscales of the SF-36 and the GHQ indicated levels of health significantly below population norms matched for age and sex. Poorer mental health was related to longer working hours outside the university and difficulty in paying bills. Students who had considered abandoning study for financial reasons had poorer mental health, lower levels of social functioning and vitality, and poorer physical health as indicated by variables on the SF-36. They were also heavier smokers. Students' personal debt was significantly associated with their knowing people involved in prostitution, crime, or ...

Sampling for Internet surveys. An examination of respondent selection for Internet research

Abstract: The traditional methods of probability and non-probability sample selection are applicable to Internet surveys and respondents can be selected in various ways, some of which are unique to the Internet. Specific to the Internet, and important to note from a sampling viewpoint, is the self-completion method of data collection. For this article the method has been sub-divided into six categories, three web-page style questionnaires and three e-mail style questionnaires. Data that show the number of individuals with access to a networked computer are of limited use in sampling. Thirteen types of computer user are identifiable, each of which poses a challenge for sampling. Published examples illustrate how these principles have been applied in practice. Two techniques: saturation surveying and sifting, may be employed usefully in some situations. There are numerous solutions to sampling problems for Internet research and many avenues for further inquiry.

Early expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 during sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis.

Abstract: Regular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by targeting cyclo-oxygenase-2 (Cox-2), a key enzyme in arachidonic acid metabolism. To evaluate the role of Cox-2 in sporadic colorectal cancer development, Cox-2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 85 adenomas, 53 carcinomas, 34 hyperplastic lesions and 104 samples of histologically normal mucosa adjacent to adenoma or carcinoma. In addition, Cox-2 mRNA expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in six adenomas and 14 carcinomas with paired grossly normal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry for the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 and in situ end labelling for demonstrating apoptotic bodies were also used to analyse the associations between Cox-2 expression and proliferation and apoptosis. Cox-2 protein expression was increased in 76/85 (89·4 per cent) adenomas and 44/53 (83·0 per cent) carcinomas compared with normal mucosa. Cox-2 protein expression was unrelated either to the degree of dysplasia or to the size of the adenomas (p > 0·50, p > 0·10, respectively) or to differentiation, Dukes stage or lymph node metastasis of carcinomas (all p > 0·50). Interestingly, 20/34 (58·8 per cent) hyperplastic lesions adjacent to adenomas or carcinomas displayed expression higher than in normal mucosa (18·3 per cent) (p 0·25). Cox-2 mRNA expression was significantly increased in adenomas and carcinomas compared with normal mucosa (p 0·25, p > 0·90, respectively). These data indicate that enhanced expression of Cox-2 occurs early during colorectal carcinogenesis and may contribute to tumour formation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluating Interprofessional Education: two systematic reviews for health and social care

Abstract: Learning between professions has been widely invoked in health and social care in the belief that it improves collaboration in practice. Evidence to substantiate that belief is, however, elusive. Obstacles to the rigorous evaluation of interprofessional education are formidable, but this article reports progress towards establishing an evidence base. It describes two reviews. One is subject to criteria for Cochrane Collaboration, the other less constrained. Findings are reported for the first and methodology is discussed for the second. The article begins with an overview of interprofessional education in health and social care.

Why do Managers Do What They Do? Reconciling Evidence and Theory in Accounts of Managerial Work

Abstract: This article seeks to show that there has been surprisingly little interest in developing a causal explanation of the consistently documented common characteristics of managerial work and attempts to sketch out such an explanation. It is argued that researchers in the field have either contented themselves with description and correlation or have given priority to explaining variations, whilst theories of management have tended to suggest that managerial behaviour can be inferred, unproblematically, from the character of the broader management process rather than engaging with the evidence on these behaviours. Even recent and explicit attempts to conceptualize managerial work have not satisfactorily woven theory with evidence. The outline of an explanatory account which is offered attempts to link the common characteristics of managerial work to the ambiguous and problematic nature of managerial ‘responsibility’ and the way in which all managers both draw upon and, by their actions, reproduce resources, cognitive rules and moral rules, from within the social systems in which they are located, which define and facilitate that responsibility. Well-documented generic managerial activities, substantive areas of work and characteristic features of managerial work are all shown to be accountable in these terms.

Negotiation in multi-agent systems

Abstract: In systems composed of multiple autonomous agents, negotiation is a key form of interaction that enables groups of agents to arrive at a mutual agreement regarding some belief, goal or plan, for example. Particularly because the agents are autonomous and cannot be assumed to be benevolent, agents must influence others to convince them to act in certain ways, and negotiation is thus critical for managing such inter-agent dependencies. The process of negotiation may be of many different forms, such as auctions, protocols in the style of the contract net, and argumentation, but it is unclear just how sophisticated the agents or the protocols for interaction must be for successful negotiation in different contexts. All these issues were raised in the panel session on negotiation.

Tourism on the Greek Islands: Issues of peripherality, competitiveness and development

Abstract: The Aegean archipelago is the largest island complex in Europe, accommodating 500 000 Greek people, living on 95 inhabited islands. The region's economy depends heavily on tourism, as it is estimated that tourism's contribution varies between 50% and 90% of the Gross Regional Product. The Aegean has been an established destination since the 1960s, offering a great number of facilities. The traditionally built islands and the beautiful landscapes on the one hand, and the unspoiled sea on the other, make it a desirable destination. The major attractions are ‘sun, sand, sea, sex’ types of products, often augmented to take advantage of the cultural, heritage, natural, and historical resources, as well as the events and festivals taking place in the area. Both tourism enterprises and the destination as a whole experience an overdependence upon conventional distribution channels, and especially integrated tour operators, for delivering their products. As the majority of tour operators aim to reduce their prices in order to increase their competitiveness and market share, they constantly aim to minimise the profit margins of local principals. Consequently, despite the unparalleled environmental and heritage resources, the Aegean islands fail to attract the desired ‘high-quality, high-expenditure’ tourists. The deterioration of the tourism product and image leads to a lower willingness to pay by consumers, which consequently, leads to a further drop in quality, as the industry attempts to attract customers with lower prices. The concentration of bargaining power in European tour operators, in combination with the inability of the Greek tourism industry to promote itself effectively, inevitably reduce the profit margins of principals and their ability to yield decent returns on their investment. As a result, tourists' expenditure per capita deteriorates gradually, whereas their volume increases. Consequently, tourism enterprises find it difficult to operate and compete and the economic benefits for the destination deteriorate dramatically. Socio-cultural and environmental impacts also decay local resources and jeopardise the sustainability of the region in the long term. It is therefore proposed that scientific research, political debate and community action should be utilised in order to rationalise the strategy for tourism on the Aegean Islands. This will enable the tourism industry to deliver the benefits it owns to its main stakeholders in the new millennium. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A systematic review of interprofessional education

Abstract: This article reports the process and outcomes of a systematic review of the evidence base for the effectiveness of interprofessional education, conducted using the guidelines for systematic review developed by the Cochrane Collaboration, whose function is described. Electronic databases (Medline and CINAHL) were searched using a combination of terms for rigorous study designs and for interprofessional education. We found 552 articles indexed with these terms from CINAHL and 510 from Medline. Two researchers reviewed each abstract independently. In total, the reviewers selected 39 articles from Medline and 44 from CINAHL which, on the basis of their abstracts, appeared to meet the criteria for our specific subject and for adequacy of quantitative research method. We obtained the full texts and two reviewers read each article independently. None of these articles were eligible for inclusion in the review, most failing to meet the Cochrane Collaboration methodological criteria. We conclude that no rigorous q...

Research on the Internet: validation of a World-Wide Web mediated personality scale.

Abstract: Two studies were performed to assess the validity of a World-Wide Web (WWW) measure of self-monitoring. In Study 1, Usenet Newsgroups likely to be read by high and low self-monitors were identified and a comparison was made of the extent to which contributors engaged in a form of self-presentation (use ofhandles orscreen names) likely to be influenced by self-monitoring tendencies. Handles were used significantly more frequently in thehigh self-monitoring Newsgroups, supporting the distinction made. In Study 2, participants recruited through these sets of Newsgroups completed the WWW-mediated test. Those from the high self-monitoring groups scored significantly higher. Self-reports of self-monitoring behavior also reflected scores on the scale. The results are interpreted as demonstrating the construct validity of the instrument used and the viability of criterion-group-oriented methods in Internet-mediated research.

Molecular aspects of cell wall modifications during fruit ripening.

Abstract: Fruit ripening is associated with cell wall modifications. The present review focuses on cell wall components and the nature of noncovalent and covalent interactions in the primary cell wall. The role of structural protein cross-links are evaluated within the context of cell wall-mediated changes in texture during fruit ripening. The article discusses molecular approaches in fruit cell wall interactions to regulate processes in fruit ripening in order to improve post-harvest textural characteristics.

Managing the 'Underclass': Interpreting the Moral Discourse of Housing Management:

Abstract: This paper examines contemporary housing management practice by attention to a changing discourse within social policy, emphasising duties over rights. Current policy initiatives are based upon con...

Public participation in science and technology policy- and decision-making — ephemeral phenomenon or lasting change?

Abstract: Public participation has become something of a phenomenon in science and technology public policy- and decision-making. The issue is at present characterised by a rich conceptual, methodological and practical diversity, the expansion into new thematic, institutional and socio-cultural areas, and an increasing recognition amongst relevant public institutions. Far from being static and saturated, it is driven by continuing development. This special issue was put together with a view to offering an introduction into, and a broad overview of, both different theoretical and practical perspectives on public participation.

Is routine removal of intramedullary nails justified.

Abstract: This study investigates the outcome of 100 cases of lower limb intramedullary nail removal. 12 femoral and 25 tibial nails were removed for pain and 4 tibial nails for infection. For 22 tibial nails and 38 femoral nails there was no recorded indication. There where 3 operative complications, 2 abandoned procedures and 1 tibial fracture (nail extraction without prior removal of the distal locking screw). In 9 out of 16 cases anterior knee pain improved after tibial nail removal. 4 patients, previously asymptomatic, developed anterior knee pain following tibial nail removal. 40 patients who were discharged without crutches returned in pain and had to be given crutches to alleviate leg pain. 62 patients took a mean of 11 days sick leave. We conclude that all complications were avoidable. Intramedullary nail removal is safe. Patients with anterior knee pain should be told that their pain may persist and that knee pain may even arise. Most patients will require crutches and an average of 2 weeks away from work.

Effect of dissolved oxygen tension and pH on the production of extracellular protease from a new isolate of Bacillus subtilis k2, for use in leather processing

Abstract: Scale-up of production of an alkaline protease, previously characterised from a new isolate of Bacillus subtilis for use as a bating enzyme in leather processing, is described Before large-scale commercial production of the protease is possible, characteristics of the growth of the bacterium and enzyme production in fermenters must be defined In 2 dm3 fermenters an optimal specific activity of 296×103 U g −1 cell dry weight was obtained after 60 h with the dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) kept above 10% and pH left uncontrolled Culture pH was 6 on inoculation, falling to 53 after 12 h before rising steadily to ∽8 at the end of fermentation DOT was maintained above 10% by agitation in the range 300 to 500 rpm The same criteria were adopted for scale-up to 20 dm3 but the increase in activity occurred 24 h later © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry

Repatriation – the toughest assignment of all

Abstract: Examines the need for HR departments to have a clear policy on repatriation, especially at times of restructuring and redundancy and the need to retain valuable staff on return. Considers the physical, psychological and emotional effects of “reverse culture shock”, the often unrealistic expectations of returnees and their families and suggests coping strategies, including assistance to the accompanying spouse and children, that can be implemented by both employers and employees. Outlines the possible content of a repatriation programme, stressing the need to tailor it to the needs of employees and their families. Comments on the heightened circumstances of natural disasters and political unrest that can cause rapid repatriation.

Leading Horses to Water? The Impact of Decentralization on Managerial Behaviour

Abstract: This paper offers a critical examination of the assumptions about managerial behaviour which underpin the concept of decentralization. Following an attempt to elucidate the key dimensions of the concept, together with some of their variations and ambiguities, it is shown how the claimed advantages of decentralization flow from assumed changes in managerial behaviour, away from compliance with centrally imposed instruction and regulation and towards seizure of business opportunities which, in turn, rest upon assumptions about the influence of organization structure on managerial behaviour, the constraints imposed by centralized organization, the freedoms afforded by decentralization and managers' ability and willingness to take up these freedoms. These behavioural assumptions are re-examined critically and shown to be problematic. The paper concludes that little change in managerial behaviour may be expected from decentralization which entails no more than formal changes in managers' responsibilities without concomitant changes in managerial selection, development and remuneration

Myocyte loss in chronic heart failure.

Abstract: This study examined whether or not there is progressive loss of individual myocytes in established heart failure, accounting for the progressive left ventricular dysfunction; whether such loss is by necrosis or apoptosis; and whether such loss is more pronounced in ischaemic heart disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Tissue for patients undergoing cardiac transplantation for clinical end-stage heart disease was used. The clinical diagnosis was not known to the observer at the time of analysis. Indices of potential myocyte loss were: detection of apoptotic nuclei in situ, using the TUNEL method, immunohistochemistry for CD120a, CD120b, CD95, perforin and granzyme B; binding of C9 complex; and lipofuscin deposition within macrophages. Interstitial macrophages and T cells and their relationship to myocyte loss were also examined. There is indeed low grade myocyte loss in chronic heart failure, but there was no difference between the disease groups; rather, there was marked patient-to-patient variation within each category. Thus in chronic heart failure myocyte loss does occur, and both necrosis and apoptosis contribute to this loss, irrespective of the underlying nature of the disease. Any mechanism which accounts for myocyte loss must be common to both conditions, rather than specific for a pre-operative diagnosis.

Marketing financial services to businesses: a critical review and research agenda

Abstract: Reviews the existing literature on the marketing of financial services to businesses. There are three principal aims: to anatomise differences within the literature in conclusion and methodology; to problematise these divisions; and to provide an approach which reconciles difference, rather than stumbling over it. The literature is divided along epistemological, methodological, perspective and market lines. Through analysis, a perspective has emerged which understands these divisions as complementary, and significant in the development of the literature. This development is characterised by an increasing examination of specialist contexts, and the utilisation of more rigorous empirical research methods. This in turn not only increases the coherence of the literature, but also its predictive, transferable and nomothetic value. The examination of the development and characteristics of the literature has been used to develop a research agenda.

Considering the concept of procedural justice for public policy- and decision-making in science and technology

Abstract: The concept of procedural justice could act as a rich and useful source of theoretical inspiration and practical experience in science and technology public policy- and decision-making. Its understanding of the functional relationship between policy and decision processes, their social environments and their outcomes, its interest in the fairness aspect of procedures and its wide range of applications could add a refreshing new perspective on traditional ways of thinking in a field which has long been dominated by ‘technocratic’ discourse. It must take into account that scientific and technological issues are varied and complex, and its application would require the careful, contextual consideration of the scientific-technological issues at stake.

Scientific Photography and Applied Imaging

Abstract: WINNER OF THE 2001 KRASZNA-KRAUSZ PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK AWARD (Technical Photography category)The only definitive book to fully encompass the use of photography and imaging as tools in science, technology and medicine. It describes in one single volume the basic theory, techniques, materials, special equipment and applications for a wide variety of uses of photography, including: close up photography and photomacrography to spectral recording, surveillance systems, radiography and micro-imaging. This extensively illustrated photography 'bible' contains all the information you need, whether you are a scientist wishing to use photography for a specialist application, a professional needing to extend technical expertise, or a student wanting to broaden your knowledge of the applications of photography.The contents are arranged in three sections:· General Section, detailing the elements of the image capture process· Major Applications, describing the major applications of imaging · Specialist Applications, presenting an eclectic selection of more specialised but increasingly important applicationsEach subject is introduced with an outline of its development and contemporary importance, followed by explanations of essential theory and an overview of techniques and equipment. Mathematics is only used where necessary. Numerous applications and case studies are described. Comprehensive bibliographies and references are provided for further study.

Canonical correlation analysis of customer satisfaction and future purchase of mail‐order speciality food

Abstract: Analyses customer satisfaction with mail‐order speciality foods in the UK and examines the relationship between satisfaction with eight attributes of mail‐order speciality food and their association with overall satisfaction and likelihood of future purchase. Univariate analysis reveals that a high proportion of mail‐order customers experience satisfaction with each of the eight mail‐order attributes, reflected in a high proportion of customers who are satisfied overall and who intend to repurchase the products in the future. Canonical correlation analysis reveals a statistically significant relationship between one set of variables, overall satisfaction and likelihood of future purchase, and another set of variables, the eight mail‐order attributes. Consequently the results indicate that customer satisfaction is associated with service aspects of mail‐order such as the order process and delivery service as well as physical product attributes such as product quality.