Showing papers by "University of Westminster published in 2005"

On the political

Abstract: Since September 11th, we frequently hear that political differences should be put aside: the real struggle is between good and evil. What does this mean for political and social life? Is there a 'Third Way' beyond left and right, and if so, should we fear or welcome it? This thought-provoking book by Chantal Mouffe, a globally recognized political author, presents a timely account of the current state of democracy, affording readers the most relevant and up-to-date information. Arguing that liberal 'third way thinking' ignores fundamental, conflicting aspects of human nature, Mouffe states that, far from expanding democracy, globalization is undermining the combative and radical heart of democratic life. Going back first to Aristotle, she identifies the historical origins of the political and reflects on the Enlightenment, and the social contract, arguing that in spite of its good intentions, it levelled the radical core of political life. Contemporary examples, including the Iraq war, racism and the rise of the far right, are used to illustrate and support her theory that far from combating extremism, the quest for consensus politics undermines the ability to challenge it. These case studies are also highly effective points of reference for student revision. On the Political is a stimulating argument about the future of politics and addresses the most fundamental aspects of democracy that will aid further study.

Our Common Interest: Report of the Commission for Africa

Abstract: n 11 March 2005, the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, launched the Commission for Africa report, ‘Our Common Interest’, at the British Museum in London. The Commission, which comprised 17 people (the majority from Africa) drawn from politics, public service and the private sector, had been set an ambitious task: to define the challenges facing Africa, and to provide clear recommendations on how the developed world could support the changes needed to reduce poverty. Its report was widely welcomed as one of the most thorough and rigorous analyses of Africa’s problems ever undertaken. Its detailed and practical set of recommendations – directed, most immediately, to the G8 Summit in Gleneagles in July, the UN High Level Plenary on the Millennium Development Goals in New York in September, and the WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in December – constitutes a comprehensive programme for collective action to lift Africa from poverty, famine and disease, and to unlock its productive potential. At the outset, the report makes a strong case for urgent action. It highlights the positive developments already underway in Africa, in areas such as governance and economic growth, and argues that rich countries should support this progress to ensure that precious gains are not reversed. While encouraged by these signs of progress, the Commission is realistic about the challenge facing many African countries. On current trends, Africa is set to halve poverty, not in 2015 as envisaged with the Millennium Development Goals, but in 2150. Referring to African poverty and stagnation as “the greatest tragedy of our time”, the Commission cautions that failure to act now could lead to irreversible damage to the prospects of future generations. In its analysis of the causes of the current crisis, the report argues that the present situation is the result of a complex interplay of numerous interrelated factors, which form interlocking cycles that affect each country in different ways. Action is therefore required in several areas at once if vicious circles are to be broken. Subsequent chapters provide details of specific actions required in each of these areas. The subject of cultural awareness is given prominence in an early chapter, setting the Commission’s approach apart from many that have gone before. The report calls on the international community to make greater efforts to understand the values, norms and allegiances of the cultures of Africa, and in policy-making to display greater flexibility, open-mindedness, willingness to learn, and humility. An action plan that fails to take proper account of the role of culture is doomed to failure.

Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence

Abstract: Between March and June 2004, a systematic review was carried out of the research evidence on the effectiveness of yoga for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders. Eight studies were reviewed. They reported positive results, although there were many methodological inadequacies. Owing to the diversity of conditions treated and poor quality of most of the studies, it is not possible to say that yoga is effective in treating anxiety or anxiety disorders in general. However, there are encouraging results, particularly with obsessive compulsive disorder. Further well conducted research is necessary which may be most productive if focused on specific anxiety disorders.

Implementing a five-factor personality inventory for use on the internet

Abstract: A short five-factor personality inventory developed from the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) was imple- mented as an online questionnaire and completed by 2,448 participants. Following factor analyses, a revised version was created with acceptable reliability and factor univocal scales. As preliminary evidence of construct validity, support was found for 25 hypothesized links with self-reports of relevant behaviors and demographic variables. In a replication using a different recruiting strategy to test for differences due to motivational factors, similar results were obtained. This set of scales appears to provide acceptable measures of the Five-Factor Model for use in internet-mediated research.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review

Abstract: Aim: This paper reports a systematic review and critical appraisal of the evidence on the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for cancer supportive care. Background: The experience of cancer can have a negative impact on both psychological and physical health and on quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a therapy package that has been used with patients with a variety of conditions. In order to draw conclusions on its effectiveness for cancer patients, the evidence requires systematic assessment. Methods: A comprehensive search of major biomedical and specialist complementary medicine databases was conducted. Additionally, efforts were made to identify unpublished and ongoing research. Relevant research was categorized by study type and appraised according to study design. Clinical commentaries were obtained for each study and included in the review. Results: Three randomized controlled clinical trials and seven uncontrolled clinical trials were found. A lack of relevant qualitative research studies was identified. Studies report positive results, including improvements in mood, sleep quality and reductions in stress. A dose-response effect has been observed between practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and improved outcome. A number of methodological limitations were identified. Modifications to the traditional Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme make comparison between studies difficult and a lack of controlled studies precludes any firm conclusion on efficacy. Conclusion: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction has potential as a clinically valuable self-administered intervention for cancer patients. Further research into its efficacy, feasibility and safety for cancer patients in the nursing context is recommended.

The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health

Abstract: A considerable literature has been published on the health benefits of fish, oil-rich fish and fish oils and their constituent long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA. Evidence from epidemiological studies highlights the cardioprotective attributes of diets rich in fish, especially oil-rich fish. Data from intervention trials are consistent in suggesting that LC n-3 PUFA lower the risk of CVD, probably by the multiple mechanisms of lowering serum triacylglycerols, improving the LDL:HDL ratio, anti-arrhythmic effects on heart muscle, improved plaque stability, anti-thrombotic effects and reduced endothelial activation. Research indicates LC n-3 PUFA provision has an impact during development, and there is preliminary evidence that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy could optimise brain and retina development in the infant. LC n-3 PUFA are also postulated to ameliorate behavioural and mental health disturbances such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, despite some positive evidence in each of these areas, use of LC n-3 PUFA in these conditions remains at the experimental stage. In the case of immune function, there is little doubt that LC n-3 PUFA have a positive effect. Although intervention trials in rheumatoid arthritis show strong evidence of benefit, evidence for efficacy in other inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma, is inconsistent or inadequate. More promising evidence in some conditions may come from studies which attempt to modify the fetal environment using LC n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy.

Rooted in Supervision, Branching into Management: Continuity and Change in the Role of First-Line Manager

Abstract: It is frequently argued that, as a consequence of radical organizational change, the role of first-line manager (FLM) has shifted from supervision to team leadership/co-ordination or business unit management. After reviewing the nature of these claims and the debate about the relationship between first-line management and supervision, evidence is presented from a survey of 135 organizations in London and the South East on how the role of FLM is presently defined and how it has changed. The findings paint a picture of a stable, consistent FLM role where a common performance-oriented supervisory core is surrounded by a penumbra of additional managerial responsibilities relating to stewardship, translating strategy into operations, unit management and, exceptionally, business management. The FLM role remains part of a hierarchical system of individual managerial responsibility and vertical accountability, with narrow spans of control, vertical and internal contacts and authority, participation in decisions and accountability confined largely to operating routines. Changes to the FLM role have been as much towards a strengthening of the supervisory core as a broadening into business management responsibilities. It is argued that the persistence and prevalence of the supervisory core stems from the continued location of FLMs within systems of external, hierarchical supervision. Far from being weakened, the supervisory core of the FLM role has often been strengthened by the adoption of more stringent controls over work practice in order to cope with a growth in business activity or comply with a greater range of external regulations. In some cases, however, a re-division of managerial labour has led to formerly middle management responsibilities and accountability being added to the supervisory core to produce an extended FLM role.

Providing transport for social inclusion within a framework for environmental justice in the UK

Abstract: This paper critically evaluates the policies that are currently emerging to address the problem of transport exclusion and poor accessibility in the UK. It identifies some key barriers to the delivery of more socially inclusive transportation, as observed through pilot study research for the Department of Transport, with eight local transport authorities in the England. It moves on to highlight some potential tensions between this social agenda for transport and the Government’s newly released framework for the delivery of sustainable development, which places strong emphasis on reducing climate change and achieving environmental justice within and between nations. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213716.

Length of Stay-Based Patient Flow Models: Recent Developments and Future Directions

Abstract: Modelling patient flow in health care systems is vital in understanding the system activity and may therefore prove to be useful in improving their functionality. An extensively used measure is the average length of stay which, although easy to calculate and quantify, is not considered appropriate when the distribution is very long-tailed. In fact, simple deterministic models are generally considered inadequate because of the necessity for models to reflect the complex, variable, dynamic and multidimensional nature of the systems. This paper focuses on modelling length of stay and flow of patients. An overview of such modelling techniques is provided, with particular attention to their impact and suitability in managing a hospital service.

Conceptualizing City Image Change: The ‘Re-Imaging’ of Barcelona

Abstract: In recent years many post-industrial cities have implemented ambitious re-imaging strategies to appeal to a variety of external audiences. This paper identifies a conceptual framework within which the effects of these initiatives on tourists' images can be understood. The framework contends that re-imaging can affect different city image components through the connotations and synecdochical images generated. The value of this framework is then illustrated by its application to the re-imaging initiatives adopted by Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. This case study reveals that the mechanisms identified in the framework are useful ways of explaining how city images are modified. It also suggests that the pursuit of image change through these processes has important implications for the general direction and outcomes of wider regeneration objectives.

Optimism, positive affectivity, and salivary cortisol

Abstract: Objectives. Research on stress and salivary cortisol has focused almost exclusively on the effects of negative psychological conditions or emotional states. Little attention has been drawn to the impact associated with positive psychological conditions, which have been shown recently to have significant influences on neuroendocrine regulation. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of optimism and positive affect on salivary cortisol with the effects of their negative counterparts controlled for. Design. Optimism and pessimism, and positive and negative affectivity were studied in relation to the diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol in a group of 80 Hong Kong Chinese, who provided six saliva samples over the course of a day on two consecutive days. The separate effects of optimism and positive affect on two dynamic components of cortisol secretion, awakening response, and diurnal decline were examined. Methods. Optimism and pessimism were measured using the Chinese version of the revised Life Orientation Test while generalized affects and mood states were assessed by the Chinese Affect Scale. An enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kit (EIA) developed for use in saliva was adopted for the biochemical analysis of cortisol. Testing of major group differences associated with positive psychological conditions was carried out using two-way (group by saliva collection time) ANOVAs for repeated measures with negative psychological conditions and mood states as covariates. Results. Participants having higher optimism scores exhibited less cortisol secretion in the awakening period when the effect of pessimism and mood were controlled. This effect was more apparent in men than in women who had higher cortisol levels in the awakening period. Optimism did not have similar effect on cortisol levels during the underlying period of diurnal decline. On the other hand, higher generalized positive affect was associated with lower cortisol levels during the underlying period of diurnal decline after the effects of negative affect and mood states had been controlled.

Women doctors and their careers: what now?

Abstract: Outmoded career structures and attitudes mean that the UK risks losing out on the valuable contribution women doctors can make, especially in the second half of their careers

Airport benchmarking: a review of the current situation

Abstract: Purpose – To provide an overview of the current attitudes and practical experience of airport benchmarkingDesign/methodology/approach – A range of benchmarking studies are critiqued The paper considers the partial performance measures which are used from an economic, operational and environmental perspective It also investigates more complex modelling approaches which have been undertaken to gain greater insight into an airport's overall performance In addition an assessment is made of the role of benchmarking in airport regulationFindings – The paper finds that benchmarking techniques have become well established in recent years within the airport sector However there is still some way to go in overcoming some of the problems that inhibit effective benchmarking on a truly international basisResearch limitations/implications – The paper focuses on methodological issues and does not discuss the findings of research in this areaPractical implications – A very useful source of information for all res

Matrix Contraction by Dermal Fibroblasts Requires Transforming Growth Factor-β/Activin-Linked Kinase 5, Heparan Sulfate-Containing Proteoglycans, and MEK/ERK: Insights into Pathological Scarring in Chronic Fibrotic Disease

Abstract: Scarring is characterized by excessive synthesis and contraction of extracellular matrix. Here, we show that fibroblasts from scarred (lesional) areas of patients with the chronic fibrotic disorder diffuse scleroderma [diffuse systemic sclerosis (dSSc)] show an enhanced ability to adhere to and contract extracellular matrix, relative to fibroblasts from unscarred (nonlesional) areas of dSSc patients and dermal fibroblasts from normal, healthy individuals. The contractile abilities of normal and dSSc dermal fibroblasts were suppressed by blocking heparin sulfate-containing proteoglycan biosynthesis or antagonizing transforming growth factor-β receptor type I [activin-linked kinase (ALK5)] or ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Compared with both normal and nonlesional fibroblasts, lesional dSSc fibroblasts overexpressed the heparin sulfate-containing proteoglycan syndecan 4. We also found that the procontractile signals from transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were integrated through syndecan 4 and MEK/ERK because the ability of TGFβ to induce contraction of dermal fibroblasts was prevented by MEK antagonism. TGFβ could not induce a contractile phenotype or phosphorylate ERK in syndecan 4−/− dermal fibroblasts. These results suggest that integrating TGFβ and ERK signals via syndecan 4 is essential for the contractile ability of dermal fibroblasts. We conclude that antagonizing MEK/ERK, TGFβ1/ALK5, or syndecan 4 may alleviate scarring in chronic fibrotic disease.

GEMLCA: Running Legacy Code Applications as Grid Services

Abstract: There are many legacy code applications that cannot be run in a Grid environment without significant modification. To avoid re-engineering of legacy code, we developed the Grid Execution Management for Legacy Code Architecture (GEMLCA) that enables deployment of legacy code applications as Grid services. GEMLCA implements a general architecture for deploying legacy applications as Grid services without the need for code re-engineering, or even access to the source files. With GEMLCA, only a user-level understanding is required to run a legacy application from a standard Grid service client. The legacy code runs in its native environment using the GEMLCA resource layer to communicate with the Grid client, thus hiding the legacy nature of the application and presenting it as a Grid service. GEMLCA as a Grid service layer supports submitting jobs, getting their results and status back. The paper introduces the GEMLCA concept, its life cycle, design and implementation. It also presents as an example a legacy simulation code that has been successfully transformed into a Grid service using GEMLCA.

How do cell walls regulate plant growth

Abstract: The cell wall of growing plant tissues has frequently been interpreted in terms of inextensible cellulose microfibrils 'tethered' by hemicellulose polymers attached to the microfibril surface by hydrogen bonds, with growth occurring when tethers are broken or 'peeled' off the microfibril surface by expansins. This has sometimes been described as the 'sticky network' model. In this paper, a number of theoretical difficulties with this model, and discrepancies between predicted behaviour and observations by a number of researchers, are noted. (i) Predictions of cell wall moduli, based upon the sticky network model, suggest that the cell wall should be much weaker than is observed. (ii) The maximum hydrogen bond energy between tethers and microfibrils is less than the work done in expansion and therefore breakage of such hydrogen bonds is unlikely to limit growth. (iii) Composites of bacterial cellulose with xyloglucan are weaker than pellicles of pure cellulose so that it seems unlikely that hemicelluloses bind the microfibrils together. (iv) Calcium chelators promote creep of plant material in a similar way to expansins. (v) Reduced relative 'permittivities' inhibit the contraction of cell wall material when an applied stress is decreased. Revisions of the sticky network model that might address these issues are considered, as are alternatives including a model of cell wall biophysics in which cell wall polymers act as 'scaffolds' to regulate the space available for microfibril movement. Experiments that support the latter hypothesis, by demonstrating that reducing cell wall free volume decreases extensibility, are briefly described.

Nonequivalence of on-line and paper-and-pencil psychological tests: The case of the prospective memory questionnaire

Abstract: There is growing evidence that Internet-mediated psychological tests can have satisfactory psychometric properties and can measure the same constructs as traditional versions. However, equivalence cannot be taken for granted. The prospective memory questionnaire (PMQ; Hannon, Adams, Harrington, Fries-Dias, & Gibson, 1995) was used in an on-line study exploring links between drug use and memory (Rodgers et al., 2003). The PMQ has four factor-analytically derived subscales. In a large (N = 763) sample tested via the Internet, only two factors could be recovered; the other two subscales were essentially meaningless. This demonstration of nonequivalence underlines the importance of on-line test validation. Without examination of its psychometric properties, one cannot be sure that a test administered via the Internet actually measures the intended construct.

Physiological role of carnosine in contracting muscle.

Abstract: High-intensity exercise leads to reductions in muscle substrates (ATP, PCr6, and glycogen) and a subsequent accumulation of metabolites (ADP, P, H(+), and Mg(+)) with a possible increase in free radical production. These factors independently and collectively have deleterious effects on muscle, with significant repercussions on high-intensity performance or training sessions. The effect of carnosine on overcoming muscle fatigue appears to be related to its ability to buffer the increased H(+) concentration following high-intensity work. Carnosine, however, has other roles such as an antioxidant, a metal chelator, a Ca(2+) and enzyme regulator, an inhibitor of protein glycosylation and protein-protein cross-linking. To date7comma; only 1 study has investigated the effects of carnosine supplementation (not in pure form) on exercise performance in human subjects and found no improvement in repetitive high-intensity work. Much data has come from in vitro work on animal skeletal muscle fibers or other components of muscle contractile mechanisms. Thus further research needs to be carried out on humans to provide additional understanding on the effects of carnosine in vivo.

A continuous time Markov model for the length of stay of elderly people in institutional long-term care

Abstract: The paper develops a Markov model in continuous time for the length of stay of elderly people moving within and between residential home care and nursing home care. A procedure to determine the structure of the model and to estimate parameters by maximum likelihood is presented. The modelling approach was applied to 4 years' placement data from the social services department of a London borough. The results in this London borough suggest that, for residential home care, a single-exponential distribution with mean 923 days is adequate to provide a good description of the pattern of the length of stay, whereas, for nursing home care, a mixed exponential distribution with means 59 days (short stay) and 784 days (long stay) is required, and that 64% of admissions to nursing home care will become long-stay residents. The implications of these findings and the advantages of the proposed modelling approach in the general context of long-term care are discussed.

Modeling of switched-capacitor delta-sigma Modulators in SIMULINK

Abstract: Precise behavioral modeling of switched-capacitor /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators is presented. Considering noise (switches' and op-amps' thermal noise), clock jitter, nonidealities of integrators and op-amps including finite dc-gain (DCG) and unity gain bandwidth, slew-limiting, DCG nonlinearities and the input parasitic capacitance, quantizer hysteresis, switches' clock-feedthrough, and charge injection, exhaustive behavioral simulations that are close models of the transistor-level ones can be performed. The DCG nonlinearity of the integrators, which is not considered in many /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators' modeling attempts, is analyzed, estimated, and modeled. It is shown that neglecting this parameter would lead to a significant underestimation of the modulators' behavior and increase the noise floor as well as the harmonic distortion at the output of the modulator. Evaluation and validation of the models were done via behavioral and transistor-level simulations for a second-order modulator using SIMULINK and HSPICE with a generic 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. The effects of the nonidealities and nonlinearities are clearly seen when compared to the ideal modulator in the behavioral and actual modulator in the circuit-level environment.

Making Sense of Illness: The Experiences of Users of Complementary Medicine:

Abstract: The present study investigated the experiences of users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 frequent users and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results indicated that the patient-practitioner relationship and explanatory frameworks provided by CAM were perceived as important components of the therapeutic process, irrespective of treatment efficacy. CAM served a variety of functions beyond the explicit relief of symptoms by increasing energy and relaxation, facilitating coping and enhancing self/other awareness. It is therefore important that these wider effects are taken into account when evaluating complementary medicine in order to reflect patients' experiences accurately.

Modelling nationwide hospital length of stay: opening the black box

Abstract: Hospital length of stay is considered to be a reliable and valid proxy for measuring the consumption of hospital resources. Average length of stay, however, albeit easy to quantify and calculate, does not suitably reflect the nature of such underlying distributions and may therefore mask the effects that the different streams of patients have on the system. This paper uses routinely collected and readily available nationwide data on stroke-related patients, aged 65 years and over, who were discharged from English hospitals over a 1-year period. This will be the basis for a running example illustrating the alternative methods of analysis and models of patients' length of stay. The methods include statistical methods: survival analysis, mixed exponential and phase-type distributions; and decision modelling techniques: compartmental and simulation models. The paper concludes by summarizing these various modelling techniques and by highlighting the similarity of the estimated parameters of patient flow as calculated by the phase-type distribution and compartmental modelling techniques.

Heritability of macular pigment: a twin study.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Several studies have reported higher levels of macular pigment (MP) in association with reduced risk for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), a disease to which there is a genetic predisposition. A classic twin study was performed to determine the heritability of MP in the healthy eye. METHODS: One hundred fifty twin pairs (76 monozygotic [MZ] and 74 dizygotic [DZ]), aged 18 to 50 years, participated. MP optical density was measured psychophysically with heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) and also with an imaging method involving fundus autofluorescence (AF). The covariance of MP within MZ and DZ twin pairs was compared, and genetic modeling techniques were used to determine the relative contributions of genes and environment to the variation in MP. RESULTS: The mean MP optical density, measured using HFP, was 0.43 +/- 0.21. Using AF, the mean MP optical density, measured at 1 degrees eccentricity, was 0.28 +/- 0.11. MP optical densities correlated more highly in MZ twins than in DZ twins, according to both HFP (MZ: 0.65; DZ: 0.24) and AF (MZ: 0.83; DZ: 0.50). A model combining additive genetic and unique environmental effects provided the best fit and resulted in MP heritability estimates of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.52-0.77) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90) for HFP and AF readings, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This classic twin study demonstrates that genetic background is an important determinant of MP optical density, reflected in heritability estimates of 0.67 and 0.85 for HFP and AF measures, respectively.