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EXPLORING STATISTICAL CLASSIFICATION, GIS ANALYSIS AND MAPPING OF HERBIVORE BEHAVIOURS USING ACCELEROMETERS AND HIGH ACCURACY GPS
No full textElectronic sensors equipped with accelerometers have the potential to remotely monitor and record herbivore behaviours. In the UK, sheep are a significant consumer in both managed pasture and upland ecosystems. The ability to automatically collect behavioural data could help inform research into ecosystem functioning and animal welfare. This study evaluated the placement of accelerometers and the ability of data generated to automatically classify four behaviours in sheep; grazing, standing (non grazing), lying head up and lying head down. An application of this method was used to analyse and map data in a GIS and investigate if sheep show a preference for areas with higher fructan levels in grass. Three sheep were fitted with two accelerometers each. One attached to a head halter and one centrally located across the withers by means of a dog harness. Training data were collected and discriminant function analysis was used to develop a model that could predict future unobserved behaviours. Correct classification rates of 95.2%, 91.0% and 91.8% were achieved for each sheep. In the fructan study, although no preference was detected, the study did demonstrate that data from accelerometers can be used to generate behavioural distribution maps. The use of accelerometers is a suitable method for classifying a range of behaviours in sheep
The role of reactive nitrogen species and aged garlic extract on platelet function
Full text linkNatural therapies such as Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) have displayed cardioprotective properties, with studies indicating that AGE can inhibit platelet aggregation both in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism of inhibition induced by AGE is proposed to be due to AGE exerting effects upon several targets within platelets, including calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The effect of AGE upon the other cyclic nucleotide, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is currently unknown. The aims therefore of this project are to identify the effect of AGE upon platelet cGMP, as well as associated signaling molecules including nitric oxide (NO) and cAMP.It was found that the NO donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine (Sin-1) in high concentrations along with the presence of specific inhibitors inhibited platelet aggregation independently of cGMP. Experimentation using chemical inhibitors also displayed erratic results in the presence of high concentrations of AGE, indicating that AGE was influencing the binding of such inhibitors.The results of in vitro experiments indicated that AGE moderately increases intraplatelet cGMP, whereas intraplatelet cAMP is significantly increased. it is proposed that the main mechanism of inhibition caused by AGE is due to increases in cAMP. As intraplatelet cAMP can also be influenced by intraplatelet cGMP, it is likely that cAMP is increased directly and indirectly by AGE.Evidence provided in the present study supports the proposed theory that the mechanisms of inhibition of platelet aggregation by AGE is multimechanistic. More specifically inhibition of platelet aggregation by AGE is due to AGE increasing intraplatelet cyclic nucleotides, reducing the expression of key receptors such as GPIIb/IIIa and inhibiting agonist induced platelet shape change. As AGE can inhibit platelet aggregation, which is a key risk factor in cardiovascular disease, the consumption of AGE would be beneficial to those who are at risk of cardiovascular episodes
Re-Presenting the City, A Dramatist's Contextualisatioon of his Works on Liverpool, Post 1990
No full textThe main body of this submission is a contextualised discussion of five, full-length, professionally performed theatre scripts. Each project examines and theatrically presents key influences of the major social and cultural forces that have both impacted on and shaped Liverpool. Each play is also placed with generic reference and development of a British, popular, policised, theatre tradition
DOMAIN-SPECIFIC AND DOMAIN-GENERAL INFLUENCES ON EARLY MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
No full textTwo domain-specific quantity systems have been proposed; the “Precise Number System” for small precise numerical representations, and the “Approximate Number System” for imprecise numerical representations (Feigenson, Dehaene, & Spelke, 2004). The efficiency of these systems has been individually associated with numerical competence (Mazzocco, Feigenson, & Halberda, 2011; Schleifer & Landerl, 2011). Phonological awareness and VSSP functioning are domain-general cognitive skills which have been shown to contribute to distinct aspects of early numerical competence (Krajewski & Schneider, 2009; LeFevre et al., 2010). Krajewski and Schneider’s model (2009) proposes three distinct developmental levels of early number skills; phonological awareness contributes to basic verbal number skills (Level I) while VSSP functioning and quantitative skills contribute to quantity to number-word linkage (Level II) and to early arithmetic skills (Level III). This thesis examines the longitudinal and independent contributions that domain-specific and domain-general cognitive skills make to early number skills and to two standardised mathematical attainment measures.
Verbal, visuo-spatial and quantitative skills were assessed in 129 children at the start of Reception Year. Precise quantity discrimination skills predicted performance and growth in children’s ability to count objects (Level II), approximate quantity discrimination skills predicted performance and growth in reciting the number-word sequence (Level I) and the two domain-general cognitive skills predicted performance and growth in performing simple arithmetic skills (Level III) over an eighteen-month period. Also, approximate quantity discrimination skills, phonological awareness and VSSP functioning predicted performance in both mathematical attainment measures over a six-month period. However VSSP functioning predicted performance and growth in a specific mathematical attainment measure over an eighteen-month period.
Each cognitive skill seems to have a circumscribed role as a precursor of specific later number skills. This suggests that identifying deficits in these cognitive skills and designing targeted-intervention programmes for children in the very early stages of schooling could prevent later general mathematical deficits
Evaluating EFL students’ reading comprehension skills with reference to the Department of English at Zawia University, Libya
Full text linkThis study investigated the main challenges that faced Libyan students in reading comprehension within the English language programme at Zawia University, Libya, through the perceptions of lecturers and students at the Department of English. This study also evaluated the current teaching practices of reading comprehension at the Department of English at Zawia University. It also identified the key causal factors that contributed to the students' inadequate reading comprehension performance.
Reading comprehension as a research topic has been extensively researched and it is still of current interest. The key literature in this study is polarised around two streams. The first stream presents different aspects of reading: definitions, importance, complexity, purposes of reading, types of reading and approaches to reading. The second stream is related to various issues about the three main components of the reading comprehension module: learners, teachers and reading material.
The philosophical paradigm underpinning this study is predominantly positivist; thus, eight hundred questionnaires were distributed to reach as many students as possible in order to find out the answer to an inquiry through numerical evidence. After distributing the questionnaires, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gauge the lecturers’ viewpoints about the teaching and learning of reading comprehension. Four hundred and forty nine students filled up the questionnaires, which were analysed using SPSS while seven lecturers participated in the interviews that were analysed through content analysis.
Findings revealed that students at the Department of English at Zawia University lack the reading skills and the culture of reading and face difficulties in English reading comprehension. Many lecturers are not aware of reading skills and they teach reading comprehension in a traditional way with over-emphasis on decoding and accuracy. The insufficient learning environment at the department has a negative impact on the process of learning and teaching because of the lack of facilities and library resources, overcrowded classes, and limited time allocated to reading classes.
This study has added a theoretical contribution through expanding the literature, which brings about academic benefits for future researchers in education in the Arab world, particularly in Libya. Future researchers can use the conceptual model for reading comprehension that is designed by the researcher to investigate what factors influence this process
Gamma-Ray Burst Early Optical Afterglow Modelling
No full textWe discuss the evolution of a relativistic outflow responsible for producing the emission associated with GRBs. We investigate how afterglows are produced in the inter- action between the outflow and the ambient medium. Understanding the properties of the outflow from afterglow emission can be coupled with information obtained from the prompt component to constrain the magnetisation of the outflow. We analytically and numerically evaluate the relative strength of the reverse shock emission as the out- flow propagates into either a wind or ISM -type environment. We find that previous estimates of magnetisation based on the relative strength of forward and reverse shock emission had been underestimated by up to a factor of 100. We then apply our revised magnetisation estimate to a sample of 10 GRBs and find that 5 of the 10 events can be described by the ISM model. As recent studies have indicated that the fraction of en- ergy stored in the magnetic fields are small, our findings would suggest that the ejecta is driven by thermal pressure. Finally we consider how inhomogeneities present in the outflow can lead to variations in the very early afterglow. Considering small gradi- ent in the ejecta density profile modifies the rising index of the afterglow and can be equivalent to changing the dimensionless parameter ξ by a factor of 2. Uncertainties in determining the width of the ejecta present difficulties in understanding the distribution of GRBs afterglow rising index
Patterns of Physical Activity in Arabic males: Barriers and Motivations to Adopting Healthy Lifestyles
No full textThe worldwide prevalence of obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in both adults and children and leading to increased risk of non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2004), including coronary heart disease, circulatory disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. In the UK, increasing levels of obesity may relate to a decrease in sport and physical activity participation as only 39% of males and 32% of females are sufficiently active to meet stated targets for physical activity (Townsend et al., 2012). In Britain, approximately 8% of the population originate from ethnic minorities that includes a high proportion of individuals from Arabic countries, with a significantly greater odds ratio for a sedentary leisure-time physical activity pattern than people from other countries. The thesis contains three studies which identify the patterns of physical activity in Arabic males (men and boys) in Liverpool, and explores the barriers and motivations to adopting physically active lifestyles, before addressing the feasibility of an intervention to enhance levels of physical activity.
Study 1 examined the patterns of physical activity in 62 Arabic men and 65 boys during 7 consecutive days of continuous accelerometry recording. Men and boys were more active during weekdays than weekend days. Although boys were more active than men, they did not perform sufficient minutes of moderate to vigorous activity (60 min per day) to reach recommendations of MVPA. The men, however completed 190 mins per week of activity in the moderate intensity category and therefore satisfied Government guidelines. Study 2 investigated the barriers and motivators in becoming physically active by using focus group semi-structured interview techniques, followed by transcription and content analysis. The findings of the study indicated that physical activity plays a significant role in the individual’s health and that Arabic males perceive several benefits of physical activity for the individual, such as self-confidence, mental health and improved physical condition. There was a mixed interpretation and understanding of physical activity in these groups, with barriers to becoming more active cited as lack of time and socio-cultural barriers of not being accustomed to being physically activity. Facilitators, that encouraged participants to become physically active, included religion and enjoyment. Study 3 used a mixed methods approach to investigate the feasibility of an awareness raising intervention to increasing the levels of physical activity in Arabic males who owned exergames at home. An intervention group of men and boys were provided with physical activity guidelines. Changes in their physical activity levels were measured (using accelerometry) 4 weeks after receiving the guidelines and compared with a control group. The intervention provoked more light activity, moderate and MVPA activity in the men but no reduction in their sedentary behaviour. In boys, light and moderate activity increased, sedentary behavior decreased, but there was no significant difference in MVPA levels. Semi-structured interviews showed that the men found physical activity guidelines alone were not sufficient to motivate them to change their physical activity levels, but the boys found the provision of these useful. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that Arabic men met recommendations for physical activity, whereas boys did not. Barriers to the adoption of physical activity revolved mainly around a lack of understanding of physical activity and guidelines. The intervention strategy was regarded as family-focused and entertaining but not useful in promoting sustainable change in physical activity levels
Drug Combinations in Palliative Care: A Compatibility Study
Full text linkEnd of life care often involves the use of combinations of more than one drug in a syringe for administration by a continuous subcutaneous infusion using a syringe driver or pump. This is considered to be an effective method of symptom management and can provide a good control of symptoms.
The combining of more than one drug however raises the question of compatibility. Even though many combinations of drugs have been successfully used in clinical practice in specialist areas without supporting laboratory data, the dangers of this practice are unknown and it is important to study the chemical and physical compatibilities of combining more than one drug for administration. The publication of National Patient Safety Alert 20: ‘Promoting safer use of injectable medicines’ by the NPSA in March 2007 addressed this issue.
Assessment of the Marie Curie Hospice database (Liverpool) has identified ten supportive drug combinations that have been used for continuous subcutaneous infusion and their associated dose. In this study the compatibility of these supportive drug combinations was assessed with each of the following opioids: morphine, diamorphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone and alfentanil.
The preparation of the combinations replicated clinical practice as close as possible. The combinations were prepared in BD syringes and a CME T34 syringe pump together with its administration set was used for the infusion of the prepared combinations at ambient temperature. Assessment of the combinations, including appearance, pH and compatibility assays, was performed at time zero, then 3 hours, 6 hours and 24 hours after the start of the infusion. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was the principal technique for compatibility assessment.
This study proposed 50 combinations for compatibility assessment. Of the 45 combinations tested, the results identified 40 combinations as compatible. At the stated concentrations these 40 combinations were considered compatible with the diluents, the syringes and administration sets used. No incompatibility was evident in any of the combinations tested however the data obtained could not be used to confirm compatibility in five of the combinations tested.
The results from this study are a step in the right direction in providing healthcare professionals with data on compatibility of drug combinations used in end of life care. Further work in this area is required to fully support current and future practices where multiple drugs are combined in single administration forms to ensure effective treatment and patient safety
Formalised cohabitation: a critical and comparative study of an element of English law in a normative regime
No full textThis thesis examines the insights which may be gained from analysis of the potential for establishing a normative regime in English law for cohabitants, who now form a
substantial constituency as an established alternative family unit, headed by apparently committed cohabiting couples, who are neither married nor in registered
civil partnerships. The thesis critically analyses the 2006-7 work of the Law Commission in London, the apparent government reluctance to take this further despite Scottish implementation of a similar relationship generated compensation scheme on breakdown of such relationships, and the experience of other jurisdictions which have provided dedicated legislation for such families.
The thesis also includes the results of some empirical fieldwork in qualitative studies with practitioners in a small number of key jurisdictions, including some comparative analysis of these experiences, and presents a theory which addresses the practical adverse impact of the lack of such a normative scheme in England and Wales.
The thesis makes an original contribution to the debate on this area of English Family Law by providing a theoretical basis for legislation likely to be acceptable within the current modernisation of Family Justice in the recently established Family Court. It aims to meet both the drivers of that modernisation and most of the historic arguments against formally recognising (and discretely addressing the needs of) the substantial and continually growing cohabitant community. It makes further original
contribution in analysing experience in the key jurisdictions which have introduced cohabitant legislation, both within our own geographical neighbourhood of the UK and EU and within the common law states of the Commonwealth, which were originally British settlements importing English law with them. Another original contribution is provided by an analysis of how such legislation could fit within the English legal system to provide a pragmatic solution to the escalating numbers of such families who now form a significant group expecting to find clarity in legal
provision for their circumstances
AN EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF THAILAND AS A MICE* INDUSTRY HUB FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION INDUSTRY IN ASIA *(MEETING, INCENTIVES, CONVENTIONS, AND EXHIBITIONS)
Full text linkAbstract
The Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) industry, including conferences and trade shows, is a large and rapidly growing industry over the recent decade. Its growth not only brings benefits for the tourism sector, but also delivers many other potential benefits to host nations. In Thailand, the tourism and MICE industry is a major economic factor as it generates a huge amount of revenue. However, the Thai MICE industry is subject to market fluctuations and sustainable growth is difficult to maintain. Hence, this research examines the factors which influence the decisions of delegates to participate in international conventions as well as factors or criteria influencing organising committees and planners take into consideration when holding international conventions, along with an investigation to the potential of Thailand as a MICE destination, and the positioning of Thailand as a hub for the international conference and convention industry in Asia. The research also aims to identify any factors which limit the potential growth of Thailand as an international hub for the MICE industry through a Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The guidelines for a best practice and specifically implemented development policies including marketing strategies are developed, as well as recommendations to help Thailand become a sustainable hub for the international convention industry in Asia. A mixed-methods was employed to collate both the qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the delegates, convention organising committees and planners. The methods entailed interviews, a focus group, and responses of open-ended questions from questionnaire surveys to collate qualitative data, and a questionnaire survey was employed to collect the quantitative data. The data obtained through the qualitative and quantitative methods was triangulated in order to complement the weaknesses of one approach with the strengths of another. The result of the questionnaire survey revealed that 86 percent of the respondents agreed that Thailand has the potential to become a major MICE destination and a hub for the international convention industry in Asia, due to the advantages that Thailand offers as a destination, such as service quality; affordability and value for money; tourism activities; the attractiveness of destination; intervening opportunities; destination image factor; safety and security issues; the standardisation of hotels and accommodation; the quality of the facilities, and standardisation of the conference venue; and the quality and sufficiency of food and beverages. However, the weaknesses of Thailand as a MICE destination include other opportunities; long haul flights or travelling distances and political instability. Following triangulation with the qualitative results, it was recommended that Thailand needs to create its own events particular relevant to agriculture which Thailand does best with help from MPs, CVBs, service providers, as well as employing a diversity of strategies, including the marketing mix beyond 8Ps
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